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

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

12/18/2025

Obituary for Ann L. Okerstrom (nee Perhach):

Ann L. Okerstrom (nee Perhach) 102 of Whiting passed away peacefully on the early morning of Tuesday, December 16, 2025 at St. Catherine Hospital, East Chicago. She was the beloved wife of 63 years to the late Arthur E. Okerstrom, who passed away March 17, 2024; loving mother of Art Okerstrom.; dearest sister of the late John (late Agnes) Dvorscak, Joe (late Ann) Perhach, Sophie (late John) Gresko and Helen (late Joseph) Mikula; many dear nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 20, 2025, 9:30am at the Baran Funeral Home, 1235 119th St., Whiting; a Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10:00am at of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Whiting with the Rev. Mark R. Peres, C.PP.S., officiating; Interment, St. John Cemetery, Hammond; visitation at the funeral home on Friday from 4:00pm to 8:00pm. The St. John Rosary Society, together with members of the parish, will offer prayers at the funeral home on Friday at 4:30pm. Expressions of sympathy may be placed online at http://www.baranfh.com.

Ann Okerstrom was born on February 5, 1923 in Whiting, Indiana to John and Susanna (Falat) Perhach. She was a lifelong resident and was a graduate of Whiting High School, Class of 1941. She was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Whiting and the St. John Rosary Society. A devoted member of the First Catholic Slovak Ladies Association, BR. 81 with whom she served as the financial secretary of Junior Branch, 58 for 35 years. She was a former employee of the Standard Oil Company and enjoyed crocheting, cooking, oil painting and sketching. Ann was the most devoted mother any one could be blessed with. She was hard working, a great role model and always put God and family first. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

12/09/2025

Obituary for Agnes V. Wintczak (nee Demkovich):

Agnes V. Wintczak (nee Demkovich) 93 of Whiting, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 7, 2025 at Story Point of Schererville. She was the beloved wife of 51 years to the late Henry H. Wintczak who passed away April 12, 2005; loving mother of Hank (Christy), Thomas (Ruth), Laura (Steven) Eckroat and Susan (Glenn) Shoemaker; cherished grandmother of Elizabeth (Chris) Hathaway, Megan (James) Longest, David (Jordyn) Wintczak, Ashley (Forrest) Fowler, Brianna (James ) Rixie, Morgan Shoemaker, Ann (Michael) Blum and Audrey (Rebecca Evans) Herbert; adoring great grandma of Daphne, Kaylee, Jack, Max, Tate, Ella, Alma, Murphy, Maren and the late Noah and Ava; dearest sister of the late Ann Matura, Marie Cuculic and Paul Demkovich; many dear nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, December 12, 2025 at 11:00am at the Baran Funeral Home, 1235-119th St., Whiting with the Rev. James Dvorscak, officiating; interment, Calumet Park Cemetery, Merrillville; visitation at the funeral home on Friday morning from 9:00am to time of services. Expressions of sympathy may be shared on-line at www.baranfh.com.

Agnes Wintczak was born on June 17, 1932 to Paul and Anna (Grega) Demkovich. She attended Immaculate Conception Grade School and was a graduate of Whiting High School, Class of 1950. She was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Whiting and the First Catholic Slovak Ladies Assoc., BR. 452. She loved to sew and was an avid quilter. Devoted to her family, Agnes will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Wounded Warrior Project, 230 W. Monroe St., Suite 200, Chicago, IL 60606, would be appreciated. (219) 659-4400.

12/09/2025

Obituary for Jeannette T. Stefanich Blahunka (nee Lopacki):

Jeannette T. Stefanich Blahunka (nee Lopacki) 95 of Schererville, formerly of Whiting, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 8, 2025 at the Methodist Hospital, Southlake Campus. Beloved mother of Sandi (Gerald) Kreevich, Joseph H. (Linda) Stefanich, Tom (Anita) Stefanich and the late Dorothy Hart; cherished grandmother of Chris Hart and Patti Hart; dearest sister of the late Dorothy (late Ray) Hojnacki; many dear nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husbands, Joseph P. Stefanich and Steve Blahunka.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 13, 2025 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, Holy Cross Cemetery, Calumet City, IL; visitation at the funeral home on Friday from 3:00p.m. to 7:00pm.; members of the parish will offer prayers at the funeral home on Friday at 4:30pm. Expressions of sympathy may be shared on-line at www.baranfh.com.

