Obituary

Mike Smith, 53, passed away unexpectedly Saturday, January 4, 2020 at Porter Hospital. He was born June 30, 1966 in Hammond, Indiana to William and Margie Smith. Mike lived his years in the Indiana Region where he met his wife Cheryl Smith (nee Pittman). They celebrated 33 years of marriage together in June. He worked at KM Plant Services. He loved dirt track racing and wrestling. More than anything else, though, he enjoyed playing with his Grandchildren, who he loved dearly. Mike was well known to his co-workers and got

Jack Barton Wakeman, age 92, passed away on January 5, 2020.  He was born December 24, 1927 in Union Mills, IN to George & Fredda Wakeman.  He served in the US Navy and married Carolyn Shalley on June 19, 1954. He and Carol lived many years in Thornton, IL, retired to Monticello, IN, were snowbirds to Mesa, AZ, and then lived the last 5 years together at Pines Village in Valparaiso, IN. Jack worked at New York Blower Company, Chicago office for more than 35 years, and in his spare time

Nancy Olivadoti, 88, a long-time resident of the Merrillville area, passed away the 1st of January, 2020. At her request, a private service will be held with immediate family. Nancy was born on August 13, 1931 in Niles, Michigan, to Arnold and Lucile Krueger. She graduated from Westville High School in 1950. She taught 1st grade at Westville School and was loved by her students. She went back to Ball State the next year to finish her degree in Education. After graduation, she and four of her Ball State friends

Lawrence “Larry” P. Lawrence, age 75, of Hammond, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 29, 2019.  Beloved husband to Trisa L. Lawrence née Edmond.  Loving father of Robert (Jenny) Lawrence, Dawn (Daniel) Lawrence Angulo and loving stepfather to Shalanda Grabos.  Cherished brother of Elizabeth, Arlene, Connie and Joseph.  Proud grandfather of 8 and great-grandfather of 9.  Fond uncle of many nieces and nephews, who lovingly referred to him as Uncle Lucky.  He was preceded in death by his first wife of 49 years, Margaret C. Lawrence née Norcross, children Lawrence

Sandra Kay Doe (Akins), 73, passed away on December 27, 2019 at St. Anthony’s Hospital in Crown Point, IN. She is survived by her children; Shelly Paunovich, Charles (Jen) Doe, Kelly Harper Doe, Paul (Ruby) Doe and Randy Mullins, grandchildren; Sarah (Michael) Mahoney, Miles, Jacob, Morgan, Annabell, Timothy, Lilly, Matthew, Alyssa, Nicholas, and Skylar, great-grandchildren; Noah and Charlotte, siblings; Paul Reppa, Cheryl Wheeler and Debbie Luttrell (Liz). Preceded in death by her father, mother, sister and niece. Sandra was born in Chicago, IL in 1946. She was a resident of

Mrs. Sally Anne (Aunt Sassy) Kremke, 83, of LaPorte, IN, passed away on December 18, 2019 at home with her family and friends present. Sally was born on October 3, 1936 to Timothy Sargent and Helen Summers Sargent, in Harrison, Michigan. During her childhood she spent some time in the Philippines where her father was stationed and then later attended high school at Horace Mann in Gary, IN. After high school she attended Saint Mary Mercy Hospital in Gary, IN and graduated as a registered nurse. After graduation she spent