ANTHONY LYVERS OBITUARY

June 4, 1990 - Dec. 15, 2011
MISHAWAKA - Anthony David Lyvers, 21, of Mishawaka, IN, passed away on Thursday, December 15, 2011, in his home. He was born June 4, 1990, to Gary S. Lyvers and Leslie A. Plonka in South Bend, IN, and was a lifelong area resident.

He graduated from John Adams High School in 2009 and was currently attending the SBCSC Young Adult Services Program.

He was preceded in death by his great-grandmother, Rose Leeper.

Anthony is survived by his mother, Leslie A. Plonka (Matt Trowbridge) of Mishawaka, IN; his father, Gary S. Lyvers of South Bend, IN; two sisters, Valerie Lyvers of Chicago, IL, and Lily Plonka-Blain of Mishawaka, IN; and extended family, Alison, Alyssa, Sam and Steven Trowbridge, Mishawaka, IN, Jeff Blain, South Bend, IN; and many friends and neighbors from the Keller Park neighborhood. Also his maternal grandmother, Laura Plonka (Bill Anderson) of South Bend, IN; maternal grandfather, David Plonka of South Bend, IN; paternal grandmother, Carolyn (Bill Mellen), Mishawaka, IN; paternal grandfather, Mark (Marybeth) Lyvers, Plymouth, IN; his uncles and aunts, Scott Plonka, Rick (Tracey) Plonka, Steven (Nina) Plonka, Todd Lyvers, Glenn Lyvers, Greg (Gail) Lyvers, Lori (David) Hayes, Gail Lyvers; and many endearing cousins.

Anthony was a dedicated, devoted, and enthusiastic member of the Michiana, Elkhart and Niles YMCAs where he could be found on various days "floating on three noodles," swimming laps, or jumping off the diving board. He was also a swim team member with the St. Joseph County Special Olympics and could be found on occasion at the Memorial Health and Lifestyle Center pool. Anthony loved water parks and slides, Winnie the Pooh, the Muppets, and to assemble jigsaw puzzles in rapid speed.

He frequented the 7-11s for coke slurpees, and all the area McDonald's restaurants for his usual "#8 meal with a large Coke, ice water and two bar-b-que sauces." He never saw a pepperoni pizza he didn't like. He had an amazing collection of Walt Disney movies, loved to watch "All Dogs Go to Heaven" and "The Secret of Nimh" on Netflix. He was an avid shopper, and loved the local Goodwill stores where he could always pick up a puzzle or movie. Tony was well-known at the local Martin's with his extensive grocery list which always included a loaf of raisin bread and barbeque chips. He loved bowling, to visit the theatres, to travel to Chicago to the Shedd Aquarium, and to listen to music of all genres. The Shrek soundtrack was a dance favorite.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to any local YMCA where a scholarship will be set up in his name; or to the St. Joseph County Special Olympics Swimming Program, 106 LWE, P.O. Box 643, Mishawaka, IN 46546-0643.

Anthony will be terribly missed by his family and extended family and friends in the community. He was the coolest son, his Mom's "bodyguard" "wing-man" and "copilot," a wonderful brother and mentor, a "Rock star," our "hero," and an "Angel" here on Earth. Anthony was a silent, gentle young man who taught us about unconditional love and touched so many lives through his bravery, strength and courage. We love You Anthony.

Visitation will be from 4-6 pm Wednesday, December 21st, at the Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N Bendix Drive, South Bend, IN, where a funeral service will follow immediately after at 6 pm. Private burial will take place at a later date. 

My First Christmas in Heaven I see the countless Christmas trees around the world below, With tiny lights, like heaven's stars, reflecting on the snow. The sight is so spectacular, please wipe away that tear, For I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year. I hear the many Christmas songs that people hold so dear, But the sounds of music can't compare with the Christmas choir up here. I have no words to tell you, the joy their voices bring. For it is beyond description, to hear the angels sing. I know how much you miss me. I see the pain inside your heart, But I am not so far away. We really aren't apart. So be happy for me dear ones. You know I hold you dear, And be glad I'm spending Christmas, with Jesus Christ this year. I send you each a special gift, from my heavenly home above, I send you each a memory of my undying love. After all "love" is a gift, more precious than pure gold. It was always most important in the stories Jesus told. Please love and keep each other, as my father said to do. For I can't count the blessing or love he has for each of you. So have a Merry Christmas and wipe away that tear, Remember, I'm spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year. Author Unknown To send condolences, please visit www.kaniewski.com.