Robert Vincent MICHALSKI

28 SEP 1928 - 22 SEP 1996

• BIRTH: 28 SEP 1928, South Bens, St Joseph, IN
• DEATH: 22 SEP 1996, Plymouth, Marshall, IN

INDEX

[N30548] Robert Vincent Michalski

BIRTH 28 Sep 1928
South Bend, St. Joseph County, IN

DEATH 22 Sep 1996 (aged 67)
Plymouth, Marshall County, IN

BURIAL
Oak Hill Cemetery
Plymouth, Marshall County, IN
MEMORIAL ID 181662868

(Research and bio that follows by Kim White. All are welcome to this info.)

Robert was the son of Polish immigrant Vincent Michalski (arrived in 1905) and Gladys Ewald, who married circa 1925. I found three children for them, but there may have been others-James Ernest (2 Feb 1926 - 4 Feb 1956), Robert V. (28 Sep 1928 - 22 Sep 1996), and Esther Ann (b. 11 Mar 1932). I found the family on the 1930 Census, living at 2114 Rogers St. in South Bend, St. Joseph Co., Indiana. Vincent Michalski, aged 37, was working for a sewing machine company, likely the Singer Sewing Machine Company. Gladys, aged 26, was home with their two young sons-Ernest (aka James), aged 4, and Robert, aged 1.(From: The History Museum, South Bend, IN) “The Depression years were not good for Singer in South Bend (nor anywhere). In 1932 there were 650 employees, and most of these employees worked a 16 hour a week schedule. There was some growth after this, but it seems that throughout the 1930s there were only around 800 or 900 employees. They were mostly on a 40 hour work week in the later years.” The 1940 Census placed the family at 2122 Rogers St. in South Bend. Vincent Michalski, aged 47, was employed as a finisher for a sewing machine company. Gladys, aged 36, was keeping house. With the couple were Ernest, aged 14, Robert, aged 11, and Esther, aged 8. During WWII, Robert served with the Navy between 3 Nov 1945 and 9 Aug 1946. He served again during the Korean War between 25 Jan 1951 and 10 Jan 1955. Robert’s brother Ernest also served during the Korean War as a Parachutist with the 511th ABN Signal Company. He died while in service. Robert was one of the lucky one who was able to return home to his family. Robert married twice. I don’t have any information about his first marriage. His second marriage at age 38 was to Irma Jean Hessler on 26 Aug 1966 in Plymouth, Marshall County.
Robert lived to age 67, passing six days before his 68th birthday.

Obituary from p. 16 of the 24 SEP 1996 edition of the “South Bend Tribune”:

. Sept. 28, 1928 - Sept. 22, 1996
Robert Michalski, 67, a United States Navy veteran who served both in World War II and the Korean Conflict, died, following an illness, on Sunday, at 11:35 p.m. in St. Joseph's of Marshall County Hospital, Plymouth, Ind.
. Mr. Michalski lived at 13323 4B Rd., Plymouth. He was born on Sept. 28, 1928, in South Bend, Ind., to the late Vincent and Gladys Ewald Michalski, and lived in the Marshall County area his entire life. He attended Tyner schools.
. For 15 years, he worked as a driver and mechanic for Chase Leasing, retiring in 1990. Robert was a member of the St. Joseph Valley Pigeon Club.

. On Aug. 26, 1966, Robert Michalski and Jean Hessler were married. His wife survives.
. In addition to his wife, he is survived by a son, Mark, and his wife, Carla Michalski of Richmond, Ind.; two stepsons, Stephen, and his wife, Judy Hessler of Plymouth and Martin Hessler of Texas; two grandsons, Ryan and Eric Michalski; three stepgrandchildren, Marc and Corey Hessler and Kerry Biggins; five great-grandchildren; and a sister, Esther Kerber of Arkansas.
. In addition to his parents; Robert was preceded in death by an infant sister, Rita Michalski; and a brother, Jim Michalski.
. Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m., today, at the Johnson - Danielson Funeral Home, 1100 N. Michigan St., Plymouth. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m.. Wednesday, in the funeral home.
. Burial will take place in the New Oakhill Cemetery, Plymouth.
. Memorial gifts may be made to Marshall County Hospice.