Submitted by: Dan Rich

Norbert J. Hechlinski

Aug. 4, 1930 - Aug. 5, 2008

South Bend Tribune 8/7/2008
SOUTH BEND - Norbert J. "Sarge" Hechlinski, 78, of South Bend, passed away at 2:35 a.m. on Tuesday, August 5, 2008, in the Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center, South Bend. Mr. Hechlinski was born on August 4, 1930, in South Bend, to the late Harry G. and Rose (Sikorski) Hechlinski. He had remained a lifelong resident of South Bend. On December 29, 1951, in South Bend, he married the former Betty G. Walorski. Along with his wife of 56 years, Betty, survivors include his two daughters, Linda L. (Larry) Alwine of Mishawaka and Pam S. LaPierre of South Bend; one son, Patrick J. (Amy) Hechlinski of South Bend; five grandchildren, Jennifer (Brent) Gregory, Lauren LaPierre, Daniel Lawecki, Ryan Hechlinski and Joseph Hechlinski; and one sister, Lucille (Chester) Salwowski of Indianapolis, IN. Mr. Hechlinski is also survived by extended family including many nieces and nephews, as well as his aunt, Bernice, and uncle, Gene Wozny of Mishawaka. He will be sorely missed by the loves of his life, his dogs, Abbie and Callie.

Mr. Hechlinski retired in 1981 after 20 years as a police officer with the South Bend Police Department. During his tenure with the police department, he was in charge of the school crossing guards and was in charge of the development of Safetyville at Rum Village. Mr. Hechlinski was also head of security at the Scottsdale Mall for 25 years and worked as security at Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center for 13 years. He was a member of FOP #36 and was a faithful member of St. Jude Catholic Church, South Bend. Mr. Hechlinski proudly served his country during the Korean War with the United States Army. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Friday, August 8, in St. Jude Catholic Church, 19704 Johnson Road, South Bend. Rev. John Delaney will officiate. Graveside services and burial will follow at Southlawn Cemetery, South Bend.

Friends may visit with the family from 3 to 7 p.m. today, August 7th, in the Palmer Funeral Home-Guisinger Chapel, 3718 S. Michigan Street, South Bend, where a vigil will be held at 4:00 p.m. Contributions in memory of Norbert J. "Sarge" Hechlinski may be made to the American Cancer Society, 601 W. Edison Road, Mishawaka, IN 46545.