Anthony Joseph Pachika Jr.

Oct. 22, 1921 - Jun. 4, 2009

SOUTH BEND - Anthony ("Tony") was born in Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada, to parents, Mary and Anthony Pachika.

He was the third of four siblings, Julianna Serritella, Elizabeth Nowitsch, and surviving Phyllis Newberry. Surviving Betty Sheffield, first wife and daughter, Vicky Miller and daughter, Diana Wheeler, deceased. Grandchildren, April Wheeler and Brian Wheeler, and two great-grandchildren. His second wife of 38 years, Fern Pachika, preceded him in death. Daughter, Kathy Aegerter, husband, Steve Aegerter, grandchild, Kristi Gabriel, and great-grandchildren, Kayla and William survive. Other nieces and nephews include Anne Marie and Omar Mote, Mary Lou Hemmerich of Union City, IN, Elizabeth and Gary Byrum of Muncie, IN, and John and Connie Nowitsch of Palo Alto, CA, Marlene Tokay of Granger, IN, and Elizabeth and Robert Ebbole of Elkhart, IN. Several great-nieces and nephews also remain.

Tony was a 50-year member of the Free and Accepted Masons, 33 degree member of Scottish Rite, member of Chapter 2 OES in South Bend, IN, and member of OES Chapter #26 in Lakeland, FL, and served as Worthy Patron five times. He was a member of DAV and a member of and "Elder" of Chapel in the Grove Presbyterian Church. He served in World War II as a Tech Sgt. in General Patton's 8th Army and has the Purple Heart for being wounded in France, while serving in the field artillery.

Additionally, he was the recipient of five Bronze Stares. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge, and he assisted in the freeing of Jews in Auschwitz. His love of golf promoted his caddying at the golf courses in South Bend when in high school. He was a graduate of South Bend Central. His love of music through his retirement as he became a member of the church choir and was a soloist. He was an ardent fisherman from boyhood, and enjoyed fishing for the "Big Ones" in Florida.

12/22/2022 DEC

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