Obituary of Joseph George Papczynski

Joseph G. Papczynski, 83, of Las Vegas, formerly of Niles, passed away on Thursday, November 29, 2018 at Mountain View Hospital in Las Vegas.

He was born to the late John and Theresa (Paulinski) Papczynski on March 6, 1935 in South Bend, Indiana.

In Las Vegas, Nevada he married Joyce Ann (Degroot) McLean at a ceremony on September 22, 1985.

After finishing his education and graduating from Washington High School in 1953, Joe served his country proudly in the United States Navy and then continued his service when he joined the City of Niles Fire Department where he served as their captain for over twenty-five years.  He was employed at Uniroyal in Mishawaka.  Joe always stayed active gardening and working in his yard during the summers, enjoyed golf, bowling and fishing.  His winters were spent with his wife Joyce in Las Vegas.  He was a longtime member of the Niles Elk’s Club, former president of the Brandywine School Board and served on the board of directors for the Greater Niles Community Credit Union. 

He was always a big fan of Notre Dame football and the Chicago Cubs.

He is preceded in death by his beloved son, Keith Papczynksi; and his beloved brothers, John, Jack, and Jim and Julius Papczynski and his parents.

Joe is survived by his loving wife, Joyce Papczynski of Niles; and his three sons,  Joseph (Linda) Papczynski of Lowell, Arkansas, Dennis McLean of Walkerton, Indiana, and Steven (Kellie) McLean of St. Joseph, Michigan.  He will also be missed by his 6 grandchildren: Stephanie (Scott) Michaels, Jamie Jo Lawrence, Cory Papczynksi, Samantha McLean, Zachary McLean, and Brady McLean,  four great-grandchildren; Chloe Michaels, Austin Michaels, Lillian Lawrence, and Mason Lawrence.

Also surviving is his brother, Jerry (Mary) Papczynksi of Buchanan, Michigan and his sister, Juanita (Jerry) Dix of North Port, Florida.

Those wishing to make a memorial donation in honor of Joe may do so to one’s charity of choice.

Services to honor Joe will be Friday, December 7, 2018 at Brown Funeral Home beginning at 11 a.m. with a visitation to take place one hour prior.  Committal for Joe will take place at Mission Hills Memorial Gardens, at a later date.