South Bend Tribune Story

Tribune Photo/JAMES BROSHER

Granddaughter wants to honor slain Mishawaka grandfather
Bill Fields was found dead in his home in January.
By ASHLEY CHARNLEY
Tribune Staff Writer

MISHAWAKA — Brandi Miller is working to raise money to plant a tree in honor of her grandfather, whom she found dead in his home earlier this year.

She would like to plant a tree with a plaque at Mary Gibbard Park, across from her grandfather’s home.

Bill Fields, Miller’s grandfather, was found dead in his home Jan. 8, a victim of a homicide. Adam Chrzan, Fields’ neighbor, has been charged with robbery, burglary, felony murder and murder in the death of the 86-year-old man, who was stabbed in his home at the corner of Grand Boulevard and Panama Street.

Miller wants to plant a maple tree like the one her grandfather used to admire on his own property.

“He loved that tree,” Miller said. “He said it was beautiful every season of the year.”

Miller’s idea has been approved by Mayor Jeff Rea, and she said she’s already spoken with the Mishawaka Parks Department, which plans to help her get the tree to the park and plant it.

The tree itself will cost about $200, and the plaque will be about $1,100. The plaque will have a picture of Fields, his name and a saying that Miller is going to pick out to reflect her grandfather’s life.

“He always waved to everybody. When it was warm, we would sit outside and people would stop as they walked by to say hello,” Miller said.

To raise the funds for the tree and plaque, Miller is hoping to receive donations from others in the community. She has set up a Web site, www.billfieldsmemorial.com, where friends and family can look through pictures, share memories and donate money.

Miller said she already has received almost $250 from family and friends.

Miller hopes to have the funds raised soon so she can plant the tree and order the plaque, which will take four to five weeks to arrive. She wants to have it finished in time to have a memorial service when her family comes to town for Chrzan’s trial in August.

However, Miller said, this isn’t just for the family. A “big part of it is for the neighborhood.”

“When this kind of thing happens, it gives a stigma to a neighborhood,” she said.

Miller said she would do anything for her grandfather and this is something she just has to do. She said her grandfather knew that she was always willing to do whatever he asked of her.

“He would have liked it,” Miller said, smiling. “And he wouldn’t have been surprised either.”