Constance Anabelle Zemkosky (nee Tholl), age 61 of St. John, IN passed away on February 18, 2019 after a short time in a coma caused by a heart defect. She was the devoted wife of Stanley “Stush” for 34 years, who had passed away on October 9, 2018. She is survived by her two children, Joseph and John (Heather), father Edward Tholl, mother Sharon Sullivan, sisters Lynda Tholl-Sisken (Larry), Laura Spinale (Vincent), Patricia Arnold and brother Edward Tholl, nieces Amberlee Venters (Robert), Deanna Spinale and Tyler Arnold and many, many cousins. Connie loved her family and worked hard for them. She loved to cook and was a big fan of…

George John Volan, M.D., F.A.C.S., passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2019 in Schererville, Ind. Dr. Volan was born in Wad-Medani, Sudan in 1929. He attended college in Greece, graduating from the University of Athens Medical School. He came to the United States in 1956, where he interned in Jersey City and Atlanta before enrolling at the University of Louisville in 1958 to train in General Surgery, and to complete a fellowship in Surgery of the Hand. After marrying his wife Helen (née Voukidou) in 1960, they returned to Sudan in 1962 and Greece in 1963. They immigrated permanently to the U.S., settling in Northwest Indiana in 1964, where he…

Thomas H. Wainman, age 77, of Hobart, IN, passed away on February 15, 2019. He is survived by his daughter, Cheryl Ann Wainman of Portage; son, Thomas R. (Kara) Wainman of San Tan Valley, AZ; brothers, Mike (Caroline) Wainman of AL, John (Kathy) Wainman of SD, Robert (Irma, dec) of FL and Paul (Chris) of FL; sister, Mary Helen Wainman of Merrillville; grandchildren, Donovan Wainman and Ayden Collom and many nieces, nephews and friends. Preceded in death by his parents, William P. and Mary C. (nee Kelly) Wainman and his beloved wife of 43 years, Eleanor D. (nee Andrey) Wainman. Tom was a lifelong area resident. He graduated from Emerson…

Shaw W. Spurlock, 64, of Hobart, Indiana passed away on February 14th, 2019. He is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Cheryl, loving daughter Tracy (Josh) K Coons, granddaughters; Alexis, Brooklyn and Caylee, mother; Virginia Spurlock, sister; Karen Spurlock, his buddy dog; Wrigley and friends and family. Shaw is preceded in death by his father; Shaw "Wayne" Spurlock, his sister-in-law; Donna "Dee" Maples and other family members. He retired after 29 years of service with the Lake County Sheriff Department as a Detective. He loved sports, his Cubbies, watching his granddaughter softball games and babysitting them. He loved his music. He was loved and will be missed by…

Gregory Williams, of LaPorte, passed away on February 10, 2019 at the age of 63. Greg was born in Gary, Indiana to Ernest and Shirley Williams and attended school in Merrillville. He married his cherished wife Viviane in May of 2009. Greg proudly served his country as a US Marine and was a dedicated millwright at Arcelor Mittal for more than 18 years. He was passionate about history, cars and trains, and spent hours in the garage working on his own cars. He truly loved life and was always looking forward to the next project. He loved the purr of an engine as much as he loved the purr of…

Fred C. Ahrens Jr., age 75, of Merrillville, IN passed away on Friday, February 1, 2019. He was born in Chicago, IL to Fred Sr. And Elizabeth (Schwenk) Ahrens who proceeded him in death. Fred is survived by his loving daughters: Stefanie(Mark) Ahrens-Kruszewski and Staci(Mitch) Ahrens-Carr; grandson, Harrison; ex-wife and friend: Charlene Ahrens and sisters: Carole, Barb, and Pat. Fred proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy as a Machinist Mate during the Vietnam War. He retired from Acme Steel and volunteered with Meals on Wheels of NWI. Fred will be greatly missed. Friends may visit with Fred’s family on Saturday, February 9, 2019 at Calumet Park Funeral Chapel,…

