Jan.
18, 1926 - Dec. 9, 2009SOUTH BEND - Ernest J. Dobrzykowski, 83, passed away Wednesday, December 9, 2009 in St. Joseph Regional Med Center. He was born on January 18, 1926 in South Bend to Casimer and Helen (Szymcak) Dobrzykowski. Ernie retired from the South Bend Police Department and the St Joseph County Health Department. He was a World War II Army veteran and a member of the FOP #36. On June 22, 1946 in South Bend he married the former Julia Bagarus. She died November 13, 2009. He was also preceded in death by a sister Virginia Galvas and two brothers Casimer Dobrzykowski and Joseph Dobrzykowski. Ernie's presence would bring a smile in any situation, with his kind heart, gentle words, and loving personality. He was never short of stories, quips, or a joke. He exuded love for his family in everything he did, whether it be a family gathering or the sacrifices he made working several jobs at a time. Ernie will be greatly missed and has left us saddened. He was not only our father, but our best friend and a standard to live up to. Surviving are a daughter Cheryl Bloss of South Bend; two sons Stephen Dobrzykowski and Michael (Chris) Dobrzykowski both of South Bend; 7 grandchildren Steven (Trish) Dobrzykowski, Bethany (Michael) Bowling, Melinda (Jared) Huff, Shelley (Charles) Morris, Heather (Bradley) Kill, Jason (Sara) Dobrzykowski and Adam Dobrzykowski; and 7 great-grandchildren Ashley Dobrzykowski, Courtney Dobrzykowski, Gabriel Bowling, Michaela Bowling, Brynn Bowling, Tristen Dobrzykowski, and Gavin Huff. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9:30 am Saturday, December 12, 2009 in Our Lady of Hungary Catholic Church. Cremation will follow. Family and friends may call from 3-8 Friday in the Zahoran Funeral Home, 1826 Kemble Avenue, where a rosary will be recited at 4:00 pm. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association .