Otto L. Truex
Nov. 19, 1917 - July 31, 2001
Otto L. Truex, age 83, of 66614 CR 3, Wakarusa, IN, born Novem-ber 19, 1917, in Wakarusa, to Loren and Maud Leatherman Truex. He was a lifetime resident. On November 27, 1949, he married Phyllis J. Davidhizer in Wakarusa. She survives along with 1 son, Scott I. (Teresa) Truex of Reston, VA, and 2 granddaughters, Carla and Paul Truex. He was preceded in death by 2 brothers, Dale "Twink" and Newell Truex, and a sister, Erma Conrad. Otto worked at NIBCO for many years and Martin Hardware in Nappanee. He then began "Ott's Shoe Repair" and worked as a supplier for J&N Stone in Wakarusa. He attended the Nappanee Missionary Church and was active in the Elkhart County Habitat for Humanity affiliate for a number of years. Otto was also a member of the Wakarusa American Legion and was active in a number of Wakarusa community organizations and events throughout his life. Friends may call at Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home in Wakarusa Thursday 2 to 4 and 6 to 9 p.m. and one hour prior to the funeral services which will be Friday August 3, 2001, at 10:00 a.m. at the Nappanee Missionary Church. Officiating will be Rev. Norm Reimer and Rev. Marvin Engbrecht, both of the Nappanee Missionary Church. Burial will follow at Olive Cemetery in Wakarusa, with a military graveside service by the Wakarusa American Legion. Memorial contributions may be made to "Project Roundhouse," an international faith-based housing and community development project currently working in El Salvador and Guatemala. Otto's son Scott is the vice president of Boltcutters Ministries Internation-al, the project coordinator, located at 8404 Early Bud Way, Laurel, MD 20723. (On the Web at http://www.projectroundhouse.org/).

George M. Tschida
May 18, 1910 - July 30, 2001
George M. Tschida, 91, formerly of Kendall Street, passed away at 4:30 a.m. Mon-day, July 30th. Mr. Tschida was the owner of the former Tschida Insurance Agency. Prior to his agency George served as a sheriff's deputy for St. Joseph County. He was also a former member of the D.F.V. German Club, St. Anthony Society, Calvert Rod & Gun Club, Rum Village Businessman's Association, Elk's Club, P.N.A. #38, William Penn Association, and the American Bowling Congress. George's loves were his family, bowling and his lake cottage, Camp Tschida, which he turned into his home-away-from-home for his children and grandchildren. He was died of natural causes on Wednesday, July 25, in Bronson Methodist Hospital, Kalamazoo, Mich. He was born July 25, 1953, in South Bend, Ind., to Joseph A. Buzalski and the late Rosemary (Lee) Buzalski. She was preceded in death by her mother, Rosemary Lee Buzalski in 1979. She married James Jones on May 20, 1988, Terri attended John Adams High School. Mrs. Jones had a love for the outdoors where she enjoyed planting flowers and working in the garden. She had a very special love in her heart for animals. Terri will be missed for her sense of humor with jokes and her pretty smile. She leaves to cherish her memory her husband, James Jones of South Bend; her father, Joseph A. Buzalski of Mishawaka; one sister, Pam Dembinski, and one brother, Joseph A. Buzalski, both of South Bend; along with her grandmother, aunts, uncles, cousins, other relatives and friends whom she dearly loved. There will be no visitation. Alford's Mortuary has been entrusted with arrangements.

Richard C. Holcomb
March 21, 1926 - June 16, 2001
Mishawaka, IN — Richard "Dick" C. Holcomb, 75 years old, residing on Russell Avenue in Mishawaka, passed away at 1:16 a.m. on Saturday, June 16, 2001, at the St. Joseph Community Hospital, Mishawaka, from natural causes. Dick was born in South Bend on Sept. 10, 1947, to Peter and Marie Kowalski, both of whom preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife, Susan; his daughter, Julie Kowalski of Indianapolis, Ind.; his son, Adam Kowalski of South Bend; and by a sister, Judith Fields of San Antonio, Texas. Dr. Kowalski was an emergency room physician and had previously served as a flight surgeon in the United States Air Force. He practiced medicine continually since his graduation in 1971 from the Indiana University School of Medicine in Indianapolis. Dr. Kowalski was also a graduate of the University of Notre Dame School of Law. Arrangements were handled by the Palm Mortuary of Las Vegas. Contributions may be made to MASH Village for the Homeless, 1559 N. Main, Las Vegas, NV 89101.

