Albert I Pee Wee VAN HOECKE

10 JUN 1933 - 21 MAY 2013

• BIRTH: 10 JUN 1933, Mishawaka, IN
• BURIAL: Fairview Cemetery, Mishawaka, IN
• DEATH: 21 MAY 2013, Mishawaka, IN

• MARRIAGE: 18 MAY 1957, Mishawaka, IN

1.  Stormie VAN HOECKE
2.  Stacie VAN HOECKE
3.  Stephen VAN HOECKE
4.  Shellie VAN HOECKE

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[N6022] lbert I. Pee Wee Van Hoecke
June 10, 1933 - May 21, 2013 MISHAWAKA - Albert I. Van Hoecke, 79, better known as "Pee Wee," has passed on to the next party of souls. There's a story behind everyone and Pee Wee' s story began June 10, 1933, in Mishawaka, to Gustave and Madeline (Van Bastalaere) Van Hoecke. At a young age, Pee Wee lost his mother Madeline. Yet, with guidance from his father, Gustave, brother, Robert, sister, Martha, and a good friend, Stella Van Houtdreve, he grew. As a young man and the world at war, Pee Wee joined forces with the Marines. He fought for his country and for the people of Mishawaka during the Korean War. Once a Marine, always a Marine! On May 18, 1957, in Mishawaka, he married Ramona Marie Weiler. He leaves behind a legacy of starting with his friend and loving wife, Mona; a son, Stephen, and wife, Pam Van Hoecke of Mishawaka; oldest daughter, Stacie, and husband, Walt Kodba of Las Vegas, Nevada; daughter, Shellie, and husband, David Read of Plymouth; and youngest daughter, Stormie, and Jim Hopkins of Fishers, IN. The legacy continues with nine grandchildren, Jocelyn and husband, Jamie Lutkus, Kyle Van Hoecke, Nicholas Kodba, Nicole and husband, Turner Graham, Nadina and husband, Grant Mc Fann, also, David, Madison and Adam Read, along with Parker Hopkins. Pee Wee's roots are also with four great-grandchildren, Emma Kodba, Coyne and Carellen Graham, and Brooks Nolan Lutkus. Pee Wee's loving sister, Martha De Volder of Cape Coral, Florida, brother, Robert (deceased), stepbrother, Robert Plasscheart of South Bend, and stepsister, Margaret Pratt (deceased). Pee Wee was a member of BK Club in Mishawaka and a proud recipient of the Art Soens Memorial award from the BK. Pee Wee was a true democrat and member of the Penn Democratic Club. The other organizations that he was proud to belong to were American Legion 161, VFW Post 360 and the DAV 6. Pee Wee's jobs included a Foundry Molder for the Wheelabrator-Frye, which he retired in 1979. Pee Wee also worked many years at Hahn Funeral Home as the man behind the scenes in getting it done. He would also be at the BK Club getting the bolleing lanes ready for Belgian Bolle. Pee Wee was the kind of person who would give his shirt off his back to you. He was a friend with whom-ever he met. Pee Wee was a legend in his own time. Celebrating his memories with viewing on Friday, June 7, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at Hahn Funeral Home, 505 W. 8th Street, Mishawaka. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, June 8, at 10:30 a.m. in St. Bavo Catholic Church, Mishawaka. Burial will follow with full Military Rites by the VFW Post 360/American Legion 161 Burial Team in Fairview Cemetery, Mishawaka. As per Pee Wee's request, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Bavo Catholic Church, 511 W. 7th Street, Mishawaka, IN 46544; or to the BK Club, 721 S. West Street, Mishawaka, IN 46544. If you would like to share your memories with the family, an online condolence is available at our website, www.hahnfuneralhomes.com.
Published in South Bend Tribune on June 2, 2013