Jeannette was born on April 21, 1930 in Whiting, Indiana to Bernard and Helen (Szymanski) Lopacki. A proud Whitingite, Jeannette was a graduate of Whiting High School, Class of 1948, had served on the Whiting Library Board and was a retiree of the Whiting Water Dept., with over 15 years of service. She was a member of St. Adalbert Church, Whiting, the Daughters of Isabella and was an avid reader. Devoted to her family, Jeannette will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her. In lieu of flowers, memorials to St. Adalbert Church, Whiting, c/o the St. John Rectory, 1849 Lincoln Ave., Whiting, IN 46394, would be appreciated. (219) 659-4400.

12/02/2025

Obituary for Bernadine A. (Bernice) Kontrik

Bernadine A. (Bernice) Kontrik (nee Klen), 92, of Whiting, passed away peacefully on the early morning of Saturday, November 29, 2025 at St. Catherine Hospital, East Chicago. She was the beloved wife of the late John J. Kontrik, Sr., who passed away April 3, 1980. Loving mother of John (Pam) Kontrik, Jr. and James (Anita) Kontrik; cherished grandmother of John Paul (Julie), Tiffany (John), Stevie and Sarah; adoring great grandma of ten; dearest sister of the late Helen Hmirek and Joseph Klen; many dear nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, December 5, 2025 at 11:00am at the Baran Funeral Home, 1235-119th St., Whiting; a Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11:30am at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Whiting with the Rev. Mark R. Peres, C.PP.S., officiating; interment to follow at Calumet Park Cemetery, Merrillville; visitation at the funeral home on Friday morning from 9:00am to time of services. Expressions of sympathy may be placed on-line at www.baranfh.com.

Bernadine Kontrik was born in Slovakia on April 15, 1933 to John and Helen Klen and was a resident of Whiting for the past 76 years. She was a devoted member of the former Immaculate Conception Church, Whiting, where she was a member of the St. Ann Sodality, the Rosary Society, the Slovak Catholic Sokol, Wreath 81 and the First Catholic Slovak Ladies Association, BR. 452, Bernice loved to cook and through the years had lent her talent to the Immaculate Conception, St. Mary’s and Sacred Heart School Cafeterias and had been the St. John Rectory cook for many years. The center of Bernice’s life was her family and she was devoted to them. She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Immaculate Conception Grotto Fund, c/o St. John Church, 1849 Lincoln Avenue, Whiting, Indiana, 46394, would be appreciated. (219) 659-4400.

11/28/2025

Obituary for Angeline A. Jakov

Angeline A. Jakov (nee Kobe), 93, of Whiting, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 25, 2025 at the Advocate Condell Medical Center, Libertyville, Illinois. She was the beloved wife of 40 years to the late Joseph L. Jakov who passed away February 16, 2003; loving mother of the Michael Joseph (Dr. Alexandra Beris) Jakov and the late Debra Marie Jakov who passed away in 1963; countless nieces and nephews. She was also preceded in death by seven sisters, Mary Solcich, Ann Kanyur, Catherine “Katie” Mikulaj, Elizabeth “Bette” DeNardo, Bertha DeLuca, Helen Smith and Albina Sabalaskey and four brothers, John, Michael, Jr., Joseph and Peter.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 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; interment, St. John Cemetery, Hammond; visitation at the funeral home on Tuesday from 4:00 to 8:00pm; members of the parish, will offer prayers at the funeral home on Tuesday at 4:30pm. Expressions of sympathy may be shared on-line at www.baranfh.com.

Angeline Jakov was born on June 21, 1932 to Michael, Sr. and Elizabeth (Jersinic) Kobe and was a lifelong resident. She was a graduate of Sacred Heart School, Whiting High School, Class of 1950 and had attended business college. She was a retiree of RR Donnelly, Chicago, with a service of ten years and was a licensed beautician. Angie was a devoted Catholic, and prayed the Rosary daily as an instrument of her faith. Her prayers were welcomed and heard, particularly when family members were in distress. Angie’s life revolved around her extended family and friends. She cherished all moments interacting with family members and friends either in person or on long telephone calls, both domestic and international. In her final years vivid memories of her family and friends gave her refuge and comfort and her life purpose.

