DONALD S. GRABAREK

Donald S. "Babash" Grabarek, 72, of South Bend, IN, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Saturday, October 8, 2022 in his home, due to natural causes.

He was born on July 29, 1950 to the late John K. and Agnes (Molnar) Grabarek in South Bend, IN, and was a lifelong area resident. Along with his parents; he was preceded in death by a brother, Tom Grabarek; and a sister-in-law, Jackie Grabarek.

Don graduated in 1968 from Central High School in South Bend, and then served his Country in the U.S. Marine Corps. He was retired from Grabarek Contracting, where he worked as a contractor for many years.
On June 20, 1970, he married Mary Ann Molnar at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in South Bend, IN. Don is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Mary Ann Grabarek of South Bend, IN; one daughter, Angel (Kerry) Snyder of Mishawaka, IN; two sons, Barron (Jana) Grabarek of Chicago, IL; Mike (Michelle) Grabarek of Mishawaka, IN; eight grandchildren, Patton, Donovan, Jackson, Landon, Zahra, Collin, Ben, and Aaron; one sister, Linda Otolski of Mishawaka, IN; two brothers, Frank (Mel) Grabarek of Mishawaka, IN; Bill (Lisa) Grabarek of Warsaw, IN; and two sisters-in-law, Janet Grabarek of Granger, IN; and Judy Grabarek of South Bend, IN.

Babash was a man of many talents. He channeled his creativity into painting and drawing, models and irreverent handicrafts, upholstery, auto, metal and wood working, and tall tales. His deep love of family turned him into a teacher, coach and super fan. He probably attended every youth sporting event this century in support of his grandkids. Don built street rods, fixed everything under the sun, and did his fair share of fishing. He loved a hot day and a cold Miller High Life. To those who knew him best, he was a role model, hero, best friend and life partner.

A rosary will be prayed at 3:00 p.m. Thursday, October 13, 2022 at Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Drive, South Bend, IN, followed by a visitation until 6:00 p.m., when Military Honors will be conducted by the U.S. Marine Corps.

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

01/24/2023 EJS