In Memory
Joseph T. Zawistowski
Joseph T. Zawistowski, 70, of South Bend, Indiana passed away on Sunday, May 19, 2024 at Memorial Hospital of South Bend with his daughter by his side after a courageous battle with Lung Cancer and COPD. He was born on August 22, 1953 in Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada to the late Bishop Joseph C. and Josephine (Trelka) Zawistowski. He was a 1971 graduate of Washington High School and joined the United States Air Force soon after. He was (begrudgingly) stationed in Minot, North Dakota until his discharge in 1974.
On December 30, 1979 he married Radell Taberski who preceded him in death on February 28, 1987. Joseph was also preceded in death by an infant son, Jason Zawistowski in 1984.
He is survived by one daughter, Rachel Zawistowski of South Bend, Indiana, two grand dogs, Gabriel and Malakai, one brother Charles (Susan) Zawistowski, two brothers in law, Raynard Taberski and Raymond Taberski, nephews and nieces, Andrew Zawistowski, Matt Zawistowski, Randy Taberski, Steve Taberski, Scott Taberski, Tim Taberski, Keith Tidey, Ken Tidey Jr., Aaron Taberski, Mindy Oles, and Robin Parker.
Joseph proudly worked as a Correctional Sergeant for the Indiana Department of Corrections for 38 years. "Ski" as he was fondly known by was a mentor, teacher and friend to many of his coworkers through those years. He could always be found with a cup of black coffee in his hand, he kept Folgers in business. Joseph barely used vacation time during his career but when he did, his favorite place to visit was Jamaica where he aspired to retire to one day. He loved spending time with his grand dogs and they loved when their "Grampy" came over. Joseph loved to watch cooking shows and then cook elaborate meals with the ideas he found. His favorite thing to do was spend time with his daughter, Rachel, watching movies, driving around or just talking. Joseph was a lifelong member of St. Mary's National Catholic Church (PNCC). He spent his life studying the Bible and had unwavering faith in God. Joseph fought his illness every second from diagnosis to the end and never gave up hope of recovery and life.
His daughter would like to thank his team of doctors, including Memorial Hospital ICU staff, over the last several years and right up to the end for the care and compassion given during his fight.
A visitation for Joseph will be held on Monday, May 27, 2024 at the Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Dr. South Bend, IN from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm. A Funeral Mass will take place on Tuesday, May 28, 2024 at St. Mary’s National Church, 1601 W. Sample St., South Bend, IN 46619 at 10:30 am. Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the Mass. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery. Online condolences may be left at www.kaniewski.com
05/22/2024 EJS
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