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IN LOVING MEMORY OF
A. Benny
Wiercioch
February 1, 2012
Obituary
Oct. 27, 1925 - Feb. 1, 2012
ELKHART — A. Benny Wiercioch, 86, residing in Elkhart, ended a life of joy, love and service on Feb. 1, 2012, at Greenleaf Health Campus.
He was born Oct. 27, 1925, in Detroit, to the late Wojciech and Laura (Dudek) Wiercioch. On June 22, 1957, in Detroit, he married the former Virginia T. Kaczmarek. He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Virginia; five children, Laura Wiercioch of Kalamazoo, Mich., Stephen (Elaine) Wiercioch of Cary, N.C., John Wiercioch of Roanoke, Va., Helen (Scott) Morlock of Indianapolis and Edward (Jane) Wiercioch of Lafayette; six adoring grandchildren, Marisa, Elijah, Alayna, Anselm, Nathan and Noah; and two stepgreat-grandchildren, Kam and Sofie. His brother, Bill (Ann) Wiercioch of Plymouth, Mich., and his sister, Florence "Corky" Kuk, survive as well.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Albert Wiercioch, and sister, Sylvia Wiercioch.
Benny made a simple life into a thrilling adventure, from selling newspapers at age 14 in Detroit to help support his family to enlisting and proudly serving his country in the United States Navy aboard the destroyer escort USS Crowley and aircraft carrier USS Breton during World War II, then hitchhiking across the country, touching 46 states. He settled in Detroit and began his career with General Electric, from which he retired in 1989 after 30 years of service. He formerly worked at Chrysler Corp. and General Motors and was a part-time painter for 65 years.
He was an active member of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church. A true Catholic gentleman, he was always on the lookout for people he might help. He was a Past Grand Knight and member of both the 3rd and 4th degree of the Knights of Columbus, where Benny participated in over 300 consecutive monthly Rosaries at St. Vincent's. He raised money for ADEC, through the Tootsie Roll Campaign, rang bells for the Salvation Army and published the K of C newsletter for many years. He and Virginia helped start and run the K of C Food Basket Program 25 years ago, beginning with 10 families to serving over 600 last year.
Benny was an avid reader and enjoyed visiting book stores and libraries. Benny's joyful energy and vitality sustained him and inspired everyone around him. With a few sincere words, a gentle teasing and the ever-present sparkle in his eye, he remained faithful to his church, family and, most importantly, to his Lord.
Please join with his family and friends as they gather to celebrate the life of Benny Wiercioch from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012, at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart, where a parish vigil service will be prayed at 6 p.m. followed by the Rosary. Mass of Christian burial will begin at 11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 6, 2012, at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 1108 S. Main St., Elkhart, where friends may call for one hour prior to the Mass. The Rev. Glenn Kohrman will officiate. Burial and graveside services will follow at St. Vincent Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family request memorial gifts be made to ADEC, St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church or Knights of Columbus Food basket program. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.billingsfuneralhome.com.
ELKHART — A. Benny Wiercioch, 86, residing in Elkhart, ended a life of joy, love and service on Feb. 1, 2012, at Greenleaf Health Campus.
He was born Oct. 27, 1925, in Detroit, to the late Wojciech and Laura (Dudek) Wiercioch. On June 22, 1957, in Detroit, he married the former Virginia T. Kaczmarek. He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Virginia; five children, Laura Wiercioch of Kalamazoo, Mich., Stephen (Elaine) Wiercioch of Cary, N.C., John Wiercioch of Roanoke, Va., Helen (Scott) Morlock of Indianapolis and Edward (Jane) Wiercioch of Lafayette; six adoring grandchildren, Marisa, Elijah, Alayna, Anselm, Nathan and Noah; and two stepgreat-grandchildren, Kam and Sofie. His brother, Bill (Ann) Wiercioch of Plymouth, Mich., and his sister, Florence "Corky" Kuk, survive as well.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Albert Wiercioch, and sister, Sylvia Wiercioch.
Benny made a simple life into a thrilling adventure, from selling newspapers at age 14 in Detroit to help support his family to enlisting and proudly serving his country in the United States Navy aboard the destroyer escort USS Crowley and aircraft carrier USS Breton during World War II, then hitchhiking across the country, touching 46 states. He settled in Detroit and began his career with General Electric, from which he retired in 1989 after 30 years of service. He formerly worked at Chrysler Corp. and General Motors and was a part-time painter for 65 years.
He was an active member of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church. A true Catholic gentleman, he was always on the lookout for people he might help. He was a Past Grand Knight and member of both the 3rd and 4th degree of the Knights of Columbus, where Benny participated in over 300 consecutive monthly Rosaries at St. Vincent's. He raised money for ADEC, through the Tootsie Roll Campaign, rang bells for the Salvation Army and published the K of C newsletter for many years. He and Virginia helped start and run the K of C Food Basket Program 25 years ago, beginning with 10 families to serving over 600 last year.
Benny was an avid reader and enjoyed visiting book stores and libraries. Benny's joyful energy and vitality sustained him and inspired everyone around him. With a few sincere words, a gentle teasing and the ever-present sparkle in his eye, he remained faithful to his church, family and, most importantly, to his Lord.
Please join with his family and friends as they gather to celebrate the life of Benny Wiercioch from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012, at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart, where a parish vigil service will be prayed at 6 p.m. followed by the Rosary. Mass of Christian burial will begin at 11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 6, 2012, at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 1108 S. Main St., Elkhart, where friends may call for one hour prior to the Mass. The Rev. Glenn Kohrman will officiate. Burial and graveside services will follow at St. Vincent Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family request memorial gifts be made to ADEC, St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church or Knights of Columbus Food basket program. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.billingsfuneralhome.com.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of A. Benny Wiercioch, please visit our flower store.
Services
Mass Of Christian Burial
February
6
St. Vincent dePaul Catholic Church
Starts at 11:00 am