Thomas G. Deranek

With great sadness we announce the passing of our beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great-Grandfather and Brother, Thomas G. Deranek. Tom passed away Wednesday January 11th at home after a lengthy illness.

He was born November 18, 1935 in South Bend, IN to the late Alex and Alice Deranek of South Bend, IN.

Tom was a graduate of Central High School and Indiana University. In 1964 he started his long career at Skyline Corporation in Elkhart, IN as a Cost Accountant and retired after 49 years as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

Tom married the love of his life, the former Margaret Ann Heltzel, on January 11, 1958. On the morning of his passing they were celebrating their 65th wedding anniversary.

Along with Margaret, he is survived by his five children, Catherine Kobb, Timothy Deranek, David (Jacquelyn) Deranek, Karen Roberts and Michael (Elaina) Deranek, of South Bend; eleven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; and by his brother Ralph (Susan) Deranek. Preceding him in death are his sister Geraldine Danilewicz and sons-in-law Kevin Kobb and Michael Roberts.

Tom was a huge fan of Notre Dame, especially football and basketball as well as for I.U. basketball. He loved going with family to the Notre Dame games starting with pregame lunches at the Morris Inn. Many great family memories were made as "regulars" at Sunny Italy, LaSalle Grill, Pat's Pub, University Club and Cira's Restaurants. Tom was especially known for being the ultimate Frank Sinatra aficionado. He and Margaret loved spending time together — among many highlights was seeing Frank several times in concert, as well as their cruises and vacation getaways to Aruba.

The family would like to thank the entire ProMedica Hospice team for their assistance over the past few months — especially Denise, for her care and kindness to Dad and the entire family.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday January 16, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Jude Catholic Church, 19704 Johnson Road, South Bend, Indiana 46614. Father John Delaney, Pastor will officiate. Visitation for Tom will be at the church immediately preceding the service from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, we ask for memorial donations to made to ProMedica Hospice at 230 West Catalpa, Suite D, Mishawaka, IN 46545 or St. Jude Catholic School at 19704 Johnson Road, South Bend, Indiana 46614.

A private family graveside interment will take place at a later date. Arrangements for the Deranek family are in the care of the Palmer Funeral Home-Guisinger Chapel, South Bend.

01/13/2023 EJS