Submitted By: Mary Jo Koran
SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE – December 1, 1998
Violet E. Garrison-Barker
Sept. 4, 1909 - Nov. 29, 1998
Violet E. Garrison-Barker, 89, formerly of Mishawaka, Ind., passed away after a lengthy illness on Sunday, Nov. 29, in the Byron Health Center, Fort Wayne, Ind.
She was born on Sept. 4, 1909, in Wabash County, to the late Sherman and Myrtle (Smith) Folk.
On Dec. 7, 1929 in Syracuse, Ind., Violet married Elrey Garrison, who died in May 1985. On April 16, 1988, she married James K. Barker, who preceded her in death in October 1988. She was also preceded in death by a daughter, Dorla Brock in March 1993; a sister, Mabel J. Folk; and by a brother, Charles Folk.
She is survived by three grandchildren, Lori Daugherty of Colorado Springs, Colo., Mark Brock of South Bend and Bret Brock of North Liberty, Ind.; a great-granddaughter; several stepchildren and grandchildren; two brothers-in-law, Albert Garrison of Mishawaka and Charles Smith of Kendallville, Ind.; and by a sister, Lucille Magnuson of Ligonier, Ind.
Violet retired from the Brethren Christian School in 1974 after 16 years of service in the school cafeteria.
Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 3, in the Thallemer-Goethals Funeral Home, Mishawaka. Services will be at 7 p.m. the same evening in the funeral home. Interment will be in Fairview Cemetery, Mishawaka.
SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE – December 1, 1998
Helen A. Cox
May 4, 1902 - Nov. 28, 1998
Mrs. Helen Agnes (Campbell) Cox, 96, died following a brief illness on Saturday, Nov. 28, in the Heartland Health Care Center, Three Rivers, Mich.
She was born on May 4, 1902, in Winamac, Ind., the daughter of William and Mary (LaFever) Campbell.
Helen graduated from Winamac High School with the class of 1920. Following graduation she attended Ohio Northern University. In the early '20s she was a legal secretary for Judge Pyle in South Bend, Ind.
On June 24, 1925, Helen was married to Joseph A. Cox, and they moved to the Flint area where she worked for the A.C. Spark Plug Company as an executive secretary from 1925 to 1931. In 1931 she moved with her husband to Constantine, where they owned and operated the Advertiser Record and Publishing Company. Joseph preceded her in death on Feb. 26, 1980. Helen was also preceded in death by her parents, and by nine brothers and sisters.
Mrs. Cox was a very active member of the community. She was a member of the AARP and was the oldest member of the Constantine United Methodist Church. In earlier years she was very active in the Sunday School, the choir, and the WSCS School. She was a lifelong fan of Notre Dame and the University of Indiana.
She is survived by her two daughters and their husbands, Joelen and Dr. Charles Zimont of Constantine and Judith and Edmund Tynan of Scottsdale, Ariz.; grandchildren and spouses, Ms. Cathy Jo Zimont, Jeffrey and Peggy Zimont, Todd Zimont, all of Constantine, and Ben and Kathy Zimont of Plainwell, Mich., Tricia Tynan of New Hampshire, Kirsten and William Baggesen of Tucson, Ariz., Mara and John Gilmore of Royal Oak, Mich., Laressa, Megan, Joseph and Erin Tynan, all of Phoenix, Ariz.; great-grandchildren, Ryan, Adam, Allison and Megan Zimont; and by many nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends will be received from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday at the Eley Funeral Home in Constantine, and from 1 p.m. until the time of services at 3 p.m. on Thursday at the Constantine United Methodist Church. Pastor Russell Logston will officiate.
Memorials may be made to the church restoration fund.
SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE – December 1, 1998
Harry S. Higdon
April 22, 1921 - Nov. 29, 1998
Harry Stanton Higdon, 77, of Coventry Trail, South Bend, Ind., died on Sunday, Nov. 29.
Mr. Higdon was the director of operations for Tucker Freight Lines of South Bend until his retirement in 1981. He served in many managerial positions for the trucking industry, employed by Rock Island Motor Freight and Brady Motor Freight of Des Moines, Iowa.
He was also an active volunteer in many charitable organizations. Mr. Higdon did volunteer work for the Center for the Homeless and served on the boards of the United Religious Community and the Dismas House. He was also a substitute teacher at Saint Joseph High School.
Mr. Higdon served as president of the Iowa Motor Carriers Association, president of the Indiana Motor Carriers Association, and president of the Traffic Association. He also served as chairman of the American Trucking Association Area Communicators, president of the New London Lake Association, and chairman of the social action committee at his church. He was on many committees throughout his lifelong membership in Rotary International, and was a lecturer at the Chamber of Commerce.
