05/29/2026

Obituary for Pauline A. Bednar

Pauline A. Bednar, 79 of Whiting, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 27, 2026 at Harbor Health, East Chicago. She was the beloved daughter of the late Edward and Anna (Seman) Bednar; dearest sister of Barbara (Joseph) Yurkanin and was preceded in death by her twin brother, Paul Bednar and siblings Anna May (late Joseph) Gerba, Mary Ann (late Richard) Danko, Edward Bednar and George (late Linda) Bednar; dear aunt to many nieces and nephews and her cherished canine companion, “Snowball”. Many thanks to Pauline’s exceptional caregivers at Traditions Health/The Care Team Hospice.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, June 2, 2026 at 10:00am at St. Mary’s Assumption Byzantine Catholic Church, 2011 Clark Street, Whiting, with the Rev. Andrew Summerson, officiating; interment, St. Mary Cemetery, Hammond; visitation at the Baran Funeral Home, 1235-119th Street, Whiting on Monday from 4:00 to 7:00pm and at the church on Tuesday morning from 9:00am to time of services; Parastas Service at the funeral home on Monday at 6:00pm. Expressions of sympathy may be shared on-line at www.baranfh.com.

Pauline Bednar was born on January 8, 1947. She was a lifelong resident of Whiting and was a graduate of Whiting High School, Class of 1965. She was a member of St. Mary’s Assumption Byzantine Catholic Church, Whiting and the St. Mary Rosary Society. Pauline spent her life caring for her parents, brother Paul and her many four-legged fury “children”. She was an avid Chicago Cubs and Bears fan, enjoyed cross stitching, the Summer Symphonies at Whiting Park and gardening. Pauline was also an animal lover and took great pride in her home. She made sure it was decorated for every holiday, inside and out. Devoted to her family, she will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Whiting Food Pantry or the Whiting “Gimme Shelter” (for pets), P.O. Box 591, Whiting, Indiana 46394, would be appreciated. (219) 659-4400.

05/26/2026

Obituary for Lynda K. Kirkland (nee Wilson):

Lynda K. Kirkland (nee Wilson) 75 of Whiting, passed away Friday, May 22, 2026 at the Franciscan Hospital, Crown Point. She was the beloved wife of the late Dan W. Kirkland, Jr., who passed away on October 4, 1996; loving mother of Chrissy (Kevin) Billingsley and Danielle (Brian) Johnson; adoring grandma of Ashley Ailene, Kinsley Elizabeth and Keegan Kirkland; dearest step-mother to Suzi and Sheila; dear sister of the late Charles Wilson and Charlotte Stout; nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2026 at 11:00am at the Baran Funeral Home 1235-119th Street, Whiting . Interment, Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens, Crown Point; visitation at the funeral home on Saturday morning from 9:00am to time of services. Expressions of sympathy may be shared on-line at www.baranfh.com.

Lynda Kirkland was born on March 17, 1951 to Thomas and Katherine (Grabill) Wilson. She was a lifelong resident of the Calumet Region and was a graduate of Hammond Technical High School, Class of 1969. Lynda enjoyed playing bingo and was an avid Chicago Bears fan, but above all, spending time with her grandkids and attending their activities, meant the world to her. A devoted wife, mother and grandma, Lynda will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her. (219) 659-4400.

05/26/2026

Obituary for Carol Algozine (nee Mroz)

Carol Algozine (nee Mroz) 88 of Crown Point, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at her residence. She was the beloved wife of 58 years to the late Joseph R. Algozine who passed away, June 17, 2015; loving mother of Lyn (Michael) Lopez and Joseph (Jayne) Algozine; cherished grandmother of Michael (Samantha) Lopez, Morgan Algozine and Jenna Algozine; adoring great grandma of Sienna Lopez; dear sister of Constance (late Louis) Perz and the late Thomas Morz; dearest sister-in-law of Sue Verta, Diane (Michael) Gerenda and Edith (late John) Algozine; nieces, nephews and cousins.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 29, 2026, 9:30am at the Baran Funeral Home, 1235-119th St., Whiting; a Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10:00am at St. Adalbert Church, Whiting, with the Rev. James Dvorscak, officiating; entombment, St. John Cemetery, Hammond; visitation at the funeral home on Thursday from 4:00 to 8:00pm; prayers Friday at the funeral home at 4:30pm. Expressions of sympathy may be shared on-line at www.baranfh.com.

