Submitted by: Dan Rich

Ronald Thad Fiwek

Nov. 30, 1939 - June 7, 2008

South Bend Tribune 6/11/2008
SOUTH BEND - Ronald Thad Fiwek, 68, residing in Spring Hill, Florida, formerly of South Bend, passed away in his home on Saturday, June 7, 2008, following a long and courageous battle with cancer. He was born November 30, 1939, in South Bend, to Mary (Vrient) and Thaddeus (Ted) Fiwek. He was married to the former Sharon R. Miller, and from this union two daughters were born. Then on September 2, 1979, he was united in marriage to Ida Wright. Ronn is survived by his wife, Ida Fiwek of Spring Hill, FL; his two daughters, Rhonda Fiwek-Beach of LaGrange, IN, and Lisa (Jeff) Fiwek-Parnell of Fort Myers, FL; four grandsons, Michael and Mark Beach, Connor and Blake Parnell, and his beloved dog, Charles. Also surviving Ronn are cousins, Jim (Donnalee) Markiewicz and Marlene (Bob) Waltz, and many other cousins, nieces and nephews. Many people were dear to his heart including his daughters, his best friend, Sharon (Larry) Hoffman, his niece, Pattie Gates, and his cousin, Linda Markiewicz.

Ronn was a graduate of St. Joseph High School and House of James Beauty College. He was the owner of 217 West Hair Design before moving to Florida. Ronn was a well-known drummer in the area playing with many local bands such as the Belvederes, Dickie and the Debonaires, Accents, Blue Image, Danny Gates Trio, Randy Martin Trio, Ron Wiggins Trio and the Buckwheat Blues Band. Ronn loved life, his friends and his animals. He was a wonderful and caring man, loved dearly by all who knew him. He will be greatly missed.

Memorial services will be at 11:00 a.m. Friday, June 13, in the Palmer Funeral Home-Guisinger Chapel, 3718 South Michigan Street, South Bend. Rev. Leonard Chrobot, pastor of St. Hedwig's Catholic Church, will officiate. The family will receive friends one hour prior to services on Friday in the funeral home. Contributions in memory of Ronald T. Fiwek may be made to St. Hedwig Catholic Church, 331 South Scott Street, South Bend, IN 46601.