Richard Allen Dudzinski
January 12th, 1952 - August 20th, 2023
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Richard's Obituary
“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: For thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me” (Psalm 23:4). With deep sorrow, the death of Richard Allen Dudzinski, age 71, is announced by his loving family. Richard died after a very brief illness on August 20, 2023 at Lakeland Hospital in St. Joseph, Michigan. A Washington High School graduate, the proud Panther was born on January 12, 1952 in South Bend, Indiana to Joseph and Marie Dudzinski. They preceded Richard in death along with two dear sisters, Ann Marie Dudzinski and Michelle Taylor. He is survived by sisters, Karen (Timothy) Keller of Grand Haven Michigan, and Mary Jo (Randall) Roth of St. Joseph, Michigan. A brother, Robert Dudzinski, of South Bend, Indiana also survives. In addition, Richard is survived by loving nieces, Elizabeth, Jennifer, and Katherine; and nephews, Adam, Jeff, and Jeremy.
Did Richard love sports? Oh, my goodness! Absolutely, yes, he did! Framed photographs of the teams that he rooted for, until he nearly lost his voice, graced his living room walls. A consummate Notre Dame University Fighting Irish football fan, Richard planned his entire weekends around Notre Dame football. Nostalgically, Richard’s childhood swimming instructor at the Natatorium in South Bend was none other than Notre Dame legendary Football Coach, Knute Rocke’s son, John. No surprise: Richard became a very good swimmer.
Let’s play ball! For Richard, that was Chicago White Sox baseball. He not only loved the Sox. He love, love, LOVED the Sox!!! Like he was consumed when he watched them on TV. Nobody dared to walk in front of the TV when Richard and his grandfather, Stanley Cholasinski, were watching the Sox play. Watching them all animatedly yell and scream at the TV while shaking their fists and shouting, “And you’re out,” was priceless family entertainment as well as a cherished memory. He loved his sports. But more than that, Richard deeply loved his family. He was a loyal loving son, grandson, brother, uncle, and friend. He will be profoundly missed. To cherish and honor our beloved Richard, a private memorial service will be celebrated at a later date. Cremation services were provided by Starks & Menchinger Chapel, St. Joseph, Michigan. Memorial contributions can be made to the American Heart Association, www.heart.org.
Did Richard love sports? Oh, my goodness! Absolutely, yes, he did! Framed photographs of the teams that he rooted for, until he nearly lost his voice, graced his living room walls. A consummate Notre Dame University Fighting Irish football fan, Richard planned his entire weekends around Notre Dame football. Nostalgically, Richard’s childhood swimming instructor at the Natatorium in South Bend was none other than Notre Dame legendary Football Coach, Knute Rocke’s son, John. No surprise: Richard became a very good swimmer.
Let’s play ball! For Richard, that was Chicago White Sox baseball. He not only loved the Sox. He love, love, LOVED the Sox!!! Like he was consumed when he watched them on TV. Nobody dared to walk in front of the TV when Richard and his grandfather, Stanley Cholasinski, were watching the Sox play. Watching them all animatedly yell and scream at the TV while shaking their fists and shouting, “And you’re out,” was priceless family entertainment as well as a cherished memory. He loved his sports. But more than that, Richard deeply loved his family. He was a loyal loving son, grandson, brother, uncle, and friend. He will be profoundly missed. To cherish and honor our beloved Richard, a private memorial service will be celebrated at a later date. Cremation services were provided by Starks & Menchinger Chapel, St. Joseph, Michigan. Memorial contributions can be made to the American Heart Association, www.heart.org.
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