Stanley J. Wojtas

Stanley Joseph Wojtas April 16, 1952 - Aug. 25, 2015 SOUTH BEND - Born 16 April, 1952, the third child of Eugene (Eugeniusz) and Irene (Irena Wojcik) Wojtas, Stan was a lifelong resident of the 1300 block of West Fisher Street, attended Saint Casimir Catholic Grade School and Washington High School.

Too shy to attend his own graduation, he'd probably hate that we're writing this much about him now. Stan loved life, and loved his family; he was generous and kind, a truly good man. From his earliest days, his father brought machines and engines home for Stan to play with and to figure out how they work. Before he'd even finished grade school Stan constructed himself a go-cart from materials at the scrap yard and was caught driving it on the streets of the West Side. When pulled over by the police, he only spoke Polish to the cop, and talked his way out of a reprimand by acting like he didn't understand English. Those rules clearly never applied to him! Close with his brothers, they all worked together and looked so similar, they'd even been mistaken for kissing each others' girlfriends. Ever the troublemaker, Stan talked his way out of that one by telling the ladies: "You should know better, I'm the good-looking one."

Stan was a Jack-of-All-Trades and there wasn't a problem he couldn't fix. Any broken item represented a challenge that only he could overcome. A lifelong love of science, music, and the idea of the great beyond, he could actually imagine the unimaginable. His interest and imagination extended beyond machines, computers and science, and was felt by all those he bossed around every single day. If anyone needed help with any project, as soon as they were in a pickle, they knew to call him and he came to the rescue. He was smarter than most people in the room, and simply needed to stare at a machine for a few seconds to understand how to fix it. No problem too large couldn't be conquered by Stan--rare is the person who cannot provide an anecdote of his assistance when they were in need. And of getting cussed out for it, once the problem was resolved.

Stan was generous beyond belief, anything and everything he had he was willing to share with those around him. He'd learned life's lessons the hard way and always had nothing but love, support and encouragement for those in need. He was a stupendous father to his own kids, and to countless others who needed a parent too. Any runaway, hormonal teen or troubled youth knew they could find a place to crash on Fisher Street. At one point he had more down-on-their- luck teens staying at his house than he could count. Never one to judge, discipline, or reprimand the youth, he provided comfort, shelter and guidance to countless people who needed it. He taught us to share, to laugh and to cry. He taught us to swear, to cough, and not lie. Stan left us this week and is currently on his way to Starbase Seven. He promised to let us know when he gets there, and his whole family is waiting on news from the other side. His granddaughter, especially, is looking forward to a rematch in kickball, hoping her Dziadzia kicks the ball really, really far.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family to assist with the funeral expenses. Family and friends of Stan may visit with the family Monday, Aug. 31, 2015, from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm in ST. JOSEPH FUNERAL HOME, 824 S. Mayflower Rd. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 1:00 pm in St. Casimir Catholic Church. Condolence for the family may be made at www.sjfh.net.

Published by South Bend Tribune on Aug. 30, 2015.

06/14/2023 EJS