Dennis M. Kielton, 75, residing in South Bend, passed away peacefully Monday, June 20, 2022 in the comfort of his home, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born November 22, 1946 in South Bend, a son of the late Bernard & Wanda (Liwosz) Kielton, and was a graduate of St. Joseph High School.  On April 12, 1969 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, South Bend he and Nancy Buczkowski were united in marriage.  He is survived by his loving wife Nancy of 53 years.  Also surviving are his two daughters, Tracy (Gary) Libbey, and Marcy (Greg) Balderas, all of South Bend, and five grandchildren, Margaret Eileen Libbey, Lucas Martin Libbey, Joseph Crecencio Balderas, Benjamin Martin Balderas, and Thomas Julian Balderas.

Mr. Kielton received his BA from Indiana University, and his MA in Counseling from I.U. as well. He began his career with the South Bend Community School Corp. as a Spanish teacher, and later became a Guidance Counselor and Head of the Guidance Dept. at Riley High School where he retired in 2013, following 45 years of dedicated service.

  Following retirement, he continued to do substitute teaching until March of this year.  While at Riley, he served as Ticket Manager and head of the Usher’s Club.  He also taught in the Bilingual Summer School Program.  Throughout the years, Dennis enjoyed running.  He was a member of the Road Lobsters Running Club and ran in 17 marathons.  On November 22, 1986, he ran 40 miles to commemorate his 40th birthday.  He also served as a swimming instructor for the South Bend Parks Dept., and was a life guard at the East Race. Dennis was a member of the Polish Falcons of America.  He and Nancy have been longtime members of the Cathedral of St. Matthew.

The family will receive friends from 3:00 – 7:00 P.M. Friday, June 24, at the Palmer Funeral Home-Guisinger Chapel, 3718 South Michigan Street, South Bend. 

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9:00 A.M..  Saturday, June 25, at the Cathedral of St. Matthew, 1701 Miami St., South Bend.  Rev. Terry Fisher will officiate.  Graveside services and burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery. 

Contributions in memory of Mr. Kielton may be offered to the Cathedral School of St. Matthew, 1701 Miami Street, South Bend, IN 46613, or to Heartland Hospice, 230 W. Catalpa Drive, Suite D, Mishawaka, IN.  Online condolences to the family may be sent to www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

06/21/2022