Marion (Skeeter) Pacukewicz

Born in Mishawaka, Indiana on February 27, 1925 to Ludwig and Mary (Madjeda) Pacukewicz. His three older siblings did not approve of the name Marion, nicknaming him "Skeeter" after a comic strip character and from that point on he was known as Skeeter to family and friends. Upon graduating Mishawka High School in 1943, he immediately enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving in the European theater and with occupation forces in the Asiatic theater. Skeeter was discharged in 1946, and then attended Kalamazoo College on the GI Bill. While living in Kalamazoo, he met Thelma Potts and they were married on July 12, 1947. The newly-weds soon moved to Mishawaka where he was employed by the Studebaker Corporation. In the mid-50's, he began to transition into the grocery business, training as a meat cutter, in Berrien Springs. In 1965, he was transferred to Vicksburg to manage the Thriftway Grocery store. At this point, Skeeter and family moved to Barton Lake, into a home where he spent an early portion of his childhood and resided until he passed. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed all seasons of hunting and fishing as well as maintaining a large vegetable garden. The Detroit Red Wings were his favorite team. Skeeter was preceded in death by his parents and siblings. He is survived by his wife: Thelma, of 71 years; daughter: Judi (Steve) Holton; son: Gary Pacukewicz; his niece: Bernice McClure; sister in-law: Betty Proovost; and several additional nieces and extended family. A sincere thank you to Bronson Home Care and especially John, for their support and loving care. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Kalamazoo Gospel Mission or the Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan in Kalamazoo. The family will receive friends on Saturday from 11am - 12pm with a service following at 12pm at McCowen & Secord Family Funeral Home, 409 S. Main St. Vicksburg, MI 49097 (269-649-1697). Please visit Skeeter's webpage at www.mccowensecord.com where you can archive a photo, share a memory, and sign the guestbook.