Cajetan Edward Andrysiak

July 30, 1920 - Oct. 30, 2011 SOUTH BEND - Cajetan Edward Andrysiak, 91, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 30, at Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center. He was surrounded by his family. Cajetan "Casey" was born on July 30, 1920, in South Bend, to Stanley and Stella (Niezgodski) Andrysiak, and was a lifelong resident.

On October 12, 1946, he married Genevieve "Jean" Kazmierczak, who preceded him in death on October 28, 2009. They enjoyed 63 happy years together. Also preceding him in death were brothers, Dennis and Joseph, and son-in-law, Clinton Rodosovich.

Survivors include his children, Kathleen Rodosovich of The Woodlands, TX, Karen Mackowiak of Goshen, IN, Janine Andrysiak (Greg Bennett) of Granger, IN, and Kevin (Kimberly) of Fishers, IN. Also surviving are six grandchildren, Daniel and Daynna Rodosovich of Houston, TX, Amber Rodosovich of The Woodlands, Captain Adam Mackowiak, USMC, of Carlsbad, CA, Keith (Jessica) Mackowiak of Goshen, and Dominic Cajetan Andrysiak of Fishers; a sister, Rose Szymanski of Crown Point, IN; a sister-in-law, Alice Dygulski of South Bend; and several nieces and nephews.

Cajetan graduated from Washington High School in 1939. He was a regional alternate to attend the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and attended the University of Notre Dame, majoring in mathematics. Foregoing completion of a college education, he enlisted in the U.S. Army. He completed Medical Department School for Laboratory Technicians at Fitzsimmons General Hospital, Denver, CO, and served as a Medical Administrative Officer in the Army Air Corps in the Rome Arno Campaign and the Southern France Campaign. He was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant and received several medals, including Bronze Star Medal and European-African-Mid Eastern Service Medal. Casey was a South Bend Police Officer, retiring after 21 years of service, and a Letter Carrier for the U.S. Postal Service, retiring in 1985 after 19 years.

After retiring, he continued taking daily fitness walks over the following 20 years. He was a proud member of American Legion Post 357 for 65 years, a member of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #36, and a parishioner of St. Adalbert Catholic Church. Casey was an avid football and baseball fan, especially following the Bears, the Fighting Irish, and the Cubs. He was patriotic and proudly flew the American Flag over his front porch. Casey lived with a positive attitude. "Life is Good" is a motto he embraced. He always had a good word to say; he encouraged his family to be happy; and he offered them a helping hand, no matter the circumstances. He greatly enjoyed and was extremely proud of his grandchildren and they, in turn, looked to Dzia Dzia as a role model. He will be dearly missed.

Visitation will be today, November 3, 2011, at Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Drive, South Bend, from 3 to 8 p.m., where a Rosary will be said at 4 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, November 4, at 10 a.m., at St. Adalbert Catholic Church, South Olive St., South Bend. Entombment will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to REAL Services, 1151 S. Michigan St., South Bend 46601; or to a charity of the donor's choice.

Published by South Bend Tribune on Nov. 3, 2011.

08/27/2022 EJS