Stanley L. Zakrzewski

Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather Stanley Zakrzewski's love and legacy will not end with his passing on May 13, 2021, surrounded by family. His kind heart and his caring, joyful spirit will live on through his six children, sixteen grandchildren and twenty-three great grandchildren who were blessed to have Stanley as an unfailing presence for so many years. Born January 28, 1926 to Polish immigrants Stanislaw and Aniela Zakrzewski, Stanley grew up on a farm with his six brothers where hard work and ingenuity was a way of life. In 1944, Stanley was drafted to serve in the United States Army in World War II. He was assigned to the front lines in Austria and Germany, and was awarded a Purple Heart for injuries sustained in Germany in April 1945. Most recently, in honor of his service he was named 2018 Grand Marshall of the Three Oaks Michigan Flag Parade. After returning from the war, Stanley met the love of his life, Jeanette Koscielski, and the two were united in marriage on June 25, 1949. They both shared a love for family, friends, and fishing. As a farmer who grew up during the Depression, Stanley knew how to fix almost anything on his own. When something needed to be repaired or assembled, he would accomplish it without relying on the directions manual. He lived simply and resourcefully; and was grateful for his many blessings, kneeling (for as long as his knees allowed) without fail next to his bed every night to pray and then ending his prayers by saying, “Thank You, Lord.” Stanley is survived by two sons and four daughters: Daniel (Debbie) of Florida; Raymond (Pam) of Chesterton, IN; Sharon Neland (Larry) of North Liberty, IN; and Dr. Debra Mannia (David), Karen Wiesjahn (Dr. Howard), and Janel Zakrzewski-Kuntz (Brett) all of New Carlisle, IN. Stanley is also survived by sixteen grandchildren: Danny and Derek Zakrzewski; Adam (Megan) Zakrzewski, Katy (Mike) Shuttz, Beth (Sean) Payne; Kristen (Dr. Joe) Wnek, Dr. Paul (Dr. Michelle) Mannia, Hillary Mannia; Erika (Dylan) Haahr, Lauren (Jhonny) Pineda, Howie (Aleea) Wiesjahn; Lee Neland, Michelle (Shane) Whitmer; and Addison, Roman, and Helaina Kuntz. He made every one of his family members feel special. He was absolutely adored by his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His face lit up whenever family visited, especially when he saw the little ones. Stanley was preceded in death by his loving wife of 56 years, Jeanette; his parents; and his brothers: Walter, Eddie, Bill, Ted, Gene and Clarence. Visitation for Stanley will be from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. EST on Friday, May 21, 2021 at Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Drive, South Bend, IN, where a rosary will be prayed at 6 p.m. A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. EST on Saturday, May 22, 2021, in St. Stanislaus Kostka Catholic Church, 55756 Tulip Road, New Carlisle, IN. Graveside services with full military honors will follow at St Joseph Cemetery. *For the respect and safety of all others, face masks are MANDATORY.  Donations may be made in Stanley's name to his favorite charity, St. Jude's Children's Hospital, or to Center for Hospice and Palliative Care, 501 Comfort Place, Mishawaka, IN 46545.  To send online condolences, please visit www.kaniewski.com.

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