Baran Funeral Home, 1235 119th Street, Whiting, IN (2026)

02/18/2026

Obituary for Lawrence E. "Larry" Vale:

Lawrence E. “Larry” Vale, 84, of Whiting, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 16, 2026, surrounded by his most cherished family. He is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Ann (nee Schuh); loving father of Paul (Susie) Vale, Michael (Kimberly) Vale, Sheri (Shane) Smith, and Carrie Vale; proud Papa of eleven grandchildren: Mathew (Chelsea) Smith, Brock (Jen) Vale, Chelsie (Syd) Gieseking, Meryc (Natalie) Janek, Makenzie (Rick) Boyd, Jacob Janek, Madisyn Smith, Luke Janek, Cade Vale, Breckin Vale, Graysen Vale; great-grandpa of fourteen; dear brother of Janice Vale; and uncle to many nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents and five siblings.

Funeral services will be held at New Life Christian Church, 1829 Central Avenue, Whiting, on Saturday, February 21, 2026 at 12:00 p.m.; his son, Pastor Paul Vale, officiating; visitation at the church from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.; interment, Concordia Cemetery, Hammond. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Baran Funeral Home, 1235-119th Street, Whiting. Expressions of sympathy may be shared online at www.baranfh.com.

Larry Vale was born on May 14, 1941 in Chicago, Illinois to Harold and Dorothy (Shelton) Vale, and was a longtime resident of the Whiting-Robertsdale Community. A man of strong Christian faith, Larry was a devoted member of New Life Christian Church, Whiting, where he served as an Elder for more than 45 years, until the day of his passing. He loved all kinds of music, especially the oldies. He loved to sing, and sang countless solos, duets with his beautiful wife, full concerts with his family (having even recorded “The Vale Family” album), performed with “Five Alive” men’s quintet, the church choir, and was in every production of New Life Christian Church’s “The Living Christmas Tree” (2005-2023). He was a US Army Veteran, and met his then future wife, Helga Anna Schuh, in 1962 while stationed in Germany. He brought her to America in 1963, and has never left her side since, deeply committed to his vow of “till death do us part.” Larry was a retiree of the Ford Motor Company, Chicago, with a service of 34 years, and was a member of the United Auto Workers Union, #550. He was a Clark Pioneer, and an avid Chicago Bears fan, spending every Monday watching Monday Night Football with his son Paul. He was funny, loving, kind, humble, and selfless. He didn’t know a stranger, and made sure that everyone who walked in the church doors felt welcomed. Larry will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him, but his legacy continues on in the lives of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, memorials to New Life Christian Church, Whiting, would be appreciated. (219) 659-4400.

02/13/2026

Obituary for Charles H. “Chuck” Bishop, III:

Charles H. “Chuck” Bishop, III, passed away suddenly on Sunday, February 8, 2026 at the Community Hospital, Munster. He was the beloved son of the late Charles H., Jr. and Imelda (Canales) Bishop; loving brother of Rosaire (late Edward) Dreyling, Lisa (Mark) Boyle, Leticia (Larry) Hines and the late Maria Snellenberger; cherished uncle of ten nieces and nephew; dearest great uncle of four nieces and nephews; many dear aunts, uncles and cousins

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2026 from 12 noon at the Baran Funeral Home, 1235-119th St., Whiting, concluding with Memorial Service at 1:00pm, with the Rev. Timothy McFarland, C.PP.S., officiating. Expressions of sympathy may be shared online at www.baranfh.com.

Chuck Bishop was born on March 19, 1967 in Indianapolis, Indiana and has been a resident of the Calumet Region for the past six years. He was a graduate of Hamilton Southeastern High School, Class of 1985 in Fishers, Indiana and was an avid Chicago Bears fan. He loved time spent with his family and his canine companions. A kind and caring person, Chuck was an organ donor to help others in need. Devoted to his family, he will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. In lieu of flowers, memorials to an animal shelter in Chuck’s honor, would be appreciated. (219) 659-4400.

