Henry J. Tschida, Jr.

Henry J. Tschida, Jr, passed away on Sunday, November 19, at the age of 79, at the Hospice House in Elkhart.  He was born July 9, 1938 to the late Henry, Sr and Helen (Pinter) Tschida in South Bend and lived there most of his life except for a year in Baltimore, three years in Arizona, and his time in the service.

Hank, as he was called, attended the now defunct St Stephen’s school and parish.  He then attended high school at South Bend Catholic before moving to the ‘new’ St Joseph High School where he graduated in 1956.  Hank attended the University of Miami in Florida and Tri-State University before joining the United States Air Force where he worked on computers.  After his time in the service, he continued to work on computers at Studebaker, Torrington, and Bendix (Allied Signal), the latter from which he retired after 30 years.

Hank enjoyed playing and watching a variety of sports.  In high school, he played basketball, baseball, and football.  He also played football at college and in the service.  He was very proud of the perfect 300 game he bowled in 1976 as well as his two “hole-in-ones” he scored over the years, in his favorite sport, golf.

He was married to Susan (Heiermann) Tschida for ten years and, during that time, they had a daughter, Jenny (Tschida) Matheu of Wyoming, to whom he taught the love of travel through their many trips over the years to more than 40 states.  Jenny survives him, along with her husband, Trey Matheu.  He is also survived by his sister, Carolyn (Tschida) Helman, her husband, Phil, and their son, Bill, along with Bill’s family (Andrea, Jack, and Clara), as well as many cousins, aunts, and uncles.

Hank was a proud member of the Polish Falcons of America, M.R. Falcons Nest 4, where he earned the Legion of Honor Gold Medal, served in a variety of roles, and had many lifelong friends. 

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, November 22, 2017 in St. Hedwig Church.  Friends may call one hour prior to the service. Private burial will take place in Cedar Grove Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Center for Hospice Care.

Kaniewski Funeral Home is  in charge of arrangements.