Stephen Niespodziany

Stephen Charles Niespodziany, 65, of South Bend, Indiana, passed away peacefully on June 23, 2026 surrounded by his loving family. Steve was born on June 24, 1960 in South Bend to the late Leo and Judith Niespodziany. In 1979, Steve graduated from Mishawaka High School where he was senior class president. He then went to Vincennes University on a track scholarship. His passion for running continued as he completed 17 marathons. He even qualified and ran the Boston Marathon with his oldest brother, Jeff. His closeness with his brothers led to many adventures including regular golf trips to Arizona where he got a hole-in-one.

On January 01, 2000, he married the love of his life, Lia Howle Niespodziany. Known for his sense of humor, picky eating, his interests in biking, hiking, dancing, and gardening, he also enjoyed spending time with his big family. He especially loved ND football and all things Irish.

In addition to his love of running, he was an accomplished cyclist who rode his bike 168 miles across the state of Indiana (RAIN). He had a knack for fixing anything and beautifully restored hundreds of antiques. He never sat still and continually had a project he was working on. Always one to help, he will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle.

Steve is survived by his wife, Lia Niespodziany, his three siblings, Jeff (Linda) Niespodziany, Lynne (Rex) Rectenwal, Paul (Kristen) Niespodziany, and his three daughters, Chelsea (Brian) Balyeat, Michele (Jordan) Fredlake, and Emily (Aidan) Runyan. He was the proud grandfather of four- Braxton Balyeat, Brady Balyeat, Renlee Runyan, and a granddaughter on the way, baby Runyan. Steve will be greatly missed, lovingly remembered, and will be in our hearts forever. A Funeral Mass will be held on June 26, 2026 at 4:30 p.m. with visitation an hour prior at Christ the King Catholic Church, located at 52473 State Hwy 933 in South Bend. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Catholic Charities or the American Diabetes Association in Steve's memory.  Palmer Funeral Homes – Welsheimer North Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.  Online condolences may be left at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.