Submitted by: Mary Jo Koran

Article published Dec 9, 2006

Hanrik R. Rzepka
April 15, 1920 - Dec. 7, 2006

Hanrik R. Rzepka, 86, of New Carlisle passed away on Thursday, December 7, 2006, at 4 p.m. in Memorial Hospital.

Hank was born on April 15, 1920, in New Carlisle, to Walter and Josie (Jurgonski) Rzepka, who have both preceded him in death. Also preceding him in death are two sisters, Clara and Henrietta Bazyk.

On July 25, 1948, he married Betty Duncan, she survives along with their children, Diana (Kenneth) Jasinski of New Carlisle, Steven (Margaret) Rzepka and Dennis (Michelle) Rzepka; seven grandchildren, Jason, Jane Ann, Jeffrey Jasinski, Steven, Renee, Katelyn, Kristin Rzepka; two sisters, Irene Wojcik of South Bend, and Adeline (Clem) Solmos of South bend; four brothers, Clem (Jelaine) Rzepka of South Bend, David (Eleanor) Rzepka of South Bend, Bernard (Phyllis) Rzepka of South Bend, and Norbert (Elaine) Rzepka of Niles.

Hank was the owner of Rzepka Aluminum Siding for 30 years before retiring in 1982. He previously worked at Studebaker for 24 years and was also a farmer. He was a life-member of D.A.V. in Elkhart, a member of American Legion Post 357, was a member of Polish National Alliance in New Carlisle, and belonged to St. Stanislaus Kostka Catholic Church. Hank honorably served in the Army during World War II in the Pacific Theater.

Visitation will be from 2 to 8 p.m. Sunday, December 10, 2006 in ST. JOSEPH FUNERAL HOME, 824 S. Mayflower Road, South Bend, where a Rosary will be prayed at 4 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Monday, December 11, 2006 at 11 a.m. in St. Stanislaus Kostka Catholic Church. Entombment will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery South Bend.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care Center of St. Joseph County, 111 Sunnybrook Court, South Bend.

For those who are unable to attend the funeral liturgy, condolences for the family may be sent to www.sjfh.net.