Submitted by: Dan Rich

South Bend Tribune 1/2/2000

Richard L. Mecklenburg

July 30, 1916 - Dec. 30,1999

Richard L. Mecklenburg, 83, of Vistula Road, Osceola, Ind., passed away at 11:25 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 30, in Ironwood Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, South Bend, Ind.

Richard was born on July 30, 1916, in Mishawaka, Ind., to the late Richard J. and Edna (Kronewitter) Mecklenburg. He was also preceded in death by a brother, Charles Mecklenburg.

On June 1, 1946, Richard married the former Mary Grace Chartier, who survives. He is also survived by a daughter, Patricia (Michael J.) Ash of Granger, Ind.; a son, Paul (Sally) Mecklenburg of Brownsburg, Ind.; four grandchildren, Michael, Nicholas, and Katherine Mecklenburg, all of Brownsburg, and Patrick Ash of Granger; and by two sisters, Lois Mecklenburg of South Bend and Rosemary Mikulyuk of Mishawaka.

Richard retired in 1987 after 47 ½ years of services with the Wheelabrator-Frye Corporation in Mishawaka as a design engineer. He was a former member of the Holy Name Society at Queen of Peace Church and a former ham radio operator. During his life, Richard was an avid golfer, fisherman, and boater. He earned his pilot's license and was an excellent do-it-yourselfer.

A memorial mass will be at 11 a.m. on Friday, Jan 7, in the St. Joseph Catholic Church, Mishawaka, with visitation being held one hour prior to the service. Following the mass, his cremains will be entombed at St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park, Granger, where the V.F.W. Post 360 will conduct military graveside services honoring his time during World War II in the U.S. Army.

Thallemer-Goethals Funeral Home, Mishawaka, is handling Richard's arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, Northern Indiana Chapter, 425 N. Michigan St., Suite 308, South Bend, IN 46601-1236.