Obituaries

Sophie Kania

May 25, 2025

Sophie Kania, a beloved mother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully on May 25, 2025, at St. Catherine's Hospital in East Chicago, Indiana. She was born on May 11, 1937, in Wrocanka, Poland. Sophie was a treasure to all who knew her, and her spirit will live on in the hearts of those she touched throughout her remarkable life.

Sophie’s...

Miguel A. Melendez

May 23, 2025

Miguel passed away Friday, May 23, 2025 surrounded by his loving family.

Miguel A. Melendez, 42, of Hammond, Indiana, passed away on Friday, May 23, 2025. He was born on June 20, 1982, on Father’s Day in Munster, Indiana to Raquel Velez and Late Felix M. Melendez. Miguel grew up in East Chicago, IN and played baseball with the East Chicago...

Refugio Martinez

May 14, 2025

Refugio Martinez, a cherished member of the community, passed away peacefully at home on May 14, 2025, at the age of 96. Born on November 1, 1928, in Villa de Arriaga, San Luis Potosí, Mexico, Refugio lived a life filled with love, dedication, and a deep sense of family.

He was the beloved husband of the late Czeslawa Martinez, who preceded...

Jovita E. Cavazos

May 10, 2025

Jovita E. Cavazos, affectionately known as Nuna, left this world on May 10, 2025, in Hammond, Indiana, surrounded by the love of her family, specifically her daughter Christina. Born on February 15, 1954, in East Chicago, she was a vibrant soul whose laughter and spirit brightened the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Nuna was not only...

April A. Nutter

Apr 30, 2025

April A. Nutter, a beloved daughter, sister, and aunt, passed away on April 30, 2025, in her hometown of Hammond, Indiana, where she was born on August 26, 1973. She was 51 years old at the time of her passing.

April was known for her kind and caring nature, which endeared her to everyone who had the pleasure of knowing her....

Norma A. Fuentes

Apr 28, 2025

Norma passed away Monday, April 28th 2025 at her home surrounded by her loving family.

Per Norma's wishes she was cremated and a Memorial Gathering will be at a later date.

A complete obituary is pending.

George White

Apr 27, 2025

George passed away at his home Sunday, April 27th 2025 surrounded by his loving family.

A complete obituary is pending.

Per George's wishes he was cremated and a memorial gathering will be at a later date.

Ramiro "Speedy" Sandoval Jr.

Apr 2, 2025

With heavy hearts, we announce that Ramiro Sandoval Jr., affectionately known as “Speedy,” age 66, of Whiting, IN, passed away on Tuesday, April 2, 2025. Speedy was born in Chicago, IL in 1958. After spending most his life in Chicago, his last home was in Whiting, IN close to work and family.

He loved to work on cars and machinery. After...

Debra Nolbertowicz

Apr 2, 2025

Eddie J. Stone

Apr 1, 2025

Eddie J. Stone, a dedicated member of Labor Union Local #645 and a beloved family man, passed away on April 1, 2025, at the age of 35. Born on July 14, 1989, in Munster, Indiana, Eddie lived a life characterized by hard work and an immense capacity for generosity.

Throughout his life, Eddie was known for his unwavering commitment to his...

Ruben "Rubbs" Vela

Mar 27, 2025

We wanted all of you to know there will be a "Celebration of Life" held on Saturday April 26, 2025 from 11AM to 2pm at Fiori Italian 8940 Calumet Ave, Munster, IN.

We would love for all his friends and family to attend.

Ruben Vela, affectionately known as "Rubbs," graced this world with his vibrant spirit on December 24, 1941, and departed...

Margaret Corralez

Mar 20, 2025

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Margaret Corralez, who departed this life on March 20, 2025, in Highland, Indiana. Born on November 12, 1947, in Chicago, Illinois, Margaret was a beacon of kindness and warmth to all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Margaret’s life was one dedicated to family and community. She possessed an...

Joseph Cruz Gutierrez

Mar 15, 2025

Joseph Cruz Gutierrez, known fondly as "Cruzie," passed away on March 15, 2025, in Katy, Texas. Born on October 12, 1943, in East Chicago, Indiana, he lived a life that was rich in love, family, and service.

Joseph retired from Inland Steel and subsequently dedicated his time to working as a Special Needs Aid for the School City of East Chicago....

Victoria P. Klekot

Mar 13, 2025

Victoria Phyllis Klekot, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of love, strength, and joy.

Born on May 30, 1930, in East Chicago, Indiana, to Apolinary and Stella Spejewski, Victoria was the fourth of five children, growing up alongside her siblings Mary, Lottie, Chester, and Stanley. She graduated from Washington High School before beginning her...

Eddie Elias

Mar 12, 2025

Edward "Eddie" Elias, born on January 14, 1981 in Chicago, departed this world on March 12, 2025. Leaving behind a legacy of laughter, kindness, and creativity that touched all who knew him. A gifted artist, Eddie had an extraordinary ability to express himself through drawing, capturing not only the beauty of the world around him but also the hearts of...

Anthony I. Echevarria

Mar 10, 2025

Anthony passed away peacefully Monday, March 10th 2025 at Methodist Southlake Campus Hospital in Merrillville surrounded by his loving family.

Per Anthony's wishes a Private Cremation will take place.

Jay Jordan Sheets

Mar 10, 2025

Jay Jordan Sheets, affectionately known as “Bird,” was born on August 15, 1996, in Munster, Indiana. He passed away on March 10, 2025, leaving behind cherished memories and a legacy of love that will resonate with all who knew him.

Jay was a devoted family member, beloved as a son, brother, uncle, nephew, and cousin. He is survived by his mother...

Rafael A. Duarte Aquino

Mar 9, 2025

Rafael “Rafa” Antonio Duarte Aquino, 69, of Hammond, Indiana, lost his battle with cancer, surrounded by his beloved family, on March 9, 2025. He was born to humble parents—Ricardo Antonio Duarte, a driver, and María Inés Aquino, a housekeeper—in Ahuachapán, El Salvador, on June 12, 1955.

Rafa is survived by his wife, Blanca Rosa Andrade de Duarte; his son, Rafael Alejandro;...

Jeanette June Laesecke

Mar 7, 2025

Jeanette passed away peacefully at her home.

A complete obituary is pending.

A private cremation will take place per Jeanette's wishes.