John R. Switalski

John R. Switalski, 65, of White Pigeon, MI., passed away Monday July 27, 2015 at Elkhart General Hospital after a long battle with cancer.
He was born Nov. 23, 1949 in South Bend to Robert Switalski and Irene (Trzybinski) Ison.
On Sept. 19, 1975 in Kalamazoo, MI, he married Cathy Brainerd, who survives along with a daughter April (David) Drudge of Elkhart, a son Jason (Darla Matthews) Switalski of White Pigeon, MI., 2 grandchildren: Bryce and Brayden Drudge, a brother Mike Switalski of South Bend, 2 sisters: Gina Tinsley of Tennesee and Cheryl (Paul) Bittle of South Bend, his mother Irene Ison of Tennesee, brother-in-law Cole Brainerd, sister-in-law Diane Brainerd, nephews Josh Brainerd and Casey Brainerd, and many more extended family members.
John was preceded in death by his father and a brother Steve Ison.

John graduated from South Bend Central High School and worked as a carpet installer for over 40 years, starting his own business and contracting with Tri-States, Inc. for many years. He lived on Long Lake in White Pigeon for 20 years and enjoyed fishing and teaching everyone how to really enjoy fishing. He was also an avid NASCAR fan and supported the local drivers, David Stremme and Ryan Newman.

Visitation will be 4 to 7pm Monday Aug. 3 at Stemm-Lawson-Peterson Funeral Home, Elkhart. Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 am Tuesday Aug. 4 at St. Mary’s of the Annunciation Catholic Church, Bristol with Fr. Bob VanKempen officiating. There will also be an hour of visitation before mass on Tuesday. He will be buried in Adamsville Cemetery at a later date.

Memorials may be made to Center for Hospice Care or St. Mary’s Church.
Online condolences may be made at www.stemmlawsonpeterson.com.