Baran Funeral Home, 1235 119th Street, Whiting, IN (2025)

10/27/2025

Obituary for Mildred S. Novotny:

Mildred S. Novotny (nee Skrabak) 95 of Whiting, passed away peacefully on the early morning of Saturday, October 18, 2025 at the Crown Point Christian Village. She was the beloved wife of 20 years to the late Paul J. Novotny, Sr. who passed away October 26, 2000; loving mother of John (Sharon) Vacendak; cherished grandmother of Nicole (Cale) Bolinger and Curtis (Candice) Vacendak; adoring great grandma of Lennox Bolinger; dearest step-mom of Paul (Sharon) Novotny, late Gary Novotny and Merribeth (Anthony) Paunicka; many dear step grandchildren and step great grandchildren; devoted sister of Margaret (late Rudolph) Maicher and late infant brother, Samuel Skrabak; dear aunt of Thomas (Judy) Maicher and Timothy (Jennifer) Maicher; great nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held Monday, November 3, 2025 at 10:00am at the St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church, 118th St. and Atchison Ave., Whiting with Pastor Mark Zuehsow, officiating; interment to follow at Concordia Cemetery, Hammond; visitation at the Baran Funeral Home, 1235-119th St., Whiting on Sunday from 2:00 to 6:00pm and at the church Monday morning from 9:00am to time of services. Expressions of sympathy may be shared on-line at www.baranfh.com.

Millie Novotny was born on July 13, 1930 to Samuel and Sophie Skrabak. She was a lifelong resident of the Whiting-Robertsdale Community and was a graduate of George Rogers Clark High School, Class of 1949. A very active member of the St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church, Whiting, she participated with the Deborah Guild and was an Oplatki Maker. She was a former technician at Gordon & Ritzi Optometrists, Whiting, with a service of 30 years. Devoted to her family, Millie will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1801 Atchison Ave., Whiting, IN 46394, would be appreciated. (219) 659-4400.

10/14/2025

Obituary for Robert A. Beck

Robert A. Beck, 83 of Whiting, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 11, 2025. He is survived by his most cherished life companion of 46 years, Reisha Mihalso and extended family, Candy (Raymond) Petrey, late Christy McGee. Sierra, Trinity and Megan; dear sister-in-law of Toni (late Charles) Beck; proud uncle of Dawn (Michael) Tobin and Kelli (Michael Crawford) Beck.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, October 20, 2025 at 10:00am at the Baran Funeral Home, 1235-119th St., Whiting with the Rev. James Dvorscak, officiating; interment, Chesterton Cemetery, Chesterton, IN; visitation at the funeral home on Sunday from 2:00 to 6:00pm. Expressions of sympathy may be shared on-line at www.baranfh.com.

Robert Beck was born on October 31, 1941 in Chicago, Illinois to Anthony and Margaret (Rybarczyk) Beck and was a graduate of the Chicago Vocational High School, Class of 1958. He was a US Army Veteran and was a member of the American Legion, Whiting Post 80 (Memorial Service, Sunday at 4:00pm). He was a retiree of the American Maize Products Company (Cargill), Hammond, with over 35 years of service and enjoyed woodworking. Robert will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Whiting Food Pantry, P.O. Box 591, Whiting, IN 46394 or the American Legion, Whiting Post 80, 2003 Indianapolis Blvd., Whiting, IN 46394, would be appreciated. (219) 659-4400.

10/06/2025

Obituary for Ann Carol (nee Calfa) Jancho:

Ann Carol Jancho (nee Calfa) 84 of Whiting, passed away suddenly on Wednesday, September 24, 2025 at St. Catherine Hospital, East Chicago. She was the beloved wife of the late Edward Jancho; loving mother of Vernon Wade Jancho and the late Steven L. Jancho; loving grandmother of Donald (Kelly). Carley and Josh; great grandma of Layla and Bodie; dearest sister of Mary (late Robert) Puplava and the late Steve (late Pauline) Calfa; dear aunt of Tina and Haley Zientara.

