George Pietrzak

George Pietrzak, a resident of Middlebury, Indiana, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on October 12, 2024. He was born September 2, 1944 in South Bend, Indiana.

 George was raised by loving parents in South Bend as an only child. The lack of siblings was filled by his many cousins that he remained close to throughout his life. After graduating from New Carlisle High School in 1962, he worked multiple jobs in the South Bend area and began studying electronics at IUSB. In 1965 he enlisted in the Air Force and continued his training in electronics during the Vietnam War. He was discharged honorably at the rank of Sergeant and began a career in medical equipment technologies, eventually transitioning to sales. While on a service call at a hospital in Chicago, he noticed a cute nurse named Kaye. They began dating and married on May 8, 1971. George’s career moved the family to Milwaukee, Minneapolis, and Chicago before relocating to Middlebury and purchasing a KOA campground. He enjoyed mentoring his many young adult employees during those years and became invested in community service. During his time in Middlebury he volunteered with Middlebury Optimist Club, Northridge Junior Optimist Club, Bristol Community Church, Bristol Food Pantry (HUB), and Stephen Ministries. For many years he had the joy of teaching his adult Sunday school class at Bristol Community Church where some of his closest friendships were formed. Community service was such an important part of George’s life that in 2006 he and Kaye received the Book of Golden Deeds award from Middlebury Chamber of Commerce and served as the Grand Marshalls of the Middlebury parade in 2017. In retirement George and Kaye fulfilled bucket list goals of visiting all the major league ballparks and every presidential library. They also enjoyed many camping trips around the country (even to Alaska!) pulling their fifth-wheel trailer. George was an invested grandfather to his five grandchildren and always supported them in their interests and activities. Because his faith in Jesus Christ spurred on a love for others he was known for his generosity and putting relationships first.

George is survived by his wife of 53 years, Kaye; his children Brian (Melissa) Pietrzak of Wheaton, IL and Carrie (Robert) Lowry of Hawthorne, CA; and grandchildren Ben and Nate Pietrzak, and Jackson, Katelyn, and Lauren Lowry.

 He was preceded in death by his parents George and Nora, and several beloved cousins.

 A visitation will be held on Friday, October 18 from 3 to 7 PM at Bristol Community Church, 201 S. Division St., Bristol, IN 46507, with visitation from 10am to 11 am Saturday October 19, 2024 at the church followed by the funeral service at 11am. 

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to The Hub (Hearts United for Bristol) food pantry. https://thehubbristol.com/donate/ 

Stemm-Lawson-Peterson Funeral Home, 1531 Cobblestone Blvd., Elkhart, IN. 46514 is assisting the Pietrzak family. Online condolences for George may be made at www.stemmlawsonpeterson.com