John Hnat, age 91 a lifelong Hobart resident passed away Wednesday, October 5, 2011. He was born on July 8, 1920 in Gary, Indiana to the late Michael and Mary Hnat. He served his country in the U.S. Army earning the medal for Action in Germany where he served as a veteran of action at the Siegfried line, Schmidt Roger Dams, the Remagen Bridgehead and the Ruhr pocket. He helped run Hnats Grocery Store in Gary and also worked at Anderson Company, U.S. Steel, and St Bridget School and Church.

He is survived by 4 daughters, Patricia (Dennis) Heckler of Hobart, IN; Theresa M. (Ron) Lee of Knox, IN; Marianne (Late Tim) Brush of Hobart, IN; Mary Joy (Robert) Boby of Valparaiso, IN; 1 brother-in-law, John Konicki of Hobart, IN; 9 grandchildren, Bridget (Dave) Berliner of St Louis, MO; Bob (Wendi) Heckler of Crown Point, IN; Michael Heckler of Hebron, IN; Laura (Dan) Darda of Knox, IN; Dave (Rebecca) Lee of Plymouth, IN; Missy Brush of Hobart, IN; Tess, Megan, and Sarah Boby all of Valparaiso, IN; 7 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Theresa Marie Hnat, 1 son, John Michael Hnat, and 1 daughter, Bernadette Hnat.

A Private Mass of Christian burial was Tuesday October 11, 2011 at St Bridget Church. Burial was at Calvary Cemetery, Portage. Call (219) 942-2109 or online at www.Reesfuneralhomes.com.