Bert J Klysz

Bert J Klysz, 77 years old, passed away on Monday, January 02, 2023 at the Mary B Home in Lakeville.

Bert was born on March 3, 1945 in South Bend, to the late Bert J. and Helen (Palicki) Klysz. Bert is also preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Frank Lebiedzinski.

Left to cherish their memory of Bert are his siblings, Anita Klysz-Lebiedzinski, Terry (Beatrice) Klysz, Tina Klysz-Trenerry; nieces & nephews, Deborah Lebiedzinski, Lori (Doug) Belardinella, Michael (Sheri) Lebiedzinski,, Karen Lebiedzinsk, Timothy (Heidi) Trenerry, Stephanie Bedient, Jessica (Andrew) Williams; and many cousins and great-nieces and nephews.

After 45 years as a parish musician, Bert retired in 2004 as an organist and choir director at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. Prior to that he served at Holy Cross Catholic Church, St. Hedwig Catholic Church, the Catholic Cathedral of St. Matthew, all of South Bend, and St. Pius X Church Granger. From 1991-1994, Klysz was a guest organist for the Christmas Day Masses at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, Notre Dame. As a former 20-year member of the St. Joseph Valley Chapter of the American Guild of Organist, he was the chapter dean from 1984-1986. In June 2001 Klysz retired as a teacher after 31 years with the South Bend Community School Corporation. He earned degrees from Indiana University, South Bend and completed post-graduate studies at Purdue University. Bert was proud to have a pipe organ and four pianos in his home, which he continued to play throughout his life.

Graveside services for Bert will tentatively be held on April 16, 2023 at St. Joseph Cemetery. Funeral arrangements are trusted to St. Joseph Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in honor of Bert J Klysz may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave. Floor 17 Chicago, IL 60601, or the General Scholarships fund for the IU Jacobs School of Music.

Online condolences can be made at sjfh.net

Posted online on January 04, 2023

Published in South Bend Tribune

01/09/2023 EJS