Caryl Ilene Smith Okamoto, 93, of Highland, IN, died on September 23, 2019. She was born in Saint Mary of the Woods, IN, to Lee Roy and Madge Smith. Caryl graduated from Concannon High School in 1942 and Terre Haute Commercial College. She served in the USO during WWII, relocating to Chicago where she married George Okamoto. Caryl was a secretary at Waste Management, retiring in 1992. She was an avid reader; her library card was her prized possession. She regularly attended Munster library’s book club. Caryl sang alto in the United Methodist church choir in Griffith, IN, and was a founding member of its swing choir. She sang in…

Marilyn A. Lake, age 74, of Hobart, formerly of Dolton, IL., passed away September 27, 2019. She was preceded in death by her husband-Peter Lake; son-Jimmy Throw. Marilyn is survived by her daughter-Kari (Mike) Bates; three grandchildren-Rachel, Adam, and Alec Madsen. Visitation will be Monday, September 30, 2019, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at 11:00 a.m., at Burns Funeral Home, 701 East 7th Street, Hobart. Interment at Beverly Cemetery in Blue Island, IL. www.burnsfuneral.com.

Alton Roy Ellis, 89, of Hobart, was welcomed into Heaven on Tuesday, September 24, 2019. He was a member of the Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 846 of Chattanooga, TN., and Local 697 IBEW of Merrillville, for more than sixty-five years. He was preceded in death by his parents-Robert and Mary Ellis. Alton is survived by his loving wife of 70 years-Judy (nee Hall); 11 children, 27 grandchildren, and 38 great-grandchildren. Visitation will be held Friday, September 27, 2019, from 2:00 p.m. until time of service at 4:00 p.m., at First Baptist Church of New Chicago, 401 Huber Boulevard, Hobart, IN., Pastor Jerry Stepp officiating. Burns Funeral Home (Hobart) entrusted…

Deborah L. Richardson (Dickhaus) died peacefully at her home on September 20,2019 in Hobart, IN at the age of 50 after a courageous battle against colon cancer. She is survived by her parents, Walt and Sharon Dickhaus, her husband Roy, her daughters Hannah and Rachael, her brother Craig (Meghan) Dickhaus, her sister Sabrina (Mike) Snyder, multiple nieces and nephews, and numerous extended family. Deb was born on October, 10,1968 in Cincinnati, Ohio to Walt and Sharon Dickhaus. She attended Auburn High School (NY) graduating 1986, Western Michigan University, Nazareth College graduating 1991 with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and Olivet Nazarene University graduating 2016 with her Master of Science…

Obit and services pending.

George K. Gussman, Jr. age 67, passed away Saturday, September 21, 2019, surrounded by his loved ones. George was born in Chicago Heights, IL and raised in Lansing, IL. He attended Thornton Fractional South High School. George served in the US Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. George worked for 13 years at Inland Steel, followed by the Chicago Heights Post Office, then Kickert Bus Lines, before retiring in 2008. He was a loving family man, with an infectious sense of humor, which endeared him to many friends. He enjoyed being Papa to his six grandsons. George spoiled them every chance he got and was very involved in their lives,…

Deborah L. Richardson (Dickhaus) died peacefully at her home on September 20,2019 in Hobart, IN at the age of 50 after a courageous battle against colon cancer. She is survived by her parents, Walt and Sharon Dickhaus, her husband Roy, her daughters Hannah and Rachael, her brother Craig (Meghan) Dickhaus, her sister Sabrina (Mike) Snyder, multiple nieces and nephews, and numerous extended family. Deb was born on October, 10,1968 in Cincinnati, Ohio to Walt and Sharon Dickhaus. She attended Auburn High School (NY) graduating 1986, Western Michigan University, Nazareth College graduating 1991 with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and Olivet Nazarene University graduating 2016 with her Master of Science…

Obituary pending. Tentative visitation Monday, September 30, 2019 from 3-7 at Burns Funeral Home, 10101 Broadway, Crown Point, IN. Funeral will be held on Tuesday, October 1, 2019 at 10:30 at Protection of the Virgin Mary Orthodox Church, 8600 Grand Blvd, Merrillville, IN. Interment Calumet Park Cemetery.

