George Kazmierzak Sept. 25, 1933 - Oct. 16, 2018 SOUTH BEND, IN - On Tuesday, October 16, 2018, George Kazmierzak passed peacefully in his home. George was born and raised in South Bend, Indiana on September 25, 1933, to the late George and Esther (Chrzan) Kazmierzak. George was married on October 4, 1952 in South Bend, and was a dedicated and loving husband of sixty-six years to Vivian W. Hilton, whom he often referred to as “The most beautiful woman in the entire world.” He graduated from John Adams High School in South Bend. He worked in the field of maintenance and construction, owning his own business for many years and finally retiring from Red Hen Turf Farm. He was able to operate large equipment and could drive anything from a go-cart to a semi-truck; however, his passion was for Cadillacs. George had the mind of an engineer, building his first home at the age of nineteen, where he and Vivian began their family together. As the family expanded, he then built their lifelong home, where they raised their 5 children. George was a down to earth, blatantly honest type, who loved to tease and jest with his children, children-in-laws, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and especially his grand-dogs. He was an avid Notre Dame fan, able to quote stats off the top of his head including years, names, positions played, coaches, etc. Planting and preparing a garden each year offered George one of life's simple pleasures. Homegrown tomatoes took the lead as favored crop. He was determined to grow whatever he set his mind to. He continued gardening in planted pots in his later years. Over the years George morphed into a world traveler, taking in sights and historical places everywhere from small towns in Alaska to Eastern European countries. George's children believe him to be the hardest working man that was ever created by God. They commonly noticed him working at a full-time job, while in addition, keeping several part-time jobs on the side. Surviving is his wife, Vivian of South Bend; five children, Richard (Debi) Kazmierzak of Columbia, South Carolina, George (Susan) Kazmierzak of East Troy, Wisconsin, Pam (Darrell) Olson of Granger, Patty (Rich) Eddington of Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Anne (Carl) Lederer of Osceola; sixteen grandchildren, Angelica, Amanda and husband Philip, Ryan, Brynn, Valerie and husband Eric, Gregory and wife Janelle, Matthew, Lauren, Blake, Leah, James, Tiffany, Luke, Joshua, Zachary, and Hunter; and eight great-grandchildren, Lucia, Emeline, Laina, Cora, Rainy, Madelyn, Brody, and Cali. Also surviving is a brother, Joseph (Lori) Kazmierzak of Rolling Prairie. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Edward Kazmierzak. The family of George Kazmierzak invites you to join them in celebrating his life, on Monday, October 29, 2018, at 11:00 AM at Sumption Prairie United Methodist Church, 24535 Roosevelt Road, South Bend, Indiana 46614, with Pastor Scott Taylor officiating. A lunch (location TBA) will follow his Memorial Service. Palmer Funeral Home - Guisinger Chapel, 3718 South Michigan Street, South Bend, Indiana 46614, is helping the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered to the Kazmierzak family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.
10/21/2018
