Obituary

Michael Smolik Sr., 69, passed away on Wednesday, March 17, 2021. He was a resident of Lowell for 24 years, and formerly from Illinois. Michael is survived by his loving wife of 43 years; Cathrine Smolik, his beloved children; Dodi (Dennis) Wians, Elizabeth Jablonski, Michael (Melody) Smolik Jr., and his adored grandchildren; Derek, Tyler, Brooke, Maddison, Trevor, Morgan, Mia and Mason. Michael proudly served our country in the United States Marine Corp, where he was trained to do underwater demolition in Vietnam. He will be remembered as a wonderful husband,

Mark Hanson, 65, of Hobart, IN passed away on March 13, 2021. He is survived by his close friends; Twyllah Dammarell, Brad (Cindy) Jolliff, and Logan Kirby. Preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Gloria Hanson. Mark graduated from Hobart High School in 1973. He was an avid hunter, fisherman and golfer. He worked for Industrial Steel Construction as a diesel mechanic, and later worked for Duck Creek golf course. Mark was an active member of SAL Post 502.

William (Bill) Begeske, age 91 of Schererville, formerly Calumet City, passed away on March 10, 2021.  Bill married his longtime love, "Chooch", Ruth, on September 9, 1950.  Together they raised 8 children.  Bill retired from Inland Steel in 1992.  He is survived by children, Bob (Glenda), Kathy (John) Pawlak, Marcie Blystone, Ruth (Royce) Hebbard, Barney (Shelly), Matt (Shelly), 11 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren and special niece, Suzie (John) Lyneis.  Preceded in death by his wife, Ruth; his sons, Bill and Bruce; grandson, Bert Blystone; daughter-in-law, Tracy. Bill's passions were his family, bowling,

Frank Louis Rzepka, age 78, of Merrillville, IN passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 7, 2021. He is survived by his children; James (Malinda) Rzepka, Lynda (Jeff) Velez, Cheryl (Charles) Lamb, John (Jillian) Rzepka. Brother; Tom (Barb) Rzepka and sister; Mary Jane Geimer, 4 grandchildren; Jakob, Luke, Logan, and Ella and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents Frank and Janet Rzepka and sister Dorothy Michaels. Frank was an active member of Our Lady of Consolation Church where a Memorial Mass will be held on

Gregory Joseph Rodriguez, 67, of Park Forest, IL passed away peacefully on February 27, 2021. He was born in Chicago on December 22, 1953 to Gregory and Raquel Rodriguez (nee Bautista). He proudly served our country in the Marine Corp. Gregg is survived by his daughters; Jennifer (Joe) Rodriguez Proksch, Nicole (Samuel) Shubert, Rachel Harbeson, and Kelly Sprouse. Grandchildren; Crystal Proksch, Joseph Proksch, Jacob Proksch, Jeremy Proksch, William Howell, Allen Shubert, Nathaniel Shubert, Faith Shubert, Hayley Sprouse and Jacob Sprouse. He is also survived by his Sister; Maria (Sean) Strohmeyer