Ernest Wawrzyniak

Ernest Wawrzyniak, 91, passed away on Wednesday, March 11, 2026 at the Center for Hospice Care Raclin House in Mishawaka, IN.

Ernest was born on February 18, 1935 in Hammond, IN to the late Martin and Anna (Stansik) Wawrzyniak. On June 09, 1956, Ernest married the love of his life, Patricia Skowera. She preceded him in death on July 16, 2019. Ernest is also preceded in death by his son, Daniel Wawrzyniak; brother, Eugene Wawrzyniak, and sisters, Dorothy Wawrzyniak and Evelyn Priester.

Left to cherish their memories of Ernest are his son, Michael (Carla) Wawrzyniak; grandchildren, Kelli Santa, Aubrey Schrock, Raulyn (Lexi) Wawrzyniak, Branden (Chloe) Wawrzyniak, Taryn Wawrzyniak, Corbyn Wawrzyniak, and Brelynn Wawrzyniak; great-grandchildren, Alex Zelasko, Quintin Zelasko, Conner Truex, Malcolm Seward, Remy Wawrzyniak, Emmy Schrock, Avery Schrock, and Hunter Schrock, and a great-great-granddaughter, Kenlsey Truex; daughter-in-law, Linda Wawrzyniak; and sister-in-law, Joan Wawrzyniak.

Ernest proudly served his country in the United States Army. He was a parishioner at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. Ernest worked for Studebaker, Bendix Corp, then retired from the United States Postal Service after 27 years. He was a member of the Chain-O-Lakes Conservation Club, Bowlers Country Club, NALC, and the American Legion, Post 284. Ernest enjoyed fishing and golfing with his buddies and son. He loved traveling to Ocean Isle, NC with his wife and casino trips. Ernest was a natural athlete and a skilled craftsman who loved being outdoors and spending time with his family.

Visitation will be 10:00am-12:00pm on Monday, March 16, 2026 at Joseph Funeral Home, 824 S Mayflower Rd., South Bend, IN 46619 with a Mass of Christian Burial beginning at 12:30pm, at St. John the Baptist Church, South Bend. Burial will follow at Chapel Hill Memorial Garden Cemetery in Osceola, IN.

In Lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made to St. John the Baptist Church or the Center for Hospice Care, 501 Comfort Place, Mishawaka, IN 46545.

Online condolences can be made at sjfh.net.

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