Donald “Wes” Wesolowski

January 1, 1938 – December 12, 2022

Donald “Wes” Wesolowski, 84, of South Bend, IN, passed away at 11:30 p.m. Monday, December 12, 2022 at Tanglewood Trace in Mishawaka, IN.

He was born on January 1, 1938 to the late Edmond and Emma (Van de Genahte) Wesolowski in South Bend, IN, and was a lifelong resident. Along with his parents; he was preceded in death by his step father, Eugene Szarwark; and a brother, Richard Wesolowski.

Don graduated in 1956 from Washington High School, where he was a star football player, receiving numerous awards. He then attended Columbia South Carolina University on a four-year football scholarship.

Don served his Country in the Army Reserves for six years, and performed active duty every summer for two weeks, where he oversaw the motor pool.

Don retired in 2001 from Rafferty Motors in Niles, MI, where he worked as a Body Shop Manager. Prior to that, he worked as a Service Director at Gates Chevrolet in South Bend and Mishawaka, IN for 35 years.

On March 29, 1958, he married his high school sweetheart, Betty Ann McClone in South Bend, IN. He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Betty Ann Wesolowski of South Bend, IN; two daughters, Lisa (Matt) Irish of Granger, IN; Jody (Clayton) Davis of Leawood, KS; five grandchildren, Ethan and Brady Irish; George (Lizzie) Davis; and Sam and Tessa Davis; and a sister-in-law, Peggy Wesolowski of Chicago, IL.

In the early years of their marriage, Don and Betty Ann enjoyed their modified race car #34 which was built by Don and his father-in-law Earl McClone. He enjoyed spending his leisure time at Pier 1000 on Lake Michigan, where he had a Chris Craft Commander named the “LA JO BE” for over 30 years. Don took pleasure in hunting and fishing with many close friends; loved to travel the world with his wife and high school sweetheart, Betty Ann; and was an avid Notre Dame and Chicago Bears football fan. He also enjoyed attending the Notre Dame women’s basketball games for over 20 years.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. Saturday, December 17, 2022 at Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Drive, South Bend, IN 46628, followed by a funeral service at 12:00 p.m. Saturday in the funeral home. Cremation will follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Traditions Health Hospice, 3555 Park Place W, Suite 100, Mishawaka, IN 46545 or Peace Evangelical Lutheran Church, 16791 Cleveland Road, Granger, IN 46530.

To send online condolences, please visit www.kaniewski.com.