Submitted by: Dan Rich

 

Rudolph Ernest Retek

July 1, 1927 - Nov. 17, 1997

 

South Bend Tribune 11/19/1997

SOUTH BEND - Rudolph Ernest ''Rudy'' Retek, 70, of Walton Avenue, South Bend, Ind., died at 2:10 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 17, in St. Joseph's Medical Center. Mr. Retek was born on July 1, 1927, in South Bend, and was a lifelong area resident. He retired from Miles Incorporated in Elkhart, Ind., on Feb. 1, 1991. He was also employed by the former Studebaker Corporation and for the American Motors Corporation in Kenosha, Wis.

 

He was married on Sept. 17, 1949, in LaPorte, Ind., to Helen Biernacki, who survives. He is also survived by two daughters, Barbara Jean (Paul) Upmeyer of Coral Springs, Fla., and Julie Anne (Cliff) Payne of South Bend; two sons, Rudolph (Carol) Retek and Ernest (Jan) Retek, both of South Bend; 10 grandchildren, Amy Payne, William ''Bill'' Payne, Kyle Retek, Kelly Retek, Angie Retek, Robyn Retek, all of South Bend, Nikki Marie Upmeyer and John Paul Upmeyer, both of Coral Springs, Fla., Matthew Retek and Grace Retek, also of South Bend; a great-granddaughter, Brittany Payne of South Bend; and by a sister, Anita Sulok of South Bend. Mr. Retek was preceded in death by two brothers, Emery Retek and Paul Retek.

 

He was a member of the Holy Family Church Ushers' Club, Polish National Alliance Group 83, the Chippewa Bowl Senior Fun Club and the Miles 25-year Club. He was an Army veteran of World War II, a member of American Legion Bendix Post 284, and of the Washington High School Booster Club.

 

Services will be at 10 a.m. on Thursday in Holy Family Catholic Church. Friends may call from 2 to 8 p.m. today in the St. Joseph Funeral Home, 824 S. Mayflower Road, where a Rosary will be said at 7 p.m. Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of St. Joseph County, 111 Sunnybrook Court, South Bend, IN 46637-3437.