Submitted by: Dan Rich
Neil W. DeCoudres
Jan. 24, 1928 - Nov. 22, 2006
South Bend Tribune 3/1/2008
SOUTH BEND - Neil W. DeCoudres, 78, who lived on Woodcliff
Dr. in South Bend, passed away on November 22, 2006. He had
decided to donate his body for study at Indiana University and
his remains were recently returned to his family. Neil was born
on January 24, 1928, in North Liberty, IN to Edna and Clem
DeCoudres. After graduating in 1946 from North Liberty High
School, he joined the Army and served two years in Kyoto, Japan.
Upon leaving the Army, he attended Indiana University, where he
studied Music Theory and Journalism. While there, he composed
anthems and sang in many operas and music programs. He graduated
in 1953 with a B.A. Returning home after graduation, he helped
his father run the local newspapers "The Walkerton",
and "The North Liberty News".
In 1954, he married Anne Young, who
survives. Also surviving are three children, Carol, of South
Bend, Mary, of Mishawaka, and Mark (Cindy), of South Bend; along
with one grandson, Dustin (Amanda) DeCoudres, of Mishawaka. In
1961, Neil received his Masters Degree in Education from I.U. He
became a teacher and taught at Kaley School in South Bend for
three years. He then taught at Bell and Brandywine Schools in
Michigan for 27 years. During this time, "Mr. De", as
he was known to his students, would supplement his income in the
summer by taking kids from his class on trips to Chicago museums,
Wrigley Field, amusement parks, miniature golf, Lake Michigan,
and many more. Kids wanted to be in his class so they could be a
part of these three-times-a-week trips. Many would have never had
a chance to see these places if it hadn't been for "Mr.
De". Neil was extremely artistic and creative. He was well
known for his many art and science projects, along with his
bulletin board and seasonal decorations. After he retired, he
continued to volunteer at the school helping the teachers with
these projects for 15 yrs. Neil also played on a Senior Softball
team in Mishawaka, which he really enjoyed. When he could no
longer play, he kept score for the teams on an elaborate
electronic scoreboard he made himself.
He eventually donated it to the league when
he became unable to attend the games. Neil really loved animals
and birds. There were always many pets and fish of all kinds in
the house, along with many elaborate homemade bird houses in his
yard. He liked nothing more than to sit on his back patio,
listening to music, and feeding and watching the birds and
squirrels. He also loved model trains. He was so talented that he
built an entire city that took up a whole room in his house. He
had all the details down, from people waiting at train stations,
to mountains, trees, highways, and road signs. Neil loved to
watch sports on his big screen TV. He was a Die-Hard Cubs Fan all
his life. He also was a big fan of Notre Dame football and I.U.
basketball. He would watch every game in a tournament and would
make a bulletin board of the brackets for people at school to
enjoy. Because of his love for the Cubs, his family donated a
brick for the new walkway in front of Wrigley Field in his
memory. He will also have a brick layed at Pinhook Park, where he
spent many summers. There will not be any services or burial.
Memorial contributions in his name may be made to Pet Refuge, or
The Humane Society of St. Joseph Co.