Stephen L. Franko
Oct 2, 2026
Stephen L. “Spike” Franko, age 86, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 2, 2026, at Northwest Health – Porter. Stephen was born on November 16, 1939, in Gary, IN., to the late Stephen and Lenora, Franko.
Stephen was a proud United States Navy veteran and a retired automotive parts salesman. Throughout his career, he worked for McAnary Ford, D & M...
Frank R. Arredondo
Oct 1, 2026
Frank R. Arredondo, age 73, passed away Thursday, October 1, 2026. Frank was a 1971 graduate of Mount Carmel High School. From an early age, Frank understood the value of hard work. He was very proud that he worked through high school to pay for his tuition at Mount Carmel, demonstrating the determination and independence that would define him throughout...
Phillip G. Mesarch
Oct 1, 2026
Phillip George Mesarch, age 88, of Portage, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 1, 2026. He was born on August 9, 1938, in Gary, Indiana, to the late George and Mary Mesarch.
Phillip was a 1956 graduate of Tolleston High School and went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in marketing from St. Joseph College in Rensselaer. He proudly served his...
Julianna "Julie" Fitzgerald
Sep 30, 2026
Julianna “Julie” Fitzgerald, age 71, of Westville, passed away Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio.
She was born September 21, 1955, in Gary, Indiana to the late Raymond and Hilda “Connie” (Leath) Bliss.
Julianna is survived by her loving husband of 52 years, Grover “Skip” of Westville, two daughters, Melissa (Rich) Harley of Portage, and Rachel Woodside...
Russ Fife, Jr.
Sep 29, 2026
Russell Owen Fife, Jr., 67, passed away suddenly on September 29, 2026. He was born May 23, 1959, in Gary, IN to Russell, Sr. and Theola Fife. He was a 1978 graduate of Hobart High School.
On September 12, 2015, Russ married the love of his life, Karen. During their years together, they were not only husband and wife, but each...
Betty Marie Owen
Sep 28, 2026
Betty Marie (Carter) Owen, age 76, of Portage, passed away Monday, September 28, 2026. She was born on August 27, 1950, in Danville, Illinois, to the late Beatrice Barbara (nee Coplen) Carter and Harry E. Carter. Betty was a wonderful mother and grandmother who cherished spending time with her family. She especially loved doing things with her children and making...
Arthur O. Knight
Sep 28, 2026
ARTHUR O. KNIGHT, age 83, of Hobart, passed away Monday, September 28, 2026. He was born on July 11, 1943, to the late Ola and Vera Knight. Arthur was a 1961 graduate of Tolleston High School and earned his Bachelor of Business from Valparaiso University. He had a passion for collecting coins and stamps since he was a child and...
John Ornelas
Sep 26, 2026
John “Papa John” Ornelas passed away peacefully on September 26, 2026, at Saint Mary Medical Center. He was born in Gary, Indiana, to the late Pedro and Esperanza (nee Oseguera) Ornelas.
On February 27, 1965, John married the love of his life, Chuyita Zarate, whom he lovingly called his “Consentida.” Together, they shared a lifetime of love, laughter, family, and memories....
Bonnie Katherine Schwartz
Sep 25, 2026
BONNIE KATHERINE SCHWARTZ, age 76, of Lake Station, passed away on Friday, September 25, 2026. Born on September 27, 1949, in Sarasota, Florida, Bonnie moved through life with a warm spirit and a heart that always knew how to nourish others.
Bonnie’s love for cooking was one of her greatest gifts. In the elementary school cafeteria where she worked for many...
Carol A. Needham
Sep 24, 2026
Carol A. Needham, age 84, of Hobart, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at St. Mary Medical Center. Carol was born on December 23, 1941, in Chicago, Illinois, to the late James Zeller and Virginia (nee Daghy) Zeller. She married the love of her life, Jerry Needham, on April 15, 1961. He preceded her in death in September...
