Michael Leonard Stapinski, age 91, of Valparaiso, passed away Sunday, January 27, 2013 at VNA Hospice in Valparaiso. Michael was born on July 1, 1921 in McKeesport, Pennsylvania to the late Francis and Sophia Stapinski; he was a retired crane operator for U.S. Steel and proudly served in the US Navy during World War II. On September 28, 1946 Michael married the love of his life Mathilda J. Hallmen in Gary, Indiana. He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather and uncle.
Michael is survived by his wife; Mathilda J. Stapinski, son; Richard (Donna) Stapinski of Indianapolis, Indiana 3 daughters; Marcia (Ed) Lauridsen of Valparaiso, Indiana, Janice (Jon) Bradley of Greenwood, Indiana, Laurie Stapinski Glazer of Lisle, Illinois, grandchildren; Sheli Stratton , Jennifer Brooking , Robin McCurdy and Jill Bradley, 6 great grandchildren , numerous nieces & nephews and other loving family members and friends. He was preceded in death by parents, brother; Joseph F. Stapinski and sister; S.M. Consilia Stapinski. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Sangeeta Sehgal and Dr. Sandeep Sehgal and to the staff of VNA Hospice for the wonderful care they gave to Michael. In lieu of flowers donations to the VNA Hospice or to the American Heart Association would be appreciated.
Visitation will be held Friday, February 1, 2013 from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm with a 7:00 American Legion Service at Rees Funeral Home, Olson Chapel, 5341 Central Avenue, Portage. Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 2, 2013 at 11:00 am, with additional visitation from 10:00 a.m. until time of service also at Rees Funeral Home, Olson Chapel, with Pastor Craig Forwalter officiating. Cremation will follow.