Elizabeth Roumbos, age 92 of Pensacola, FL, formerly of Crown Point, IN passed away on Tuesday, September 17, 2019 .She emigrated to the United States in 1956.and worked at Turnstile, Venture,and Meijer as a retail clerk for many years. She was a faithful member of SS Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Merrillville, IN. She was always a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, great -grandmother, and aunt. Elizabeth made it a point of blessing others . Her joy was in hosting many holiday dinners for relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband- Steve; father- Anastasios Tasikas, mother- Alexandra Tasikas (Nuses), brothers -Nick and George Tasikas. Elizabeth…

Irene J. Mockaitis (nee Ksenak), age 78, of Hobart, passed away September 18, 2019. She was preceded in death by her husband-Frank J. Mockaitis; parents-Joseph and Helen Ksenak; brothers-Mike, Joe, and John Ksenak. Irene is survived by her six children-Michele (Sandy) McLennan, Diane (Doug) Rickert, Frank, III (Martha), Mark, Tom, and Matt (Sarah) Mockaitis; grandchildren-Ryan (Lauren), Ben and Nick McLennan, Will (Ashley), Roxanne (Mike), Madeline and Josephine Rickert, Kara, Kaitlin, Molly, Charlie, Gracie, and Archie Mockaitis; seven great-grandchildren; siblings-Monica Wiley, Frank Ksenak; many nieces, nephews, and extended family. Irene graduated from Hobart High School, Class of 59. She worked for many years as a teacher’s aid at St. Bridget School.…

Dennis M. Smolek, age 57 of Crown Point, passed away September 14, 2019. He graduated from Lake Central High School, Class of 79, and worked as a union carpenter in Chicago. Dennis coached Portage Little League for many years. Dennis was “a regular” everywhere he went and was loved by his 3 children, large family, and strangers throughout the country. He will live on through the people he so deeply loved and cared for. Dennis was preceded in death by his father- Dennis J. He is survived by his children- Dennis M. Jr., Ashley, and Justin; mother- Cynthia (David) Keilman; siblings- Betsy (Michael) Morris, Robert (Kim) Buford; many nieces, nephews,…

Beloved Paul A. Zale, age 73 of Hebron, IN, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on September 16, 2019 due to complications from lung cancer. Paul was born on April 3, 1946 to parents- Walter and Delores (Price) Zale in Gary, IN. He attended St. Luke’s school followed by Lew Wallace where he graduated in 1966. He worked at various places including U.S. Steel, Bethlehem Steel, and Metz’s Construction, before owning Cousin’s Auto Wrecking for 44 years, which he sold in 2018 to retire. Paul met Alexandra “Sandi” Damaskos in 1968 and married her at SS Constantine and Helen in Gary, IN on November 15, 1969. They would have celebrated…

Kenneth E. Bushnell, age 62 of Merrillville, IN passed away on September 14, 2019 at the University of Chicago Medicine. He was born in Arrington, England, raised in Galesburg, IL. He was a graduate of Galesburg High School, class of 1974. Kenny retired from Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad in 2018. He enjoyed traveling, golf and spending time with his family and friends. Kenny was an avid Chicago Bears and Cubs fan. He will be remembered for his generosity, sense of humor and love for his family. Kenny was preceded in death by his mother- Dorothy Bushnell Bundren. He is survived by his wife- Candy; sons- B.J. (Britt), Dustin (Melissa); grandchildren-…

Billy Johnson, age 69, of Black Oak/Calumet Township, passed away September 12, 2019 surrounded by his family. He was a retired member of USW Local 1011. Billy enjoyed riding his motorcycle and he loved playing and building guitars. He was preceded in death by his parents- Lela and Earl Johnson; 2 brothers- Dallas and Ernie Johnson. Billy is survived by his loving wife- Marcia Johnson; daughter- Tonya (Patrick) Brown; 2 sons- Billy (Renee) Johnson and Ryan (Allison) Johnson; 3 grandchildren- Blake Ramos, Ryan Jr. and Lily Johnson. Friends are invited to visit with Billy’s family on Wednesday, September 18, 2019, at 2:00 p.m. until the time of service at 7:00…

