Bernard WISNIEWSKI

21 MAR 1914 - 18 NOV 2010

• BIRTH: 21 MAR 1914, Cleveland, OH
• BURIAL: St Joseph Cemetery, South Bend, In
• DEATH: 18 NOV 2010, South Bend, IN

• MARRIAGE: 15 JUN 1941, Mieleszyn, PL

1.  Larry Bernard WISNIEWSKI
2. +Bonita Bonnie WISNIEWSKI

INDEX

[N5985] Birth: Mar. 21, 1914
Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, Ohio, USA
Death: Nov. 18, 2010
South Bend, St. Joseph County, Indiana, USA

Bernard Wisniewski
SOUTH BEND On November 18, 2010, Bernard Wisniewski, 96, who was loved by his entire family, was called home to be with his Savior after suffering from an extended illness. His family will miss him dearly, and they know he has found a place of rest and comfort and his essence and joyful spirit will always remain in their hearts. Born to the union of Michael and Helen (Garbarczyk) Wisniewski in Cleveland, Ohio, Bernard entered this world on March 21, 1914. In 1922, he and his siblings relocated with his parents back to the family homeland in Poland where he remained until returning to America with his wife and children in 1949. Siblings include brothers Casimir Wisniewski, Zygmunt Wisniewski, and Michael Wisniewski, all deceased. Bernard's youngest brother Michael perished at Dachau Concentration Camp in Germany while working with the Polish Underground in the Second World War. His sister, Helen Marciniak, residing in Poland, survives him. Bernard himself endured the loss of his father at an early age, and later with his brothers assumed the responsibilities of the family farm. Eventually, he was able to work his own farm until war interrupted his family's way of life. Pressed into forced labor under German Occupation, he worked clearing railroad lines and then returned to his learned profession as a master butcher in Gniezno, Poland. Under German Occupation on June 15, 1941, Bernard married the former Stella Budnik, who survives him. To this blessed union were born two children, their daughter Bonnie Ujdak (Gerald) of Mishawaka, Indiana, and their son Larry Wisniewski who preceded him in death. After regaining occupancy of his farm, Bernard and his family were later forced to host Russian military officers under Soviet Occupation. Sensing what was to come under Communist rule, he began making arrangements to immigrate back to the United States after his farm was seized under the Polish Communist Government's collectivization program. Days prior to the family's scheduled departure, Communist authorities barred him from leaving, and his family was forced to depart without him. Stella, Bonnie, and Larry arrived in the United States in June, 1949, and they eventually welcomed his arrival in time for Christmas in December, 1949. After first settling into Niles, Michigan, they relocated to South Bend, Indiana, where they remained. Bernard began employment at the former Singer Sewing Machine factory. He then worked for the University of Notre Dame until he retired in 1979. Bernard belonged to St. Adalbert Parish in South Bend where he was a member with Stella for nearly 60 years. Together, they celebrated daily their union of 69 years. Their life together was forever founded upon their deep faith in Jesus and the Blessed Mother. Their abiding faith guided their way through the challenges and turmoil of life and enriched their joy and thankfulness for the treasures of a lifetime of togetherness. Each day was reflective of their Christ-like gifts of themselves to family, friends and neighbors throughout their lives. Together, Stella and Bernard were a bottomless well of gifts of unconditional love to all.Bernard loved farming, gardening and cooking. He was famous for his very best meat, from the legendary Thanksgiving and Christmas turkey and dressing to his most desired homemade "Dzia Dzia's Sausage". He had a heart bigger than any known and could be found helping family and friends throughout his life, especially through his long retirement. If Dzia Dzia wasn't on a tractor, he was cutting brush, painting, behind a lawn mower, driving his grandchildren and great-grandchildren to and from school and appointments, or deeply engaged in the art of raising vegetables and beautiful roses. His will to work and his "iron horse" stamina never ceased to amaze his family. He derived joy from serving others and combined it with a sense of humor that endeared him to all who knew him. Many memories bring smiles to family and friends. Remaining to cherish his beloved memory are also his grandchildren, Andrew Ujdak, of Mishawaka, Indiana, Jennifer Lillis (Edward) of Cary, North Carolina, Joanne Berry (Ronnie) of Fishers, Indiana, Karen Wisniewski of Indianapolis, Indiana, and Mary Ann Serrahn (Sean) of Chicago, Illinois. Surviving great-grandchildren are Samuel Ujdak, Maxwell Ujdak, Anna Ujdak, Bernard Ujdak, Luke Lillis, Alexandra Lillis, Quinn Berry, and Stella Kate Berry. Also surviving is a special daughter-in-law, Pat Bezi and her husband Frank of Osceola, Indiana. We have been forever blessed by his presence, and each of us has been gifted a piece of his beautiful spirit. Visitation will be from 2:00p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday, November 22, 2010 in St. Joseph Funeral Home, located at 824 S. Mayflower Road, South Bend, where a Rosary will be prayed at 4:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00a.m. on Tuesday, November 23, 2010, in St. Adalbert Catholic Church, located on South Olive Street, South Bend. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to The Center for Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 111 Sunnybrook Court, South Bend, Indiana 46637. The family wishes to thank all who helped keep Bernard comfortable and care for him during his illness, including Dr. Steven Crowell, M.D. and Dr. John Jenkins, M.D. The family extends special thanks to Stefanie, Tracie, Michelle and all the Hospice Family. Condolences for the family may be made at www.sjfh.net

Burial: Saint Joseph Cemetery, South Bend, St. Joseph County, Indiana, USA