Private funeral services were held, there was no visitation. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Baran Funeral Home, 1235-119th St., Whiting. Expressions of sympathy may be shared on-line at www.baranfh.com.

Carol Jancho was born on March 29, 1941 to Stephen, Sr. and Mary (Breda) Calfa. A lifelong resident of Whiting, she was a graduate of Whiting High School, Class of 1959 and was a member of the First Catholic Slovak Ladies Association, Branch 81. She was a former employee of Centier Bank, Whiting and was a retiree of the Liberty Savings (Peoples) Bank, Whiting, Devoted to her family, Carol will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her. (219) 659-4400.

10/04/2025

Obituary for Janel Rae Marie Zubeck

Janel Rae Marie Zubeck (nee Companik) age 85 of Whiting, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 3, 2025. Devoted wife of 61 years to Raymond Zubeck, with whom she shared a lifetime of love and family; proud and loving mother to Marc (Colleen) Zubeck and Nicole (Wes) Jeanblanc. She cherished her role as grandmother to Michael and Lillian Zubeck, Lauren and Christian Jeanblanc, who brought her endless joy; beloved sister of Bruce (Sara) Companik; dear sister-in-law of Richard (late Beverly) Zubeck and the late Lorraine (Paul) Krueger; many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Born on April 13, 1940 to Anthony and Mary Companik, she was a lifelong resident of the Whiting-Robertsdale Community. She attended St. John the Baptist School, Bishop Noll Institute, and graduated from Holy Cross School of Nursing. She dedicated her nursing career to caring for others, working at St. Catherine Hospital, Amoco, Dr. Weinberg’s office, and as the school nurse at Bishop Noll Institute. Deeply rooted in her faith and community, Janel served in many parish and civic organizations. She was active in the St. John Parish Council, Rosary Society and had served as a Eucharistic Minister. She was a Wheat Weaver and was very active with the former Whiting K of C Wives Club. She also gave of her time to the Elks Club and Lunch with Friends, always serving with compassion and generosity. Janel’s passions were many—she loved crafts, cooking and baking, and especially hosting gatherings for family and friends. Her warm hospitality, kind spirit, and unwavering devotion to those she loved will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 11, 2025 at 9:30am at the Baran Funeral Home, 1235-119th St., Whiting; a Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10:00am at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Whiting, with the Rev. Mark R. Peres, C.PP.S., officiating; entombment, St. John Cemetery, Hammond; visitation at the funeral home on Friday from 4:00 to 8:00pm. The St. John Rosary Society, together with members of the parish, will offer prayers at the funeral home on Friday at 4:30pm. Expressions of sympathy may be shared on-line at www.baranfh.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the St. John Church Capital Campaign or the Missionaries of the Precious Blood, 1849 Lincoln Ave., Whiting, IN 46394, would be appreciated. (219) 659-4400.

10/02/2025

Obituary for Desanka “Desa” Peirce

Desanka “Desa” Peirce (nee Keseric), 89 of Whiting, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 25, 2025 at the William J. Riley Memorial Residence, Munster. She was the beloved wife of 64 years to the late John P. Peirce who passed away September 22, 2024; loving mother of Marc (Jacqueline) Peirce, John Peirce and late infant son, Nicholas; cherished grandmother of Hannah (Tony) Franchetti, Jordan (Cody) Kozuch, Cameron, Evan, Jack and Joe Peirce; adoring great grandma of Lucas and Noah Franchetti; dearest sister of Nada (late Nick) Tomasic, Jovan Keseric and the late Jovanka Pavic and Janko Keseric; nieces and nephews.

Private funeral services were held on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at 10:00am at the Baran Funeral Home, 1235-119th St., Whiting, with the Rev James Dvorscak., officiating; interment, St. John Cemetery, Hammond. Expressions of sympathy may be shared on-line at www.baranfh.com.