02/11/2026

Obituary for Cheryle Jean Powell (nee Riggs):

Cheryle Jean Powell (nee Riggs) 80 of Valparaiso, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 2, 2026 at Northwest Health – Porter. She is survived by her loving son, Ryan (Beth Sowa) Cogdill; adoring grandmother of Sydney Watts-Cogdill and Emmalin Cogdill; cherished sister of Kay Kapcak, Sandy Clark, Melvin Riggs, Roger Riggs, and the late Marvin Riggs and Milton “Charlie” Riggs; dearest aunt to many nieces and nephews.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at 11:00am at the Whiting United Methodist Church, 1920 Clark St. at Community Ct., Whiting, IN with Pastor Bill Jones officiating. Expressions of sympathy may be shared online at www.baranfh.com.

Cheryle Powell was born on February 12, 1945 to Nelson and Caroline (Bergner) Riggs and was a longtime resident of the Whiting-Robertsdale Community. She was a graduate of Whiting High School, Class of 1964 and went on to become a licensed beautician in the State of Indiana, owning her own beauty shop for over 20 years. She loved the arts and often spent her time crocheting and drawing. Devoted to her family, Cheryle will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her. In lieu of flowers, memorials made to First Responders Children’s Foundation https://1strcf.org/make-a-donation/, would be appreciated. (219) 659-4400

01/31/2026

Obituary for Kathryn Kalwinski (nee Kiraly)

On Monday, January 26th, 2026 the physical world lost a shooting star, but the spiritual world gained one. Kathryn Kalwinski (nee Kiraly), 71, of Whiting, Indiana passed away peacefully at 7:30 in the morning with immediate family at her side and in the comfort of her home. Kathryn’s soul now rests with the Lord and reunites with her beloved Kiraly family who preceded her in death: Andrew Kiraly (father, 1980), Ann Kiraly (mother, 2017), Ann Marie Timko (née Kiraly, sister, 2022), William Kiraly (brother, 1984), and Christine Kiraly (sister, 2000), along with numerous deeply loved and thoroughly spoiled Labrador Retrievers. Kathryn leaves behind her devoted and loving husband, best friend, and companion of 52 wonderful years, Myron, and her cherished only child, Nicholas. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, aunts, and uncles from both the Kiraly and Kalwinski families. There are two very special people who merit mention for the unwavering love, friendship, and support they brought into Kathryn’s life: Jeffery Myers and Ronald Benko, both of the Whiting/Robertsdale neighborhood.

Kathryn was born in East Chicago on September 25, 1954, and raised in the Robertsdale neighborhood of Hammond/Whiting. From an early age, she was curious, inquisitive, and deeply observant of the world around her. Meticulous by nature, she paid close attention to detail in everything she did. During her grade school and middle school years, she mastered the art of calligraphy, later turning her studious nature and beautiful handwriting into supplemental income by writing academic essays for upperclassmen and college students who were acquaintances. During high school, Kathryn served as captain of the George Rogers Clark High School Speech and Debate Team, which was ranked number one in the State of Indiana at the time. Her specialty was the impromptu portion of the competitions. In her senior year, she was nominated and elected Class President. She concluded her high school career with numerous scholarships and awards. Immediately following graduation, Kathryn accepted a full scholarship to Calumet College of St. Joseph, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication in just two years. She later went on to earn her Master’s degree in Education from Purdue University. Kathryn enjoyed a dynamic and versatile professional career. She worked at Wisconsin Steel as a Quality Control Supervisor in the 40-inch Mill. She later followed her passion for education, teaching speech and theater at Sacred Heart School in Whiting, Indiana. Her career then led her to Chicago, where she served as Maintenance Supervisor at the Regents Park luxury condominium buildings overlooking Lake Michigan in the Hyde Park neighborhood. Kathryn later moved to the River North district, where she became Assistant Director of Operations for Friedman Properties, a major presence in Chicago’s downtown and River North development scene. Toward the end of her tenure with Friedman Properties, she was promoted to serve as Albert Friedman’s personal assistant, a role she fulfilled with dedication and pride until her retirement. In retirement, Kathryn embraced a role that brought her great joy – serving as Team Manager for her son’s AAA travel hockey team (Chicago Young Americans) based out of Lake Forest, Illinois. In this role, she poured her energy, organization, and love into supporting the team as they traveled and competed throughout North America, creating lasting memories along the way. Kathryn was an avid reader often enjoying content that involved mysteries and stories that held a criminal forensics edge. Her all-time favorite was Sherlock Homes written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and enjoyed all of his novels and short stories. Kathryn’s love and collection of books allowed her to make a donation of over 1,000 books from her own personal library to the Indiana Veterans Home (a Veterans Administration facility) in West Lafayette, Indiana. As a child, Kathryn began her collection of vintage post cards and throughout the duration of her life amassed a collection of over 10,000 pieces of American history. Kathryn was an avid fisherman and dearly loved embarking on annual vacations to Leech Lake and Lake Winnibigoshish in Minnesota with Myron, her husband. Her personal record was a 51” Muskellunge (“Muskie”)! Throughout her life, Kathryn also enjoyed adding to and organizing her collection of vintage fishing lures and Federal Duck Stamps that spanned the 1930’s through the 2000’s. Musically, Kathryn was an avid fan of classic rock-and-roll and disco, often suggesting that there was “something magical” about disco music.

