Michael John DE MEULENAERE

21 FEB 1951 - 26 MAR 2022

• BIRTH: 21 FEB 1951, Mishawaka, IN
• DEATH: 26 MAR 2022, South Bend, St Joseph, IN

INDEX

[N31774] Michael John DeMeulenaere
February 21, 1951 - March 26, 2022

Michael John DeMeulenaere, 71, of South Bend passed away at home on Saturday, March 26, 2022, after a brief yet brave battle with pancreatic cancer. Michael was born in Mishawaka on February 21, 1951, to the late John and Agnes (Demske) DeMeulenaere. He is survived by his loving wife, Laurel Duck DeMeulenaere. Also surviving are his daughters, Kelly (James) Stephens and Jennifer (Edward) Pankiewicz; their mother, Patricia Sweeney; stepdaughters, Jenny (Tony) Troiola and Kathleen (Joseph Lach) Turner; grandchildren, Raymond, Aidan, Lucy, Harley, Quinn, Mara, Vivienne, Elizabeth, Jameson, and Margaret; sisters, Carol (Edley) Robbins, Linda Scott, and Diane DeMeulenaere; sister-in-law, Mary DeMeulenaere; in-laws, Jerry and Judy Duck; along with many nieces, nephews, and special friends, including his lifelong friend and partner-in-crime, Don Hixenbaugh. He is preceded in death by his parents and brother, Steven DeMeulenaere. Michael is a 1969 graduate of Mishawaka High School. He proudly served the Mishawaka Fire Department for over 32 years before his retirement in 2010. Since retirement he served as the President of the Topsfield Condominium Association. He and Laurel enjoyed traveling and yearly adventures to his favorite destination, Playa del Carmen, Mexico. As an avid sports fan and stand-out athlete, Michael’s life revolved around sports. He enjoyed playing fast-pitch softball, bowling, and golfing. He spent many years proudly watching his daughters play sports. His love for the Chicago Cubs and Notre Dame Football took him to many towns and stadiums where he met new people who quickly became friends. To know him was to love him and everyone loved being around Mike! He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather, a truly loyal friend, and the life of every party. His absence will be felt by many. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the entire staff at the Center for Hospice Care and to express their appreciation and admiration to Michael’s nurse, Ron. The care and compassionate support provided gave Michael dignity and peace while allowing his family to care for him with confidence. Family will receive friends on Sunday, April 3 from 12:00-4:00 p.m. at Hahn Funeral Home, 505 W. 8th Street, Mishawaka, IN 46544. Funeral Service will be at 4:00 p.m., April 3 at the funeral home with Fr. Dermot Gahan officiating. Contributions can be made to Center for Hospice Care, 501 Comfort Place, Mishawaka, IN 46545 or Fort Wayne Burn Center, 7950 W. Jefferson Blvd, Fort Wayne, IN 46804.To leave an online condolence or to share a memory, please visit www.hahnfuneralhomes.com.
Posted online on March 29, 2022
Published in South Bend Tribune