Dr. Andrew G. Mehall

Dr. Andrew G. Mehall, age 88, of Portage, IN., formerly of Rensselaer, passed away at the Porter Regional Hospital of Valparaiso, on Tuesday, June 14, 2016. He was born in LeMont Furnace, Pennsylvania on May 19, 1928, the son of Andrew J. and Mary (Brzack) Mehall. On November 18, 1950 in Centerline, MI, Andrew married Julia Sauger who survives. Andrew graduated from the University of Detroit Boys’ School, attended the University of Michigan and ultimately graduated with a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Detroit. He went on to earn his Master’s degree from Syracuse University and his Doctorate of Zoology from the University of Illinois. Dr. Mehall began his career at Saint Joseph’s College in 1961 as an instructor in biology. In 1992, he was the recipient of the Teaching Excellence Award. He was honored with a teaching award in 1990, and in January1992 he was presented with St. Joseph’s College Lifetime Achievement Award, one of the first two instructors at Saint Joseph’s college to earn this distinguished recognition. Additionally, Dr. Mehall was recognized for being Co-Founder, First Chairman and Outstanding Contributor to the Core Science Program at Saint Joseph’s College. He held the title of the Biology Department Chairman until his retirement. After retirement, he worked as a volunteer at Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art in Indianapolis. He later became the tour guide coordinator at the museum for a period of over eight years. In 2005, when he and Julia returned to Rensselaer, he served a volunteer at the Jasper County Library for many years. Surviving are his loving wife Julia and his children Mary Elizabeth (Michael) Watkins of Woodstock, GA, Andrea (Ernest Jr.) Watson of Rensselaer, IN, and Ret. Lt. Col. Leslie (Cindy Beard) Mehall of Alexandria, VA. Also surviving are 2 granddaughters; Jennifer (Joseph) Whitaker Camacho and Victoria Watson; 2 great-granddaughters, Jayla Camacho, and Jiana Camacho, sister Marilyn (Mike) Turchick of Canton, MI. Andrew was preceded in death by his parents. Friends may call on Friday, June 17, 2016, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Jackson Funeral Chapel of Rensselaer. A Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, June 18, 2016, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph’s College Chapel in Rensselaer with Father Don Davison officiating. Memorials may be made to St. Joseph’s College Chapel Restoration Project.

Dr. Andrew G. Mehall

May 19, 1928 - June 14, 2016