Submitted by: Dan Rich

John M. Piechowiak

Dec. 26, 1913 - Dec. 22, 1998

South Bend Tribune 12/27/1998

Mr. John M. ''Pike'' Piechowiak, 84, of South Bend, Ind., passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 22, in Healthwin Specialized Care Facility. He was born on Dec. 26, 1913, in Calumet City, Mich., to Walter and Veronica (Sieochilv) Piechowiak.

He is survived by his wife, Elsie DeVolder Piechowiak; a daughter, Beverly and her husband Rudy Skopec of Niles, Mich.; a grandson, John M. Skopec; a brother, Frank Piechowiak; and by a sister-in-law, Alice Slade. John was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters, Peggy and Helen Piechowiak and Mary Ann Morman; and by three brothers, Stanley, Joseph and Anthony. He will be missed by all and his many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Mr. Piechowiak retired as a union representative for the A.F.S.C.M.E. - AFLCIO. Before he retired, he worked for the Studebaker Motor Car Company for 27 years and was a guard at the State Prison for three years. During that time he helped to form the union at the prison. He was the chairperson for local 5 retirees. In 1977, Mr. Piechowiak was awarded the honor of the city of Paducah, Ky., of the Duke of Paducah for being a rough, tough but fair union organizer. Pike was a veteran of the army and was discharged as first sergeant. He was past commander of Post 272 and member of Post 284 of Westend Sandlot football team the Blackjacks.

Cremation will take place. The Welshiemer Funeral Home handled arrangements for the family.