Submitted by: Dan Rich

Denise M. Bland

July 25, 1959 - May 29, 2006

South Bend Tribune 6/1/2006

SOUTH BEND -- Denise M. Bland, 46, of South Bend, Ind., passed away on Monday, May 29, in South Haven, MI, after an accidental fall while enjoying the Memorial Day holiday. Denise was born on July 25, 1959, in South Bend, and resided in the Michiana area her lifetime.

She is survived by two sons, Josh D. Bland and Justin M. Bland, both of South Bend, IN; and her stepfather, Larry Burket of Mishawaka, Ind. Also surviving are four sisters, Debra L. Thomas, Penny S. Cotton and Kimberly N. Hoffman, all of South Bend, and Lori Ann M. Kelly of Mishawaka, IN; two brothers, Ted C. Dylewski of Orlando, Florida, and Douglas K. Burket of Mishawaka, IN; 13 nieces and nephews, and seven great-nieces and nephews. Prior to Denise's passing, she worked for the Oasis Restaurant in Three Rivers, MI, and prior to that she worked for Nick's Patio in South Bend. Denise loved animals and loved life in general. She leaves behind a loving family and numerous friends she made in her life journey. She was preceded in death by her parents, Norman W. and Charlotte J. (Fell) Willis.

Visitation hours will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, June 2, in the Hanley & Sons "Southwest Chapel" Funeral Home, located at West Ireland Road/Indiana 23, South Bend, IN. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 3, in Harris Prairie Church of Christ, 14719 SR 23, Granger, IN. Pastor Bob Wiley will officiate and burial to follow at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Osceola, Indiana. Friends may call in the church one hour prior to service time. The family request that all memorial contributions be made to Memorial and Honor Program, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105; or to a charity of donor's choice. The HANLEY &* Sons "Southwest Chapel" Funeral Home handled arrangements and services and extend deepest sympathy and heartfelt prayers to the Bland family.