Casimer A. Pikuza, 80, of South Bend, IN, passed away at 12:30 p.m. Sunday, February 6, 2022 at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Mishawaka, IN, following an illness.

Casimer was born on June 26, 1941 to the late Michael and Anne (Halonka) Pikuza in Poland, and has lived in South Bend, IN since 1947. Along with his parents; he was preceded in death by two sisters, Natalie Szymczak; Katherine Kotornoha; and one brother, Andrew Pikuza.

He graduated in 1959 from Washington High School and then attended Indiana University, where he received both his Bachelor Degree in Education and a Master’s Degree in Latin.

Cas retired in 2001 from Washington High School in South Bend, IN, where he was a Latin Teacher for 38 years. Following retirement, he taught Latin part-time at Marian High School in Mishawaka, IN for four years.

On July 30, 1966, he married Antoinette “Toni” Waruszewski at St. Hedwig Catholic Church in South Bend, IN.

Casimer is survived by his loving wife of 55 ½ years, Toni Pikuza of South Bend, IN; two daughters, Jennifer Pikuza of South Bend, IN; Jill Underly of South Bend, IN; two sons, Jeff (Carolyn) Pikuza of Lake Worth, FL; Jason Pikuza of South Bend, IN; five grandchildren, Samantha, Katherine, and Jonathon Underly; Casimir and Jordana Pikuza; and one sister, Maria Pikuza of Scottsdale, AZ.

Cas was a member of Corpus Christi Parish. He loved his time as a teacher and was equally loved by his students. He was affectionately referred to as “The King.” He was also an avid Indiana University sports fan and was passionate about playing euchre with his family.

Visitation will be from 3-8 p.m. Thursday, February 10, 2022 at Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Drive, South Bend, IN, where The Chaplet of Divine Mercy will be prayed at 3:30 and a Parish Rosary will be prayed at 4:00 p.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, February 11, 2022 at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, where friends may visit one hour before the funeral mass. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery in South Bend, IN.

Memorial contributions may be made to: Christ Child Society, 2366 Miracle Lane, Mishawaka, IN 46545 or Corpus Christi Catholic Church, 2822 Corpus Christi Drive, South Bend, IN  46628

02/08/2022 JFC