Melvin Eugene Lesniewicz

South Bend - Melvin Lesniewicz, a caring husband, father, grandfather, friend and former firefighter passed away peacefully with his loving family by his side on Saturday, August 28.

Melvin was born to Henry (Hank) and Jeanette (Hecklinski) in South Bend. He married his beloved bride Lois (Lucy) Walkowiak on a dreary, rainy day in May 1957. The sun came out and remained that way as their romance continued for 64 wonderful years. Late into his eighties he regularly proclaimed, "Every day is a good day!"

Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife Lois and three sons - Kevin (Shelley) of Wendell, NC, Keith (Judy) of South Bend and Kerry (Karla) of Granger. Mel raised his boys to understand the value of hard work and strong family relationships. He adored and celebrated his grandchildren – Kera(Tony), Kyle(Kate), Elise(Dan), Kailey, Ashley(Caprice), Nicole (Josh) Krempp, Carter and great grandchildren Liam and Leilani. Melvin was predeceased by his treasured grandson Adam.

Mel "Manu" fondly nicknamed by his fire department buddies, graduated from Washington High School in 1951 where he played football. A proud veteran of the Korean War, Melvin began his career working on field repair equipping him with skills he carried with him throughout his life. He first worked at Brooks Motors, upon his return from military duty, and eventually became a firefighter on South Bend Fire Department. A career spanning 37 years he retired as a Battalion Chief. Mel loved his work and jumped into another 10 years with the City of South Bend as the Fire Department Liaison for Equipment. Always active, he worked on a miniature firetruck used in the Children's Safety program for Potawatomi Zoo. Additionally, he served on the Board of Directors of South Bend Firefighters' Credit Union.The longtime owner of Mel's Body Shop, he proudly mentored and taught his sons, neighbors, and firefighter friends his craft and the business. And, no stranger to the kitchen, Mel will be remembered for his "Chicken Paprikash" and his lengthy list of recipes he eagerly shared. A stickler for a beautiful lawn, he competed with neighbors, and enjoyed sitting on his porch on Surrey Lane for 50 years discussing just about anything. He spent his twilight 14 years with Lois by his side in their lovely villa where he still enjoyed gardening in pots of vegetables and flowers.

His hobbies included everything cars, fishing, and golfing, especially on Fathers' Day. Lake vacations with family and friends were some of his fondest memories.

Mel will not soon be forgotten for his kindness, positivity, quick wit and his profound love for his family.

It is with much gratitude the family thanks Heart to Heart Hospice of Mishawaka and Wedgewood Pines Assisted Living, South Bend, for their care of Mel during the last days of his life journey. A special hug goes out to Michelle of Wedgewood for her friendship and affection shown towards Mel during his stay there.

Donations may be made in Mel's honor to A Rosie Place, 53131 Quince Road, South Bend, IN 46628 or online at arosieplace.org or to Hoosier Burn Camp at hoosierburncamp.org.

A Catholic Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, September 4, 2021 in the Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Drive, South Bend, Indiana. Burial with Military Honors will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery. A visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Friday in the funeral home.

Posted online on August 30, 2021

8/30/2021 EJS