June
25, 1936 - April 20, 2010MISHAWAKA - Richard L. "Dick" DeCloedt, 73, of Mishawaka, passed away Tuesday, April 20, 2010 in his home surrounded by his family. Dick was born June 25, 1936 in Mishawaka, a son of the late August and Mary (VanWiele) DeCloedt. He grew up in Mishawaka and was a graduate of Central Catholic High School in South Bend. Dick attended the University of Notre Dame before serving his country in the US Marine Corps from 1956 - 1959. He graduated from the Indiana College of Mortuary Science in Indianapolis. On December 7, 1967 in St. Bavo Church, Mishawaka, Dick married Diana Banghart. The couple made Mishawaka their home. Dick was employed as a Licensed Funeral Director primarily with Thallemer-Goethals Funeral Home, St. Joseph Funeral Homes, and Bubb Funeral Chapel. He was a member of the Indiana and Northern Indiana Funeral Directors Associations. He also worked at Dodge Manufacturing in Mishawaka. Dick was a member of St. Monica Catholic Church in Mishawaka. He was a former member of St. Bavo Church where he served as an usher. Dick belonged to the Eagles in Mishawaka and formerly belonged to the Knights of Columbus. He was a Notre Dame sports fan as well a White Sox fan. Dick loved playing cards and developed many friends during the past-time. He is remembered for his quick wit and humor and his ability to make others feel welcome in his home. Dick's family was the center of his life and those surviving him include his wife, Diana; a daughter, Robin (Frank) Millar of South Bend; a son, Tony DeCloedt of Logansport; a brother, Raymond (Mary Ann) DeCloedt of Mishawaka; a sister, Janet (Rueben) Hodgson of Dowagiac; a sister-in-law, Lorraine DeCloedt of Mishawaka; two granddaughters, Allie and Tory Millar; and many nieces and nephews. Dick was preceded in death by a brother, Frank DeCloedt. Friends may spend time with Dick's family Sunday from 2 - 6 pm in Thallemer, Goethals & Wells Funeral Home, 503 West 3rd Street, Mishawaka, where the Rosary will be prayed at 5:30 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday at 10:30 am in St. Monica Catholic Church, 225 West Mishawaka Ave., Mishawaka, with Rev. Jeffery Largent officiating. Visitation is also one hour before services Monday at church. Burial with military honors will follow in St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park, Granger. Contributions in Dick's memory may be given to The Center for Hospice & Palliative Care. Assistance with memorials is available through the funeral home.