Submitted by: Dan Rich

South Bend Tribune 10/27/2001

Robert L. Braunsdorf

Nov. 5, 1920 - Oct. 25, 2001

Robert L. Braunsdorf Jr., 80, of Lincolnway East, Mishawaka, formerly of South Bend, died Thursday morning in Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center, South Bend.

Mr. Braunsdorf was born November 5, 1920 in South Bend, Indiana, the son of Robert L. Braunsdorf and Kathryn Fosdick Braunsdorf. He graduated from St. Joseph's (South Bend) grade school and Central High School, where he played basketball for John Wooden. On August 1, 1942, he married the former Virginia Bradley at St. Patrick's Church. She preceded him in death, April 17, 1991. A W.W. II Navy Veteran, Robert was proud of his service in the U.S. Navy and served as a Republican Precinct Committeeman for many years.

Robert was a Charter Member of Corpus Christi Parish; a long time former member of the South Bend Moose, currently an Elkhart Moose Lodge Member; and Morris Park Country Club where he enjoyed golf and playing cards. He was a third generation owner of Braunsdorf Plumbing, founded in 1901 and now owned by his son, John T. Braunsdorf. Robert was a member and former president of the Plumbing, Heating, Cooling Contractors.

Robert is survived by his daughter and son: Kathleen (Michael) Braunsdorf-Dvorak of Granger and John T. (Roseanne) Braunsdorf of South Bend; a brother and sister: Warren (Rosie) Braunsdorf of South Bend and Norma (Robert) Clark of Jackson, Michigan; nine grandchildren, Ryan, Todd, Sean, Brett, Carrie, Brady, Casey and Tyler Dvorak and Jennifer Braunsdorf Jones; and one great-granddaughter, Brooke Jones.

Robert was preceded in death by a son, Martin Braunsdorf in 1974.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, October 29, at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, South Bend, Father Camillo Tirabassi, officiating. Burial will follow at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Osceola. Friends may visit with family in the HICKEY Funeral Home, 17131 Cleveland Road, South Bend, 289-1000, from 3 to 7 p.m. Sunday, October 28, where a rosary will be said at 3:30 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to the CASIE Center (a child advocacy center), 912 E. LaSalle Ave., South Bend, IN 46617 or to the charity of the donors choice.