Joseph P. Durkin

May 13, 1917 – Sept. 25, 2004

Joseph P. Durkin, 87, of Miami Street, South Bend, Ind., passed away Saturday, Sept. 25, in Healthwin Specialized Care Center. He was born on May 13, 1917, in BuBois, Pa., and lived most of his life in South Bend.

On Dec. 29, 1943, in St. Patrick Catholic Church, South Bend, he married the former Betty Jane Zgodzinski. Joseph was a World War II veteran serving in the Army from 1941 until 1945. He was a Master Sergeant in the engineering corps. He retired in 1981 from AM General, where he worked as a purchasing agent. He had previously worked for 27 years for Studebaker.

Joseph was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church. He was an avid golfer and had played golf at Riley High School and for St. Patrick’s. He loved to play euchre and bowl. Joseph was a generous man and will always be remembered by his family and friends as a devoted husband, who loved and respected his beautiful wife. He was always so very proud of his children and grandchildren. The family would like to extend a word of thanks to the staff at Healthwin for all of their help and care Joseph received while there. Also, thanks to the caring staff at Alterra Sterling House.

Joseph was preceded in death by his parents, Patrick and Verna Durkin;and a sister, Helen Pfister.

He is survived by and will be missed by his loving family including wife, Betty Jane; his son, Michael Durkin and wife, Diane of Battle Creek, Mich.; their children, Deborah (Tim) Rummel, Matthew (Emily) Durkin, and Bethany Durkin; his daughter, Kathleen Cypher and husband, Jim of Novi, Mich.; and their daughter, Christina Cypher; and his son, David Durkin and wife, Christine of South Bend; and their children, Jennifer (Matt) Hamby, Kristen Durkin, Greg (Kelli) Krawiec, Brian Krawiec and Daniel Krawiec; and seven great-grandchildren

Friends may visit with the family today, Sept. 27, from 4 to 8 p.m. in the Welsheimer Family Funeral Home, 521 N. William St., South Bend. A Rosary will be held at 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, Sept. 28, at 10 a.m. in St.Patrick Catholic Church, with Rev. Leonard Chrobot officiating. Burial will follow at Highland Cemetery.

In loving memory of Joseph, memorial contributions may be made to Healthwin Specialized Care Center or to St. Patrick Catholic Church.

Article from 27 Sep 2004 The South Bend Tribune (South Bend, IN)

Source: Newspapers.com

08/10/2026 EJS