June
23, 1921 - Mar. 10, 2010SOUTH BEND - Ernest P. Bognar, 88, residing in South Bend passed away at 3:34 a.m. Wednesday, March 10, 2010 at Regency Place of South Bend. He was born June 23, 1921 in Los Angeles, CA, a son of Paul and Mary (Kulcsar) Bognar, and has been a lifelong resident of South Bend. He proudly served his country in the United States Army during World War II, and it was during that time that he married his high school sweetheart, Caroline M. Holewinski. They were married April 14, 1945 at Chapel of the Pines in Seattle, WA. Next month, they would have observed their 65th wedding anniversary. Ernie was a wonderful, loving husband, father and grandfather. He is survived by his loving wife Caroline; daughters, Carol Ann (Ed) Peltier of West Hartford, CT and Michelle Molina of South Bend. Also surviving are seven grandchildren, Dr. Kevin (Jennifer) Peltier of Haymarket, VA, Amy Peltier of Providence, RI, Paul Peltier and Patrick Peltier of West Hartford, CT, Mathew Molina of Reno, NV, and Cassandra and Christopher Molina both of South Bend, and two great-grandchildren. In addition, five brothers, William (Rosemary) Bognar, Alex (Margie) Bognar, Joseph (Sylvia) Bognar, Edward Bognar all of South Bend, and Albert (Sylvia) Bognar of Leslie Chapel, FL survive him as well. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Henry Bognar. Mr. Bognar was employed as an insurance agent with 1st Source Bank for 21 years, and with Hruska Insurance Agency for 5 years. He was a longtime member of St. Anthony de Padua Catholic Church where he served as an usher for 26 years, Knights of Columbus Santa Maria Council #553, member and past president of the Democratic Club, a member of the former German Club and began ushering and became Assistant Personnel Director at the University of Notre Dame Stadium for many years. He attended all of the events that took place at the Stadium. He also was active on several bowling leagues for many years as well. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, March 13, 2010 at St. Anthony de Padua Catholic Church, South Bend. Entombment will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 4:00-7:00 p.m. Friday at the Palmer Funeral Home-River Park, 2528 Mishawaka Ave., South Bend, where a parish rosary will be said at 4:00 p.m. Friday. Visitation will also be one hour prior to the Mass Saturday at the Church. Expressions of sympathy on behalf of Mr. Bognar may be offered to Cerebral Palsy, 39555 Orchard Hill Place, Suite 365, Novi, MI 48375. Online condolences to the Bognar family may be sent to www.palmerfuneralhomes.com