Michael Lester Laatz

Michael Lester Laatz, 85, of South Bend passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Friday, August 23, 2024 at the Raclin Hospice House in Mishawaka.  Michael was born on January 28, 1939 in Melrose Park, IL to John and Carolyn (Nigro) Laatz.  

On March 18, 1967 in St. Monica’s Church, Mishawaka, IN, he married JoAnn Furore, who survives along with his two sons, Michael (Christine) Laatz of Blacksburg, VA, Mark (Kathy) Laatz of Granger, IN and daughter, Allison (Tim) Meyer of Indianapolis, IN. He is also survived by the pride and joy of his life, 8 grandchildren; Justin, Ryan, Lily, Johnathon, Elise, Jason, Lizzie and Jimmy.  He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Phyllis Marler and Dolores Pattermann. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Monday, September 2, 2024 in Corpus Christi Church.  A visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. Sunday, September 1, 2024 in the Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Drive, South Bend, IN.  A rosary will be prayed at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday afternoon.  A visitation will also take place from 10:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. on Monday in Corpus Christi Church.  

Michael was a 1952 graduate of St. Eulalia Grade School in Maywood, IL and 1956 graduate of St. Mel High School in Chicago, IL.  He remained very close with these friends and often led class reunion efforts with them well after graduating.  He was a 1960 graduate of Purdue University.  Michael served in the United State Army from 1962 – 1964. He took great pleasure throughout life in supporting his Purdue Boilermakers, Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bears. 

He spent his entire career in the food service industry, retiring from the State of Indiana in 2004.  He dedicated his time after retirement to serving others.  He was an active volunteer with the Mishawaka Euchre Club, the College Football Hall of Fame, and the Northern Indiana Center for History. He also was a co-leader of Forever Learning’s Polonaise Club. 

For over 50 years, Mike was a devoted member of Corpus Christi Parish. He was a liturgical reader for 40 years and often brought joy and laughter to friends and fellow parishioners with entertainment provided at various parish events alongside his good friends Steve Pinter and Donna Gruber.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions should be directed to Corpus Christi Church or the Hospice Foundation.

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