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Gunther W. Jordan
May 11, 1929 - Aug. 28, 2009
ELKHART, IN - The communities of Elkhart and South Bend have lost a valuable community member, businessman, family man, friend, neighbor, philanthropist, and member of the Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer. Gunther W. Jordan was born in Munich, Germany, on May 11th, 1929. He grew up during very tough times in the world, but especially in Germany. He was raised by his mother after his father passed away while Gunther was just five years old. He lived through the war, enduring bombing raids, and knowing what it was like to go hungry. This life experience and humble beginnings resulted in him never taking anything for granted and being grateful for any blessings he received. In 1965 Mr. Jordan married Barbara A. (Hauttmann). They were married for almost 44 years and she was the love of his life. They have three children whom he was very proud of, Andreas (Andy) C. Jordan and his wife, Cheryl (Jacobs), Daniela M. Larson and her husband, Donald, and Matthias (Matt) W. Jordan and his wife, Stacy (Hughes). He also has a daughter, Renate Jordan, living in Germany. His children have blessed him with nine grandchildren. They are Lucas, Simon, Christopher, Emily, Joshua, Annika, Elizabeth, Donald Jr. and Marissa. Mr. Jordan began his professional career in Sales and Marketing for the German company Carl Zeiss, a manufacturer and distributor of fine mechanical and optical equipment. His position at Carl Zeiss included a four - year assignment in the United States working in Manhattan and then in Morristown, NJ. Later he became Sales Director for the export business at Carl Zeiss. After his career with Zeiss, Mr. Jordan joined a German group of companies, PFEIFER Seil & Hebetechnik GMBH, a leading European manufacturer of cable and hoist technologies, as Managing Director. The four years Mr. Jordan spent in the late 60s and early 70s living and working in the United States fostered a love for this country that would ultimately draw him back. In 1985 he was approached by AL - KO Kober, a German company, to start and head a North American division as president. Mr. Jordan jumped at this opportunity and quickly moved his family to Elkhart, IN. After his contract expired, the Jordans decided they wanted to remain in this great country. On January 1st, 1989, they purchased EXACTO, Inc. of South Bend, a precision manufacturing facility. Through hard work and dedication the Jordans grew EXACTO into a well - respected company, supplying customers both domestically and internationally. In 2007 EXACTO received the Small Business of the year award from the St. Joseph County Chamber of Commerce. This was one of Mr. Jordan's proudest achievements. Mr. and Mrs. Jordan were the benefactors for the International Center at Indiana University of South Bend. Their desire was to give back to the community that gave them so much and to make international students feel like they have a home away from home. Today the International Center also houses the Center for a Sustainable Future. In recognition of their work for international students, the Jordans were the first recipients of the Distinguished International Service Award from Indiana University Bloomington. Both in his professional and personal life, Gunther always put everyone ahead of his own needs. He loved his family, his friends, his extended family of employees, both past and present, and all the people he met along the way. Mr. Jordan was a hard - working man who realized that the American Dream is still alive, if you are willing to work for it. Even at 80 years old he was still active in the business he loved. Mr. Jordan's work didn't leave much free time for vacations and travel. But he immensely enjoyed his summer weekends, or "mini - vacations" as he called them, on his motor yacht on Lake Michigan. Mr. Jordan was an avid yachtsman for the past 23 years and a member of the New Buffalo Yacht Club. For the past 5 years he was a member of the Lake Michigan Yacht Club and was rarely seen without his LMYC hat. The thing Mr. Jordan valued and loved most was his family. He would tell stories of his travels and adventures while being surrounded by family and friends. Wherever he was, he was usually the center of attention. Mr. Jordan also had a passion for the arts and very much liked his visits to the Art Institute of Chicago. His other interests included listening to music, especially classical. He also had an extensive collection of rare cacti, succulents, and caudiciforms, totaling over 240 specimens. Mr. Jordan also held a special place in his heart for animals, especially all the doggies in the world. Since 1991 Mr. Jordan suffered from a severe heart condition. In 2008 he heard about a stem cell procedure utilizing stem cells from his own blood to regenerate his heart muscle and improve blood flow. At the time, this procedure was only available in Bangkok, Thailand. After much consideration and meeting with a patient who received the same treatment, his wife and son Matt accompanied him on the Journey of a Lifetime to Bangkok. The trip included stays in Mr. Jordan's native and beloved hometown of Munich. The stem cell treatment in Bangkok was very successful and Gunther was able to enjoy another year of life. The trip also gave him an arsenal of new stories to tell. In recent months, however, he developed another health problem, which made him weak until his heart finally gave out on Friday afternoon, surrounded by his wife, his two sons and their respective wives. The family wishes to thank his Cardiologist, Naseer Nasser, M.D., for his compassionate care and the wonderful team of nurses at Saint Joseph's Regional Medical Center in South Bend. During his work career Mr. Jordan traveled to over 45 different countries, undoubtedly touching many lives and making many great connections along the way. Many of his business travels were to Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. Mr. Jordan was always known for his humble nature and caring compassion for all human kind. To Gunther, it didn't matter who you were, he always treated everyone the way he wanted to be treated. He enjoyed the simple things in life and the beauty in nature. Everywhere he went he was known as a true gentleman. Mr. Jordan would want to be remembered not with sadness, but with joy for a full life lived and his commitment to never giving up. Friends may call Thursday from 4 - 8 p.m. at McGann Hay Funerals | Cremations | Gatherings, Granger Chapel, 13260 SR 23 (enter off Cherry Road), Granger. Funeral services are planned for 1:00 p.m. Friday in the funeral home. Cremation to follow. The family requests that, instead of flowers, donations be made in Gunther W. Jordan's name to the American Heart Association , the Humane Society of your choice, or to the Midwest Museum of American Art in Elkhart, IN. For our European family and friends, donations may be made to the German Heart Centre of the Technical University Munich for their work on Stem Cell Research for the Heart, Lazarettstrasse 36 D - 80636, Munich.
