Submitted by: Dan Rich

Joseph R. Bystry

March 10, 1925 - Oct. 1, 2003

South Bend Tribune 10/4/2003

Joseph R. Bystry, 78, of South Bend, Ind., passed away on Wednesday, Oct. 1, in his home.

He was born on March 10, 1925 in South Bend to Frank and Pearl (Kalka) Bystry, who preceded him in death. An infant son, Robert Joseph Bystry is also deceased.

On Sept. 13, 1947 in South Bend, he married Alice Zmyslo who survives him. Surviving him along with his wife, Alice are three daughters, Claudette (Michael) Douthitt of Mishawaka, Elizabeth "Betty" (Joseph) Neiman of Richardson, Texas, and Kathleen Bystry of Grand Rapids, Mich.; a son, David (Mary "Fran") Bystry of Mishawaka; six grandchildren; and twin great-grandchildren.

Joe was a combat veteran of World War II, enlisting in the U.S. Navy in January 1943 and serving his country until January 1946. He worked at the Studebaker Corporation after the war. Later, Joe became one of the founders of Thermoplastics, Inc., in Mishawaka and retired from there in 1987. He was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church, American Legion Post #357 and Erskine Men's Club. Joe was a man to be honored, a husband to be loved and cherished, and a father to be proud of. He will be missed by his family and remembered by all who knew him.

Funeral services will be today, October 4, 2003 at 10 a.m. in the Holy Family Catholic Church. Burial will be at St. Joseph Cemetery. The family wishes to express their appreciation to the relatives and friends for their support and give special thanks to Hospice of St. Joseph County for their help. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of St. Joseph County or the American Cancer Society.