Submitted by: Dan Rich

George Van Paemel

Jan. 31, 1907 - Jan. 14, 2004

South Bend Tribune 1/17/2004

George Van Paemel, 96, of South Taylor Street, Mishawaka, Ind., passed away peacefully in his home at 4:20 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 14. Mr. Van Paemel was born on Jan. 31, 1907, in St. Goristen Desti, Belgium, as the son of the late Edmund and Sylvia Van Paemel. Mr. Van Paemel and his family immigrated to the United States in 1919 and settled in the Mishawaka area, where he lived the past 84 years. In 1930, Mr. Van Paemel started an auto service station business.

On Feb. 15, 1935, in St. Bavo Catholic Church, he married Josephine Tordi of Mishawaka. At the age of 62, he decided it was time to stop working the long hours of a business owner/operator and look for a job where his expertise could be put to use working for someone else. He eventually found employment with O'Hare Lincoln-Mercury, where he enjoyed working until his retirement at the age of 80. Mr. Van Paemel was a member of St. Bavo Catholic Church.

Mr. Van Paemel is survived by his wife, Josephine; a son, Gene (Mary Ann) Van Paemel of Granger, Indiana; a brother, Andrew Van Paemel of Mishawaka; four granddaughters, Laura (Jeff) Scarborough of Lakewood, Ohio, Lisa (Vince) Del Prete of Granger, Ind., Vanessa (Brian) Oletti of Miamisburg, Ohio, and Dana Van Paemel of South Bend, Ind.; and by eight great-grandchildren, Gabrielle, Nino, Angelo, Paolo, Mateo and Jenaro Del Prete, and Dominic and Lucas Oletti. He was preceded in death by a sister, Margaret Van Paemel; and by four brothers, Oscar, Arthur, Camiel and Bernard Van Paemel.

Friends called from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 16, in the Hahn Funeral Home, 505 W. 8th Street, Mishawaka, where a Rosary was recited at 3:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. today, Jan. 17, in St. Bavo Catholic Church, Mishawaka, with Rev. Barry England officiating. Burial will be follow at Fairview Cemetery in Mishawaka. Memorials in George's name may be made to Hospice of St. Joseph County, 111 Sunnybrook Court, South Bend; and to St. Bavo Catholic Church, 511 W. 7th Street, Mishawaka, IN 46544.

"Dad, Sorry you couldn't ride your bicycle a few more laps to 97. And you were so close to getting a shot at a third hula championship at 98! But, Dad, you are truly a champion in the hearts of all who love you. You've given us an example to live by and a world of wonderful memories to cherish the rest of our lives. May you rest in peace in the arms of Jesus. And remember, Dad - keep on smilin', 'cause when you're smilin’, the whole world smiles with you! I love you, Dad." - Gene