Joseph L. Geirnaert

Joseph L. Geirnaert

Apr. 12, 1952 - Oct. 24, 2016

SOUTH BEND - Joseph Lee Geirnaert, 64, of South Bend died at 7:15 p.m. Monday, October 24th in Memorial Hospital surrounded by his loving family following an extended illness. Joe was born April 12, 1952 in South Bend to Joan (Kilmer) and the late Mark Geirnaert and was a lifetime area resident. On June 26, 1971 in South Bend he married Pamela Kay Snyder who survives. He is also survived by his children, Tina Geirnaert and Brian Geirnaert both of South Bend; his mother, Joan Geirnaert of South Bend; three grandchildren, Elaina and Phillip Geirnaert and Hannah Benson; and one great-granddaughter, Briella Geirnaert. A grandson, Dominique Geirnaert and his sister, Cynthia Mumaw preceded him in death.

Joe was a big man with a gentle, loving heart. He was a dedicated family man and had a great, quick wit and loved picking on his kids, grandkids, his great-granddaughter who called him “Big Papa”, and all of his family members including his nieces and nephews who he dearly loved. He loved camping with his family. He was a meat and potatoes man but loved his Peanut M&Ms and jelly beans.

Joe attended St. John's School and graduated from LaSalle High School in 1970 where he was the starting center on the football team. He loved all sports and coached at Northwest Little League. He bowled in leagues for many years at Beacon Bowl and played first base and left field in 16 inch softball for many years. Joe was a dedicated worker and retired from Coca Cola after 42 years and greatly enjoyed his breakfasts with his Coke retirees. He had been a member of Moose Lodge #58 for many years. As was his giving nature Joe was an organ donor at his death.

The family would like to thank Dr. Ronald Nelson, Dr. Jay Patel and all of the doctors and nurses at Memorial Hospital for their compassion and care of Joe.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Monday, October 31st in St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 3526 St. John's Way. Committal services and burial will follow in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 2 until 6 p.m. on Sunday, October 30th in the Welsheimer Family Funeral Home, 521 N. William St.

Memorial contributions in Joe's name may be made to the Center for Hospice Care, 501 Comfort Lane, Mishawaka, IN, 46545. Family and friends may leave e-mail condolences at www.welsheimer.com.