Bernard John
“Barney” Switalski
Sept. 28, 1928 - Feb. 6, 2021
SOUTH BEND, IN -

Bernard John “Barney” Switalski passed peacefully with his family by his side on February 6, 2021. He was born to Eligius and Tillie Switalski on September 28, 1928. He was a lifelong resident of South Bend, IN. After graduating from Washington High School, he met the love of his life and soul mate, Angela Theresa Wojciechowski. They were married on April 11, 1953 after Bernard's return from serving in the U.S. Army in Germany. Together they raised three sons, Chris, Timothy, and David.

Bernard served in the South Bend Police Department for 42 years, retiring in 1997 as Lieutenant and receiving the Key to the City from South Bend's Mayor. Bernard was one of the four original South Bend police officers to start the City's K-9 Unit in 1961. He loved all sports and volunteered as a Little League coach through the local chapter of Fraternal Order of Police. Barney, as he was known to family and friends, was a man who was comfortable in his own skin. He was a loving, dedicated and loyal husband, father, grandfather and mentor, as well as the ultimate “Do It Yourselfer”.

Bernard was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved Angela; brother Robert; son Chris; great-granddaughter Sadie, and many loving friends.

He is survived by his sons, Timothy (Teri) of Rathdrum, ID and David (Michael Kane) of Niles, MI; five granddaughters, Pamela Blackford (Shane), Cathy McCann (Adin), Tracy VanSchoick (Andrew), Gabrielle Switalski, and Cassandra Anglum (James), and grandson, Travis Switalski (Brandee) as well as an extended family of children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 9, 2021 at Corpus Christi Catholic Church in South Bend, followed by Mass at 11:00 a.m. Cremation will follow. COVID restrictions apply. A live streaming of the Mass can also be viewed at https://www.facebook.com/corpuschristiparishsb.

A celebration of his life will be held at a future date.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Sadie McCann Fund, which is a charitable organization committed to assisting families who are caring for a child with Aicardi Syndrome. The address is 115 E. Fall Creek Parkway S Dr., Indianapolis, IN 46205 or www.sadiemccannfund.org.

Kaniewski Funeral Home, South Bend, IN is handling arrangements. To send online condolences please visit www.kaniewski.com.
 

02/08/2021 JFC