obituaries

Aug 20, 2020

Stella "Mary" Draves of Portage Indiana, passed away peacefully in the early morning of August 20, 2020 at the VNA Hospice Center in Valparaiso, Indiana with a family member by her side.

Mary is survived by her 2 loving boys, Laurance (Jennifer) Draves, Larry (Julie) Draves; 5 grandchildren; Marianne (Mark) Harrison, Harrison (Aubrey) Draves, Christian...

Aug 19, 2020

John Allen Leach, age 73, of Portage, passed away Wednesday, August 19, 2020 at home. He was born on July 3, 1947 in Hammond, Indiana to the late Norman and Ruby Leach. John was a 1967 graduate of Calumet High School. He proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army during the Vietnam war. He...

Aug 18, 2020

Becknal F. Long "Becky", age 67, of Hobart, passed away Tuesday, August 18, 2020. She was born on October 29, 1952 in Hammond, Indiana to the late Clyde and Leahdell Beeson. On May 8, 1972 in Kankakee, Illinois, she married Charles F. Long, Jr., who preceded her in death. She dedicated her life to taking care of her family...

Aug 18, 2020

Hobert M. Roberts Jr.

Age 92, of Lake Station, Indiana, passed away Tuesday, August 18, 2020. He was born on June 30, 1928 to the late Hobert M. and Pearl (nee Hensley) Roberts Sr. He married the love of his life Grace Roberts on December 4, 1945 and shared 66 yrs. with his bride. In his spare...

Aug 17, 2020

James Michael Burton "Michael", age 45, of Portage, passed away Monday, August 17, 2020. He was born on January 17, 1975 in Hammond, Indiana.

Michael is survived by his son, Christopher Burton; mother, Jacqueline Bernhardt; brothers, Robert (Carolyn) Burton, Charles Bernhardt; nieces, Brittney McCammon, Devon Burton; nephews, Bryce McCammon, Brent McCammon and Dakoda Burton; brothers-in-law, Bobby Bullock,...

Aug 15, 2020

Linda K. Gavelek, age 77, of Hobart, Indiana, passed away Saturday, August 15, 2020 at home, surrounded by her loving family.  She was born on October 8, 1942 in Gary, Indiana to the late Elmer and Viola Clingan.

On April 2, 1960, Linda married the love of her life John J. Gavelek in Hobart, Indiana.  She will...

Aug 14, 2020

Thomas C. "Tommy" Pieszchala, age 66, of Portage and a lifetime Northwest Indiana resident passed away Friday, August 14, 2020. He was born on April 23, 1954 in Hammond, Indiana to the late Andrew and Mary Ann Pieszchala.   Tom served his country in the U.S Marine Corps and the U.S Army. He was a member of American Legion Post...

Aug 13, 2020

E. Bruce Boling, age 82, of Hobart passed away Thursday, August 13, 2020 at the Wyndmoor Assisted Living Center of Portage.  Bruce was born November 6, 1937 in Hammond, Indiana to the late Frank and Adelaine (Tanner) Boling.  He was an electrician that retired from IBEW Local Union #697.  Bruce was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church. He...

Aug 13, 2020

Helen Mae Mills, age 102, of Merrillville passed away Thursday, August 13, 2020 in her residence.  Helen was born May 19, 1918 in Palermo, IL to the late James and Eva (Grider) Lindsey.  She was a homemaker, mother and wife.  Helen was a member of the St Mary Auxiliary.  She was a long-standing member of Trinity Free Methodist Church...

Aug 13, 2020

James Edward Lake, age 77, of Hobart, passed away Thursday, August 13, 2020 at home. He was born on June 28, 1943 in East Chicago, Indiana to the late Harold and Mary Lake. Jim was a 1961 graduate of Hobart High School where he lettered in football. He proudly served his country as a member of the United States...

Aug 12, 2020

Robert E. Guenther, age 77 of Valparaiso, Indiana passed away Wednesday, August 12, 2020 at his home.  He was born on July 15, 1943 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to the late Elmer and Evelyn Guenther.

Bob worked as a funeral director for many years in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and most recently at Rees Funeral Homes in Northwest Indiana.  He...

Aug 12, 2020

Penny M. Sosa (nee Roop)

Age 59, of Lake Station, passed away on Wednesday, August 12, 2020 at Saint Mary's Medical Center. She was born in Hobart, Indiana on May 24, 1961 to the Billy Jay and Shirley (nee Hastings) Roop. She was a devoted member of the Christian Assembly Church in Hobart. Penny loved to crochet,...

Aug 10, 2020

Terry Lee Brown (nee Bishop), age 80, of Hobart, passed away August 10, 2020 at home. She was born on November 13, 1939 to the late Ralph and Betty Bishop. She enjoyed cooking and fishing. She was a professional BINGO player. Terry loved children and devoted her life to their happiness as an Ice Cream Truck driver. She was...

Aug 10, 2020

Benjamin Pruitt Jr. age 68, of Lake Station, lost his battle with cancer Monday, August 10, 2020.  He was born in Gary, Indiana on January 26, 1952 to the late Benjamin and Elizabeth (nee Lucas) Pruitt. He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend.

Benjamin is survived by his wife of...

Aug 9, 2020

William "Ralph" Hill, Sr., age 85, of New Chicago, passed away Sunday, August 9, 2020.  He was born in Montgomery, Alabama on January 3, 1935 to the late Joseph and Ada Hill.  Ralph proudly served his country in The United States Army.  He was a New Chicago fireman where he held the position of chief for 8 years.  Ralph...

Aug 7, 2020

Sandra "Sandy" J. Bowman, Age 63, of Hobart passed away Friday August 7, 2020 at her home with her family by her side.  Sandy was born June 12, 1957 in Gary, Indiana to Michael and Joan (Collins) Gregor.  Prior to her illness, Sandy worked in food services for Wheeler Schools.  She enjoyed traveling, drawing, and spending time with her...

Aug 7, 2020

Phyllis Marie Trottier, age 87, of Hobart, passed away Friday, August 7, 2020 at Symphony of Crown Point.  She was born in Gary, Indiana on September 17, 1932 to the late Charles and Mabel (nee Hanaway) Kleckner.  She loved Bunco, crossword puzzles, Wheel of Fortune, and adored her grandchildren.

Phyllis is survived by...

Aug 4, 2020

DACRE "SHAWN" SULLIVAN, age 60, of Hobart, passed away Tuesday, August 4, 2020.  He was born on October 29, 1959 in Gary, Indiana.  Shawn recently retired from the East Chicago Police Department after almost 30 years of service. Shawn was an avid outdoorsman, fisherman, and football fan.   Above all, he valued the time he spent with his friends and...

Aug 4, 2020

Pedro Diaz Jr.

Age 71 passed away Tuesday, August 4, 2020. He was born June 26,1949 in East Chicago, Indiana to the late Andres and Patricia Gonzales. He was a U.S. Steel crane operator retiree. Pedro was a avid Bears and White Sox fan and he loved to eat ice cream. He will be remembered as a...

Aug 1, 2020

Kirk "Corkey" O'Connor, age 64, of Portage passed away Saturday August 1, 2020 at the Valparaiso Care and Rehabilitation Center in Valparaiso. Kirk was born October 18, 1955 in Gary, Indiana to the late Leo and Patty Jo (Ahrens) O'Connor.  Kirk was a retired crane operator from Arcellor-Mittal Steel Company.  In 1978 he married the love of his life...