F. Peter Braasch

F. Peter Braasch, 88 years old, passed away at 9:45 a.m. on Saturday, February 28, 2026 in Mishawaka, IN. Pete was born on December 24, 1937 in Sheboygan, WI to the late Frederick W. and Matilda (Francis) Braasch. Having worked and been a pillar of the community in South Bend, he will be missed by his family and many friends and colleagues. Pete was a kind and gentle soul, and loved getting to know people from all walks of life.

Pete is survived by his sons, Frederich (Annie) Braasch of Lake Zurich, IL, Lewis (Marianne) Hinnendael of Green Bay, and Patrick (Jann) Hinnendael of Green Bay. He is survived by six grandchildren, Thomas (Tanya) Braasch, Julia Braasch, and Daniel Braasch, as well as Scott (Cathy) Hinnendael , Sam (Taylor) Hinnendael, and Jack Hinnendael; three great grandchildren, Brooke, Jameson, and Bennett; and three great-great grandchildren, AhNala, Olivia and Iverson. Pete is also survived by his sister-in-law, Shirley Fischer of DePere, WI and numerous nieces, nephews, and their families. Pete was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Durleen; and his brothers and sisters William, Doris, Dorothy, Mary Jane, Margaret, and John; his brothers-in-law William "Red" Lewis, Marlin Lewis, Donald Fischer, sister-in-law, Patricia Lewis, and his granddaughter, Melissa Hinnendael.

Pete was born and raised in Sheboygan WI and attended St. Clement grade school, he graduated from Central High School in 1956. His high school yearbook described him as "a man of his word," something he lived up to all of his life. He graduated from St. Norbert college in 1960 and entered the Norbertine Order where he was ordained a priest by Bishop Bona in 1966. He went on to earn an MBA from Indiana University.

On August 23, 1969 in Chicago, Pete and Durleen (Lewis) were united in marriage, and they raised three sons together. They settled in South Bend in 1976 where Pete loved working for 37 years as a Trust Officer and Vice President of 1st Source Bank.

In addition to his work at 1st Source, Pete was active in numerous organizations for over 40 years, including: Kiwanis Club - Lieutenant Governor/President, Boys Scouts of America - District Chairman, Trinity School - Fellow/Scholarship Foundation Rewards Committee, St. Joe County Board Member, Friends of the Library - President/Board Member, Indiana University South Bend - Alumni Association/Athletic Advisory Board, St. Norbert College Alumni Board - President/Distinguished Service to College award winner, Hamilton Grove - Board Member, Estate Planning Council - President, Chamber of Commerce - Mishawaka Affairs Program member, Economic Club - Board member. He was dedicated to serving his community, continuing to do so in his retirement.

Pete loved tailgating and attending Notre Dame and Chicago Bears football games, as well as local college basketball games, the Indy 500, and Chicago Cubs games. He enjoyed traveling with Durleen and they had visited Germany, England, Russia, Mexico, Egypt, South Africa and more. He and Durleen faithfully attended their grandchildren's milestones, sporting events, recitals, plays, and concerts. They especially enjoyed making memories with friends and family at their shared apartment in Chicago over many years. Pete was dedicated to his friends and family, staying closely connected to many in Wisconsin, Arizona and Illinois. He was adored by good friends whom he loved to connect with over a meal and a beer, with a regular social calendar with his friends, former coworkers, and associates until the end. He will be missed by all.

Visitation will be on Friday March 13, 1:00-3:00pm, at Palmer Funeral Home-Welsheimer Chapel, 17033 Cleveland Road, South Bend. A memorial service will follow the visitation at 3:00pm.

Private burial will be held at Cedar Grove Cemetery, Notre Dame, at a later date. He proudly chose to donate his remains to the Indiana University Medical School.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of F. Peter Braasch may be donated to Indiana University-South Bend - Durleen Braasch Scholarship fund for non-traditional students 1700 E. Mishawaka Avenue, South Bend, IN 46615 or to the Braasch Community Foundation at any of the following: Boy Scouts of America, 1325 W. Walnut Hill Lane, Irving, TX 75038, St. Joe Library, 304 S. Main Street, South Bend, IN 46601, Trinity School at Greenlawn, 1024 Thomas Street, South Bend, IN 46601, or the University of Notre Dame Dept. of Art, Art History & Design, 306 Riley Hall of Art & Design, Notre Dame, IN 46556. Online condolences may be offered to Pete's family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.