In Memory of Lee Stearns

 Lee Stearns

Mar. 7, 1955 — Dec. 25, 2020

LINTON, IN — Lee Stearns, 65, a lifelong resident of Northwest Indiana, passed away unexpectedly on December 25, 2020, in Linton, Indiana. He was born in Gary, IN, on March 7, 1955, the son of Paul and Marie Stearns.

He is survived by his children, Nate Stearns and Natasha (Nathaniel) Taylor; granddaughter, Lanie; mother, Marie Stearns; and siblings: Jim, Juanita, Wayne, Steve, Larry, Billy, and Bambi; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Lee is preceded in death by his wife, Veronica "Roni" Stearns, and father, Paul Stearns.

After graduating high school from East Gary Edison in 1973 Lee served his country in the United States Army.

Cremation was entrusted to Welch & Cornett Funeral Home in Linton, Indiana.

Online condolences can be sent at www.welchcornett.com.

In Memory of Roberta (Kludt) Koukol

 

August 13, 1955 - January 14, 2021

Roberta J. Koukol "Bert"was born August 13,1955 in Gary, Indiana to Reuben A. and Evelyn M. Kludt. Widowed by Orin R. Koukol until she met the love of her life Sam Akon. She attended Eddison High School in East Gary Indiana.

      She was a very outspoken kindhearted person who wasn't scared to speak her mind. Roberta helped anyone and everyone. She was a force to be reckoned with but a joy to be around. She was a bartender for a time and she also drove the ice cream truck for Renwalds for a number of years.

     Roberta departed this life on Thursday, January 14,2021 to be with the love of her life Sam Akon.

   She was preceded in death by her parents Reuben A. and Evelyn M. Kludt.Two brothers Wallace Hurd and Larry Kludt Two sisters Joan Butz and Bonnie Brogan.

       She is survived by three daughters, Lynette"Nette"(Vincent)Parks, Brandi"Kika"Kludt, Tiffany"Fatty"Koukol. One Brother Terrance(Diane)Kludt One Sister Phylis Worak Ten grandchildren Anthony"Lolly Man" Burgos Destiny"Lil Mamma"Burgos, Alex"Ally"Burgos, Antwon"Duddie"Koukol,Marcel"Marcelly"Young Jr.Treyvon"Bear"Jones,Tiana"Lil Missy"Koukol Isiah"Mister"Martin, La'Renzo"Lil Lar Lar" Wright, Janae Mae'Lil Bert'Koukol, Two Great Grandchildren Elijah"LaLa"Burgos and Skylar"Sky"Burgos A special niece Kimberly(Jeffery)Davies A Special Sister In Law Margaret"Christene"Taylor A sister to her Vickie Shields and a few  close families The Taylor Family, The Wright Family, The Akon Family, and The Davis Family also a host of nieces and nephews and great nieces and great nephews.

 The Family of Roberta Koukol would like to extend our most sincere appreciation for the generosity each of you has expressed in your own special way. Thank you All and God Bless You.

 

 

Repast will be held following the Visitation from 5pm-8pm (All children must leave by 7pm)

at

Voodoo Lounge 5060 Broadway, Gary, IN 46408

In memory of Linda Lee Pustik-Lindsey

 Linda Lee Pustik-Lindsey, age 66 of Chesterton, IN passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 16, 2021. She was born on January 20, 1955 in Gary, IN to John and Nettie (Kissel) Pustik.

On August 1, 1998, she married the love of her life, Lewis Ray Lindsey. Linda retired from Mittal Steel as an equipment operator after 39 years of service. She spent her time doing crafts, gardening, swimming, and traveling. She was a part of the Chesterton Senior group and a Master Gardener just to name a few. She will be remembered as a loving wife, Mamma Linda, Cha Cha, Grandma, and friend.

