obituaries

Aug 23, 2020

Carl Kozenchik, age 76, of Portage passed away Sunday August 23, 2020 in his home.  He was born April 11, 1944 in Gary, Indiana to the late Michael and Anna (Danch) Kozenchick.  Carl retired from the long term health care field where he served as the Maintenance Director for several area Care Centers.  He was a veteran of the...

Aug 22, 2020

Zachary Taylor Matthias Banasiak, age 24, of Hobart passed away Saturday August 22, 2020 at his home.  Zach was born January 1, 1996 in Blue Island, Illinois to Michael and Karen (Witulski) Banasiak.  He was an umpire and referee who was passionate about getting into proper position to make the correct call for many sports leagues and worked several...

Aug 21, 2020

Kimberly Ann Jorgensen of Latrobe Pennsylvania entered into an eternal rest on August 21,2020 at the age of 53 years and 11 months. Kim was blessed to Robert and Goldie Jorgensen of Council Bluffs, IA September 21, 1966 where she was welcomed by her 10 siblings. She graduated from Abraham Lincoln High School. She was an entertainer and traveled...

Aug 20, 2020

William H. Knight, age 82, of Hobart, passed away Thursday, August 20, 2020 peacefully surrounded by his family. He was born on October 19, 1937 in Youngstown, Ohio to the late Howard and Ruth Knight. On September 8, 1956, Bill married Patricia Ann Wall in Gary, Indiana. Both were 1955 graduates of Tolleston High School. Bill was a dedicated...

Aug 20, 2020

Gloria K. Smith (Nee Benson), age 84, of Merrillville, Indiana passed away peacefully Thursday August 20, 2020. Gloria was born October 2, 1935 in Chicago, Illinois to the late Adolph and Leona (Johnson) Benson. Gloria earned a degree in Home Economics and taught at a High School in Dewitt, IA. Gloria was known for her famous yeast rolls and...

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...