CHARLES R. "CHUCK" KUZNICKI, age 84, of Portage, passed away at home on Tuesday, March 1, 2016, after a year-long battle with cancer. Self-sacrificing patriarch of a large, loving family, he was known for his warm smile, dedication to his wife and family, and a strong desire to be of service to others.
Affectionately known as "Mr. K" at Tittles in Valparaiso, Chuck was a grocery store manager for approximately 50 years. A founding member of Our Lady of Sorrows Parish, he was a lector, Eucharistic minister, usher, choir member, and a 3rd Degree charter member of the Knights of Columbus. Since 1989, Chuck loved serving as a Red Coat in the St. Mary Medical Center Auxiliary and thought of the St. Mary Hospital staff as a second family.
Charles is survived by his wife of 65 years, Phyllis (nee Dinsmore); 6 children: Mary Ann (Michael) Livovich, Crown Point; Kathleen (the late Carl) Pullara, Woodridge, IL; Michael (Kathleen) Kuznicki, Houston, TX; Susan (Durrell) Wheatley, Provo, UT; Elizabeth (Dan) Fleck, Missouri City, TX; Charles (Stephanie) Kuznicki, Katy, TX; 27 grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren; 2 sisters, Barbara (the late Thomas) Fadell and Charlotte (the late Rolland) London, Oregon; and brother, Arthur Kuznicki, Hobart. He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Florence Kuznicki, Gary; 2 brothers, Walter Kuznicki, Jr. and Theodore Kuznicki; stepbrother, Stanley Kuznicki; and infant daughter, Phyllis Ann.
Visitation will be Monday, March 7, 2016, from 2-8 p.m. at Rees Funeral Home, Hobart Chapel, 600 W. Old Ridge Rd., Hobart, Indiana with a St. Mary Medical Center Auxiliary service at 3:30 p.m. and a Rosary Service at 6:30 p.m. On Tuesday, March 8, 2016, visitation will continue at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Sorrows, 356 W. 700 N., Valparaiso, Indiana, followed by his funeral mass at 11 a.m. with Rev. Paul Quanz and Rev. Douglas J. Mayer officiating. Burial will follow at Hobart Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Mary Medical Center Auxiliary Scholarship Fund. For questions, please call (219) 942-2109 or go online at www.reesfuneralhomes.com.