Submitted by: Dan Rich

Msgr. Albert H. Van Nevel

Dec. 24, 1915 - Dec. 21, 2000

South Bend Tribune 12/26/2000

Msgr. Albert H. Van Nevel, 84, of Cedar Lake, passed away at St. Anthony Hospital, Crown Point, Ind., on Thursday, Dec. 21. Msgr. Van Nevel was born on Dec. 24, 1915, in Kewanee, Ill., to Gentiel Van Nevel and Irma Tomme Van Nevel. The family later moved to Indiana and settled in Mishawaka, Ind.

Msgr. Van Nevel was ordained on May 30, 1942, in Fort Wayne, Ind. His first appointment was at Holy Angels Church, Gary, Ind., where he vigorously began his work and immediately identified himself with the young. In short time he organized and coached his own football league, and basketball and baseball teams. He served as moderator of the CYO and was the diocesan CYA moderator.

After 15 years at Holy Angels, Fr. Van Nevel became pastor of his first parish, Notre Dame Church in Michigan City, Ind. In his five years there his accomplishments included paying off the entire debt of the parish and organizing the first family Bar-B-Q festival. He became the moderator of the National Council of Catholic Men and the Serra Club.

Fr. Van Nevel was appointed pastor of Our Lady of Grace Church in April 1963. With rapid parish growth, Our Lady of Grace Parish was able to build a new church in 1966 and, when dedicated in 1967, was debt-free.

A distinguished honor was bestowed on both the parish of Our Lady of Grace and Fr. Van Nevel in 1984 when he became Monsignor Van Nevel and was named a Prelate of Honor. Msgr. Van Nevel served at Our Lady of Grace until his retirement in 1991. Msgr. Van Nevel was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Richard Van Nevel, Sr.; and by his sister, Florence.

He is survived by two nieces, Beth Ann Welch of Connecticut and Margaret Ann Mock of Mishawaka; and by a nephew, Richard Van Nevel Jr. of Mishawaka.

Rite of reception and vigil for the deceased will be at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 27, in Our Lady of Grace Church, 3025 Highway Avenue, Highland, Ill. Evening prayer services will be at 7 p.m.

Thursday morning prayer will be at 10:30 a.m. with Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m., Bishop Dale J. Melczek celebrant. Interment will be at Calumet Park Cemetery, Merrillville, Ill. Friends may call from 3 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, and from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Thursday in Our Lady of Grace Church. The Burns Funeral Home, corner 101st and Broadway,