Donald J Kulwicki

Donald J Kulwicki, 86 years old, peacefully passed away on Saturday, December 6, 2025 at Memorial Hospital surrounded by his family.

Don was born on March 31, 1939 in South Bend, IN to the late Alex H and Hazel Mabel (Hay) Kulwicki. He is also preceded in death by a daughter, Kathleen Kulwicki; and a sister, Shirley Kulwicki.

Don grew up on a farm in the Crumstown area and attended New Carlisle High School where he graduated in 1957. He still holds his old track record from high school to this day. He then graduated from Ferris State University with an associate’s degree in 1960. On October 15, 1960, Don married the love of his life, Margaret McDonald, who survives. Together in 1967, they started and owned Certified Transmission Inc. – proudly serving this community for almost 59 years. Along with being a business owner, Don had a passion for going on Motorcycle trips. He was a member of the Iron Butt Association where he went on countless trips across the country. He had many accomplishments and awards for his riding including: traveling over 1500 miles in less than 24 hours, as well as 11,000 miles in 11 days. Don was a member of the Roseland Rotary Club where he was the Past President in 1987 and a Paul Harris Fellow, he also received the Distinguished Service Citation for the Rotary Club of Granger. Beside his passion for motorcycles, Don was an avid fisherman. He won many fishing tournaments but his favorite time fishing was with his grandson and great-grandson. Above all, Don was a kind and friendly person. He never knew a stranger and got along with everyone. He touched so many lives and will be deeply missed.

Along with his loving wife, Don is survived by his children, Gary J. Kulwicki and Brenda J. (Jeff Clouse) Rozewicz; grandchildren, Erin J. Rozewicz, Ryan S. (Kate) Rozewicz; great-grandchildren, Myles Rozewicz and Vivian Rozewicz; as well as his beloved dogs, Lucky and Tillie.

Visitation for Donald will be held from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm and 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Wednesday, December 10, 2025 at St. Joseph Funeral Home, 824 S. Mayflower Rd., South Bend, IN.  A Funeral Service will take place at 11:00 am on Thursday, December 11, 2025 with an hour of visitation starting at 10:00 am all at St. Joseph Funeral Home.  Burial will immediately follow at St. Joseph Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, Donations in honor of Donald J Kulwicki may be made out to Pet Refuge Inc., 4626 S Burnett Dr, South Bend, IN 46614 or the Humane Society of St. Joseph County, 2506 Grape Rd, Mishawaka, IN 46545.

Online condolences can be made at sjfh.net.

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