David Szymczak Obituary

David R. Szymczak
August 10, 1936 - September 9, 2018
 
WESTFIELD - David R. Szymczak, 82, of Westfield, formerly of Culver, passed away on Sept. 9, 2018 in Culver.
David was born in South Bend, to Joseph and Henrietta (Opaczewaki) Szymczak. 
He grew up in South Bend, and graduated from South Bend Central High School in 1954. 
He was exceptionally quick to grasp anything mathematical.
David grew up in the big band era of the 40's and 50's. He learned to play the trumpet at an early age and by age 13 he was in many bands, earning money to help his parents. He also played in the George Kurdys Polka Band and later the Star's Cavalier Polka Band.
David joined the Air Force in 1956, where he studied code deciphering and electronics. While in the Air Force, he attended the University of Edinburgh in Scotland and later the University of Maryland.  He also took the International Correspondence School of Electronics.  Later, David attended DeVry Institute of Chicago. 
He returned home and worked at many local factories such as Bendix, Cummins, Wheelbrater, and Allied Stamping, earning his Journeyman card as an Electrician. David later went on to work at AM General as a UAW Electrician, where he retired in 1996.
David married Patricia Singletary in 1961 and lived in South Bend until 1981, when he moved his family to Culver. 
He and Patricia later moved to Rochester, and then to Westfield.
David was  a hard worker and enjoyed doing physical work. He loved his acres of woods in Culver, where he would hunt, cut wood, and make wine with his orchard of grapes. He enjoyed history and was exceptional in remembering historical dates and events. He also enjoyed reading and collecting old books and listening to classical music. He always loved a good joke and had a great sense of humor. His family will miss his laugh because when he laughed, they knew everything was ok.
David is survived by his wife Patricia; daughter Elaine (Vernon) Peterson; son David J (Tamara) Szymczak; three grandchildren: Nicholas, Cody, and Rachel; and two great-grandchildren: Carson and Colton.  He is also survived by two brothers: John (Susie) and Melvin (Mel).  He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Gerald "Jerry" (Barbara).
A gathering of friends and family will be held at the Odom Funeral Home, Culver, on Saturday, Oct. 6, from 1 - 3 pm. 
Burial will follow at Burr Oak Cemetery.
Memorials may be given in David's memory to Riley Hospital For Children, 705 Riley Hospital Drive, Indianapolis, Ind. 46204-3509.
Condolences may be sent via the obituary page at www.odomfuneralhome.com.
The Odom Funeral Home, Culver, is honored to be caring for the family.

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