Eric “Rick” J. Wincek, 75, of South Bend, Indiana passed away on Wednesday, January 12, 2022. He was born on October 21, 1946 in South Bend to the late John and Beverly (Loutzenhiser) Wincek. On February 10, 1968 he married Mary Lou Mucha in St. Adalbert's Catholic Church. Eric is survived by two sons, Todd M. Wincek of South Bend, Indiana, Andrew J. Wincek of Indianapolis, Indiana, three sisters, Sheila (Gary) O’Dell of Mishawaka, Indiana, Peggy Flowers of Lawrence, Michigan, Nancy Shultz of Mishawaka, Indiana, brother and sister-in-law, Dennis and Roseann Janowiak, many nieces, nephews, cousins, great-nieces and nephews, one special great-great-nephew, Cade, and his grand dog, Marcus.

Rick attended grade school at Woodrow Wilson Elementary School. He was a 1964 graduate of Washington High School. He than went on to study electronics and communication engineering at RETS Electronics. Rick was very dedicated and honored to serve in The United States Army in which he was a Sergeant. He was in the 101st airborne division, Army Ranger, and Green Beret with the 5th special forces group. He was very proud to be a scoutmaster and mentor with Troop 432 with over 20 eagle scouts under his guidance. Rick coached baseball at Northwest Little League. Rick belonged to several organizations, former commander of VFW post 9820, St. Joe Young Men’s Society, Military Order of the Cootie, M.R. Falcons, and VVA. He valued family above all, he was Santa Claus for many generations of children. Rick’s kind and generous heart was known by all, he was always willing to help and never turned his back on anyone. St. Michael has a new commando in his army in heaven looking out for all of us. Love you forever and a day.

A visitation for Rick will be held on Sunday, January 16, 2022 at the Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Dr., South Bend, IN from 3:00 until 8:00 pm. A rosary will be prayed at 3:00 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, January 17, 2022 at Corpus Christi Catholic Church. Full Military Honors will take place at the conclusion of Mass outside the church. Memorial Contributions may be made to Corpus Christi Catholic Church or The Wounded Warrior Project in Rick’s honor. To leave online condolences please visit www.kaniewski.com

01/13/2022 JFC