Maurice D. Landis

Maurice Desmidt Landis, 92, of St. Joseph died surrounded by family at Hanson Hospice Center in Stevensville, MI on Aug 11, 2014.  He was born Aug 30, 1921 in Neuilly-Sur-Seine, Paris, France, the son of WWI veteran Maurice N. Landis and French post-war bride Paulette Desmidt.  He grew up in South Shore, Chicago, IL and attended Hyde Park High School and graduated from the University of Illinois.  He was a member of Delta Phi Fraternity.   Maurice was a veteran of WWII, serving in the 33rd Division, Calvary Reconnaissance, 136th Canon Company in the Pacific Theater as a Corporal, Forward Observer.  He received the Bronze Star Medal and was a member of American Legion Dowagiac Post 563.   On November 1, 1947, he married Edith Jane Wettstein in Keokuk, Iowa.  They resided in Chicago and Olympia Fields, IL and Sister Lakes, MI.   Maurice worked for the Leo Burnett advertising agency in Chicago, IL for 36 years.  He was an Art Director.  In 1969, Mr. Burnett paid special tribute to Maurice as being one of the (45) “warp and woof’ of the agency.   He is survived by his wife Jane and his four children:  Priscilla (Jeff) Gilroy-Green, Amelia and Clinton; Edith (Richard) Francois, Armand and Andre; Paulette (Alex) Rodriguez, David, Nina (Michael Bjurlin, Frida), Anthony (Liz, Kian and Lucas), and Edie (Nick Wolf); and Tom (Deb) Landis. He was preceded in death by his sister, Marte Kiedaisch.   Private graveside services will be held.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice at Home Inc., 4025 Health Park Lane, St. Joseph MI 49085. Arrangements entrusted to Clark Chapel & Cremation Services, 405 Center St. Dowagiac 782-2135. Those wishing to sign Maurice’s guestbook may do so online at www.clarkch.com .