Donald L. Walkowiak

Donald L. Walkowiak, 88, of South Bend, Indiana passed away at 2:14 p.m. Friday July 28, 2017 in his home.  Donald was born on January 19, 1929 in South Bend to Leo C. and Mary Walkowiak.  He retired in 1992 from Kroger, where he been employed as a Journeyman Meat Cutter for 38 years.  Donald married Dorothy M. Laskowski in 1964; she preceded him in death in 1994.  He married Elaine Demi on June 15, 1996, she survives.  Donald is also survived by two step-daughters, Diane (Dennis) Glick and Sharon Demi both of South Bend, Indiana; two step-grandchildren, Rebecca (Keith) Thompson of San Diego, California and Dennis (Jordan) Glick of Mishawaka, Indiana; ; five great step grandchildren; one grand niece, Jessica Larivee of LaCosse, Wisconsin; two great-grand nieces and three great grand nephews.  Donald was also preceded in death by Anthony and Cecilia (Strominski) Klosowski. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, August 2, 2017 in St. John the Baptist Catholic Church.  Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, where members of the United States Army and the American Legion Post 284 will conduct Military Services.  A visitation will be held from 2:00 until 8:00 p.m. Tuesday in the Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Drive where a rosary will be prayed at 4:00 p.m.   Donald attended St. Hedwig School and South Bend Catholic High School.   He was a member of St. Hedwig Catholic Church for 22 years where he was on the Social Action Committee, Cub Master Pack #35 for several years, Financial Secretary of the Holy Name Society, and President of the Usher’s Club for 4 years.  In 1951 Donald was drafted into the United States Army. After Basic Training he was assigned to Ration Breakdown Meat Cutting Service.  Donald was in charge of the Central Meat Cutting Plant for the last eight months of his service, being discharged in 1953.  After leaving the Army, Donald began his employment with Kroger, where he worked for 38 years.  Donald had been a member of St. John the Baptist Parish since 1962 and a member of the American Legion Post #50 since the 1960’s.  His love of the American Legion overflowed to the District Level. He served the 3rd District Special Olympics Chair, and Department of Indiana Chair.  He had the honor of being Special Olympics Chair during the National Special Olympics held at the University of Notre Dame in 1986-1987.  As a member of no less than eleven organizations, Donald was extremely active in serving his community.  He received many awards and honors, too many to list.   He had been a 30 year member of the Woodmen of the World and Fraternalist of the year by the Woodmen Lodge 6001. He had been an active member of Z.B. Falcons Nest 80 since 1949. Donald was an integral part of the West Side Parade Committee for decades and also was the Grand Marshall in 1985 and honorary Marshall in 2009.  He was a member of the St. Hedwig Golden Cluster and served on the Task Force. He was also a current member of the St. John the Baptist Senior Retirees Club.  Don has put into practice the preamble of our American Legion “For God and Country”.  He truly served his Country, State, and Nation.  Memorial Contributions may be directed to the American Legion Post #50.  To send online condolences, please visit kaniewski.com.