obituaries

Jun 7, 2024

Charles "Chuck" Eichelberger, 73, originally of Valparaiso, Indiana, now of Denton, Texas, passed away at Navy Pier while strolling with his wife on Friday, June 7, 2024.  He was born April 9, 1951, in Valparaiso, Indiana to the late Glenn and Norma Eichelberger.

Chuck is survived by his loving wife, Darlene Eichelberger; children, Jesse Wilson, Errol (Maricel)...

Jun 6, 2024

WILLIAM CARL ANDERSEN, age 98, of Valparaiso, passed away Thursday, June 6, 2024. He was born on September 4, 1925 in Chicago, IL to the late Carl and Mathilda Andersen. William served his country in the US Navy during WWII. He retired from the Local #150 Operating Engineers after many years of service.

William is survived by...

Jun 6, 2024

Alfredo M. Castro, affectionately known as Freddie, passed away surrounded by his beloved family on Thursday, June 6, 2024. Born on September 27, 1945, in Lares, Puerto Rico, to the late Evangelista Castro Mercado and Elena Arce, Freddie lived a life marked by dedication, service, and music. A proud veteran of the Vietnam War, Freddie dedicated 37 years of...

Jun 5, 2024

Owen D. "Doc" Stephens, age 78 of Hobart, passed away Wednesday, June 5, 2024. He was born on October 8, 1945, in Hammond, Indiana to the late Dick and Irene Stephens. Owen was a Plumber and retired from the Plumber's local #210. For nine years he served as the business manager and financial secretary for the union. He was...

Jun 4, 2024

Jim Sonntag, 62, of Portage, Indiana passed away suddenly on an annual fishing trip in Dryden, Ontario, Canada.  He was born August 15, 1961, in Crown Point, Indiana to the late Richard and Georgia Sonntag.

Jim grew up in Crown Point and graduated from Crown Point High School.  He married Robin (Nee: Wilson) on December 31, 2005,...

Jun 3, 2024

Kathy Ann Trzepacz, 66, of Portage passed away June 3, 2024, at Northwestern Hospital in Chicago.  She was born September 25, 1957, in Watseka, Illinois to the late Norman Madison and Alice Carr.

Kathy grew up in Northwest Indiana and met Larry Trzepacz in 1976; they were married a year later in August of 1977 and together...

Jun 2, 2024

Phyllis Mae ("Tutty") Kludt Worak, long time resident of Portage, Indiana went to eternal rest on Sunday, June 2, 2024. She was at home with her loving caregivers, daughter Debi, and son-in-law Mark Richardson. She was born August 17, 1935, to the late Reuben and Evelyn Kludt. Phyllis is preceded in death by her husband Roger Earl Worak Sr....

Jun 1, 2024

James P. "WILDMAN" Henson

Age 57, of Winamac, formerly of Lake Station passed away Saturday, June 1, 2024, at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne. He was born October 28, 1966, in Valparaiso, Indiana to James and Joan (nee Doxtater) Henson. He was a 1985 River Forest graduate and proudly served his country in the United States Air...

Jun 1, 2024

David A. Bencze, Sr., age 72, of Hobart passed away Saturday June 1, 2024, in his home with his family at his side. David was born January 27, 1952, in Gary, Indiana to the late Andrew and Helen (Oslislo) Bencze. He was an ASE certified Diesel Mechanic that worked formerly for Volvo. David was an accomplished musician and loved...

May 30, 2024

Lisa Ann Thompson, 61, of Hobart passed away Thursday, May 30, 2024.  She was born May 16, 1963, in Gary, Indiana to Leland and Margaret Thompson.

Lisa graduated from Hobart High School in 1981.  She loved books and could often be found in her chair reading.  Mostly, Lisa enjoyed spending time with her daughter, grandchildren, and her...

May 30, 2024

Age 34 passed away Thursday, May 30, 2024. He was born on May 29, 1990, in Valparaiso to Catherine Renee (Purcell) Vandiver and the late James Hoover. He was a 2009 Edison High School graduate in Lake Station, and he worked as a truck driver for Strack & Van Til. Jacob was an avid Norte Dame fan and enjoyed...

May 30, 2024

Margaret H. Beal

Age 97 passed away Thursday, May 30, 2024, in Upshur, Texas. She was born on March 19, 1927, in Hammond, Indiana to the late Verus and Louise (nee Gillis) Gerhardt. On September 16, 1944, Margaret married the love of her life, Russell C. Beal Sr. in Gary, Indiana, and they spent 71 loving years...

May 30, 2024

"Skooter" Howard F. Beals, 69, of Lake Station passed away peacefully in his home Thursday, May 30, 2024.  He was born June 1, 1954, in Sebree, Kentucky to the late Henry Beals and Katherine Hoseapple.

Skooter moved to the Northwest Indiana area when he was a teenager and graduated from Portage High School.  He joined the Army...

May 30, 2024

Patrica Burnham of Portage passed away on May 30,2024. She was born on June 4, 1942, to the late Walter and Stella (Nee Dobis) Orlowski in Gary, Indiana. Patrica dedicated her life to caring for her family. She enjoyed camping, fishing, bowling and slot machines. Pat will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, cousin and friend....

May 29, 2024

Marie Vaznonis, 99, of Portage passed away May 29, 2024.  She was born March 31, 1925, in Gary, Indiana.  She was married to Frank Vaznonis and they raised a son, Tom, who both preceded her in death.  According to Marie's wishes, there will be no funeral service.

May 28, 2024

Eric V. Wieneke, age 45, of Hobart passed away Tuesday, May 28, 2024. He was born on March 4, 1979, in Hammond, Indiana. Eric was a family-oriented man and dedicated his time to his sons, his girlfriend, and her children. He had a heart of gold and would help anyone in need. He was a big football fan and...

May 26, 2024

James J. "Jim" Kish, age 67 of Gary passed away on Sunday, May 26, 2024.  He was born on January 29,1957 to the late Joseph Sr. and Helen Kish.  Jim attended Andrean High School and graduated from Lew Wallace High School.  He was the owner and operator of the Conoco Station in Hobart.  He also worked as an Ace...

May 26, 2024

JOSEPH A. "JOE" PEREZ, age 78, of Valparaiso, passed away, Sunday, May 26, 2024, at home surrounded by his loving family.  He was born on March 20, 1946, in Lares, Puerto Rico to the late Juan L. and Maria Perez.  Joe retired from US Steel (formerly Midwest) as a steelworker after many years of service. He was an avid...

May 23, 2024

Michael A. Mosher, age 69, of Portage passed away Thursday, May 23, 2024, in the comfort of his home. He was born on September 20, 1954, in Chicago, Illinois to the late Robert and Marcella Mosher. Mike retired from the Teamsters Union where he worked as a truck driver for 45 years. He loved riding his Harley and enjoyed...

May 17, 2024

Jose A. "Tony" Perez

Age 80, passed away Friday, May 17, 2024, at St. Mary Medical Center in Hobart. He was born on May 8, 1944, to the late Isias and Vicenta (nee Velez) Perez in Arecibo, Puerto Rico. He married the love of his life Teresa Moreno on June 2, 1982. He was a member of...