Raymond K. "Mike" Van Lue

Raymond "Mike" K. Van Lue, 74, of New Carlisle, Indiana, peacefully passed away on Saturday, July 13, 2024.

He was born on Sept. 11, 1949, in South Bend, Indiana, to the late Raymond "Mike" H. Van Lue and Dorothy (Roberts) Van Lue. On April 28, 1973, he married Kathleen J. Tabbert, with whom he spent 51 wonderful years of marriage.

He is survived by his wife, Kathy; two daughters, Erin (Kevin) Phend of Osceola, Indiana, and Kara (Trent) Mamazza of New Carlisle, Indiana; two grandchildren, Trenton Mamazza and Karigan Mamazza; two step grandchildren, Daniel Phend and Collin Phend; and two nephews, Jeff Kiester and Edward (Beth) Kiester (and family). He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Bonnie Kiester, and nephew, James Kiester, both of Aloha, Oregon.

As a lifelong resident of New Carlisle, Mike graduated from New Carlisle High School in 1967. After graduation, he worked at The Jewel Box, then as a salesman at Bessler Chevrolet, and later went to work for Barnhart Insurance Agency as an agent. Mike eventually owned the agency and became an exceptional businessman, who achieved enormous success within the community.

Mike dedicated many years as a New Carlisle Volunteer Fireman and served as chief during his service. He was very involved with New Carlisle's Businessmen's Association and spearheaded the golf outings to raise money for scholarships. He further assisted his community by leading the Olive Township Buyers Group in supporting local kids in 4H through purchasing their livestock.

His hobbies included golf and bowling, and he enjoyed participating in leagues for both sports. However, his main goal and hobby was taking care of his family. He fulfilled a dream for his family by purchasing a lake cottage on Hudson Lake.

Mike and Kathy enjoyed traveling together throughout the United States, several countries in Europe and Australia. The absolute lights of his life were his grandchildren, and he most enjoyed attending their various sporting events. He was blessed to witness his grandson's participation with the New Prairie High School Baseball team on their way to winning the Class 3A State Championship.

Mike will be celebrated at Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N Bendix Dr, South Bend, IN 46628, through a visitation on Wednesday, July 17, from 4 to 8 p.m., visitation on Thursday, July 18, from 10 to 11 a.m, and service on Thursday, July 18, at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Historic New Carlisle, P.O. Box 107 New Carlisle, IN 46552. The family will be giving a private donation to the New Carlisle Volunteer Firefighters Alumni Association in honor of Mike.