Submitted by: Dan Rich

Hilary F. Van De Walle

Dec. 29, 1901 - Dec. 14, 2002

South Bend Tribune 4/1/2003

Hilary F. "Van" Van De Walle, 100, of Riverview, Fla., formerly of Mishawaka, Ind., passed away Dec. 14, 2002, in South Bay Hospital, Sun City Center, Fla. He was born Dec. 29, 1901, to Emile and Virginia (De Spiegelaere) Van De Walle, and grew up with his large family in Mishawaka. Van began work at a young age as an electrician at Soens Electric.

On Sept. 17, 1929, at St. Bavo Church, he married the former Catherine E. Merko, and they made their home in Mishawaka. From 1930 to 1966, he worked as an electrician at Notre Dame. Not only was Van a loyal employee at Notre Dame, he was an avid fan and supporter of their football and basketball teams, and ran the time clock for many games. He was a longtime member of St. Bavo Catholic Church in Mishawaka, and at one time served as president of the IBEW Union. He enjoyed fishing and the couple spent much time at their cottage at Cedar Lake in Michigan. Other favorite pastimes of Van's included bowling. Retirement took the Van De Walles to Florida and they returned to Mishawaka in 1981. Catherine preceded Van in death in 1992, and a few years later he returned to Florida where his daughter lived.

He is survived by his daughter, Norma (Leonard) Weisel of Riverview; four grandchildren, Kathleen (Doug) Garrett, David Weisel, James (Christine) Weisel and Daniel (Lori) Weisel; six great-grandchildren, Jennifer, Brian, Kaitlin, Zachary, Emma and Alex; and by one great-great-grandchild, Brayden. He was preceded in death by his wife, and by six brothers and a sister.

Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday in the Thallemer-Goethals Funeral Home, 503 West Third Street, Mishawaka. A memorial Mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday in St. Bavo Church. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery. Memorials contributions are suggested to St. Bavo Church or to the charity of one's choice.