Submitted by Mary Jo Koran

DOBSKI

Czarnecki

Rada

Shidler

Soboleski

SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE – October 15, 2003

EDMUND S. DOBSKI

February 21, 1915 – October 12, 2003

Edmund S. “Dobber” Dobski, 88 of The Milton Home, formerly of North Brookfield Street, passed away at 6:45pm Sunday, October 12, 2003, in the Milton Home. Ed was born on February 21, 1915, in South Bend IN, to Frank and Stella (Rada) Dobski.

On October 1, 1938, in South Bend IN, he married Anne L. Czarnecki, who preceded him in death on March 31, 1998. Surviving are his four children, Mikki Dobski Shidler (Peter) of South Bend IN, E. Michael Dobski (Sharon) of Newburgh IN, Thomas Dobski (Carolyn) of South Bend IN, Bernie Dobski (Mikki) of South Bend IN; his eleven grandchildren, Jim, Janine, Michael, Cheryl, Christi, Stephen, Melodi, Joe, Matt, B.J. and Anna; his ten great grandchildren, Westin, Jessica, Rock, Nick, Kayla, Oliver, Lewis, Grace, Chris and Chelsie; his sister, Alice Soboleski of South Bend IN; and his brother, Ted Dobski of Southfield MI; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Ed graduated from St. Hedwig’s Grade School, South Bend Catholic High School, and attended South Bend Business College...Known as “Speed” when playing high school basketball, Ed was also nicknamed “Bronco” when he played semi-pro football for the Chicago Bears Farm Team, the Ponies.

Ed “Dobber” Dobski worked at South Bend Range and as a security guard at the Kingsbury Munitions Plant and Studebaker. He was employed with the South Bend Fire Department from 1945 until 1976, and during his career served as Assistant Chief. In addition to serving as a firefighter for thirty-one years, Dobber and various partners contracted as painters and electricians. He later held the position of Job Developer for St Joseph County, and was also employed at the South Bend Water Works.

Ed was a member of St. Hedwig Parish and Holy Name Society, Polish Business and Professional Men’s Association, the Central Democratic and Civic Club, the St Joseph Young Men’s Society and Chairman of the Board of the West Side Democratic Club. An avid Democrat, Dobber was very active on the local political scene. He served for several years as Precinct Committeeman and worked on several local, state and federal campaigns. He was renowned for his ticket-selling abilities and fundraising efforts along with his wisdom and political counsel. In 1996, recognizing his loyalty, friendship, inspiration and leadership, and his dedication to his city and state, Governor Evan Bayh appointed him a Sagamore of the Wabash.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00am Thursday, October 16, 2003, in St Hedwig Catholic Church. Burial will follow in Riverview Cemetery. Friends may call from 2:00 to 5:00 and 6:00 to 8:00pm today in the Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 North Bendix Drive, where a parish vigil service will be held at 6:00pm.

Memorial contributions may be made to St Hedwig Catholic Church, 331 S. Scott St., South Bend IN 46601; or Hospice of St Joseph County, Inc., 111 Sunnybrook Court, South Bend IN 46637-3437.