Carol Algozine was born on April 15, 1938 to Thomas and Helen (Macniak) Mroz in East Chicago, Indiana and was a longtime resident of the Calumet Region. She was a graduate of Bishop Noll High School, Class of 1955, where she met and married her high school sweetheart. She was a member of St. James the Less Church, Highland, the First Catholic Slovak Ladies Association, BR. 81 and the Polish Women’s Alliance. Carol enjoyed playing the piano and cooking, but above all, time spent with her family meant the world to her. A devoted wife, mother and grandma, Carol will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, 223 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL 60606 or the St. John Church Capital Campaign, 1849 Lincoln Ave., Whiting, IN 46394, would be appreciated. (219) 659-4400.

05/21/2026

Thomas Miklusak Obituary:

Thomas J. Miklusak, 73, of Whiting, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, surrounded by his family. Tom was the beloved husband of 35 years to Marina Nava Miklusak; cherished brother of Joseph (late Linda) Miklusak, Mary Geralyn (Michael) Burke, JoAnn (Muhammed) Jubran, and the late William Miklusak; and dear uncle of Erin (Dan) Longo, Omar Jubran, and Sean Burke. He was a devoted stepfather to John Michael (Ramona) Nava, Debra (Anthony) Marquez, Mary Lou (Rene) Padilla, Judy Nava, Gabriel (Deirdre Pirosko) Nava, and Angela (Cesar) Valdivia, whom he lovingly raised and cared for as his own daughter. Tom was also blessed with many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Among them was his special grandson, Gabriel, who was like a son to Tom and served as his trusted right-hand man.

Born on February 12, 1953, to Joseph and Mary (Ginski) Miklusak, Tom was a lifelong resident of the Whiting-Robertsdale community. He graduated from George Rogers Clark High School, Class of 1971, and attended Purdue University. He was a faithful member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. Tom built a distinguished career in the oil industry, beginning with Amoco Oil in 1979, later BP. Starting as a process operator in the V***r Recovery Unit, he advanced to console operator overseeing FCU500 and the Crude Running Units. He retired in 2009 after 30 years of dedicated service and was later brought back as a consultant for the Whiting Refinery Modernization Project in 2012 and 2013, a testament to the respect his expertise earned throughout his career. Tom was a proud member of the Indiana Harbor Yacht Club and enjoyed fishing, boating, traveling, and was a true technology enthusiast. Known for his remarkable patience, loyalty, and devotion to family and friends, Tom leaves behind countless memories that will be treasured by all who knew and loved him.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 16, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. at the Baran Funeral Home, 1235-119th Street, Whiting. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10:00 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Whiting, with Rev. Timothy McFarland, C.PP.S., officiating; cremation to follow; visitation at the funeral home, Friday from 4:00 to 8:00p.m.; parish wake service at the funeral home on Friday at 4:30pm. To leave an expression of sympathy on-line go to www.baranfh.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the American Cancer Society or St. Joseph's Indian School would be appreciated. (219) 659-4400.

05/21/2026

Paul Maloney Obituary:

Paul J. Maloney, 84 of Whiting, passed away Wednesday, May 6, 2026 at the Hammond-Whiting Care Center. He was the beloved husband of the late Paula J. (Wood) Maloney who passed away January 28, 2002; loving father of Candace Maloney, Paul Joseph Maloney, Brian Franklin Maloney and Kerry Ryan Maloney; cherished grandfather of Jeanette Kaplan; dear brother of Joyce Maloney.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, May 21, 2026 from 6:00pm at the Baran Funeral Home 1235-119th Street, Whiting, concluding with a Memorial Service at 7:00pm with Pastor Paul Vale of the New Life Christian Church, Whiting, officiating. Interment of cremains will be at Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens, Crown Point. Expressions of sympathy may be placed on-line at www.baranfh.com.

Paul Maloney was born on June 11, 1941 to Paul Joseph and Lorraine (Monroe) Maloney. He was a longtime resident of the Whiting-Robertsdale Community and was a member of the New Life Christian Church, Whiting. A steelworker for over 40 years, he was a retiree of the LTV Steel Company and the Acme Steel Company. Paul enjoyed woodworking and NASCAR. Devoted to his family, he will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. Please omit flowers. (219) 659-4400.

