Clement I. Botka

Aug. 2, 1929 - April 5, 2015

SOUTH BEND - Clement I. Botka, 85, of South Bend, passed away at 10:20 AM in his residence on Sunday, April 5th, after an extended illness. He was born on August 2, 1929, in South Bend, to the late Louis and Hattie (Szymanowski) Botka.

On January 11, 1958, in South Bend, he married the former Eleanor Kendziorski, who preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by one sister, Evelyn Kulwicki, and four brothers, Richard Botka, Louis "Bubs" Botka, Chester Botka and Eugene Botka.

Clement retired in 1996 from Stone Container Corporation in Elkhart where he worked as a forklift driver. He also previously worked at Studebaker, Drewry's, and Torrington. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict.

He is survived by two daughters, Ann (Kevin) Botka and Donna (Alan) Botka DeFrees, both of South Bend; two sons, Alan (Jill) Botka of New Berlin, WI, and Douglas Botka of South Bend; one sister, Alice Janiszczak of Howe, IN, who passed April 11th; one brother, John (Marilyn) Botka of South Bend; and four grandchildren, Andrew DeFrees, Benjamin Botka, Tessa Botka and Lily DeFrees.

Clem was a big kid at heart and he loved playing with kids of all ages. You could always tell where the children were by following the trail up to Pied Piper Clem (or Clem Kadiddlehopper). Put a bat and ball into his hand and he would light up and want to play for hours! Clem also loved his piwo (beer), having worked many years at Drewry's (his favorite job), and in the last ten years he so enjoyed his many friends and well-wishers at Fiddler's Hearth and Bleachers Bar.

The family cannot thank enough the caregivers who helped us all over the past 3 years: the Center for Hospice, Darlene, Tracy, Apryl, Faithe, Amber, and most importantly, our caregiver, Dawn Rajski, whose help provided Clem and his family with such good care and so many good days.

A Memorial Mass will be held Saturday, April 25, 2015, at 11:00 am at Christ the King Catholic Church located at 52473 IN-933, South Bend, with Father Michael Belinsky officiating. Friends may visit one hour prior to service. Burial will take place at a later date at St. Joseph Cemetery in South Bend. Cremation has taken place. In lieu of flowers, the family requests all memorial contributions be made to the family c/o Hanley and Sons Funeral Home, 23421 State Road 23, South Bend, IN 46614. Condolences may be expressed online through our website: www.hanleyandsonsfuneralhomes.com. The HANLEY & Sons "Southwest Chapel" Funeral Home & Cremation Services handled arrangements and extends its deepest sympathy and heartfelt prayers to the Botka family

Source: FindAGrave.com

04/13/2025 EJS