She is survived by her loving husband, Lewis Ray Lindsey; sons, Shawn (Grace) Lindsey, Steven Lindsey; granddaughters, Aaliyah Munoz, EllieMae Lindsey; grandsons, Aakiyus Lindsey, Aadoryin Lindsey, Ethan Lindsey; nieces, Selena (Teddy Burns) Schneckenburger, Colette (Pat) Walter, Cassie (Adam Gentry) Gouger; nephew, Joe (Melissa) Gouger; great-nephews, Wm. Troy Whitten, Brock Whitten, Stanley Igras; great-nieces, Taylor Igras, Lily Gentry and many other loving family members and friends. She was preceded in death by her mother, Nettie Pustik, father, John Pustik; daughter-in-law, Melinda Lindsey; sister, Paula Gouger and brother, Ivan Pustik.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Linda’s memory to VNA Hospice, 501 Marquette St., Valparaiso, IN 46383. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, February 20, 2021 at 12:00 pm at Edmonds & Evans Funeral Home Chesterton, 517 Broadway, Chesterton, IN 46304. Visitation will be held from 10:00 am until the time of service at 12:00 pm at the funeral home. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.ee-fh.com.

In memory of John Lubeck

 

John Edwin Lubeck

November 18, 1954 - August 6, 2021

VALPARAISO, IN - John Edwin Lubeck, 66, of Valparaiso, IN was called home on August 6, 2021, surrounded by the lovable weirdos who are forever grateful to be known as his family. He is survived by his patient saint of a wife, Vicki; his children: Eric (Dolores) Lubeck and Sarah Lubeck; grandsons: Max and George; brother Don (Kim) Lubeck; and sisters: Karin Barney and Meghan Lubeck. He is reunited in death with his parents Michael and Marlene (Hanisko); his brother Michael; and many spoiled dogs. John passed away eight years after receiving an early-onset Alzheimer's diagnosis. He bravely carried the burden of the disease while supported and cared for by his wife, and later, with the help of the amazing nurses and aides from Dunes Hospice.

John was born on November 18, 1954 in Gary, IN. He grew up doing hood rat stuff with his brothers, developing a love for fishing, and playing sports including: basketball, baseball and track & field. He graduated from East Gary Edison High School in 1973 where he met his high school sweetheart, a nerdy hottie named Vicki Paulk. On Valentine's Day 1974, a barely legal John and Vicki were wed. In 1973, John began what would become a 40 year career with Bethlehem Steel. John and Vicki raised two super cute and mostly normal children; road tripped often and took great care of each other always.

John enjoyed an assortment of manly man activities including: carpentry, camping, fishing, woodcarving, weight lifting, boating, hiking, gardening, fixing all things broken and building many things with his bare hands. He was an excellent cook, comedian, artist, athlete, traveler, Cubs fan, handyman, nature lover, a flannel shirt wearing, wood chopping, beer drinking outdoorsy hunk and an all around cool dude. He was resourceful, hardworking and creative in all that he did, a man of few words and constant action. He was genuinely loved by all who knew him as a husband, son, dad, papa, brother and friend. A proud and private man, John would have hated for you all to show up and make a fuss over him; accordingly, a private family memorial will be held in John's honor.

Help to those in need would be a most fitting tribute to John's legacy; donations may be made to Gabriel's Horn Homeless Shelter (gabrielshelter.org).

In memory of Deborah G. (Rice) Tully

 

June 23, 1955 - March 28, 2022

EUDORA, KS - Deborah G. (Rice) Tully, 66, of Eudora, KS, formerly of Lake Station, IN, passed away March 28,2022. She was born June 23,1955 in Gary, IN, the daughter of Daniel and Gertraud Rice. She was preceded in death by her mother; father; brother, Leroy; and sister, Danetta Rice. She graduated from Edison High School, Lake Station, IN.

Survivors include her children: Jason (Carly) Rice, Esther Rice, Debbie Tully, Danielle Tully, and Sarah Tully; brothers: Dan (Mary) Rice and Bob (Loretta) Rice.

The family would like to thank the following: The staff at Medicalodges, Eudora, KS; the Pastor and Prayer warriors from Pleasant Valley Baptist Church, Liberty, MO; The Care Team from Westside Family Church, Lenexa, KS; and special friend, Judy Kano.

