Bert A. Gumkowski

Bert A. Gumkowski, 100, of South Bend, Indiana passed away at 12:09 p.m. Saturday, July 4, 2026 in his home. Bert was born on January 1, 1926 in South Bend, Indiana to Alexander and Frances (Stachelek) Gumkowski, and had been a lifelong resident.  He attended Oliver Grade School and Washington High School in South Bend where he was a member of the band and played the clarinet, trumpet and trombone.  He was offered a trombone spot in the South Bend Symphony, but had to decline after being drafted at 18 years old to serve in the Army in WW II.  Bert served as a Clerk on an Army transport ship, The USS Admiral Hugh Rodman, from June 1945 to December 1946 and delivered troops to Japan.  Afterward, he went to pick up war brides in Germany and France to take to the United States. In all, he made six trips overseas.  He was in charge of entertainment by showing movies and, as ship DJ, playing records for all on board.  After completing his service, he got a job with Studebaker Corporation in South Bend as a draftsman where he designed engines and miscellaneous parts. In June 1947, Bert joined the Navy Reserves.  Bert was married on June 17, 1950 to Irene Cichon. He was activated in the Navy in November of 1950 for the Korean War effort and served until June 1952. He served on the USS Twining where he loaded the ship’s guns with powder and shells.  While in the Pacific, his ship was strafed and it made a small blip in The New York Times on October 14, 1951.  His wife saved a clipping of the newspaper article of that report which still remains in the family. In 1963, he got a job with the Bendix Corporation, and was granted 65 patents during his tenure, designing brakes which he did until his retirement in 1991.   Bert is survived by his three sons, Michael R. (Ann) Gumkowski, David A. (Charlene) Gumkowski and John J. (Sherry) Gumkowski, six grandchildren, Kristin (Lann III) Tarrant, Matthew Gumkowski, Alyssa (Brandon) Bernard, James Gumkowski, Amanda (Ian) Rebbeck, and Dan (Becca) Sibilla; and thirteen great-grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Irene, two sisters, Mary Gumkowski and Stella Hinton; and one brother, Stanley Gumkowski.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9:30 a.m. Friday, July 10, 2026 at St. John the Baptist Church. Entombment will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery.  A visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Thursday in Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Drive, South Bend, Indiana.  In 1956, the Gumkowskis joined St. John the Baptist Church at its inception and Bert has been a member for those 70 years.  He was also a member of the American Legion Post 50.  He was an avid woodworker and made tables and bookcases.  He enjoyed Bendix retiree breakfasts for many years. Bert loved going to Notre Dame Women’s basketball games and was a season ticket holder.  He was a lifelong Notre Dame football fan.  He enjoyed watching the Indiana Fever, doing word search puzzle books and going every week for coney dogs.   Most of all, he loved spending time with his family. He did that most recently on January 1, 2026 at a party with immediate family at Ruth’s Chris steakhouse.  On January 3, 2026, Bert again celebrated with 50 family members and friends at Pejza’s Tavern.  Bert was featured that night on WNDU news.  Memorial Contributions should be directed to your favorite charity.

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