Edwin L. Fronczak, age 85, of Portage passed away Monday March 19, 2018 at Miller's Merry Manor in Portage, amongst his loving family.  He was born July 29, 1932 in Gary, Indiana to the late John and Mary (Wachowski) Fronczak, both immigrants of Poland.  Edwin never strayed far from his birthplace; growing up in Gary, he eventually moved to nearby East Gary and then Portage, his final resting place.

He is survived by his son, David J. (Renee) Fronczak of Porter; two daughters, Laura D. (Donald) Altman of Lexington, KY and Michele F. (Terry Frey) Taylor of Orland Park, IL; his brother, Daniel (Alberta) Fronczak of Hudson, FL; three grandchildren, Jonathan (Amanda) Fronczak, Michael Fronczak and Stephen DeWitte; a great grandchild, Kyleigh; and many nieces and nephews.  All of these he loved and touched deeply.  His true passion was his family; always putting them first especially the love for his grandchildren. He cared for everyone and shared his laughter and his love with whomever he was around.

He was preceded in death by two wives, Rosemary Fronczak (36 years) and Linda Fronczak (5 years); his parents; and siblings, Jean (Ed) Karski, Billy Fronczak, Irene (Luke) Saunders, Joseph Fronczak and Ben Hinonski.

A retired steel worker, Edwin spent over three decades working at the Rolling Mill at U.S. Steel Corp. in Gary, IN.  As the mills began to decline in the 80's, and too young to retire, he began his Security Guard career with TA TravelCenters of America, ultimately rising through the ranks whereupon he earned the title and lifelong nickname Captain Ed.

Edwin was a lifelong fan of the Chicago Cubs. In the 1940's, unable to pay the price of the streetcar, young Edwin hitchhiked his way to Wrigley Field to enjoy, from the stands, his beloved team.  In 2016, at the age of 84, his 'Boys in Blue' brought home the Pennant, winning the World Series (though he disagreed with Maddon's decision to pull Hendricks in the bottom of the 5 ^th in the final game of the series).

Above all else, Edwin was a man devoted to his family.  He also was a Portage Little League coach for his son David's baseball teams, an avid fisherman. Edwin served with the U.S. Army during the Korean War, though he was fortunate to have never seen battle.  Himself a basketball player, he proved to be a patient sports and then driving instructor for all of his children. In his golden years, he would tend to his pond and invite friends in for a cup of coffee.  He never met a stranger and if you crossed paths with him, you were luckier for it.

Please join us as we commemorate the life of this wonderful man.  Memorial services will be celebrated 1:00 pm Saturday March 24, 2018 at Rees Funeral Home, Olson Chapel 5341 Central Avenue Portage, IN 46368 with daughter Pastor Laura Altman officiating.  Memorial visitation will be held from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm on Saturday at the Funeral Home.  Since Edwin always insisted on paying the check, in lieu of flowers and donations, we ask that you treat yourself to a cup of coffee; nothing would make him happier.  Should friends desire, contributions may be sent to VNA of NWI, hospice, at www.vnanwi.org.