The Kalwinski family would like to express our sincere appreciation to the staff, surgeons, and medical professionals at Munster Community Hospital; all of whom did everything they possibly could to save her life during the final stages of her battle against cancer. We also want to thank Hospice of the Calumet Area for their kind, supportive, and compassionate work with our family and with Kathryn during Kathryn’s final days. Kathryn will be remembered for her intelligence, discipline, kindness, and fierce devotion to her family. She lived with purpose, loved deeply, and leaves behind a legacy of strength, grace, and unwavering loyalty to those she held close. Kathryn was a humble person to her core and made lasting impressions with all who were fortunate to have met and loved her. She is now pain free and enjoying the comfort of our Lord, Jesus Christ...with a fishing rod in hand! Per her final wishes, Kathryn will be cremated and there will be no services or ceremonies. Kathryn always valued face-to-face quality time with the people that she loved in life and wanted to leave this world in that same manner. Her final resting place will be at the Fort Custer Veterans Administration National Cemetery in Kalamazoo County, Michigan. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Whiting “Gimme Shelter” (for pets) P.O. Box 591, Whiting, Indiana 46394, would be appreciated. Expressions of sympathy may be shared on-line at www.baranfh.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Baran Funeral Home, 1235-119th Street, Whiting, Indiana 46394 (219) 659-4400.

01/24/2026

Obituary for Barbara A. Michniewicz

Barbara A. Michniewicz (nee Skurka), 94 of Whiting, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 22, 2026 at the Munster Med-Inn. She was the beloved wife of 67 years to the late Edward J. Michniewicz who passed away November 20, 2018; loving mother of Thomas (Cathy), Timothy (Jean), Lorie (Al) Matulewicz, Edward “Ernie” (Julie) and the late Laurie; cherished grandmother of Ryan (Michelle), Tom (Rachel Tredway), Delaney, Nolan and Aubrey Michniewicz, Emily (Matt) Coyle and Luke (Carly) Matulewicz; adoring great grandma of eight; proud great, great grandma of three; dearest sister of Charles (Carol) Skurka; many dear nieces and nephews. She was also preceded in death by her great granddaughter, Juno Michniewicz and her brother, Albert (late Mary) Skurka.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, January 28, 2026 at 9:30am at the Baran Funeral Home, 1235-119th St., Whiting; a Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10:00am at St. Adalbert Church, Whiting, with the Rev. Mark R. Peres, C.PP.S., officiating; interment, Calumet Park Cemetery, Merrillville; visitation at the funeral home on Tuesday from 4:00 to 8:00pm; parish wake service at the funeral home on Tuesday at 4:30pm. Expressions of sympathy may be shared on-line at www.baranfh.com.

Barbara Michniewicz was born on March 22, 1931 to Charles and Anna (Chesney) Skurka. She was a lifelong resident of the Whiting-Robertsdale Community and was a graduate of Whiting High School, Class of 1948. She was currently a member of St. Adalbert Church, Whiting and had been a devoted member of the former Immaculate Conception Church, Whiting, where she had participated with the St. Ann Sodality, spent countless hours making nut rolls and noodles and chairing many Holubki Dinners, all for the support of Immaculate Conception Church. She was a member of the First Catholic Slovak Ladies Association, Branch 452, was an avid Chicago Cubs fan, enjoyed the occasional trip to the casino and cherished her Christmas Eve Vilija with her family. Devoted to her family, Barbara will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Immaculate Conception Grotto Fund, c/o the St. John Rectory, 1849 Lincoln Ave., Whiting, IN 46394, would be appreciated. (219) 659-4400.

