Paul Joseph Rzeszewski

Paul Joseph Rzeszewski, 78, sadly passed away on September 8, 2023 in his hometown of South Bend, IN.

Paul was born on November 5, 1944 to his late parents, Edward and Sophie (Chmielewski) Rzeszewski.  He was also preceded in death by his brother James Rzeszewski and his sister Rosanne Egyed. 

A life-long resident of South Bend, Paul graduated from Central High School and attended Indiana University. His strong work ethic began as a young man while working at his parent’s ice cream shop.  He launched his career by completing his apprenticeship in Tool and Die.  While learning all aspects of the industry, he went from working in the shop to operations management, to retiring in engineering and technical sales.  His involvement in the community included membership of the Order of Elk (Lodge #235) he served as Exalted Ruler for a year. Throughout his life he has felt strongly about helping others and was willing to lend a hand when needed.

Paul had many passions and talents.  He was a self-taught woodworker and carpenter.  He enjoyed hunting for the best pieces of wood, designing a project and adding the finishing touches. He was a true perfectionist, with an eye for quality and detail.  Home renovations, cabinetry, and outdoor decorative structures were just a few of the numerous projects that he created.   He enjoyed creating and gifting bird feeders for others.  He made certain his feeders were well stocked for all his backyard feathered friends and for the neighborhood squirrels.

His other love was his time spent on Birch Lake.  For decades this has been the place for family gatherings, celebrations and long relaxing weekends.   

Paul married Billie (Filchak) in South Bend on October 5, 1968.  Together they have three daughters, Jennifer (Vee) Rzeszewski of Carmel, Lori (Chad) Richner of Nappanee, and Trisha (Tom) VanHeesbeke of South Bend. He treasured his five grandchildren, Linnzie Richner, Baillie (Nicholas Wilmot) Richner, Madison Richner, Abigail Richner, and Nathan VanHeesbeke.  He is also survived by a large, extended loving family. 

Funeral services for Paul will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, September 15, 2023, at Palmer Funeral Home – Guisinger Chapel, 3718 South Michigan Street, South Bend, IN 46614. Friends may visit with the family from 3:00-7:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 14, 2023, at the funeral home. Interment will immediately follow the funeral service at St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park, 375 West Cleveland Road, Granger, IN 46530.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Paul’s honor may be given to Unity Gardens P.O. Box 10022 South Bend, IN 46628  or The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, 3 International Drive Suite 200, Rye Brook, NY 10573.

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