All Obituaries

Doreen June Witte, 68 of Valparaiso, went to her heavenly home on Tuesday, May 30, 2023 surrounded by her family. She was born July 2, 1954 in Lincoln, Nebraska, the daughter of Harvey and Leona (Schulz) Beckmann. After earning a bachelors degree in Psychology from Purdue University, she became a social worker and later a founding partner of GMW Consultants. Doreen was known for her infectious laugh, joy of music, her unfailing positivity and her unwavering devotion to her friends and...

Leroy Bogard, 84 of Hobart, passed away Thursday, June 1, 2023. He was born February 26, 1939 in Springfield, Illinois, the son of James and Ruth (Schaffatill) Bogard. Leroy was a US Army Veteran and a boilermaker at US Steel Gary Works. On March 19, 1976 he married Karen Elaine Prickett, who preceded him in death February 18, 2020. Surviving are his children, Leroy (Sheila) Bogard, Jr., Roger (Brenda) Bogard, Barbara (Bud) Betchie, Kathy (Charles) Anderson, Sophie (Mike) Roeske, Donny...

Roberta P. Bertsch 89, of Valparaiso, passed away Monday, May 1, 2023. She was born April 17, 1934 in Berne, Indiana to Curtis and Gertrude (Sprunger) Wulliman. Roberta is survived by her daughters Cynthia Sanders of Valparaiso, Kristina Bertsch of LaPorte, and Andrea Bertsch of LaPorte; two grandchildren Austin Sanders and Corey (Morgan) Sanders. Roberta was a Registered Nurse and worked for the Willows Rehabilitation Center and the Life Care Center in Valparaiso. During her lifetime, she...

Gerald Allan Knarr passed peacefully from this life on May 20,2023 at home. He was born January15,1938 to Herman Gilbert and Daisy Geraldine Knarr in Huntington, W. VA.  Jerry graduated from Avon High School in IN and went to Franklin College for one year.  He then joined the Navy for 4 years where he served as head radio technician on the Captain’s crew of a B-52 plane.   At he conclusion of the Bay of Pigs situation in Cuba, Jerry was finally released from the...

Donna M. Peres, 81, of Valparaiso, passed away on May 14, 2023.  She was born on December 7, 1941, in Wiscasset, Maine, to Don and Mary (House) Woodbury.  For most of Donna’s career she worked as a social worker for Tradewinds and Opportunity Enterprise. She also enjoyed watching old black and white movies in her free time.  She is survived by her children Mary (Chris) Peres of Valparaiso, Edward (Phyllis) Dusard of Valparaiso, John (Tracy) Dusard of Porter, and Denise...

Daphne Panayiota Gustafson, nee: Daravanis, 74 of Valparaiso, passed away Tuesday, May 9, 2023. She was born October 3, 1949 in Chicago, the daughter of Nicholas and Stella (Constan) Daravanis, Daphne was a retired Administrative Professional at US Steel. Surviving are her sons, Robert (Cindy) Gustafson of Orland Park, IL and Christopher (Heather) Gustafson of Valparaiso, grandchildren, Kyle, Kody, Jacob and Ryan Gustafson, niece Alena Birger of Ft. Myers, FL. and great nephew and great...

Felix M. Szmagaj (Mike) 88, of Valparaiso passed away early Thursday, May 11, 2023, after a long illness. He was born to Felix and Pearl Szmagaj on August 6, 1934, in East Chicago, Indiana. Mike is survived by his wife of 66 years, Mary Szmagaj of Valparaiso; a son, Tom Szmagaj (MaryEllen) of Valparaiso; a daughter, Kathy Ivester (Eric) of Greenwich, Connecticut; grandchildren: Rebecca Szmagaj (Carlos), Jennifer Jaskowiak (Paul), Melissa Szmagaj, and Chad, Jeff (Ava), and Blake Ivester;...

Joan Dorothy (Hartig) Stombaugh 87, of Valparaiso, passed away on May 14th, 2023. She was born June 17, 1935 in Chicago IL to Anthony and Josephine Hartig.  On Sept 4th, 1954 she married her high school sweetheart Richard Stombaugh. Joan is survived by her daughter Christine (Len ) Guzek, daughter-in-law Julie, her grandson Daniel and sister Cathy Farrington.  She was preceded in death by her husband of 68 years Richard, her two sons Brian, and Bruce and brother, Joseph...

Ralph Glenn Schneegas, Sr., 90, of Valparaiso, Indiana passed away on Friday, May 5, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. Ralph was born April 13, 1933, in Valparaiso, the son of William and Helen (Seaman) Schneegas. On December 30, 1999, he married Mabel Lawrence, who survives in Valparaiso. Mr. Schneegas served in the United States of America Air Force. He was a PROUD 56-year Lifetime Member of the Local 150 Operators. He was a member of the American Legion Post 502 and Fraternal Order...

James Pierce Dunkelbarger, 84 of Valparaiso, passed away Friday, May 12, 2023. He was born July 27, 1938 in Valparaiso, the son of Oscar Dunkelbarger and Hermie (Barneko) Lucas. Jim was an electrician for McGill Manufacturing in Valparaiso and Toyoda Industries in Arizona. Jim enjoyed fishing, gardening and was an avid Cubs fan. On July 18, 1971, he married Donna Clark, who survives in Valparaiso. Also surviving are his children, Debra (Ron) Evans, Bret Dunkelbarger and Amey VanBlaircom all...