James Elmer Lepel

 James Elmer Lepel, 91, of South Bend, died peacefully Sunday November 17, 2024 in the comfort of his family’s presence.   His life began July 13, 1933 in Niles, the first born of four children born to Walter and Eleanor Lepel.

 James was a veteran of the Korean War serving in the United States Army. He then went on to serve in the United States Air Force as a fire-fighter. He was a proud citizen of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi and member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Missouri Synod in South Bend and formerly St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Niles. James loved Notre Dame, he volunteered as an usher and retired from Notre Dame in 1998.

 James will be greatly missed by family and friends. He is survived by, one son-in-law, William Burton Sr.; one granddaughter, Raquel (Shanon Sr.) Buari of Granger Indiana; one grandson, William Lee Burton Jr. of South Bend Indiana; four great grandchildren, James Horton of Cincinnati, Reign Buari of Granger, Rylan Buari of Granger, Shanon Buari Jr. of Granger; three sisters, Carol Minard of Niles, Linda Martin of Niles, Deanna Jacobson of Osceola; as well as, many beloved nieces, nephews, in-laws, cousins, friends and family.  He was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Robin Kathryn Burton and his grandson, William Michael Burton.

  Family and friends will gather Thursday, November 21, 2024 in Halbritter Wickens Funeral Services, 615 E. Main Street Niles, from 10a.m. until the time of his Funeral Service at 11:00a.m. James will be laid to rest in Silverbrook cemetery.

  Arrangements have been entrusted to Halbritter Wickens Funeral Services, Niles. Please share a memory or a message online: halbritterwickens.com.

  The family would like to thank the Caring Cove Hospice team for their help and support.