obituaries

May 31, 2025

Barbara Jean Smith

Age 63, a Lake Station resident passed away peacefully at her home. She was born on November 18, 1961, in Gary, Indiana to the late Ernest and Annabelle (nee Cafin) Patten. She married the love of her life James Franklin Smith on October 19, 1985, in Portage, IN. Barbara was a compassionate person, loving,...

May 31, 2025

In Loving Memory of a Life Well-Lived

Audra Lee Hutcheson Watson 1928-2025

Audra Lee Hutcheson Watson, age 96 of Hobart, Indiana passed away Saturday, May 31, 2025, surrounded by her family. With deep love and enduring gratitude, we celebrate the life of a remarkable woman who touched countless lives with her kindness, her strength, and...

May 27, 2025

Isabel Perez (Quinones-Santos),

age 82 passed away Tuesday, May 27, 2025. She was born on July 14, 1942, in Penuelas, Puerto Rico to Luis and America Santos Quinones (both preceded her in death). As the oldest of five children, she was loving, protective and very caring of family.  She attended Barber college in Chicago in 1965, becoming...

May 27, 2025

Donald Bradbury

Age 78 of Michigan City, formerly of Portage, passed away Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at Franciscan Health in Michigan City. He was born on May 6, 1947, in East Chicago, Indiana to the late Edward and Myrtle Bradbury. Donald proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War and was a...

May 26, 2025

Anita (Skolak) Sakes, age 82, of Hobart, Indiana passed away on Monday, May 26, 2025 surrounded by her family with her three daughters by her side. She is survived by her daughters and their families: Christine and William (Boo) McCollum and daughter Marissa Anita of Hobart; Stephanie and Skip Cheesman and son Reagan of Greenwood, IN; and Roxanne and...

May 26, 2025

DAVID LEE HERRERA, age 78, of Hobart, passed away Monday, May 26, 2025. He was born on September 9, 1946, in Gary, Indiana to the late John, Sr. and Mildred Herrera. David graduated from Lew Wallace High School and went on to proudly serve in the US Army during Vietnam. He married the love of his life, Vickie Sue...

May 25, 2025

Troy A. Gardow, age 62 of Valparaiso passed away Sunday, May 25, 2025. He was born on March 21, 1963, in East Chicago, IN to the late Richard and Corazon Gardow. Troy worked at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church. He enjoyed camping and collecting beer signs. Troy was a great father and a caring uncle. His greatest joy...

May 23, 2025

Richard Shane Smith

July 26, 1954 – May 23, 2025

Richard Shane Smith, age 70, passed away peacefully on May 23, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on July 26, 1954, in Ardmore, Oklahoma, but raised on the shores of Lake Michigan in Miller, Indiana. Richard carried a deep love for his...

May 23, 2025

Jennifer Margaret Garza, age 63, of Hobart passed away Friday May 23, 2025. She was born on August 31, 1961, in Chicago, Illinois to the late William and Margaret (Klimas) Drury.

She retired from Northwest Health Porter, where she worked as a dedicated courier. She had a deep love for nature and found peace walking and driving...

May 22, 2025

Tina "Beaners" Thomas, age 58, of Lake Station passed away Thursday, May 22, 2025, at St. Mary Medical Center. She was born February 13, 1967, in Chicago, Illinois to the late Paul and Barbara (Saxinger) Thomas II. Tina was a chef for 33 years at Pucci Restaurant in Chicago, Illinois and after Pucci closed she worked as a manager...

May 21, 2025

Laura Jean Chylla, age 58, of Michigan City passed away Wednesday May 21, 2025, at the Center for Hospice Care in Mishawaka, Indiana. She was born July 3, 1966, in Portage, Indiana to the late William and Alice Mae (Kanoff) Clowers. Laura was a cookie maker with Hearthside Food Solutions. She was a loving grandmother, mother, and wife. She...

May 14, 2025

Juanita "NiNi (nee Stanley) Hughes

Age 83 of Valparaiso passed away Wednesday, May 14, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on November 27, 1941, in Caruthersville, Missouri to the late Milton and Modene Mary (nee Crowder) Stanley. Her family will forever cherish the memories of her exceptional love and devotion as a mother and...

May 14, 2025

Frances Kathryn Mason

Age 93, of Hobart passed away Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at The Waters of Hobart. She was born on June 29, 1931, in Gary, Indiana to the late Ovie B. and Clara (nee Heubel) Swim. She married the love of her life Thomas F. Mason on December 18, 1947, in Gary, Indiana, her husband...

May 13, 2025

Tamara Gail Hiestand   Age 55, of Portage, passed away Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at St. Mary's Medical Center. She was born in Gary, Indiana on July 24, 1969, to Ivan G. and Pamela Hiestand (née Blatz).

Tammy had a great sense of humor, and everyone loved to be around her. She was a skilled artist and enjoyed...

May 13, 2025

Patricia May Dahlgren (nee Charnetzky), age 88 of Portage passed away Tuesday, May 13, 2025.  She was born on January 27, 1937 in  Chicago, Illinois to the late Edgar and Edna Charnetzky.  She was a former member of the Garyton Covenant Church in Portage.

She is survived by one son, Dale E. (Dee) Dahlgren of Portage, IN;  ...

May 13, 2025

Perry Q. "BONES" Bonner

Age 96 a lifetime resident of Hobart, died on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at his home. He was born on October 7, 1928, in Hammond, Indiana to the late Basil and B. Madeline (nee Thompson) Bonner. He was a 1947 Hobart High School graduate and proudly served his country in the United States...

May 12, 2025

Lloyd L. Overton, age 77, passed away Monday, May 12, 2025, at home. He was born on April 10, 1948, in Gary, Indiana to the late Lloyd and Ruth Overton. Lloyd proudly served his country in the United States Air Force and was employed as a machinist. He enjoyed fishing and watching stock car racing and WWE Wrestling. He...

May 11, 2025

Nathaniel George Carl Arnn, age 27 of Griffith and formerly of Lafayette passed away Sunday, May 11, 2025, Mother's Day. He was born on November 20, 1997, in Fort Myers, Florida to Kevin Gagnon and Amy Oliver.   Known for his wit, loyalty, and that signature smirk. His heart was big, his presence unforgettable, and his love deep and lasting....

May 9, 2025

Jessie R. Long, age 86, of Hobart passed away Friday, May 9, 2025. He was born on January 25, 1939, in Tampa, Florida to the late Marion and Nancy Ellamae (Johnson) Long. Jessie had a passion for traveling the country and owned and operated his own Semi Tractor Trailer. He believed in family. His greatest joy in life was...

May 9, 2025

Terrance Hoernig

August 1, 1959 – May 9, 2025

Terrance Hoernig, of Knox, passed away on May 9, 2025, at the age of 65. Born on August 1, 1959, he was preceded in death by his parents, James and Rosellen Hoernig, and his son, Dustin Keaton Sr.

Terrance proudly served in the United...