Submitted by: Dan Rich

Richard F. Martinczak

Sept. 13, 1927 - Nov. 30, 2007

South Bend Tribune 12/2/2007
SOUTH BEND - Richard F. “Martz” Martinczak (Martz), 80, passed away at 2:10 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 30, in his residence. Richard was born on September 13, 1927, in South Bend, to the late Franklin and Francis (Cebrat) Martinczak.

On Jan. 20, 1951, he married his wife, Dolly, who preceded him in death on August 31, 2007. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Clem. He is survived by his two children, Gordon (Rebecca) Martinczak and Mike (Kathy) Martinczak, both of South Bend; five grandchildren, Kelly, Paul, Rich, Kimberly and Kevin, all of South Bend; a brother, Chester (Alice) Martinczak of Mishawaka; and by his sister-in-law, Alice Martinczak.

Martz went to South Bend Washington from K-12. He was on the All-State Football Team during his junior and senior years. In 2007 he was inducted into the Washington High School Hall of Fame. He served his country as a sergeant in the Korean War. He retired from the South Bend Police Department after 32 years and continued his police services at St. Mary's College. He was a lifelong member of St. Mary's National Catholic Church. Martz and Dolly's house was the center of all family celebrations. Yaya always made the best food and Papa provided the entertainment. Words cannot describe the dedication to his family, his unselfishness to others, his bravery facing adversity, and his love for animals and children. We love you Papa and we will miss you.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday, Dec. 3, in ST. JOSEPH FUNERAL HOME, 824 S. Mayflower Road, South Bend. A funeral liturgy will be celebrated at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 4, in the funeral home. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, South Bend. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary's National Catholic Church, 1601 W. Sample St., South Bend, IN 46619; or to the Center for Hospice and Palliative Care, 111 Sunnybrook Court, South Bend, IN 46637.