He served in World War II in the U. S. Navy as a chief petty officer in charge of ship navigation. At Pear Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, he was on board the U.S.S. Destroyer San Francisco as the duty officer when the Japanese attack occurred. Rallying the defense of his ship, he fired at the enemy attack planes as they bombed his ship and the other ships in harbor. He served with distinction in the Battles of the Coral Sea, Midway, Solomon Islands and Guadalcanal, winning service awards for his valor. At Guadalcanal he commanded the bridge of his ship, taking the wheel and issuing orders to maintain operations after an explosion had killed all of the surrounding officers. Returning stateside to recover from battle injuries, he went on to provide navigational training for officers at the Officer's Training School. He then commanded an LST ship and served in the liberation of the Philippines, the Battle of Iwo Jima, and the occupation of Japan.
Mr. Higdon was born in Des Moines, Iowa, on April 22, 1921. In 1941 he married Kathryn Ann Duffy, who died. In 1972 he married Suzanne Mulvihill, who survives. He is also survived by a son, Harry Dennis (Ellen) Higdon of Mishawaka; two grandchildren, Brian Daniel Higdon and Clare Celeste Higdon; and by a sister, June Eichhorn
An evening prayer service will be held at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 2, at the Saint Joseph Chapel Hall at Notre Dame. Services will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 3, at the Sacred Heart Basilica.
Memorial contributions may be made in lieu of flowers to the Hope Rescue Mission, the Center for the Homeless, the United Religious Community, and to Dismas House.
The McGann Funeral Home, University Area Chapel, 2313 E. Edison Road, is in charge of arrangements.
SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE – December 1, 1998
Mary Hodges
June 20, 1947 - Nov. 28, 1998
Mary (Kazmirski) Hodges, 51, of Granger, Ind., passed away on Saturday, Nov. 28, after a courageous battle with cancer. Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Sara and Leo Kazmirski in 1993.
She is survived by her son, Bobbie (Kelly) Hodges of Newport, N.C.; her daughter, Nikki Martin of Granger, Ind.; her three grandsons, Tommy and Steven Hodges, and Robert Martin. Mary is also survived by her sister, Leona (Darrell) Wigent of Granger, Ind.; her brother, Mike (Linda) Kazmirski of Mishawaka, Ind.; her mother-in-law and father-in-law, Jean and Robert Hodges of Marcellus, Mich.; and by her former husband and still best friend, Bob Hodges of South Bend.
Mary graduated from Clay High School in 1965. Until the time of her illness, Mary was employed as the office manager for the Schuell Fence Company of South Bend.
During her short life Mary was afforded the opportunity to live in six states, to include three years in Hawaii. Mary also had the opportunity to live in Okinawa, Japan for six years, and to visit mainland Japan, Taiwan and the Philippine Islands. Among her great attributes was her unique ability to love and have compassion for all. Mary especially enjoyed family, friends, gardening and crocheting.
Mary, you will be greatly missed; goodbye from those who knew and loved you.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 2, in the Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Drive, with Rev. Peggy Boltz officiating. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park, Granger, Ind.
Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. today in the Kaniewski Funeral Home.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of St. Joseph County, 111 Sunnybrook Court, South Bend, IN 46637-3437.
SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE – December 1, 1998
Raymond E. Myers
June 17, 1908 - Nov. 28, 1998
Raymond E. Myers, 90, of Lilac Drive, Walkerton, Ind., died at 6:15 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 28, in Sterling House of South Bend.
Raymond was also from Fish Lake and was formerly of Mishawaka, Ind. He was born in Misha-waka on June 17, 1908, and had lived here until 1970 when he moved to Walkerton.
He had worked at the Studebaker Corporation, and then for the Indiana Toll Road where he retired in 1970.
Raymond married the former Adeline S. (Hiler) on Nov. 24, 1932, in Mishawaka. She died on Feb. 26, 1997. Mr. Myers was also preceded in death by his parents, William I. and Ida (Easler) Myers; and by a sister, Lucille Johnson.
He is survived by two daughters, Pat (Chase) Atwood of Three Oaks, Mich., Phyllis (Hank) Kruszewski of South Bend; a son, Raymond I. (Paulette) Myers of St. Louis, Mo.; six grandchildren, Debbie Brooks, Ken Callahan, Becky Callahan, Duane Radzikowski, Jr., David Radzikowski and Chris Myers; and by eight great-grandchildren.
Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. today in the Bubb Funeral Chapel North, where funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, with Rev. Fred Stayton, pastor of the North Liberty United Methodist Church, officiating. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park, Granger, Ind.