Angie was an avid reader of mystery, adventure and detective novels. During much of her nursing home stay, Angie was reading an average of 3 novels per week. When the novel was particularly compelling, Angie continued reading the novel cover to cover nonstop for 12 hours to savor the full flavor of the story. Angie found extreme enjoyment in games of chance, particularly Slot machines. Angie always had company on her casino visits both from multiple family members and close friends. It was always a family experience for Angie in all her social engagements. Angie always lived in the moment, and this continued throughout her life. Devoted to her family and friends, Angeline will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her. Please consider forwarding bright colored flowers to the funeral to celebrate Angie’s long and vibrant life. Angie adored flowers and always was grateful to each person who remembered her. (219) 659-4400.

11/26/2025

Obituary for Kenneth A. Mitchell

Kenneth A. Mitchell, 50 of Whiting, passed away suddenly on the early morning of Friday, November 21, 2025 at his residence. Loving father of Trinity (Juan) Meza, Katlyn (Isaiah) Trzepacz; cherished companion of Kim Trepacz; adoring papa of Julian, Aliza, Adrian and Matteo; dearest brother of Kristen (Jim) Ledden, Joseph (Sarah Spudic) Mitchell and Brian (Emily Meirwa) Mitchell; many dear nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 29, 2025 at 11:00am at the Baran Funeral Home, 1235-119th St., Whiting; a Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11:30a.m. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Whiting with the Rev. Mark R. Peres, C.P.P.S, officiating; cremation to follow; visitation at the funeral home on Saturday morning from 9:00am to time of services. Expressions of sympathy may be placed on-line at www.baranfh.com

Ken Mitchell was born on November 28, 1974 to the late William Mitchell and Nancy Adam Mitchell. A lifelong resident of the Whiting-Robertsdale Community, he had attended George Rogers Clark High School. He participated with the Woodmar Men’s Dart Ball League, enjoyed disc golf, fishing, music and was a very talented drummer. Devoted to his family, Ken will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the St. John the Baptist Catholic Church Capital Campaign, 1849 Lincoln Avenue, Whiting, Indiana 46394, would be appreciated. (219) 659-4400.

11/15/2025

Obituary for Susan Olga Mateja

Susan Olga Mateja (nee Haluska) was born October 18, 1931 in Whiting, Indiana to Slovak-American parents and passed peacefully with her family by her side to Heaven to be with our Lord and her dear husband of 69 yrs, Phil Mateja Sr, who proceeded her in death in 2021. She will also join her parents, John Sr and Mary, her mother-in-law, Angeline and all her brothers, sisters from both sides of the family, except Aunt Margene Haluska who is still with us.

Sue was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, friend and Christian. She is survived by her children Philip Mateja, Jr., Deborah Soule (Ken), and Rebecca Mateja Lombardini as well as her beloved grandchildren Heather Mateja, Amanda Jones, Nicholas Soule, Lia Lombardini, Lorann Lombardini (Jake Huber), and Luke Lombardini.

She was a supporter of all good, including so much for women, sports, and politics, which manifested in her kids, grandchildren and community. A consummate cheerleader for Whiting, bp, church, Cal Clowns (she was Snoodles, which means noodles in Slovak), Humane Society, Slovak Club, American Legion, and society as a whole. Hey Luchka, Luchka, Slovak Singers at St. Paul’s. Besides, loving Phil Sr, working for Purdue Engineering, Dr. Pelino and Garvin, Nipsco, then her beloved bp storehouse…the devoted daughter took care of her mom 20 yrs and father 20 yrs--40 yrs every day twice a day on Center St and 119TH ! Her parents were immigrants from Slovakia by boat in the early 1900’s. Young, tired, hungry, they endured and rose to establish Haluska Trucking, St Paul’s Church, and Whiting City and Schools. Zuska was the youngest of 6 children-John, Mary, Andrew, Irene, Bessie, Susan--born to John and Mary (Pobeha) Haluska from Bratislava, settling on Center St in the little City of Whiting. They grew their family and business at the East end of 119th, her “Haluska Acres”, with chickens of course, one time in the garage at Gpa’s and sometimes at Gma Mateja’s in Goose Island . She graduated Whiting High School in 1949, cheering on the State Champ Whiting Oilers, which her sweetheart quarterbacked! They were married in 1951 and stayed in the betrothed folk huts on the Purdue campus. Soon after they had baby #1, Phil, and Mama Sue held down the Fort at home, while Papa Phil supported the troops, entertaining them with his athletic skills. She received some of the most beautiful hand-written love letters from her husband. They traveled a bit as he played baseball for the Senators system having baby two, Debbie. In 1958, they returned to the Region to raise their family. Phil a teacher, coach, and principal and Sue well let’s say she supported everything her family did, while also contributing personally to many causes. However, amongst the business, the love birds had baby #3, Becky, who kept them quite involved. The family enjoyed trips to Holland, MI, Florida, Billings-Montana, Las Vegas (for their 50th), Europe and Australia making many friends along the way. After she retired from bp, she not only was a main stay in the grand kids lives, but she loved helping at the new family shop, P&H Printing, Etc. She enjoyed chatting, filing, and facebook, connecting with all her tetkas.

