Donald Berchem

Mr. Donald N. Berchem, 100, of LaPorte, IN formerly of Chicago, IL., died Thursday December 16, 2004, at 3:00 p.m. at his home. He was born January 25, 1904, in Chicago, IL. to Joseph and Eva Krier Berchem. Mr. Berchem graduated from University of Chicago Law School in 1929 and was a trial lawyer with the Chicago law firm of Bechem, Schwantes & Thuma for 41 years. He was elected a Fellow of the International Academy of Trial Lawyers in 1956. In 1970 he retired and moved to Ft. Lauderdale, FL. Where he and his wife operated a Hallmark Card and Gift Shop. In 1981 he and his wife moved to LaPorte where Donald was chief financial officer in his son Gene?s business, Industrial Maintenance Welding and Machining Co. of Kingsbury, IN. for 10 years. On September 1, 1961 in Las Vegas, NV. he married Mary O?Dell, who survives. Also surviving are two sons, Gene Berchem of LaPorte, IN., John Berchem of Chicago, IL.; three daughters, Mrs. Kathleen Pandola of Hilton Head Island, SC, Mrs. Alice Ann Fleischer of Santa Fe, NM, Mrs. Joyce Theriault of Hopewell, NJ; fifteen grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, one son, Patrick Berchem; and one daughter Joan Berchem. The funeral will be Monday, December 20, 2004 at 10:00 a.m. at the Haverstock Funeral Home, LaPorte, with the Rev. George M. Vrabely officiating. Friends may call Sunday from 4 to 8 p.m. and Monday from 9 a.m. until time of the service. Burial will be All Saints Cemetery, Des Plaines, IL., Monday at 2:00 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the LaPorte Hospital Foundation, P.O. Box 250, LaPorte, IN. 46352. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Donald N. Berchem please visit our Sympathy Store.