In Memory
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Daniel Chester Grocki
December 20, 1935 ~ August 14, 2025
Daniel Chester Grocki, 89, of Mishawaka, Indiana passed away on Thursday, August 14, 2025 at The Center for Hospice Care Raclin House surrounded by his loving family. He was born on December 20, 1935 in South Bend, Indiana to the late Joseph and Jennie (Rozewicz) Grocki. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Therese (Wojciechowski) Grocki. They wed on September 7, 1957 in St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, South Bend, Indiana.
Dan is survived by his children, Daniel (Cathy) Grocki of Tulum, Mexico, Clare (Earl) Keith of South Bend, Indiana, Paul (Betsy) Grocki of Carmel, Indiana, and Mary Holewczynski of South Bend, Indiana; eleven grandchildren, Katie (Casey) Coon, Jonathan (DD) Grocki, Ellen Grocki, Sarah (Austin) Vanderheyden, Rachel Jozaites, Earl “Trey” (Chloe) Keith, Paul “PJ” Grocki, Samuel (Emma) Grocki, Alex Holewczynski, Kyle (Natalie Kontz) Holewczynski and Paul Holewczynski; and four great grandchildren, Leonardo Jozaites, Therese Jozaites, Holden Vanderheyden and Amelia Grocki. Dan is also survived by his sister, Gertrude Goller of South Bend, Indiana, sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Anne and Tom White of South Bend, Indiana and many adored nieces, nephews and cousins.
Dan graduated from South Bend Central High School in 1954 where he was a State Finalist in wrestling. He was the first President of the Mishawaka Wrestling Club, connected to Mishawaka High School where his sons wrestled with Coach Al Smith. Dan played tenor saxophone with the Rhythm-Aires, Accents, Ultra Tones and many other bands. He was known for his showmanship, enjoyed being a road musician for many years and with many known artists, and was a member of the American Federation of Musicians for 40 years.
Dan worked at Dodge Manufacturing Company for 37 years where he was a pattern maker and supervisor. During retirement, he was a consultant for Rockwell. He was a Past President, Board Member and Life Member of the Michiana Chapter of the American Foundry Society and was a Life Member of the Knights of Columbus Mishawaka Council 1878.
Dan was an avid marble collector for many years and belonged to numerous national and state marble clubs. He attended marble shows throughout the country, was inducted into the Texas Marble Hall of Fame and was honored when the “Danny Boy” marble was created in his name as a tribute to his love of marbles.
Dan enjoyed taking his wife and children on summer vacations throughout the United States and Canada, traveled to Europe and spent winters in Port Charlotte, Florida during retirement. He always tried to make people laugh and deeply loved his family which was the most important thing in his life.
A visitation for Dan will be held on Friday August 22, 2025 at the Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Dr., South Bend, IN from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm. A rosary will be prayed at 4:00 pm in the funeral home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, August 23, 2025 at St. Anthony de Padua Catholic Church, 2310 E. Jefferson Blvd., South Bend, IN at 11:00 am with visitation one hour prior to Mass. Burial will be at a later date in St. Joseph Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Beacon Cancer Care Memorial via Beacon Health Foundation, 615 N. Michigan St., South Bend, IN 46601-1033, or St. Anthony de Padua Catholic Church.
8/21/2025 djb
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