Thoephil J. Osowski

Feb. 28, 1915 - Aug. 2, 2011
SOUTH BEND - Theophil J. "Tuffy" Osowski, 96, was peacefully called home to our Lord surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday, August 2, 2011, in his residence. He was born February 28, 1915, in Massachusetts, to Frank and Mary (Grochowski). He had lived in South Bend since the age of 2. On June 26, 1943, in South Bend, he married Elizabeth (Lemanski) who preceded him in death on May 28, 1998. Surviving are three daughters, Judith (James) Rubleske of South Bend, Dorothy (Arthur) Wheeler of South Bend, Roberta (Eugene) Zarembka of South Bend; one son, Ronald Osowski of South Bend; his sister, Bernice Eitler of South Bend; fourteen grandchildren: Lorraine (Robert) Badowski, Ann (Robert) Bartels, Joseph T. Aleo, Rhonda (Phil) Vera, Sheri (Steve) Basta, Christine (Brian) Lackey, Mark (Heather) Wheeler, Amy (Bob) Bradburn, Justin Aleo, Stacey (Ron) Compton, Liev Kirsten (Tom) Black, Ronald R. (Denise) Strzelecki, Holly Sparks-Henderson (Chris) and Angela (Benjamin) White. He was a "Super Dzia Dzia" to 28 great-grandchildren; James, Rebecca, Rachel and Joseph Badowski, Robert, Andrew and William Bartels, Cassandra, Phillip and Jessica Vera, Audrey, Tula and Willow Basta, Cameron, Shannon, Shelby and McKenna Lackey, Wryn Wheeler, Dylan and Carter Bradburn, Daniel and Michael Compton, Eden Black, Emily Strzelecki, Madison and Benjamin Sparks, Elijah and Jonah White, along with several step-grandchildren, step-great-grandchildren, and by numerous nieces, nephew and cousins. Phil was preceded in death by his daughter, Virginia Sue Osowski, who passed on July 2, 1951; a granddaughter, Bridget Rubleske; two sisters, Helen Kuminecz and Lillian Osowski; and by his five brothers: Chester, Joseph, Bill, Stanley and Matthew. Phil worked at Studebaker until they closed. He retired from the South Bend Community School Corporation in 1980. He was an avid golfer, scoring a hole in one on the 4th hole at Elbel Golf Course on March 28, 1987 at the age of 72. He continued golfing until the age of 94. He belonged to the Elbel Men's Club and the St. Joseph Young Men's Society. He was a lifetime member of St. Adalbert Catholic Church. He was a self-taught harmonica player, and really enjoyed entertaining his family with his talent. He blessed his family and friends with many fine homemade loaves of bread and poppy seed rolls. He also enjoyed traveling to various places with his family and took many trips. He was an amazing father, DziaDzia, "Super" Dzia Dzia, brother, uncle and friend and will be dearly missed. He provided his family with many wonderful memories, including a beer toast just days before passing. Visitation will be from 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Friday, August 5, 2011, in ST. JOSEPH FUNERAL HOME, 824 S. Mayflower Rd., where a Rosary will be prayed at 4:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9:30 am on Saturday, August 6, 2011, in St. Adalbert Catholic Church. Entombment will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Center for Hospice Care Fund at The Community Foundation of St. Joseph County, P.O. Box 837, South Bend, IN 46624; or to St. Adalbert Catholic Church, 2420 W. Huron St., South Bend, IN 46619. Condolences for the family may be made at www.sjfh.net. Come to Rest God saw you were getting weary He did what He thought was best, And said, "Come to Rest." He opened up His Golden Gates On that heartbreaking day, And with His arms around you, You gently slipped away. It broke our hearts to lose you, You did not go alone; A part of us went with you The day God called you home.