WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Rudolph “Rudy” John Orisich, age 97, of Three Rivers, was born in South Bend to Frank and Pauline Orisich on July 4, 1925 and was the oldest of their 4 children. He passed away peacefully in his sleep the morning of Tuesday, November 15, 2022.
He was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Rudy was generous without ever expecting anything in return. A truly independent spirit that lived life the way he wanted.
Quick witted with a great sense of humor, always punning, reading and solving crossword puzzles voraciously. Rudy had an impeccable memory and intellect which he enjoyed putting to use whether in conversation or telling stories with incredible detail.
Rudy attended Riley High School in South Bend,and enlisted in the coast guard Navy at 17. He was a signalman in World War II, crossing the Atlantic and Pacific numerous times on the destroyer, USS Peterson.
He married Virginia Derda on September 4, 1948. They were married until she passed away in 1984.
After the war he returned to South Bend and joined the Fire Department where he eventually retired as riding chief. He was always working with friends and family at different jobs outside of the fire department. A work ethic that he instilled in both his children. After retiring from the Fire Department, Rudy and Virginia moved to a house on Pleasant Lake (Three Rivers) where he remained for the rest of his life. This was his wife’s dream home and quickly became and has remained the epicenter for the Orisich family for the last 40 years.
Rudy has been very active his entire life. He loved nature, from hunting mushrooms and walking in the woods to fishing or ice fishing. He also enjoyed making, drinking, and sharing his own wine. He loved to make head cheese as well and I’m sure he would share it if anyone was brave enough to take him up on that.
Golf was something of an obsession for Rudy and he enjoyed playing for the last 50 years. He was still soundly beating his grandson even at 96 years old. It was a game he enjoyed and cursed but loved the time he got to spend with his friends while walking the back 9.
He has always loved to garden and was never afraid to get his hands dirty. When he wasn’t gardening, fishing, golfing, cooking or mushroom hunting, Rudy could be found at one of his favorite places, the Corey Lake Orchard. If you were lucky enough to spend time with him there, he would happily point out where to pick the best Fuji apples or lead you to the perfectly ripe cherries and strawberries. If you visited Rudy at his home, you were probably going to leave with a bag of apples that he had picked on his frequent walks there.
Rudy never wanted to bother anyone or ask anyone for anything, but he was always generous. Whether making sandwiches to give away at his daughter’s free store or shopping at yard sales only to donate the items he purchased. His generosity extended to his time as well, always helping friends and family whenever he was needed.
His home has been the family gathering spot for over 40 years and he loved hanging out with his 3 grandchildren from his son.
Rudy was preceded in death by his sister Paula Fodroci and his wife, Virginia Orisich. He survived by his brother, John Orisich and sister, Annie Nemeth; his children: William Orisich and Nancy Leland (Rick Leland), and his grandchildren Benjamin, Noah, & Ethan Orisich.
The memorial service for Rudolph John Orisich will be held Saturday, November 19, 2022 from 1:00 to 3:00 at Hohner Funeral Home, 1004 Arnold St., Three Rivers.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Rudy’s memory may be directed to Immaculate Conception School Trust Fund or Our Lady of Hungary Catholic Church, South Bend.