01/16/2026

Obituary for Rosemary R. “Pepper” Kaplan (nee Robin):

Rosemary R. “Pepper” Kaplan (nee Robin) 97 of Whiting, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at her residence. She was the beloved wife of the late Seymour “Shey” Kaplan who passed away January 4, 2008; loving mother of Sara Kaplan, Daniel (Leslie) Kaplan and Matthew (Karen) Kaplan; cherished grandmother of Jacob, Robin, Alan and Jesse; dear sister-in-law of Lou (Marlene) Kaplan. She was also preceded in death by her sister, Wilma Robin.

Visitation for Rosemary will be on Thursday, January 22, 2026 from 3:00 to 5:00pm at the Baran Funeral Home, 1235-119th St., Whiting concluding with a Celebration of Life at 5:00pm. Expressions of sympathy may be shared online at www.baranfh.com.

Rosemary Kaplan was born on April 22, 1928 in New York City to Edwin J. and Isabel Robin and was a resident of the Whiting-Robertsdale Community for the past 75 years. She earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Anthropology from Indiana University, Bloomington, where she met her beloved “Shey” and went on to finish her Masters Degree from Purdue University. She was a retired elementary special education teacher for the School City of Hammond with over 20 years of service. Rosemary had participated with the League of Women Voters, had served on the Hammond Library Board and was instrumental in the development of the Hammond Area Youth Orchestra (now the NWI Symphony Youth Orchestra). She had a deep appreciation for the arts and music, encouraging her children to play instruments. She loved birds, gardening, cooking and crafts. Devoted to her family and her friends, she will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the charity of your choice, would be appreciated.

01/16/2026

Obituary for Patricia Ann Kraly (nee Broderick):

Patricia Ann Kraly (nee Broderick) 74 of Whiting, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 12, 2026, at home, surrounded by her cherished family. She is survived by her beloved husband of 48 years, Joseph J. Kraly; loving mother of Marie (Aaron) Bates and Christine Kraly; dearest grand-dogs, Dexter and Dani; nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Marie (Sparks) Broderick and her brother Bill Broderick.

Visitation for Patricia will be on Thursday, January 22, 2026 from 5:00 to 8:00pm at the Baran Funeral Home, 1235-119th St. in Whiting; funeral services will be held on Friday January 23, 2026 with a Mass being offered at 10:30am at Sacred Heart Church, 118th St., and LaPorte Ave., Whiting, with the Rev. James Dvorscak, officiating; members of the parish will offer prayers during the visitation at the funeral home on Thursday at 6:00pm. Expressions of sympathy may be shared online at www.baranfh.com.

Pat Kraly was born on February 2, 1951, and had lived most of her life in the Whiting-Robertsdale community, where she spent recent years supporting Meals on Wheels with her lifelong friend Susan Hmurovic. She was a 1968 graduate of George Rogers Clark High School, where she left an indelible legacy as president of the French Club and played the clarinet in the band. She went on to earn her Bachelor of Arts from St. Joseph Calumet College and spent several years as a supervisor in the insurance industry before retiring. She was a member of Sacred Heart Church in Whiting and celebrated her Irish heritage that fueled her much-loved wit. Pat cherished time spent with family and friends and will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Whiting Food Pantry or the Whiting “Gimme Shelter” (for pets) P.O. Box 591, Whiting, IN 46394.

01/16/2026

Obituary for Leonor Morrison (née Gonzalez):

Leonor Morrison (née Gonzalez), 76, of Whiting, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 15, 2026, surrounded by her most cherished family at her residence. She was born on December 30, 1949, in Mexico to Santiago and Fedencia Gonzalez and was one of ten children. Leonor was a proud resident of Whiting for the past 46 years and a devoted member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, where she actively participated in the St. John Prayer Group.

