Louis M SZYMANSKI

25 SEP 1925 - 1 DEC 2013

• BIRTH: 25 SEP 1925, South Bend, IN
• BURIAL: Remains - Indiana University School of Medicine
• DEATH: 1 DEC 2013, Memorial Hospital, South Bend IN

INDEX

[N11185] Louis M. "Dick" Szymanski
Sept. 25, 1925 - Dec. 1, 2013 SOUTH BEND - Louis M. "Dick" Szymanski, 88, of South Bend, passed away on December 1, 2013, in Memorial Hospital. Dick was born September 25, 1925, in South Bend, Indiana, to John & Annastasia Szymanski, who preceded him in death. Dick's siblings include Lucian (Henrietta) Szymanski & Daniel (Lorraine) Szymanski, who preceded him in death, Clem Szymanski, Esther (Paul) Cyr, Mary Jane (Bob) Zeman. On September 29th, 1956, Dick married Lily Bencsics. They had four children, Leonard "Buddy" Szymanski, Laura (Joseph) Jakubowicz, Larry (Sharon) Szymanski and LouRon (Tina) Szymanski; eight grandchildren, Michael (Elizabeth) Szymanski, Zackery (Amanda) Szymanski, Collin Szymanski, Nolan Szymanski, Kyle (Denise) Jakubowicz, Matthew Jakubowicz, David Waller and Danielle Waller; and four great-grandchildren, Maliyah, Mason, Leihlee & Rosemary. Dick had a multitude of in-laws and nieces and nephews who were dear to him and held a very special place in his heart. Dick graduated from South Bend Catholic in 1945 and completed a four-year tool and die apprenticeship. Dick served in the U.S. Army and retired from both South Bend Tool & Die and Honeywell. Dick was a hard worker from an early age as he worked as a manager of the South Bend Tribune paperboys, a bowling alley pin setter, and any job that was available to him. He carried a medal of St. Joseph with him at all times, the Patron Saint of Workers. Dick was a dedicated and valued member of M.R. Falcon's Nest 4, South Bend, Indiana, where he held several offices throughout the years and is a Gold Legion of Honor Member. Dick loved his Polish heritage and was extremely proud of his work with the Falcons and loved the celebration of Dyngus Day every year. He was a member of the American Legion at various posts, and the St. Joseph Club Young Men's Society. Dick was a member of St. John the Baptist Church in earlier years and Holy Family Catholic Church. Dick was always ready to tell a good joke, always ready to share a funny story, and always greeted everyone with a smile. Dick felt strongly about organ donation as he had corneal transplants and was always grateful to the young person who allowed him to see for many years. Dick made the decision many years ago to donate his body to Indiana University School of Medicine to allow students to further their studies and would like everyone to consider organ donation in his honor. A memorial Mass will be held on Friday, December 13, 2013, at 3:00 p.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church, 56405 Mayflower Road in South Bend. A celebration of Dick's life will continue at 5:00 p.m., with dinner at M.R. Falcon's, 3212 Keller Street in South Bend. Next to his family, Dick's greatest love was fishing and nature. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Teachers Credit Union where an account is set up in the name of Louis Szymanski. Funds will be used to replenish and stock local lakes with hatchlings to ensure that other fishermen will enjoy the sport and nature as much as he did.
Published in South Bend Tribune on Dec. 4, 2013