All Obituaries

Helen F. Shebesh (nee Lelito) 91 of Schererville, formerly of Whiting, passed away peacefully on the morning of Thursday, April 4, 2024 at her residence. She was the beloved wife of the late John F. Shebesh, who passed away February 17, 1983; loving mother of Karen Shebesh, Deborah (Don) Wickenden, Laure (Thomas) Hetzel, Russell (Lauri) Shebesh and Mark Shebesh; adopted son, Scott Wolski; cherished grandmother of eight; cherished sister of the late Edmond (Geraldine) Lelito and the late...

Michael P. “Mike” Skiba, 43 of Hammond, passed away suddenly on Thursday, April 4, 2024. He is survived by his life companion of 18 years, Rachel Wilson; cherished nephew of Ken (Theresa) Solkey, Roger (Jan) Solkey, Walter (Mary) Skiba and Al (Louise) Skiba; many dear cousins. A Celebration of Mike’s Life will be held on Friday, April 12, 2024 at the Baran Funeral Home, 1235-119th St., Whiting from 5:00 to 7:00pm. As a tribute to Michael, please wear your favorite jersey...

Jerry L. Kershner, 68 of Whiting, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 4, 2024 at St. Catherine Hospital, East Chicago. He is survived by his beloved wife of 43 years, Mary (nee Ruskowsky); loving father of Brandi (Mark) Wohland and Katlin (Nathan) Fuller; adoring grandpa of Raelyn and Cheyenne Wohland and Henry Thomas Fuller; cherished son of Frances Woods and the late Charles Kershner; dearest brother of Regina (late Denny) Harbaugh, Rose Wible, Jeff (Cindy) Kershner and Jay Kershner;...

Elizabeth A. “Betty” Skvarek (nee Cerven) 93 of Whiting, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 26, 2024 at St. Catherine Hospital, East Chicago. She was the beloved wife of 58 years to the late Joseph J. Skvarek, who passed away August 2, 2008; loving mother of Joann (Allen) Banvich and Joseph G. (Debbie) Skvarek; cherished grandmother of Michael (Madison) Skvarek and Kristina Skvarek; dearest  great granddogs, “Cooper”, “Mackey” and...

Michael S. Skowronek, 74 of Whiting, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 24, 2024 at his residence. He is survived by his beloved wife and best friend of 22 years, Carolyn Lucas-Skowronek; loving brother of Susan (Donald) Pelka; cherished step-father of Tiffany Ryno, Christopher Szanyi and Maria (Ian) Robinson; dear step-grandpa of Javier, Benjamin, Sergio and Margot; dearest uncle of Annie (Christian) Carichner, Margaret Pelka and Elizabeth Pelka; fond brother-in-law of Andrea Lucas and...

Alice M. Comstock, 88 of Jeffersonville, Indiana, formerly of Whiting and Highland, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 23, 2024 at her residence. Loving mother of John (Jane) Valocik, Jill (Tom) Smith and the late Janet (late Tim) Valocik-Plawecki; cherished grandmother of  Lindsey, Thomas R. and Mia Smith, Sara, John, Krista and Frank Valocik; dear sister of Paul Vaughn and the late David Comstock, Charles Comstock and Janet (late Joseph) Zahorsky; nieces and nephews. Funeral...

David Morando, 68 of Whiting, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 20, 2024 at his residence. He is survived by his beloved wife of 40 years, Kimberly (nee Clark); loving father of David (Laura) Morando, Jr., Jamie (Therese) Morando, Nikki Morando and Aaron Morando; cherished grandfather of Julia, Eliza, Lily, Alexaner, Aaron, Jr. and Sophia; cherished brother of Elena (Kenneth) Jankowski, Mary (Ted) Mecklin, Delores Edwards, Francis Tigner, Susan Morando, Jesse (Laura) Morando and the...

Robert J. Kwasny, 63 of Whiting, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 19, 2024 at his residence. He was a loving father of Shalena Bailey, Stacey Negrete, Jenna (late Dwain) Cook and Jamie (Thad) Thompson; cherished grampy/grandpa Bob of Alyssa, Briana, Adrian, Olivia, Lucas, Emette, Jiovanni, Breccan, Nolan, Liliana, and Gabriel; dearest brother of Richard, Terry and Tim (Vivian) Kwasny; dear uncle of Kevin and Kyle. Visitation will be at the Baran Funeral Home, 1235-119th St.,...

Arthur Okerstrom, Sr., 91, of Whiting passed away Sunday, March 17, 2024 at Franciscan Health, Munster. He is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Ann (nee Perhach); loving father of Art Okerstrom.; dearest brother of Roger (Karen) Okerstrom; many dear nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 22, 2024 at 12 noon at the Baran Funeral Home, 1235 119th St., Whiting with the Rev. Mark R. Peres, C.PP.S., of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Whiting,...

Charles D. “Chuck” Schmittel, Sr., 69 of Whiting, passed away on Saturday, March 9, 2024 at his residence. Beloved father of Christy Schmittel, Samantha Doughty, Charles (Tiffany) Schmittel, Jr., Nichole (Mario) Mariani and Steven Schmittel; cherished grandfather of Christopher (Brittany), Danielle (Ulises), Beck, Caydence, Paige, Marie, Alyssa and Harper; adoring great grandpa of Joseph, Samuel and Sophia; dearest brother of Richard (Marge) Schmittel and Deborah (late Mike)...