Eugene F. Pete, of Hebron, passed away Sunday, February 3 at the age of 84. Gene signed on as a pitcher with the Cincinnati Reds after high school, and later went on to proudly serve his country in the U.S. Army. During his 40 year career with American Bridge, Gene supervised the steel sequencing of numerous Chicago landmark skyscrapers. He is survived by his beloved wife, Kathleen; and his loving son, Daniel (Linda); cherished grandchildren: Alysanne, Ryan (Fallen) and Kristin (Chris); 2 treasured great grandsons; his dear sister, Eleanor; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his brother, Stanley and sister, Jenny. He will be deeply…

Rita J. Burke (Rigaux), age 92, of Gary, passed away Wednesday, January 30th, 2019. Rita was born in Givet, France. She met and married her husband Jim while in France and later relocated to the U. S. in 1968. She was employed at AnCo for many years. She is survived by her loving husband of more than 50 years, Jim; her sister, Theresa (late Henri) Denis; and nephew, Daniel Denis. Visitation will be Tuesday, February 5th from 3:00-7:00 PM with a prayer service offered at 6:30 at Rendina Funeral Home, 5100 Cleveland Street, Gary. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Wednesday, February 6th at 10:00 AM at DIRECTLY St.…

Randal William Dutro, 61, made his final departure from Earth to our Lord in Heaven on January 27, 2019. He was born a native of Florida in 1957 to Don and Louise Dutro. Later on they would make Indiana his home. He enjoyed all things American. He loved his family, football and of course, the Lord. He lived in faith and he died in faith. Randy is survived by his devoted wife of 28 years Julie Dutro (nee Blanton), their 3 children; Craig Dutro, Sierra Dutro (Nikko Aldana) and Noah Dutro, one grand dog Nugget Dutro, two brothers; Alwin and Greg, three sisters; Lavon, Ester, and Lindy and an over…

James "Jimmy" Corralez, 74, passed away Tuesday, January 29th, 2019. He is preceded in death by his father Francisco and mother Jenny, sister Consuela and brother Paul (Pat). Survived by his wife Mary Lou, children Jaime, Marcos, and Lorena (Jason). 14 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. Sister Irene (Tino) Pineda and brother David (Margarit). He liked to dance, golf, and play cards, but most of all he loved spending time with his grandchildren.

Betty J. Shatkowski, nee Hickman, 87, formerly of Merrillville, passed away on Monday, January 28, 2019. She was a resident of The Reserve at Hamilton Trace in Fishers, Ind. From her birth on January 5, 1932, in Crown Point to her death on Monday, she enlightened friends and family with her love, faith and companionship. She married Theodore J. Shatkowski on October 7, 1961, who preceded her in death in 2001. Betty is survived by a son, David (Laura) Shatkowski of Fishers, Ind., a daughter Julie (Scott) Jackson of Dyer, grandsons Nathan and Benjamin Shatkowski and Ryan Jackson, a sister, Donna Nemeth, and many nieces and nephews. She was also…

Henry Martinez, age 66, of Gary, passed away Saturday, January 26, 2019. He is survived by his devoted wife, Carmen; loving children: son, Felix and daughter, Yolanda; dear sisters: Irene Bravo and Angela (Aurelio) Badolla; and many nephews and nieces. Visitation will be 3:00 – 7:00 PM on Friday, Feb. 1, with a prayer service offered at 4:00 at Rendina Funeral Home, 5100 Cleveland St, Gary. Additional visitation will be Saturday, Feb. 2, from 9:00 – 9:30 AM, also at Rendina, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM at St. Mary Catholic Church, 525 N Broad St, Griffith, Fr. Mens officiating. Interment Evergreen Memorial Park, Hobart.

Ellen Elizabeth Gavers (nee Blacka), 80, of Hobart, IN, passed away peacefully on January 24, 2019. Ellen is survived by her loving husband; Terry Gavers, son; Rodney E. Milligan (Theresa), daughter; Cynthia (Jeffrey) Scroggins, granddaughters; Alexandra (Joseph) Purevich, Elizabeth Milligan, Arielle (Jonathan) Bedoy, Chelsea Milligan, great grandchildren; Declan Purevich and Camila Bedoy. Ellen is preceded in death by her parents; Ernest Blacka and Agnes Blacka (Devine). Ellen was a compassionate nurse for over 30 years caring for patients at Methodist Northlake and Munster Community. She enjoyed dancing and traveling with her husband. She was very proud of her grandchildren and took great joy in becoming a great grandmother. Ellen adored…