Leonor was the beloved wife of the late Martin Morrison; loving mother of Santiago (Rosalba) Gonzalez and Desire (Anthony) Rodriguez; adoring grandmother of Santiago, Katye, Alxavier, Anna, Andres, and Norlyn; and proud great-grandmother of Grecia. She is also survived by her loving siblings, Juana, Guillermina, and Gema, along with many cherished nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

She enjoyed cooking and crocheting and was well known throughout Whiting for supporting local businesses and walking everywhere she went. Over the years, Leonor lovingly babysat many children, touching countless lives with her kindness and care. Above all, she was completely devoted to her family and especially committed to her grandchildren, whom she cherished deeply. A loving, faith-filled, and devoted woman, Leonor will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her

Funeral services will be held on Monday, January 19, 2026 at 9:30am at the Baran Funeral Home, 1235-119th St., Whiting; a Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10:00am at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Whiting with the Rev. Mark R. Peres, C.PP.S., officiating; cremation to follow; visitation at the funeral home on Sunday from 2:00 to 6:00pm. Expressions of sympathy may be shared on-line at www.baranfh.com. (219) 659-4400

01/09/2026

Obituary for Lois R. Bobos (nee Coppage):

Lois R. Bobos (nee Coppage) 90 of Whiting, passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, surrounded by her most cherished family. She was the beloved wife of the late James Bobos, who passed away November 21, 2009. Loving mother of Tina (Paul) Roznawski, Pamela (late Terry) Shelton, Diana Bobos and Heidi (Frank) Dross; caring grandmother “Grammie” of Jennie (Michael) Davis, Paul Roznawski, Jr., James (Sara) Shelton, William (Tiffany) Shelton, Michael Shelton, Mikayla (Cameron) Vaughn, Makenzie (Hunter Barbian) Dross and Madison Dross; adoring “Gigi” of Rylie and Kalyn Davis, Gabrielle and Jackson Shelton, Cameron “CJ” and Kayson Vaughn, Addyson and Valor Barbian; dearest sister of Martha (late James) Terzarial and the late Harold (late Opal) Coppage, Roy (late Darlene) Coppage, Orville Hubert (late Irene) Coppage, Norman Coppage, Donald (late Eileen) Coppage, Ruby (late Leo) Kundrat, Wilma Neal, Evelyn Coppage, Nina Eagen, Dolores (late Bud) Herndon, Maxine (late William) Coppage and Carolyn (late Jackie) Bartlett; dear sister-in-law of Gerald Bobos and Ronald (Cynthia) Bobos; proud aunt to many nieces and nephews.

Visitation for Lois will be held on Sunday, January 11, 2026 from 2:00 to 5:00pm at the Baran Funeral Home, 1235-119th St., Whiting. Private funeral services will be held with Pastor Timothy J. Moore of the Faith Baptist Church of Whiting, officiating; interment, St. John Cemetery, Hammond. Expressions of sympathy may be shared on-line at www.baranfh.com.

Lois Bobos was born on March 15, 1935 to Roy and Eliza (Whitten) Coppage. She was a lifelong resident of the Whiting-Robertsdale Community and was a graduate of Whiting High School, Class of 1953. Prior to her marriage to Jim Bobos, Lois had worked at Superheater and the Queen Anne Candy Factory. An active and supportive mom, she volunteered at St. John the Baptist School Library, worked many church and PTA bake sales and served as a Girl Scout Chaperone for many camping trips. She attended track, volleyball, soccer, football and basketball games both as a mom and grandma. Lois served her church as a youth Bible teacher and worked Bible Camps in the summers. She attended Faith Baptist Church of Whiting. She participated in community service as a volunteer making cancer pads and delivering Meals on Wheels. Lois was a wonderful wife, loving mother, adoring grandma “Grammie” and Gigi. She loved visiting and playing with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her

01/09/2026

Obituary for Pamela G. Peterson (née Abner)

Pamela G. Peterson (née Abner), 64, of Whiting, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, January 2, 2026, surrounded by her most cherished family. Pamela was the beloved wife of 34 years to Byron E. Peterson; a loving mother to Ashley (Bill) Schmitt and Kaylee (Simon) Danuta; and an adoring grandmother to Colin. She was the dearest sister of Bonita (late Dennis) Hardesty; daughter-in-law of Barbara Walker; sister-in-law of Jennifer (Brian) Jacobson and Heather (Julie) Peterson; and a loving aunt to her nieces and nephews.

