Joseph Casimir Odynski

Joseph C. Odynski passed away peacefully on March 20, 2026.  Joseph was the youngest of three sons of Edward and Anna Odynski.

Following high school at Washington High School where he was on the swim team, Joe joined the Marine Corp where he served as a heavy equipment operator earning a Sharpshooter award. After the Marine Corp, he was a printer at Osthimer Printing until they closed. He later worked in building maintenance at St. Mary of the Assumption School, St. Jude's School and Holbert Engineering where he retired at the age of 86.

On April 15,1961, he married the love of his life Barbara Grzeskowiak, who survives. They were happily married for nearly 65 years. They were blessed with three children; Beth (Michael) Bailey, Kim (Jerry) Lis and Robert Odynski. They have three grandchildren; Erika (Ryan) Edwards, Larry (Kristin) Ranschaert and Brandon (Laura) Lis and five great grandchildren; Hadley, Zoey, Brynlee, Cole and Finn.

Joseph never knew a stranger. He loved talking to people and sharing his "stories". He was a member of the St. Casimer Married Men’s Club and the Breezers. He was an usher for the University of Notre Dame football team for 25 years. He loved Notre Dame football, lottery tickets, going to the casino, and spending time in Florida with his family. He loved attending his kids, grandkids and great grandkids sporting events to cheer them on.

Joseph was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers Edward and Donald Odynski.

Visitation will be at Zahoran Funeral Home at 1826 Kemble Ave, South Bend on Thursday, March 26 from 11 AM to 1 PM. Burial will take place at a later date. Memorial Contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society or the VA.

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