05/21/2026

Jeffrey Vetroczky Obituary:

Jeffrey John Vetroczky 72 of Dyer, formerly of Whiting, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 28, 2026 at his residence. Beloved son of Pauline (nee Mihalcik) and the late John Vetroczky; loving brother of Jack (Rochelle Ray), the late James and Paula (Peter) Chorich; dearest uncle of Elizabeth (Mike) Gislain, Carolyn (Jack) Ritter and Andrew Chorich; adoring great uncle of Elijah and Blake Gislain and Kennedy Pauline Ritter; dear nephew of Andrew (Georgette) Vetroczky; cherished friend of Lisa Bishop and David Chovan; many cousins.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 2, 2026, 9:30am at the Baran Funeral Home, 1235-119th St., Whiting; a Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10:00am at St. Adalbert Church, Whiting, with the Rev. James Dvorscak, officiating; entombment, St. John Cemetery, Hammond; visitation at the funeral home on Friday from 4:00 to 8:00pm; prayers Friday at 4:30pm. Expressions of sympathy may be placed on-line at www.baranfh.com.

Jeff Vetroczky was born on April 28, 1954 and was a lifelong resident of the Calumet Region. He had participated in the workshops of LCAR and Paladin Center. He enjoyed bowling at Plaza Lanes in Highland and fishing. Jeff was an avid Whiting Oiler Sports, Chicago Cubs and Bears fan. The family extends special thanks to Tapi, Jackie and the nursing staff at Dunes Hospice for the compassion and care provided to Jeff. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Dunes Hospice, 4711 E. Evans Ave., Valparaiso, IN 46383, or the SHARE Foundation 6357 N, County Road 300 E., LaPorte, IN 46350, would be appreciated.

05/21/2026

Barbara Jerzyk Obituary:

Barbara Jerzyk, 67, of Valparaiso, formerly of Whiting, Indiana passed away suddenly on April 28, 2026. She was born on October 27, 1958, beloved daughter of the late Theodore and Cecelia (Plawecki) Jerzyk; loving sister of Kathy (Cas) Chocholek and Maryann (Randy) Livingston; cherished aunt of Brian, Jennifer, Katie, Jessica and Nicholas and their spouses and children. Barb especially treasured her time with her great niece and nephew, Bryce and Leah Douglass. They brought her endless joy. She was their biggest cheerleader and she doted on everything they did and accomplished.

Barb was a 1976 graduate of Whiting High School. She committed 50 years of dedicated service to Centier Bank, starting as a switchboard operator and eventually becoming a Consumer Loan Officer. Barb was also an avid Disney lover, who took numerous vacations to Walt Disney World.

Funeral Services will be private. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Baran Funeral Home, 1235-119th Street, Whiting; interment of cremains, Holy Cross Cemetery, Calumet City. Barb’s legacy of love and devotion to her family will live on through the many lives she nurtured and cherished so deeply, she will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Make a Wish Foundation, to send a child to Walt Disney World, in Barbara’s memory. (219) 659-4400.

04/20/2026

Obituary for Ronald L. Carpenter:

Ronald L. Carpenter, 70 of Whiting, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 15, 2026 at his residence. He was the sixth of ten children born to the late Willis and Dorothy (Sc*****er) Carpenter and has many nieces and nephews.

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

Ron was born on November 1, 1955 and was a lifelong resident of the Whiting-Robertsdale Community. He was a graduate of George Rogers Clark High School, Class of 1974 and enjoyed cycling. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. (219) 659-4400.

04/08/2026

Obituary for Robert L. “Klo” Klosek:

Robert L. “Klo” Klosek, 82 of Schererville, passed away peacefully on Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026 at the Community Hospital, Munster. He was the beloved son of Leo and Louise (Piatek) Klosek. He was preceded in death by his brother, Timothy Klosek and his cherished canine companion, “Molly”. He is survived by many dear friends and family members.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at 10:00am at St. Thomas More Church, 8501 Calumet Avenue, Munster; interment, St. John Cemetery, Hammond; visitation at the Baran Funeral Home 1235-119th St., Whiting, on Monday from 4:00 to 8:00pm. Evening Prayer at the funeral home on Monday at 8:00pm. Expressions of sympathy may be placed on-line at www.baranfh.com.

