Eugene Kuzmic

Sept. 23, 1932 - July 30, 2018

SOUTH BEND, IN - Dr. Eugene Robert Kuzmic, “Gene”, passed away peacefully in his home July 30, 2018 at the age of 85.

Gene was born on September 23, 1932, in South Bend to Victor and Katherine (Busezky) Kuzmic, Sr. On September 10, 1955 he married Mary Ann Moorman at St. Jude Catholic Church in South Bend.

As a dedicated husband and father, Gene will forever be remembered by his loving wife and best friend for 62 years, Mary Ann, and their 11 children: Jeff (Leslie Bloom) Kuzmic; Joseph (Sheila) Kuzmic and their children, Michael, MaryGrace, Joey, and Katherine; Kim Kuzmic (pre-deceased 1988) and her children, Christa, Carri, and Aaron; Jon (Maria Teresa) Kuzmic and their children, Kyle, Dario, and Matthew; Greg (Patricia) Kuzmic and their children, Jack, Timothy, and Caroline; Victoria Kuzmic; Jeanne (Art) McCann and their children, Shane and Lucy; Janine (John) Govert and their children, Daniel, Erik, Drew, and Alexandra; Judy (Tony) Ragunas and their children, Vince and Madeleine; Beth (Ben) Pond and their daughter, Addien; and Paul Kuzmic and his children, Holly and Jackson. Gene and Mary Ann also have 7 great- grandchildren. Gene was preceded in death by two brothers, Victor Kuzmic, Jr. and Ralph Kuzmic; and two sisters, Katherine Smessaert and Eleanor D'haenens.

Gene was born in South Bend; he graduated from Riley High School, received a Bachelor of Science degree from Butler University, and received his doctor of dental surgery from Indiana University School of Dentistry. After honorably serving as a captain in the United States Air Force, he received his post-doctoral degree in periodontics from the University of Michigan. Gene happily served the Michiana area as a periodontist for nearly five decades, with a northside practice near Notre Dame.

Gene was a skilled golfer, carpenter, fisherman, gardener, and storyteller. He also had a special passion for Notre Dame sports.

Friends may visit with the family from 4:00-7:00 p.m. Friday, August 3, 2018 at Palmer Funeral Home-Guisinger Chapel, 3718 S. Michigan St., South Bend.

A Prayer Service will be held at 6:45 p.m. Friday in the funeral home.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in memory of Gene at Sacred Heart Church, 63568 US-31, South Bend, IN 46614 on Saturday, August 4, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. Military graveside and burial will follow at Highland Cemetery, South Bend.

Contributions in memory of Gene may be offered to Southern Care Hospice, 310 W. McKinley Avenue, Mishawaka, IN 46545. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.