Riley 1943 Roger Baele

May 12, 1925 - Dec. 13, 2017

SOUTH BEND - Roger Baele, 92, passed away Wednesday, December 13, 2017 in his residence.

Roger was born on May 12, 1925 in South Bend to Rene and Octavia (Coene) Baele. He was a graduate of Kent State University and retired from the South Bend Tribune in 1987 as Photo Editor after 37 years. He served his country in the United States Army in WW II and was a POW in Germany and member of American Legion Post 50.. He was a member of Our Lady of Hungary Church, was a Past President on its Parish Council and served on the School Board and Holy Name Society. Roger was also Past President of the South Bend Press Club and was a founding member as well as board member of the Rum Village Neighborhood Association.

On May 24, 1952 in South Bend he married the former Mary Komives. She died on November 27, 2011. Roger was also preceded in death by a sister Rachel Koloszar and brother Henry Baele.

Surviving are 2 daughters Barbara Ann Vincensi of Holland, MI and Mary (Frank) Zirille of Granger, 2 sons Dr. Joseph (Janice) Baele, MD of Indianapolis and Roger E. (Robin) Baele of Scottsdale, AZ, 8 grandchildren Elizabeth “Liz” R. Vincensi, Nicholas J. Baele, Dana R. Baele, Mark R. Baele, Daniel R. Baele, Kevin J. Baele, Mary Margaret “Maggie” Zirille and Rachel Anne (Jordan) Farrell.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00am Monday, December18, 2017 in Our Lady of Hungary Church. Burial with military services will follow in Highland Cemetery. Family and friends may gather from 1-5 Sunday in the Zahoran Funeral Home, 1826 Kemble Avenue where a rosary will be recited at 4:00. Memorial contributions may be made to Our Lady of Hungary Church or the Center for Hospice Care. To leave an online condolence, please visit our website at www.zahoran.com, or our facebook page, Zahoran Funeral Home.

Published in South Bend Tribune on Dec. 16, 2017

jmc 16 dec 2017