Submitted by: Dan Rich

Joseph A. McFarland

Dec. 27, 1929 - June 3, 2008

South Bend Tribune 6/5/2008
SOUTH BEND - Joseph A. McFarland, 78, of South Bend, passed away of natural causes on June 3, 2008, in his residence. Joseph was born December 27, 1929, at 408 W. Battell Street, to Ralph and Ruth (Hickman) McFarland in Mishawaka, Indiana.

On June 25, 1948, Joseph was united in marriage to the former Ms. Willadene Kesler in LaPorte, Indiana. Surviving are his wife, Willadene McFarland of South Bend; three daughters, Georgia Glover of South Bend, Patricia (Gary) Schroeder of Mishawaka and Joy Alexander of South Bend; along with two sons, Dewey (Rebecca) McFarland of Mishawaka and Robert (Karen) McFarland of Osceola. Joseph is also survived by 13 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, and by his daughter, Cathlene Wolfe.

Visitation will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. today, June 5, 2008, in Chapel Hill Funeral Home, Osceola. A graveside service will be held at 3 p.m. today, June 5, at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Osceola. Joseph served his country during the Korean War era. He was employed as a painter and decorator for many years with various businesses in the area until his retirement at age 65 in 1995. His memberships include the Granger Community Church and the Gideons. Joseph had been involved with prison Bible ministry for several years as well. In his spare time he enjoyed fishing, reading the Bible and "teasing" his family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hope Ministries, 532 S. Michigan St., South Bend, Indiana, or to the Center for Hospice and Palliative Care.