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BORN
1947
DIED
2025
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Joseph Pawlowski Obituary
Sep 23, 1947 - Oct 7, 2025
Michigan City, IN - The Rev. Joseph M. Pawlowski passed away on October 7, 2025. He was born on September 23, 1947, in Michigan City, IN, to the late Joseph L. and Berniece (nee Rathnow) Pawlowski.
Father Joe was ordained on September 30, 1973. He retired from St. Paul Catholic Church, Valparaiso, IN, in 2018. He served in five parishes as a deacon, five as assistant, three as pastor, culminating in twenty years at St. Paul Catholic Church. He also served in Diocesan responsibilities as CFO and Vicar General.
Father Joe would like to acknowledge the love and gifts of his late parents, Joe and Berniece, surviving siblings, Sue (Ed), Tom (Kelli), Jim (Michele), and the many parishioners he served. Thank you, LORD, for all the blessings of an amazingly long life.
Visitation will be held on Monday, October 20, 2025, at 2 p.m., with a 2nd Rite of Reception and a 7 p.m. Evening Prayer at St. Paul Catholic Church, 1855 W. Harrison Blvd., Valparaiso, IN. A Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at 10:30 a.m., at St. Paul Catholic Church with Most Reverend Bishop Robert J. McClory officiating. Interment, St. Stanislaus Cemetery, Michigan City, IN, next to his father, Joseph.
In memory of Father Joseph Pawlowski, memorials may be made to his family parish, St. Stanislaus Kostka Church, 109 Ann Street, Michigan City, IN, 46360, or St. Paul's Capital Campaign at St. Paul Catholic Church, 1855 W. Harrison Blvd., Valparaiso, IN, 46385.
Arrangements made by Dykes Funeral Home, Inc., Valparaiso, IN, (219) 462-3125.
Memorial Events
for Joseph Pawlowski
Funeral services provided by:
Dykes Funeral Home, Inc.2305 North Campbell Street, Valparaiso, IN 46385
Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Pawlowski
Sponsored by The Times.
Shawn b.
Yesterday
With the deepest sympathy for Joe you'll be missed sincerely best regards from the Barrett's and Hayes families
Geri Kiernan
October 20, 2025
Fr. Joe was a very special Pastor and Friend to and for our family. You could count on him through our storms of life as well as the rainbows shining so brightly!!! He was genuine and loved Our Lord which always was apparent in his warm smiles for everyone. Thank you, Fr. Joe, for giving our parish your whole heart (literally) and now you don't have to count the days of survival anymore for us since you now live in eternity with God and all your parishioners. Have fun with Barry!!!
Love to you from the whole Kiernan Family whose lives you have touched while on our earthly journeys!!!
Dee Dee Brogan
October 18, 2025
God Bless Father Joe, he was the first priest we met when we moved to Valparaiso in 1998. He was a true spiritual leader and my family is indebted to him as our Pastor. Rest in peace, Father. Your saintly work here on earth is complete. You´re now dancing in heaven with our Savior.
david brandewie
October 17, 2025
Fr. Joseph was the epitome of a good pastor and priest, a good person open to the challenge of all that we brought him. There were not many parishes building new grade schools during these times. The school is his legacy for future generations. The memories and example are the legacy and memory he left us. He is missed.
Dan William Baggs
October 16, 2025
Father Joe was a great priest and good person who ably led Saint Paul Roman Catholic Church for many great years, and will always be missed by me and so many others -- he was a wonderful homilist, personable, and kindly. My Mother/Mom, Hazel Rosemary Baggs, referred to him as "her pastor". She always admired his persona, personality, and delivery from pulpit. My Father/Dad, Albert William Baggs, also enjoyed Saint Paul Roman Catholic Church for many years under Father Joe, Monsignor Charlebrois, and various Assistant Pastors. I was blessed with Father Joe's, Monsignor Charlebrois, and Father Doug's pastoring over many years, and I am blessed in all respects, as well as my parents were earlier! RIP, Father Joe, and know that you and your family, good people, are in my prayers daily during this challenging time of mourning and grieving, as well as a celebration of the life of Father Joe Pawlowski, and all the people whose lives he touched and affected/effected!!! Sincerely, Dan William Baggs, 10/16/2025, 7:52PM, DWB.
Carol Kolodziejski
October 15, 2025
To Tom and the rest of the family sorry for the loss of father's Joe, he was friends of my husband.
DAVID WHO PASSED ON 2019, THEY WENT TO school together
At ST. Stanislaus. He also married us. May all his memories help your time of loss. Sincerely, David
And Carol Kolodziejski
Donna Battista
October 14, 2025
Father Joe got so much accomplished at St. Paul. Forever grateful for his time and talent but especially his heart.
James W. Rupp
October 14, 2025
Father Joe was a saintly priest in our service at St. Paul's Parish. My sympathy to his siblings - you know the strength of his character more than any of us. Sincerely, James W. Rupp, now living in FL.
Ed Dutkiewicz
October 14, 2025
Lord, may Joe rest in peace and bless Tom, Jim, and Sue.
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