Submitted by: John C. Monk

Ernest S. Nowostawski Feb. 5 ,1920 - Jan. 25, 2008
SOUTH BEND - Ernest S. Nowostawski, 87, passed away peacefully in his home at 1:30 a.m. on January 25, 2008, surrounded by his family. Ernest was born February 5, 1920, to the late Joseph and Pearl (Stachowski) Nowostawski. He grew up and had lived his life in South Bend, Indiana. Ernie was a proud member of the 256th Ordnance Company of the United States Army. He fought in the battles of Normandy, Northern France, Ardennes, Rhine Island, and Central Europe. He was honorably discharged in 1945 with an American Theater Ribbon, EAME Ribbon with 5 bronze stars, Good Conduct Medal and a Victory Medal. Working life was spent at Yeager Buick for 28 years and Dodge Reliance 15 years after that. On April 11, 1942, he married Dorothy Cukrowicz at St. Casimir's Parish. He was a passionate Notre Dame fan and a remarkable polka dancer. The music never stopped around him. Surviving are his loving wife of 65 years, Dorothy Nowostawski; son, Wayne Nowostawski (Sandra); daughter, Renee Hensley; son, Brent Nowostawski; granddaughter, Jill Pate; grandson, Chris Troyer (Betsy); grandson, Bobby Hensley; great-granddaughter, Morgan Pate; great-granddaughter, Angelica Troyer; niece, Dorothy Zabo of South Bend; and two sisters of nine siblings, Terry (Norman) Kiefer and Etchy Lambert. He was preceded in death by his parents; four sisters, Celia Bryda, Stella Luchowski, Wanda Sikorski and Helen Piechowiak; and two brothers, Walter and Frank Nowostawski. Ernie exuded a unique charisma that will be profoundly missed. The memorial service will be held at Little Flower Catholic Church, 54191 North Ironwood Drive, South Bend, at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, February 1, 2008. Ernie and Dorothy have been members of the parish since 1956. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Center for Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc., 111 Sunnybrook Court, South Bend, IN 46637. Chapel Hill Funeral Home, Osceola, is handling arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.chapelhillmemorial.com.
Published in the South Bend Tribune on 1/29/2008.