obituaries

Feb 22, 2020

Kenneth M. Galvan, age 54, of Virginia, passed away at home on Saturday, February 22, 2020.  He was born in Hammond, Indiana on January 20, 1966 to Gavino and Patricia (nee Edmunds) Galvan.  Kenneth retired from the United States Navy.  He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and the American Legion, both in Newport News, Virginia.  He...

Feb 21, 2020

BARBARA A.WARD, age 72, of LaPorte, formerly of Portage, passed away February 21, 2020.  She was born on February 19, 1948 to the late George and Eleanor Michaels. Barbara was a 1966 graduate of Portage High School and later in life retired from Midwest Products Company in Hobart.  In her free time she enjoyed shopping, loved a good visit,...

Feb 21, 2020

Helen Kay Hammond, age 79, of Hobart, passed away at home on Friday, February 21, 2020.  She was born in Gary, Indiana on July 11, 1940 to the late Fredrick and Florence (nee Reichart) Beckman.

Helen is survived by her sons, Daniel Kopack, Jeffery Kopack, *Steven Kopack; daughters, Christine (Todd) Bellis, *Marianne (Randy) Rush; grandchildren, Kalin Rodgers,...

Feb 19, 2020

Amelia Irene Creech, age 73 a longtime Portage resident passed away Wednesday, February 19, 2020.  She was born on July 21, 1946 in Gary, Indiana to the late Julius and Irene Jacob.  She worked for Franciscan Alliance for 16 years as a Surgical Tech.  Amelia loved crafting.  Her grandchildren meant everything.  She loved watching her daughters and granddaughters play...

Feb 18, 2020

Billy L. Gray, Jr., age 68, of Lake Station, passed away Tuesday, February 18, 2020.  He was born in Hammond, Indiana on July 26, 1951 to the late Billy and Etta (nee Davenport) Gray.  He retired from Arcelor Mittal.

Billy is survived by his wife, Linda (nee Mason) Gray; children, Ron Beaumont of Illinois, Melissa (Rich) Cannon...

Feb 18, 2020

Shawna Dawn (Tompkins) Wilson, 44

Born July 3, 1975

Deceased February 18, 2020

Shawna was born July 3, 1975 in French Camp, California.   Preceded in death by her parents Mary Helen Tompkins, Thomas Eugene Tompkins.

Survived by her husband, Errol Wilson, their children, and her 3 siblings.

She married...

Feb 18, 2020

John Patrick Doolin, age 54, of Hobart passed away at home with his family.  John was born June 23, 1965 in Gary, Indiana to George Allen and Christine (Milenkoff) Doolin.  John was a carpenter and worked and lived for many years in Nashville, Tennessee.  He will be dearly missed by his family.

John is survived by his...

Feb 18, 2020

Daniel M. Flowers

Age 73, of Hobart passed away Tuesday, February 18, 2020. He was born on January 3, 1947 in Martin, Tennessee to the late Jack and Ethel (nee Chandler) Flowers. Daniel was a retired Local 150 Operating Engineers and proudly served his country in the Untied States Army. On August 11, 1966 Daniel married the...

Feb 16, 2020

Joan (Joann) Garber, 91, of Hobart passed away Sunday, February 16, 2020 at Community Hospital in Munster.

Joan was born July 8, 1928 to Leo Nicholas and Mary Viola (Ward) Lenburg at Methodist Hospital in Gary, Indiana.

On May 12, 1956 she married Andrew C. Garber, in the Glen Park section of Gary, Indiana.

Feb 16, 2020

Carol A. Johnson, age 65, of Lansing, previously of Portage, passed away Sunday, February 16, 2020.  She was born in Hammond, Indiana on October 22, 1954 to the late Lebno and Lillian (nee DePaula) Johnston.  Carol will be remembered as a caring and generous friend and family member.

Carol is survived by her daughter, Kristie Butler; grandchildren,...

Feb 15, 2020

Lorraine "Steve" R. Trumbo, age 94, of Hobart, passed away at home on February 15, 2020.  She was born in Monon, Indiana on February 4, 1926 to the late John and Florence (nee Bonnett) Mitchell.  She was a Merrillville High School graduate, Class of 1942. She graduated from St. Mary Mercy Hospital, School of Nursing.  She worked as a...

Feb 15, 2020

John J. Elles, age 88, of MexIco, MO passed away Friday February 15, 2020. John was born March 19, 1931 in Lorain, Ohio to the late John B. and Helen M. (Sisco) Elles.  He retired from the Quality Assurance Department of US Steel but continued to work as a shuttle bus driver for Laidlaw Transit in the Mills for...

Feb 15, 2020

HENRIETTA CARMEN BORROEL EGUIA, age 89, of Portage, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, February 15, 2020, with her loving family by her side. She was born on March 24, 1930 to the late Raphael and Encarnacion Borroel.  Henrietta was a member of Nativity of Our Savior Church, LULAC and the Bonner  Senior Center.  She enjoyed gardening, fishing,...

Feb 10, 2020

Donald L. Baker, age 72, of Galien, Michigan and formerly of Gary, passed away Monday, February 10, 2020.  Donald was born September 26, 1947 in Watervliet, Michigan to the late Clarence and Nellie (Bronson) Baker.  Mr. Baker was a truck driver.   Donald was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ in Portage. He was a US Naval Veteran...

Feb 10, 2020

Arnold Jacobs

Age73, passed away Monday, February 10, 2020 at Symphony of Chesterton. He was born August 19,1946 in Pippa Passes, Kentucky to the late Kelly and Emma (nee Mullins) Jacobs. Arnold was a self-employed truck-driver. He was remembered as a loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend.

He is survived by his four...

Feb 10, 2020

John T. Spencer, age 79, of Portage, passed away Monday, February 10, 2020 at Miller's Merry Manor in Portage.  He was born on January 19, 1941.  He worked as a steelworker.

John is survived by his daughter, Tammy (David) Ranger.

Cremation has been entrusted to Rees Funeral Home, Olson Chapel.  219-762-3013.

Feb 10, 2020

Christopher Conor Thunder Szala, 33, of Olathe, Kansas, previously of Northwest Indiana for 32 years, took his own life after a long battle with depression. Leaving behind a loving Wife, Evelyn; Son, Conor; Daughter, Katie; Mother, Several Sisters, Brothers, & Close Friends. He is preceded in death by his father, Anthony Szala. Chris loved chillin' with his friends, playing...

Feb 5, 2020

Kathyrn "Katie" Frances Baum (nee DeFrance), age 75, of Hobart, passed away suddenly on Wednesday, February 5, 2020. She was born in Gary, Indiana on February 13, 1944 to the late Kenneth and Victoria (nee Zitz) DeFrance.  Katie had the sweetest spirit and was always willing to help anyone in need.  She loved with her whole heart...

Feb 5, 2020

Ellen Veotta (Wright) Henson, age 97, of Chesterton, Indiana went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, February 5, 2020. She was born on October 1, 1922 in Cloverdale, Alabama to the late Jesse and Emma Wright. Ellen was an excellent seamstress and she loved gardening, flowers and crafting. She dedicated her life to her faith in the Lord...

Feb 4, 2020

Lois Y. Evans, age 71, of Portage passed away Tuesday February 4, 2020. Lois was born February 12, 1948 in Gary, Indiana to the late Elmer and Margaret (Hutchins) Lemmon.  On March 13, 1965 she married David L. Evans. She was a Homemaker, loving mother, grandmother and wife. She was a devoted member of the Portage United Pentecostal Church....