Stephen R. Herczeg, 88, residing in South Bend, passed away at 9:20 p.m. Thursday, December 10, 2020 in his home, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born February 3, 2020 in South Bend, a son of the late Steve & Irene (Borsody) Herczeg, and has lived in South Bend most of his life.  He received his BA in 1958, and his MA in 1962, both from Ball State Teachers College.  He proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Korean war from 1953-1955, with the “A” Company 5th Engineer BN (C) 7th Army in Giessen, Germany. 

On September 16, 1956 in St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, South Bend, Steve was united in marriage to Sheila M. Bedoe, who has remained the love of his life for 64 years.  Along with his wife Sheila, he is survived by his daughter Sara (Shawn) Curran of Fishers, IN; sons Stephen Herczeg of Columbus, GA; and Scott (Sandy) Herczeg of Mishawaka.  Also surviving are eight grandchildren, Meghan Curran, Kaitlyn Herczeg, Jordan Herczeg, Katie Herczeg, Austin Herczeg, Michael Herczeg, Christopher Brennan, and Johnny Hoof, along with four great-grandchildren, and two brothers, Anthony (Nancy) Herczeg, and Lewis (Nancy) Herczeg, both of South Bend.  He was preceded in death by his son, Stewart in 2017, grandson Stevie Herczeg in 2005, sisters, Elizabeth Molnar, Rosemary McColley, and brothers, Joe and James Herczeg, and Carl Alasko.

Mr. Herczeg began his teaching career in Middleton, IN for two years, Muncie, IN for five years, and retired in 1993 as a teacher from the South Bend Community School Corp., following 27 years of dedicated service.  He also coached football and wrestling, and was Athletic Director at Washington High School and Jackson Middle School.  He was an active member of St. Patrick’s Church where he served on the Finance Committee and Parish Council, was a member of the Indiana Interscholastic Athletic Directors Association, and the Riley High School Athletic Hall of Fame.

The family will receive friends from 3:00 – 7:00 p.m. Monday, Dec. 14, at the Palmer Funeral Home-Guisinger Chapel, 3718 South Michigan St., South Bend.  Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 15, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. In accordance with St. Joseph County and the State of Indiana, face masks and the practice of social distancing (6 feet apart) are required for both the visitation and Mass.  Burial will be at a later date at Highland Cemetery.

Expressions of sympathy on behalf of Mr. Herczeg may be offered to St. Patrick’s Church, 309 South Taylor Street, South Bend, IN 46601.  Online condolences to the family may be sent to www.palmerfuneralhomes.com