Edward F RADECKI

6 SEP 1920 - 19 JAN 2017

• BIRTH: 6 SEP 1920, South Bend, IN
• DEATH: 19 JAN 2017, South Bend, IN

• MARRIAGE: 19 FEB 1949, St Joseph County IN

INDEX

[N11289] Edward F. Radecki
Sept. 06, 1920 - Jan. 19, 2017
SOUTH BEND - After 96 years on this earth, Edward Radecki peacefully took one final breath before making the journey to his heavenly home. If we close our eyes and listen carefully, it's highly likely that we can hear him whistling a tune from a favorite Big Band as he settles in and reunites with friends and family who have gone on before us. A service honoring his life will take place in St. Joseph Funeral Home, 824 S. Mayflower Rd. on Tuesday, January 24 at 11:00 a.m. Friends and family may visit from 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Edward was born on September 6, 1920 in South Bend to Catherine and John Radecki. He was one of 13 children in a household that bustled with activity. For a short while, Eddie did service-oriented jobs for the Southshore Railroad making 53 cents an hour until he later moved on to the Studebaker plant. This experience in such a thriving factory fostered his lifelong appreciation for automobiles of all types and colors. He was drafted into the army during World War II and served for a little over three years, spending a portion of his time on a base in Alaska. When he was finally discharged, he acclimated to civilian life back in South Bend where he eventually married Loretta Wojtasik in 1948.Ed proudly aided the community and provided for his family as a firefighter for 26 years. He followed that career with a position at the Torrington Company's security post, finally retiring in the 1980s. Edward enjoyed being a Dziadzia and often shared ice cream cones (or popcorn) with guests and family while watching movies. Other hobbies included: listening to music, reading short stories, and watching sports events.He was a member and supporter of Holy Family Church. Mr. Radecki is survived by his brother Roman (Dorothy) Radecki; two children and their spouses, Susan and Charles Zent, and Mark and Cheryl Radecki; five grandchildren, Jennifer Zent, Joshua Zent, Jhannin Zent, Alec Radecki, and Emily Radecki. The family is grateful to those who gave of their time through caregiving, uplifting conversations, and companionship. In no particular order, the following people/pets deserve special acknowledgement: Buddy, Scotty, Buster, Sidney, Vince, Kathy, and Mary Jane. Plus, Sandi, Adele, and Harmoni from Memorial Health Care Services. And, finally, numerous aides from Healthwin. Published in South Bend Tribune on Jan. 22, 2017