Submitted by: Dan Rich
Roy E. Van Haverbeke
South Bend Tribune 9/24/2006
Roy E. Van Haverbeke, 81, of Mishawaka, passed away in his home on the early evening of Wednesday, September 20. Roy was born on January 4, 1925, in Mishawaka, as the son of Patrice J. and Madeline (Lambert) Van Haverbeke. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Woodrow Van Haverbeke.
On April 11, 1953, in South Bend, he married the former Bette Rakestraw. Surviving are his loving wife of 53 years Bette; and two sisters, Mary Laine (Lester) Balmer of Mishawaka and Mildred (Robert) Balmer of Green Valley, AZ.
Roy was a lifetime area resident. He was a United States Navy Veteran. He served his country proudly during World War II. He worked for Dodges for 19 years then for Decks Manufacturing in Granger. He retired in 1986. Since his retirement, he and Bette wintered in Ocean Breeze Park in Jensen Beach Florida where he spent the days fishing and enjoying time with Bette. They spent two weeks every summer at Deer Grove Resort in Hayward, WI where Roy loved to spend his time fishing.
Mr. Van Haverbeke requested no visitation or services be conducted to lesson the pain for his wife and many friends, who he cared deeply for. The family requests that memorial contributions be made to The Center for Hospice and Palliative Care, 111 Sunnybrook Ct., South Bend, IN 46637
Hahn Funeral Home, 505 W. 8th Street, Mishawaka has been entrusted with handling the arrangements.