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BORN
1943
DIED
2023
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Thomas Block Obituary
Thomas D. Block, 79, of South Bend, Indiana, passed away at 7:52 a.m. Wednesday, June 21, 2023, in Memorial Hospital.
Thomas was born on July 3, 1943, in Michigan City, Indiana, to Edward Frances and Bernice (Dryer) Block. He retired as the owner of Block's Painting.
On Nov. 30, 1963, in Michigan City, Indiana, he married Marilyn A. Milcarek, who survives. Thomas is also survived by two daughters, Melissa (Jeff) Risetter of Valparaiso, Indiana, and Debbie (Mark) Matheis of South Bend, Indiana; two sons, Michael (Gayle) Block of Portage, Indiana, and Douglas (Regina) Block of Bossier City, Louisiana; 13 grandchildren, Trent and Jeremy Risetter, Mallori Colvin, James Matheis, Karli Brooke, Rachael (Victor) Espinosa Vazquez, Rebecca Block, Amanda Block, Nathan Block, Mackenzie Block, Cara (Mitchell) Robbins, Stacey Block and Tagin Block; four great-grandchildren, Alissa, Hudson, Veida and Victor; and many nieces and nephews.
Thomas was preceded in death by his son, Brian P. Block, on Aug. 19, 2022; his sister, Patricia Heynssens; his brother, Lawrence Block; and his parents, Edward and Bernice Block.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1:30 p.m. EDT Tuesday, June 27, 2023, in Christ the King Catholic Church. Those attending the funeral Mass should go directly to the church. A visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. EDT Monday in the Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Drive, South Bend, Indiana, where a rosary will be prayed at 4:30 p.m.
Thomas served in the U.S. Navy from 1961 to 1963 and then served four years in the Reserves. He was a longtime member and usher at Christ the King Parish. Thomas also coached and umpired at Chet Waggoner Little League. He was an usher for the University Notre Dame Football and Basketball games for 25 years.
Thomas was a Notre Dame football fan and a huge Notre Dame Women's basketball fan. The family requests all those attending the visitation and funeral to wear Notre Dame apparel.
The family also requests contributions to be sent to Kaniewski Funeral Home to help defray funeral expenses. To send online condolences, please visit kaniewski.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Block
2 Entries
Michael Wiegand
June 23, 2023
Tom worked for my father in the early '80's. He and I became good friends. He was a great guy and I send my condolences to the entire Block family. Rest in Peace, Tom!!
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Timothy Klosinski
June 23, 2023
I am sorry for your loss Tom was a great person I lived behind him in MC May he RIP God bless him and his family
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Memorial Events
for Thomas Block
Jun
26
Visitation
4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Kaniewski Funeral Home - South Bend3545 N. Bendix Dr., South Bend, IN 46628
Jun
26
Funeral services provided by:
Kaniewski Funeral Home - South Bend3545 N. Bendix Dr., South Bend, IN 46628
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