George Kazmierzak

 On Tuesday Oct 16, 2018 George Kazmierzak passed peacefully in his home. George was born and raised in South Bend Indiana on September 25, 1933 to the late George and Esther (Chrzan) Kazmierzak.

George and Vivian W. Hilton were married on October 4 1952. He was a dedicated husband of 66 years and often referred to Vivian as “the most beautiful woman in all the world.”  

George graduated from John Adams High School in South Bend.

He worked in the field of maintenance and construction, owning his own business for years and finally retiring from Red Hen Turf farm. He was able to operate large equipment and could drive anything from go-carts to semi-trucks, but reserved a special passion for Cadillacs.

George had the mind of an engineer, building his first home at the age of 19 where he began his family. As the family expanded he then built his lifelong home where he and Vivian raised their 5 children.

George was a down-to-earth, blatantly honest type who loved to tease and jest with his children, children-in-laws, grandchildren, great grandchildren and especially his grand-dogs.

He was an avid Notre Dame fan, able to quote stats off the top of his head including players’ names, years and positions played, Heisman winners, national champions and everyone whoever coached under the shadow of the golden dome!

Planting and preparing a garden each year offered George one of life’s simple pleasures. He could grow anything he set his mind to, but tomatoes took the lead as his favored crop which he continued to grow in plant pots in his later years. 

Over the years George morphed into a world traveler, taking in sights and historical places everywhere from small villages in Alaska to famous capitals in Europe.

George’s children believe him to be the hardest working man that was ever created by God.

Through the years, while always employed full-time, they often saw him holding down several part-time jobs, leaving a work-ethic legacy second to none.

Surviving is his wife; Vivian of South Bend, five children; Richard (Debi) Kazmierzak of Columbia, South Carolina, George (Susan) Kazmierzak of East Troy, Wisconsin, Pam (Darrell) Olson of Granger, Patty (Rich) Eddington of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Anne (Carl) Lederer of Osceola, sixteen grandchildren; Angelica, Amanda and husband Philip, Ryan, Brynn, Valerie and husband Eric, Gregory and wife Janelle, Matthew, Lauren, Blake, Leah, James, Tiffany, Luke, Joshua, Zachary and Hunter, eight great-grandchildren; Lucia, Emeline, Laina, Cora, Rainy, Madelyn, Brody and Cali.  Also surviving is a brother; Joseph (Lori) Kazmierzak of Rolling Prairie.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother; Edward Kazmierzak.

The family of George Kazmierzak invites you to join them in celebrating his life, on Monday, October 29, 2018, at 11:00 AM at Sumption Prairie United Methodist Church, 24535 Roosevelt Road, South Bend, Indiana, 46614, with Pastor Scott Taylor officiating.  A lunch (location TBA) will follow his Memorial Service.

Palmer Funeral Home – Guisinger Chapel, 3718 South Michigan Street, South Bend, Indiana 46614, is helping the family with arrangements.

Online condolences may be offered to the Kazmierzak family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com. 

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.