Roman O. Kmicikewycz

Roman Oleh Kmicikewycz, 75, of Peru, Indiana, passed away surrounded by his three children and his cat, Pete, on January 19, 2023. He was born on April 22, 1947, in Landeck, Austria to the late, Roman A. and Olena (Lukijanowycz) Kmicikewycz during World War 2. Prior to the war, the Kmicikewycz family lived in Lviv, Ukraine, but left at the onset of the war. They eventually came to America on the SS Constitution through Ellis Island to New York and then to Chicago where they lived for over 10 years, and finally settling in Peru, Indiana. He was proud of his Ukrainian heritage and loved sharing his family traditions with those around him.

Roman proudly served in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. He enjoyed attending the annual Howard County Vietnam Veterans Reunion every year in September.  That time with his “brothers” sharing in stories, food, camaraderie, laughter, and a few tears meant so much to him. They meant so much to him.

He worked for Delco in Kokomo until his retirement. During his time at Delco he made lifelong friendships that lasted long after his retirement. Those were friendships he cherished until his passing.

One of his greatest passions of work was his pheasant farm, Roman’s Acres. He enjoyed caring for and building his farm with his children especially his son, Roman. Together they traveled to many swap meets and pheasant breeders across the Midwest.

Anyone who knew Roman, knew that he loved being outside, he was always busy taking care of his property, tending to a fire in his firepit while entertaining his close friends and neighbors, and listening to music outside while watching wildlife around him with his favorite dog, Bob, and later, his cat, Pete. He enjoyed woodworking and creating beautiful gifts for his family and friends.

Roman loved to travel and visited numerous countries including his birthplace in Austria. Two of his favorite trips included visiting his daughter, Natalia and her family, when they lived in Australia and traveling with his oldest daughter, Christine, to Denmark.

Roman had a personality bigger than life. He was loud, he was outspoken, but he loved the people in his life whom he called family and friends. He loved to laugh and joke, sometimes at the expense of himself, and he loved making videos and taking pictures to share with others.

What Roman was most proud of was his family. He loved his 3 children and 10 grandchildren with all that he had, and they gave his life purpose. His 10 grandchildren were the light of his world. He enjoyed being their Jajo. He enjoyed hearing them laugh and did anything he could to get a laugh or smile. He enjoyed their annual campouts where they fished, played, explored the woods, and made s’mores. He loved attending their sporting events and school functions. Most of all, he enjoyed time with them taking them for tractor rides, picking up sticks in the woods, pushing them on the swings, and creating memories with them. Every visit with Jajo, advice for life was given to those who were listening. His grandchildren will always be his greatest legacy.

Roman is survived by his daughter, Christine Hendrickson, and husband Matt and their 4 children, Vaughn, Helene, Naomi, and Macy (all of Fort Wayne, IN); his daughter, Natalia Hehir and husband Dave and their 3 children, Mayah, Sheridan, and Emmett (all of Fort Wayne, IN); and his son, Roman A. Kmicikewycz and wife Shae and their 3 children, Bohdan, Roman, and Aleksander (all of Avon, IN).

He was also preceded in death by his brother, Bohdan Roman Kmicikewycz.

The family will host a celebration of life for him in the spring, his favorite time of year. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a contribution to the Howard County Vietnam Veterans Organization in his memory. To make a contribution, Email: vveterans@aol.com, call 765-628-0297 or visit their website https://Hcvvo.net.

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