Patricia A. Lukaszewski
July 20, 1942 - June 15, 2001
Patricia A. Lukaszewski, 58, of Bridge Drive, South Bend, Ind., passed away following an illness at 6:46 a.m. Friday, June 15, in Memor-ial Hospital. She was died after a brief illness at 4:15 a.m. Saturday, June 16, in the Saint Joseph Regional Me-dical Center, South Bend, Ind. As the son of Walter and Felicia Paw-lowski, both deceased, John was a graduate of Mishawaka High School, and was an honorably discharged World War II Army veteran. Mr. Pawlowski retired from Wheelabrator-Frye Manufacturing in 1980 after over 40 years of employment. On April 7, 1945, Mr. Pawlowski married Mary Virginia Carnes, who Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association or to St. Joseph Church.

Jill L. Phillips
Oct. 25, 1975 - April 2001
Jill Lorraine Phillips, 25, of 1410 N. Haiden Drive, Syracuse, Ind., entered into rest April 2001 in Syracuse, Ind. An investigation is pending. Jill was born on February 27, 1940, in Lakeville, to the late Willard and Mabel (Smeltzer) Sauer. She lived in Lakeville most of her life, residing in Mishawaka for the past ten years. Carolyn enjoyed playing euchre and loved NASCAR Racing. She was a former member of the American Legion Post 363 Auxiliary in Lakeville and Wyatt Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary. Survivors include her companion with whom she made her home, Charles Kovach of Mishawaka; one daughter, Kim Clayton of Benton, Ark.; two sons, Alan Sanders of Mishawaka and Billy Sanders of Benton, Ark.; two step-sons, Doug Sanders and Larry Sanders, both of Benton; four grandchildren; nine sisters, Alice Platz of Plymouth, Maxine Harter of Wyatt, Velma Merrill of Lakeville, Catherine Merrill of Louisville, KY, Arlene Jacobs of Mishawaka, Lois Miller of Mishawaka, Fayetta Sauer of Etna Green, Joice Gaines of Lakeville and Jane McCracken of Fort Worth, TX; three brothers, Floyd, Robert and Dale Sauer, all of Lakeville. Two sisters, Mary Gernhart and Jean Battles, and one brother, Vernon Sauer, all preceded in death. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 19, 2001, at the Palmer Funeral Home, 314 S. Michigan Street, Lakeville. Brother Steve Nani, CSC, will officiate. Graveside services and burial will follow at Bremen Cemetery, Bremen, IN. Friends may visit with the family from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. on Monday, June 18, at the Palmer Funeral Home, Lakeville. Contributions in memory of Carolyn J. Sanders may be donated to Hospice of St. Joseph County, INC, 111 Sunnybrook Court, South Bend, IN 46637.

Barbara A. Senff
July 3, 1935 - June 12, 2001
Barbara Ann Senff, 65, of 4910 Craig Road, South Bend, Ind., succumbed to cancer at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 12, in her home. She was born to this marriage. She was preceded in death by her mother, Violet. She is survived by her father, Kenneth, 92, of Bremen; her husband, Jay of South Bend; her two children, Debra of Richmond and Scott of South Bend; and by her three grandchildren, Jack, Eric and Emma Senff of South Bend. Barbara graduated from Bremen High School and was voted Miss Bremen in 1953. She worked for Otis Bowen's political campaign for governor, and served 12 years as a state hearing officer for the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. She also worked for Milady Shops for 12 years. Barbara was a 29-year member of Alcoholics Anonymous, and served on the board of directors for Phoenix House. There will be no visitation. A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 3, in River Park United Methodist Church, 920 S. 23rd Street, South Bend. Memorial contributions may be made to the River Park United Methodist Church or to Hospice of St. Joseph County. The Guisinger Colonial Chapel Funeral Home, South Bend, is assisting the Senff family with arrangements.

