Richard E. Lomatsch

Richard Eugene Lomatsch, a proud Navy veteran, devoted husband, loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and proud American, passed away peacefully on July 25, 2026, at the age of 90.

Born June 16, 1936, to Earl and Clara (Dorsch) Lomatsch, Richard was a lifelong resident of South Bend, Indiana. He was a man who believed in hard work, loyalty, and taking care of the people you love. He honorably served his country in the United States Navy from 1955 to 1959 on the USS Robert H McCord, carrying that same sense of pride and dedication with him throughout his life.

After his military service, Richard built a long career as a tool and die maker, working for South Bend Tool & Die and National Standard before retiring in 1998. He was a craftsman by trade and a hard worker by nature—someone who took pride in knowing how to build, fix, and figure things out.

But if you asked Richard what mattered most to him, it wouldn't have been his career or even his military service. It would have been Shirley and the family they built together.

He loved his wife, Shirley, deeply. They married February 12th 1960 and celebrated 56 wonderful years of marriage. Their life together was one of his greatest treasures, and he never stopped loving his “Gram.” His family was his greatest blessing, and nothing meant more to him than the time he spent with his daughters and grandchildren.

Richard had a special place in his heart for Lake Michigan and Northern Michigan. He loved the outdoors, hunting and fishing, and the memories made up north. He collected guns, appreciated a good truck, and was happiest enjoying the simple things in life—especially when those things involved family.
Richard found joy in the simple things—a good gun show, a day fishing, time spent on the lake or in the woods, and, most importantly, being surrounded by his family.

Richard is survived by his daughters, Barbara Brugh and Sandra (Keith) Mengel; his five grandchildren, Ryan (Rita) Brugh, Natalie (Tom) Alexander, Jarrod (Kyrsten) Brugh, Colin (Kaitlin) Mengel, and Lauren (Shelby) Kaser; and his three great-grandchildren, Jocelyn, Tommy and Vinny.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Shirley; his parents Earl and Clara Lomatsch; his half-sister, Jean Wozniak; and his great-grandson, Jack Kaser.

You made it to 90, just like you wished. Now you’re back with the love of your life. We’ll carry on your stories, your traditions, your love for sweets and cherish the example you set. We love you and will miss you always.

A graveside gathering will be held on August 22, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens Mausoleum, with military honors to follow.

Palmer Funeral Homes - Hickey Chapel is assisting the family.  Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Jackie Walorski VA Clinic located at 1540 Trinity Place Mishawaka IN 46545-5006.

The family is grateful to everyone who has loved Richard and Shirley and helped create the memories that will be cherished for generations.