Ruth Sullivan
July 17, 1917 - Aug. 29, 2009
SOUTH BEND - Ruth was called by her Lord and Savior on Saturday, August 29, 2009, to come home to the place that He had prepared for her. She was born July 17, 1917, to the late Henry and Bertha Schultz of South Bend. A 1935 graduate of Riley High School, Ruth lived most of her life on the south side of South Bend, raising her family and working part - time for the family business, Sullivan Thompson Paint Store, and the Does God Exist program. Ruth was preceded in death by her devoted and loving husband of 63 years, Ward Sullivan; her brother, Henry Schultz Jr.; and her grandson, David Sullivan. She is survived by her three children, Sandra (Roger) Villines, Bruce (Elaine) Sullivan and Maureen Curtis; six grandchildren, Chrystie (Perry) Villines Turner, Terrence Villines, Audrey (Frank) Sullivan Monte, Ashley Melinda Sullivan, Staci (Jerry) Curtis Adams and Jeremy Ward Curtis; six great - grandchildren, Emily Turner, Alex Turner, David Edwards Monte, Matthew Sullivan Monte, Christian Curtis and Andrea Adams; and three sisters, Ethel Roberts, Irene (James) Hostetter and Bernice Miller. She never forgot a birthday, and could always be counted on to send a meaningful card that said something lovely and sincere to the recipient - be they a child, grandchild, brother, sister or friend. Ruth always put her faith in God first, her family second, her friends third and herself last. She was the ultimate caregiver, the first person to be there if anyone needed help, and the last one to leave. She touched so many lives with her cheerful smile and gracious heart. She was special indeed, and a living angel to many - you know who you are. Ruth spent her entire life looking out for the needs of others. In the end she was rewarded with special, devoted care by a multitude of friends, and her family is very grateful. The family would like to give special thanks to her longtime dear friends, Karl and Julie Marcussen, for all the love and care they gave to her; also, a special thanks to her loving sister, Bernice Miller, and good friends, Connie Mellander, Joe and Sybil Lynn for their love and support. The family's gratitude, as well, goes out to the wonderful staff at the Southfield Village, the ICU doctors and nurses at Memorial Hospital, and the staff at the Elkhart Hospice and Palliative Care. Visitation with the family will be today, Sept. 1st, from 5 to 7 PM in the McGann Hay, Forest G. Hay Chapel, South Ironwood Drive at Jefferson. The celebration service of Ruth's life will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 2nd, at 11 AM, also in the funeral home, followed by her burial at Saint Joseph Valley Memorial Park. Memorial donations may be made to the Does God Exist program or to the Schultz Lewis Children's Home.
Virginia L. Palmer
November 30, 1926 – August 27, 2009
Virginia L. Palmer, 82, of South Bend, IN passed away August 27, 2009. Born November 30, 1926 in Gary, IN, she was the daughter of the late Frank and Maryanne (Cisowski) Haj.On June 3, 1950, Virginia married Gerald A. Palmer. He preceded her in death in 2001. She was also preceded in death by her sister, Charlotte Szczerba. She is survived by one daughter; Collette M. and her husband Joseph Hanslits, Jr.; two grandchildren, Allison L. and Timothy J. Hanslits, all of Pottstown, PA; and one sister, Wanda Burke of Merrillville, IN.Virginia was a member of Pioneers Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, September, 1 at 11:00 AM in the McGann Hay, University Chapel, Edison Rd, with visitation one hour prior. Burial will follow at Highland Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to St. Vincent DePaul, or the charity of the donor’s choice.
