John C. Manuszak

Feb. 8, 1917 - March 13, 2000

John C. "Big John" Manuszak, 83, of Lark Drive, South Bend, Ind., passed away at 3:22 a.m., on Monday, March 13, in Saint Joseph's Regional Medical Center. He was born on Feb. 8, 1917, to the late Walter and Katherine (Szymkowiak) Manuszak, and had lived in this community all of his life.

On April 22, 1939, Big John was married to the former Mary V. Sarvari, the love of his life for over 60 years. She preceded him in death on Sept. 2, 1999. He was also preceded in death by a sister, Magdalene "Marge" White.

He is survived by a daughter, Joan L. (Joseph) Keller of South Bend; a son, John L. (Anita) Manuszak of South Bend; seven grandchildren, Debbie Shishman, Kathy Casper, Kim Guennel, Diane Keller, Nick Manuszak, Katie Manuszak, Jonathon Manuszak; five great-grandchildren, Megan Shishman, Matthew Shishman, Jesse Casper, Jacob Casper, Rachel Casper; and by four brothers, Walter Manuszak of Lebanon, Pa., Thomas (Edith) Manuszak of South Bend, George (Violet) Manuszak of Goleta, Calif., and Richard Manuszak of Goleta.

Big John was a devoted husband and was very community minded. He worked for The Associates, Studebakers, and Principal Life Insurance Company. He was involved with the Clay Township Democratic Party for several years, and served as a member of the board of directors for the Izaak Walton League, where he was president for 25 years.

John helped many charities such as the Mishawaka Food Drive for the Needy and t the Clay Township Food Drive. He was a former member of Knights of Columbus and the Knights at the Foot of the Cross. Big John was very active in Christ the King Parish, where he was in charge of Parish Jubilees, finances, and the Grounds Committees. He was PTA president and a member of Holy Name Society. He was also in charge of numerous other Parish events at Christ the King.

He served as a reader and sang in the choir. John was athletic and enjoyed swimming, softball, basketball, and bowling. He was an avid gardener, entertainer and conservationist.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Thursday, March 16, in Christ the King Catholic Church, with Rev. Thomas J. Jones, C.S.C., officiating. Cremation will follow. Friends may call from 3 to 7 p.m., today, March 15, in the Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Drive, South Bend, where a Parish Rosary will be prayed at 4 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to Christ the King Parish, 52473 U.S. 31/33, South Bend, Ind., 46637.

Sources: Ancestry.com, Newspapers.com and FindAGrave.com

11/17/2025 EJS

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/252562865/john-casimer-manuszak