Daniel S. Niedbalski

Dec. 4, 1927 - Oct. 20, 2018

SOUTH BEND, IN - Daniel S. Niedbalski, 90, passed away on Saturday, October 20, 2018 in Sanctuary at St. Paul's with his family by his side.

Daniel was born December 4, 1927 in South Bend, IN to the late Sylvester and Clementine (Radziszewski) Niedbalski. Daniel was preceded in death by a son, Martin L. Niedbalski; sister, Eleanor Harringer; and brothers, Leonard and Sylvester Niedbalski.

On June 24, 1950, in South Bend, Dan married the love of his life, Theresa “Kelly”(Kielton) Niedbalski. Survivors include sisters, Joan Mentzer, Mary Ann (Emil) D'Allesandro of Montclair, NJ, and Jean (John) Landuit of Livonia, MI; a granddaughter, Kimberly Scope of South Bend, IN; great-granddaughters, Moranda and Mariah Fugate, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Dan graduated from South Bend Central High School. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II and the Korean War, earning a United Nations Ribbon and Korean Service Medal. Dan was a Police Officer for the City of South Bend for 20 years as a Captain of the School Safety Program/Crossing Guard Program, retiring in 1973. During that time, he was thanked by the many school children. He was later a St. Joseph County Park Ranger. Dan also was employed at University of Notre Dame as a part time driver for the transportation department. He was the Past President of F.O.P. Lodge 36, Past President and Chairman of the Board at St. Joseph Young Men's Society, Lifetime Member of American Legion Post 357 and AARP. He was a parishioner of Holy Family Catholic Church. Daniel was involved with Special Olympics and played Santa Claus at many local clubs.

Dan enjoyed building model airplanes and at one time held a pilot's license. He also loved boxing, bowling, playing a Polish card game called “66,” and toy trains, and he took great pride in his yard. Dan always had cookies for the neighborhood dogs. He will be remembered as a loving and faithful husband watching EWTN and praying the Rosary and Divine Mercy Chaplet daily. Dan's granddaughter and great-granddaughters were the love of his life.

His passing left a void in the hearts of many who loved him.

“Semper Fi Brother”. “The Few, The Proud, The Marines.”

The family would like to give a special thank you to the entire staff at St. Paul's, especially to Chaplain Carole McCollester, Chaplain Tim Terpening, Olivia Shirley, Hospice Chaplain, Neil Davis, and to the nursing staff of Hospice House. May God Bless You.

Visitation for Daniel will be 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm, Thursday, October 25, 2018 at ST. JOSEPH FUNERAL HOME, 824 S. Mayflower Rd. with a Rosary to be prayed at 4:00 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11:00 am Friday, October 26, 2018 at Holy Family Catholic Church with visitation 1 hour prior at 10:00 am in the church. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Holy Family Catholic Church or South Bend Police Department Elficers Program.

Condolences for the family may be made at www.sjfh.net.

10/23/2018 JFC