Kenneth Jasinski

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Ken Jasinski. He passed away peacefully in his home on December 29, 2025 at the age of 77 after a long and courageous battle with Parkinson's Disorder.

Ken is survived by his loving wife Diana, his daughter Jane (Matt) Kaiser (Niles, MI), and sons Jason (Fishers, IN) and Jeffrey (Granger, IN). Ken also is survived by his sister Joyce (Chris) Darling (AZ), sister in law Debbie (Edwardsburg, MI), brothers in law Dennis Rzepka (Vandalia, MI) and Steve (Marge) Rzepka (New Carlisle, IN). Also survived by several special nieces and nephews.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents Edward and Rose Jasinski, brother Edward, paternal grandparents John and Cecilia Jasinski, and maternal grandparents Joseph and Marie Bleich. He was also preceded in death by his in-laws, Hanrik (Hank) and Betty Rzepka.

Born in South Bend, Ken was an area resident his entire life. He grew up and lived his early years on the west side of South Bend. After attending St. Adalbert grade school, Ken graduated from Washington High School and was accepted into the teacher education program at Bethel College. Upon graduation in 1970 with a BA, he also earned an MS degree in Education from Indiana University South Bend in 1973 and in 1983 an ED.S. degree in supervision and administration from Indiana University, Bloomington.

He taught and coached in area schools and later served as an administrator in New Prairie, South Bend, Christ the King, and Elkhart. Ken taught as an adjunct/associate professor at Bethel University, St. Mary's College, Indiana University South Bend, and Ferris State University. He also served as a workshop presenter and consultant to the Middle Grades Improvement Program, College Board and Achievement Council of Los Angeles

He was deeply concerned by what he perceived was the "blatant over reliance on statistical analysis which results in instructional paralysis and turns motivation and creativity into neglected by products of compartmentalized learning". The inaccurate comparison of American student test score data was rampant since other countries failed to include all of their students in their test scores. Ken maintained that the inclusion of non-native English speaking test score data was an injustice to these students because they were being unfairly labeled, as well as their teachers and schools. He held that immersion style instruction, similar to the Canadian education system, was a much more effective educational approach. He saw a gross lack of credibility in educational circles from people who never taught a day in a classroom and yet called themselves "educators" because they were employed by a school corporation or institute of alleged "higher learning". He saw the proliferation of on-line learning courses, for profit colleges whose enrollment counselors sold admissions like health club memberships, an insult to the education profession. Ken truly believed and often espoused that "unless students are actively, rather than passively, involved in their own education, schools become places where the relatively young come to watch the relatively old work". His educational career spanned nearly five decades and he was proud to have many of his students achieve careers in the fields of law, education, religion, medicine, public service, finance, technical science and good citizens.

A shy and retiring student in his early years, Ken grew and flourished in the college environment. He worked for political candidates while he was a student and developed self confidence. Although few people knew it Ken was an accomplished self-taught guitarist and could play the six string electric or six string or twelve string acoustic It was at this time, while working over thirty hours a week at a Kroger store on the West side of South Bend, as a full time student, that he met the love of his life, Diana. They were married in 1970, a week after Ken graduated from college.Together they spent over 55 blessed years filled with precious memories. He began an educational career which spanned nearly five decades and encompassed every grade level from pre-school to post graduate school. He always felt that marrying Diana was the best decision he ever made Ken was an aficionado of Doo Wop Music. He was an avid fan of the Rolling Stones, Beatles, Temptations, Smokey Robinson, Percy Sledge, Jackie Wilson, Elvis, James Brown Ritchie Valens, and especially, Buddy Holly. The Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks, Chicago Bears, and Indianapolis Colts and the Oakland Raiders were among his favorite professional athletic teams and he was an avid follower of Indiana University and Notre Dame.

Ken was especially proud of his three children whom he often mentioned had such separate and distinct personalities yet were so family oriented. He was close to his son-in-law, Matt Kaiser, with whom he shared his passion for the Chicago White Sox and Chicago Blackhawks. Above all, Ken was hopelessly devoted to and in love with Diana. They shared many fond memories about their careers, children, vacations, and times together. They enjoyed even the simple things together as they would help each other with school projects, crafts, cooking, and just watching movies together. They enjoyed flea markets, the theatre, cruises and especially each other's companionship.

A devout Catholic, Ken was born on September 29, 1948 the feast day of St. Michael the Archangel and had a special devotion to him. Ken was a Minister of the Word (Lector), Minister of Hospitality (Usher), Offering Counter, Parish Council Member, and School Board Member at St. Stanislaus Kostka Church in New Carlisle. He was also a 4th degree Knight of Columbus.

Ken spent much of his retirement as a volunteer tour guide for the South Bend Mishawaka Area Chamber of Commerce. He served as the Legislative Liaison to the State Legislature for the St. Joseph County Retired Educators Association.

In lieu of flowers please honor Ken's belief "presence matters more than presents" by performing an act of kindness. Ken's suggests that you call or visit a health/physically challenged friend or neighbor on a regular basis offering support, encouragement, and assistance.

Funeral Services will be Tuesday January 6, 2026 at 11:00 with visitation one hour prior at St. Stanislaus Kostka, New Carlisle, IN.

Palmer Funeral Home-Guisinger Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com