Charles L. Webber

"Charles didn't depart this world with sadness, but reaching out to his wife Joan with such love, knowing that the solidarity of his children will be able to release him with love and laughter." Charles Leon Webber passed away at the Center for Hospice Care early Sunday evening, October 18, 2015, surrounded by family members. Charlie was born on November 21, 1927, in Hemlock, Indiana, to Mary Loretta (Carter) and Wyman Webber. He was the fourth of seven siblings. He graduated from Washington Clay High School in 1945, was drafted into the Army in 1946, and was discharged in 1947 after serving 18 months and attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. After his service he worked at the A&P on the Westside where he met Joan M. Chrobot. Charlie and Joan married on October 28, 1950. Together they had 10 children, 24 grandchildren, and 5 great grandchildren. Charlie worked in Human Resources at Studebaker, Bendix, Utica-Bend, Curtiss-Wright, Hart Industries, Eaton Yale & Towne Inc. of Chicago, and finally EasyHeat/Wirecraft, a division of the Bristol Corporation. Those were the jobs that paid the mortgage and put food on the table, but the jobs that he really loved were the ones he had at the University of Notre Dame Athletic Department. In 1957, a neighbor, Dominic "Nappy" Napolitano, got Charlie a part time job to help him out with all those kids. Charlie officiated inter-hall football, ran the non-student football program sales, and timed men's basketball and hockey. In 1975, he took on the timing responsibilities for women's basketball, and in 1982 he began timing Notre Dame football. In 2007, on his 80th birthday and surrounded by his whole family, he was surprised with an induction into the Monogram Club, an honor he truly cherished. He retired from football in 2012 and from all other clock duties in 2014. Charlie was also a longtime blood donor and a champion of the apheresis program at the South Bend Medical Foundation, donating 69 gallons. For many years, Charlie biked and walked for the Lupus Foundation, and he received a regional award at headquarters in Detroit for being a top fundraiser. After retiring from his day job, he enjoyed traveling with Joan across Indiana, Minnesota, Michigan, Maine, Tennessee, and Georgia between Notre Dame home games. He was a long-time communicant of Christ the King Catholic Church and a fixture at 7:00 am Mass. He served on the Christ the King school board and athletic board for many years. He coached Clay Township JBA, was a licensed IHSAA and MHSAA football referee, and a junior high basketball referee for the Catholic school league. Charlie is survived and lovingly remembered by his brother and sister-in-law, Jim and Janice Webber of Granger; his brother-in-law, Hank Chrobot; his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and their spouses: Sharon & Michael Poulin and their children Charles, Mathieu, and James; Chuck & Nancy and their children Chad, Kimi, and Beth (Webber) & Marty Shrader and their children Leonard and Helen; Linda, widow of Eric; Elise Webber, Ryan (children of Eric and Mary Webber Laffin) & Kari Webber and their children Lucas, Sophie, and Emma; Therese & Joel Hoff and their children Alex, Nathan & Jillian, and Steven; David; Kurt & Alicia and their child Noah; Gregg & Janet Webber and their children Zach, Jake, Roni, Axel, and Madi; Lisa & Paul Kahler and their children Jordyn and Lexi; Mike Webber & Mike Smith; and Anne & Jeff Miller and their children Trey, Grace, Elianna, and Caden; and many nieces and nephews. He is pre-deceased by his wife of 64 years, Joan, his parents, his four brothers and one sister, his son Eric, and his granddaughter Kaleigh Grace Miller. The family would like to thank Dr. Michael Helms and his staff, as well as the staff of St. Joseph Medical Center and the Center for Hospice Care. We are forever grateful to his loving and patient caregivers, Lynette, Nicole, Heather, and Megin; our friend Ewa for her delicious home cooked meals; and to his wonderful neighbors, Joe and Eileen Russo, for their kindness and generosity. Visitation will be from 1-7 p.m. Sunday, October 25, 2015 at Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Drive, South Bend, IN, where a Parish Rosary will be prayed at 5:30 p.m. Visitation will also take place from 10-11 a.m. Monday, October 26, 2015 at Christ the King Catholic Church, 52473 State Route 933, South Bend, IN. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, October 26, 2015 at Christ the King Catholic Church. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park in Granger, IN, where Military Services will be conducted by American Legion Post #284. In lieu of flowers, donations in Charlie's name may be made to: Tuition Assistance for Christ the King School, 52473 State Road 933, South Bend, IN 46637; and/or to Center for Hospice Care, 501 Comfort Place, Mishawaka, IN 46545. In remembrance of Charlie, become a blood donor.