obituaries

Jul 22, 2025

David Blaze Rocchi, Jr., age 36 of Hobart, passed away Tuesday, July 22, 2025. He was born on August 9, 1988, in Sedalia, Missouri to David Blaze Rocchi, Sr. and Janet Bennett. Blaze was currently employed as a machinist for Aero Machine in Valparaiso. He was a member of the Hobart VFW. He loved nature and was an avid...

Jul 22, 2025

Edward "Jack" Klug, age 94 of Hobart passed away July 22, 2025. He was born on September 9, 1930, in Hammond, Indiana to the late Joseph and Lenora Klug. Jack graduated from Hobart High School in the late 40's where he was quarterback for the football team. He was a lifelong fan of the Hobart Brickies and Notre Dame...

Jul 20, 2025

Earl D. Schnabel, age 86 of Hobart passed away Sunday, July 20, 2025.  He was born on December 22, 1938 in Gary, Indiana to the late Ralph and Ruth Schnabel.  Earl grew up in Merrillville and graduated from Merrillville High School in 1957.  He served his country in the U.S. National Guard.  Earl also lived in Portage and Crown...

Jul 19, 2025

Judith Arlene Torres, age 75, of Ft. Wayne passed away Saturday July 19, 2025, at the IU Heath Center in Indianapolis, Indiana. Judith was born January 16, 1950, in Gary, Indiana to the late Carl and Mary (Lefler) Randolph. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. Judy loved her family dearly, was a great cook, and...

Jul 18, 2025

Charles William Patterson Sr.

Age 70, Portage passed away on Friday, July 18, 2025. He was born on June 24, 1955, in Gary, Indiana to the late William and Irma (nee Cloke) Patterson. Charles retired from Inland Steel where he worked as an electrician. He enjoyed US history, collecting coins, and watching movies, most of all he...

Jul 17, 2025

Isabel R. Brown

Age 68 passed away Thursday, July 17, 2025, at Miller Mary Manor in Portage. She was born the daughter of the late Fred and Mary (nee Pio) Schammert in Gary, Indiana. After graduating she married the love of her life William Brown and dedicated her time to her family and loved spending time with...

Jul 17, 2025

Earl L. Travis, age 70 of Gary passed away unexpectedly Thursday, July 17, 2025. He was born on January 27, 1955, in Hammond, Indiana to the late Wilfred and Eloise Travis. He retired from Local #41 where he worked as a Laborer for BP Amoco. After retirement, Earl spent his days traveling the country with his wife Angie in...

Jul 17, 2025

William Franklin Brown

Age 90 passed away Thursday, July 17, 2025, at his home in Portage. He was born the son of the late Emmit Riley and Fay Marie (nee Allen) Brown in Gary, Indiana. Bill was a retired electrician for Local 697. He enjoyed golfing, buying antique cars and boating.

He is survived by...

Jul 14, 2025

Lottie Stanislawa Piesyk (nee Zuwala), age 77, a longtime resident of New Chicago passed away Monday, July 14, 2025.  She was born on October 19, 1947 in France to the late Michael and Anna Zuwala.  Lottie worked in the Lake County Recorders office.  She was a former member of Assumption BVM Church and currently a member of the Salvatorian...

Jul 12, 2025

Richard A. Waugh, age 75, of Portage passed away peacefully, Saturday, July 12, 2025, in Northwest Health-Porter Hospital in Valparaiso, Indiana. He was born March 24, 1950, in Hammond, Indiana to the late Richard E. and Wanda (Edwards) Waugh. Richard was a construction project manager through the Carpenters Local Union #1050. Over his lifetime, Richard enjoyed many hobbies including...

Jul 12, 2025

Elba Iris Concepción, age 75 of Lake Station went to join her Lord Saturday July 12, 2025, in her home with her family at her side. She was born April 18, 1950, in Humacao, Puerto Rico to the late Encarnación and Elvira (Lopez) Rivera. Elba was a self-employed seamstress. She loved sewing and caring for her family. She was...

Jul 11, 2025

Daniel Philip Hoffman, Sr., age 73, of Lake Station, Indiana passed away July 11, 2025 at home with family.  He served in the US Army from 1968 to 1971.  He loved to travel and go camping. He was well known in the Lake Station, Indiana area as "Kokomo".  He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Bonnie, daughter,...

Jul 11, 2025

Kathleen M. Silich Age 58, of Hobart, passed away at Regency Hospital in Portage. She was born on May 3, 1967, to the late Rudolph and Carole Silich in Hammond, Indiana. Kathleen was dedicated to her faith and attended Valparaiso Nazarene Church in Valparaiso. She was very artistic and enjoyed coloring, reading, and watching her favorite shows: Jeopardy, Entertainment...

Jul 9, 2025

McKenzie Marie Andrews (born November 29th, 2002) was called home to our Heavenly Father, Wednesday July 9th, 2025. McKenzie was known for her vibrant spirit and kind heart.

She is survived by her father—Charles Andrews Jr, mother—Kathleen Easto, and step-father—Brad Easto; her siblings Trenton Andrews, Logan Andrews, and Dakota Easto; her significant other Kaizha Stephens; her sister...

Jul 8, 2025

Kathy Lynn (Garza) Giese

Age 69, of Portage peacefully passed away on July 8th 2025, embraced by her children, family, and her dedicated caregiver, who was also a cherished friend and adopted daughter.

She is survived by her daughters, Michele (Tommy Ferro) Stanton, Mandy (Lucas Erickson) Stanton, son, Robert Johnson, grandchildren, Camryn and Jack Erickson,...

Jul 5, 2025

Inikko "Nikko" Miguel Irizarry, age 24, passed away unexpectedly on July 5, 2025. He was born on November 2, 2000, in Merrillville, Indiana to Sara Krebs and Jose Irizarry. Nikko had a contagious smile and the sparkle in his eyes could light up a room. He treated everyone the way he wanted to be treated and his love truly...

Jul 5, 2025

JOHN CHARLES SMOTHERS, JR., age 66, of Portage, passed away Saturday, July 5, 2025. He was born in Dubuque, Iowa on February 14, 1959 to the late John Charles, Sr. and Arlene Smothers. John grew up in West Chicago and lived in the Brookfield/LaGrange, Illinois area until he recently moved to Portage. John will be remembered as a loving...

Jul 5, 2025

Jerry L. Hays Sr.

Age 85 of Portage passed away on Saturday, July 5, 2025. He was born on August 28, 1939, the son of the late Lester and Elsie (nee Johnson) Hays in Ina, Illinois. He married his wife Kathleen Zajac on June 4, 1966, in Hammond, Indiana.  Jerry proudly served his country in the United...

Jul 2, 2025

Arthur (Duke) Chabes, Beloved father, devoted provider, and loyal friend, passed away peacefully on July 02, 2025, at the age of 71. He was preceded in death by dear family Jose Eusebio (Father) and Lillian Chabes (Mother), Jesse (Brother), Guadalupe (Brother), Ida (Sister), Lonnie (Brother), Daniel (Brother) Joe (Brother) and friends, whose memories he held close to his heart....

Jul 2, 2025

EMMA AROCHO, age 88, of Portage, passed away Wednesday, July 2, 2025, while surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Puerto Rico on January 12, 1937 to the late Castulo and Elena Otero. She was a strong woman and came to Indiana when she was 15 years old.  She knew the value of hard work, sometimes working...