Eugene Gene PALKOWSKI

24 DEC 1927 - 23 JAN 2015

• BIRTH: 24 DEC 1927, South Bend, IN
• DEATH: 23 JAN 2015, South Bend, IN

• MARRIAGE: 2 AUG 1952, St Adalbert, South Bend, Indiana

INDEX

[N12361] Eugene Palkowski
Dec. 24, 1927 - Jan. 23, 2015
SOUTH BEND - Eugene R. "Gene" Palkowski, a lifelong area resident, died Friday afternoon, January 23, 2015 in his home surrounded by his family. He was 87. Born in South Bend, Indiana on December 24, 1927, he was the son of Leo and Chesterine (Stefanski) Palkowski. On August 2, 1952 in St. Adalbert Catholic Church in South Bend, he married his loving wife of 62 years, the former Patricia A. Jurek who survives. Along with his wife, Mr. Palkowski leaves behind their three devoted daughters, Karen J. (Paul) Smiecinski of Vandalia, Michigan, Nancy J. (Sid) Shafer of South Bend and Jean Marie (Ty) Tetzlaff of O'Fallon, Missouri. Also surviving are his loving grandchildren, Joe, Sidney, Stacey, Tyler and Abby, and a sister, Doris Mickels of Mishawaka, Indiana. He is preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Lee Palkowski, a sister, Mary Jane Nyikos and on November 8, 1985 by his beloved grandson, Matthew P. Smiecinski. Mr. Palkowski was a faithful and devoted member of St. Anthony de Padua Catholic Church in South Bend where he had served as an Usher and Eucharistic Minister for many years. After proudly serving his country in the United States Army following World War II and being honorably discharged in 1947, he came home to South Bend, and was employed with City Services in the division of transportation for over 40 years before his retirement in 1992. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 31, 2015 at St. Anthony de Padua Catholic Church with Rev. David Ruppert as Celebrant. The family will receive guests one hour prior to the Mass on Saturday from 10 to 11 a.m. in the church. Entombment will follow in St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be offered on behalf of Mr. Palkowski to St. Anthony's Church, Heartland Hospice, 826 West Edison Road, Mishawaka, Indiana 46545 or to the charity of the donor's choice . Mr. Palkowski's family wishes to thank the angels of Heartland Hospice, Always Best Care Senior Services and to all his many doctors and nurses for the love and care given to Gene in his final weeks. Gene will forever be missed by his many friends and loving family. May God grant him eternal rest. Arrangements for Mr. Palkowski are in the care of Hahn Funeral Home where condolences may be forwarded to the family at the website, www.hahnfuneralhomes.com. Published in South Bend Tribune on Jan. 28, 2015