John W. Gumkowski, age 82 of Lake Station passed away Friday April 15, 2011. He was born on May 7, 1928 in Calumet City Illinois to the late Frank and Veronika Gumkowski. He served his country in the U.S. Army and the U.S. Navy during WWII and the Korean War. He was past Commander for VFW Post 802 in Hammond where he also took care of bingo for many years, past Commander for the Calumet City American Legion, member of the American Legion Post 502 of South Haven, and a bartender for the Shamrock in Hammond and the Jolly Club in Calumet City. He retired from LTV Steel in 1993 where he had worked as a Millwright for many years. His favorite passtime was hanging with the guys in the garage.

He is survived by nieces and nephews, Ron (Cathy) Pochron, Peggy (Terry) Hill, Tim (Late Eileen) Pochron, Tori (Chris) Lundy, and many great-nieces and great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Rosalie (nee Helander), 1 sister, Emily Pochron, and 3 brothers, Edward, Hank and Frank Gumkowski.

Cremation will take place with Rees Funeral Home and Cremation service Brady Chapel, Lake Station. There will be a memorial service Monday, April 25, 2011 at 6 p.m. at the VFW Post 802, Hammond Indiana 46320.