Eleanor M. Trippel

Eleanor M. Trippel, 91, of Mishawaka, passed away Tuesday, January 1, 2013, in the Sanctuary at St. Paul’s, South Bend.

Eleanor was born December 3, 1921 in Mishawaka, a daughter of the late Henry and Mary (Meuninck) Bokhart. She was a graduate of Mishawaka High School.

Eleanor married Robert J. Trippel on November 27, 1952. The couple made Mishawaka their home.

Eleanor was the first secretary for the Rectory at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Mishawaka. She also was a cook for the Priests at the Parish and retired in 1982. Prior to her marriage she was employed for several years at the University of Notre Dame.

Eleanor was a life-long member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and belonged to the Rosary Society. She was a member of the National Catholic Society of Foresters. Eleanor enjoyed playing cards, bingo and coffee time with her friends while living at the 100 Center. She also enjoyed reading.

Eleanor’s family was the center of her life and those surviving her include three children, Eugene (Cathy) Trippel of Mishawaka, Mary Carol (Bob) Nagle of Mishawka, and Patrick (Monique) Trippel of Crown Point; a son-in-law, Kevin O’Dell of Maryland; twelve grandchildren, Nick Trippel, Jessica Trippel, Robert (Rebecca) Nagle, Joe Nagle, Mary Nagle, Sean Trippel, Sonya Trippel, Jeremy (Lyndsey) O’Dell, Andy (Jessica) O’Dell, Kevin (Kaytie) O’Dell, Katie O’Dell and Halley O’Dell; eight great grandchildren; a brother, Art (Shirley) Bokhart; and two sisters, Catherine DeVreese and Mary Anne (Carl) Lehner.

Eleanor was preceded in death by her husband, Bob; a daughter, Nancy O’Dell; an infant son, John Trippel; and a brother, George Bokhart.

Friends may spend time with Eleanor’s family Thursday, January 3, from 2 - 7 pm in Goethals & Wells Funeral Home, 503 W. 3rd Street, Mishawaka, where the Rosary will be prayed at 4 pm.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday at 12 noon in St. Joseph Catholic Church, 225 S. Mill Street, Mishawaka, with Rev. Terry Fisher officiating. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Mishawaka.

Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Joseph Church. Assistance with memorials is available through the funeral home.