Alfred "Bert" Chisholm

Alfred Burton “Bert” Chisholm, 85, of Niles, passed away Wednesday afternoon, November 9, 2011, at home. He lost his courageous battle with kidney failure which also led to heart disease.

Bert was born May 7, 1926 in Rochester, New Hampshire, to Fred and Alice Chisholm. While living in East Rochester, he worked at Cochecho Woolen Mill where he met Kathleen V. Holmstrom. They married on January 12, 1945 and were together 53 years until her death on May 16, 1998. Years later he met Inez Brock who was his companion for many years until his death.

In 1950, Bert and Kathleen moved to Bremen. He went to work at Bendix Corporation and the family eventually moved to South Bend. Bert started out as a packer in wheels and struts in the aircraft division. He was elected committee man for the UAW Local and later was elected their vice-president. Bert was an official with the UAW for 14 years until he retired after 36 ½ years at Bendix.

Besides his parents and his wife, Bert was also preceded in death by two sons, Larry Holmstrom and Danny Chisholm; a granddaughter, Kathleen Schuh; a sister, Freida Hassen; a brother, Clyde Chisholm; and a half sister, June Storie.

Bert was a loving and wonderful husband and father. His remaining children include a son, Bob (Martha) Page of South Bend; and two daughters, Nancy (Jim) Whiteman of Plymouth and Lillian (Don) Lindsey of Granger. Bert also has 12 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, and 10 great-great grandchildren.

We will miss that special place our father had in our hearts. Much love until we meet again.

Bert’s children want to give special thanks to Dr. Sarnat for the kind and caring way he treated our dad, to Dr. Richter for taking time to explain so much to us and always being there for dad, to Nephrology 710 Park Place for their wonderful care, and to Hospice at Home and their nurse, Debbie, for helping us through such a difficult time.

Services for Bert will be held Saturday, November 19, at 2 pm in the Chapel at Bremen Cemetery in Bremen with Pastor Erv Mize officiating. Burial will follow.

Memorials are suggested to the American Kidney Foundation, American Heart Association or Hospice at Home.

Arrangements are in the care of Goethals & Wells Funeral Home, 503 W. 3rd Street, Mishawaka.