Richard "Dick" Vanavermaete

Richard A. “Dick” Van Avermaete, 80, of South Bend, passed away Sunday, March 30, 2014, in Memorial Hospital.

Dick was born June 1, 1933 in Mishawaka to the late Franciscus and Anna (Van Regenmortel) Van Avermaete. Dick, known in his younger years as “Chaz”, was a lifetime area resident. He graduated from Mishawaka High School in 1952.

On May 23, 1959, Dick married Joanne Van de Loo in Mishawaka.

Dick worked at Gibson Lewis, Forsey Construction and South Bend School Corporation. He appeared in a Studebaker commercial in the late 1950’s. Dick served his country is the US Army during the Korean War and was stationed in Germany. He was an usher at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Mishawaka and enjoyed a card club with friends and bowling. In retirement, Dick enjoyed making puzzles, traveling and attending his grandchildren’s many activities.

Dick is survived by his loving wife of over 54 years, Joanne; son, Brian Van Avermaete (Denise) of Hudson, Ohio, daughter-in-law, Sandra Van Avermaete of South Bend, daughter, Suzanne Moltzen (Rich) of Marietta, Georgia, and son, Christopher Van Avermaete (fiancée Kelly Walsh) of Chicago. He also leaves behind his grandchildren to cherish memories, Brandon Van Avermaete, Matthew Van Avermaete, Ashley Van Avermaete, Tony Van Avermaete, Amy Van Abermaete, Anna Van Avermaete, Lisa Exley, Julie Cloy and Laura Moltzen.

Dick was preceded in death by a son, Gregg Van Avermaete; a sister, Clara De Neve; and two brothers, Andre and Aloysius Van Avermaete.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday at 10 am in St. Joseph Catholic Church, 225 S. Mill Street, Mishawaka, with Rev. Terry Fisher officiating. Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery, Mishawaka.

Friends may spend time with Dick’s family Thursday from 3 – 7 pm in Goethals & Wells Funeral Home, 503 W. 3rd Street, Mishawaka, where the Rosary will be prayed at 4:30 pm.

Memorials are suggested to Christ Child Society.