Charlie M. Talbert Jr., age 93, passed away Sunday, January 20, 2019, in Portage, IN. Charlie was born on April 27, 1925 in Albemarle, NC. He is survived by his sons: Edward (Barb) Talbert and James M (Antoinette) Talbert; grandchildren: Jim (Karen) Talbert, Jennifer (Joe) Valles, Amanda (Brian) Bartosz and Scott Talbert; great-grandchildren: Michael (Katie), Nicole, Tim, David, Nick, Lily, Hank and Brody; sister: Grace Cagle and many loving nieces and nephews in North Carolina. Charlie loved gardening and stained glass work. He was a loving father, grandfather, and friend. Arrangements were handled by Calumet Park Funeral Chapel, Hobart, IN. For more information, please contact (219)940-3791.

Frances Remenius, age 84 passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday, January 15, 2019. She is survived by her children, Helen Hansell, Ernie (Terri) Remenius and Lisa (Jeff) Baker; grandchildren, Michael (Justina), Melissa, Melinda, Evan, Sicily, Christopher, Mariah (Charles), Cody and Hannah and seven beautiful great grandchildren. Preceded in death by her parents Paul and Helen Milenkoff (née Shayotovich), her beloved husband; Ernest Remenius, sister; Katherine Rollins and son in law; James “Mike” Hansell. Frances lived most of her life in Gary Indiana and was a 1952 graduate of Tolleston High School. She worked for many years with her husband in the Communications Department at the Gary Police Garage…

Barbara Ann Kutnik (nee Kawalec) WHITING, IN – Barbara Kutnik (85) was born April 27, 1933, in Chicago, IL. She passed away peacefully on January 7, 2019 surrounded by her family. She was the beloved wife of Edward Kutnik and loving mother of Michael (Kim) Mandas, Gayle (Michael Becich) Mandas, and Patrick (Sheryl) Mandas; grandmother of Erik and Paige Mandas; sister of Robert Kawalec; and cherished aunt of many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Margaret Bonaventura and Stanley Kawalec; her brother and sister-in-law, Edward and Peggy Kawalec; and sister-in-law Nora Kawalec. Barbara’s faith in God was very strong and she was a member of…

Sylvester Smith III was born in Chicago, Illinois on December 19, 1992. He graduated from Merrillville High School in May of 2012. Sylvester dabbled in sports as a child, but his favorite pastimes were skateboarding, playing video games, and his new-found passion, photography. Sylvester is survived by his loving parents: Vanessa L. Cohen Smith and Sylvester (Vernita) Smith Jr.; grandmothers: Nancy Smith and LaTiece Cohen; siblings: Dwayne A. Cohen and Saleah L. Smith; step siblings: Victoria Stanton, Dashioa Hogan, Michael Hogan and Ladarius Boyce; beloved aunts and uncles: Charisse (Glen) Henson, Dink F. Cohen III, Eva Nell Rogers, Reverend James E. (Beverly) Smith, Alicia M. Smith, and Michael (Sonya) Cephus…

Mijo Dukic Merrillville Mijo Dukic, age 79, of Merrillville, passed away suddenly on Thursday, January 3, 2019. He was born in Nuglasice, Bosansko Grahovo, Bosna (former Yugoslavia). Mijo immigrated to the U.S. and settled in Gary, IN in 1964. Mijo was a lifelong member of St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, Movement of Serbian Chetniks-“RavanaGora” and a supporting member of the Serbian Singing Soriety Karageorge. Mijo retired from the Budd Co. in Gary, IN. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mara (Rajkovich); his dear son, Ilija; siblings, Ilija, Stana, Jovan, Simo, and his dear cousin Dusan Djukic who passed one day before on Janurary 2, 2019. Mijo is…

Lawrence Alan Lundgren Lawrence Alan Lundgren passed away peacefully at 98 years of age on December 10, 2018 at Sunrise Senior Living, Lincoln Park, Chicago. He was born to August Rudolph Lundgren and Eva St. Claire Eastman Lundgren on May 24, 1920 in Hessville of Hammond, Indiana. After graduation from Hammond High School, he received his B.S. in Physics and an MBA in Business and Industrial Relations from the University of Chicago. During his long teaching career in physics at Hammond High School, his citations for excellence in teaching were numerous. Most notably, he was named by the American Association of Physics Teachers as Indiana’s Distinguished Physics Teacher, and the…

