William Lee Cole Oct. 7, 1935 - May 21, 2018 MISHAWAKA - William Lee Cole, 82, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, May 21, 2018 after an eighteen month battle with lung and lymphatic cancer. He died from the after effects of chemotherapy. William was born on October 7, 1935 in Mishawaka to Jack Darwin Cole and Velva Musselman Cole. He was preceded in death by his father, Jack, who died when Bill was 4 years old; his mother and stepfather, Velva and Theodore Peterson and sister, Jacqueline Schroeder. On June 1, 1957 he married Virginia Ann Selis. Surviving are his loving wife of almost 61 years, Virginia; his children, Trace M. (Lisa) Cole of Mishawaka, Renee M. (Michael) Mangold of Fort Lauderdale, FL, Dawn M. (Jeff) Ziegler of Wakarusa, and William L. (Marnie) Cole II of Indianapolis; 14 grandchildren, Ryan (Lauren) Cole, Adam (Ciara) Cole, Matthew (Jennifer) Mangold, Joshua Mangold, Nathan (Jenna) Mangold, Heather (D.J.) Reed, Joseph Mangold, David (Kristie) Mangold, Clark (Kelsey) Ziegler, Cole (Deandra) Ziegler, Lindsay (Bryce) Fisher, Carlee Cole, Kendall Cole and Trace Cole; seven great grandchildren, Abel Cole, Ty Cole, Andrew (Elle) Mangold, Benjamin (Nelly) Mangold, Zachary Mangold, Jackson Reed and Lucille Reed; numerous nieces and nephews and his trusty, over fed dog, Bella. William grew up in South Bend and graduated from Riley High School. He remained involved and connected with his class reunion mates throughout his adult life. Bill was a brick mason and spent most of his career in that field, from being a mason to his last position as Regional Sales Manager for the Sioux City Brick Company. He was proprietor of the Wooden Shoe Tavern for a few years in the mid 1960's and also co-owned Clifford and Cole (now Old Fort) Building Supply Company in the 70's. He was a Veteran of the United States Army and was made sergeant the week prior to his passing. Bill has several grand and great grandchildren serving in the military today. “Grandpa Bill” spent his retirement years doing for others. He was everyone's care taker; he took care of our yards, our kids, our animals, our cars... and our hearts, like no other. He babysat for his young great grandchildren up until early this year! He was worrying about ‘moving Sheila' as recently as last week... he will be so missed, by so many people whose lives he touched in his self-sacrificing, giving and loving ways. Visitation will be on Thursday, May 24 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. with Memorial Service immediately following in Hahn Funeral Home, 505 W. 8th Street, Mishawaka, IN. To leave the family an online condolence, please visit www.hahnfuneralhomes.com.
05/23/2018 JFC