Desa Peirce was born on May 16, 1936 to Nikola and Danica Keseric in Zumberak, Croatia. She was a graduate of the University of Zagreb and was a former high school teacher. A longtime resident of Whiting, she was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. Desa and her late husband, John were the owners and operators of Burton’s Men’s Store in Whiting for many years. She loved flowers and enjoyed gardening, but most of all she cherished the time spent with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Devoted to her family, Desa will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Hospice of the Calumet Area, 600 Superior Ave., Munster, IN 46321, would be appreciated. (219) 659-4400.

09/27/2025

Obituary for John D. Boyle

John D. Boyle, 97 of Schererville, formerly of Whiting, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 23, 2025 at his residence. He was the beloved husband of 67 years to the late Mary Margaret Boyle (nee Sotak) who passed away May 11, 2018; loving father of Kathleen (Steven) Rausch, late Dennis (late Joanne), Richard (Helene Ossipov), late Jack, Eileen (George) Germek, Mary Ellen, Mark (Lisa) and Br. Brian, C.PP.S.; cherished grandfather of Amanda (Justin) Lewna, Bridget (Rich) Eastland, Juliet (Orlando) Acevedo, Aaron (Amber) Boyle, Josh (Liz Cowan) Germek and Meghan Germek, Denise (Justin) Rausch-Garcia, Colleen (Daniel Barrera) Boyle, Allison, Madeleine, Moira and Liam Boyle; many great grandchildren; dearest uncle to many nieces and nephews, dear cousin of Helen Obuch. He was also preceded in death by three brothers, Mannus (late Jean), Neil (late Virginia) and Matthew (late Margaret) Boyle.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, October 1, 2025 at 9:30am at the Baran Funeral Home, 1235-119th St., Whiting; a Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10:00am at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Whiting, with the Rev. Mark R. Peres, C.PP.S., officiating; interment, St. John Cemetery, Hammond; visitation at the funeral home on Tuesday from 4:00 to 8:00pm; members of the parish, will offer prayers at the funeral home on Tuesday at 4:30pm. Expressions of sympathy may be shared on-line at www.baranfh.com.

John Boyle was born on August 25, 1928 to Denis and Bridget (Gallagher) Boyle. He was a lifelong resident of the Calumet Region and was a graduate of Whiting High School, Class of 1947. He was a devoted member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Whiting. was a member of the Precious Blood Companions and attended daily Mass at St. Michael Church, Schererville, participating with the Rosary group. John was a retiree of the Amoco Oil Company, Chicago, with a service of 39 years. He enjoyed running and had participated in many Chicago Marathons. Always a positive outlook on life, John loved to laugh and always had a good story or joke to share. Devoted to his family, John will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the St. John Church Capital Campaign or the Missionaries of the Precious Blood, 1849 Lincoln Ave., Whiting, IN 46394, would be appreciated. (219) 659-4400.

09/05/2025

Obituary for Hans Neilsen Reeise:

Hans Neilsen Reeise, 69 of Whiting, passed away on Wednesday, August 27, 2025 at his residence. He was the beloved husband for 39 years of Marsha A. (Monociho) Reeise, who passed away May 18, 2023. He is survived by his grandsons, Zach Bucsko and Cody Bucsko and his best friend, Michael Bennett. He was also preceded in death by his son, Anthony Stephen “Tony” Bucsko in 2020.

Private services were held, there was no visitation. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Baran Funeral Home, 1235-119th St., Whiting. Expressions of sympathy may be placed on-line at www.baranfh.com.

Hans Reeise was born on January 30, 1956 and was a longtime resident of Whiting. He was a retiree of the Inland Steel (Cleveland Cliffs) Company, East Chicago with over 30 years of service.
Devoted to his family, Hans will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. (219) 659-4400.

09/05/2025

Obituary for Mason Markovich:

It is with sorrow and broken hearts that the family of Mason Markovich announce his sudden passing. Mason will be forever loved and remembered by his parents, Matthew and Annette Markovich; his brother, Michael (Janice Mitchell); his sister, Marisa (Daniel) Dicker; and his two adoring nephews, Jonah Marko and Jacob Nolan. He is also survived by his grandmother, Linda Bayus; his grandfather, Thomas (Sue) Tweeddale; his godparents, Uncle Mark Dobrowski and Aunt Mary Therese Burke; along with many aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, John and Helen Markovich, James Bayus, and Marilyn “Grandma Toledo” Tweeddale; his great-grandmother, Mary Bayus; and his uncle, Michael J. Markovich.

