Charles Anthony Pajakowski

December 10, 1948 ~ November 19, 2025 (age 76)

Charles Pajakowski Obituary

On 11/19/2025 | became a varsity member of the cadaver team at I U Medical School anatomy lab. It just seemed like the right thing to do after teaching students for 66 semesters to go out with one more. That being said, there will be neither a wake nor funeral service. Please send no flowers, mass cards or contributions in my name. If you wish to remember me, just try to make someone smile every day. A random act of kindness will make you feel good and maybe make someone's day a little brighter.

I had a good run at life for 76 years. Born on Dec 10 1948 to Casimir J and Henrietta V [Grontkowski} Pajakowski in South Bend IN, where I spent most of my life. I went to Holy Family School from 1954 thru 1962 moving on to Washington HS from 1962 through 1966. I then enrolled at IUSB for two years and finished my BS degree on the Bloomington campus in 1970.

In early 1970 | met Carol Ritter and chased after her until she caught me. We were married on July 10, 1971, the best thing that ever happened to me. She was my wife, my true love and above all, my best friend. We enjoyed each other's company for 54 years. I could not imagine life without her.

From 1970 thru 1976, I served in the US Army IN National Guard, being honorably discharged in 1976 holding the rank of Sergeant. I spent all six years successfully defending Elkhart County IN from the Viet Cong, a tough job but someone had to do it.

In 1975 | received my Master's degree from IU.

Carol and I had two wonderful children, Peter (Lori) and Amy. We also have 5 grandkids: Renee Montgomery, Isadora Vincent, Nigel Pajakowski, Lauren Vincent and Sarah Biggs, and one great grandchild, Norah.

I spent 33 years as a history teacher at a variety of Jr High and Middle schools and finished my career as department chairman of the Social Studies department at Clay High School, retiring early in 2004. The hardest thing about being retired is knowing what day it is; A problem I enjoy every morning.

I can say with all honesty that I enjoyed going to work every day as there were always new challenges to deal with and new ways to get kids to learn. I also coached for 23 seasons. It was a great way to interact with kids outside the classroom in a whole new environment.

I am proud to be part of my family's third generation in the US A. Our parents would be proud of our many successes.

I grew up in the conformity of the 50's and the rage and rebellion of the 60's. We went from "Leave it to Beaver" to "Dr. Strangelove" in the blink of an eye.

To paraphrase ole "Blue Eyes:"

Regrets, I had a few,

but far too few to even mention.

Success, it came my way

thru hard work and good intentions

when I look back, I have to say,

got it done and had some fun

but most of all I must admit

I did it my way!

Services

No services to be Held

Added 11/20/2025 GMS

https://www.palmerfuneralhomes.com/obituary/Charles-Pajakowski