Richard “Rich” G. Hajduk, 66, of Portage, died Tuesday, Nov. 23, 2004 at his residence.

He was born Nov. 5, 1938 in Hammond, the son of George and Pauline (Kapicak) Hajduk, both of whom preceded him in death.

On Aug. 23, 1958 in Chicago, he married Bernice Lewandowski, who survives.

He is also survived by two sons, Ronald (Teressa) Hajduk and Gregory (Joanne) Hajduk, both of Valparaiso; a daughter, Laura (Michael) Holt of Valparaiso; a brother, John (Rita) Hajduk of Munster, 10 grandchildren, many nieces and nephews and special friends Brent (Mary) Bray of Whiting.

He retired in 1999 as a Methods Analyst for U.S. Steel. He was a past Grand Knight of the Trinity Council #3755 in Chicago and a member of Nativity of Our Savior Church.

A funeral service will be at 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 26 at Edmonds & Evans Funeral Home Portage Chapel, 6941 Central Ave., Portage. Cremation will follow service. Interment of cremains will be at a later date in Heritage Cemetery, Portage.

Visitation will be from 1 p.m. until time of service at 6 p.m. Friday at Edmonds & Evans Funeral Home Portage Chapel.

Memorials may be sent to The American Cancer Society, 410 E. Lincolnway, Valparaiso, IN 46383.

Posted 11/26/2004