Carmelo RITSCHARD

1 APR 1927 - 27 JAN 2019

• BIRTH: 1 APR 1927, South Bend, St Joseph, IN
• DEATH: 27 JAN 2019, Mishawaka,St Joseph, IN

• MARRIAGE: 19 NOV 1945, St Joseph County, Indiana

INDEX

[N850] Carmelo Frederic Ritschard

BIRTH 1 Apr 1927
South Bend, St Joseph, IN

DEATH 27 Jan 2019 (aged 91)
Mishawaka, St. Joseph County, IN

BURIAL
Mount Pleasant Cemetery
South Bend, St. Joseph County, IN
MEMORIAL ID196447619

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Carmelo Frederic Ritschard, 91, passed away peacefully on Sunday January 27, 2019, surrounded by his family, at Primrose Retirement Community in Mishawaka, IN. He was born on April 1, 1927, to the late Remedios (Ojanguren) and Fred Ritschard, Sr. Loretta Ritschard, Carmelo’s ex-wife and dear friend preceded him in death. He is survived by four daughters, Sandy (Jack) Demitruk of Osceola, IN, Sue (Rick) Paulin of Mishawaka, IN, Chr(Jonn) Higgins of Carmel, IN, Deb (Brian) Canfield of Mishawaka, IN, two sons, Jay (Amy) Ritschard of South Bend, IN, Jeff (Andrea) Ritschard of South Bend, IN, 16 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren. He has one surviving sister, Dolly Fischer of South Bend and two deceased brothers, Don and Fred Ritschard, Jr., and many nieces and nephews. On June 10, 1989, Carmelo married Patricia Kent who preceded him in death.

Carmelo was known for his honesty, kindness, generosity and always being a gentleman. Carmelo and his brother Don were long-time owners of Ritschard Bros., Inc. doing excavating and demolition. Carmelo retired on May 31, 1996, after 50 years with the company. Carmelo was a thirty-second degree Mason, and a lifetime member of the following, South Bend Elks Lodge #235, South Bend Turner Club, Council Oak Lodge #745, and Scottish Rite Valley of South Bend. He also was a lifetime member of Orak Shrine Temple volunteering for twelve years to transport children to the Chicago Shrine Hospital and the Cincinnati Burn Center.

Carmelo loved to golf, play cards, dance, travel, and spend time with his family. His smile could light up a room and will be missed. He served in the US Navy during World War II.

The family would like to thank Primrose Retirement Community for their compassionate care and Heartland Hospice for their compassion and respectful end of life care. The family would like to give a special thanks to “Evie” for bringing so much joy to Carmelo during his years in assisted living.

Visitation will be held from 2:00 to 8:00 pm on Friday, February 1 , 2019, at WELSHEIMER FUNERAL HOME, 17033 Cleveland Rd, South Bend, IN. A Masonic memorial service will be held at 7 PM.

A Christian service will be held at 10:00 am February 2, 2019, with family receiving friends one hour before the service. at Sunnyside Presbyterian Church, 115 S. Frances St., South Bend. Burial will follow at Mount Pleasant Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in Carmelo‘s name may be made to Shriners Hospital for Children, Office of Development, 2211 N. Oak Park Ave., Chicago IL 60707-3392. Family and friends may leave email condolences at www.welsheimer.com.