A Memorial Service was held on March 3, 2022 at Pleasant Valley Baptist Church in Liberty, MO with Pastors John Newton and Brad Daniel officiating.

Deborah Garber

January 31, 1954 - July 6, 2022

Deborah Ann Garber, age 68, of Lake Station, IN, passed away July 5, 2022.

Debbie was a graduate of Edison High School. She was a joyful and kind person. Debbie cared for both her mother and father in their later years and worked primarily in the health care field. She will be greatly missed.

Debbie was preceded in death by her parents-Joseph and Stella (nee Grudzinski) Garber; brother-Wayne Garber; sister-in-law-Janice (nee Prusinski) Garber.

Prayers for Debbie will be held on Tuesday, July 12, 2022, at 10:30 a.m., at Burns Funeral Home, 701 East 7th Street, Hobart, and then proceeding to Calvary Cemetery in Portage, IN, for burial. Burns Funeral Home (Hobart) entrusted with arrangements.

In Memory (Updated 4/23/2023)

John (Bill) Neal 2/14/2023
Deborah Garber 7/5/2022
Deborah Rice 3/28/2022
John Lubeck 8/6/2021
Candace “Candy” (Olson) Napier 3/2/2021
Linda Pustik-Lindsey 2/16/2021
Roberta (Kludt) Koukol 1/14/2021
Lee Stearns 12/25/2020
William L. Rushing 3/28/2020
Steve Kurzdorfer 1/14/2020
Cyndi (Thorne) Travis 6/8/2019
Donna (Million) Springman 2/24/2019
Emma (Wright) Wanicki 6/17/2018
Jim Busch 2/25/2018
Mark S. Goodwin 7/21/2017
James Courtney 7/5/2016
Debra (Wright) Sosa 3/21/2015
Susan (Mardis) George 5/10/2014
Bill Lopez 5/2/2013
Betty (Davis) Purcell Baldridge 1/8/2013
Joe Cuellar 11/27/2012
Darrell Breckman 10/26/2012
John Grinder 12/14/2011
Anita (Berkley) Hise 6/30/2011
Eric Arzola 7/10/2010
James Mendez 2/5/2010
James Powers 1/4/2009
William Sable 10/11/2008
Pamela Flores 7/29/2007
Danny Hendrickson 3/17/2006
Margaret (Pilnock) Palmowski 2/8/2005
Joyce (Blatz) Echterling 2/7/2004
Phil Havard 5/19/2002
Cindy (Neal) Lyons 5/14/2002
Mike McDonald 4/27/2001
Mike Forney 1/8/2001
Ronald Williamson 6/26/1998
Timothy Murray 10/9/1997
Marlo Wahlman 2/15/1997
Scott Silverthorn 6/6/1994
Wilfred Joffre 1/10/1991
Michael J Mosier 12/24/1987
David Kolosci 5/21/1984
Edward Overbay 11/18/1979
Lester Pointer 6/7/1977
Thomas Dunn 12/27/1976
John Ramsey 12/14/1975
Joel Martin 5/22/1974
Linda Miller 5/29/1970

Pam Tokash Flores (1955 - 2007)

In Memory

The harshest reality of a high school reunion is learning of the death of a fellow classmate. You’re young, or maybe you feel young, so it is hard to believe a classmate just as young is no longer with you.

