Joseph S. Kodba

Feb. 27, 1922 - Sept. 7, 2005

Joseph S. "Joe" Kodba, 83, of Swartz Creek, Mich., formerly of South Bend, passed away Wednesday, Sept.7, 2005, in his residence. Joe was born on Feb. 27, 1922, in Yugoslavia, to Peter and Mary (Zernick) Kodba.

He served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II. He graduated from Purdue University with a master's in education and played football. Mr. Kodba played in the NFL with the Buffalo Bills and Baltimore Colts.

On Nov. 8, 1947, he married Jeanne Krabbe in Lafayette, Indiana. 

Joe was inducted into the Indiana Football Hall of Fame in 1990. He retired from the South Bend Community School Corporation after 35 years of service.

Surviving are his wife, Jeanne of Swartz Creek; a son, Joseph S. (Ann Marie) Kodba Jr. of Erie, Pa.; a daughter, Leslie L. (Michael) James of Flint, Mich.; four grandchildren, Joseph L. Kodba, Jeffrey J. Kodba, Michael P. James and David O. James; two sisters, Joan (John) Orisich of South Bend and Sister M. Perpetua, F.D.C., of New York City; and his cat, Orphy.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Sept. 12, 2005, in Holy Family Catholic Church, Grand Blanc, Mich. Per his wishes, cremation took place following the Mass. Memorial contributions may be made to the Genesee County Humane Society or to Genesee Hospice.

Source: Newspapers.com

03/31/2024 EJS