DONALD R. "DIZZY" BLACKWELL, age 56, of Valparaiso, passed away Monday, February 21 2011 at the Regency Hospital of Porter County. Don had been a Northwest Indiana resident and a former Chicago area resident. He had been employed at J.J. Wright in Lansing as an auto body repairman and also employed with Norfolk & Southern Railroad. "Dizzy" was a member of the Midwest Van Club and an avid motorcycle enthusiast especially Harley-Davidson.
Donald is survived by his loving family, wife, Denise, 3 sons: Joseph Blackwell of Chandler, AZ, Jason (Joann) Blackwell of Portage, James (Jamie) Blackwell of Michigan City, daughter, Caitlin Blackwell at home, 3 grandchildren: Dylan, Ryder and Adrianna, 2 sisters, Donna (Nick) Hoff of Beecher, IL, Deborah Sliwa of Midlothian, Il, 2 brothers, Jerry (Georgette) Blackwell of Whiting, IN and Phillip (Marcia) Blackwell of Westville, IN and nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by: 3 sisters, Barbara, Carolyn and Wanda. Memorials are preferred to the American Juvenile Diabetes Association.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 509 W. Division Rd., Valparaiso, Saturday, February 26, 2011 beginning at 10 am with Rev. Douglas Mayer officiating. Don will be taken to church Saturday morning at 9:00 am. Burial will follow at Graceland Cemetery in Valparaiso, Indiana. Visitation will be held Friday from 2-4 & 6-8 pm with a Wake Service at 3:30 pm at Rees Funeral Home, Winfield Chapel, 10909 Randolph St., Winfield/Crown Point, IN 46307. For information please call, 219-661-2600 or online www.ReesFuneralHomes.com.