Audrey E. Deckard
Nov. 30, 1915 - April 11, 2001
Audrey E. Deckard, "Mam," 85, residing on Fairington Circle, South Bend, Ind., passed away at 7:57 a.m. on Wednesday, April 11, in Hospice House, where she had been a patient for one week. She was born on May 7, 1942, in Argos, Ind., to the late Ken-neth and Isa-belle (Stults) Kreiger. On June 16, 1962, in Argos United Meth-odist Church, he married the former Marlene Berger. Quinn is survived by his wife of 38 years, Marlene; a daughter, Michele (Don) Doan of Osceola, Ind.; two sons, Chris (Lisa) Kreiger of Wakarusa, Ind., and Koby Kreiger of Osceola; five grandchildren, Marie Doan, Quinn Doan, M.J. Doan, Kyle Kreiger and Cory Kreiger. He also leaves behind his faithful dog, Storm. Quinn worked for the South Bend Ironworker Local 292 and became the B.A. of the local for 12 years. In 1979 he became co-owner and president of Trailmaster. Quinn was a member of Mishawaka Masonic Lodge #130, South Bend Scottish Rite, Kentucky Colonel, Club 15, Backwater Retriever Club, Duck's Unlimited, National Wild Turkey Federation, Ironworker Local 292 of South Bend, and the South Bend First Church of the Nazarene. He was also a lifetime member of the St. Joe Valley Bassmasters and B.A.S.S. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today, April 13, in the Hahn Funeral Home, 505 West 8th Street, Mishawaka. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 14, in South Bend First Church of the Nazarene, with Rev. Jay Ott officiating. There will be one hour of visitation in the church on Saturday before the service. Burial will take place with a graveside service at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, April 16, at Olive Cemetery, Elkhart, Ind. In memory of Quinn, donations may be made to St. Joe Valley Bassmasters to help with the Children's 25th Anniversary Fishing Tournament to be held on August 11, 2001.

Charles F. Luke
July 11, 1912 - April 11, 2001
Charles F. Luke, 88, of Bancroft Circle, Misha-waka, Ind., formerly of Layton Road, Mishawaka, passed away at 6:35 a.m. on Tuesday morning, April 11, in his residence. Mr. Luke was died at her residence, 8225 King Road, Plymouth, on Thursday, April 12, 2001. Alice died at 1:36 a.m. on Thursday, April 12, in Memorial Hospital. He was died in February 2000. He is survived by four daughters, Irma Orta of Mexico, Nicolassa (Robert) Torres of Texas, Margarita (Fermin) Estrada of Texas and Angelita (Oscar) Sandoval of Texas; four sons, Miguel Orta of Texas, Ricardo (Julia) Orta of South Bend, Mariano (Mary Ann) Orta Jr. of South Bend and David Orta of South Bend; 27 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren; and by his companion for 19 years, Phyllis Nozykowski and the Whitt family. Visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday in the St. Joseph Funeral Home, 824 S. Mayflower Road, where services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday. Burial will be at the St. Joseph Cemetery.

Lena E. Williams
March 18, 1916 - April 7, 2001
Lena Earlee Williams, 85, of Cassopolis, Mich., born on March 18, 1916, in Thomasville, Ala. She was united in holy matrimony to Cornelius Williams on Nov. 30, 1938, in Linden, Ala. He preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by four brothers, a daughter-in-law, three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, and by a sister. She was formerly employed as a homemaker and farmer. She resided with her husband in Chicago, Ill., and Gary, Ind., before making her home at 18024 Chain Lake Street, Cassopolis. She is survived by her sons, Cornelius Williams of Mount Clemens, Mich., and Trenholm C. Williams Sr. of Cassopolis; 20 grandchildren, 42 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren; seven sisters; two daughters-in-law; a brother (missing); and by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Services will be at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday in Chain Lake Baptist Church, Cassopolis, where friends may call from noon until time of services. Additional services will be at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, April 17, in Mosley Funeral Home, 43 South Hwy, Thomasville, Ala., where burial will be at Airmount Cemetery, Thomasville. The Robbins Brothers Funeral Home, Benton Harbor, is handling local arrangements. The family would like to thank everyone for their condolences, thoughts and well-wishes.

Helen V. Wykoff
June 3, 1913 - April 11, 2001
Helen V. Wykoff, 87, of Hamilton Grove in New Carlisle, Ind., passed away on Wednesday, April 11, in Saint Joseph's Re-gional Medical Center, South Bend, Ind. Mrs. Wykoff was born on Jan. 24, 1943, in South Bend, Ind., and was a lifetime resident of the Michiana area. Mr. Dill is survived by his family, Marigrace Dill, and a daughter, Jennifer L. Bennett, Granger, Ind.; and two sons, Brian L. Rose and Eric A. Rose, both of Elkhart, Ind.; six loving grandchildren, whom he loved and cherished; a sister, Phyllis Erp of Florida; and by several nieces and nephews. Jim was a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, and proudly served his great country which he often spoke of with pride. He was also a member of Indiana Trail R iders, and enjoyed his free time camping and riding his horse with his friends. He was an avid animal lover, and loved to watch and care for all his pets. Jim will not only be sadly missed by his family but by numerous friends he had during his life journey. Friends may visit with the family from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 10, in the Hanley & S ons "Southwest C hapel" Funeral Home, located at West Ireland Road and Indiana 23, South Bend. A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday in the funeral home. Cremation has taken place. The family request that all memorial contributions be made to Hospice of St. Joseph County, 111 Sunnybrook C ourt, South Bend, IN 46637. The HANLEY & Sons "Southwest Chapel" Funeral Home handled arrangements and services and extend deepest sympathy and heartfelt prayers to the Dill family.

