Search by Name

Josephine M. "Jo" Brekrus

1930 - 2019

Josephine M. "Jo" Brekrus obituary, 1930-2019, South Bend, IN

BORN

1930

DIED

2019

FUNERAL HOME

Kaniewski Funeral Home - South Bend

3545 N. Bendix Dr.

South Bend, Indiana

Josephine Brekrus Obituary

Josephine M. “Jo” Brekrus

July 7, 1930 - July 16, 2019

SOUTH BEND, IN - Josephine Brekrus passed away on July 16, 2019. Jo was a lifelong resident of South Bend born to the late Mary (Tirotta) and Louis Rodino. She grew up in South Bend's Little Italy neighborhood and was a candy striper as a teen. She graduated from St. Joseph's Academy and later worked at Sailors clothing store. She also worked at Brown Middle School later in life in the lunchroom, cashiering.

In 1955 she married Richard (Doc) Brekrus who preceded her in death in 1990, losing his life as a firefighter fighting an arson house fire. Also preceding her in death were her brothers, Frank and Rocky Rodino; and sisters, Julia Kambol, Catherine (Kate) Agostino Palatin, Rose Rodino, Lena Perry, Theresa Manijak, and Elizabeth (Betty) Marroni.

Jo was a wonderful homemaker. She took great pride in her home and yard. A fabulous Italian cook, she also was a great baker. Her family looked forward to her Christmas cookies and candy. She had a great love of the Christmas season which she especially shared with her grandchildren. We will remember her smile, especially the one when she received her first drivers license at age 59.

Jo is survived by her brother, Louis Rodino of Lakeville; her daughter, Patricia of South Bend who was her faithful caregiver; granddog, Meeko; daughter, Susan (Barry) of Ocala, Florida; grandson, Richard of Jacksonville, Florida; granddaughter, Allison of Ocala, Florida; many nieces and nephews including her very loving Godchildren, Barbara Marroni Pierson and Dan Marroni; and her dear friend and neighbor, Diane Curneal. Visitation will be held at Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Drive on Monday, July 22, 2019 from 2 - 8 p.m., with a Rosary at 4 p.m., and a Mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday at 1 p.m. at Holy Cross Church. To send online condolences, please visit kaniewski.com.

Published by South Bend Tribune on Jul. 19, 2019.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Josephine Brekrus

Sponsored by Kaniewski Funeral Home - South Bend.

Not sure what to say?





4 Entries

Paiti, thinking of you and your mom. You showed such love and dedication to her the last years of her life. She was blessed with a caring family. Take care of yourself Patti.

July 23, 2019

Patricia, you are in my thoughts. I didn't know your mother but I know you, and she did a wonderful job rearing you. She must have been a terrific mom. I know how much you love your family from our talks at the dentists office. Be strong, Pat, many prayers are with you and your family.
Vickie Johnson

Vickie Johnson

July 20, 2019

To a truly wonderful neighbor I knew for 41years.I will truly miss our friendship. Our 10:45 morning phone calls,talks about our children and grandchildren,cooking ideas,soaps,and neighborhood gossip.May Jesus Mary Joseph be with you now.

Diane Curneal

July 19, 2019

To a truly good neighbor I knew for 41 years. I will miss our 10:45 morning calls, talks about our children, grandchildren sharing of cooking,soaps and neighbor gossip.May Jesus,Mary Joseph be with you.

Diane Curneal

July 19, 2019

Showing 1 - 4 of 4 results

Make a Donation
in Josephine Brekrus's name

Memorial Events
for Josephine Brekrus

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Kaniewski Funeral Home - South Bend

3545 N. Bendix Dr., South Bend, IN 46628

How to support Josephine's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Josephine Brekrus's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more