Pamela was born on April 5, 1961, to Everette and Ritta (Coffman) Abner and was a lifelong resident of the Calumet Region. She was a graduate of Lake Central High School in Dyer, Indiana, Class of 1979. Pamela enjoyed cooking, watching the birds in the backyard, throwing dice and playing Words with friends. A devoted fan of the Chicago White Sox, she loved watching television and cheering on her team. She never failed to look out for the stray cat she affectionately called “Boo Boo Kitty.” Pamela loved bringing people together and had a special talent for planning and hosting gatherings for friends and family. Devoted to those she loved, she took great pride in her family and the home she created. May her memory be a blessing to all who knew and loved her.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Baran Funeral Home, 1235 119th Street, Whiting. Private memorial services will be held at a later date. Expressions of sympathy may be shared online at www.baranfh.com In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Whiting “Gimme Shelter” (for pets), P.O. Box 591, Whiting, IN 46394.

01/08/2026

Obituary for Ronald Dennis “Ron” Keith:

Ronald Dennis “Ron” Keith, age 89 of Whiting, IN passed away the morning of Sunday, January 4th, 2026 at Community Hospital in Munster, Indiana. He was born July 14, 1936 in Owensboro, Kentucky, to the late Wavy and Ethel (Basham) Keith. He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Nora Helen (Cole) Keith, sister Landa (Bill) Baum, children Marcia and Donald (Sue), and grandchildren Thomas (Samantha), Emily (Nick), and Abigail. He will also be missed by many loving nieces, nephews, and extended family members. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by siblings Wendell Keith, Jean Nichols, June Smith, Dale Keith, Rita Van Houtegen, and David Keith.

Ronald lived a long life guided by generosity, hard work, humor, and love. He was a devoted husband, loving father, doting “Papaw”, and dear friend to many. In June of 1955 he found his forever partner. He recently wrote: “Sometimes I feel like my life began the day I met Helen, that everything up to that day was just a prelude to our adventure together.” As a young man, Ron brought his Kentucky bride to Northwest Indiana and became a crane operator for nine years. He then owned and operated Central Agency Insurance & Real Estate in Whiting for over 40 years. He had an amazing memory for addresses and homeowners. He also served on the board of directors of American Trust & Savings Bank. The reputation and respect that he earned from community members gained him many long-lasting friendships. A man of faith, Ron was active in the establishment of Whiting Baptist Church and was a member of Kiwanis International He was a delightful storyteller, a Chicago Bears fan, and enjoyed spending time reading, fishing, hunting, and making others smile. Ron and Helen took their young family on numerous car trips across America and engendered a love of travel and history that will last for generations.

Ronald will be so dearly missed. To honor his wishes, a funeral service will not be held. We instead invite those who knew him to honor his life in their own ways. All are welcome to share memories and tributes to him on the memorial page at www.baranfh.com Arrangements have been entrusted to the Baran Funeral Home, 1235-119th Street, Whiting, IN 46394 (219) 659-4400.

12/22/2025

Obituary for Victor M. Sanchez

Victor M. Sanchez, 69 of Highland, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 17, 2025 at Methodist Hospital Southlake Campus. He is survived by his beloved wife of 32 years, Regina (née Grabowski); loving father of Christian Sanchez; cherished brother of Debra (Robert) Salinas, Fernando Sanchez, and the late Mario (Ofelia) Sanchez; and many dear nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at 11:00am at the Baran Funeral Home, 1235-119th St., Whiting with the Rev. James Dvorscak, officiating; interment, St. John Cemetery, Hammond; visitation at the funeral home on Monday from 4:00 to 8:00pm. Expressions of sympathy may be shared on-line at www.baranfh.com.

Victor Sanchez was born on May 5, 1956, to Paul and Victoria (Martinez) Sanchez, and was a lifelong resident of the Calumet Region. He was a veteran of the Illinois Air National Guard, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant while serving in Desert Storm. He earned an associate’s degree in respiratory therapy from Malcom X College in Chicago and was employed in healthcare for over 30 years. An avid Chicago Bears and White Sox fan, in keeping with his Chicago Southside roots, he also appreciated culture often visiting Chicago’s many museums and The Art Institute. He was an automobile and motorcycle enthusiast and very knowledgeable in auto mechanics, often offering free advice. Devoted to his family, especially his son, he will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. In lieu of flowers memorials to the American Respiratory Care Foundation would be appreciated. (219) 659-4400

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