Durleen M. Braasch
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Durleen M. Braasch, 87 years old, passed away at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 29, 2022 at Heritage Point in Mishawaka. Durleen was born on July 22, 1934 in Green Bay, WI to the late Harold and Erna (Meintz) Lewis. Having worked on the family farm and the oldest of 4 children, she was a natural leader and a doer. On August 23, 1969 in Chicago, Durleen and F. Peter Braasch were united in marriage.
Along with her loving husband, Pete, of 52 years, Durleen is survived by her three sons, Lewis (Marianne) Hinnendael of Green Bay, Patrick (Jann) Hinnendael of Green Bay and Frederich (Annie) Braasch of Lake Zurich, IL; six grandchildren, Scott (Cathy) Hinnendael , Sam Hinnendael, Jack Hinnendael, Thomas Braasch, Julia Braasch, and Daniel Braasch; two great grandchildren, Brooke and Jameson; and two great-great grandchildren, AhNala and Olivia. Durleen is also survived by her sister, Shirley Fischer of DePere, WI; brother, Marlin Lewis of Green Bay; and numerous nieces, nephews and their families. Along with her parents, Durleen was preceded in death by her brother William "Red" Lewis, her granddaughter, Melissa Hinnendael; brother-in-law, Donald Fischer; and sister-in-law, Patricia Lewis.
Durleen loved learning, earning a degree in General Studies at Indiana University-South Bend in 1983, where she received the IUSB Distinguished Alumni Award and the Indiana University President's Award. She earned her MSA from the University of Notre Dame in 1989. An avid reader, Durleen cataloged and compiled lists of all the books she read and was a devoted participant of three book clubs. Durleen had a long-standing career in fundraising and development, working for several nonprofit organizations which supported the arts, education, youth organizations and historical preservation. She also volunteered for numerous organizations in South Bend.
Durleen and Pete loved tailgating and attending Notre Dame football games. They enjoyed traveling and had visited Germany, England, Russia, Mexico, Egypt, South Africa and more. They especially enjoyed making memories with friends and family at their shared apartment in Chicago.
Durleen was dedicated to her family, staying closely connected to her families in Green Bay, WI and Chicago, IL. The family would like to thank Heritage Point for their kind care over the years and Becky Bonham for her loyal friendship. Durleen was loved by many and will be missed by all.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 3:30 p.m. on Friday, February 11, 2022 at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, Notre Dame. Friends may visit with Durleen's family from 1:00-3:00 p.m. on Friday, February 11, at the Palmer Funeral Home-Welsheimer Chapel, 17033 Cleveland Road, South Bend.
Private burial will be held at Cedar Grove Cemetery, Notre Dame, at a later date. She proudly chose to donate her remains to the Indiana University Medical School.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Durleen M. Braasch may be donated to Indiana University-South Bend Alumni Scholarship Fund, 1700 E. Mishawaka Ave, South Bend, IN 46615 or to University of Notre Dame Art Department 306 Riley Hall of Art & Design, Notre Dame, IN 46556
For those not able to attend Durleen's service, you can click on this link on the Palmer Funeral homes website at the bottom of Durleen's obituary the day of Service for you to view via livestream: https://campusministry.nd.edu/mass-worship/basilica-of-the-sacred-heart/funeral-live-stream/
Online condolences may be offered to Durleen's family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com