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In Memory

Don Claeys - Class Of 1942 VIEW PROFILE

Don Claeys

  

DON CLAEYS

Don H. Claeys April 25, 1924 - May 12, 2014 NOTRE DAME - Don H. Claeys, 90, of South Bend, passed away Monday evening, May 12th, at his home in Andre Place, Holy Cross Village. Don was the son of Virgie (Hickey) and Jerome Charles Claeys, born April 25, 1924, the fourth of four children.

He was the brother of Jerry Claeys, Jr. (Evadna), Mary Margaret Murphy (Earl), and Bettie Jane Schultz (Robert), all of whom preceded him in death.

After graduating from John Adams High School he attended the university of Notre Dame and entered the Navy ROTC program. He honorably served his country in the Navy during World War II and the Korean Conflict. The most challenging and rewarding time in his life was his 33 years in the U.S. Navy Reserve. While stationed in Hawaii he met his future wife, Margaret Mary "Peg" Schaffer, a captain in the United States Marine Corps, and they were wed in 1955.

Peg survives along with 16 nieces and nephews, 26 great-nieces and nephews, and 12 great-great-nieces and nephews.

Don joined his brother, Jerry, at the family business, Claeys Candy Co., which was founded by their father and worked there until he retired as Vice President and Treasurer. He believed in giving back to the community and quietly supported many charities and organizations without recognition.

A special thank you from the family goes out to the Center for Hospice Care, Mary Wilson, and the dear friends and extended family at Andre Place.

A memorial Mass will be celebrated Friday, May 16th, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Pius X Catholic Church, with Monsignor William Schooler officiating. Peg and the family will greet friends in the church on Friday from 10:30 a.m. until the time of Mass. Don donated his body to the Anatomical Education program at Indiana University Medical School. His family and friends will be received at Andre Place, Holy Cross Village, following the ceremony. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Christ Child Society P.O. Box 1286, South Bend, IN, 46624; Community Foundation of St. Joseph County, P.O. Box 837, South Bend, IN, 46624; the Center for Hospice Care, 501 Comfort Place, Mishawaka, IN, 46545; or to the Notre Dame Club of St. Joseph Valley Scholarship Trust, 100 Eck Center, Notre Dame, IN 46556. Welsheimer Family Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Family and friends may leave e-mail condolences at www.welsheimer.com.

 

Published by South Bend Tribune on May 15, 2014.
12/01/2022 EJS



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