All Obituaries

On Friday October 22nd at 1:57am Lois Evelyn Claeys took her last breath and stepped into eternity with her Jesus! Lois was born in Waterloo, Alabama on December 31st, 1927, to Donald and Tisha Higgins On June 27, 1947, she married Clarence (Casey) Claeys and they were married for many years before he passed in 1993. Together they had 3 children, Beverly (Mike) Brown, Michael (Toni) Claeys and Joanna (Steve) Taylor; 11 grandchildren, Matthew Brown, Todd Brown, Jacob Brown, Shauna Brown,...

Jerry W. Scott, D.O., 90, passed away on Thursday, September 9, 2021.  Jerry was born on September 27, 1930, in Belmond, Iowa to the late Joseph W. and Ruth (Veeder) Scott.  He married his wife, Birgit, in her hometown of Copenhagen, Denmark and together they raised 2 sons, Hans Scott and Peter Scott who all survive. Jerry graduated from Clear Lake High School in Clear Lake, IA, in 1948.  He was employed at Chappell Clinic as an x-ray and laboratory technician before...

Lauren Elizabeth Zmirski, age 30, passed away on Thursday, October 21, 2021, after a long and hard-fought battle with Mitochondrial Disease.  She was born in Louisville, KY, on November 11, 1990.  Lauren is survived by her mother, Victoria Zmirski; father, Anthony Zmirski; sister, Jennifer (Benjamin) Emmel; nieces, Grace, Rose and Clare Emmel; maternal grandparents, Joseph and Mary Ann Steininger; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.  She was preceded in death by her...

Lauren Caitlin Rectanus, 36, of Granger passed away on Tuesday, October 19, 2021. Lauren was born October 7, 1985, in Miami, Florida, the daughter of Rick and Leslie (Johnson) Rectanus.  Lauren will always be remembered for her kind heart, intelligent mind, and unwavering loyalty towards her family and friends. Her compassion for animals, empathy towards others, and love of interior decorating was a driving force in her life. Although she lost her battle with mental illness, it does...

Richard Lee Nash Sr., 77, passed away on Monday, October 18, 2021, in his home surrounded by his loved ones.  Richard was born on April 1, 1944, in Mishawaka, IN, to the late Charles and Lillie (Smith) Nash.  Also preceding him in death are his brothers, William “Bill”, Samuel and Charles “Moe” Nash; sister, Wanda Jones; and grandchildren, Tiffany and Randy.  Richard married the former Cindy Denslow and they enjoyed 48 years together.  He is...

Donna Fonseca, 89, passed away on Saturday, October 16, 2021.  Donna was born on March 7, 1932, in Francesville, Indiana to William and Martha Evelyn (Linback) Rankin.  She was preceded in death by both parents and two sisters, Carol Taylor and Joanne Edens.  The family moved to South Bend and she graduated from Riley High School.  After graduating from Riley, Donna received her beautician license from the College of Cosmetology.  She owned and operated a beauty...

Mary Balint, 81 of Mishawaka passed away peacefully on Saturday October 16, 2021, in Memorial Hospital South Bend, surrounded by her family. Mary was born on January 1, 1940, in South Bend as the daughter of John and Joan (Hirl) Hoffman.  She was preceded in death by her parents; one sister Joan Mc Cabe; and one brother John Hoffman. On June 27, 1959, Mary married Jack Balint, he preceded her in death on December 6, 2020. She is survived by her children, Timothy (Angie Neal)...

Lawrence F. Garreffa, 77, passed away on Saturday, October 16, 2021.  Lawrence was born in Detroit, MI, on February 16, 1944, to the late Bruno & Rose (Bellomo) Garreffa.  On July 18, 1998, he married the former Ardith Fransen whom he loved dearly.  Surviving is his wife, Ardith; his brother, Michael Garreffa and many cousins.  Lawrence attended Murray State, graduated from Indiana University with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and from Wayne State...

Arshea Branch, 58, of Elkhart, IN, went to be with the Lord in Heaven on Wednesday, October 13, 2021.  Arshea was born on December 18, 1962, in Little Rock, Arkansas, to the late Frank and Virginia (Nelson) Branch.  She is also preceded in death by her beautiful daughter, Arkiesha Branch on January 20, 2020.  She is survived by her children, Arrice Branch and Kenneth (Holli) Branch; grandsons, Kenneth Branch Jr. and Christopher Branch; and a brother, Orlando (Lisa) Nelson. A...

Gary Lee Detert, age 78, of Mishawaka passed away Tuesday October 12, 2021, at his home, surrounded by his family. He was born March 17, 1943, in Mishawaka, IN to Melvin Detert and Marie Rast. He married Nancy K. Buck on May 11, 1980. He was proceeded in death by both parents. Gary graduated from Mishawaka High School class of 1961. He had been a lifelong member of St. Monica Church in Mishawaka, where he also attended grade school. After high school he enlisted into the Marines, where he...