Linda Miller 5/29/1970

John Ramsey 12/14/1975

Thomas Dunn 12/27/1976

Lester Pointer Jun-1977

Edward Overbay Nov-1979

David Kolosci 5/21/1984

Michael Mosier 12/24/1987

Wilfred Joffre 1/10/1991

Scott Silverthorn 6/6/1994 

Marlo Wahlman 2/15/1997 

Timothy Murray 10/9/1997 

Ronald Williamson 6/26/1998 

Jerry Coppinger 10/28/1999

Mike Forney 1/8/2001 

Cindy Neal Lyons 5/14/2002 

Phil Havard 5/19/2002 

Joyce Blatz Echterling 2/7/2004

Margaret Pilnock Palmowski 2/8/2005 

Danny Hendrickson 3/17/2006

Pamela Tokash Flores   7/29/2007

William Sable 10/11/2008 

James Powers 1/4/2009 

James Mendez 2/5/2010 

Eric Arzola 7/3/2010 

Anita Berkley Hise 6/30/2011 

John Grinder 12/14/2011

Darrell Breckman 10/26/2012 

Jose Cuellar 11/27/2012 

Betty Davis Baldridge 1/8/2013 

So many things have happened
Since they were called away.
So many things to share with them
Had they been left to stay.
And now on this reunion day,
Memories do come our way.
Though absent, they are ever near,
Still missed, remembered, always dear.

Author Unknown

Ronald Gene "Ron" Williamson (1954 - 1998)

In Memory of Linda Miller

 

 

 

 

In Memory of David Kolosci

 

 

 

In Memory of Joe Loscaro

A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops.

--Henry Adams

 

 

 

 

Teachers were such an important part of our high school life. On the Facebook alumni site there was much discussion about Joe Loscaro. It was sad to note that he had passed at the young age of 58.

 

Some of the comments:

 

• Joe was my son's godfather... he is missed!
• What a guy...
• Yep.....Mr. A.V. Man himself!
• Joe Loscaro, He taught me to think what is now called outside the box. I sure learned lots of things from him. There were sure alot of what could only be called as eye opening experiences in his classes.
• For those of us that went to Columbus school we had him as a teacher fresh outta college then he went to the Edison teaching job loved this man he was so cool!
• I love this guy good teacher.
• I remember him getting me out of class the day after the original Star Wars opened. He had a bootlegged copy of it and we watched it in his office. Memories.
• Joe gave me his swatting paddle at the end of my Freshman Year. He wanted to give it to me on Awards day But The Principal would not allow it.
• He was the best, I had his wife for head start also.
• A lot of us that went to Columbus had him him elementary before he went to the high school, so we knew him, his wife, and his mom were neat people to know. He was awesome.

  His Mom one Christmas made each of us in his class a snowman outta apples and marshmallows.  It was neat. I kept mine in the freezer forever . It was too pretty to eat!
• He did love Star Wars! We had a fall dance and that was the theme! He sponsored us and Nancy even came! Loved him
• I had him and so did my kids loved him .
• Hey Joe! One of my favorite teachers! Passed too young.

 

In Memory of John Grinder, III

JOHN E. GRINDER III LAKE STATION, IN John E. Grinder III, age 56, a longtime resident of Lake Station passed away on Wednesday, December 14, 2011. He was born on September 16, 1955 in Gary, the son of John and Rachel Grinder, Jr. John was a 1973 graduate of Edison High School. He was married to Denise Elkins on July 26, 1975 in Lowell. John had been in law enforcement for his entire life. He worked on the Lake Station Police Department, the Hebron Police Department, at the Michigan City State Prison, and also as the head of Welsh Oil Security. For the last five years, John worked in court security at the Lake County Government Center. John enjoyed being with his family and taking care of all his pets. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and a friend to all. John is survived by his loving family: wife, Denise Grinder of Lake Station; sons: Johnny E. Grinder IV of Lake Station and Joel (Heather) Grinder of Portage; one grandchild, Tyler Grugel; mother-in-law, Dorothy Elkins of Portage; and other loving family and dear friends. John was preceded in death by his father, John E. Grinder, Jr; his mother, Rachel Grinder; and his brother, Ronald D. Grinder. A funeral service for John E. Grinder III will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, December 19, 2011 at Rees Funeral Home. Cremation will follow. Memorials in John's memory may be made to the Lake County Humane Society. For further information please call Rees Funeral Home at (219) 762-3013 or online at www.reesfuneralhomes.com.

Published in The Times on December 17, 2011

In Memory of Timothy Murray

A guest post from Timothy's wife

My name is Anita Sliger Murray, class of 1976. I was married to Timothy E. Murray

for 20 years. We dated all through high school. We grew up on Vanderburgh St.

