Joseph R. Seese Jan. 14, 1961 - Dec. 4, 2014 GRANGER - Joseph R. Seese, 53, residing in Granger, passed away at 11:03 pm Thursday, December 4, 2014, in his home surrounded by his wife and children. He was born January 14, 1961, in South Bend, to Richard James and Eleanor (DeGeeter) Seese, and remained a lifelong area resident. He was preceded in death by both his father, Richard J. Seese, and his stepfather, Edward J. Krizman. On April 5th, 1997, in South Bend, Joseph married the former Debbie Eskridge, who survives. In addition to his loving wife, he is survived by his children, Stephanie Seese and Jacob Seese; his mother, Eleanor (Seese) Krizman of Granger. He is survived by his 11 siblings, James (Janice) Seese of Granger, William (Patricia) Seese of Orlando, FL, Thomas Seese of South Bend, Kathleen Sweet of Savannah, GA, Karen (Thomas) Carlin of Lino Lakes, MN, Karla (William) Fitzsimmons of Granger, Kristina (Kevin) Krizman of Savannah, GA, Kim (Chris) Bearden of Roswell, GA, Kurt (Cornile) Krizman of Savannah, GA, Kevin (Ruth) Krizman of Germany, Keith (Kristen) Krizman of Granger, IN. Additionally he is survived by 23 nieces and nephews, and 24 grandnieces and nephews. Joe owned and operated Dominos Pizza of Granger until he retired in 2013. He was well-known for his philanthropy in the community. School tours at the pizza store were his favorite as he loved kids. Over the years 1000s of kids got to don a pizza making hat and make their very own pizza. Some of the kids ended up becoming his employees years later. Any time someone would call and ask for a donation for a fundraising event, he was always generous. Also the firemen next door would sometimes get called on a run during dinner time and he always made sure there were pizzas waiting for them when they got back. He was well-known in his community as "Pizza Joe," and supported his community every chance he could. Joe loved the Cubs and watched every game he could. When the Cubs would win a game you could hear him throughout the whole house saying "Cubs Win"!!! We tried to make it to at least one game a year where Joe the historian would tell us all about Wrigley Field and its transformation over the years to its present state. Joe loved to golf. As a young man Joe met his lifelong friends at the local Putt Putt where he honed his putting skills, often winning the course championship. It's with these friends that he had the opportunity to play on some of the most beautiful courses across the United States throughout his life. They even made it to see Tiger play in a round at the U.S. Open. Fishing was another hobby that he was passionate about. He taught his family everything he knew about this beloved sport. The highlight every year was taking a trip to Canada in July. For 18 years he would pack all his gear and head out with the gang to what he described as one of the most beautiful and peaceful places on this earth. The last year he was able to go we made it a family trip and joined the usual gang to experience fishing at its best. It was a trip of a lifetime, and one we as a family will never forget. Joe was one of the kindest, caring, loving, generous, compassionate people you could ever meet. He had a heart as big as the moon and a smile as bright as the sun. His passing has left a hole in so many hearts. We were all so blessed to have him in our life. He has left us with so many incredible memories. We will all miss you very much, but will always hold you close to our heart. You were a gift, one that we will always treasure! A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, December 13, 2014, at Palmer Funeral Home-Hickey Chapel, 17131 Cleveland Road, South Bend, IN. Friends of the family, Mr. John Rice and Mr. Doug Kalk, will officiate. Friends may visit with the family one hour prior to the services. In lieu of flowers, contributions for Jake Seese's education may be sent to Chase Bank, 211 W. Washington St., South Bend, IN 46601. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com