obituaries

Oct 21, 2024

Matthew "Sobel" James Sobel,

Age 41, a Valparaiso resident, passed away October 21, 2024. Matt inspired those around him with his passion for fishing, tireless dedication as a Local 597 pipefitter, and unwavering loyalty to the Bears, leaving an enduring legacy through his remarkable spirit and commitment to excellence, evident in his high school football and baseball...

Oct 20, 2024

John  "J.R." Raasch, age 62, of Merrillville passed away Sunday October 20, 2024. He was a laborer at the Steel Mills and a Volunteer Firefighter in Merrillville, IN. There will be no services. Cremation was entrusted to Rees Funeral Home, Hobart, Chapel.

Oct 20, 2024

John G. "JR" Raasch, age 62, of Hobart, passed away on October 20, 2024, in Merrillville. He was born on June 9, 1962, in Gary, Indiana, to the late Harold and Pauline Raasch. JR worked as a laborer in the steel industry and proudly served on the Ainsworth Deep River Volunteer Fire Department.

He is survived by...

Oct 17, 2024

Kerry Scott Williams, age 62, of Hobart passed away in his home suddenly on October 17, 2024. Kerry was born September 08, 1962, in LaPorte, Indiana to William and Sandra Williams. He was a retired grocery stocker for Strack's Grocery Stores. Kerry loved cycling and was an avid Pez collector. He will be dearly missed by his loving family....

Oct 14, 2024

Chistopher M. Swider, age 53, of Lake Station passed away Monday October 15, 2024, at the St Mary Medical Center in Hobart. Christopher was born June 7, 1971, in Gary, Indiana to Henry and Connie (Myers) Swider. He was a welder for Steel Transport, Inc. Christopher was loved by his family and friends and will be dearly missed.

Oct 12, 2024

Sean Michael Campbell

Age 31, of Portage passed away on October 12, 2024. He was born March 12, 1993, in Valparaiso, Indiana to Donald Campbell and Diana (nee Perez) Campbell. In his early days, Sean enjoyed fishing, hunting, and playing paintball. Sean worked as a water blaster for Northern Plant Services. His tireless work ethic and pride...

Oct 11, 2024

Jorge A. Rocha, age 69, passed away unexpectedly Friday, October 11, 2024. He was born on July 25, 1955, in East Chicago, Indiana to Jesus and Maria Rocha. Jorge retired from Inland Steel where he worked as a steelworker for 31 years. He dedicated his life to the service of others and will always be remembered for his generosity.  ...

Oct 9, 2024

Kenneth Raymond Ballard, Jr. of Merrillville passed away Wednesday October 9, 2024, at St. Mary Medical Center in Hobart. Kenneth was born November 18, 1972, in Gary, Indiana to Kenneth Raymond and Donna (Lengyel) Ballard, Sr..   Kenneth worked for ASC Industries in East Hazel Crest, Illinois. Kenneth was a member of Gracepoint Church and Valparaiso Porter Lodge #137 F&AM....

Oct 9, 2024

Wayne Paschal Simmons, age 90 of Portage passed away Wednesday, October 9, 2024. He was born on July 22, 1934, in Nashville, Tennessee to Paschal L. and Euanelle Simmons. Wayne proudly served his country in the United States Army. He retired from Lever Brothers where he worked as a general foreman. Wayne was an avid sports fan, and he...

Oct 9, 2024

It is with great sadness that the children of Danny Albert McDowell announce his passing on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, at the age of 80.

Danny will be lovingly remembered by his surviving children, Timothy McDowell, Sandra Glass and Danielle (Aaron Stout) McDowell; grandchildren, Marcus (Brynn) McDowell, Matthew (Jessica) McDowell, Damian (Sandra) Glass and Crystal Glass; great-grandchildren,...

Oct 9, 2024

Robert Burns, age 69, of Hobart passed away Wednesday October 9, 2024, in his home with his family by his side. Robert was born January 10, 1955, in Gary, Indiana to the late Junior R. and Elsie Mae (Spangler) Burns. He retired from Iron Workers Local Union #395. Bob was an avid fisherman that had a special breading mix...

Oct 9, 2024

Rosetta (Stack) Rosenbaum (Grandma Rose), age 96 a longtime Hobart resident passed away Wednesday, October 9, 2024.  She was born on October 5, 1928 in Gary, Indiana to the late Leo and Catherine Stack.  Rosetta worked most of her life as a bookkeeper.  She was also a volunteer at St. Mary Medical Center and was past Worthy Matron of...

Oct 8, 2024

Erica Ann Radic-Lewis

On October 8, 2024, Erica 45 of Wheatfield formerly of Portage, unexpectedly passed away at home. She was born to Joseph Radic and Leesa (nee Viers) Handley in Valparaiso Indiana. She had a passion for traveling, a love for cats, and a heart that opened wide to give another chance, reflecting her greatest love...

Oct 7, 2024

Mabel S. Exl, age 100, passed away peacefully Monday, October 7, 2024, in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Mabel was born January 20, 1924, in Gary, Indiana, to the late Pearl and Edith (Smalley) Suter. Mabel was a Floral Designer for eighteen years with Kellen's Florist in Hobart. She loved her family and will be deeply missed and remembered as a...

Oct 6, 2024

Fred G. Summers Jr.

A beacon of love and loyalty, passed on October 6, 2024, at Community Hospital in Munster, leaving a lasting impact. Fred was born to parents Fred G. Summers Sr. and Sherri (nee Crowell) Summers on April 3, 1968, in Hammond, Indiana. He was a 1986 Merrillville High School and 1990 Indiana State University...

Oct 4, 2024

EDWARD E. SULLIVAN, age 79, of Portage, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 4, 2024, at his residence surrounded by his loving family.  Ed was a graduate of Edison High School and proudly served in the United States Army. He was a heavy equipment operator and never stopped moving. Ed had lots of hobbies including, collecting hot rods, trains,...

Oct 4, 2024

George "Mike" Michael Puchowski

Age 70, a lifelong resident of Northwest Indiana, passed away on Friday, October 4, 2024, at Brickyard Nursing Home in Portage. He was born on December 29, 1953, to the late George J. and Dorothy (nee Miller) Puchowski in Gary, Indiana. With an infectious enthusiasm, Mike savored every moment feeding and watching birds,...

Oct 4, 2024

Terry C. Troutman, age 88 passed away Friday, October 4, 2024. He was born on April 9, 1936, in Gary, Indiana to the late Sam and Laura Troutman. On May 25, 1957, he married Joanne Fitzsimmons in Gary. He served his country as a member of the Army National Guard. He retired in 1984 from US Steel where he...

Oct 3, 2024

Estella Montemayor (nee Rodriguez), age 104 passed away Thursday, October 3, 2024, at home surrounded by her family.  Born May 8, 1920, in San Benito, Texas to the late Cresencio and Getrudes Rodriguez, she was the fifth of 13 children.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Enrique Montemayor; her parents, Cresencio and Getrudes Rodriguez;...

Oct 2, 2024

Glen A. Geiselman, age 67, of Portage passed away Wednesday October 2, 2024, at Northwest Health-Porter in Valparaiso. Glen was born January 4, 1957, in Hammond, Indiana to the late Herbert and Beverly (Bogdan) Geiselman. Glen was a retired Police Officer for the City of Melbourne, Florida and drove a sucker truck for K-2 Industrial Services in Highland, Indiana....