Anneliese Helga (Varbelow) Garis

Anneliese Helga (Varbelow) Garis, 87 years old, peacefully passed away on Wednesday, January 22, 2025 her residence in Mishawaka.

Anneliese was born on November 25, 1937 in Lazig, Germany to the late Otto and Frida Varbelow. On October 8, 1976, Anneliese married the love of her life, Theodore "Ted" Garis, who preceded her in death in 2007.

Left to cherish their memories, Anneliese is survived by her children, Caroline (Thomas) Pennino, Charles (Esther) Maggio, Michael (Kim) Maggio, and Trudy Varbelow; grandchildren, Steven Skibins, Zachery Maggio, Frank Pennino, Zachary (Keilly) Maggio, Christina Maggio, Heather Short, Desiree Varbelow, Randolph Varbelow, Jr.; great-grandchildren, Abriel, Darren, Jayden, Briana, London, Easton, Maximus, Gracie, and Anthony; and her brother, Siegmund (Gerlinde) Varbelow.

Anneliese was an accomplished seamstress. She would make her children’s costumes when they were younger, and she loved to sew for everyone in her life. She also enjoyed watching NASCAR, her sons races at South Bend Motor Speedway, and her grandsons play Little League Baseball. Anneliese loved her pets and gardening. She even started a Unity Garden at her apartment complex. She was a woman of faith and loved attending the Christian Center. Anneliese was known for making the best potato salad this side of the Mississippi, and everyone who ate it loved it. Along with her world famous potato salad, she also made incredible pierogis that will be missed.

There will be no services held for Anneliese Helga Garis at this time, per Annaliese’s wishes. She will be buried at a later date at St. Joseph Cemetery, South Bend.

Donations in honor of Anneliese Helga Garis may be made out to the Center for Hospice, 501 Comfort Pl, Mishawaka, IN 46545 or Humane Society of St. Joseph County, 2506 Grape Rd, Mishawaka, IN 46545.

Online condolences can be made at sjfh.net.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Anneliese Helga (Varbelow) Garis, please visit our floral store.