James E. Thornberry "Jimmy" age 66 of Hobart, passed away Thursday, January 3, 2019 with his family by his side. James was employed at Monosol Plastics for many years. Jimmy is survived by his loving wife of 30 years Denise (Hall) Thornberry; children Jimmy (Kara) Bobby (Mary) JenniferL(Paul) Heather (Jacob) Michael (Rose) Syerra; several grandchildren; and his siblings, Mike (Margaret) Danny, Sandy, Carla (Charlie) Patty ( Allen) Chris (Janice). Jimmy will be missed and fondly remembered. Visitation service will be held Monday, January 7, 2019 from 2pm to 6pm at the Calumet Park Funeral Chapel, 370 N. County Line Road, Hobart, IN with a Funeral Service being held at 530…

Minerva V. Elizaldi, age 94, of Gary, passed away December 31, 2018. Minerva was born and raised in Saltillo, Mexico where she met her husband, Armando. After moving to Gary, she became a devoted mother and homemaker for her family. She is survived by her cherished son, Ricardo, and lifelong beloved friends, Carmen Medellin and the Hernandez family, and many other dear friends. She is preceded in death by her husband; sisters: Concepcion, Angelica, Olivia, and Tona; and brother: Ignacio. Visitation will be held on Friday, January 4, 2019, from 3:00 – 7:00 PM and again on Saturday, January 5, 2019 from 9 – 9:30 AM at Rendina Funeral Home,…

John Dale Bumpus, 66, of Paragon, Indiana, formerly of Griffith, Indiana, passed away early December, 2018. John was born in Gary, Indiana, in 1952 to the late Albert William Bumpus and late Jacqueline Mary (Ellison) Bumpus. He lived most of his life in Griffith, Indiana, where he graduated from Griffith High School, class of 1971. John served his country with The United States Army during the early 1970s and was honorably discharged in 1974. John moved to Paragon, Indiana, in 2016 to enjoy the quiet rural lifestyle of that area. He had a love for nature and the outdoors, and especially enjoyed fishing. He soon referred to his Paragon home…

Jeanine Jovanka Andjelich passed away on January 1, 2019. Jeanine was born in Pont-a-Mousson, France to parents Albert and Helene (Bachman) Gouverneur on January 2, 1929. She immigrated to the United States with her 11 month old daughter in 1952 to be reunited with her husband, Jovo, residing in East Chicago then Gary, IN. Along with her husband she was a founding member of the St. Elijah Serbian Orthodox Church and proudly served as President of the Serbian Sisters Circle for 7 years as well as being a founding member and proudly serving as President of the Chetnik Serbian Sisters Circle for 10 years. She and her husband were founding…

Joanne Marie Gerike (nee Cramer), age 82, of Portage, IN passed away on Sunday, Dec. 30, 2018. Married to Albert Gerike, who preceded her in death. Loving mother of Jeff (Lisa Barnes) Gerike, David Gerike and Brian (Kristine) Gerike. Cherished grandmother of Zack, Justin, Lydia and Evan Gerike. Great grandmother of Kannon and Waylon Gerike. Friends may visit with the family on Thursday, January 3, 2019 from 3:00pm to 7:00pm at Calumet Park Funeral Chapel, 370 N. County Line Rd., Hobart, IN. Funeral Service will take place on Friday, Jan. 4, 2019 at 10:00am. Burial at Calumet Park Cemetery, Merrillville, IN. For more information please call 219-940-3791 or visit www.mycalumetpark.com

> Richard Marko Vrtikapa, age 91, of Merrillville, IN passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 1, 2019. He was preceded in death by his parents, Marko and Bosiljka Vrtikapa; his beloved wife Rose Mary, and their daughters Karen and Susan Vrtikapa, brothers Mirko Vrtikapa, Steve (late Judith) Vrtikapa, Gordon Vrtikapa and sister Dessa Bogosian. > He is survived by two daughters: Kathy (Jay) Friedlander of Carmel, IN , Nancy (Tom) Allesee of Palm Coast, FL; five grandchildren: Susan, Michael and Karen Friedlander and Taylor and Tyler Allesee; sisters Olga (late Ted) Vukelich of Midland, PA, Anka (late Theodore) Rudman, and Milena (late George) Rudman of Valparaiso, and brother John (Sue)…

