Central 1948 Alex Michael Santa

May 26, 1930 - Dec. 7, 2016

Guest Book

SOUTH BEND - Alex Michael Santa, a lifelong resident of South Bend, passed away at 2:58 a.m. Wednesday, December 7, 2016, at his home. He was 86 years old.

He was born May 26, 1930, in South Bend, a son of Michael & Elizabeth (Horvath) Santa, and was a graduate of Central High School, class of 1948. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy.

On February 2, 1952, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, South Bend, Alex was united in marriage to Helen I. Wilftfong. They have enjoyed 64 years of marriage, and raised a wonderful family.

Along with his loving wife Helen, he is survived by his son, James Alan (Ellen) Santa of South Bend; and his four daughters, Theresa Ann Paulik of Cincinnati, OH, Deborah Sue Wizieck of South Bend, Kathy Lynn (Scott) Hertel, and Barbara Jean (Michael) Vaerwyck of Granger. Mr. Santa is also survived by ten grandchildren, David Paulik, Christopher (Melisa) Paulik, Jacklyn (Jason) Barrow, Catherine (Dan) Slott, Lauren (Jeff) Wroblewski, Kelly Vaerwyck, Kyle Hertel, Alyssa (Alexis) Hertel, Shanna Hertel, and Alex Wizieck; two step-grandchildren, Andrew Hertel and Adam Hertel; two great-grandchildren, Myles and Cora Slott; and his sister-in-law, Pat Santa of South Bend.

He was preceded in death by his son, Keith Santa, an infant son, his granddaughter, Stephanie Paulik, his sister, Theresa Gyori, and two brothers, George & Michael Santa.

Mr. Santa was self-employed for more than forty years with Santa's Painting and Decorating Company. He was always proud to tell others that he played basketball under the leadership of Coach John Wooden.

Memorial services will be held on Monday, December 12, 2016, at 12:00 p.m. at the Palmer Funeral Home-Guisinger Chapel, 3718 South Michigan Street, South Bend, with Trevor Foley of the Center for Hospice officiating. Graveside services and military honors will follow at St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park, Granger. The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. - 12 noon on Monday at the Palmer Funeral Home-Guisinger Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be offered to the Hospice Foundation, 501 Comfort Place, Mishawaka, IN 46545. Online condolences to the family may be sent to www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

Funeral Home

Palmer Funeral Homes - Guisinger Chapel

3718 South Michigan Street

South Bend, IN 46614

(574) 291-5880 Funeral Home Details

Send Flowers

Published in South Bend Tribune on Dec. 9, 2016

- See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/southbendtribune/obituary.aspx?n=alex-michael-santa&pid=183030854&fhid=7078&eid=sp_ommatch#sthash.JyoHHM8C.dpuf