Robert Klosek was born on February 2, 1944 and was a lifelong resident of the Calumet Region. A man of great faith, he was a member of St. Thomas More Church, Munster, and was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Pope John XXIII Council 1696 (prayers Monday at 4:30pm). He was a graduate of Whiting High School, Class of 1962 and went on to earn his Bachelor Degree from St. Joseph Calumet College, East Chicago, and his Masters Degree from Purdue Calumet. He was a teacher and guidance counselor at Whiting High School where he coached basketball and was an avid all sports fan. Devoted to his family, friends and students, Robert will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. (219) 659-4400.

04/08/2026

Obituary for John M. Beno:

John M. Beno, 101 of Schererville, passed away peacefully on Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026 at his residence. He was the beloved husband of 55 years to the late Lorraine J. (Rudzinski) Beno, who passed away August 11, 2004; loving father of Robert (Priscilla) Beno, Nancy Beno-Larcher, Steven (Cecilia) Beno, Janice (Robert) Lindeman and Arlene (late Scott) Seger; cherished grandfather of Stephanie Beno, Bill (Emily) Ciszewski, Amy (Sean) Sanderson, Ashley (Ron) Garcia, Daniel (Janet) Lindeman, Nicholas Seger, Joseph (Kate) Seger and Jennifer (Alex) Fancher; adoring great grandpa of eleven; dearest brother of the late George (Connie) Beno, late Michael (late Lorraine) Beno and late Mary Beno; many dear nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, April 13, 2026 at 10:00am at St. Nicholas Byzantine Catholic Church, 8103 Columbia Avenue, Munster, with the Rev. Andrew Summerson officiating; interment, St. Mary Cemetery, Hammond; visitation at the Baran Funeral Home 1235-119th St., Whiting, on Sunday from 4:00 to 8:00pm and at the church on Monday morning from 9:00am to time of services. Parastas Service at the funeral home on Sunday at 7:00pm. Expressions of sympathy may be placed on-line at www.baranfh.com.

John Beno was born on August 21, 1924 in Springdale, Pennsylvania to John and Mary (Petrigan) Beno, He was a lifelong resident of the Calumet Region and was a graduate of George Rogers Clark High School, Class of 1943. A longtime member of St. Mary’s Assumption Byzantine Catholic Church, Whiting, John is currently a member of St. Nicholas Byzantine Catholic Church, Munster. He was a World War II, US Army Veteran (1943-46), attaining the rank of Tech-Sergeant, participating in the European (Battle of the Bulge) and Asiatic-Pacific Theatres. An active member of the American Legion, John served as Post Commander of Whiting Post 80 (Memorial Service, Sunday – 5:00pm), was a past 1st District Commander and was a member of Voiture 470, 40/8. He was past Exalted Ruler of the Whiting B.P.O.E. 1273 (memorial service, Sunday – 6:00pm). A retiree of the Amoco Oil (BP) Whiting Refinery, he was a member and past president (8 years) of the Standard Oil Annuitants Club and a lifelong Chicago Cubs fan. Devoted to his family, John will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. In lieu of flowers, memorials to St. Nicholas Byzantine Catholic Church, Munster, would be appreciated. (219) 659-4400.

04/03/2026

Obituary for Maria T. Hinojosa-Sanchez:

Maria T. Hinojosa-Sanchez, 58 of Whiting, formerly of Chicago, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 1, 2026 at her residence. She is the beloved daughter of Enedina DeLeon and the late Adalberto Hinojosa; cherished sister of Alberto (Blanca) Hinojosa, Dagoberto Hinojosa, Heberto Hinojosa, Rosa Hinojosa, Guadalupe Hinojosa and the late Adalberto Hinojosa and Roberto Hinojosa; dear aunt to many nieces and nephews.

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

Maria was born on April 28, 1967 in Chicago, Illinois and has been a resident of Whiting for the past six years. She was very talented at crocheting and had taught crochet at Studio 659 in Whiting. She enjoyed being with people and was a greeter at Walmart, Marina District, Hammond. Devoted to her family, Maria will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the family, would be appreciated. (219) 659-4400.

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