Catherine Joan Roncz

Feb. 25, 1924 - Jan. 22, 2013
SOUTH BEND - Catherine (Katie) Roncz, 88, went to be with the Lord on January 22, 2013, after a long illness. She was born on February 25, 1924, in Durand, Michigan. One of eight children born to George and Evelyn Scheibelhut, she attended Our Lady of Hungary Grade School and was a graduate of Riley High School. She worked at Wilson Brothers before she was hired at Studebaker, where she served as an accountant during the war bond effort. In June 1946, she married P. John Roncz. Katie was a longtime member of the Christ Child Society. She also taught a Special Education class in the Saint Joseph Parish School of Religion. She spent most winters in Lehigh Acres, Florida, and the summers in South Bend. In 2004 she moved to Emeritus at Arborwood, where she resided until her death. Katie is survived by three children, John Roncz, Maribeth Roncz (Rick VanVlasselaer) and Janet (Ralph) Sanders; two grandchildren, Rachel (Nathan) Beittenmiller and Allyson (Aaron) Smith; four great-grandchildren, Reeann Beck, Michael Roncz, and Cathryn and Seth Beittenmiller; and one sister, Joan Horvath. Preceding her in death were her husband, John, daughter, Diane, and grandson, Jason. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 am Monday, January 28, 2013, in St. Pius X Catholic Church, 52553 Fir Road, Granger. Graveside services and burial will follow at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Osceola. Friends may visit with the family from 2:00 - 6:00 pm today, January 27, 2013, in Palmer Funeral Home - Hickey Chapel, 17131 Cleveland Road, South Bend, as well as one hour prior to Mass on Monday at church. Expressions of sympathy in memory of Katie may be donated to Center for the Homeless, 813 S. Michigan Street, South Bend, IN 46601; or Center for Hospice Care, 4220 Edison Lakes Pkwy., Suite 210, Mishawaka, IN 46545. Online condolences may be left for the Roncz family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.