Submitted by: Dan Rich

Richard D. Hojnacki

Sept. 27, 1946 - Oct. 22, 2008

South Bend Tribune 10/24/2008
GRANGER - Richard D. Hojnacki, 62, of Granger, IN, passed away Wednesday, October 22, 2008 at the Indiana University Medical Center in Indianapolis. He was born on September 27, 1946 in South Bend to Walter and Lillian (Otolski) Hojnacki (both deceased). He graduated from Washington High School in 1964 and from Indiana University, Bloomington, in 1968. He received his CPA designation shortly after graduating from college and worked for many local businesses (Peat, Marwick, Mitchell Company; Wright Construction; Dayco Industries; Hickey Construction; and most recently at Forest River Inc). He retired from Forest River in 2003. For several years he volunteered at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center.

He married Louise DeBeck on June 15, 1968 in South Bend and they celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary this summer. Surviving are his loving wife, Louise; three wonderful children, Dave (Susan) Hojnacki of Grand Rapids, MI, Lori (Bob) Huntzinger of South Bend, and Paul (Jennifer) Hojnacki of South Bend; seven beautiful grandchildren, Sophie, Lily and Grace Hojnacki of Grand Rapids, Ally and Jacob Huntzinger of South Bend, and Isabel and Ava Hojnacki of South Bend; one sister, Shirley (Charles) Klein of South Bend; an aunt Dorothy Hojnacki of South Bend; an uncle Frank Urbaniak of Toledo, OH; his father-in-law, Al DeBeck of South Bend; his brother-in-law, James (Melagna) DeBeck of Mishawaka; and niece and nephews, Mark (Mary) Klein of Indianapolis, Brian (Pam) Klein of Fort Wayne, Sarah (Nate) Cole of Mishawaka, and Evan DeBeck of Mishawaka. Rich loved spending time at his cottage on Lake Wawasee, enjoying the quiet as well as the busy times on the lake. It was a gathering place for the family, something he very much cherished. His love for all of us, his wit and great sense of humor will be so missed. He was a caring, hard-working individual, who took pride in everything he did. Rich was a member of the Granger Community Church.