MARLENE M. (BRONSKI) KNEFELY

Jan. 2, 1933 - April 17, 2009
SOUTH BEND - Marlene M. Knefely, 76, passed away peacefully in her family home surrounded by her children and husband at 7:25 p.m. Friday, April 17, 2009. Marlene was born to Stella (Kolanowski) and Peter Bronski on January 2, 1933, in South Bend, Indiana. She had a recurrent illness for the past 21/2 years and never complained or was cross; "patience is a virtue" was her famous line. She was and always will be our role model of courage and faith in the Lord.

Marlene attended Washington High School and lived in the South Bend area all her life.

She met the love of her life, Harry P. Knefely, while both were employed at Bendix in the spring of 1952 and wed September 20, 1953, at St. Patrick Catholic Church in South Bend. Marlene leaves behind her loving husband of 561/2 years, Harry, as well as four living children, Debi (Thomas) Nagy, Kerry (Michaelle) Knefely and Michael (Maria) Knefely, all of South Bend, and Penny (Dr. David) VanderLugt of Demotte, Indiana. A daughter, Pamela S. Knefely, preceded her in death on Jan. 6, 2009. Seven surviving grandchildren are Christopher Nagy, Katie Nagy, Timothy Knefely, Shawna Middleton, Ryan VanderLugt, Laura VanderLugt and Geritt VanderLugt; and three great-grandchildren, Madison, Addison and Tyler.

Marlene also has one living sister, Loretta (Bronski) Gudates; and five sisters who preceded her in death, Irene (Bronski) Kurek, Eleanor (Bronski) Sczymanski, Adeline (Bronski) Sinka, Geraldine (Bronski) Stachowiak and Mildred (Bronski) Kwicienski.

Marlene was a very cheerful, smiling, thoughtful gal, always thinking and doing for others, friends and family alike. Harry and Marlene were very involved with the Marv Herzog Bavarian Polka Band for over 25 years. They shared many a dance, a smile, a beer! They sponsored several dances yearly in this area as well as extensively traveling with Marv, "The Blue Jackets" boosters and the band. Some of their journeys over the years took she and Harry to Europe, Germany, Italy, France, the Caribbean, as well as Hawaii and numerous U.S. destinations, including Frankenmuth, Michigan. Her positive attitude, faith in God, and her kindhearted way is how she made her way thru this life. She touched many hearts and hands along her earth-bound journey.

A memorial visitation will be Friday, April 24, 2009, from 10-11:30 a.m. in the Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Drive, South Bend, Indiana. A memorial Mass will follow on Friday, April 24, 2009, at noon in St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 3616 St. John Way, South Bend, Indiana. Memorial contributions may be made to The Center for Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 111 Sunnybrook Court, South Bend, IN 46637.

 God saw you getting tired And a cure was not to be He closed His arms around you And whispered "Come to Me." In tears we saw you sinking, We watched you fade away Our hearts were almost broken You fought so hard to stay. But when we saw you sleeping So peacefully, free from pain, We would not wish you back to Suffer that again. So treasure Her, Lord, in Your garden of rest, For here on earth, she was one of the best. To send condolences online, please visit Kaniewski.com.

Published by South Bend Tribune from Apr. 21 to Apr. 23, 2009.

04/25/2023 EJS

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