Noël Raphaël VanAssche, age 94, of East Lansing, Michigan passed away on Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, November 22, 2018. He was born to Cyril and Octavie VanAssche on November 11, 1924 in Izegem, Belgium.
In his younger years, he served his country in the Belgian Army during World War II. Noël loved to tell many stories about his time in the Army. He married Denise Marie Calmeyn on May 9, 1951 and immigrated to Canada and then to the United States. He and his wife became US citizens in 1957.
Noël and Denise raised their family in Grosse Pointe Park, lived there for 55 years and subsequently moved to East Lansing.
Initially he worked at the J. L. Hudson Company and enjoyed volunteering for the Hudson’s Thanksgiving Day parades. He then began his 33 year career as a Design Sculptor for the General Motors Corporation.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 67 years, Denise, who passed away in March of this year.
He leaves three daughters to cherish his memories, Rita VanAssche Bueter, Colette VanAssche Davlantes (John), and Nicole VanAssche. Also surviving are his grandchildren, Elise Hamilton (Ryan), Claire Bueter, Stephen Davlantes (Athena) and Ryan Davlantes.
The family wishes to thank Kaylene Dalman for her years of devoted caretaking and friendship, Michael Liberato for his support and Eucharistic Ministry, and J.D. DeWitt and Bruce Copp for their friendship and assistance.
Memorial Contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, 2469 Woodlake Circle, Ste. 100, Okemos, MI 48864, the Michael J Fox Foundation, 111 West 33rd Street, New York, NY 10120 or a charity of your choice.
Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, November 29, 2018 at 10:00 AM at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 955 Alton Rd., East Lansing. Visitation will be at 9:00AM at the church.
Entombment will take place at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.
Arrangements by Gorsline Runciman East Lansing.
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