Raymond was formerly a member of the First United Methodist Church of Mishawaka. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the the North Liberty United Methodist Church where he was a member.
SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE – December 1, 1998
Lewis F. Nicolini
Feb. 23, 1917 - Nov. 29, 1998
Lewis F. Nicolini, 81, formerly of Mishawaka, Ind., passed away after an illness at 9:27 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 29, in Sinai Samaritan Hospital, Milwaukee, Wis.
Born on Feb. 23, 1917, in South Bend, Ind., he was the son of the late John and Augusta (Antolini) Nicolini. On June 24, 1944, in South Bend, Lewis married the former Thelma Powell, who preceded him in death on Aug. 15, 1976. In November 1981 he married the former Ruth Monteith, who preceded him in death in September 1997. He was also preceded in death by a sister, Clara Nicolini; and by a brother, Gene Nicolini.
He is survived by a daughter, Mary (James Schmidt) Nicolini of South Bend; three sons, Christopher (Gail) Nicolini of Merrillville, Ind., Timothy (Virginia) Nicolini of Mishawaka and Mark (Bassy Virella) Nicolini of Milwaukee; four granddaughters, Gabrielle Polt of New York City, Stephanie and Gina Nicolini, both of Merrillville, and Monica Nicolini of Mishawaka; three grandsons, Andrew and Patrick Nicolini, both of Mishawaka, and Dominic Nicolini of Merrillville; and by two sisters, Rosemary Rooney of Ventura, Calif., and Gertrude Hedges of San Diego, Calif.
From 1960 to 1968 Lewis was the director of the State Employment Security Division, appointed by Gov. Matthew Welch and re-appointed by Gov. Roger Branigan. From 1968 to his retirement in 1979 he was the Regional Manpower Administrator for the U.S. Department of Labor, being appointed by then Secretary of Labor, Willard Wirtz.
Lewis was a 1935 graduate of Mishawaka High School, a 1940 graduate of Northwestern University, and did his graduate work at Cornell University. He served on the Mishawaka School Board in the late 1950s, and was a member of the DeAmicis Club.
He was an Army veteran of World War II, being stationed at Camp Upton, New York. Among the prestigious awards he received were the Sagamore of the Wabash, being named a Kentucky Colonel, and the Star of Italy Award.
Friends may visit with the Nicolini family from 2 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 2, at the Thallemer-Goethals Funeral Home, Mishawaka, where a Rosary will be recited at 3 p.m.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 3, in St. Joseph Catholic Church, Mishawaka, with Fr. Robert A. Yast officiating. Interment will follow in the St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Mishawaka.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the St. Joseph Grade School or to the charity of donor's choice
SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE – December 1, 1998
Hattie Padgett
June 1, 1906 - Nov. 29, 1998
Hattie Padgett, 92, formerly of East Calvert Street, South Bend, Ind., died at 6 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 29, at the Holy Cross Care and Rehabilitation Center in South Bend.
Hattie was born in South Bend, on June 1, 1906, to Frank and Bertha (Schultz) Dudkowski, who preceded her in death. She lived in South Bend all of her life. On Oct. 23, 1923, she married George Padgett, who also preceded her in death on Jan. 5, 1990.
She is survived by nephews, Fred Dudkowski of South Bend, Richard Dudkowski of Buchanan, Mich., Robert Kennedy of Cross Creek, N.C., Max and Jeff Padgett, both of New Carlisle, Ind.
She was a member of the First Brethren Church of South Bend.
Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. today at the Guisinger Colonial Chapel Funeral Home, 3718 S. Michigan Street, South Bend.
Services will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday in the funeral home, with Rev. Larry Baker officiating. Burial will be immediately following at Southlawn Cemetery, South Bend.
Memorial contributions may be made to the First Brethren Church, 4909 S. Ironwood, South Bend, IN 46601.
SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE – December 1, 1998
Bernadette Rakowski
Nov. 1, 1921 - Nov. 29, 1998
Bernadette Rakowski, 77, of East Monroe Street, South Bend, Ind., passed away of natural causes on Sunday, Nov. 29, in her home.
She was born on Nov. 1, 1921, in South Bend, to Alex and Josephine (Werwas) Rakowski, and was a lifelong resident. Ms. Rakowski was preceded in death by her parents; and by eight brothers and sisters, Regina Janiszczak, Stanley, Eugene and Walter Rakowski, Stephanie Lukaszewski, Alice Thomas, Joseph and John Rakowski.
