Submitted by: Dan Rich

Joseph J. Van Huffel Jr.

March 20, 1927 - May 17, 2002

South Bend Tribune 5/19/2002

Joseph J. Van Huffel Jr., 75, of Huffman Dr., South Bend passed away Friday May 17 in Memorial Hospital of South Bend. On March 20, 1927 Joseph was born in Mishawaka as the son of the late Joseph Sr. and Pearl (Penroy) Van Huffel. Joseph was also preceded in death by a sister Vivian Adams, two brothers Edwin and Marvin, and by a daughter Christina Van Huffel in May 2000.

Joseph married the former Hildegard Auer on August 28, 1948 in Geislingen, Germany. He is survived by his wife Hildegard, a daughter Karin (Dan) Lee of Millersburg, IN; a son Gary (Tammy) of Salmon, Idaho; a sister Betty Welch of Elkhart, IN. Also surviving are six grandchildren, Michelle Keres of Henderson, NV, Michael (Angela) Keres of Sarasota, FL, Hannah, Adriane, Mario and Crystal Van Huffel of Salmon, Idaho, and one great-granddaughter, Jeanette Keres. Also surviving is a brother-in-law, Gunar (Ilse) Peterson of Germany, Three sisters-in-law, Helga Mende and Martha Auer of Germany and Henrietta Van Huffel of Mishawaka.

Joe was a loving and devoted husband and father. He cherished his wife and children and especially enjoyed the times he could spend with his grandchildren and great grandchild. A kind and gentle man, Joe was a talented artist who loved watercolor and landscape painting. He especially loved the outdoors, from growing flowers and vegetables in his garden to traveling with his wife, Hilde, up north or skiing in the Austrian Alps.

As a commercial artist and expert in print production, Joe brought his talents to many companies in this area. He was a Technical Illustrator for the Studebaker Corp. and Van Story. He also owned and operated his own business, Vantage, Inc., and was a key staff member of Villing & Co. until his retirement in 1996.

Joe also served his country as a member of the U.S. Army, serving in World War II and the Korean Conflict as a Private in Company C of the 107th ITB, 7th ITR. He was also a past trustee of the South Bend Regional Art Center.

Friends may call from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Tuesday May 21 in Hahn Funeral Home, 505 W. 8th Street, Mishawaka. Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 PM on Tuesday May 21 in Hahn Funeral Home with Rev. Lorin Clemenz officiating.