Submitted by: Dan Rich
Jan. 26, 1926 - Aug. 4, 2008
South Bend Tribune 8/6/2008
SOUTH BEND – Eugene “Gene” Szerencse,
82, formerly of Country Club Road in South Bend, IN, died on
Monday, August 4, 2008, after an extended illness in the
Healthwin Specialized Care Facility. He was born on January 26,
1926, to the late Miklos and Anna (Boskey) Szerencse in
South Bend, IN, and was a lifelong resident. Along with his
parents, his brothers, Joe and Steve, and his sister, Rose De
Graeve, all preceded him in death. July 28, 1951, was his
lucky day when he married the love of his life, Ruth Jean Berkey,
in St. Stephen Catholic Church, South Bend, IN. She died on
November 20, 2006. He never recovered from the loss of his wife.
Together they raised four children who survive, Becky (Jerry) Larsen
of Elkhart, IN, Mark (Cathy) Szerencse of South Bend, IN, Kate Sinclair
of South Bend, IN, and Michelle (Randy) Merrill of
Mishawaka, IN. Gene also leaves 12 grandchildren, one
great-grandson, and one sister, Mary Peters of South Bend, IN.
Gene attended South Bend Central High School and worked many jobs
throughout his life. His favorite job by far was at Drewry's. He
enjoyed telling stories about his experiences at "The
Brewery." He was a New York Yankee fan and a super fan of
any team playing Notre Dame. He was a volunteer for many years
with his wife at Memorial Hospital. He also provided
transportation to church for the elderly and visited the sick in
area nursing homes. He was a member in good standing of the
Knights of Columbus Santa Maria Council #553 and the Father J.A.
Nieuwland General Assembly 4th degree. Gene was a former member
of St. John the Baptist Rosary makers. He was currently a member
of Christ the King Parish. The family would like to thank Doctors
Jacob, Nelson and Sucharetza and their staff for the care they
gave Gene through the years. We would also like to thank the
staff at Healthwin for keeping Dad comfortable in his final days.
Special thanks to Father Ron from Christ the King for celebrating
the Mass every Sunday for the residents of Healthwin and for his
many visits throughout the week.
Visitation will be from 4 to 8 PM today, Aug. 6, 2008, in the Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Drive, South Bend, IN, where a parish Rosary will be prayed at 7 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 AM Thursday, Aug. 7, in Christ the King Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Highland Cemetery.