James Skwiertz

Portage, Indiana

James Skwiertz, age 76, a resident of Portage and a longtime resident of Dyer passed away peacefully at home. He was born on May 13, 1934 in Calumet City, Illinois the son of Anton and Monica Skwiertz. Jim was a member of St. Andrew the Apostle Church and attended the St. Andrew the Apostle School. Jim graduated from Thornton Fractional North High School in the class of 1951 and attended Indiana University. He proudly served his country in the United States Army. Jim was married to Laurlie Van Willigan in 1956 and she preceded him in death in 1997. He then married Dorothy Hardy-Klingensmith in 2003. Jim was a retired meat cutter with Angelo's Market, Ready Froze, and Wiseway Supermarket with 26 years of service. He also worked as a machinist for 16 years with Velco Hinge. Jim was active as a Scout leader, a Cub master, Weblo leader, and district commissioner for the Golden Arrow. He was a member of the Dyer JC's and served as president. He was also the holder of the Indiana Yale Key Award. Jim was involved with the Dyer United Methodist Church for over 30 years serving on the Christian Education Committee and Men's Club. He was an active member of the 1st United Methodist Church of Portage and was a member of the super seniors. Jim was a master mason with McKinley Masonic Lodge and Dunes Masonic Lodge. He served as an associate guardian for Job's Daughters. He was a member of the Hammond Grotto, and served with the Grotto clowns, and is best remembered as "Squirty the Clown". Jim was an avid bridge player and a great dancer. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and a caring friend to all.

Jim is survived by his loving family; loving wife Dorothy Skwiertz, Portage, sons John (Lisa) Skier, TX, Mark (April Thompson) Skwiertz, Merrillville, daughter Karyn Krutchen, New Whiteland, children; Megan Thompson-Rogge, Crete, IL, David Thompson, Crete, IL, Daniel Thompson, Saulk Village, IL, Pamela Klingensmith-Niemiec, Roselle, IL, Patricia Klingensmith-Spencer, Portage, John (Debbie) Klingensmith, Walkerton, Terence (Julia) Klingensmith, Portage, and Keith (Ginger) Klingensmith, Santa Paula, CA, grandchildren Lorie (Tom) Meholic, J.C. Skier, Marcia Krutchen, Michael Krutchen, Megan Thompson, Daniel Thompson, and David Thompson, Josephine Smith-Riley, Brandon, Grace Elisabeth, 7 great-grandchildren, and other loving family and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Laurlie Skwiertz, twins Robert and Roberta Skwiertz, and a brother Bob Skwiertz.

A memorial visitation for Jim Skwiertz will be held Friday, January 14, 2011 from 11:00 am to 12:00 noon directly at the 1st United Methodist Church of Portage, 2637 McCool Road, Portage followed with a memorial funeral service at 12:00 noon with Reverend Dennis Ticen, officiating. Memorials in Jim's memory may be made to the Crossroads of the 1st United Methodist Church of Portage or the VNA Hospice. For further information please call Rees Funeral Home at (219) 762-3013 or online at www.reesfuneralhomes.com.