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James Lifke Obituary
Oct. 22, 1937 - Sept. 20, 2018
MISHAWAKA, IN - James Michael Lifke, 80, of Santa Claus passed away peacefully Thursday, September 20 at Deaconess Hospital in Evansville. James was born October 22, 1937 in Mishawaka to Michael & Ruth (Coil) Lifke. He was united in marriage to Janet Schelstraete on August 17, 1963 at St. Joseph Church in Mishawaka.
James graduated from Mishawaka High School in 1956, and from Indiana State University in 1965 of which he earned his Bachelors and Masters degrees. Jim began his teaching and coaching career at Lakeville High School, Schmucker Middle School, Penn Township, Hobart High School, and most recently Heritage Hills High School in Lincoln City. Jim was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Parish, St. Nicholas Church. Jim was an avid Notre Dame, Chicago Cubs, and Indianapolis Colts fan. He enjoyed tailgating, woodworking, yard work, and spending time on the golf course. While Jim had many joys in his life, he was most proud of his family and adored his seven grandchildren.
Surviving are his wife of 55 years, Janet (Schelstraete) Lifke; daughters, Jill (Tom) Ellis of Brentwood, TN and Janice (Brian) Witherow of Huron, OH; one son, Steve (Pam) Lifke of Akron, OH; and seven grandchildren, Laura (Ellis) Herman (Andrew), Emily Ellis, Caroline Ellis, Matthew Witherow, Allison Witherow, Claire Lifke, and Evan Lifke. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM Central Time Monday, September 24 in St. Nicholas Catholic Church in Santa Claus. Burial will take place at a later date. Friends may call for visitation at the church from 4:00 to 7:00 PM Central Time Sunday, September 23. In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial contributions be made to St. Francis of Assisi Parish or St. Jude Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Online condolences may be shared at www.becherfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Lifke
Sponsored by Becher Funeral Home - Ferdinand.
4 Entries
Tim Lewis
March 27, 2019
I just learned of coach Lifke's passing and want to just let the family know what a great influence he was to the Freshman basketball team clear back in 1969 at Schmucker Middle School. I was the manager on that team and truly enjoyed his demeanor, his style and his ability to get the best out of us all. I had made contact with coach back in December 2017 via Facebook and he still remembered that team very specifically as we won the city championship that year using his terrific zone defense. Thank God for good coaches like him who know how to treat young men and women. RIP coach!
Jim Hettler
September 23, 2018
Great friend...Peace and love to his family
Sandy Gries
September 22, 2018
Mr. Lifke was my favorite high school teacher. He was so easy to have a conversation with and always encouraging. My thoughts go out to the family. He will surely be missed.
T D
September 22, 2018
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. As time passes may you find peace in the memories you share, and comfort from the hope that God is close to the broken-hearted.
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