William Haslett "Keith"
Sept. 14, 1917 - Aug. 27, 2009
SOUTH BEND - William "Keith" Haslett, 91, passed away August 27, 2009. Born September 14, 1917, he was the son of the late Earl and Lyla Haslett, and was a brother to Elizabeth Newburgh. On July 30, 1942, he married Mary Baker. She survives in South Bend. Also surviving are two children, Karen Sue (Haslett) Gurich and Philip Nelson (Jackie) Haslett; three grandchildren and eight great - grandchildren. A memorial will be held at a later date.
Allen B. Smith
May 28, 1966 - Aug. 26, 2009
SOUTH BEND - The Smith family mourns the tragic and sudden lost of a husband, father, son, grandson, and brother. Mr. Allen Bruce Smith, 43, of South Bend, passed away from a work related accident at the Knights Inn in Roseland, on Wednesday, August 26, 2009. Allen's life began in South Bend on May 28, 1966, the firstborn child of Bruce Allen and Sandra Jean (Hall) Smith who both survive of South Bend. He met his wife Leila Renee (Cote) Smith while visiting a church on spring break in New Port Richey, Florida. He married her in South Bend on January 3, 1987. She survives of South Bend. Besides his parents and his wife, Allen is survived by his three children: Whitney D, Wesley A. and Wade A. Smith, all of South Bend; his brother, Troy J. Smith of Mishawaka and his sister Marlo R. (Albert) Ruiz of Chicago, IL; his grandmother Marjorie Hall of South Bend. Allen graduated from Riley High School in 1985, and soon after began a lifetime career in the Plumbing profession. He was a member of the Plumbers & Pipe Fitters Union Local #172. Allen was well known in the community and touched the lives of thousands of kids as a permanent fixture at East Side Little League. His extraordinary volunteer services there included coaching, umpiring, running the concession stand, and serving on the East Side Board of Representatives. Allen and his trademark White Sox hat will be greatly missed. Allen could often be found chasing his dogs Cocoa and Buster around the Crestwood neighborhood, and enjoyed watching the Notre Dame football games and attending the Notre Dame girl's basketball games faithfully with his dad. Allen was a faithful servant of God since being baptized and filled with the Holy Spirit as a child. He was currently a member of the House of Deliverance Church, and reflected the love of God by never hesitating to help out anyone in need. The Smith family now looks forward to their glorious reunion at Christ's return, "For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him." I Thess. 4:14 A celebration of Allen's life will be held at 1:30pm, Tuesday at the Christian Life Center, 1717 Hickory Rd., South Bend. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park, Granger. Friends may call from 2 - 4 & 6 - 8 pm Monday also at Christian Life Center. In lieu of sending flowers memorial contributions may be made in Allen's memory to the Allen B. Smith children at Teacher's Credit Union, or East Side Little League, PO Box 6112, South Bend, IN 46634. Arrangements are being handled by the McGann Hay Funeral Homes, University Chapel.
Deborah N. Sandroni
Oct. 29, 1958 - Aug. 26, 2009
GRANGER - Mrs. Deborah (Norman) Sandroni, 50, of Granger passed away at 11:00 am Wednesday, at Memorial Hospital, South Bend surrounded by her loving family. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 am Saturday, at St. Pius X Catholic Church Fir & SR 23, Granger where friends may call from 9 - 10 am. Visitation will also be on Friday from 4 - 8 pm at McGann Hay Funerals | Cremations | Gatherings, Granger Chapel, 13260 SR 23 (enter off Cherry Rd.) where there will be a Parish Vigil Service at 5 pm. Deb was born on Oct. 29, 1958 in Richmond, VA to Stanley F. Norman who survives of Granger, and Billie S. (Starkey) Norman who survives of South Bend. She was married on March 14, 1981 Libertyville, IL to Michael R. Sandroni who survives of Granger. Also surviving are their three sons: Lt. Jr. Grade Alexander M. (Mary Walsh) Sandroni of Pensacola, FL in the US Navy, Adam M. (Caitlin Fitzgerald) Sandroni of Los Angeles, CA, and Christian M. Sandroni a Midshipman at the US Naval Academy of Annapolis, MD. A brother also survives David S. (Stacy Balog) Norman of South Bend. She was a 1976 Graduate of Adlai E. Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire, IL. She was a 1979 graduate of Lake Forest College, Lake Forest, IL, with a BA Degree in Philosophy and Psychology. She received a Master's Degree in Social Science, from the University of Chicago in 1980. She worked from 1981 to 1985 as a researcher at the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety in Washington, D.C. She worked part time for many years at her family's business, BFC Industries later Prince Agri Products, Inc. in Bremen. Deb was a volunteer at our local Ronald McDonald House. She was very active in supporting her sons' ice hockey careers and served as a board member and President of the Irish Youth Hockey League and a board member of the Michiana High School Hockey League. In lieu of flowers memorial donations in Deb's memory may be made to: Ronald McDonald House Charities of Michiana, PO Box 1274, South Bend, IN 46624.