Ms. Rakowski retired from the St. Joseph High School cafeteria and was previously employed with her brother, Walter Rakowski, who owned the coffee shop in the St. Joseph County Courthouse and then the County-City Building in South Bend.
She is survived by her sister, Sophie C. Brooks of South Bend, and by 22 nieces and nephews.
Ms. Rakowski was a member of St. Adalbert Catholic Church, the Harvest House and the St. Hedwig Golden Cluster.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 3, in St. Adalbert Catholic Church, with Rev. Daryl Rybicki officiating. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery.
Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 2, in the Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Drive, South Bend, where a Rosary will be recited at 4 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to the restoration of St. Adalbert Catholic Church, 2420 W. Huron Street, South Bend, IN 46619.
SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE – December 1, 1998
Warren W. Romine
Sept. 12, 1915 - Nov. 27, 1998
Warren Woodward Romine, 83, died after a brief illness on Friday, Nov. 27, at Saint Joseph's Regional Medical Center. He resided at the Healthwin Specialized Care Center, 20531 Darden Road.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife Katherine on July 23, 1998. They were married on Sept. 1, 1951.
Warren was born in South Bend, Ind., on Sept. 12, 1915, to the late Madge Woodward Romine (Clayton) and the late Lawrence Romine.
Warren is survived by his loving daughters, Madgemarie (George) Krawczyk and stepdaughter, Beverly Kruger Borr of South Bend, Ind.; his loving brother, Woodward (Jean) Romine of Montgomery Village, Md.; and by three dedicated grandchildren, Robin (Rise) Borr of West Bloomfield, Mich., Brandi (John) Borr-Domagalski of London, England, and Julie Krawczyk of South Bend/Tallahassee, Fla.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday in the Evangel Heights United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Brenda Fritz officiating. Burial will follow in the Riverview Cemetery.
Friends are invited to call from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday in the Welsheimer Funeral Home, 521 N. William Street.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association or to the Evangel Heights United Methodist Church.
SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE – December 1, 1998
Lyle E. Smith
Sept. 10, 1932 - Nov. 29, 1998
Lyle E. Smith, 66, of Portage Road, Niles, Mich., died at 7:31 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 29, in St. Joseph Community Hospital, Mishawaka, Ind.
He was born on Sept. 10, 1932, in New Carlisle, Ind., and lived in Niles for 38 years, coming from South Bend, Ind. In 1987 he retired from Allied Signal. Mr. Smith was an Army veteran of the Korean Conflict, and was a member of Bendix Local #9.
On June 21, 1957, in South Bend, he married Deanna Ciesiolka, who survives.
He is also survived by three sons, John (Debrah) Smith of Mishawaka, Carl (Brenda) Smith of Osceola, Ind., and Bobby (Lynn) Smith of Niles; his mother, Ethel (Breland) Smith of South Bend; nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren; a sister, Mabel Armstrong of Florida; and by a brother, Sylvester Salisbury of Florida.
Mr. Smith was preceded in death by a daughter, Pamela K. Smith, who died in 1956; and by a sister, Virgie Davis.
Family and friends may call from 2 to 8 p.m. today in the St. Joseph Funeral Home, 824 S. Mayflower Road, South Bend.
Services will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday in the funeral home, with burial to follow in St. Joseph Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Lung Association, 319 S. Main Street, South Bend, IN 46601.
SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE – December 1, 1998
Valerie J. Townsend
April 11, 1954 - Nov. 27, 1998
Ms. Valerie Jean Townsend, 44, of West Monroe Street, South Bend, Ind., passed away following a brief illness at 6:38 p.m. on Fri-day, Nov. 27, in Saint Joseph's Re-gional Medi-cal Center, South Bend.
She was born on April 11, 1954, in South Bend. She was the daughter of Gloria Burton, who preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, George and Martha Townsend; four aunts, Maude Hall, Elva Williams, Bernice Flint and Geraldine Blake; and by two uncles, Calvin Townsend and Arthur Townsend.
She was a graduate of Washington High School, and was a member of the Greater St. John Missionary Baptist Church.
She leaves to mourn her passing a sister, Jacquelyn (Dennis) Wright; three brothers, Ernest Townsend, Leon Townsend and Fred Burton; six nieces and nephews; five aunts, Mella Townsend, Ella Pope, Norsis Strickland, Betty Stone, all of South Bend, and Georgia Bradshaw of Gary, Ind.; four uncles, Ben, Ernest and Allen Townsend, and Emis Blake, all of South Bend; along with a host of cousins and other friends.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 2, at the Greater St. John Missionary Baptist Church, with burial following at Highland Cemetery. Visitation will occur one hour prior to services.
Alford's Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.