Submitted by: Dan Rich
Feb. 23, 1926 - July 14, 2007
South Bend Tribune 7/17/2007
GRANGER - William J. Walsh, D.D.S., 81, of Granger, passed
away late Saturday evening, July 14, 2007, in Hospice House,
South Bend. Bill was born February 23, 1926, in Mishawaka, a son
of the late Joseph Francis and Anna M. (Disch) Walsh. He grew up
in Mishawaka and was a 1943 graduate of Mishawaka High School.
Bill served his country in the Army Air Force during World War
II. He attended Indiana University in Bloomington where he
lettered in track and was a member of the Phi Delta Theta
Fraternity. Bill graduated from the University of St. Louis with
his degree in dentistry. Bill was a periodontist, practicing in
South Bend for many years and retired in 2004. He enjoyed his
work and his patients were special to him. He was a member of the
American Dental Association. Bill was a member of St. Pius X
Catholic Church in Granger and Elks Lodge #235 in South Bend.
Bill was a very devoted IU fan and supporter and was a member of
the Varsity Club. He greatly loved golfing, and other interests
included fishing, bowling, skiing, flying and traveling. Bill
also enjoyed gardening and was particularly proud of his
tomatoes. Over the years he and his family hosted two foreign
exchange students.
On May 13, 2000, Bill married Mary Lou (Cline)
Spear, who survives. Other surviving family includes his
five children, Christine Walsh of Graham, North Carolina, Joseph
(Julie) Walsh of Madison, Wisconsin, Carolyn (Jeff) Lepper
of Angier, NC, William (Laura Sherin) Walsh Jr. of Wilmington,
NC, and Gregory (Christine) Walsh of Indianapolis; two stepsons,
Rodney (Patricia) Spear of Ft. Worth, Texas, and Ted Spear of
Mishawaka; two sisters, JoAnn Wensits of South Bend and
Mary Margaret "Peggy" Walsh of South Bend; a
sister-in-law, Theresa Freeman; five grandchildren,
Samantha and William Walsh, Ryan and Dominique Lepper, and Lucy
Walsh; four step-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Bill was preceded in death by a sister, Rosemary Walsh, and by a
brother, James Walsh.
Friends may spend time with Bill's family
today (Tuesday) from 4 to 7 p.m. in Thallemer, Goethals &
Wells Funeral Home, 503 W. Third Street, Mishawaka, where a
prayer service will be held at 7 p.m. Visitation will also be
Wednesday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. in St. Pius X Catholic Church,
52553 Fir Road, Granger. Mass of Christian Burial will be
celebrated Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. in the church, with Rev.
William Schooler officiating. Cremation will follow with burial
at a later date in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Mishawaka.
Contributions in Bill's memory may be made to the Center for
Hospice & Palliative Care or to the charity of one's choice.
Envelopes are available in the funeral home or at church the day
of the Mass.