Robert B. Klimek

Robert Klimek passed away at Ironwood Health and Rehabilitation Center on Veterans Day, Thursday, November 11, 2010 at 7:50 p.m. Robert was born on August 13, 1925 in South Bend, IN to the late Michael and Martha Klimek. On July 11, 1953 he married the love of his life, Maxine (Nowakowski) Klimek at St. Casimir Catholic Church. Robert attended South Bend Catholic High School and at the young age of 17 in May of 1943 he joined the United States Navy and proudly served his country in the South Pacific aboard the USS Oak Hill during World War II. Robert worked at the Studebaker Factory, managed the American Linen Service and retired from F.W. Means and Company. Robert is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Maxine Klimek; his daughters, Kathy (Ron) Melser, Bonnie Nowakowski, and Nancy (Keith) Bernicky; his son Michael (Tammy) Klimek; his grandchildren, Ronnie Melser Jr., Dawn Geiger, Cal Pragne Jr., Annie Prange, Robert Prange, Isaiah Prange, and Dustin Klimek; his great-grandchildren, Tyler Melser, Andrew Geiger, Taylor Marie Geiger, Elijah Klimek, and Tyler Klimek; and his loving brother, Donald Klimek. He was preceded in death by his parents, Michael and Martha Klimek; and three brothers, Michael, Edwin, and Norman Klimek. Our family would like to recognize Amiee, Erica, Kelli, Krista, Lisa, and Peggy and others at Ironwood Health and Rehabilitation Center and Southern Care Hospice for their skill and kindness shown to Robert. We would also like to thank the Memorial Hospital ER Physicians and staff; the staff on 10 South at Memorial Hospital; and to Dr. John Powell, a special thank you for the kindness you’ve shown to our mother, Maxine during this difficult time. Robert never met a stranger, had a great sense of humor and possessed heartfelt compassion for his fellow man. In keeping with his wonderful spirit and kind heart we ask that donations be made to the Food Bank of Northern Indiana, 702 Chapin Street, South Bend, IN, 46601. Robert will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, November 16, 2010 in the Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Drive. Military Services and burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery. Friends may call from 4 until 8 p.m. Monday in the Kaniewski Funeral Home.