WILLIAM C. "BILL" KOLACZ

May 13, 1924 - Jan. 3, 2014
SOUTH BEND - William "Bill" C. Kolacz, 89, passed away at 8:45 pm on January 3, 2014 in the Sanctuary at St. Paul's. Bill was born May 13, 1924 in South Bend to the late Walter and Maryann (Kwstorowski) Kolacz. William is also preceded in death by brothers, Thaddeus "Ted" Kolacz, Casimier Kolacz, John Kolacz and Louis Kolacz; and sisters, Lillian Ruffner, Phyllis Nowak and Sophie Wrobel.

Survivors of Bill include his brother, Al Kolacz; sister-in-law, Eleanor Kolacz both of South Bend; and many nieces and nephews.

After graduating from Washington High School, Bill worked for a few weeks at Oliver's and one year at Bendix, before he enlisted in the Army. He fought in World War II, and received the Purple Heart Medal.

Bill was co-owner with his brothers, Louie and Ted of Kolacz Brother's Grocery Store from 1952-1999. It was a family business that their parents started in 1910. He was a clerk, bookkeeper and purchaser of some items and the first one who greeted customers as you came into the store. Bill was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church and St. Joseph Young Men's Club. He enjoyed setting up for BINGO at St. Paul's and going out with residents and treating family and friends to lunch as well as celebrating birthdays and holidays with family.

Visitation for William will be 9:00 am to 10:00 am on Monday, January 6, 2014 in ST. JOSEPH FUNERAL HOME, 824 S. Mayflower Rd., where a Funeral Ceremony will be celebrated at 10:00 am. Burial will follow at St Joseph Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be the donor's choice. Condolences for the family may be made at www.sjfh.net.

Published by South Bend Tribune on Jan. 5, 2014.

04/26/2023 EJS

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/southbendtribune/name/william-kolacz-obituary?id=7662380