Willis W. "Bill" Siatkowski

Willis William “Bill” Siatkowski, 81, of Granger, Indiana, passed away on June 20, 2026, at St. Joseph Medical Center after a courageous medical battle.

Bill was born on August 11, 1944, in South Bend, Indiana, to Casimir Jan Siatkowski and Mary Lou Siatkowski (Myers). He grew up to become a man defined by his devotion to faith, family, and the people he loved.

Bill proudly served in the United States Navy before building a career in industrial sales. He went on to earn his Bachelor of Arts in History from Indiana University South Bend, a subject that remained a lifelong passion.

On August 13, 1966, Bill married the love of his life, Judith Ann “Judy” Siatkowski (Clarke), at Saint Anthony’s Catholic Church in South Bend, Indiana. Together they built a life and family grounded in faith and love until Judy’s passing on October 18, 2010. In the years that followed, Bill found love again and married Doris on May 6, 2017 at St. Pius the X Catholic Church. Doris remained by his side as his loving wife.

Bill had a deep love for travel and saw much of the world over the course of his life. He was passionate about history and his Catholic faith, and he was an avid and talented cook who took great joy in preparing meals for the family and friends he loved so dearly. Above all else, Bill valued family. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather with an amazing sense of humor, known affectionately as the reigning king of bad dad jokes. He was the kind of man who showed up — steady, dependable, and always ready to lend a hand to those he loved.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Casimir Jan Siatkowski and Mary Lou Siatkowski (Myers); his wife, Judith Ann Siatkowski (Clarke); his son, Mark Alan Siatkowski; and his grandson, Stephen Allen Siatkowski.

He is survived by his wife, Doris Siatkowski; his daughter, Amy Elizabeth Schmitt (Mark); his grandsons, Joseph Casimir Schmitt (Nicole) and William Thomas Schmitt (Allyson); his sister-in-law, Pat Starr; his brother-in-law, Thom Reith; his step-sons, Tim Shide (Jen) and Michael Shide (Amy); his step-daughters, Angela Dunlap, and Lori Walbert (Tony), and many other beloved family members and friends.

Bill will be deeply missed and forever remembered for his warmth, his humor, and the love he so freely gave to all who knew him.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to the 10:30 am Mass of Christian Burial at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Granger on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, with burial and Military Honors to follow at St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park. Cruz Family Funeral Home and Cremation Service has been entrusted with Bill’s Care.

To light a virtual candle, share a story of Bill's life, or leave a message of comfort for his family, please follow the links provided on the Guestbook tab above. 

Doris wished to share a few personal reflections about the man she was blessed to call her husband. She offers the following remembrance in her own words.

Bill Siatkowski and I met at a Funeral luncheon. (One of the last good friends of his mother and father Cash and Marylou Siatkowski) We had lived only blocks from each other growing up. Knew the same people, had the same values, God, Family, Love and church. Being a true gentleman he waited three days to call me! We dated a year and then married. This is when our life began again, after such sad times for both. I had 4 grown kids No reason to play the father role. But he did! He also was adopted has a grandfather and great-grandfather also. Bill’s words to me, (I do not use the word step child) your children I now share with you. Bill truly Loved children!) And he showed his love so many times! Going to see Susie Collins (his niece) at Hoopla!! The kids soon fell in love with her as almost much as her yogurt! We went many trips to the movies in Niles. And saw Puss in Boots and Bill had them screaming in laughter when he threw his voice to sound like Antonio Banderas the fugitive orange cat. Coming home. Bill yells, “Let’s go to the store and buy swords, And then I can be Puss and you can be Boots! And all three boys were screaming in laughter. We have shared hockey, Ballet, soccer Graduations birthdays graduations, All knitting our love a little tighter and closer. Bill was an excellent cook and it was his hobby and so happy that his nephew Tony Kridler picked up the love of cooking too! Bill even cooked lunch for the Canasta girls. With a prayer “Christus mansionem benedicat” Which means “May Christ Bless this House” As he marked it inside the doorway with chalk. Bill was truly godly man. This made me love him even more! Going to a barmitzvah, which he said was too far away! Bill it’s a chance of a lifetime to see! (I said!) And so we did! It was wonderful. Then the Beautiful Vacations together to Europe, Rome, Mediterranean and on to Barcelona, Then Alaska, Hawaii, Fort Morgan Alabama, North Carolina. I am so Thankful we met, so Blessed he Loved me as much as he did. So glad we could share: Our God love & Family’s together. And will always remember Bill saying. “I Love you!, I really, really Love you Doris! Good night Dear! Peace I saw you when your soul left. Thanks for telling me Goodbye. And just like that you were gone.

I Love you always, Doris

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