Submitted by Dan Rich

South Bend Tribune 4/30/2002

Joseph A. Velleman

March 14, 1919 - April 27, 2002

Joseph A. Velleman, 93, passed away Saturday, April 27, in the Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center, South Bend, Ind.

He is survived by his wife, Mary (Chamberlin) Velleman, whom he married on April 12, 1947, in St. Joseph Church, Mishawaka, Ind.

Six children were born in this union followed by 16 grandchildren. Surviving are Thomas (Diane) Velleman of Mishawaka and their children, Mary Ann and Joe, Michael (Kathleen) Velleman of Greenville, N.C., and their children, Scott and Jessica; Diane (Paul) Rerick of South Bend and their children, Matthew, Timothy, Stephanie and Meghan; Stephen (Nance) Velleman of Osceola, Ind., and their children, Paul, Brian and Emily; Vicki Whitten and her children, Craig and Holly of Mishawaka; and Linda (Andrew) Knapp, also of Mishawaka, and their children, Anna, Esther and Caleb. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Born on March 14, 1919, Joseph was the youngest and last surviving child of the late Peter and Valaria (VanBellegham) Velleman. He was also preceded in death by four brothers and two sisters.

He retired from Eagle Products and the former Schumacher Construction in Mishawaka. His favorite hobby was repairing lawn mowers, which he enjoyed until his last days. He was a member of St. Joseph Church in Mishawaka and was an active usher. He belonged to the Knights of Columbus Council 1878. He was a man with a big heart and few words. His family was the most important thing in his life.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. today, April 30, in the Thallemer-Goethals Funeral Home, Mishawaka, where a Rosary will be recited at 4:30 p.m.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, May 1, in St. Joseph Church, with Fr. Robert A. Yast officiating. Entombment will follow at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Osceola.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hospice of St. Joseph County or to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 2680, North Canton, OH 44720.