Edward D. Nellans

Apr. 08, 1935 - Mar. 13, 2017

SOUTH BEND - Edward D. Nellans, 81, of South Bend, passed away on Monday, March 13, 2017, at his home.

Ed was born in Mishawaka, IN on April 8, 1935, to the late Harold J. and Frances (Porter) Nellans. He was also preceded in death by his step-father, Harold Beehler and step-mother, Gladys Sholtey.

On October 10, 1953 at St. Peters Church in Beaufort, SC; Ed married his first wife, the former, Ninetta De Luca who preceded Ed in death on March 6, 1999. A daughter, Ann Marie also preceded him in death on September 2, 1962.

On August 14, 1999, in Holy Family Church, Ed married his former wife, Mary (Kuczwara) Craft who preceded him in death on May 11, 2016.

Ed is survived by his daughters, Tina (Gurmal) Rattan, of N. Venice, FL; Nancy (David) Watkins of Leaf River, IL; and step-daughter, Susan (Michael) Losienski of Granger. Ed is also survived by his grandchildren, Andrea, Ashley (Andrew), Chris (Alisha), Jamie (Jon), Jeremy (Michelle), Jillian (Zach), Jody (Matt), Jonny (Alyssa), Melissa (Brian), Michael, Michelle (Christian) and Nikaela; step-sisters, Sally (James) Lampley and Peggy Nellans of Arizona; and 10 great grandchildren.

Ed graduated from Riley High School in 1953. He joined the U.S. Marine Corp. Reserves in August of 1952 and entered active duty in the U.S. Marine Corporate upon completion of high school. He served on active duty in U.S. Marine Corp from May 1953 to August 1956 attaining the rank of Sargent and was honorably discharged.

Ed was employed as a purchasing manager for Dodge Reliance Manufacturing Co., where he worked for over 27 years. Before retiring in 1997, he was an Administrative Contracting Officer for the U.S. Department of Defense. Ed was a former member of the Dodge Management Forum, Dodge Quarter Century Club, Dodge Athletic Association, Elks Lodge 235 BPOE, Loyal Order of Moose Lodge 58, Mishawaka Jaycees, Eagles, PNA, and Bowler's Country Club. Ed was also a member of Holy Family Catholic Church.

Ed was a very avid sports fan of Notre Dame Football, men's basketball, and particularly women's basketball. He also enjoyed bowling and playing golf.

A Memorial Mass for Ed will be celebrated at 10:00am, Saturday, March 18, 2017 at Holy Family Catholic Church, 56405 S. Mayflower Rd; with a 1 hour visitation prior in the Monsignor Galic Gathering Room in the church. Burial will take place at a later date. St. Joseph Funeral is assisting with arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made to: Paralyzed Veterans of America, 5600 Mannheim Rd., Chicago, IL 60666; Holy Family Catholic Church, 56405 Mayflower Rd., South Bend, IN 46619; Charge Syndrome Foundation, www.chargesyndrome.org, 318 Half Day Rd. #305, Buffalo Grove, IL 60089; or Muscular Dystrophy Association , 2817 DuPont Rd., Fort Wayne, Indiana, 46825.

Condolences for the family may be made at www.sjfh.net

Published in South Bend Tribune from Mar. 16 to Mar. 17, 2017

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