Obituary

Ronald Allen Wood, 78, of rural Valparaiso, IN, died Thursday, January 23, 2020 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Hobart surrounded by family. He was born March 26, 1941 in Marshalltown, IA, the son of Harold and Eleanor (Oleson) Wood. He married Gloria (Faron) Johnson on August 10, 1973 in Chicago, IL. He was a retired Industrial Engineer and had worked at American Can, Wisconsin Steel and Weil McLean. He was a 1959 graduate of DeKalb High School, DeKalb, IL and was an accomplished member of the DeKalb Barbs wrestling team.

James Wright, age 88, of Lowell, IN passed away on Tuesday, January 7, 2020. He is survived by his daughter, Susan Sanchez. He will be remembered for his love of playing pool and his passion for fishing.

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