Robert Bernard "Bob" Kaniewski

 Robert Bernard Kaniewski, 83, of South Bend, Indiana passed away unexpectedly, after a brief illness, Thursday, February 13, 2025, in his home.  Bob was born August 16, 1941, in South Bend to Bernard Vincent and Ernestine (Chayie) Kaniewski, and was a lifelong resident.  He retired as the President of Kaniewski Funeral Homes, Inc. and was very happy to change from a formal suit to his beloved Notre Dame baseball hat, Lucky jeans and ¼ zip black shirt.  Even though he was technically, “retired,” he never really was - he still came into work every day.  His nickname was “Undercover Boss” because he still worked behind the scenes.  He felt it was his calling and an honor to care for our community and his talent was unmatched.  He always referred to the Corporal Works of Mercy.  Bob was a visionary in the funeral industry. 

On December 1, 1962, in Holy Cross Catholic Church, he married Patricia Ann Ast, the love of his life, who preceded him in death on July 11, 2013.  Together they enjoyed fifty years of love, laughter and happiness.  He was also preceded in death by his granddaughter, Kara Jane Kaniewski.  Bob is survived by his five children, Michael Robert (Jill) Kaniewski, Francine Marie (John) Pajakowski, Thomas Robert “TK” (Cristy) Kaniewski, Angela Marie Gustafson and Jeffrey Robert (Jennifer) Kaniewski, all of South Bend, Indiana; eight grandchildren, Tim (Rachel) Kaniewski of South Bend, Indiana, Alex (Jared Hubbard) Kaniewski of Los Angeles, California, Mitchell Pajakowski and Paige Pajakowski, both of Chicago, Illinois, Hannah Kaniewski of South Bend, Indiana and Jack, Katelyn and James Kaniewski, all of South Bend, Indiana; his great-grandson, Cameron Kaniewski; his brother, Kenneth Vincent (Chris VanVlasselaer) Kaniewski of Fort Myers, Florida; his step-sister, Sister Virginette Rypniewski, CSFN of Des Plaines, Illinois; his sister-in-law, Marlene (James) Wasikowski of Granger, Indiana; and his nieces and nephews, Kim Marie (Thomas) D’Ambrosio of Long Island, New York, Gregory (Julie) Kaniewski of Granger, Indiana, Debra Kaniewski of Fishers, Indiana, Daniel Wasikowski of Chicago, Illinois, Laura (Kyle) McKinley of Oak Park, Illinois and Stefanie (Derek) Roth of Boca Raton, Florida; and several grand-nieces and nephews. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 2:30 p.m. Friday, February 21, 2025 in the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, Notre Dame, Indiana (meet directly at the church).  Burial will follow in Highland Cemetery.  A visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Thursday in the Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 North Bendix Drive, South Bend, Indiana.  Bob was a graduate of St. Joseph High School and the Indiana School of Mortuary Science.  Bob was a very accomplished golfer.  He enjoyed fishing when he was younger at Corey Lake, Diamond Lake and Lake Michigan.  He loved the outdoors and hunting, especially at his Uncle Stanley’s farm in Cassopolis, Michigan and the family property in Indiana.  He enjoyed many days there immersed in the serenity of nature.  Bob LOVED football.  He was a longtime member of the “Chain Gang” for home St. Joseph High School Football games.  He was the biggest, most dedicated, University of Notre Dame Football fan ever.  Bob loved South Bend (and dining out all over town!).  It was his hometown, where his family business started over 100 years ago and more importantly, the place where his family lived.  Most of all, he loved his wife and his family.  His motto was: “God, Family, Notre Dame.”  Give Mom a hug from us.

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