Submitted by: Dan Rich

South Bend Tribune 12/31/2002

LeRoy R. Van Bruaene

June 7, 1928 - Dec. 29, 2002

MISHAWAKA — LeRoy R. Van Bruaene, 74, of Fawn Lane, Elkhart, formerly of Mishawaka, died Sunday in East Lake Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Elkhart. Survivors include his wife, Tibbett J.; three daughters, Rebecca Eichsteadt of South Bend and Julie Farmer and Susan Booth, both of Elkhart; two sons, John of Elkhart and Maurice of Mishawaka; three sisters, Elsie Maenhout, Georgene Bieganski and Darlene Kasnia, all of Mishawaka; and a brother, Maurice of Granger. Services will be at 10 a.m. Friday in Bubb Funeral Chapel, 3910 N. Main St., where friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday.

Sports remained a large part of his life to the end. Laurence never turned down an opportunity to play a sport. He was a member of the Pop Frankel baseball team in South Bend, as well as playing fast-pitch softball on numerous teams. At 50, Laurence was still playing fast-pitch softball for the BK Club with his son-in-law. Throughout his life he enjoyed his time with Phyllis and friends playing golf at Eberhardt. Age was no barrier for one who loved sports. Laurence participated in volleyball and softball at Battell Center until he was 70. In his free time he took painting classes, as well as guitar and piano lessons.