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BORN
1947
DIED
2017
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Michael VanBruaene Obituary
Aug. 11, 1947 - Feb. 04, 2017
MISHAWAKA - Michael George VanBruaene, 69, of Mishawaka, IN was welcomed into God's arms on February 4th. He was born August 11, 1947 in Mishawaka to Madolyn and George VanBruaene. He is survived by his wife, Carol (Broring); daughters Amy (Jack) Haughee and Anne (Kelly) Ingersoll; brothers David (Pam) VanBruaene, James (Joyce) VanBruaene; sister-in-laws Patricia Schultz and Vicki (Don) Kristoff; grandsons Kaene and Kohl Haughee; granddogs Moose and Mollie; fur buddies Maggie and Hannah; and multiple cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Just after graduating from Mishawaka High School Mike got engaged to his high school sweetheart, Carol and shortly after was drafted for the Vietnam War. Mike and Carol married the year after he returned from Vietnam on May 2, 1970. Mike was a lifelong resident of Mishawaka. He worked for 32 years as a firefighter for the Mishawaka Fire Department. During his off days from the fire department Mike held several jobs over the years which included: self- employed painter, driver for Brinks Security and customer service rep for Grainger. After retiring from the fire department, the City of Mishawaka declared November 14, 2002 “Michael G. VanBruaene Day”. Mike was also a Gideon.
In his more recent years of retirement, he enjoyed traveling with Carol to North Carolina, Hawaii, U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Smokey Mountains. Mike attended his 50th high school class reunion this past year and renewed friendships with many old friends which he thoroughly enjoyed. Mike also enjoyed playing golf, going to breakfast with Carol and friends, woodcarving, and spending time with his family. Because Mike was a quiet guy, many aren't even aware of one of his proudest moments which was scoring his hole-in-one while golfing with his brothers and son-in-law, Jack, at the Benny Leonard Memorial at Eberhardt Golf Course. Mike hit an eight iron straight into the 15th hole! It was heard around the golf course and high fives were all around!
Mike will also be remembered for attending a lot of dance recitals, music lessons, athletic events, and so much more to support his daughters. He loved watching his grandsons play sports. Mike's top priority in his life was his family. Mike was known for his sense of humor and kind smile. If you were lucky enough, you might have even seen some of his crazy dance moves.
Mike's family wants to express their heartfelt thanks to all of the medical staff at IU Methodist Hospital for showing them so much compassion and care during the past few weeks.
Visitation will be held at Hahn Funeral Home, 505 W. 8th Street, Mishawaka, Wednesday, February 8th from 3-7 p.m. Celebration of Life will be held at River Valley Church on Thursday, February 9th at 11:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, family is requesting contributions for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in honor of Mike's great niece, Georgia, who survives with Cystic Fibrosis. Donate online at: www.fightcf.cff.org/goto/teamgeorgia or mail contributions to: Cystic Fibrosis Foundation “Team Georgia”, 8445 Keystone Crossing, Suite #135, Indianapolis, IN 46240.
To leave the family an online condolence, please visit our website at www.hahnfuneralhomes.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael VanBruaene
Sponsored by Hahn Funeral Home.
February 8, 2017
I'm sorry to hear of Mike's passing. I knew Mike when he worked at Grainger. He was a very fine person.
Steve Bognar
February 8, 2017
VanBruaene Family: I am truly sorry for your loss. Mr. VanBruaene was a GREAT man, a kind man, a man who thought and cared for others more than himself. The Betzer Family will be praying for all of you at this time. God Bless.
Steve Watts
February 7, 2017
Carol I'm terribly saddened to learn of Mike's passing. My heart goes out to you, your daughters and all of those who loved Mike so much. My wish for you is that you can keep all those pleasant memories you have had with Mike over these many years. I'm sure he's now resting well in the arms of the Lord.
February 7, 2017
Mike was always a positive, kind person. My prayers for his soul and for his wonderful wife, daughters and family. He definitely made his mark on those he encountered, Gof bless all.
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Mary Naugher-Rodeman
February 7, 2017
May God's arms of love and comfort surround your family, during this time of loss. Was glad to see him at the reunion.
Tony Kite
February 7, 2017
Worked with Mike for many years on the Fire Department and he was truly a " good dude". He will be missed. Condolences and prayers for the family. RIP brother
Dawn Piper
February 7, 2017
I am so sorry for your loss. Sending you so much love.
Ned and Martha Lamkin
February 7, 2017
David.
I know this must be quite a blow. Please accept our sincerest sympathies.
Ned and Nartha Lamkin
Kevin Tansey
February 7, 2017
Mike was a great guy! I have remembered his friendly words and smile all the way back to our high school days. His positive attitude was infectious. May Carol and the kids find some comfort in knowing that he was loved by many.
February 7, 2017
We grew up as boys in the east end of Mishawaka. This was the nicest and sweetest guy in the whole neighborhood. RIP Mike
Bud Collins
February 7, 2017
God bless and give you comfort. Don and I were so saddened to hear. You're in our thoughts and prayers.
Jim Gadacz
February 7, 2017
Deepest Sympathy to the entire VanBruaene Family. God bless you all.
Bob & Karen Chatterton
February 7, 2017
Anne and Kelly, We are so sorry for your lose,our heartfull thoughts go with you, know we are praying for you and your family.
Glennda Tingle-Strnad
February 7, 2017
Ann and Kelly, losing a parent is always so hard. You are all in my prayers. God's blessing on you and your family.
Glennda Tingle-Strnad
The Addison Family
February 7, 2017
My family is so grateful to have crossed paths with Mike almost weekly these past few years at church and sporting events.
He was so proud of his family! Loved watching his grandsons play Basketball and Lacrosse. Every encounter with Mike led to a kind smile, warm greeting and good conversation.
Rest in Heaven Mike. You are missed already.
Tara Burmis Twigg
February 7, 2017
I am so sorry for your loss! I'll keep you in my prayers & in my thoughts! May the happy memories you hold close to your heart help you through this difficult time!
~Tara Burmis Twigg
Adele and John Cochran
February 7, 2017
We are so sorry about Mike's passing! He was such a sweet and kind man and we were lucky to have known him! Even though we can't be there for you now, know that we will be home soon and and be able to hug all of you and help in any way we can.
Angie Keefer-Shively
February 7, 2017
Thinking of all of you!
Ray and Jacqueline DeMaegd
February 7, 2017
Mike was the kindest guy you could imagine.
Friendly to a tee.
We are grateful to have know him.
Quiet, but always a nice story he told.
My family will miss him deeply.
He is in a better place now. This we know.
And Carol, you are in our prayers.
You guy's were super neighbors.
Again, Mike you will be missed and you will hold a special place in our hearts and minds.
God Bless You.
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