Submitted by: Dan Rich
Oct. 21, 1924 - Nov. 9, 2008
South Bend Tribune 11/11/2008
SOUTH BEND - Benjamin S. Gasko, 84, passed away Sunday,
Nov., 9, 2008, in the Cardinal Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.
Benjamin was born October 21, 1924, in South Bend, Indiana, to
Steven and Lillian (Pielach) Gasko. He retired in 1987,
having been employed with Wheelabrator Frye and the former
Studebaker Corporation, both for 21 years. On November 25, 1948,
Benjamin married Lucille M. Maternowski, who survives.
Surviving with his wife of 60 years are daughters, Mira Gasko of
South Bend and Valerie (John) Gaylor of Carmel, Indiana; a
son, Dr. Michael (Nancy) Gasko of South Bend, Indiana; seven
grandchildren, Christopher (fiancée, Michelle Botkin)
Gasko, Angela (Dr. Phil) Hartwell, Kathleen (Kevin) Poe,
Joseph Gaylor, J.D. Gaylor, Jennifer Gaylor and Julie
Gaylor; great-grandchildren, Drew and Megan Hartwell, and Hannah
and Ethan Poe; and a sister-in-law, Betty Ford of Bremen,
Indiana. Sisters, Elaine Marshall, Eleanor Bennett,
and a brother, Edward Gasko, all preceded him in death. Mr. Gasko
was a member of St. Casimir Catholic Church, the Holy Name
Society, M.R. Falcons, and was a WWII Army veteran where he was a
military policeman. He loved to golf and bowl, receiving many
awards for his talents, and was a member of the only team that
won the South Bend Polish Falcons bowling championship. He also
loved spending time at Diamond Lake, was a White Sox and Colts
fan, and enjoyed gambling.
Visitation will be held from 5-8 PM Wednesday, November 12, 2008, in the Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Drive, South Bend, Indiana, where a parish Rosary will be prayed at 6 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 AM Thursday, November 13, in St. Casimir Catholic Church. The family would like to thank the entire staff at Cardinal Nursing Home for taking care of Dad for the last year, especially, Kim; and fellow residents, Larkin, Casandra, Kris and Elijah for their smiles and encouraging words; and Hospice, especially Dave. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Casimir Catholic Church, 1308 Dunham Street, South Bend, IN 46619; The Center for Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 111 Sunnybrook Court, South Bend, IN 46637; or to Alzheimer's Services, P.O. Box 4204, South Bend, IN 46634.