Ervin Frank Ruzicka

Ervin Frank Ruzicka, 93, of New Buffalo, MI, passed away on Mon., June 16, 2014 at the Hanson Hospice Center in Stevensville, MI. Arrangements have been entrusted with Sommerfeld Chapel of New Buffalo.   Erv was born April 19, 1921 in Chicago, IL to Frank and Agnes (Brcka) Ruzicka. In 1923 his family moved to New Buffalo after purchasing the Royal Blue Grocery Store which later became Heppler’s. After graduating from New Buffalo High School he was inducted into the U.S. Army Air Corps during WWII. He served over three years as an aerial gunnery instructor on B24 planes. Erv worked at Nipsco in Michigan City, IN for 32 years. He was an auxiliary operator when he retired in 1983. Erv was as avid fisherman, traveler and dancer. He never sat out a number when the big bands played music of the forties. All of this was taken away later in life when macular degeneration took away most of his vision.   Erv is survived by his devoted wife  Mary Ann (Jelinek) Ruzicka – they were married on Oct. 3, 1953 in Chicago and enjoyed 60 years of marriage; proud father of two sons-Corey Ruzicka of Tampa, FL and Marc Ph.D. (Marguerita Ph.D.) Ruzicka of LA, CA; loving grandfather of four year old Fabian and nine month Dario of LA, CA; he leaves a dear sister-in-law Velma Kain of Glenview, IL; loving nephews-Joseph (Bonnie) Kain and daughter Sarah of Vernon Hills, IL and Jeffrey Kain and son Ryan of Gurnee, IL.   A Celebration of Life service will be held on July 19, 2014, 12 noon, at Sommerfeld Chapel in New Buffalo, with Rev. Damien Lake officiating. Burial will follow in Pine Grove Cemetery in New Buffalo. Friends may visit with the family from 10:00am until time of service. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the New Buffalo Township Public Library Building Fund, 219 W. Madison St., New Buffalo, MI 49117 or to  the Hanson Hospice Center, 4382 Cleveland Ave., Stevensville, MI 49127. Friends wishing to leave the family a message of condolence may do so at www.sommerfeldchapel.com