George D VAN HOUTDREVE

13 JUN 1922 - 14 AUG 2012

• BIRTH: 13 JUN 1922, Mishawaka, St Joseph, Indiana
• DEATH: 14 AUG 2012, Mishawaka, St Joseph, Indiana

INDEX

[N18430] George D Van Houtdreve

Birth 13 Jun 1922
Mishawaka, St. Joseph County, IN
Death 14 Aug 2012
Mishawaka, St. Joseph County, IN

Burial Fairview Cemetery Mishawaka, St. Joseph County, Indiana, USA
Memorial ID 95576940

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George D. Van Houtdreve
June 13, 1922 - Aug. 14, 2012
MISHAWAKA - George D. Van Houtdreve, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and uncle, passed away on August 14, 2012, at the age of 90. George was born on June 13, 1922, in Mishawaka, IN, the son of Rosa and Michael Van Houtdreve, who along with his sister, Jeanne Hutchison, preceded him in death. George attended St. Bavo Grade School and graduated in 1941 from Mishawaka High School. On October 13, 1943, being home for a few days' leave from the United States Coast Guard, he married the love of his life, Stella DeBlaere. George and Stella's marriage was blessed with the birth of three daughters: Karen (Randy) Leliaert of Osceola, IN, Nancy Barnett of Osceola, IN, and Sally (Terry) Kovacs of Brownsburg, IN. Cherishing their memories of Grandpa George are 11 grandchildren: Matt Leliaert of Osceola, IN, Elizabeth (Ben) Chase of Brooklyn, New York, Curtis Barnett of Osceola, IN, Lindsay (Glendon) Zinser of Florence, KY, Alyssa (Greg) Weatherholt of Beech Grove, IN, Scott Kindig and fiancée, Alyssa Potts of Braselton, GA, Whitney Kindig (Brock Coffey) of Gaston, IN, Seth Kindig (Ashley Sours) of Cold Water, MI, Kimberly Kovacs of Quincy, MI, Steven Kovacs of Brownsburg, IN, and Melissa (David) Raymond and children, Grace and Abbigail, of Petersburg, MI. Also bringing much joy and a smile to his face were four great-grandchildren: Trace Leliaert, Addison Zinser, Brendan Zinser and Nicholas Kindig. George also leaves his only niece, Peggy (Hutchison) Powell and husband, Terry of Rossville, GA, and her two children, Taylor and Tenesa Pickett. As a youth in scouting, George achieved the notable rank of Eagle Scout. He continued in scouting during his high school years as a member of the Sea Scouts. It was during this time, at the age of 16, that he had his first date with Stella, his future bride. In 1942, with a desire to serve his country, George enlisted in the United States Coast Guard. He served until being honorably discharged in December 1945. Upon returning from service, George worked at Dodge Manufacturing in Mishawaka and the U.S. Postal Service. In 1949, George began his career as a professional firefighter with the City of Mishawaka Fire Department. He retired after 20 years of service in 1969 with the rank of Captain. He most recently held the distinguished title of oldest member of the Mishawka Retired Firemen. George began a second career at the former Wheelabrator-Frye Corporation in the Research and Development Department. He retired again 17 years later. Throughout his life, George had an interest in sports, being an expert swimmer and life guard in the scouts. Later, he was an enthusiastic Notre Dame sports fan, following both Notre Dame football and Notre Dame women's basketball for many years. He also cheered on his own children and grandchildren in both their academic and athletic endeavors. George will be profoundly and deeply missed by his wife of 68 years, Stella, his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Their fond memories and love of Grandpa George will keep him alive, always with them, in their hearts forever.We wish to acknowledge the compassion, many kindnesses, and loving concern given to our father and our family by the exemplary staff of Morning Crest Nursing and Memory Care Center. We are deeply grateful. We are also thankful to the staff of Southerncare's Hospice Program who, with great houghtfulness and gentleness, guided us through this most difficult time. We know now that our beloved father is in the arms of our Lord and will be at peace for eternity. Visitation will be on Thursday, August 23, from 4 to 7 p.m., with wake prayers at 6:30 p.m. in Hahn Funeral Home, 505 W. 8th Street, Mishawaka. A Mass of Christian Burial will be on Friday, August 24, at 10 a.m. in St. Bavo Catholic Church, Mishawaka, with Rev. Barry England officiating. Entombment will follow in Fairview Cemetery Mausoleum, Mishawaka. To leave the family an online condolence or to share memories with the family, please visit our website at www.hahnfuneralhomes.com. Published in South Bend Tribune on August 19, 2012