Ronald J. Troupe, Sr., age 66, of Hammond, passed away, surrounded by family, on September 13, 2019. He loved to get in the car and take a late night road trip with his dog, Buddy. Ronald was preceded in death by his mother-Dorothy Bossy. He is survived by his soulmate-Dianne Troupe; children-Susan Troupe, Ronald Troupe, Jr., and Patricia (Derek) Pitts; eight grandchildren-Cady Lynn, Samantha, Jeremy, Gwyneth, Ava Lee, Ead, Donovan, and Ian; many loving cousins; few dear friends. Friends may visit with Ronald’s family on Thursday, September 19, 2019, from 2:00 p.m. until the time of service at 7:00 p.m., at Burns Funeral Home, 10101 Broadway, Crown Point, IN. 46307.…

Roy McNeil, age 85 of Crown Point, passed away peacefully on September 12, 2019 after a seven month illness. He was born in Benton, AR, and graduated from Hammond High School. Roy was a supervisor at Lever Bros, Hammond for many years. He served his country in the Army during and after the Korean War. Roy’s passions included golf, Notre Dame football, country music, and old movies. He was the happiest when in the company of family and friends. Roy is survived by his loving wife- Georgene; sons- Dan (Sheri), Mike; daughter- Tammy; sister- Pat (Calvin) Belt; brother- Paul (Patty); stepsons- Ron (Debbie) Brindley, Tom Brindley, Gerry (Debbie) Brindley; stepdaughters-…

Janet M. Wagner, age 63 of Merrillville, passed away on September 11, 2019. Janet worked at 53rd bank for 25 years beginning as a floating bank manager and working her way to division ITT Tech manager. She was civic minded in various business organizations and was a member of Portage Chamber of Commerce. She enjoyed gardening and baking and being a mom to everyone. Janet was preceded in death by her parents- Herbert and Velma Johnson; her first husband- John Koehler. She is survived by her husband- Joe Wagner of Merrillville; children-Quinn (Eddie) Koehler of Highland, Tracy (Tom) Atkins of Merrillville; grandchildren- Devin Atkins (currently in the Marines) and Haley…

Thomas Ronald Taylor, age 70 of Hobart, IN, passed away on September 12, 2019. He was a graduate of Merrillville High School, class of 1967. Tom was a Vietnam veteran of the U.S. Army. He was an avid Chicago Cub fan. Tom spent 20 years coaching baseball and football in Colorado. He was preceded in death by his parents- Morton and Beatrice Taylor; sister- Judy Rebecca Wilson. Tom is survived by his sister Joan Beatrice Taylor Vith; brothers- Gary Morton (Mary Lou) Taylor, William Arthur Taylor, many loving nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be private. Contributions may be made to Meals on Wheels, Merrillville. Burns Funeral Home entrusted with…

Kenneth L. Moseley, age 88 of Crown Point, formerly of Steger, IL, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, September 13, 2019 surrounded by his family. Ken retired from Calumet Steel, Chicago Heights, IL. His favorite pass-time was spending time with his family, antiquing, repairing vacuums and driving Ms. Daisy (mom). He was preceded in death by his parents-James and Lena. Ken is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Juanita (nee Wilson), son- Ken (Dagmar) Moseley, daughters- Brenda Standfield, Shelia (Russ) King, Melinda (Phillip) Ragan, Delores (Joe) King, Joan (Larry) Boskey, Tammy (Jim) Tucker; sister- Mary Lindsey; brother- Richard Moseley; 28 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great- grandchild.…

Roberto Rodriguez Reyna, age 101, of Gary (Miller Beach), passed away peacefully on September 11, 2019, with his family by his side. Roberto was a dedicated and loving husband, father, grandfather, and brother. He was proud to have served in World War II, stationed on the island of Tinian. When his tour of duty ended in 1946, he came to Gary to begin a new life, working at Inland Steel (Arcelor Mittal) for an amazing 52 years of employment, retiring at the age of 81 years old. Roberto unselfishly dedicated his life to his wife and family with joy in his heart. He loved baseball, boxing, and dancing to Mariachi…