July 9, 1922 - April 9, 2010SOUTH BEND - Bert C. Zielinski, 87, of South Bend, IN, passed away at 12:20 a.m., Friday, April 9, 2010, in his home. Bert was born on July 9, 1922 in South Bend, IN, to Stanley and Bernice (Kwestorowski) Zielinski, and was a lifelong resident. He retired in 1984 from the Bendix Corporation, where he was employed as a tool & die maker for 43 years. Bert was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Louise (Traxler) Zielinski on October 10, 1989. Also preceding him in death were his siblings, Casimir Zielinski, Jane Ast, and William Zielinski. Survivors include his son, Robert (Babette) Zielinski of South Bend, IN; two grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and his longtime companion, Sarah Evans. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m., Monday, April 12, 2010, in St. Anthony de Padua Church. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, where military rites will take place. Friends may call from 2 until 6 p.m. Sunday in the Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Drive, where the members of the Knights of Columbus will pray the rosary at 5:00 p.m. Friends may also call from 9:00 until 9:45 a.m. on Monday in St. Anthony de Padua Church. Bert was a longtime member of St. Anthony de Padua Parish and the Knights of Columbus Council #553. He was a W.W. II Army Veteran where he was a member of the Blue Devils. Bert enjoyed traveling, woodworking, and rose gardening. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the charity of the donor's choice. To send online condolences, please visit Kaniewski.com. Exclusive provider for the Veterans and Family Memorial Care.