Gerard Van Overberghe

Gerard Van Overberghe, 87, of South Bend, Indiana passed away on Tuesday, December 17, 2024 surrounded by his loving family. He was born on February 25, 1937 in South Bend, Indiana to the late Joseph and Angela (Matthys) Van Overberghe. Gerard was a 1955 graduate of Saint Joseph High School. Gerard served in the United States Army and was honorably discharged in 1962. On September 29, 1962 Gerard married June Christine Grosso who survives. June and Gerard have enjoyed a blessed and happy marriage together for 62 years. Gerard is survived by two daughters, Tina (Tom) Stoner, Jr., Vikki (Rob) Miller, three sons, Brian (Elizabeth Szymanowski) Van Overberghe, Anthony (Stephanie) Van Overberghe and Eric (Kimberly) Van Overberghe, fourteen grandchildren, Tevin (Kayla Bishop) Stoner, Chad (Alyson) Van Overberghe, Megan (Joe Gilbert) Van Overberghe, Brittany (Cameron) Gurtner, Morgan Van Overberghe, Autumn Van Overberghe, Michael Van Overberghe, Brayden (Alex Hamilton) Van Overberghe, Ryley Miller, Brooke Miller, Chloe (Devin Gunnett) Van Overberghe, Chase Miller, Riggins Miller and Deklen Van Overberghe, six great grandchildren, Brynn Van Overberghe, Ayva Van Overberghe, Cayson Van Overberghe, Blaire Van Overberghe, Quinn Gurtner and two great grandbabies on the way,  two sisters, Sister Mary Alfonsa CSSF and Lois (Vic) Krol, two brothers, Richard (Patricia) Van Overberghe and Russell (Linda) Van Overberghe, four sister in laws, Veronica Van Overberghe, Diana Zehring, Lorrie Van Overberghe, and Janet (Jack) Matthys and one brother in law, Clark Reiter. Gerard was also preceded in death by two sisters, Dolores Pajakowski and Lucille McMahon, three brothers, Al Van Overberghe, Larry Van Overberghe and Rene Van Overberghe, four brothers in law, William Pajakowski, Joe Szlanfucht, Jerry McMahon, and Eugene Zehring, Sr., and three sisters in law, Charlene Van Overberghe, Emily Reiter, and Theresa Van Overberghe.

While growing up doing farm work, he also helped his dad build houses which led to his lifelong career and passion. One project closest to his heart was overseeing the construction of Holy Family Catholic Church in 2000. Gerard enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren play multiple sports, playing six handed euchre until three in the morning, watching Notre Dame sports, and he especially enjoyed cheering on the Chicago White Sox, even when they were having a bad season. We will miss his memorable smirk and one-line jokes that would lighten everyone’s mood.

A visitation for Gerard will be held on Sunday December 22, 2024 at the Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Dr. South Bend, IN from 2:00 pm until 6:00 pm. A rosary will be prayed at 2:00 pm in the funeral home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday December 23, 2024 at Holy Family Catholic Church at 1:00 pm. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Holy Family Catholic Church in Gerard’s honor. Online condolences may be left at www.kaniewski.com.

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