Submitted by: Mary Jo Koran

SBT 14Mar2009

Surnames: Fisher - Korenstra - Smeltzer

Cemetery:  Good Shepherd Mausoleum Chapel, Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens

Military:  Korean War Era - PFC - US Marine Corps  

Phil W. Smeltzer

June 20, 1931- March 12, 2009
SOUTH BEND - Phil Wade Smeltzer, age 77, of South Bend, passed away at 5:15 am Thursday, March 12, 2009 of natural causes. Phil was born June 20, 1931 in South Bend, Indiana to the late Paul R. and Thelma (Fisher) Smeltzer. Phil was a graduate of Adams High School in South Bend, and served his Country during the Korean War Era as a Private First Class in the U.S. Marine Corps.  

Surviving is his wife, Susan Smeltzer of South Bend, and their children, Eric Aaron (Kim) Smeltzer of Bremen, Indiana and Jacalyn Smeltzer Ph.D. of Smyrna, Georgia, and his granddaughter, Hanna Mackenzie Smeltzer of Bremen. Also surviving is his sister, Mary Lou (Francis) Korenstra of Syracuse, Indiana, his Step-Mother Ann Smeltzer of South Bend, 6 nephews and 2 nieces and his sister-in-law Millie Smeltzer Price. Phil was preceded in death by his brother Paul Smeltzer Jr. and 3 infant brothers.  

A graveside committal service will be held at 1:00 pm Monday, March 16, 2009 at the Good Shepherd Mausoleum Chapel on the grounds of Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Osceola. Rev. Neil Wonnacott of the St. Paul's Lutheran Church of Bremen will officiate. Chapel Hill Funeral Home of Osceola is handling arrangements.  

Phil was employed for over 20 years at the A.M. General Corporation as an Industrial Machine Repair specialist where he belonged to the UAW Local 5. In his early years, Phil enjoyed playing baseball, where he played the catcher's position for many years. Phil enjoyed playing Chess, and was a member of the South Bend Chess Club, as well as a ranked player in the U.S. Chess Federation. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Phil Smeltzer Memorial Fund c/o Mutual Bank, 411 W McKinley Ave, Mishawaka IN 46545.