"Boodie" Bruce Alan Hecklinski

"Boodie” Bruce Alan Hecklinski, 60, of South Bend, Indiana, passed away on Thursday, July 19, 2018 surrounded by his family. Boodie was born December 13, 1957, in South Bend, to Joseph, Jr. and Lorraine (Lewinski) Hecklinski. On June 21, 1980, he married the love of his life Susan Trozzolo, whom he affectionately referred to as his beautiful bride. He is also survived by his three daughters; Sarah (Joe) Moore of Eugene, Oregon, Jessie Hecklinski of South Bend, Indiana, and Katie Hecklinski of South Bend, Indiana; one son, Joey Hecklinski of Indianapolis, Indiana; two grandchildren, Charlie Brunson and Henry Alan Moore; one sister, Mary Ellen (Scott) Mantooth of Benton, Tennessee; three brothers; Mike (Nancy) Hecklinski of Fort Myers, Florida, Don (Donna) Hecklinski of Hoover, Alabama and Ron (Monica) Hecklinski of South Bend, Indiana, and his loving mother Lorraine Hecklinski. Boodie was preceded in death by his father, Joseph, Jr. and one sister, Claudia Hecklinski. He was a life-long resident of South Bend, attending St. John the Baptist and St. Joseph’s High School, where he met some of his best friends and his beautiful bride Sue. He then went on to Manchester College where he played football and studied business. The friends and memories he made at Manchester held a special place in his heart and he continued to travel back every year with old friends for Homecoming.

Boodie was a celebrity. He lit up every room that he walked into (most of the time 15 minutes late) and was always the life of the party. He was an incredible husband, son, and friend. Not only was he a devoted father to his children, but he was also a role model and father figure to many others including their friends, his god-children, and the kids from the neighborhood. He was an outgoing and welcoming person who enjoyed having cookouts, listening to music, and hanging out in the garage where you could find him conversing about a wide range of topics including the Cubs, the hopeless Bears, “Da Bulls”, history, politics, his flowers, his vegetable garden, his family, or what song was playing. He was a true music savant who loved to challenge visitors to name the song or artist that was currently playing.

Boodie was most proud of his family. He was his children’s coach, their biggest fan, and always their loudest supporter. He made his own rules and could often be found down on the field or next to the court instead of in the stands.

Sue was the love of his life and his best friend. He would let her know just how much he loved her every day. They made each other laugh and had many adventures together. They were unstoppable euchre partners, enjoyed going to concerts, winning best costume at Halloween parties, or spending time at MR Falcons, where Boodie was the club President. They could always be found laughing and hanging out with their friends. Boodie and Sue were soulmates, plain and simple.

Boodie was one of a kind. He made such an impact on the lives of so many and will be dearly missed. His faith was inspiring, his spirit infectious, and his laughter contagious. He was larger than life and though he may be gone, he will always be remembered. Long may you run Boodie. 333

Family, friends, and others whose lives Boodie touched are invited to his Visitation at Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Dr., South Bend, Indiana from 2:00 until 8:00 p.m. on Monday, July 23, 2018, where a rosary will be prayed at 3:00 p.m. Come reminisce, share stories, laughter, and celebrate Boodie’s life with his family. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 24, 2018 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 3526 St. Johns Way, South Bend, Indiana. A committal service will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the go fund me account started in his honor at www.gofundme.com/hecklinski-medical-financial , or to his parish St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. Online condolences may be left at www.kaniewski.com.

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