Douglas Ray Plodowski

Douglas R. Plodowski went home with Jesus July 7, 2020 after a short yet fierce battle with pancreatic cancer.  Born March 23, 1946 in Mishawaka, Doug was blessed with parents William and Opal Plodowski.  In 1966 he married Esther Zimmerman.  He is survived by his wife and their daughters, Heidi [Todd] Weldy, Katherin, and Rebecca [Patrick] Harlan; his grandchildren Moira, Tika, Shamus, and Galen Harlan; his brother John [Kathy] Zimmerman and sisters Carol Knox, Edie [Thomas] Hamilton; his nieces Adriana [Jeff] Boston, Tiffany [Adam] Krampe, Kristi [Nathan] Stephens; and his nephews Philip Knox, Bryan [Paige] Palmer, and Justin [Lorrie] Palmer.  He is preceded in death by his parents William and Opal Plodowski and by his in-laws, Dr. William and Gladys Zimmerman.

A graduate of Mishawaka High School, Doug worked while attending college and managing a young family, completing a Bachelor’s degree in Education at Indiana University South Bend in 1973.  After graduation, he and Esther moved to Evansville Indiana to work with Child Evangelism Fellowship.  IN 1976, the family moved back to northern Indiana where Doug found work in factories and warehouses to support his family.  When he retired from Kendall Electric, Doug realized his teaching dream by substitute teaching in both the Concord and Middlebury school districts.  Unlike many, he truly enjoyed substitute teaching and the young people he served.

He loved his Lord and King, placing service over self-fulfillment and prayed daily for the salvation of those around him.  A quiet man, Doug was most comfortable cleaning the kitchen at church functions, clearing brush at his in-law’s home, working projects with his daughters and grandchildren, or keeping an eye on his neighbor’s property in their absence.  In retirement he found additional service fulfillment by joining the Exchange Club of Elkhart County, a hands-on service club.  He spent hours at the Elkhart County Fair every year mixing pancake batter, washing dishes, and talking to people.  He was thrilled to do several missions trips.  He was patient with the foibles of youth, long suffering with the emotional rollercoaster of three girls and one bathroom, and determined to smooth the path of those around him.  He scoffed at showing undue emotion but would bend over backward to accommodate the preferences of wild and domestic animals.

Funeral services will be held at Sugar Grove Church, 58512 Old County Road 17, Goshen IN on Saturday July 11, 2020 at 2pm with viewing / visitation the hour prior.  Memorial contributions may be made to Child Evangelism Ministries (14655 IN-120 Bristol IN 46507).