Arthur Bernard WIERCIOCH

27 OCT 1925 - 1 FEB 2012

• BIRTH: 27 OCT 1925, Detroit, Wayne, MI
• DEATH: 1 FEB 2012, Elkhart County, IN

• MARRIAGE: 22 JUN 1957, Detroit, Wayne, MI

INDEX

[N33232] Arthur Bernard Wiercioch

Birth 27 Oct 1925

Death
1 Feb 2012 (aged 86)
Elkhart County, IN

Burial
Saint Vincent de Paul Cemetery
Elkhart, Elkhart County, Indiana, USA
Plot Section 6, Row 10
Memorial ID 134368342

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Oct. 27, 1925 - Feb. 1, 2012

ELKHART - A. Benny Wiercioch, 86, residing in Elkhart, ended a life of joy, love and service on February 1, 2012 at Greenleaf Health Campus. He was born on October 27, 1925 in Detroit to the late Wojciech and Laura (Dudek) Wiercioch. On June 22, 1957 in Detroit, he married the former Virginia T. Kaczmarek. He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Virginia; five children: Laura Wiercioch of Kalamazoo, MI, Stephen (Elaine) Wiercioch of Cary, NC, John Wiercioch of Roanoke, VA, Helen (Scott) Morlock of Indianapolis and Edward (Jane) Wiercioch of Lafayette, IN; six adoring grandchildren: Marisa, Elijah, Alayna, Anselm, Nathan and Noah; and 2 step great grandchildren, Kam and Sofie. Brother, Bill (Ann) Wiercioch of Plymouth, MI, and his sister Florence "Corky" Kuk survive as well. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Albert Wiercioch and sister, Sylvia Wiercioch. Benny made a simple life into a thrilling adventure, from selling newspapers at age 14 in Detroit to helping support his family to enlisting and proudly serving his country in the United States Navy aboard the destroyer escort USS Crowley and aircraft carrier USS Breton during WW II, then hitchhiking across the country, touching 46 states. He settled in Detroit, and began his career with General Electric from which he retired in 1989 after 30 years of service. He formerly worked at Chrysler Corp. and General Motors and was a part-time painter for 65 years. He was an active member of St. Vincent DePaul Catholic Church. A true catholic gentleman, he was always on the lookout for people he might help. He was a Past Grand Knight and member of both the 3rd and 4th degree of the Knights of Columbus, where Benny participated in over 300 consecutive monthly Rosaries at St. Vincent's. He raised money for ADEC, through the Tootsie Roll Campaign, rang bells for the Salvation Army, and published the K of C newsletter for many years. He and Virginia helped start and run the K of C Food Basket Program 25 years ago, beginning with 10 families to serving over 600 last year. Benny was an avid reader and enjoyed visiting book stores and libraries. Benny's joyful energy and vitality sustained him and inspired everyone around him. With a few sincere words, a gentle teasing, and the ever present sparkle in his eye, he remained faithful to his church, family and most importantly to his Lord. Please join with his family and friends as they gather to celebrate the life of Benny Wiercioch on Sunday, February 5, 2012 from 2-6 p.m. at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart, where a parish vigil service will be prayed at 6:00 p.m. followed by the Rosary. Mass of Christian burial will begin at 11:00 a.m. Monday, February 6, 2012 at St. Vincent DePaul Catholic Church, 1108 S. Main St., Elkhart, where friends may call for 1 hour prior to the Mass. Rev. Glenn Kohrman will officiate, Burial and graveside services will follow at St. Vincent Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family request memorial gifts be made to ADEC, St. Vincent DePaul Catholic Church or Knights of Columbus Food Basket Program. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.billingsfuneralhome.com.

Published by South Bend Tribune on Feb. 4, 2012.