Submitted by: Dan Rich

 

Richard Elbode

March 12, 1912 - July 4, 2005

 

South Bend Tribune 7/7/2005

Richard "Dick" Elbode, 93, of West 14th Street, Mishawaka, passed away after an illness on Monday, July 4th, in Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center, Mishawaka. Dick was born on March 12, 1912, in Aalter, Belgium, to Camiel and Emma (Rodts) Elbode. He was preceded in death by his parents, and by a sister and two brothers.

 

On July 1, 1937, in Mishawaka, he married the former Gerry Van Den Abeele, who preceded him in death on Feb. 9, 1996. Surviving Dick are several nieces and nephews, and his special friend, Henrietta Van Huffel of Mishawaka. Dick was owner and operator of Elbode Tire Company, Mishawaka, for 42 years before he retired in 1975. He was a veteran of the United States Army where he served during World War II and the Korean Conflict. He was a member of St. Bavo Catholic Church, Mishawaka, VFW Post 360, American Legion, an original member of BK Club Belgium football team, a member of Club 15, and was past president of the Lions Club.

 

Visitation will be held from 2 to 7 p.m. where a Rosary will be recited at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 7, in Hahn Funeral Home, 505 W. 8th Street, Mishawaka. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, July 8, in St. Bavo Catholic Church, Mishawaka, with Rev. Barry England officiating. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery, with graveside military rites conducted by VFW Post 360 and the American Legion Burial Squad. Contributions may be made in memory of Richard to St. Bavo Catholic Church, 511 W. 7th Street, Mishawaka, IN 46544.