Joseph W. Fraser Jr., age 80, of Granger, passed away Friday, Nov. 14, 2014 following a courageous 17 year battle with Parkinson''s disease. Joseph was born in Oak Park, IL, on Dec. 30, 1933 to Joseph W. and Loretta P. (Brand) Fraser. He met his loving wife, Bernice Ann Lesway, at B. Heller & Co. and married her on February 23, 1957.
Surviving are his wife, Bernice, daughter, Mary F. (Bret) Kite of Granger, daughter in law Kim Fraser of Osceola, and three grandsons; A.J., Ryan, and Travis. He also leaves behind a sister, Constance Coon of Chicago. Preceding him in death were his parents, Joseph W. and Loretta P. Fraser, a son, David John Fraser, and his infant son, Joseph Wilfred Fraser III.
Joe served his country in the Army as a First Lieutenant. He graduated from Knox College with a Bachelors Degree, and then continued his education at the University of Notre Dame, where he received his Master''s Degree. He was employed by Miles Laboratories (Bayer Healthcare) for 24 years as a research scientist, and then later in his career to management. Joe was honored on May 1, 2010 by the American Chemical Society for participating on the team for developing diagnostic test strips. He also worked for Keystone Diagnostics Inc., ProScience Corporation, and GDS Diagnostics, from which he retired in 1995.
Joe was a "die hard" Cubs fan, and was always optimistic that "This would be the year the Cubs win the Pennant!" He was also an avid Notre Dame fan and enjoyed travelling and photography. Most of all, Joe loved his family. He enjoyed family gatherings with family and friends. He always made time to listen and made you feel special, and of course, take your picture. Joe was also a longtime member of Queen of Peace Catholic Church.
Visitation will be held from 3-8 pm Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2014 at Chapel Hill Funeral Home in Osceola. Funeral mass will be held for Joe on Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2014 at 10:30 am at Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Mishawaka, with interment to follow in Violet Cemetery, Goshen, Indiana.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the Nurses and staff at Heartland Hospice, Michiana Health and Rehab center, and everyone else who assisted Joe. We consider you God''s Angels.
In his memory, donations may be made to Queen of Peace School, 4805 Vistula Road, Mishawaka, IN 46544, the American Parkinson''s Disease Association, 135 Parkinson Avenue, Staten Island, NY10305, or Heartland Hospice, 826 W. Edison Road, Mishawaka, IN 46545.