George S. Ladewski

On Tuesday, March 14th dad told his granddaughters that he was "going home" on Thursday. On March 16th, he entered his final resting place surrounded by his loved ones. George was born to the union of Joseph and Stella (Nowakowski) Ladewski on May 8, 1926 at home. On November 1, 1947 he married Gertrude T. (Lucky) Stachowiak. Their marriage lasted 56 years. Mom entered the pearly gates on 2-22-2002. Surviving are his three children, Gregg Ladewski of South Bend, Linda Opaczewski of Clearwater, Fl and Joni Six of South Bend. Grandchildren are: Matthew Ladewski of Dyer, In., Alicia Bark Ladewski of Milwaukee, Wi., Ronald Nowaczynski of Syracuse, In., Christie Nowaczynski , John Opaczewski, Aubrey Howell, Michelle Lowery and Samantha Six, all from South Bend, He had 11 great grandchildren. George was preceded in death by his wife, his Daughter in Law Sally Ladewski , his parents and his brother Bernard Ladewski. Dad served his country proudly. He was a WWII veteran, being one of the first to land on the shores of Hiroshima after the atomic bomb was dropped. He was member of the 41st Infantry Division in 1950 to Korea and the 558 M.P. Company. Dad started his work career at Olivers. He retired after 20 years of service with the Fire Department in the Electrical Department. His second retirement came after 19 years of service as an investigator for the Bureau of Traffic and Lighting for the City of South Bend. Dads heritage and love of Polka Music inspired him to own/operate Polka Partners a distributor of Polka Music throughout the Michiana area. Besides selling albums, dad and mom hosted many dances with well known Polka Bands from around the U.S. and Canada. He was also an instrumental force with his wife Lucky in forming and organizing the Indiana Polka Power Club. They were well known and loved in the Polka Industry. George was a member of VFW 8748, Pulaski Post 357, St. Joseph Mens Club and PNA #83. He loved his military friends so much that he was greatly involved with the VFW Drill Team. They won many awards for marching/formations. He was one of the first creators and coaches at South Side Little League. His love for ND football spanned a 39 year "fun job" of being a "White Cap" usher in the premier box seats at ND Stadium. He was known as "Ladeau". Per dads wishes he was cremated . In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made to: Southern Care Hospice, 1626 E. Day Road Mishawaka, Indiana 46545, or Special Olympics or Riley Childrens Hospital. Zahoran Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. To leave an online condolence, visit our website www.zahoran.com or our facebook page Zahoran Funeral Home. I can still hear your voice, calling me in those wee hours of the morning on Nov 2, "Cubs Win---Cubs Win. I lived long enough to see the Cubs win the World Series Championship!" From my childhood days in the backyard, on the glider with that old wooden radio listening to WGN.to now where Dad owns his own personal front row seat, in the land of sky blue water. A special Thank You to Jennifer and Shanda of Southern Care. The family will have a "Celebration of Life" at a later date.Charitable donations may be made to:Southern Care Hospice1626 E. Day Road, Mishawaka IN 46545

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