PETER J. BAIMAKOVICH, age 61, of Valparaiso, passed away Monday, March 7, 2011 while surrounded by his loving family. Pete was a lifelong area resident and retired from Arcelor Mittal Steel, Burns Harbor Plant. He was a US Army veteran of the Vietnam War, receiving an Army Commendation Medal with Valor and a Bronze Star

Peter is survived by his wife of 39 years, Cheryl; sons, Jason (Tracy) Baimakovich and Nicholas (Shannon) Baimakovich; grandchildren, Kalyn, Dakota, Ryan, Alyssa Baimakovich; 4 sisters, Dorothy (Pearl) Tucker, Norma Baimakovich, Millie Parker, and Annie Rymer; mother-in-law, Jayne Gordon; many nieces, nephews and other loving family and friends.

Peter was preceded in death by his parents, Phyllis and James Peter Baimakovich; brothers, Kris and Jay; and nephew, Brandon Rymer; beloved pet, Maxwell.

Private interment will take place at a Veterans National Cemetery. Cremation was handled by Rees Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Hobart Chapel. (219) 942-2109 or online at www.reesfuneralhomes.com.