In Memory
JEROME H. TOBOLSKI
July 23, 1927 - May 26, 2011
SOUTH BEND - As Glenn Miller music softly played, his loving wife of 61 years holding his hand, and surrounded by all his children and grandchildren, Jerome "Jerry" H. Tobloski, 83, of South Bend, quietly passed away in Memorial Hospital on Thursday evening, May 26, 2011, with the same grace and dignity that he conducted his life. Jerry Tobolski was born July 23, 1927, to Edward and Sophie (Wcisel) Tobolski.
On October 22, 1949, in Saint Stanislaus Catholic Church, Jerry married the love of his life, Geraldine "Gerri" Sniadecki, who survives. Surviving with his wife are his children, Mary Beth (Al "Buddy") Kirsits of South Bend, Indiana, Shari Ann (Brian) Kelley of Buchanan, Michigan; sons, Terry Tobolski, Larry (Betty) Tobolski and Gary Tobolski, all of South Bend, Indiana; grandchildren, Nicholas (Tami) Tobolski, Benjamin Tobolski, Tiffany (David) Jones, Monica Tobolski, Ryan Darmos, Jonathan Kirsits, Christopher Tobolski, Kyle Kirsits, Alex Darmos, Brian Kelly Jr., Trent Tobolski, River Kelley, Hanna Kirsits and Sara Tobolski; a sister, Christine (Sal) Gerschoffer of South Bend, Indiana; a brother, Ronald (Marcella) Tobolski of Walled Lake, Michigan; a brother-in-law, Joseph Sniadecki of South Bend; and many special nieces and nephews.
Jerry was a 1945 graduate of Washington High School and was immediately drafted into the U.S. Army. He served two years in the Army Air Force and operated in the Pacific Theatre, drafting and building airstrips for Allied Forces. This complemented a lifelong boyhood hobby of building model airplanes. Upon his honorable discharge, Jerry began working as a tool-and-die maker for the former Bendix-Honeywell Corporation, retiring in 1989 after 42 years of service. He was a proud member of the UAW and American Legion Post 357.
s a young soldier on leave, Jerry was introduced to a high school senior, Gerri Sniadecki. Their courtship and ensuing marriage spanned 61 years. Known simply as "Jerry and Gerri," they enjoyed their time together, raising children, traveling, dancing, and having fun. Fond of Big Band music, Jerry and Gerri belonged to several clubs that allowed them to perform Ballroom dancing with an elegance that rivaled professionals.
Jerry was a member of the original group that helped form the IYHL in 1968, and was Riley High School's first hockey coach in 1972. Well-known around the Ice Box, he took quiet pride watching his sons and then grandsons play hockey for Riley High School. A man of impeccable fairness, he would meticulously plan his weekly schedule around his grandchildren's school and sporting events, attending each and every event wherever it was located. He was a longtime Notre Dame women's basketball fan and season ticket holder, and was a lifelong White Sox fan. Always a sharp dresser with a sense of humor, he enjoyed wearing his embroidered White Sox sweater around his longtime Cub friends. Jerry and his wife were longtime members of the former St. Mary's of the Assumption Catholic Church and were current members of St. Stanislaus Catholic Church. A humble and quiet man with a sense of humor, Jerry loved his wife, his family, God and country. His life was an example of what it meant to be a member of the "Greatest Generation."
Visitation will be held from 3-8 p.m. Tuesday, May 31, 2011, in the Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Drive, South Bend, Indiana, where a parish Rosary will be prayed at 4 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 1, 2011, at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in South Bend, IN. The Tobolski family would like to thank Memorial Hospital and its Critical Care Unit, and Dr. Smith for the care and compassion they showed Jerry during his sudden illness. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Stanislaus Catholic Church or to the Center for Hospice and Palliative Care. To send condolences online, please visit Kaniewski.com.
Published by South Bend Tribune on May 29, 2011.
05/25/2023 EJS
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