John Robert Bobelenyi, 85, a lifelong Michiana resident, passed away Saturday, March 11, 2023, at his daughter's home in Niles, MI.  He was born on November 20, 1937, to John S. and Violet (Bogunia) Bobelenyi in South Bend, Indiana. He married Phyllis Jean Scroggs on May 11,1957, and made their home in South Bend, Indiana.

He is survived by his sweetheart, Phyllis Bobelenyi; daughters Bonnie (Jon) Meyer, Peggy (Paul) Sergio, Jennifer Bobelenyi, and Amy VandenBossche; grandchildren Aaron (Rika) Meyer, Brenda (Kris) McDonald, Anthony (Katie), Danielle, Mark and Gabriel (Kayla) Sergio, Jonathan Zimmerle, Aubrey, Timothy and Bethany Ruedinger, and Nicholas (Brooke) Bobelenyi, Kayla (Branden) Plamowski, Samantha Taylor and Philip, Eric and Jaxon VandenBossche; great- grandchildren Aden, Landon, Logan, Damian, Karissa, Steven, Daniel, Izzabella, Dakota, Chelsea, Aulden, Everett, Scarlett and Baby Boy Sergio; siblings Joan DeWitt, and Ron (Rose) Bobelenyi, as well as numerous beloved nieces and nephews. 

He also leaves behind some very special friends since grade school: Don Ruszkowski, Gene Harsanyi and Ken Delinski. John valued their monthly get-togethers.

He is preceded in death by his parents, John S. and Violet; son, John F. Bobelenyi, and infant daughter, Robin Bobelenyi.

John began his career at Thews Volkswagen Dealership. In 1968 he opened the Ser-Vis-Rite Volkswagen Repair shop with Walt Luczkowski on Prairie Avenue in South Bend, where they ran a successful business for more than 30 years. After selling his shop, he continued helping his customers with their Volkswagens out of his garage for many more years. He was always ready to lend a helping hand or provide a needed spare part from his own seemingly limitless collection. He instilled a love for Volkswagens to his children and grandchildren. After "retiring" John worked for First Response Construction for 15 years, using skills that he had acquired while building the family's dream house in Lakeville. “Do your best and caulk the rest!” was a saying that he passed on to his children and grandchildren.

Over the years, many cherished memories were made at the family home, which was made available for church socials, Pathfinder campouts, and hosting multiple students in need. It provided John much joy to see the home that he built help so many people.

One of John's favorite activities was drag racing his custom-built “Gray Ghost” at Bunker Hill. Muscle cars like Corvettes and Camaros would lose against his VW Bug. Some drivers even backed out of a race knowing they would lose against the “man with no name” since they couldn’t pronounce "Bobelenyi." As a result, his home was decorated with many trophies.

John loved to spend time in his garden watching his fish and giant frog in his pond. He loved the outdoors and wildlife of all kinds. The family frequently spent time at Potato Creek State Park hiking and bike-riding in nature. John also enjoyed tending to his large fish aquariums in his living room. He loved to take photographs of the flowers in his yard and animals in the wild. He also had horses and ponies, as well as many beloved dogs over the years.

John was an active member of the South Bend First Seventh-day Adventist Church where he served in many ways including making cassette tape recordings for shut-in members, helping with the church's Pathfinder youth group program, and serving as a deacon. He found fulfillment by being regularly involved in “The 5-Day Plan “ (a smoking-cessation program put on by the church).
He was a selfless man whose passing left an unfillable gap in the hearts of his loved ones. His willingness to sacrifice, help others, forgive, and love will be forever ingrained in all those he knew. 

He will always be remembered for his hair swoop (made possible by his generous use of hair spray), Santa beard, sense of humor, playing card games of all kinds, including Kings in the Corner, and most of all, his love for his family and friends.

Services will be held on Wednesday, March 15, 2023 at Palmer Funeral Home-Hickey Chapel, 17131 Cleveland Rd, South Bend, IN 46635.

05/18/2023 JFC