Mason was born in Hammond, Indiana, on November 4, 1994. He attended St. John the Baptist School and Whiting High School, where he graduated as Valedictorian of the Class of 2013, before continuing his studies at Indiana University and earning a bachelor’s degree. A bright and curious student, Mason excelled in academics and extracurricular activities alike. He competed in cross country and golf, played percussion in band, and returned as a band camp counselor during his summer breaks. He was a dedicated member of the Science Olympiad from third grade through high school, earning numerous medals in state competitions. Outside of school, he was a member of FCSLA Branch 81. Mason was always willing to lend a hand, he volunteered to tutor and help others. Mason went on to work for Alverno Labs, where he applied his knowledge and dedication to science. He built strong and loving friendships both locally and globally, always offering his help and support while treasuring the encouragement of his friends. He was a passionate reader, gamer, and lifelong learner who taught himself the Japanese language and worked as a translator of Japanese books into English. His love for travel took him to France, Italy, and to visit friends in Germany. He dreamed of one day living abroad, perhaps in Japan, Germany, or elsewhere in Europe. Mason will be remembered for his kindness, brilliance, and the friendships he cherished around the world. Though gone too soon, he will be FOREVER 30—profoundly missed, yet forever alive in the hearts of all who knew him.

Visitation will take place on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 119th Street & Lincoln Avenue, Whiting, Indiana, from 11:00 a.m. until Mass at noon with the Rev. Timothy McFarland, C.PP.S., officiating; interment of cremains to follow at St. John Cemetery, Hammond; In lieu of flowers, memorials to the family will be donated to the Whiting High School Science Olympiad with the goal of creating a scholarship in Mason’s honor. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Baran Funeral Home, 1235-119th Street, Whiting, Indiana 46394. Expressions of sympathy may be shared on-line at www.baranfh.com. (219) 659-4400.

09/05/2025

Obituary for Kenneth W. Luebbe:

Kenneth W. Luebbe, 77 of Whiting, passed away peacefully on the morning of Sunday, August 31, 2025 at his residence. He is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Mildred (nee VanAutreve); loving father of Kimberly Lynn (Bryan) Jaeger; cherished grandfather of Michael Anthony Spitzer and Kylie Ann Alvarado; dearest brother of the late Donna (Joseph) DiSanto; dear uncle to many nieces and nephews.

Private funeral services were held, there was no visitation. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Baran Funeral Home, 1235-119th St., Whiting; interment of cremains, Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood, Illinois. Expressions of sympathy may be shared on-line at www.baranfh.com.

Kenneth Luebbe was born on August 27, 1948 in Chicago, Illinois to Kenneth J. and June Luebbe. He was a US Navy Veteran of the Vietnam Conflict and was a retiree of Commonwealth Edison, Chicago, with a service of 27 years. He was a member of the New Life Christian Church, Whiting and the East Side Sokol Club. He enjoyed coaching and had participated with the East Side Little League, Whiting Girl’s Softball and women’s softball. He was an avid woodworker and fisherman. Devoted to his family, Kenneth will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. In lieu of flowers, in Kenneth’s honor, a random act of kindness, would be appreciated. (219) 659-4400.

08/30/2025

Obituary for Justus D. Jones

Justus D. Jones, 27, of Whiting, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago. He was the beloved son of Jeanine (Novotney) and Douglas Jones; loving brother of Carissa Jones (Kane Deuis); and was cherished by many aunts, uncles, cousins, and his devoted canine companion, Pepper.

A Celebration of Life will be held at The Standard Taproom in Whiting, 1346 119th St., Whiting, Indiana, on Friday, September 19th, from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. There was no visitation. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Baran Funeral Home, 1235 119th Street, Whiting. Expressions of sympathy may be shared online at www.baranfh.com.

