Jerome D. Kreczmer

Jerome Dean “Jerry” Kreczmer Sr., age 83 of Mishawaka, passed away at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center on December 30, 2025. Jerry, or “J.D.” to many, was born September 24, 1942, in South Bend, Indiana to the late John and Julia (Plonski) Kreczmer. He was a graduate of St. Joseph High School, and later enlisted in the US Navy, where he served his country with honor and pride. On June 17, 1967, he married the love of his life, Leslie Heddens, in South Bend, and together they celebrated more than 58 years of love, laughter and countless adventures together.

Leslie survives, along with their children, Jerome (Pat) Kreczmer Jr. of Lakeworth, Florida, Catherine (Daryl) Davis of Osceola, Angela Kreczmer of Mishawaka, and Marc (Angie) Kreczmer of Osceola. Surviving as well are his grandchildren whom he loved and supported in everything they did, Danielle Kreczmer, Kyle Kreczmer, Dakota Kreczmer, Cassandra Sterling, Steven Davis, Caleb Davis, Ryan Austin, Amanda Austin, Timothy Austin, Courtney Kreczmer, and Grace Kreczmer. Surviving as well are 16 great grandchildren and his sisters, Janice (Rick) Miller and Jane Donofrio. Jerry was preceded in death by his grandson, Seth Kreczmer and his great granddaughter Addison Roe.

Jerry devoted more than 39 years of service to the South Bend Police Department, where he held various roles within the Detective Unit, Drug Task Force, and Fraud Department. He also worked part time in security for Notre Dame athletics, the South Bend Silver Hawks, and Union Station.

He was an avid sports fan and loved Notre Dame football, bowling, and cheering on the Chicago White Sox. He enjoyed golf outings with friends from the department and, in his younger years, served as an assistant football coach at St. Joseph High School. Jerry and Leslie shared a love for travel, taking cruises throughout Europe and attending both home and away games for the Notre Dame Women’s Basketball team, where they were longtime season ticket holders.

Jerry also enjoyed trips to the casino and made many memorable visits to Las Vegas over the years. He and Leslie loved attending plays and live performances at the Lerner Theatre in Elkhart and in Michigan City. He was also a proud member of VFW Post 360 in Mishawaka.

Visitation will be held from 4-7 pm Friday, January 9, 2026 at Cruz Family Funeral Home in Osceola. There will also be one hour of visitation prior to the 10:00 am funeral service on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at Cruz Family Funeral Home with interment and military honors to follow in Fairview Cemetery, Mishawaka.

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