John DeLancy, Jr., 83 / Dec. 30, 1927 — June 6, 2011

Published 10:44 pm Tuesday, June 7, 2011

John L. DeLancy, Jr., 83, of Huntly Road in Niles, died at 8:29 a.m. Monday, June 6, 2011 at Memorial Hospital, South Bend following a brief illness.

John DeLancy, Jr., 83

Mr. DeLancy was born Dec. 30, 1927 in South Bend to John Luther Sr. and Evelyn DeLancy. He graduated from high school in South Bend and moved to Niles in 1969. He retired after 30 years of service at Garden City Fan. He also previously worked for 20 years at Studebaker Automobiles.

John was a World War II veteran, having served in the United States Navy.

He enjoyed painting, especially in oil; woodworking, including framing his own artwork; and constructing model World War II ships and airplanes. John kept his yard and cars perfect, and is remembered for being immaculate in everything.

On Dec. 1, 1973 in Niles, he married the former Patricia G. Wedel, who survives.

Surviving family also includes his sons, Tim Brunkhart of Kentucky and Craig (Cheryl) Brunkhart of Indianapolis; stepdaughter, Debra (Scott) Pucheu of Berrien Springs; stepson, Douglas (Wendi) Mills of Niles; three grandchildren; five step-grandchildren; and two step-great-grandchildren.

Mr. DeLancy was preceded in death by his stepson, Richard Allen Mills, who died in 2001.

The funeral service for John L. DeLancy will be held at 2:30 p.m. Thursday, June 9 at Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles with the Rev. Edward H. Slate of Wesley United Methodist Church officiating.

Committal will follow at Mission Hills Memorial Gardens in Niles and will conclude with full military honors by the American Legion Post 51, Buchanan.

The family will receive friends and relatives beginning at 1:30 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

Contributions in memory of John may be made to the American Cancer Society.