Submitted by: Mary Jo Koran

Article published Nov 29, 2006
Paul DeVreese
March 22, 1959 - Nov. 25, 2006

Paul G. DeVreese, 47, of Mishawaka, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, November 25, 2006, at home.

Paul was born on March 22, 1959, in South Bend, IN, to Roger and Georgette (VanHoedt) DeVreese. He was preceded in death by his mother in 1998 and his father in 2003. He was also preceded in death by several aunts and uncles.

On September 17, 1999, he married Sue (Ward) Richardson in Mishawaka. Together they have enjoyed 19 years of love, joy and happiness. Paul leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife, Sue; his brother, Joseph (Debra) DeVreese of Mishawaka; his nieces, Michelle and Claire; his nephews, Nate and Andrew DeVreese; and several cousins, aunts and uncles. Also surviving are his mother-in-law, Alice Ward, and her special friend, Richard Miller; his father-in-law, Kenneth E. Ward; his sisters-in-law; Shelly Yoder, Debbie Ward and Denise Wiltrout; brothers-in-law Kenny Ward, Scott Ward, Jeff Dutoi, Doug Yoder and Jim Wiltrout; nieces, Aubrey Ward, Brittany, Amanda and Emily Yoder, and Jade and Hope Ward; and nephews, Brandon Ward, Justin Yoder, and Kyle and Zachary Chambers, and Cruz Ward. Also surviving are his loving dog, Samuel, and his loving cat, Sheba.

Paul also leaves some very special friends, Dave Fawver, super-jock Jamie, cousins Mindy, Trent and Tyler Casper, and Cheryl and Frank Ronchetti.

Paul's family will receive friends from 2 to 8 p.m. on Thursday in the Hahn Funeral Home, 505 W. 8th St., Mishawaka, IN, where funeral services will be held Friday at 11:00 a.m. The Reverend Erv Mize will officiate.

Paul was employed with the St. Joseph County Highway Department, and with Woodland Garage since 1990 as a heavy equipment operator. Prior to that, he had been employed by Pepsi, Remote Control Products and the St. Joseph County Fairgrounds.

He was a 1978 graduate of Mishawaka High School where he played baseball and football. He enjoyed fishing, camping, golfing and gardening. He also raced snowmobiles in his younger years. He was a member of the B-K Club and the B-K bollers, and he played in several local dart leagues.

Paul enjoyed his Monday and Thursday night euchre games at Squad's in Mishawaka as well as singing on the weekends. Surely we'll all miss his song “Little Red Riding Hood” and “Some Beach.” He was also a season ticket holder for the Notre Dame women's basketball team, and he loved Notre Dame football as well as NASCAR and the Green Bay Packers.

Paul was a very kind and gentle-hearted person who was always available to lend a hand to anyone in need. He loved to be surrounded by his family and friends and had just enjoyed a Thanksgiving Day and dinner full of love and happiness. He loved to cook his turkey and ham and also his not-so-famous 'egg sandwich.'

The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to Sue Richardson to help offset funeral expenses. Envelopes for donations are available at the funeral home.

Paul was a joker, always trying to make people laugh and smile. He was my best friend, my love and my heart. He knew someone almost everywhere he went and has many great friends, all of whom have been a comfort for me since word got out of his sudden and unexpected passing. I know that Paul's heart is filled with joy right now as he sees all those he's touched and I'm sure he is at peace knowing how much he was loved by all and for taking care of me. I thank everyone for the outpouring of love and comfort you've given to me as well. Paul also thanks you.

To leave the family an online condolence or to share memories with the DeVreese family, please visit our website www.hahnfuneralhomes.com.