Walter L. Baran, age 88, of Griffith, passed away Tuesday, November 10, 2015 at a local hospital. He was born April 13, 1927 in Gary, Indiana to the late Peter and Sophia Darmofalski Baran. Walter was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church of Griffith, Indiana and was an active member of the Knights of Columbus. He was a retired school teacher from the Gary School System. Walter graduated from Tolleston High School in 1945 and was inducted into the United States Army immediately thereafter. He served with the 1st Cavalry Division during WWll with the Occupation Forces in Japan. After discharge, he enrolled at Indiana University, and after completing his freshman year was re-inducted into the military service during the Korean conflict. Upon discharge he re-enrolled at Indiana University in Bloomington, graduated with a B.A. Degree in 1953 and received his certificate to teach in the Public Schools of Indiana.
Walter was an avid sports fan, loyal to Indiana University's basketball team, Notre Dame and the Chicago Bears. He was also active with the V.F. W. and the American Legion, serving with the Honor Guard. Other interests included the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and politics. He served one term as a Representative in the Indiana State Legislature.
Walter is preceded in death by his parents and five siblings: Henry, Chester, Joseph, Edmund and Amelia Baran Kurowski .
Survivors include brother: John, of Hot Springs, Arkansas; two sisters-in-law, Catherine Baran of Hot Springs and Violet Baran of Merrillville, Indiana. Nieces and nephews Michelle Baran-Fenton, Randy Baran, Robert Baran, Edmond Mark Baran, Jeffery Kurowski and Cindy Kurowski and many great nephews and nieces.
A Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, December 12, 2015 1:00 p.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, 525 N. Broad Street, Griffith, IN 46319. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Rees Funeral Home, Hobart Chapel, 600 W. Old Ridge Road, Hobart, IN. For more information, please call (219) 942-2109. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.reesfuneralhomes.com