Submitted by: Mary JoKoran

Article published Aug 23, 2006
Max Smigielski
April 1, 1924 - Aug. 21, 2006

SOUTH BEND - Max Smigielski, 82, of South Bend, passed away at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Aug. 21, in his residence after suffering an apparent heart attack.

Mr. Smigielski was born on April 1, 1924, in South Bend, and had resided in the Michiana area his lifetime.

He is survived by a daughter, Ginger (Richard) Graham of Wichita, Kansas; a son, Mack (Joyce) Smigielski of South Bend; and a sister, Mary Hollingsworth of South Bend. Also surviving are six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren whom he loved and cherished.

Max was a veteran of World War II and the Korean Conflict, serving in the U.S. Army. After his military duty, he went to work for the Studebaker Corporation for 20 years. After the closing of Studebaker's, he was a self-employed mechanic. He was known as "Mr. Chrysler" due to his knowledge of the Chrysler vehicle. He was often called by Chrysler representatives asking him about certain problems. He was often called the "Pope" of the auto repair industry. He also was affiliated with the Central Auto Pool in South Bend for the past 35 years.

Mr. Smigielski was loved by his loving family and numerous friends he made during his life journey. He never wanted to bother anyone, and was somewhat stubborn when it came to family and friends trying to help him.

Max was preceded in death by his parents, and by a brother, Frank.

Visitation hours will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, August 24, in the Hanley & Sons "Southwest Chapel" Funeral Home, located at West Ireland Road/Indiana 23, South Bend.

There will be no services and cremation will take place after visitation.

The family request that all memorial contributions be made to American Legion Post 357, 5414 W. Sample Street, South Bend, IN 46619.

The HANLEY & Sons "Southwest Chapel" Funeral Home handled arrangements and extend deepest sympathy and heartfelt prayers to the Smigielski family.