Grandma Sue gave the best foot massages, apple slices, and of course her entrepreneurial spirit of care, covering us with anything that would protect us—like make-shift rain ponchos, eagle eye and voice, and LOVE. While she was fierce, she was a giver. Our accolades were hers. Always cheering for us as she did for the Whiting Oilers, Purdue Boilermakers, and her offspring especially at Montana State Jackets, Newcastle-Australia Falcons, Loxahatchee Knights, Chesterton Trojans, Kansas City Roos, and Indiana Hoosiers. This Dalka helped establish the Mateja Athletic Award at School City of Whiting, Angels Honor Guard to Fight Fentanyl, and Mateja’s Glory Garden Hub where the Market sprung like her little gems… Her fondest memory was probably visiting her parent’s homeland around Bratislava with those Tatra Mountains…please insert yours here, there were many and bless you to share in her life. She cherished her Slovak family here and in Europe. Her friends she chatted with daily. And of course, her immediate family including all the pets!!! Sarge and Oliver visited her on Monday. They are all to be her continuing violin symphony!

Big stick and soft heart, no evil even for those who tried to hurt us, especially her grandkids, she just prayed and drank tea with a lil Pear brandy watching her favorite Show Good Day NWI with Becky and Pete. Sue never really spoke about plans or pain, trusting we get along and take care of it. Cakaj (wait in Slovak), Don’t cry for me, no, celebrate my beauty, courage, generosity, spirit and flowers, fun ole Sheridan Ave. I’m good…Dakejum our steadfast and faithful servant.

Enjoying all your wonderful comments… Expressions of sympathy may be shared on-line at www.baranfh.com. Funeral services will be held on Monday, December 8, 2025 at 11:00am at the St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church, 118th St. and Atchison Avenue., Whiting; interment of cremains to follow at Concordia Cemetery, Hammond. Visitation at the church on Monday morning from 10:00am to time of services. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Baran Funeral Home, 1235-119th St., Whiting.. (219) 659-4400.

10/27/2025

Obituary for Mildred S. Novotny:

Mildred S. Novotny (nee Skrabak) 95 of Whiting, passed away peacefully on the early morning of Saturday, October 18, 2025 at the Crown Point Christian Village. She was the beloved wife of 20 years to the late Paul J. Novotny, Sr. who passed away October 26, 2000; loving mother of John (Sharon) Vacendak; cherished grandmother of Nicole (Cale) Bolinger and Curtis (Candice) Vacendak; adoring great grandma of Lennox Bolinger; dearest step-mom of Paul (Sharon) Novotny, late Gary Novotny and Merribeth (Anthony) Paunicka; many dear step grandchildren and step great grandchildren; devoted sister of Margaret (late Rudolph) Maicher and late infant brother, Samuel Skrabak; dear aunt of Thomas (Judy) Maicher and Timothy (Jennifer) Maicher; great nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held Monday, November 3, 2025 at 10:00am at the St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church, 118th St. and Atchison Ave., Whiting with Pastor Mark Zuehsow, officiating; interment to follow at Concordia Cemetery, Hammond; visitation at the Baran Funeral Home, 1235-119th St., Whiting on Sunday from 2:00 to 6:00pm and at the church Monday morning from 9:00am to time of services. Expressions of sympathy may be shared on-line at www.baranfh.com.

Millie Novotny was born on July 13, 1930 to Samuel and Sophie Skrabak. She was a lifelong resident of the Whiting-Robertsdale Community and was a graduate of George Rogers Clark High School, Class of 1949. A very active member of the St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church, Whiting, she participated with the Deborah Guild and was an Oplatki Maker. She was a former technician at Gordon & Ritzi Optometrists, Whiting, with a service of 30 years. Devoted to her family, Millie will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1801 Atchison Ave., Whiting, IN 46394, would be appreciated. (219) 659-4400.

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