Submited by: Dan Rich

Donald R. Cortier

April 22, 1921 - Oct. 9, 1999

South Bend Tribune 10/11/1999

Donald R. Cortier, 78, of Mishawaka, Ind., died after an extended illness at 2:50 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 9, in his home. He was born on April 22, 1921, in South Bend, Ind., to the late Henry and Martha (Wagner) Cortier. Also preceding him in death were two brothers, Robert and James Cortier.

On June 21, 1958, Donald married the former Mary Ernst. She also preceded him in death on Sept. 13, 1996. Surviving are two daughters, Marilyn (Robert) Cates and Anne (Dale) DuComb, both of Mishawaka; a grandson, Jason Cates of Mishawaka; a sister-in-law, Donna Cortier of South Bend; and a dear friend, Wanda Wolfe of Iowa.

Donald graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School, South Bend, in 1940. He was a multi-talented musician and taught music at the South Bend Conservatory of Music. He played with many area polka and German bands throughout his life. He was employed by Studebaker and then by the Wheelabrator-Frye Corp. in Mishawaka from which he retired in 1983. He was a member of Queen of Peace Catholic Church and a 4th degree member of the Fr. Nieuwland Assembly of Knights of Columbus Council 8617.

Visitation will be from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday in the Thallemer-Goethals Funeral Home, Mishawaka, where a Rosary will be recited at 7:30 p.m. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at Queen of Peace Church at 10 a.m. on Wednesday with Fr. Elden Miller officiating. Interment will follow in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Osceola. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of St. Joseph County.