James Beddome, age 56, passed away unexpectedly. He is survived by his children: Tiffany Beddome and James Beddome; father, James E. Beddome; siblings: Cindy Beddome and Cathy (Robert) Antrim. James is also survived by his nieces, nephews and dear friends. He is preceded in death by his mother, Nancy Beddome. Jim proudly served his country in the U. S. Air Force. He has a passion for guitars and enjoyed playing. James will be truly missed by all who knew and loved him. A memorial gathering will be held on Saturday, January 5, 2019 from 1 – 4 PM at Rendina Funeral Home, 5100 Cleveland Street, Gary.

Rose (Rosebud) Morales Ibarra, of Gary, age 98, born in Torreon, Coahuila, Mexico, went to be with her God on December 28, 2018. The oldest of the family with 11 siblings. Rose is survived by her son, William, and daughter Brenda (Ibarra) Ford, granddaughter Isidra, grandson James and great-grandson Beckham. Brothers Hilbert, Frank, Lupe, Ralph, Robert, and sister Socorro. Also, many nieces, nephew’s, cousins and old friends. She was preceded in death by her parents Toribio and Guadalupe Morales, Brothers Anthony, Andrew, Michael, Seville, and sister Theresa. Husband Salvador, Sons, Edward and Arthur. Rose graduated from Froebel High School class of 1939 and Gary Business College. She retired from the…

Ray W Rokicki LAKES OF THE FOUR SEASONS, CROWN POINT, IN Ray W. Rokicki, age 80, of Lakes of the Four Seasons, peacefully passed away on Wednesday, December 26, 2018. Born in Gary, IN on August 23, 1938, Ray was a graduate of Lew Wallace High School in Gary. He worked for his fathers grocery store until he joined the Air Force at 17 years old. Ray started at NIPSCO as a lineman and continued to work there in various roles for over 40 years. Ray valued spending time with his family especially his grandchildren. Ray is survived by his daughters: Michelle (Daniel) Jackson, Susan (William) Jackson; sons, Ray J.…

Cecil Alan Strydom, age 80, went to be with the Lord on December 16, 2018. He is survived by his loving wife of 28 years, Donna Strydom; sons: Joseph Strydom and Dwayne Strydom. Preceded in death by his father; mother, Maude Strydom; siblings: Lawrence and Bonita; and Honorary Pastor Kenneth Collins. Cecil was born in Port Elizabeth South Africa . He loved to sing and attend service at his church. Cecil was a loving husband, father and friend who will be truly missed. Funeral service will take place on Friday, December 28, 2018, 11:00 a.m. at Prayer Tower Fellowship Church, 4595 W. 29th Ave., Gary, IN (corner of 29th ave…

Zlatija Djerich "Goldie" Age 84, known by many as "The Strudel Lady from Gary", passed away on Wednesday, December 19, 2018. Born in Crna Gora (Montenegro-former Yugoslavia) and immigrated to America following WWII, She was a longtime active, Founding Member of St. Elijah Serbian Orthodox Cathedral, and its Circle of Serbian Sisters-"Kolo ". Her beloved Husband Stevan, preceeded Her in death. Zlatija is survived by her children, Wally (Mira) Djerich & Helen (Jon) Street. Dear Grandchildren: Dan Westforh (Anna) David Westforth and Stephanie Djerich. Sisters Milka (Radisav) Milich and Leposava (late Draguje) Bozovic, along with many Nephews, Nieces, Kumovi and dear friends. Funeral Services will be Thursday, Dec. 27, 2018–…

Johann H. Frenken Johann Frenken, age 91, passed away on Tuesday, December 18, 2018 at St. Joseph hospital, Mishawaka, IN after a brief illness from a fall. Johann was born in Bocket, Germany on August 11, 1927 to Hermann and Sophia Frenken, where he was the town’s blacksmith, and came to America in November 1957 with his wife Anneliese (nee: Müschen) and four children. They lived in Gary, IN for 50 years before moving to Granger, IN. Prior to retiring Johann was a welder for NIPSCO, a trade/craft he learned as an apprentice in Germany after WWII. He leaves behind his loving wife of 68 years Anneliese, daughters, Elizabeth (Liz)…