Don J. "Mark" Markiewicz

Aug. 5, 2009
SOUTH BEND - Don "Mark" Joseph Markiewicz, 64, was called to heaven and passed away in his home Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2009, surrounded by family. He will be greatly missed by his loving wife, Mary (nee Knapp), who very rarely left his side while he was ill, his three sons and their loving spouses, Joseph (Julie), Paul (Linda), Steven and his "fourth son," Jody. Don was a proud grandfather to Nicole "Nickel," Amber "Dilly Girl," Crystal "Princess" and Joey "Squirt." He also leaves behind two great-grandchildren, Iris and Landen. Don will also be missed by his sisters, Janet Markiewicz and Marcia Huys (Jim), his brother, Michael Markiewicz (Barbara), his dear family in Wisconsin, nieces and nephews, and many other family members and friends. He also leaves behind his "granddoggies" Mabel and Fergus. Don was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Adam and Marie Virginia Markiewicz (nee Micinski). Don was born and raised in South Bend where he attended St. Hedwig Catholic Church and Grade School. He graduated from the former South Bend Central High School in 1963 and then from DeVry Institute in Chicago. As a young man, Don was proud to have worked in Chicago at the Board of Trade before joining the Air Force. While serving with the 676 Air Force Radar Squadron in Antigo, Wis., he met his ever-loving lifelong partner, Mary Knapp. They were married Oct. 15, 1966, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Parish in Antigo. They moved to South Bend in 1968 and became members of St. Anthony de Padua Parish. Don retired in January 2008 after 40 years at Heraeus Kulzer (Miles/Bayer), most recently as a senior materials planner/buyer. He had many good friends there, one being Kathy, who often sat and comforted him during his recent battle with cancer. Don was a patriotic American, who was glad to have served his country; he was a member of American Legion Post 161. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and taking road trips with Pete and Vonnie. He also enjoyed planting flowers, watching NASCAR, showing off his son's 1969 Dodge Super Bee, bowling, boating, fishing, relaxing with family in Wisconsin, and just being "warm and relaxed" during recent trips to Disney World. The family would like to acknowledge all of Don and Mary's family and friends who prayed, visited, sent wishes and cared for Don and the family. The family also wishes to thank the hospice staff for their care and attention. The visitation will take place Sunday Aug. 9, 2009 from 3 to 8 p.m. at Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Drive in South Bend, where a Parish Rosary will be prayed at 4 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Aug. 10, 2009 in St. Anthony de Padua Parish, located at the corner of S. Ironwood Drive and E. Jefferson Boulevard in South Bend. Memorials may be donated to The Center for Hospice and Palliative Care Inc. Memorials also may be donated to All-Star Greyhounds (P.O. Box 105, Brookston, IN 47923). "The Broken Chain" We little knew that morning that God was going to call your name. In life we loved you dearly. In death we do the same. It broke our hearts to lose you. You did not go alone, for part of us went with you the day God called you home. You left us peaceful memories. Your love is still our guide. And though we cannot see you, you are always at our side. Our family chain is broken and nothing seems the same, but as God call us one by one, the Chain will link again.