Wasyl Saftiuk

We grieve with deep sorrow the loss of Walter Saftiuk, 98, of South Bend, who went to be with his Lord and family July 29, 2013. He was born Wasyl Saftiuk on December 11, 1914 in Lenkowitz, Bucovina, now Ukraine, to Wasyl and Elena (Panchuk) Saftiuk. He married Anna Hlibka February 2, 1936, in Novoselka, Ukraine. Sadly, she died March 19, 2012. His life is one of history and hope. So often he longed for and reminisced for the life of pure, bucolic joy in his beloved Lenkowitz from which he was forced to flee by the onslaught of the invading communist forces of Joseph Stalin in 1940. He was forever grateful to the German people for offering his young family refuge in those turbulent and terrifying war years. In 1949, he had the extraordinary opportunity to emigrate to the United States and build a new life. Settling in South Bend, he found employment at the Singer Sewing Machine factory. Unfortunately Singer closed its doors and moved south. Walter was a man of great dignity and pride: that no matter what the adversity, he found work to support his family and never sought public assistance. He proudly earned U.S. citizenship and learned to speak English fluently. Later, hired by Notre Dame University, he (known as "Bill" by co-workers) advanced to the position of Supervisor of Food Services. He always thanked a man named "Mr. Ford" for this opportunity and achievement. He enjoyed the students, loved the university, especially N.D. football! In retirement, he pursued entrepreneurial endeavors, traveling, gardening and family. In his declining years, even at age 98, this amazing man would be seen shoveling the walk as the snow fell. He is survived by two daughters, Maria (Horst) Kubon, New Hope, Pennsylvania and Elisabeth Paulson of Cadillac, Michigan; a son, Viktor Saftiuk of South Bend; five grandchildren, Paul, Christopher, Annalisa, Sebastian and Elisabeth; and four great-grandchildren, Hannah, Timothy, Miles and Posie. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, and two sisters, Marika and Veronia. A member of the Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Goshen, he was one of the founders and builders of this monument to his spiritual heritage. Friends may call one hour prior to the 1 p.m., funeral service Saturday, August 3, 2013 at the Holy Trinity Ukrainian Church, Goshen. Burial will follow in Oakridge Cemetery, Goshen.