Tim passed away at home in his sleep in October 1997. Tim left 4 children, Tim Jr.,Dan, Eric, and Melissa. Tim will always be in our hearts, it was a shock, he was only 42 years old. I have seven grandchildren.  Tim never got to enjoy them. Tim was a funny, and joking guy. Tim and his family were involved with the East Gary Little League many years ago. Tim's  grandparents owned the Old Lake Tavern for many years. Tim graduated with the class of 1973. I guess I would like to see maybe a prayer service for all that have passed on from the class of 1973.

Thank You, Anita Murray and Family of Timothy E. Murray

Obituary published in Post Tribune

 

Timothy E. Murray, Sr. Age 42, of Portage, passed away Thursday, October 9, 1997, at his home. He was born May 26, 1955, in Gary, Ind., to the late Michael and Darlene (Albright) Murray. He was a 1973 graduate of Thomas Edison High School in East Gary and was an area resident all of his life. He was married to Anita Sliger on March 22, 1977, at Crown Point, Ind. He was a crane operator at Midwest Steel and a member of Steelworkers Local 6103, AFL-CIO. Also an Indiana state licensed plumbing contractor. He is survived by his wife, Anita, 3 sons, Timothy Jr., Daniel and Eric, and a daughter, Melissa, all of Portage; 2 brothers, Michael (Pamela) Murray, Dennis (Jamie) Murray, and sister, Katherine (Jack) Leath, all of Chesterton. Funeral services 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 14, 1977, at the Rees Funeral Home, Olson Chapel, 5341 Central Ave., Portage. Rev. Mark Overmyer officiating. Interment Calvary Cemetery.

 

 

In Memory of Danny Hendrickson

DANIEL FRANKLIN HENDRICKSON

 Lake Station, Indiana Age 52 passed away on Friday, March 17, 2006. He was born on September 13, 1953 in Gary, IN, the son of John and Marie (Tallent) Hendrickson. Dan was a graduate of Edison High School and a member of Faith Assembly of God in Lake Station. Dan married Linda Ayres on April 2, 1977 in Lake Station. Dan was employed with Resort Destinations Casino in East Chicago as an E.V.S. handling maintenance. Dan enjoyed working out and working around the house and in the yard. Dan had great joy in being with his family and was a great dad. Dan is survived by his loving family: his wife, Linda Hendrickson of Lake Station; daughter, Cheyenne Hendrickson of Lake Station; father, John Hendrickson of Crown Point; sisters, Barbara Powell of Wisconsin, Sheila (Larry) Fraley of Danville, IL, Audrey (Dale) Uitto of Valparaiso, IN and Candi (Dave) Shreve; and numerous nieces and nephews and other loving family and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his mother, Marie Hendrickson and his sister, Linda Owens. Visitation for Daniel Hendrickson will be held from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, March 21, 2006 at Engel Funeral Home, 2700 Willowcreek Road, Portage. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, March 22, 2006 at Engel Funeral Home with Pastor Tom Anglin officiating. Interment will be at Graceland Cemetery. Memorials in Dan's memory may be given to the Hendrickson family. For further information, please call Engel Funeral Home at (219)762-8595.

Published in Post-Tribune on March 20, 2006

In Memory of Anita Berkley

 

 

Anita C. Hise
July 03, 1955 - June 30, 2011

Anita C. Hise, 55, of Vero Beach, Florida, died Thursday, June 30, 2011 at her home.

She was born July 3,1955 in Valparaiso, Indiana. She has lived in Vero Beach for 8 years, coming from Indiana.
 

Anita worked as a sales representative in the retail industry.

She was a member of the Family Worship Center of Wabasso, Fl.
Mrs. Hise volunteered to help the homeless in Vero Beach and the surrounding communities.

She is survived by her daughter; Dawn Beal of Indian Harbour Beach, Fl. sons; Jack Beal and Ricky Hise of Indiana, and James Beal of Sebastain, Fl.. brother; Carl Berkley of Indiana, sisters; Rozalind Berkley of Phoenix, Arizona and Ida Clark of Florida. 5 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her brother; Richard Berkley.

Memorial contributions can be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital in Anita's memory.
A private memorial service will be held at a later date.

