Submitted by: Dan Rich

Matthew F. Krizman

Feb. 18, 1908 - Feb. 22, 2008

South Bend Tribune 2/25/2008
SOUTH BEND - Mr. Matthew F. Krizman was born in South Bend, IN, the oldest of ten children. He was born at the family home, which was located on the grounds of the current South Bend Police Department. He lived a life of service. Although he had an interest in becoming a doctor, he chose to work and financially support his family. He assisted his aunt, a midwife, in delivering babies, and became a Certified Apprentice Pharmacist at age 16. He learned to speak seven languages in his work.

In 1930 he married Agnes Polvas, who passed away on Aug. 23, 1977. Survivors include a son, Ted Krizman of Wabash; two grandsons, James Krizman of Dearborn, MI, and Joseph (Theresa) Krizman of Syracuse, IN; two sisters, Ann Graf of South Bend and Julia (Steve) Nykos of Broken Arrow, OK; two brothers, Edward (Elanor) Krizman of Granger and Andrew (Florence) Krizman of South Bend. In 1925, prior to the ND vs. Army game in New York, he became friends with Knute Rockne, and mixed a liniment for the Notre Dame team, which included the Four Horseman. He sat in the back row of Fr. Nieuwland's chemistry classes at Notre Dame, and worked for him after school. Mr. Krizman was a successful entrepreneur. While managing the South Bend Drug Company on Michigan and Wayne streets, he witnessed the Dillinger bank robbery. He took ownership of a bankrupt dairy company, and after three months of delivering milk at 4 a.m., it became profitable. In 1941 he started the Walnut Machine Shop, and received awards for helping high school boys in vocational training. He installed hundreds of VHF television antennas in the area, and was instrumental in delivering reception for the first live football game from Notre Dame Stadium to Chicago, IL.

He enjoyed children, and loved to take his nieces and nephews to the circus in the summertime in his stake truck, filled to capacity. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, and often took Boy Scouts from Our Lady of Hungary on camping trips. He also served on the parish council. Mr. Krizman enjoyed traveling, especially to his winter home in Mission, Texas. His favorite foods included fish, sweet potatoes, his homemade vegetable soup, and Texas ruby red grapefruit. Mr. Krizman was a partner in the formation of the Bowlers Country Club, and was proud of his hole-in-one. He was a former member of the Knights of Columbus and the Elks Lodge. In his retirement, he enjoyed creative pursuits, such as painting landscapes, which adorned his home. Until last year, he enjoyed being a machinist in his garage. He loved his home and yard, and took pride in gardening, landscaping, and feeding wildlife. Recently, friends and family supported Mr. Krizman's goal to live to 100 years by counting the months, weeks, and days to that special birthday. Mr. Krizman always gave thanks to God for all he had received, and God blessed him with 100 years and four days. The family would like to thank Jim, Janet, Becky, Terri, all the caregivers, REAL Services, Meals on Wheels, Choice program, Interim Healthcare and Hospice for their services.

Services will be at Corpus Christi Catholic Church on Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. Friends may call Tuesday at McGann Hay, Morning Star Funerals and Cremations from 4 to 6 p.m. where the parish will pray the Rosary at 4:30 p.m. Burial will be at Highland Cemetery. Memorials to the Life Center in Wabash, IN.