Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Alex Santa Obituary
May 26, 1930 - Dec. 7, 2016
SOUTH BEND - Alex Michael Santa, a lifelong resident of South Bend, passed away at 2:58 a.m. Wednesday, December 7, 2016, at his home. He was 86 years old.
He was born May 26, 1930, in South Bend, a son of Michael & Elizabeth (Horvath) Santa, and was a graduate of Central High School, class of 1948. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy.
On February 2, 1952, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, South Bend, Alex was united in marriage to Helen I. Wilftfong. They have enjoyed 64 years of marriage, and raised a wonderful family.
Along with his loving wife Helen, he is survived by his son, James Alan (Ellen) Santa of South Bend; and his four daughters, Theresa Ann Paulik of Cincinnati, OH, Deborah Sue Wizieck of South Bend, Kathy Lynn (Scott) Hertel, and Barbara Jean (Michael) Vaerwyck of Granger. Mr. Santa is also survived by ten grandchildren, David Paulik, Christopher (Melisa) Paulik, Jacklyn (Jason) Barrow, Catherine (Dan) Slott, Lauren (Jeff) Wroblewski, Kelly Vaerwyck, Kyle Hertel, Alyssa (Alexis) Hertel, Shanna Hertel, and Alex Wizieck; two step-grandchildren, Andrew Hertel and Adam Hertel; two great-grandchildren, Myles and Cora Slott; and his sister-in-law, Pat Santa of South Bend.
He was preceded in death by his son, Keith Santa, an infant son, his granddaughter, Stephanie Paulik, his sister, Theresa Gyori, and two brothers, George & Michael Santa.
Mr. Santa was self-employed for more than forty years with Santa's Painting and Decorating Company. He was always proud to tell others that he played basketball under the leadership of Coach John Wooden.
Memorial services will be held on Monday, December 12, 2016, at 12:00 p.m. at the Palmer Funeral Home-Guisinger Chapel, 3718 South Michigan Street, South Bend, with Trevor Foley of the Center for Hospice officiating. Graveside services and military honors will follow at St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park, Granger. The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. - 12 noon on Monday at the Palmer Funeral Home-Guisinger Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be offered to the Hospice Foundation, 501 Comfort Place, Mishawaka, IN 46545. Online condolences to the family may be sent to www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Alex Santa
6 Entries
Sue Burgess
December 11, 2016
Deb and Barbie- I'm so sorry to hear about your dad. Prayers to you both and your family!
Alex Wizieck
December 11, 2016
Rest In Peace with Jesus and behold the true clarity that He hold Grandpa!
Alex Wizieck
December 11, 2016
Rest In Peace with Jesus and behold His total clarity Grandpa.
Al Cowham
December 11, 2016
Sorry for your loss, Kathy, and the entire family. I enjoyed working with him over the years and especially later in his life. He was an extremely hard worker and very good painter. He was an inspiration to me over the years.
December 9, 2016
So sorry for your loss Deb! You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers!!
Crystal and Judy Bragg
December 9, 2016
Barb I don't know if you remember me but we worked together at Robertson's. I think about you often. I just wanted to send you my condolences on your Dad. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Take care my friend. Ann Gorbitz Horn.
Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results
Make a Donation
in Alex Santa's name
Memorial Events
for Alex Santa
Funeral services provided by:
Palmer Funeral Homes - Guisinger Chapel3718 South Michigan Street, South Bend, IN 46614
How to support Alex's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Alex Santa's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
