Darlene I.Laskoski Putz

Nov. 24, 1947 - May 12, 2018

SOUTH BEND - Darlene I. Putz, 70, of South Bend, IN passed away at 6:15 p.m. Saturday, May 12, 2018 at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Mishawaka, IN, following complications from hip replacement surgery.

She was born on November 24, 1947 to the late Stanley and Sophie (Mizia) Laskowski in South Bend, IN, and was a lifelong resident. Along with her parents, she was also preceded in death by her sister, Elaine Novitzke.

Darlene graduated in 1966 from South Bend Washington High School.

She retired in 2010 from Liberty Mutual Insurance Company in Mishawaka, IN, after 21 years of employment. Before Liberty Mutual, Darlene and her husband were the co-owners of Flowers by Don in South Bend, IN.

On October 5, 1968, as Darlene I. Laskowski, she married Donald J. Putz at St. Casimir Catholic Church in South Bend, IN.

Darlene is survived by her loving husband of almost 50 years, Donald J. Putz of South Bend, IN; daughter, Kimberly A. Putz of Mishawaka, IN; son, Kevin M. (Shannon) Putz of Mishawaka, IN; two grandchildren, Konnor and Kamdon Putz, both of Mishawaka, IN; two brothers, David (Marsha) Laskowski of Florida and Jim (Janice) Laskowski of South Bend, IN; four nieces, Jessica Laskowski, Cheryl Cook, Cindy Novitzke-Cummings, and Karrie Morse; and eight nephews, Jason, Jeff, Jeremy, Jacob, Josh, David, and Andrew Laskowski, and Danny Novitzke.

Darlene was a member of St. Casimir Parish. Her grandchildren were her life and she enjoyed attending all their sporting events. She was a staple for all children that came up to her at her grandchildren's ball games, whether it was giving them candy and gum or giving the kids a dollar for the concession stand. Darlene was a second mom to many of our friends growing up and a grandma to everyone. She was very family-oriented and loved spending time with her family, especially on holidays. Darlene also liked watching the “Golden Girls” on television every night and visiting local casinos.

Visitation will be from 2-8 p.m. Thursday, May 17, 2018 at Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Drive, South Bend, IN, where a Parish Rosary will be prayed at 4:00 p.m. by the Married Men's Club of St. Casimir Parish.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10:00 a.m. Friday, May 18, 2018 at St. Casimir Catholic Church, 1308 Dunham Street, South Bend, IN. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery in South Bend, IN.

To send online condolences, please visit www.kaniewski.com.

05/15/2018  JFC