Ronald SCHMANSKI-SCHMANSKE

7 AUG 1936 - 23 NOV 2016

• BIRTH: 7 AUG 1936, South Bend, IN
• DEATH: 23 NOV 2016, Elkhart County, Indiana

• MARRIAGE: 3 MAY 1958, St Joseph County, IN

INDEX

[N8791] Birth: Aug 7, 1936
South Bend, St Joseph, IN
Death: Nov 23, 2016
Elkhart, IN

ELKHART ­- Ronald E. Schmanske, 80, of Elkhart, peacefully passed away Wednesday, Nov. 23, at his home. He was born Aug. 7, 1936, in South Bend, to John F. and Johanna (Kravontka) Schmanski. On May 3, 1958, he married Carolyn (Dempsey) Schmanske in South Bend.He is survived by his wife, Carolyn Schmanske of Elkhart; a daughter, Dana (John) Soptich of Elkhart; a son, R. Anthony (Leslie) Schmanske of Friendswood, Texas; five grandchildren, Christopher, Alex and Mary Soptich and Hannah and Jacob Schmanske. He was also a loving uncle to many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Dorothy (Robert) McNerney and a brother, John F. (Frances) Schmanski Jr. Ronald graduated from South Bend Central High School in 1955. He spent his entire career in the newspaper business starting as a paper boy for the South Bend Tribune. After serving in the U.S. Army, he went back to the South Bend Tribune and worked in various positions. In 1970, he went to work for The Elkhart Truth and retired from there as Director of Marketing & Public Relations in 2004. He was creator and director of The Great Race for 35 years and was past president of several organizations including the Noon Kiwanis Club and was a member of St. Thomas Catholic Church. Of his many achievements, he was most noted for contributing his time and talent to the Elkhart community. Ronald enjoyed running and was proud to have completed many races, including the Boston Marathon. Per his wishes, his body was donated to Indiana University School of Medicine. A memorial Mass will take place at St. Thomas Catholic Church, Elkhart, at 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17. Memorial contributions may be given to the Center for Hospice Care, 22579 Old U.S. 20 East, Elkhart, IN 46516.