Eleanor A. (Dorka) Klapak

Eleanor A. Klapak (nee Dorka), 86, of Whiting, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her loving family, on May 10th. She was the beloved mother of Janet (Frank) Lowry, Paul “Otis” (Dorothy) Klapak, Donna (Greg) Melyon. She was the loving grandmother of Brian (Jerri) Lowry, Michael (Jennifer) Lowry, Jeffery (Jennifer) Lowry, Jacqueline Klapak and Cortney Lowry. She is survived by sisters Flo (late Frank) Kobli, Virginia, Cheryl, and Vicki Dorka, brother-in-laws Matt Barsic and Ken Rahn and eight great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by husband John R. Klapak, son, Army Pfc. John “Jack” Klapak Jr., VietNam,  and sisters Mary Knaver, Carole Barsic and Sue Rahn.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, May 15, 2018 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 Monday from 5:00 to 8:00pm.

A spirited woman who loved as fiercely as she fought, Eleanor was part of a generation that paved the way for female leadership. She was active in Hammond and regional politics and was elected to the North Township Advisory Board. She was the first female butcher for Jewel and was a long-time manager of Whiting’s Sara Lee store. Eleanor was active and held office in numerous civic organizations and was a Gold Star mother who notably lit the eternal flame in Wicker Memorial Park. A member of Immaculate Conception Church, Eleanor’s deep faith was reflected in her commitment to the St. Anne’s Sodality and other Christian organizations and activities. Eleanor’s family would like to thank the caring staff of the Hospice of the Calumet Area and express their heartfelt thanks to her special niece Gale. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Grotto Restoration Fund of Immaculate Conception Parish would be appreciated. 

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