Walter DORN

31 MAY 1921 - 7 APR 2009

• BIRTH: 31 MAY 1921, South Bend, St Joseph, IN
• DEATH: 7 APR 2009, South Bend, St Joseph, IN

• MARRIAGE: 1943, St. Mary's Catholic Church, South Bend, IN

INDEX

[N26787] Walter Dorn

Birth 31 May 1921
South Bend, St. Joseph County, IN

Death 7 Apr 2009 (aged 87)
South Bend, St. Joseph County, IN

Burial
Highland Cemetery
South Bend, St. Joseph County, IN
Memorial ID 35757107 ·

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Walter Dorn
May 31, 1921 - April 7, 2009

SOUTH BEND - Walter Dorn, 87, of South Bend, passed away on Tuesday April 7, 2009, in The Sanctuary at Holy Cross Care and Rehabilitation Center, South Bend. He was born on May 31, 1921, in South Bend, to the late Stanley and Catherine (Marosz) Dorn and was a lifelong area resident. On May 22, 1943, in St. Mary's Catholic Church, South Bend, he married Amelia E. Steinhofer, who survives. Along with his loving wife of 65 years, he is survived by his daughter, Catherine (David) Rivoira of Knoxville, TN; his son Walter J. (Vickie) Dorn of South Bend; five grandchildren, Kristen (Matthew) Griffin of Atlanta, GA, Kari (Steve) Horton of Knoxville, Michael Rivoira of Seattle, WA, Scott W. Dorn of Indianapolis, IN and Colleen Dorn of South Bend; and four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two sisters, Harriette Borsodi and Clara Chlebeck; and by eight brothers, Stanley, Steve, Paul, Frank, Stephen, Joseph, Ludwig and Casimir Dorn. Mr. Dorn worked for Studebaker for 10 years and then as an electrical engineer for I.U.S.B for 15 years, before retiring in 1986. He was a WWII Army Veteran, where he proudly served his country in Germany. In his childhood he attended St. Stanislaus Catholic School and Church and has been a lifelong parishioner of Holy Cross Catholic Church. Walter was married to Amelia, the love of his life, for over 65 years. Until his illness they could be seen holding hands and taking walks together. They were always a support for each other in both the joys and sorrows of life. Walter was a big man in both size and heart. His large hands not only worked well with tools, wood, and machinery, but they could hold a grandchild as if he or she were the most fragile of flowers. He was our role model and inspiration for the way a life should be lived. He always saw good in the things around him, gave of himself to others, appreciated the beauty of God's world, and found joy in his friendships and family. Some of Walter's favorite pastimes were looking for antiques, refinishing furniture, playing Euchre with his family, and the daily crossword puzzle. Earlier in his life, he loved to go fishing, plant his garden, and do magic tricks for his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Walter lived his life with integrity, honor, humor, and a strong faith in his God. We will miss his gentle spirit and his sense of humor. The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and aides at The South Bend clinic, Navarre Place, Memorial Hospital, and the Sanctuary at Holy Cross who helped Walter through his illness with respect and caring. Visitation will be from 3 to 7 PM Monday on April 13, 2009, in the Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Drive, South Bend, where a parish Rosary will be prayed at 4 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 AM Tuesday April 14, 2009, in Holy Cross Church, with burial to follow in Highland Cemetery, South Bend. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Holy Cross School Building, South Bend, IN 46628. To send online condolences, please visit www.kaniewski.com. "God saw you getting tired And a cure was not to be So He put His arms around you And whispered, "Come to Me." The golden gates stood open; God knew you needed rest. His garden must be beautiful For He only takes the best. It broke our hearts to lose you, But you did not go alone. For part of us went with you The day God called you home."