Arthur J. Gapinski

Arthur J. Gapinski, 79, of South Bend, IN, died unexpectedly at 9:01 p.m. Thursday, October 21, 2010 at Memorial Hospital in South Bend. He was born on May 7, 1931 to the late John and Julia (Krolski) Gapinski in Peru, IL, and has lived in South Bend since 1962, coming from LaSalle, IL. Along with his parents; one grandson, Kyle Gapinski; and two brothers, Ray and Edwin Gapinski also preceded him in death. Mr. Gapinski was employed at Spector Freight Systems. He also was the terminal manager for Yellow Freight for 23 years, where he retired in 1995. Since retiring, Art was a salesman for Express-1. On July 5, 1952, Art married Rita Whalen at St. Patrick Catholic Church in LaSalle, IL. They had a wonderful marriage of 58 years. He is survived by his wife, Rita (Whalen) of South Bend, IN; three children, David (Jane) Gapinski of Marietta, GA; Carol Ingersoll of South Bend, IN; Thomas (Susan) Gapinski of South Bend, IN; nine grandchildren, Dana (Justin) West and Kara Gapinski of Georgia; Drew Dixon, Matt and Adam Ingersoll, Kelly, Kaitlyn, Chris, and Kenny Gapinski, all of South Bend, IN; four great-grandchildren, Rylie and Drew Dixon, Kylie and Harper West; and a sister, Genevieve (Louis) Kalil of Mishawaka, IN. Mr. Gapinski was a member of St. Anthony de Padua Parish. Art was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. Art was there for every sport activity and school function. Dad was our “rock� that held us all together and gave us all unconditional love that will never be matched. Missed will be his jokes, laughing with all of us, his friendship, guidance, and love. Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. Monday, October 25, 2010 at Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Drive, South Bend, IN, where a Parish Rosary will be held at 4:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 26, 2010 at St. Anthony de Padua Catholic Church. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park, Granger, IN. A beautiful life that came to an end, he died as he lived, everyone’s friend. In our hearts a memory will always be kept, of one we loved, and will never forget. To send condolences, please visit, www.kaniewski.com.