Richard S. "Dick" Ruszkowski

1927 - 2021

Richard S. “Dick” Ruszkowski

May 10, 1927 - Jan. 22, 2021

SOUTH BEND, IN -

Richard S. “Dick “Ruszkowski, 93, passed away Friday, January 22, 2021 at Healthwin under Hospice care from complications of Corona Virus.

On August 4, 1951 Dick married the former Evelyn Miller, who passed away on July 29, 2009. They were both sun-worshipers and suffered through many bouts with cancer.

They enjoyed antiquing (buying, selling and trading), going to and hosting garage sales, along with many trips to any casino which was their entertainment and hobbies.

Dick was the seventh of 17 children born to Ignatius and Frances (Kwiecinski) Ruszkowski, who preceded him in death along with brothers, Harry and Joseph; sisters, Rose Jones, Evelyn Vannoni, Gertrude Boembeke, Irene (Csenar) Withman, Adeline Koziatek, Mary Jane Batalis, Barbara Ham, and Rita Smith; niece, Janice Balaban; nephews, David Csenar, Jimmy Ham, and Kevin Witham; and Godson, Dan Ruszkowski.

Cherishing the memory of Dick is his brother (and best friend), Donald (Judith) Ruszkowski; and sister-in-law, Virginia Collier of Indianapolis.

Dick and Evelyn did not have children, but treated their nephews Scott, Rick, Don & Dan and their children as their own.

Dick left high school at the age of 17, going to work for Fefferman Cadillac. He joined the Navy (under age, with consent) for the duration of WWII. He served as a “Sea Bee” in the Marshall Islands (Asiatic-Pacific) fleet, earning three medals along with the “Ruptured Duck” pin upon his Honorable Discharge.

Dick worked for the Studebaker Corporation, Edwards Iron Works, St. Joseph County Police (in patrol), Selmers Music, and retired from the South Bend Water Works. While employed at the Water Department he designed a piece of safety equipment after a co-worker was injured. Dick also designed hardware for water meters that won an award from the Badger Meter Company, and made his own set of “divining rods” which he used to locate water lines and piping where Gieger technology could not.

He was called upon even after retirement to use his divining rods to locate for the city.

Dick could spot a tool laying in the street and we all believe his home tool box was 95% found items. He also found and returned several purses and wallets to their owners.

He was a flag waver, he loved America. If he saw a tattered or unlit flag he would call or stop into that business to bring it to their attention. He had the utmost respect for the military, law enforcement, the V.A., VFW, American Legion, Wounded Warriors, and FOP #36 (life time member).

Dick also loved shined shoes, creased pants, cheeseburgers, family cookouts, gambling (oh yeah), sports of all kinds, playing pranks, quick wit, Jez, and a cold beer.

Thanks to the Pasadena Ave. neighbors, Healthwin, and Ted. Special thanks to Chrissy and Donnie Ruszkowski for their kindness, caregiving, and love.

Due to current health risks, funeral and military services at this time will be private. Inurnment will be in St. Joseph Cemetery. The family will host a Celebration of Life at a later date. St. Joseph Funeral Home is assisting the family.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be sent to the American Legion Post #357, 5414 W. Sample St., South Bend, IN 46619; FOP #36, 701 W. Sample St., South Bend, IN 46601; or Miller Vets, 747 S. Michigan St., South Bend, IN 46601. Condolences for the family can be made at www.sjfh.net.