Donald E. Pajakowski

April 1, 1930 - Feb. 19, 1998

Donald E. Pajakowski, 67, of South Bend, Ind., passed away at 4:45 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 19, in his residence. He was born on April 1, 1930, in South Bend.

On June 30, 1951, he married Dolores Peczkowski, who survives. He is also survived by four daughters Cheryl (Fred) Nix of Granger, Ind., Janet Pajakowski of Dallas, Andrea (Mark ) Capatina of Apple Valley, Minn., and Laureen (Don) Goetcheus of Grand Rapids, Mich.; three sons, James (Sue) Pajakowski of Indianapolis, Ind., Andrew (Denise) Pajakowski of Columbus, Ind., and Chris (Polly) Pajakowski of Granger; 12 grandchildren, Nicholas, Mathew and Lindsay Capatina, P.J. and Leslie Nix, Kimberly, Abigail, Drew, Adam, Maggie and Mollie Pajakowski, Grant Goetcheus; and by his sister, Rita Stankiewicz of South Bend.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Mary (Opaczewski) and Clement Pajakowski; a grandson, Michael Pajakowski; and by his brother Robert.

Don worked at Mossberg & Company for 37 years and retired as the vice-president of sales in 1995. He graduated from Washington High School in 1947. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and served during the Korean Conflict. Don was a member of the Knights of Columbus Mishawaka Council #1878 and was a longtime member of the Breezers where he was a frequent performer in their annual banquets.

He had lived in South Bend since birth, and had most recently lived in Bradenton Beach, Fla., during the winter months. Don was an avid golfer and Notre Dame football fan, but most of all loved to spend time with his family and friends.

Don touched many people in a very personal and special way. Many considered him as their best friend, brother they never had, mentor and second parent. He was a wonderful father and grandfather, and taught many the true meaning of friendship and family, not by his word, but by his actions and by his life. He will be missed by many but never forgotten, and will always be an inspiration to all those privileged to have known him. Don faced his illness with dignity and his dying with courage and acceptance.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 23, in Corpus Christi Church. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery. Friends may call from 2 to 8 p.m. on Sunday in the Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Drive, where a parish Rosary will be recited at 7 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for donations to either the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105; or to the Boys and Girls Club of Indianapolis, by calling (317) 920-4700.