Submitted by: John C. Monk

Henry Black Jr.

Jan. 9, 1925 - Dec. 19, 2009
SOUTH BEND - Henry Black Jr. "Bud," 84, of South Bend, IN, died at home surrounded by his loving wife, Alfreda "Fritz" (Goraleski), and children, Barbara (Stephen) Fredman, Granger, IN, Joan (Martin) Dooley, Fort Collins, CO, and Marianne Black, South Bend, IN. Bud is also survived by his beloved grandsons, Nicholas Fredman, Henry Black Dooley and Matthew Dooley. Bud was born in Chicago, IL. His family moved to Belvidere, IL, where he grew up and worked on dairy farms, which fostered his lifelong appreciation of our country's farmlands and nature. He graduated from Belvidere High School in 1943 and immediately entered the U.S. Navy, serving in the Mediterranean from 1943 to 1946. Following his discharge from the Navy, Bud returned to Chicago where he joined Shell Oil Company. After 39 years of service, he retired from Shell Oil as the plant superintendent for Niles and Grand Haven, MI. Bud and Fritz met in 1954 and were married in 1955. In their retirement, they enjoyed many trips across the country and around the world. Bud was a volunteer at the Literacy Council of St. Joseph Co. and was honored as the Volunteer of the Year in 1993 for R.S.V.P. (Retired Senior Volunteer Program). He was also an active member of Little Flower Catholic Church, co-chairing the Senior Circle for many years. The "Wednesday Walkers and Lunchers" were an important part of his life after retirement and together they enjoyed many great times and memories. Bud was a lifelong Notre Dame and Cubs fan and an avid reader of history. He was always interested in hearing of the new adventures and successes of the people he cared about. But his greatest joy came from the company of his family, playing Scrabble with Fritz, Rummikub with his grandsons, and the special yearly family vacations at Lake Michigan. In addition to his immediate family, he is survived by his siblings, Gordon (Elizabeth), Patricia (Ollie) Copeland, Elaine (Stanley) Schmucker, Mary Ellen (James) Cain and Elizabeth (Ron) Smith; brother-in-law, Stanley Yedinak; and many beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his elder sister, Peggy (Stanley) Yedinak. Visitation will be held at Little Flower Catholic Church, South Bend, IN, January 2nd from 10 a.m. to noon, followed immediately by Mass of Christian Burial. Interment will take place at Resurrection Cemetery, Justice, IL, at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Little Flower Catholic Church Building Fund, The American Heart Association or a charity of choice.

Published in South Bend Tribune from December 27, 2009 to January 1, 2010