Michael W. Sukiennik
Sep 23, 2026
Michael W. Sukiennik, age 74, of Portage, passed away on Wednesday, September 23, 2026. He was born on September 1, 1952, in Chicago, Illinois, to the late Michael and Bernice Sukiennik.
Mike was a proud 1970 graduate of Lane Technical High School and went on to earn a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Illinois at Chicago. He...
Mary Kathleen Bradshaw
Sep 20, 2026
Mary Kathleen Bradshaw, age 66, passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday, September 20, 2026. She was born on December 23, 1959, to the late Mike and Ella (nee Roark) Cebra.
On September 26, 1981, Mary Kathleen married the love of her life, Anthony “Tony” Bradshaw, in Highland, Indiana. They shared nearly 45 years of marriage together.
Mary worked for many...
Wilfredo Gonzalez
Sep 16, 2026
Wilfredo “Freddie” Gonzalez, age 78 of Lake Station, passed away unexpectedly on September 16, 2026. He was born on May 20, 1948, in Moca, Puerto Rico, to the late Francisco Gonzalez and Virginia Sanchez.
Wilfredo, affectionately known as “Freddie,” was a simple man who found his greatest joy in his family. On December 14, 1974, he married the love of his...
Jeffery David Sutter
Sep 13, 2026
Jeffery David “Jeff” Sutter, age 72, of Valparaiso, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, September 13, 2026. He was born on September 21, 1953, in Hammond, Indiana, to the late John and Doris (nee Hertzer) Sutter.
Jeff was a retired burner for Bethlehem Steel. He was a true “good people” kind of guy who had a way of making...
Wayne Oscar Meitzler
Sep 12, 2026
Wayne Oscar Meitzler, age 83, of Hobart passed away Saturday September 12, 2026, at the Crown Point Health Campus in Crown Point. Wayne was born at home in Portage, Indiana to the late John and Nellie (Jud) Meitzler on January 1, 1943.. He was a member of Portage United Pentecostal Church. Wayne was a carpenter that was self employed working...
James Gilbert Santacroce
Sep 8, 2026
James Santacroce, 92, passed away peacefully on September 8, 2026.
Born on Friday, October 13, 1933, in McCool, Indiana, James was the son of Nunzio and Lucia Santacroce. He attended St. Bridget's Elementary School and graduated from Hobart High School in 1951.
On November 4, 1954, James married Peggy Cooper, the love of his life and devoted partner. Together they built a...
Kristin Joyce (Hiestand)
Sep 6, 2026
Kristin Joyce (Hiestand), age 29, of Portage, passed away on September 6, 2026. She was born on February 21, 1997, in Crown Point, Indiana.
Kristin had a wonderful sense of humor from the very beginning—even as a toddler, she had a gift for making people laugh and would light up a room with her smile. When she smiled, it radiated from...
Judith Ann Seaverns
Sep 4, 2026
Judith Ann Seaverns (née Allenbaugh), age 78, passed away peacefully at her home on September 4, 2026.
Born on November 24, 1947, in Marysville, California, Judith was the beloved daughter of Lora and Warren Allenbaugh. Throughout her life, Judy was known for her kindness, warmth, and the lasting impression she left on everyone she met. She was everyone’s “Nammy”, a nickname...
James E. Stoehr
Sep 3, 2026
James E. Stoehr, age 79, of Las Vegas, Nevada, passed away on Thursday, September 3, 2026. He was born on January 1, 1947, in Hammond, Indiana, to the late Melton and Evelyn (Cole) Stoehr.
James was a retired union meat cutter who enjoyed camping, spending time outdoors, target shooting, and refinishing furniture. An avid outdoorsman, he appreciated nature and the simple...
David E. Peach
Sep 3, 2026
DAVID E. PEACH, age 61, of New Chicago, passed away Thursday, September 3, 2026. He was born on July 13, 1965, to the late Denven and Marilyn Peach. He met the love of his life and was with her for 15 years before they married on February 14, 1996. Dave was a supervisor for many years at the Portage Township...