From: Anita's obituary

In memory of Darrell Breckman

I received word from Darrell's wife while we were updating the class list that Darrell had passed away in October 2012. It is sad to note that between October 2012 and January 2013 we lost three classmates.

Obituary for Darrell Gene Breckman

Darrell Gene Breckman, 57 of Humble passed October 26, 2012 in Humble, TX. He was born October 12, 1955 in Gary, Indiana to Herman Walter Breckman and Peggy Jeanne Wyant Breckman. Darrell was the ultimate fan of the Cubs and the Texans, but mostly of his family. He was an avid bowler.
Darrell is preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Donna Breckman. He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Linda; children, Daniel Breckman and wife Lori, Jill Richardson and husband Robert, grandchildren, Destiny, Ami and Jesse Richardson, Jonathan Sowell and Ransom and Melanie Breckman, and sister Pam Barker and husband Wayne as well as extended family and many friends.
A visitation will be held on Friday, November 2 from 5 – 7 PM in the Chapel at Sterling-White Funeral Home. Services will follow at 7pm with Rev. Richard Amador officiating.
Services have been entrusted to Sterling-White Funeral Home and Cemetery, 11011 Crosby-Lynchburg Rd, Highlands, TX 77562, 281-426-3555. To send the family condolences, please visit www.sterlingwhite.com . In lieu of flowers the family request that donations be made in his memory at Woodforest National Bank. Account in Robert Richardson in memo Darrell Breckman.

Burial:
Chapel of the Pines Cemetery
Crosby
Harris County
Texas, USA

 

 

 

In memory of Betty Davis

.

2013 began on a sad note as we lost another classmate from 1973.

---

Betty J. (Purcell) Baldridge
(February 23, 1955 - January 8, 2013)

BETTY J. (PURCELL) BALDRIDGE, age 57, of Lake Station, passed away Tuesday, January 8, 2013 at St.
Mary Medical Center in Hobart. Betty had been a lifelong Lake Station area resident. She enjoyed reading, crocheting and being with her grandchildren. Betty is survived by 2 sons, Frankie Jay (Lisa) Purcell, J.T. Ray Purcell, all of Portage, 2 daughters, Renee (James) Vandiver of Lake Station and Tracy Purcell of Portage, 6 grandchildren: Jacob Hoover, Geena Darnell, Kayla Porras, Frankie Porras; Destiny & Cassie Vandiver, brother, Greg Davis of TN, 4 sisters, Charlotte Davis of TN, Reba Purcell of AL, Janice Davis and Anita Davis, both of TN and nieces & nephews. Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 12, 2013 at 11:00 am at Rees Funeral Home, Olson Chapel, 5341 Central Avenue, Portage, with Pastor Bob Burton officiating. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Portage. Visitation will be Friday from 2-8 pm at Rees Funeral Home, Olson Chapel, 219-762-3013 or online www.ReesFuneralHomes.com.

Courtesy of Post Tribune

In memory of Jose Cuellar

Joe attended the 2009 reunion and communicated regularly on Facebook with his former classmates. He will be missed by many. He would have celebrated his 58th birthday this February 12th.

 

Cuellar Jr., Jose  Age 57 of Elmendorf, Texas, formerly of Lake Station, passed away Tuesday, November 27, 2012. Preceded in death by his parents, Jose and Patricia Cuellar Sr. Survivors: fiancee, Susan Watson of Elmendorf, Texas; son, Jimmy (Amanda) Cuellar; daughter, Kimberly Cuellar; stepchildren, Johnny (Stacey) Palumbo, Michael (Amber) Palumbo, Christina Palumbo, Ashley Silva, Brandon and Jane Clem; 10 grandchildren; brothers, Bob (Norma), Wayne and David Cuellar; sister, Tina (Jeff) Green. Friends may visit from 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. Friday at Rendina Funeral Home, 5100 Cleveland St. Merrillville. Funeral service 7:00 p.m. Friday with Pastor George Hill officiating. Cremation to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the family's choice.
Obituary from the Post Tribune