Robert V. Gilroy
July 7, 1924 - Nov. 5, 2001
Robert V. Gilroy, 77, passed away Monday, Nov. 5, in the Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center. Bob was died at 2 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 6, in Provena Covenant Hospital, Champaign, Ill. She was died Tuesday, Nov. 6, in Valleyview Health C are, Elkhart, Ind. She was died on Jan. 31, 1989. She was also preceded in death by her sisters, Florence Lovitt and Betty Keppler; and by her brothers, Charles, Cleo, Elmer and Dale Werntz. She is survived by two daughters, Andrea Kollars and Karen Lovitt-Pauwels, both of South Bend; sons, Jack (Lois) Lovitt of South Bend, Roger (Betty) Lovitt of Elkhart and Chris Lovitt of Mishawaka, Ind.; and by 14 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. Family and friends may call from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. today, Nov. 8, in the FOREST G. HAY FUNERAL HOME. Mrs. Lovitt's funeral services will be at 1 p.m. today in the funeral home. Rev. James Nichols, pastor of Westside Church of Christ to which Mrs. Lovitt belonged, will officiate. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of St. Joseph County.

Edward J. Meehan
May 14, 1925 - Nov. 6, 2001
Edward John Meehan, 76, of Woodlawn Boulevard, passed away early Tuesday morning, Nov. 6, in Hospice House of St. Joseph County. He was died at home in the loving arms of her family. Funeral visitation for family and friends will be held from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. today, Nov. 8, in the Starks and Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Road, St. Joseph, Mich. A service celebrating her life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 9, in Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church in Stevensville. Rev. Kenneth Ferrier and Rev. Phillip Quardokus will officiate. Burial will be at Hickory Bluff Cemetery. Gladys was died at 4:10 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 7, in the Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center. She was born on August 23, 1934, in New Castle, IN, to the late J. Victor and Gladys (Shriver) Wright. He has resided in South Bend since 1970, moving from Elkhart. In 1953, in New Castle, he married Patricia (Lovely) Auld, who resides in Elkhart. On August 8, 1970, in South Bend, he married Shirley A. (Trost) Schreiber-Wright, who survives. Along with his wife, Shirley, survivors include two sons, Gene (Julie) Wright of Elkhart and John (Stephanie) Wright of Elkhart; one stepdaughter, DiAnn S. (Terry) Becker of South Bend; one stepson, Philip (Julie) Schreiber of Granger; one daughter-in-law, Leesa Schreiber of South Bend; seven grandchildren, Michael (Jessica) Schreiber II, Mark Schreiber, Andrew Schreiber, Lucas Wright, Maggie Wright, Clark Wright and Mollie Wright; and one great-grandson, Avery Schreiber. O ne stepson, Michael Schreiber, and one brother, Donald Wright, preceded in death. Mr. Wright was a long-term sales representative for W.W. Granger and Air Equipment in Elkhart and the retired owner of For Pets Sake Pet Store in South Bend. Mr. Wright was an officer for the Benevolent Protective Order of the Elks #235 in Elkhart, officer for the Fraternal Order of the Eagles #95, Elkhart, Mercator Club, Charter and Booster member of the South Bend Silverhawks, Usher for the University of Notre Dame football and basketball games, and an avid fan of Notre Dame Girls Basketball. Mr. Wright graduated in 1952 from Sulfur Springs High School, Sulfur Springs, IN, where he played on the basketball team, and he was a member of the Indiana National Guard. Mr. Wright was an avid bowler and sports fan. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, November 9, 2001, at the Palmer Funeral Home, 2528 Mishawaka Avenue, South Bend. Rev. Steve Braden, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church in Elkhart, will officiate. Cremation will follow. Friends may visit with the family from 4 to 8 p.m. today, November 8, at the Palmer Funeral Home, South Bend. Contributions in memory of Robert Gene Wright may be donated to the Potawatomi Zoological Society, 500 S. Greenlawn Avenue, South Bend, IN 46615.