July 18, 1916 - May 7, 2010MISHAWAKA - Wilbur "Will" S. Van De Putte, 93, passed away at 5:20 p.m. on Friday, May 7th, in his residence. Wilbur was born on July 18, 1916, in Atkinson, Illinois, and was the son of the late August and Eugenia (De Brock) Van De Putte. On April 8, 1950, in Mishawaka, Will married the former Rosalie De Cruwer, who preceded him in death on December 24, 2001. Will was preceded in death by his parents; his eight brothers and sisters, Alfred Van De Putte, Henry Van De Putte, Marie Kline, Elizabeth De Meester, Josephine Vander Vere, Emma Van De Putte, Maude De Witte, Julia Bennett; two nieces, Marlene Davis and Margaret Mock; and one nephew, George De Witte. He is survived by four nieces, Marie Joan Meehan of Virginia Beach, VA, Judith Cole of Granger, IN, Patricia Kingston of West Palm Beach, FL, Barbara Norkett of Chicago, IL; five nephews, Richard Van Nevel of Mishawaka, Robert De Meester of Hattiesburg, MS, William Bennett of Cincinnati, OH, Jerry Van De Putte of Mishawaka and Gregory Van De Putte of Sachse, TX. Will as employed by Bendix Corporation in South Bend for 40 years before his retirement in 1980. He was a World War II veteran, serving in the 86th Mortar Battalion, and had received a Purple Heart medal with five bronze stars. Will loved to reminisce about the past: about Mishawaka, his experience in the WWII Mortar Division, experiences with Msgr. "Red" VanNevel, and working at Bendix in the Brakes Division where he served as union steward for many years. He negotiated with Mr. Ladd on behalf of the union concentrating on benefits rather than salary. He was proud of the fact he hand-shoveled the walks for his neighbors on 7th Street. He loved to golf with his brother Alfred (even though Will was not such a good golfer). He loved to go for crab legs at Red Lobster. He loved to garden. Will told lots of stories, he remembered all the details, and we loved to listen to him. There will never be anybody else like him. He will be missed. Family and friends may call from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. on Monday, May 10, in Hahn Funeral Home, 505 W. 8th Street, Mishawaka. Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Monday at 1:00 p.m. in St. Bavo's Catholic Church, Mishawaka, with Rev. Barry England officiating. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery Mishawaka. V.F.W. Post 360 and American Legion Post 162 Burial Squad will conduct military rites. The family request in lieu of flowers that memorial contributions be made to St. Bavo's Church or School, 511 W. 7th Street, Mishawaka, IN 46544. To leave the family an online condolence or to share memories with the family, please visit our website at www.hahnfuneralhomes.com.