March 17, 1930 - Feb. 11, 2010SOUTH BEND - Edward J. Cossette, 79, of South Bend, IN, passed away Thursday morning, February 11, 2010, in his home. He was born on March 17, 1930, in Bottineau, ND, to Edward and Eva (Lord) Cossette. On August 3, 1991, he married Evelyn R. Metz Cossette, who preceded him in death on November 2, 2007. One ste daughter, Nancy Vargo, one son, Michael Cossette, and his father, Edward, all preceded him in death. Mr. Cossette is survived by his mother, Eva Cossette of Wahpeton, ND; stepdaughter, Diane Ladson of South Bend, IN; step-granddaughter, Judy Love of South Bend, IN; step-great-granddaughter, Rachel Love of South Bend, IN; two sisters, Doris (Melvin) Hubrig of Hankinson, ND, and Judy (Loren) Lind of Jamestown, ND; and brother, Raymond (Deb) Cossette of Wahpeton, ND. Mr. Cossette retired in 1971 after serving 24 years with the United States Army. He proudly served during the Korean and Vietnam Wars and was the recipient of two Purple Hearts. Mr. Cossette was a member of the V.F.W and the American Legion. A graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, May 1, 2010, at Southlawn Cemetery, 61300 U.S. 31 South, South Bend. Military honors will follow. Palmer Funeral Home-Guisinger Chapel, South Bend, is assisting with funeral arrangements. Contributions in memory of Edward J. Cossette may be made to The Center for Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 111 Sunnybrook Court, South Bend, IN 46637. Online condolences may be sent to www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.