Submitted by: John Monk

Lentine, Joseph Henry


Aug. 7, 1940 - Aug. 16, 2007
MISHAWAKA - Joseph was born on August 7, 1940, to his loving parents,
Tom and Estella Lentine of Mishawaka, who survive. He attended St. Bavo
Grade School in Mishawaka and graduated in 1958 from St. Joseph High
School in South Bend. On June 6, 1959, he married his high school
sweetheart and the love of his life, Donna L. Essex, who also survives.
Joe is also survived by a son, Joseph B. Lentine of Granger; a daughter,
Debra (Dan) Wassenhove of Granger; six grandchildren, Danielle, Enos,
Katie, Kylie, Kelsey and Terrance "TJ" Wassenhove, and Joseph Andrew;
two great-grandchildren, Trusten and Torren, all of whom he loved very
much; and a brother, Thomas (Nancy) Lentine of Mishawaka. Joseph worked
in the construction industry for his uncle, Chuck Lentine, and then he
worked at Studebaker, Dodge in Mishawaka, Ball Band/Uniroyal in
Mishawaka and Sandusky, Ohio, Jaymar Ruby Michigan City, and finally
retiring from AM General in 1985 after becoming ill from cancer. He
enjoyed boating and fishing in Lake Erie, reading, Notre Dame football,
Walker Texas Ranger, watching his granddaughters play volleyball, and
eating concession stand popcorn at their games. He was a former member
of the B.K. Club in Mishawaka and Queen of Peace Church where he was an
usher and Eucharistic Minister. He later volunteered at St. Paul's
Retirement Community where he and his wife faithfully participated in
Saturday Mass. Joseph was very strong in his faith. Joe was a very
hardworking man and always provided well for his family. His orneriness
never outshined the wonderful, loving man he truly was. Joseph was a
fighter after his initial diagnosis and treatment for lung cancer and
subsequent brain cancer. At that time he was given two years to live.
For 25 years he has battled many ups and downs. He was brave and
courageous until the end. He died peacefully at home surrounded by his
family. Visitation will be today from 2 to 6 p.m. in the Hahn Funeral
Home, 505 W. 8th Street, Mishawaka, with a 5:30 p.m. Rosary. A Mass of
Christian Burial will be held on Monday at 10 a.m. in St. Bavo Catholic
Church, with Rev. Barry England officiating. Entombment will follow at
Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Osceola. Memorial contributions may be
made to St. Bavo Catholic Church, 511 W. 7th Street, Mishawaka IN 46544;
to The American Lung Association 9445 Delegates Row, Indianapolis, IN
46240; and/or to The Center for Hospice and Palliative Care, 111
Sunnybrook Court, South Bend, IN 46637. The family would like to thank
all the nurses on the 9th floor at Memorial Hospital for all of their
care and concern for Joe and his family, and also to the staff at
Hospice for their caring and compassion. To leave the family an online
condolence or to share memories with the family, please visit our
website _/www.hahnfuneralhomes.com <http://www.hahnfuneralhomes.com>/_.
Published in the South Bend Tribune from 8/18/2007 - 8/19/2007.