Donald Lee Mann

Donald Lee Mann, of Mishawaka, passed away on the morning of March 23rd, 2024, at the age of 83. He had a loving family who was by his side from the moment he suffered a major stroke on March 15, 2024, until his passing.

            Don was born on July 29, 1940, to the late Donald R. and Mae (Miller) Mann in Mishawaka.  He is survived by his loving wife Betty (Brown) Mann from Wakarusa who were married on March 21, 1964.  They were blessed with two sons Patrick Mann (Sande Chevalier) of Indianapolis and Michael (Maria) Mann of Edwardsburg; grandchildren Justin (Kara) Mann, Morgan Mann, Joshua Mann and Jessica Mann; great granddaughter Vivian Mae Mann and was excitedly awaiting the arrival of great grandson Maxwell Lee Mann.  He is also survived by sister Nancy Whiteman, sisters-in-law Elsie Brown and Cherryl Mann; brothers-in-law Dean (Dianne) Brown and John (Shirley) Brown; and his faithful furry companion Cody.  Don was preceded in death by his parents, brother John Mann, father-in-law Lowell Brown, mother-in-law Christina Brown, and brothers-in-law Maurice Whiteman and Harry Brown.

            Don was a 1959 graduate of Mishawaka High School and went on to study at Indiana University where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education.  He later earned his Master’s in Guidance and Counseling at Western Michigan University.  He worked as a counselor for the Mishawaka school system for 15 years, a Congressional Aid for John Brademas for 2 years and counselor at the Concord school system for 20 years. 

            Don was blessed with a lot of qualities of his mother, Mae Mann, who had an incredible gift of connecting and engaging with people.  While at Emmons school, his room was filled with beanbag chairs and current posters which helped him better connect with the students.  At Concord, Don would shy away from some of the tedious administrative work, which his assistant and other counselors would help him complete.  His primary focus was seeking the young adults who needed the most support.  He created groups for children of alcoholics, children of divorce, and students with substance abuse.  The school staff would send the students with the most severe concerns, including victims of domestic violence, teen pregnancy and bullying to him for help.  He provided an incredible amount of understanding, empathy, and guidance to all of those in need.  Upon his retirement, the school presented him a character drawing of himself which was labeled “The Mann with a Heart”.  He truly loved his job and helping those young people in need of love and support through life’s challenges. 

            Don was a longtime member of the First Christian Church of Mishawaka, the Mishawaka Lions Club, NEA/ISTA Lifetime Member and the St Joeseph County Gideons.  He was extremely active in these organizations and deeply believed in their causes.  He enjoyed the fellowship and working towards the organization’s goals while developing many lasting and strong friendships with all of the members.

            Don never met a stranger and was truly interested in learning about others.  He loved people and would take any opportunity to engage, interact and connect with all he encountered.           He would keep his eye out for anyone he could make eye contact within order to strike up a conversation.  If a person was wearing a hat or shirt with a team, school, or location; Don would utilize his vast knowledge about that subject to strike up a conversation to find out more about that particular person.

            Don and his furry loyal companion Cody would walk the surrounding neighborhood several times a day.  Their walks could last for an hour as he had to greet and chat with anyone who happened to be outside during their adventure.  He would know each family’s household members, their backgrounds, and their favorite activities.  His wonderful neighbors loved him as well as they would often assist in helping with various yardwork, snow removal, mechanical assistance and electrical work that needed to be done.  He loved all of the people in his neighborhood. 

            Don would connect and interact with people of all ages and backgrounds.  Even in his 80s, he would get down on the floor, be expressive with his voice and be silly with his three-year-old great granddaughter.  At church, he would get into conversations with the pastor shortly before the service.  The pastor would need to cut the conversation short in order not to delay the service.  Don would sit towards the front of the sanctuary.  After the service, he had to return his hearing device to the back.  He would take the opportunity to greet and hug everyone in each row he passed along the way.  There were many that would stay in the pews so Don could greet and hug them.  He had a very unique way of making people feel special.  Once he made his way through the aisle, he would find people to greet in the church foyer and fellowship hall.  After lengthy conversations, his wife Betty would often have to remind him that dinner was in the oven and if he didn’t finish up, that she had keys to the car as well.

            The family would like to thank the fantastic teams on the 11th floor of South Bend Memorial Hospital and Ernestine M Raclin House, Center for Hospice Care Mishawaka for the wonderful care provided to Don and the phenomenon support they provided the family.  Don would certainly have liked to thank each of you individually if he could.

            Don will be greatly missed.  He was selfless and caring, he was dedicated to his family and friends, helping them through life’s challenges and celebrating their successes.

            Visitation will be Friday, March 29th, 2024, from 4:00PM – 7:00 PM in Hahn’s Funeral Home 505 W 8th Street Mishawaka.  Services will be held on Saturday, March 30th, 2024, at 11:00AM at the First Christian Church Mishawaka 2511 E 3rd St, Mishawaka.  There will be a short visitation at 10:00AM, one hour prior to the Service.

            In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the First Christian Church in Mishawaka, Lions Club International Foundation, Dept. 4547, Carol Stream, IL 60122 or Gideons International, PO Box 1643, Mishawaka IN 46546.

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