Adeline Hack
Aug. 28, 1927 - Aug. 24, 2009
BERRIEN CENTER - Mrs. Adeline Hack, 81, of Berrien Center, formerly of South Bend, IN, passed away at 8:30 p.m. Monday in Lakeland Specialty Hospital. Preceding her in death were her parents, her husband, Donald R. Hack, and brothers, James and Gene Ring. She is survived by four children, James (Jeanne) Hack of Dowagiac, MI, Carloyn (Dennis) Ward of Mishawaka, IN, Larry (Bonnie) Hack of Granger, IN, and Jerry Hack of South Bend, IN. She is also survived by five grandchildren, James (Maria) Hack Jr., Gypsy Klecka, Adam (Traci) Hack, Sarah (Lee) Stanton and Jennifer (Brandon) Ludwig; and eight great - grandchildren, Samantha, William, Taylor, Ethan, Jacob, Kai, Jade and Coleton. Adeline was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great - grandmother. A private graveside service will be held for the family. The family has requested that, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to Hospice of Southwest Michigan.
Elizabeth L. Balas
Feb. 4, 1927 - Aug. 23, 2009
GRANGER - Mrs. Elizabeth Louise "Betty" Balas, 82, of Granger, IN, passed away Sunday in the Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center, South Bend, IN. Mrs. Balas was born on February 4, 1927, in Hannibal, MO, to Robert Hugh and Loretta Ethel (O'Donnell) Rice. She was married to Frank Andrew Balas on May 1, 1948, in Chicago, IL. He survives of Granger. Betty worked as a foreclosure supervisor in the banking industry. She moved to Granger in 1989 from Plymouth, MI. In addition to her husband Frank, survivors include her six children, Susan (Jeffrey) Schneider of South Bend, Terrence (Mary Ellen) Balas of Palos Heights, IL, Timothy (Barbara) Balas of Centennial, CO, James (Debbie) of Zionsville, IN, Paul (Brenda) Balas of Troy, MI, and Deborah (Dave) Loth of Brighton, MI; 11 grandchildren; and a sister, Margaret Quinlan of Chicago. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday, August 26th, at 10:30 a.m., with visitation from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m., also Wednesday, in St. Pius X Catholic Church, Fir Road and SR 23, Granger. Cremation will take place and her ashes will be entombed at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA. She was a member of St. Pius X Parish where she was a member of the Resurrection Choir. Memorial donations may be made to Covenant House Michigan, 2959 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Detroit, MI 48208. McGann Hay Funerals | Cremations | Gatherings, Granger Chapel, is handling arrangements.
Robert M. Stevens Jr.
April 29, 1945 - Aug. 20, 2009
MISHAWAKA - Robert M. Stevens Jr., 64, of Mishawaka, IN, passed away August 20, 2009. Born April 29, 1945, he was the son of the late Ruth and Robert M. Stevens Sr. He was also preceded in death by two brothers, Silas and Paul Stevens; and a son, Robert M. Stevens III. On May 8, 1974, he married Judith M. Sessler. She survives in Mishawaka. He is also survived by five children, Norma Rupchock of Mishawaka, Robert M. (Michelle) Stevens IV of Mishawaka, Rick (Susan) Johnson of Mooresville, NC, Cheryl (Jerry) Foor of Plymouth and Michelle (Jamie) Stevens of New Hudson, MI; one brother, Saul Stevens of Terre Haute; seven sisters, Margaret Watson of Terre Haute, Phyllis Ott of Elkhart, Rita Tibbetts of Davenport, FL, Ann Stevens of Clinton, IN, Pamela Stevens of New Port Richey, FL, Chris Trimble of Clinton, IN, and Rebecca Stevens of Saudi Arabia; 15 grandchildren and one great - grandchild; several nieces and nephews; and his beloved, Denise. Robert loved all outdoor activities, especially cooking, camping and fishing. He was a great husband and cared very much for his children and grandchildren. He was also a proud Navy veteran. He was a member of the American Legion, Post 303. Friends may call from 4 - 8 PM on Monday, August 24, in the McGann Hay, University Chapel, Edison Road. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday in the funeral home at 11:00 AM, with visitation one hour prior. Burial will follow at Saint Joseph Valley Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Center for Hospice and Palliative Care.
