Submitted by: Dan Rich
Alfred Verbeke
Alfred "Butch" Verbeke, 77,
of Mishawaka, passed away on September 9, 2006, in his home
surrounded by his family. Butch was born on August 30, 1929, in
Mishawaka, to Irma (VanPoelVoorde) Verbeke and Clarence
Verbeke, and had been a lifelong resident of Mishawaka.
He married Dolores Giacomini on
September 18, 1954, who survives. Loving family members include
three daughters, Janice (Bruce) Zimmer of Howell,
Michigan, Amy (Paul) Schaefer of Mishawaka and Carol
(David) Erne of Avon, Indiana, and a son, Alan Verbeke of
Mishawaka. Also surviving are six grandchildren, Gina (James)
Cunninghan-Gloster, Christopher (Angela) Zimmer, Michael
Schaefer, Patrick Zimmer, Megan Verbeke and Heather Schaefer.
Also surviving are five great-grandchildren, James “JT”
Thomas, Alexis and Hunter Cunningham-Gloster, Alyssa Zimmer and
Titus Trapp; a sister, Dorothy Pletcher of
Mishawaka; in-laws, Guerino and Frances Giacomini of Mishawaka,
and Julia Bupp of Mishawaka; and many nieces, nephews and
a host of loving friends.
Butch was preceded in death by his parents;
his father and mother-in-law, Ugo and Adeline Giacomini;
brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Wayne Pletcher, Ray and Ann
Giacomini, Mike Bupp, and Everett and Anita Ransberger.
He was employed by Wheelabrator Frye, Inc.,
for 36 years and then School City of Mishawaka where he truly
loved all “his children.” His great love was Notre Dame
where he worked at the football games and summer camps for 25
years. He was actively involved at the Indian Guides, YMCA Youth
Volunteer and the BK Club (archery and Belgian bowling), St. Bavo
Catholic Church (Cursillo retreats and C.C.D. teacher for 12
years), Albright Methodist Church Food Pantry and the Medjugorje
Conferences. Butch was a United States Army veteran; he served
his country proudly during the Korean War. During his children's
high school days, he worked the concession stands and ushered
many football and basketball games at Mishawaka High School. For
many years he was known as “Santa Clause” to many
children as well as adults. We will truly miss the wonderful
husband, father, grandfather and friend he was to everyone. Butch
never met a stranger; he was a friend to all.
Family and friends may visit today,
September 12, from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the Hahn Funeral
Home, 505 W. 8th Street, Mishawaka, where wake prayers will be
held at 3:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at
10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 13, in St. Bavo Catholic
Church, with Rev. Barry England officiating. Burial will follow
at Fairview Cemetery, Mishawaka.
Memorial contributions may be made in Butch's name to The Center
for Hospice and Palliative Care, 111 Sunnybrook Court, South
Bend, IN 46637.