June 14, 1915 - April 24, 2010SOUTH BEND - Clement "Clem" T. Tafelski, 94, passed away at 4:05 a.m. on Saturday, April 24, 2010, in Emeritus at Arborwood. Clem was born June 14, 1915, in South Bend, to the late Stanley and Anastasia (Krushka) Tafelski. Clem married the love of his life, Jane B. Kobylarek, on November 26, 1938, and she passed away on May 16, 2001. Clem was also preceded in death by brothers, Edward and Alex Tafelski; sister, infant Virginia; and son-in-law, Richard Tjarksen. Clem is survived by his children, Barbara Tjarksen of South Bend and Christine Tafelski of Evanson, IL; grandson, Kevin Tjarksen of South Bend; brothers, Raymond and Daniel Tafelski of South Bend; and sisters, Evelyn Kazmierzak and Veronica Kusmiez of South Bend. Clem proudly served in the U.S. Army on the European corridor during World War II and had achieved corporal status upon his discharge. He worked at the former Oliver Corporation (later known as the White Farm Equipment Corporation) for 42 years before retiring in 1977. He also had a part-time television repair service (known to some as the "TV Man"). He was a lifetime member of St. Casimir's Catholic Church and a member of the Ushers Club. Clem dearly loved his two daughters and his grandson, and was especially proud of their achievements. He was an avid Chicago Cubs baseball and Notre Dame football fan. He had a passion for the outdoors and sunning himself and took pride in his vegetable gardens and his lawn. He always strove to have the best in the neighborhood. He spent endless hours puttering in his workshop fixing things, even if they weren't broken. Clem thrived on greeting people and making them smile or laugh. In later years, while living at the Arborwood Assisted Living Care Center, he was especially fond of the residents and staff who cared for him there and was the self-appointed greeter of all visitors to the facility. He was aptly labeled as the "kissing bandit" because he would kiss staff members on their cheeks when they would arrive for work in the morning or when they would assist him in any way. There wasn't a baby or small child who didn't bring a smile to his face. He loved the little ones and delighted in talking to and playing with them. The family wishes to thank Dr. Janet Galanes for the relentless care she has given to our Dad over the years and the concern she has shown to him and to us, particularly in recent months. Also, we wish to thank his special caregiver and friend, Alice Gaudreau, and the excellent staff at the Emeritus at Arborwood Assisted Living Center for the loving care they have given to our Dad over the years and for their concern for us, especially during his most recent illnesses. Visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 27, 2010, in ST. JOSEPH FUNERAL HOME, 824 S. Mayflower Road, where a Rosary will be prayed at 3:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 28, 2010, in St. Casimir Catholic Church. Entombment will follow in Resurrection Gardens Mausoleum at St. Joseph Cemetery. For those who are unable to attend the funeral Mass ,condolences for the family may be made at www.sjfh.net.