All Obituaries

Randall Lee Bennett, age 71 of Highland, Indiana passed away peacefully while tending to his garden on June 13, 2021.  Randall was born in Hammond, and a graduate of Clark High School.  After a brief stint in the Navy he owned several businesses in Hammond and the surrounding areas.   Randall is survived by his spouse, Adam Kalinowski; a close nephew, Edward Hofferth as well as several additional nieces and nephews.  Randall was preceded in passing by his...

Daniel L. Kelley, age 69, of Crete, IL., passed away on Sunday, May 30, 2021. Daniel is survived by his children: Jason Kelley and Lisa M. Kelley; grandchildren: Calista Kelley, Ava Kelley, Jaiden Kelley and Jaxon Wisnewski; siblings: Linda Summers, Barbara Glass, Mike Kelley, William Kelley and Kim (Harper) Graves; Mother-in-law and Father-in-law: Flossie and Darrel Clark; brother-in-law, Tim Cagle; his dog, Copper; his cat, Moo Daddy.  Daniel was preceded in passing by his...

William "Bill" Ellis Luchene, age 64, of Hammond, Indiana, passed away on Saturday, May 29, 2021. Bill was preceded in passing by his parents: Clayton and Mildred Luchene; his brother, James Paul Luchene; his father-in-law and mother-in-law: Basil and Shirley Durbin; brother-in-laws, Kenneth Durbin and Joseph Sowles; his grandmothers: Lois Hayes and Sarah Elizabeth Durbin. He was also preceded in death by his heroes: Alex Trebek and Dale Earnhardt.  William is...

William H. Ruff, age 75, of Valparaiso, Indiana, passed away on Friday, May 14, 2021. William is survived by his sister, Debby Ruff; and his cousins: Kathleen (Timothy) Rudis and family, and the Bernard Oakes family. William is preceded in death by his brother Walter P. Ruff Jr who passed away April 28, 2021 at age 76 with whom William shared the family home. William is a proud Veteran of the U.S. Air Force where he attended the School of Aerospace Medicine and served as a...

Johnella Mae Pearson, age 91, of Hammond, IN., passed away on Saturday, April 24, 2021. Johnella is survived by her children: Mary (John) Hall, Annie Ruth Pearson, John Pearson, Deborah Pearson, Annette Pearson, Marietta Pearson, David Pearson, Timothy Harper and Latricia Harper (Elliot) Staples; 29 grandchildren, 53 great grandchildren and 6 great-great grandchildren; siblings: Cora Mae Mann, Willie Louis (Linda) Miller, Willie Kate Council and Horace Mitchell. Johnella was preceded...

Marcella Irene Gercken was born February 3, 1943 in Hammond, Indiana.  She is preceded in passing by her parents, Rollin M. and Nema I. Schahfer.  She graduated from Hammond High School and Indiana University, where she won the Outstanding Band Woman Award.  She was President of Tau Beta Sigma, an honorary band sorority and President of District VII, Tau Beta Sigma. Marcella married Donald Jacob Gercken, (predeceased 2016) in 1968.  Marcella taught private...

Earl Edward Stazak 11/19/1971 - 4/10/21 Devoted husband and best friend of Jen (nee Barba) Stazak; Loving father of Ashley (Mike) Manley, Nicole, Allison (Rich Oliver), Carly and Peyton; Proud grandpa of Brendan, Conor, Elena, Benjamin and Axel; Caring son of Earl Stazak, Sr. and Sharon (nee Berndt) (Joe) Kania; Beloved brother to Lisa (Ramon) Venegas, Shelly Martinez, Joe (Nikki), Vickie (Jim) Frenden; Cherished son-in-law of Steve and Fran...

Jeffery A. Rigot, age 56 of Hammond, Indiana passed away on Thursday, April 8, 2021 at Munster Med Inn. Jeffery is survived by his children: Ashley (Robert) Schindley, James (Brittany) Rigot, David (Trista) Rigot, Melanie (Eddie Leon) Rigot and Jordan Rigot; Fiancé, Debbie J. Tiller; Step-children: Wayne (Liz) Hughes and Rebecca Hughes; grandchildren: Andrew Hughes, Amaya Hughes, Anthony Hughes and Ava Hughes; former spouse, Denise Ross. Jeffery graduated from Griffith High...

Marvin L. Gillim Jr. "Len", age 79 of Hammond, IN., passed away on Wednesday, April 7, 2021. Marvin is survived by his children: Chris (Anitra) Gillim, Ken (Sherri) Gillim, Lori (Harold) McKinney; his grandchildren: Deanna Gillim, Christina (Chase) Patterson, Devin Gillim, Colin McKinney; his great grandchild, Keith Patterson; brothers: Terry (Cindy) Gillim, Don (Tina) Gillim; uncle and cousin to many.  Marvin was preceded in passing by his parents, Marvin Sr. and...

Janice D. Saksa, age 84 of Whiting, passed away on Sunday, April 4, 2021. Janice is survived by her daughters: Kim (Late Randal) Vaught and Kris Saksa; grandchildren: Kelly (Nikki) Maaskant and Derek Vaught; great granddaughter, Lily Maaskant; and her Four-legged companion, Lucas.  Janice was preceded in passing by her parents: George and Evelyn; and her brothers, Howard and Dennis. A Funeral service will be held on Friday, April 9, 2021 at 10:00 A.M. at LaHayne Funeral Home 6955...