KARL L. NEMETH

Karl L. Nemeth Sept. 9, 1918 - May 19, 2015 SOUTH BEND - Karl L. Nemeth, 96 years, 8 months and 10 days, passed away peacefully at home in his sleep Tuesday, May 19, 2015, at 1:30 am with his youngest son at his side. Karl was born on September 9, 1918, in South Bend, to Emery and Regina Nemeth.

On May 5, 1945, in Our Lady of Hungary Catholic Church, he married Helen Klebusits, which lasted for 69 years. He is survived by four children, Ken (Judy) Nemeth of South Bend, Mary (Reid) Biberstine of LaPorte, Shirley Czerna and Joseph (Margie) Nemeth, both of South Bend; 7 grandchildren, Brian (Amber) Nemeth, Carrie (Rick) LaMar, Kyle (Erin) Lapczynski, Erica Czerna, Amanda Czerna, Beth Nemeth and Joseph (Jenny) Nemeth; and 7 great-granddaughters, Madison, Emerson, Bailey, Brooklyn, Anika, Addison and Chloe, and one great-grandson on the way.

Karl was preceded in death by his loving wife and best friend Helen, who died 50 weeks ago on June 2, 2014.

Dad lived through the Great Depression, WW II and the closing of Studebaker, but by far the worst time of his life was the last year without Helen, the love of his life, to be there right by his side. Also preceding him in death were his parents, Emery (1977), Regina Kiss (1976); paternal grandparents, John Nemeth (1909 in Hungary), Agnes Nagy (1908 in Hungary); maternal grandparents, Alex Kiss (1935 in Hungary), Karolina Borsodi (1910 in Hungary); three brothers, Emery (1995), John (1994) and Frank (1994); one sister, Anna (1919); and granddaughter, Stephanie Hyde (2013).

Karl was a lifelong member of Our Lady of Hungary Church. He grew up on Taylor Street and lived on Chapin Street for the last 70 years. In 1933 he graduated from Our Lady of Hungary Grade School along with his future wife Helen and then attended Central High School.

He said the biggest influence on his life were the nuns at Our Lady of Hungary. On his 18th birthday he started working at South Bend Wood Parts which was located on the corner of Sample and Walnut Streets. He then went on to work at Studebaker until they closed in 1963 and finally retired from Allied Products in 1984.

Karl served in the United States Army from March 1941 to October 1945, and was in Europe in 1944 and part of the Normandy Invasion. He was a Tech 4 Sergeant and a surgical technician and was awarded two medals.

The entire Nemeth family would like to send a special thank you to son Joe, who provided 3 ½ years of amazing, loving care for dad and mom, maintaining their dignity and allowing them their one wish, to remain in their own home until death. The family also appreciates the Center for Hospice staff and nurses, especially his nurse Abby and excellent caregivers Jodi and Maureen. Dad was not perfect, but he was the perfect dad. Job well done. Rest in peace; we love and miss you.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 am Friday, May 22, 2015, in Our Lady of Hungary Church. Burial will follow at Highland Cemetery. Friends may call from 4-8 Thursday in the Zahoran Funeral Home, 1826 Kemble Avenue, where a Rosary will be recited at 4:30 pm. Memorial contributions may be made to Our Lady of Hungary Church. To leave an online condolence, visit our website www.zahoran.com, or our Facebook page, Zahoran Funeral Home.

Published by South Bend Tribune from May 20 to May 22, 2015.

02/15/2023 EJS