Pauline (Koblick) Van Laere

Pauline Van Laere
August 19, 1944-September 24, 2020

Bremen, IN-Pauline (Koblick) Van Laere went to be with her Lord on September 24, 2020 and is reunited with James Van Laere, her husband of over 55 years!

Pauline was born on August 19, 1944 in South Bend, Indiana to John Koblick and Mary T. (DeBroka) Klugh who preceded her in death along with brothers, John Koblick Jr and Charles Koblick; brother-in-law, Mark Van Laere. On June 26, 1965 Pauline married James Van Laere who preceded her in death on September 8, 2020.  She is survived by her son, Christopher J. (Stacie) Van Laere; daughters, Angela (Terry) Dougherty, Lisa (Rick) Winenger and Beth (Mark) Newell; sister, Mary (Steve) Bodish; brothers-in-law, Michael (Sue) Van Laere, Paul (Peggy) Van Laere and John (Julie) Van Laere; sister-in law, Barb (Jack) Karling, Debby Van Laere. She deeply loved and cherished her 20 grandchildren:

 1.  Allie Dougherty, age 24
 2.  Hanna Newell, age 22
 3.  Meghan Dougherty, age 22
 4.  Caleb Winenger, age 22
 5.  Emily Newell, age 21
 6.  Lauren Dougherty, age 21
 7.  Grant Winenger, age 20
 8.  Luke Newell, age 19
 9.  Maddie Dougherty, age 19
 10. Brooke Winenger, age 18
 11. Owen Newell, age 18
 12. Olivia Van Laere, age 17
 13. Josie Newell, age 16
 14. Colvin Van Laere, age 14
 15. Natalie Newell, age 14
 16. Chad Winenger, age 13
 17. Dominic Newell, age 12
 18. Tate Winenger, age 10
 19. Carly Newell, age 10
 20. Nora Newell, age 5

Pauline grew up in Mishawaka and went to Mishawaka High School and was part of the graduating class of 1962. She put herself through college at IUSB while raising their 4 children. Pauline earned her master’s in elementary education. She was a gifted and proud teacher. Her impact was felt throughout the community as she taught students for over 27 years in the Penn Harris Madison School District.           

Her 20 grandchildren have fond memories of Camp Spooamdnarg (which is Grandmaoops spelled backward). Every summer, Pauline would host the kids for a week at the Lake house for crafts, lessons, and lots of fun! The kids especially loved the many field trips and nightly Mad Libs. Mostly they loved spending time with her and their cousins.     

Pauline enjoyed helping people decorate their homes, condos, and dorms. She was an expert shopper and always found a hot deal. Her attention to detail and organization was amazing. She could remember the shade of any color in a painting and pick out matching items from memory. She was a fantastic seamstress and enjoyed making clothes for her small children then later, made doll clothes, Christmas stockings, and even “pillow pets” for all the grandchildren. 

Pauline had a sharp mind and loved playing any game especially word games. Her scrabble game was so tight she often played herself! She loved spending time nurturing her plants and flowers. Her gorgeous flower gardens provided hours of therapeutic relaxation. She loved living on the lake.  She especially enjoyed slow boat rides to marvel at the beauty of the lake but was also known to “open it up” on the jet ski frequently!

Pauline had a passion for animals. She raised numerous pets throughout her life and donated regularly to several organizations who helped animals. She loved traveling with her family and friends.  Pauline and Jim shared fond travel memories with their lifelong friends Doug Cook, Sheila Cook, and Sharon Welch.

Pauline was a wonderful woman who loved her Lord, family, and many friends. She was loyal and giving. The family values she held is evident in the closeness of her family. Her presence on earth will be deeply missed. Love is eternal and this immense love will be our connection regardless of the distance. Pauline was welcomed to her eternal resting place and is now with her husband and the Lord.

Due to current public health and safety standards for COVID-19, social distancing will be enforced and masks required.

Visitation will be on Saturday, October 10, 2020, from 12:00 pm-1:45 pm at Hahn Funeral Home, 505 West 8th Street, Mishawaka, IN  Funeral mass will take place on Saturday, 2:00 pm at St.Monica Catholic Church in Mishawaka.  A private Christian Burial will take place at Fairview Cemetery at a later date.

Memorial Contributions may be made to St. Monica Catholic Church 222 W. Mishawaka Ave, Mishawaka, IN 46545, Hannah's House 518 W. 4th St., Mishawaka, IN 46544 or Parrett Veterinary Clinic 750 Columbus Dr., Plymouth, IN 46563.

To leave the family condolences, please visit: www.hahnfuneralhome.com
 

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