Submitted by: Dan Rich

Marcel Braeckelaere

Feb. 16, 1913 - July 8, 2005

South Bend Tribune 7/10/2005

Marcel "Mark" Braeckelaere, 92, of Berkley Circle, Mishawaka, passed away on Friday, July 8, in Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center, Mishawaka. Mark was born on Feb. 16, 1913, in Aussenede, Belgium, to William and Martha (Walravens) Braeckelaere. He was preceded in death by his parents, and by a brother, John E. Braeckelaere.

On Nov. 6, 1937, he married the former Leontine "Teenie" Lievens, who also preceded him in death on Nov. 15, 1997. Mark is survived by a daughter, Judy (Jim) Richards of Columbia City, IN; three grandchildren, Kirk Richards of Mishawaka, Corey (Angee) Richards of Columbia City, IN, and Amy (Chad) Harris of Columbia City, IN; five great-grandchildren, Samantha, Morgan, Lindsay, Ella and Marcel, all of Columbia City, IN; goddaughters, Mary Nauts of Englewood FL, and Lynda Sholley of El Paso, TX; a brother-in-law, Ray (Yvonne) Lievens of Mishawaka; a sister-in-law, Alice Braeckelaere of Englewood, FL; and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, as well as cousins in Mishawaka and Belgium.

Mark worked in the development lab at Ball Band for several years. He and his wife owned a local grocery store for several years and then he owned and operated Mark's Barber Shop for 30 years before retiring in 1988. He was a member of St. Bavo Catholic Church where he sang in the church choir for 65 years, was a life member of the BK Club, and was a 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus. Mark enjoyed his time Belgium bolling, golfing and traveling; he loved music and loved to play the piano. He will be remembered as a loving and kind person.

Family and friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. where a Rosary will be recited at 7:15 p.m. on Monday, July 11th, in the Hahn Funeral Home, 505 W. 8th St., Mishawaka. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 12, in St. Bavo Catholic Church, with Rev. Barry England officiating. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park, Granger. Contributions in memory of Mark may be made to St. Bavo Catholic Church, 511 W. 7th St., Mishawaka, IN 46544.