James H. Monserez

James H. Monserez, 91, of South Bend, passed away Tuesday, October 9, 2018.

James was born September 22, 1927 in South Bend to late Camiel and Helen (Walkowiak) Monserez.

He graduated from South Bend Central Catholic High School in 1945. After a three-year stint in the United States Navy, he earned a Business Degree from South Bend College of Commerce. 

On October 29, 1949, he married the former Anne Barany in Our Lady of Hungary Catholic Church.

Jim and Anne owned and operated the South Bend Hardware from 1950 until his retirement in 1991.  His work ethic and sense of fairness were traits to be emulated. 

Jim was a man of great faith.  He always believed that we were to give back to the many blessings he and his family received.  He attended daily mass for many years.  He was a valued volunteer at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center for twenty-years, and was also a Hospice caregiver.  His membership in the Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus dates from the 1950s.

Many have benefited from the strong commitment Jim and his wife have had to Catholic education.

He is survived by his seven children: J. Michael of Fort Myers, Florida, Mark Andrew of Phoenix, Arizona, W. Marten (Milena) of Loveland, Ohio, Maurice of San Francisco, California, Mathew John (Patty) of Windermere, Florida, Monte (Joni) of South Bend, and his only daughter, Mary Margaret (Meg) Paligraf of Indianapolis.  Also surviving Jim are Alesia Monserez, thirteen grandchildren: Megan, John Michael, Michael (Amber), Nicholas (Arielle), Madison, Allie, Marlie, and Mathew Monserez; also, MacKenzie (Joel) Kalihan, Meredith (Bob) Conner, Patrick, Maurissa and Mathew Paligraf.  Four great-grandchildren, Hallie, Nicholas, Grace and Luke also survive.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Anne, and a son-in-law Philip Paligraf.

Visitation will be held for Jim on Monday, October 15, 2018 from 4-7 PM at Palmer Funeral Homes – Guisinger Chapel, 3718 South Michigan Street, South Bend, Indiana 46614.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 16, 2018 at 10:00 AM at St. Matthew Cathedral, 1701 Miami Street, South Bend 46613.

A private burial ceremony will be held later at Cedar Grove Cemetery, Notre Dame.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Center for Hospice Care, 501 Comfort Place, Mishawaka, Indiana 46545.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

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