EUGENE SZERENCSE

Jan. 26, 1926 - Aug. 4, 2008
SOUTH BEND - Gene Szerencse, 82, formerly of Country Club Road in South Bend, IN, died on Monday, August 4, 2008, after an extended illness in the Healthwin Specialized Care Facility. He was born on January 26, 1926, to the late Miklos and Anna (Boskey) Szerencse in South Bend, IN, and was a lifelong resident. Along with his parents, his brothers, Joe and Steve, and his sister, Rose De Graeve, all preceded him in death.

July 28, 1951, was his lucky day when he married the love of his life, Ruth Jean Berkey, in St. Stephen Catholic Church, South Bend, IN. She died on November 20, 2006. He never recovered from the loss of his wife. Together they raised four children who survive, Becky (Jerry) Larsen of Elkhart, IN, Mark (Cathy) Szerencse of South Bend, IN, Kate Sinclair of South Bend, IN, and Michelle (Randy) Merrill of Mishawaka, IN. Gene also leaves 12 grandchildren, one great-grandson, and one sister, Mary Peters of South Bend, IN.

Gene attended South Bend Central High School and worked many jobs throughout his life. His favorite job by far was at Drewry's. He enjoyed telling stories about his experiences at "The Brewery." He was a New York Yankee fan and a super fan of any team playing Notre Dame. He was a volunteer for many years with his wife at Memorial Hospital. He also provided transportation to church for the elderly and visited the sick in area nursing homes. He was a member in good standing of the Knights of Columbus Santa Maria Council #553 and the Father J.A. Nieuwland General Assembly 4th degree. Gene was a former member of St. John the Baptist Rosary makers. He was currently a member of Christ the King Parish. The family would like to thank Doctors Jacob, Nelson and Sucharetza and their staff for the care they gave Gene through the years. We would also like to thank the staff at Healthwin for keeping Dad comfortable in his final days. Special thanks to Father Ron from Christ the King for celebrating the Mass every Sunday for the residents of Healthwin and for his many visits throughout the week.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 PM today, Aug. 6, 2008, in the Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Drive, South Bend, IN, where a parish Rosary will be prayed at 7 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 AM Thursday, Aug. 7, in Christ the King Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Highland Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the America Diabetes Association, Chicago, IL, Office, 30 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 2015, Chicago, IL 60602; to American Heart Association Greater Midwest Affiliate, Memorials and Tributes Lockbox, 3816 Paysphere Circle, Chicago, IL 60674; or to the National Kidney Foundation of Indiana, Inc., 911 E 86th Street, Suite 100, Indianapolis, IN 46240-1848. To send condolences or to sign the guestbook, please visit www.kaniewski.com.

Published by South Bend Tribune on Aug. 6, 2008.

03/05/2023 EJS