Justus was born on August 8, 1998, and was a lifelong resident of Whiting. He graduated from Whiting High School in 2016, studied welding at the Area Career Center in Hammond, and was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Whiting. Mechanically inclined, he was a talented millwright and proud member of Local 1076. A true “Jack of all Trades,” his passions were cars and motorcycles he was especially skilled at rebuilding them. He also enjoyed video gaming, golfing, fishing, and movies. Known as the life of every party, Justus could often be found grilling and hosting friends at his home, enjoying time out at local bars and restaurants, or gathered around a bonfire under the stars. Justus had a huge heart and always put his friends and family before himself. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. He grew in his faith and came to understand what it meant to be a follower of Christ. We know he has gone home to meet his Heavenly Father and to be reunited in eternal life with the family and friends who went before him. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, 954 W. Washington St., Suite 305, Chicago, IL 60607, would be appreciated. For more information, please call (219) 659-4400.

08/27/2025

Obituary for Anthony P. "Tony" Lissy:

Anthony P. “Tony” Lissy, 93 of Whiting, passed away peacefully on the morning of Tuesday, August 26, 2025 at the William J. Riley Memorial Residence, Munster. He was the beloved son of the late Anton and Anna (Matlon) Lissy and was preceded in death by his brother, Loddy (late “Honey”) Lissy and his sister Eleanor (late “Jake”) Biel. He is survived by five nephews, Mark (Doreen) Lissy, Terry (Rene’) Lissy, John (Kathy) Biel, James (Lisa Bauer) Biel and Joseph (Lillian Oliver-Biel) Biel; great nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, September 2, 2025 at 10:30am at the Baran Funeral Home, 1235-119th St., Whiting; a Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11:00am at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Whiting with the Rev. James Dvorscak, officiating; interment to follow at St. John Cemetery, Hammond; visitation at the funeral home on Tuesday morning from 9:00am to time of services. Expressions of sympathy may be placed on-line at www.baranfh.com.

Tony Lissy was born on June 13, 1932 and was a lifelong resident of the Whiting-Robertsdale Community. He was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Whiting and was a graduate of George Rogers Clark High School, Class of 1950. He was a US Army Veteran of the Korean Conflict, attaining the rank of corporal and was a member of the American Legion, Whiting Post 80. Tony was a retiree of the United States Postal Service, Hammond, with a service of 36 years. Devoted to his family, Tony will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to the St. John Church Capital Campaign, 1849 Lincoln Avenue, Whiting, Indiana 46394, would be appreciated.

08/27/2025

Obituary for Raymond T. Walsh:

Raymond T. Walsh, 70 of Whiting, passed away suddenly on Sunday, August 17, 2025 at his residence. He was the beloved husband of the late Dawn (Buehler, Summers) Walsh on January 27, 2013; loving father of Raymond (Jenna) Walsh; cherished grandfather of Autumn, Reagan and McKenna; dearest step-father of Danielle (Mike) Bruesch; dear step-grandpa of Lessa and Avery; devoted brother of Mike Walsh, Peter (Lynn) Walsh, Tim (Katherine) Walsh, Sue (Will) Rush, Fran (Lee) Spila and Mary (Don) T***s; proud uncle of many nieces and nephews.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, August 30, 2025 at the Baran Funeral Home, 1235-119th Street, Whiting from 11:00am to time of services at 1:00p.m. with the Rev. James Dvorscak, officiating. Expressions of sympathy may be placed on-line at www.baranfh.com.

Ray Walsh was born on November 16, 1954 in Chicago, Illinois to the late Raymond and Darlene (Moore) Walsh. He was a graduate of St. Francis DeSales High School, Chicago, Class of 1972 and was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Whiting, he was a member of the Operating Engineers Local and was a retiree of the Hammond Water Department with a service of 16 years. Devoted to his family, Raymond will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Whiting “Gimme Shelter” (for pets), P.O. Box 591, Whiting, IN 46394, would be appreciated. (219) 659-4400.

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