obituaries

Dec 23, 2023

Linda Y. Woudema (nee Stamper), of Chesterton, 71, passed away December 23, 2023, in Valparaiso, Indiana.  She was born April 12, 1952, to the late Vernon and Lena (nee Caudill) Stamper.

Linda married her love Gary Woudema on December 26, 1970, and together they raised one son, Gary "Bucky" Jr.  Linda was a lifelong homemaker who loved...

Dec 23, 2023

On December 23, 2023, Lidia Méndez, a loving wife, mother, and sister to many, went home to be with our Lord. She was the kindest soul anyone could ever meet. Her caring spirit touched the lives of so many. Caring for and helping others gave her great purpose, and she always did so with a happy heart, never asking...

Dec 23, 2023

Donna Jean "Beanie" (Utley) Fazekas, 54, of Portage, Indiana passed away December 23, 2023.  She entered the world on November 11, 1969, born in Gary, Indiana to the late Donald and Barbara (Hurt) Utley.

Beanie is the mother of three children and grandmother to seven grandchildren.  She was a free spirit that lived life in her own...

Dec 21, 2023

Carl H. Miller Jr.

Age 75, of Portage passed away on December 21, 2023. He was born in Gary, Indiana on December 20, 1948, to the late Carl H. Miller Sr. and Jean (nee Urdesu) Miller. He was a 1967 graduate from East Gary High School. Carl married the love of his life, Anna M. (Patton) Miller...

Dec 20, 2023

Reynaldo Herrera

Age 65, of Portage passed away Wednesday, December 20, 2023. He was born in Gary, Indiana on November 19,1958 to the late Eulalio and Sylvia (nee Tellez) Herrera.  Reynaldo was a very talented carpenter who enjoyed fixing things. He was known for his legendary holiday parties; he loved loud music and karaoke. His biggest treasure...

Dec 19, 2023

Kathleen A. Barlog, age 74, of Hobart was called home while surrounded by her family and close friends. Kathleen earned her wings on Tuesday December 19, 2023. On 12/21/2023 Kathleen took her Honor walk to be an organ donor.  Kathleen was born with a heart of gold on June 16, 1949, in East Chicago, Indiana to the late Norbert...

Dec 18, 2023

Joanne Catherine Troutman (nee Fitzsimmons), age 86, of Hobart passed away Monday, December 18, 2023. She was born on October 22, 1937, in Gary, Indiana to the late James and Mary Fitzsimmons. On May 25, 1957, she married Terry Troutman and together they raised four children. She was a kind and loving person who truly never met a stranger....

Dec 16, 2023

Randy Wayne Trover, age 64, of Hobart passed away Saturday, December 16, 2023. He was born on March 7, 1959, in St. Charles, Kentucky. Randy proudly served his country as a member of the United States Navy. He retired from The Times Newspaper, where he worked as a press operator. He was a BBC movie buff and really enjoyed...

Dec 16, 2023

Thomas "Tommy" Gonzales, age 68, of Miller Beach Indiana, passed away on December 16, 2023. He is survived by his two children Dawn (Johnny) Martinez of Crown Point IN and Michael (Elizabeth) Gonzales of Munster IN; the loves of his life, five grandchildren Johnny & Dominic Martinez and Ayden, Julian & Madelyn Gonzales; eight siblings and a plethora of...

Dec 15, 2023

James E. Osika, age 76, of Portage, Indiana, passed away with his loving wife by his side on Friday, December 15, 2023.

He was born on October 16, 1947 in Gary, Indiana to the late Barney and Ann Osika.  He was a member of the Portage Missionary Baptist Church and attended the men's Monday night bible study.  ...

Dec 15, 2023

Shandra Morris, age 61, of Lake Station passed away on Friday December 15, 2023. She was born on January 25, 1962, in Sutton, West Virginia to the late Garry Allen and Evelyn W. Morris. She worked at Arman's as a customer service associate for many years. Shandra was a very kind, supportive soul and would help anyone she could....

Dec 15, 2023

Nancy L. Zazado (nee Vereb), age 84, of Portage, IN, passed away on Friday, December 15, 2023.

Nancy was born on August 21, 1939 in Grindstone, PA to the late William and Irene (nee Totin) Vereb.  She was a graduate of Red Stone Township High School, Class of 1957.  Nancy married William C. Zazado, "Bill", on June...

Dec 14, 2023

In Loving Memory of Michael D Benka

April 5, 1948 - December 14, 2023

Michael D Benka, a dedicated husband, father, and cherished friend, peacefully passed away on December 14, 2023. Born on April 5, 1948, Michael's life was characterized by service, love, and a deep commitment to those closest to him.

A...

Dec 14, 2023

MaryAnn Bearss, 88, of Portage, was called home to be with the Lord Thursday, December 14, 2023.  She was born October 7, 1935, in Gary, Indiana to the late Gilbert D. and Dallas I. (Monahan) Tucker.

MaryAnn married the love of her life, Kim Bearss, in September of 1958 and they were together for 60 years until...

Dec 13, 2023

Aletria "Kay" Mardis-Storkman, age 66, of Hobart passed away Wednesday December 13, 2023, at St Mary Medical Center in Hobart. Kay was born November 20, 1957, in Gary, Indiana to the late Richard and Martha (Alvey) Mardis. Kay was a Certified Nursing Assistant for over thirty years and worked for many local nursing centers ending at Addison Pointe Health...

Dec 13, 2023

Thomas E. Coates, age 78, of Hobart passed away Wednesday December 13, 2023, in his home with his family by his side. Thomas was born April 10, 1945, in Gary, Indiana to the late Milton and Alfreda (Kossow) Coates. He worked for 19 years as a respiratory therapist for St Mary Medical Center, he also worked for Buy Low...

Dec 12, 2023

Tamara Sue Davison

Age 62, of Chesterton passed away Tuesday, December 12, 2023, at Valpo Care and Rehab, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on December 14, 1960, to Harold E. Fifield and Joyce E. (nee Hamilton) Fifield. Tamara loved the outdoors, going to the beach, baking, and doing crafts. Some of her favorite things...

Dec 11, 2023

Donna Faye Coburn

Age 85, of Chesterton, passed away December 11, 2023. She was born March 5, 1938, in Harrisburg Illinois to Richard and Veva Foster, who preceded her in death.

On January 29, 1959, she married James Coburn who preceded her in death in 1980. After being widowed as a young mother, Donna worked...

Dec 10, 2023

Libby A. Krasoczka (nee Skiba), age 87, of Hobart passed away Sunday, December 10, 2023, at home surrounded by her family. She was born on February 12, 1936, in Chicago, Illinois to the late Leo and Clara Skiba. Libby was an incredibly talented artist, fishing expert, master handywoman extraordinaire, loved her pool time, and a free spirit. She always...

Dec 8, 2023

Roger Lee Hill, age 79, of Portage, IN passed away on Friday, December 8, 2023.

Roger was born on August 26, 1944 in Leon, WV to the late Mont and Bessie (nee Howell) Hill and was one of twelve children.  He was a member of the Labor Union 81 and retired in 1993.  After retiring, Roger worked...