Submitted by: Dan Rich

Charles J. Meersman

March 10, 1930 - Nov. 17, 2003

South Bend Tribune 11/19/2003

Charles J. Meersman, 73, of Elderberry Lane, South Bend, Ind., passed away Monday, Nov. 17, in his residence.

Charles was born on March 10, 1930, in Mishawaka, Ind., to Gentiel and Margaret (DeSmet) Meersman.

On Sept, 17, 1955, in Mishawaka, Charles married Johanna F. Janczycki, who survives. He is also survived by three daughters, Ann Stephen of Hobart, Ind., Michelle Meersman of South Bend and Kris Ann (Charles) Bergman of South Bend; two sons, Charles J. Meersman Jr. and Kevin (Janine) Meersman, both of South Bend; six grandchildren, Sharon Meersman of Buchanan, Mich., Tara Stephen of Merrillville, Ind., Kari Meersman, of Notre Dame, Ind., Nicholas Meersman of South Bend and Matthew Bergman of South Bend; and by five great-grandchildren. Charles is also survived by two brothers, Albert Meersman of Port Charlotte, Fla., and James (Margaret) Meersman of South Bend; and by two sisters, Irene Mestach and Rosemary (William) Lang, both of Mishawaka.

Charles was preceded by a brother, Larry Meersman in 1977; and by a granddaughter, Jamie Stephen in May 2000.

Charles was a self-employed carpenter, retiring in 1995.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, serving in Korea, and was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Mishawaka, St. Jude's Catholic Church of South Bend, the Marine Corps League and Carpenters Local #413.

Family and friends may call today from 4 to 8 p.m. in the Bubb Funeral Chapel North, 3910 N. Main Street, Mishawaka.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 20, in St. Joseph Catholic Church, Mishawaka, with Fr. Robert Yast officiating. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, Mishawaka. The VFW Post 360, Mishawaka, will conduct military rite at the graveside.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of St. Joseph County, 111 Sunnybrook Court, South Bend, IN 46637.