In Memory
Richard P. Langel, II
April 18, 1948 ~ November 22, 2025 (age 77)
Richard P. Langel, II, beloved son, husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at St. Joseph Medical Center.
Rick was born to Richard P. and Eleanor (Tschida) Langel, on April 18, 1948 in South Bend, Indiana, and graduated in 1966 from Clay High School. On August 22, 1970, he married Theresa (Terri) Jozwiak, who survives. He earned three degrees in Education from Indiana University Bloomington. Rick proudly served in the United States Army Reserve from 1970 to 1976, first in the Field Artillery Unit in Kingsbury, Indiana, and then in a Civil Affairs Unit in Kalamazoo, Michigan. He taught Earth and Space Science for 44 years, from 1970 to 2014, in the South Bend Community School Corporation at Navarre Middle School, Clay Middle School and LaSalle and Clay High Schools, inspiring many of his students to learn more about Geology and Astronomy. He also mentored future educators as an adjunct faculty member at Indiana University South Bend.
Rick leaves behind a loving family, including his wife Terri; his two daughters, Catherine Langel of Chicago, Illinois, and Kris (John) Fishburn of Plymouth, Indiana; his granddaughter Braelynn Fishburn and his grandson Brock Fishburn; his beloved dog Maya; two brothers-in-law, Tom (Pam) Jozwiak and Bernie Jozwiak; and his sister-in-law, Elaine Jozwiak. Rick was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Eleanor Langel; his father-in-law, Stanley Jozwiak; his mother-in-law, Theresa Jozwiak; his brother-in-law, Len Jozwiak; and his sister-in-law, Lois Jozwiak.
Rick loved his family above everything else. He took immense joy in cooking nightly dinners for his family, passing that tradition onto his children. He was an ever-present Papa to his two grandchildren, never missing an opportunity to cheer them on at their athletic events or applaud them at a school concert. He and Terri planned wonderful trips to Europe, where they were fortunate to cross many destinations off their bucket list. He was especially excited to walk among the stones at Stonehenge and stand in both the Eastern and Western Hemispheres at the Prime Meridian on their recent trip to the United Kingdom.
Rick pursued a variety of interests. He was a wedding photographer for 20 years, which led to a passion for nature and travel photography. The birds never went hungry, as he provided food and feeders that accommodated a variety of species. A proud supporter of Ducks Unlimited for many years, Rick enjoyed hunting waterfowl. He was an avid reader, especially of history and all things military. He was also a movie aficionado, often previewing movies to watch later with Terri.
Spending time with his close friends brought Rick so much joy. He was always the first to say yes when anyone asked for help, whether it was helping with a home project or delivering a meal to someone. He enjoyed reconnecting with many of his former students, sharing stories about past science lessons together. His outgoing personality and quick one-liners brought warmth and laughter to every occasion and it will be deeply missed.
Friends may join the family for a visitation on Sunday, November 30, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Drive, South Bend, Indiana, where a rosary will be prayed at 4:30 p.m. On Monday, December 1, 2025, a visitation will also be held from 9:30 a.m. until 10:15 a.m. at Christ the King Catholic Church. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Monday. Burial will follow in Highland Cemetery.
Memorial contributions in Rick’s memory may be made to Christ the King Catholic Church or to Indiana Ducks Unlimited, 10285 Dunn Road, Osceola, Indiana 46561.
Added 11/25/2025 0620 GMS
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