David T Ready

David T. Ready, 88, passed away peacefully on January 18, 2026, at Caring Cottage on Brandel in South Bend, Indiana. He was born May 3, 1937, in Hammond, Indiana, to David L. and LoRaine (Adelsperger) Ready. He was married to MaryLee Hodson from September 9, 1967 to 1988 and had two lovely daughters with MaryLee. On April 10, 1992, David married Ginger S. (Haislip) Kowalski, who remained devotedly by his side until his passing.

David proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force for four years prior to graduating from Northern Illinois University with a BS in 1964. He graduated law school from Indiana University, Indianapolis, JD 1971. While in school he worked as a law clerk for Justice Roger O. DeBruler, Indiana Supreme Court (1969-1971). He then served as Deputy Prosecutor for St. Joseph County (1971-1977). Appointed by President Jimmy Carter, he served as the United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana from 1977 to 1981. He was the Attorney for St. Joseph County Council (1987-1999) and Magistrate, St. Joseph County Circuit Court (1999-2011). He then served as a Senior Judge for the St. Joseph County Circuit Court for 12 years. David was in private law practice from 1971-1977 and 1983-1987.  He was a member of the Indiana JLAP Committee from 2007, the Indiana Supreme Court Jury Committee from 2012 and the Character and Fitness Committee for approximately 40 years.

He was a gentleman and a mentor who was well respected by the legal community. David’s fairness, courage, and integrity left a lasting impact on many lives. As a Godly man he made a real difference in this world.

David is survived by his daughters, Jennifer L. (Jon) Hall of Crane Hill, Alabama; and Karen L. (Greg) Nix of Cibolo, Texas; and step-daughter Julie S. (John) Yim of Naperville, Illinois; and step-son, Adam E. (Rhonni) Kowalski, MD, of Avon, Colorado. He was blessed with six grandchildren: David J. (Meredith) Hall, Adam B. Hall, Rachel A. and Katie S. Yim, and Banks and Sadie Kowalski; and two twin great-grandsons (Gabe and Caleb). He is also survived by his sister, Sharon Rae Burosh, and two brothers, Robert D. Ready and Kenneth J. Ready. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Services will be held on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at Clay United Methodist Church 52866 N Ironwood Rd, South Bend, IN 46635. The visitation will be from 9 am – 11 am with a Home-Going Celebration to follow at 11 am at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to Clay United Methodist Food Pantry, 17646 Cleveland Road, South Bend, IN 46635.

Palmer Funeral Home, Hickey Chapel is assisting the family. Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.PalmerFuneralHomes.com (https://www.PalmerFuneralHomes.com).

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