RICHARD D. KAZMIERCZAK

Sept. 8, 1929 - Dec. 14, 2010
SOUTH BEND - Richard D. Kazmierczak, 81, of South Bend passed away at 9:15 p.m. Tuesday, December 14 in Memorial Hospital surrounded by his family. Mr. Kazmierczak was born on September 8, 1929 in South Bend to Stanley and Rose Kazmierczak.

He was a 1948 graduate of Washington High School where he played saxophone in the band and met his surviving wife, Renata M. Kurpiewski. Richard and Renata were married on August 11, 1951 in St. Adalbert's Parish.

For 59 years of marriage they worked, prayed and took pleasure in life while they raised five children and lovingly cherished six grandchildren. Richard and Renata loved to dance together and spent many hours with friends over the years enjoying a good Polka. Mr. Kazmierczak retired in 1992 from the South Bend Police Dept. after 34 years of service. He was a patrol sergeant and retired as a detective sergeant. Upon his retirement, he continued to work with the public at Real Services and as a bailiff for the Honorable Judge William Whitman. While serving the community for over 50 years, Richard also built more than 25 quality homes in the area. He also built the Policemen's Credit Union. Many of his friends and family have benefited from his proficiency with a hammer. He was always willing to share his gifts and talents, passing on many skills to those who worked alongside him. Richard leaves behind a large family who will dearly miss his love and support.

He is survived by his loving wife, Renata; three daughters, Kristine A. Kazmierczak of West Lafayette, IN, Dianne Kazmierczak of Granger, IN, and Mary (Kevin) Mortensen of South Bend; two sons, David (Sally) Kazmierczak of South Bend and Paul Kazmierczak of Columbus, OH. Also surviving are six grandchildren whom he loved and cherished, Jennifer and Andrew Kazmierczak, Nicholas and Faith Kazmierczak, and Mitchell and Riley Mortensen; a brother, Gerald Kazmierczak of South Bend.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Stacy and Bernard Kazmierczak. Richard was a member of the St. Catherine of Siena Parish (St. Jude Catholic Church), South Bend Police FOP Lodge #36. He was in the US Naval Reserve from 1949-1961. He loved carpentry, woodworking of all kinds and loved to dance. The family would like all memorial contributions be made to the Alzheimer's Association Greater Indiana Chapter, Ste. 100 50 East 91st Street, Indianapolis, IN 46240 or to the St. Jude Catholic Church, 19704 Johnson Road, South Bend, IN 46614. Visitation hours will be from 3-8 p.m. Friday, December 17 in the Hanley & Sons Southwest Chapel" Funeral Home located at West Ireland Road/Indiana 23, South Bend. The Rosary will be at 4 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11 a.m. Saturday December 18 in St. Jude Catholic Church with Fr. John Delaney officiating. Burial to follow at St. Joseph Cemetery. The HANLEY & Sons "Southwest Chapel" Funeral Home handled arrangements and extend its deepest sympathy and heartfelt prayers to the Kazmierczak family.

Published by South Bend Tribune on Dec. 17, 2010

.04/23/2023 EJS

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