Mary Julia Grzelak

Mary Julia Grzelak (Eichenberger) passed away at the age of 107 on October 10, 2026 at Swiss Village, Berne, Indiana.

She led a long and eventful life. She had seven children, Susan, John, Tom, Rosemary, Jerry, Jim, and Julie, thirteen grandchildren, fourteen great grandchildren, and eight great-great grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her daughters Julie and Rosemary, husbands Ornell Stauffer and Henry Grzelak, and her two brothers Bill and John Eichenberger.

She was a Berne native, raised with love and affection by her parents Victor and Osie Eichenberger. She graduated from Berne High School in 1936 and attended the Fort Wayne Business School. For many years she worked for Dunbar, the furniture company in Berne, Indiana. She married Ornell Stauffer of Berne in January 1942. Her first daughter Susan was born in 1943. Ornell lost his life flying over Japan during WW2. Mary later remarried and bore six more children. She raised her children in an atmosphere of love, tolerance, and respect for others.

Mary was an avid reader and gardener. She loved animals and spent many pleasant hours watching birds. Hummingbirds were her favorite. She was also a basketball fan later in life and followed the Indiana Pacers enthusiastically. She made friends easily and maintained contact even as time and distance intervened. Mary was dearly loved by family and friends, and she has left many cherished memories to be shared by all.

The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation for the wonderful help and care given by the Swiss Village staff and hospice.

A gathering for family and friends will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon on Tuesday, October 20, 2026 at the Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home, Yager-Kirchhofer Chapel in Berne, Indiana. Interment will take place at the MRE Cemetery.