Thomas J. "Lentych" Lynch

October 26,1938 ~ November 25, 2024

Thomas “Tom” J. Lentych, 86, of South Bend, passed away in the late afternoon of Monday, November 25, 2024 at Memorial Hospital due to an extended illness.

Tom was born the only child to the late Bernard and Theresa (Staszewski) Lentych, on October 26, 1938 in South Bend.  He grew up in the area and proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps.   On June 13, 1959, in Our Lady of Hungary Church of South Bend, he was united in marriage to the love of his life, Marlene “Marty” Zsedely, who survives him.  Tom is also survived by their two beautiful daughters, Linnie Caye (Kevin Wooding) and Lancie Marvin both of South Bend.  He was the proud grandpa to Salem Al-Salem, Shayne Marvin, and Dayna Letcher (Joe Letcher) and great-grandpa to Tay Roc Norton, Owen Letcher, and Freya Letcher.

His bodybuilding career earned him the title of “Mr. Indiana” and this title stayed with him during his professional wrestling career.  His dream of owning his own gym was achieved on September 9th, 1983 when he opened “Lynch’s Gym - Corner of Champions.”  He proudly maintained, trained and cultivated his family of champions for the past 41 years.  

The family is following Tom’s wishes to be cremated with no services at this time.  He will be laid to rest at Cedar Grove Cemetery, at a later date. 

The HANLEY and Sons Funeral Home “Southwest Chapel” is handling arrangements and extends our deepest sympathy and heartfelt prayers to all of Tom’s family and friends. 

The 2024 Summer Olympics showed the Eiffel Tower lit and filled Paris with athletes from around the world. In 2 weeks the lights dimmed and went out but the memory goes on.

At Lynch's Gym in South Bend Indiana men from all walks of life came and turned the brick and mortar building into the Corner of Champions.

On November 25, 2024 the man in charge since 1983, Tom, came in and said, " Thanks for the Memories" and turned the lights on low because there will always be a part of him there....Semper Fi

The HANLEY and Sons Funeral Home “Southwest Chapel” is handling arrangements and extends our deepest sympathy and heartfelt prayers to all of Tom’s family and friends. To leave an online condolence or to share a memory, please visit http://www.hanleyandsonsfuneralhomes.com.

Posted online on November 29, 2024

Published in South Bend Tribune

Added 11/16/2025 GMS

https://www.hanleyandsonsfuneralhomes.com/obituary/Thomas-Lentych