Submitted by: Mary Jo Koran

Walter J. Bukowski Sr.

April 25, 1916 - March 27, 2001

Walter J. Bukowski Sr., 84, of Edison Road, South Bend, Ind., formerly of N. Johnson Street, died following an illness at 1 a.m. on Tuesday, March 27, in Regency Place of South Bend.

Mr. Bukowski was born on April 25, 1916, in South Bend, to Walter F. and Mary (Mucha) Bukowski, and was a lifetime area resident. On Aug. 3, 1946, in South Bend, he married Joan E. Varga, who preceded him in death on July 21, 1998. He was also preceded in death by his parents; three sisters, Betty Svatos, Wanda Janiak and Eugenia Moskwinski; and by a brother, Louis Bukowski.

He is survived by three sons, Walter J. (Michele) Bukowski, William C. (Vicki) Bukowski and Michael J. Bukowski, all of South Bend; seven grandchildren, William (Andrea) Bukowski, Heather M. Bukowski, Mary E. Bukowski, Rebecca L. Bukowski, Rachel M. Bukowski, Daniel Z. Bukowski and Shannon Kuhn; two great-grandsons, James M. Kuhn and Andrew Bukowski; and by a brother, Chester Bukowski of South Bend.

Mr. Bukowski retired from AAA Tool and Die as a journeyman tool and die maker. He was a Legion of Honor member of Z.B. Falcons, a life member of Z.B. Falcons Conservation Club, and was a member of Holy Cross Catholic Church. Waldo was an avid bowler and participated in the Falcons Bowling Leagues for many years.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, March 30, in Holy Cross Catholic Church, 1225 Vassar Avenue, with Rev. Michael Bilinski officiating. Entombment will follow at Riverview Cemetery.

Friends may call from 2 to 8 p.m. today, March 29, in the Welsheimer Funeral Home, 521 N. William Street, where a Falcons Legion of Honor Memorial Service will be held at 7 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to Pet Refuge Inc., 2300 W. 6th Street, Mishawaka, IN 46544.