John A. Peksenak,
age 91 of Porter, Ind., passed away on Tuesday, February 18, 2014, at
Franciscan St. Anthony Health in Michigan City.
John was born on
February 16, 1923 in Chicago, Ill., to Andrew and Anna Hrenya-Peksenak, both
of whom preceded him in death.
John is survived by
his longtime companion, Ruth “Babe” Poparad of Porter, Ind., brother George
(Emma) Peksenak of Portage, Ind., sisters Pauline (Donald) Castro of
Wisconsin, Irene (Joel) Elia of Merrillville, Ind., and Margie (Jack)
Caviler of Texas, his son Daniel Peksenak of New Jersey, nephew Michael
(Shirley) Mako of Hobart, Ind., Marian (George) Bazil of Hebron, Ind., Patty
Ann Campano, Charles (Norma) Peksenak, as well as many more nieces, nephews,
grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He is also preceded
in death by his brothers, Paul and Charles Peksenak, sisters, Mary Setlak,
Emily Campano, Patricia Peksenak, son John Peksenak Jr. and wife Bessie.
John worked in
Management at U.S. Steel for thirty-seven years. He was a friend of Porter
First United Methodist Church. He was also a member of the American Legion
Post 100, Lake Station, Ind., for more than fifty years, a lifetime member
of the VFW Post 2511 and lifetime member of the Moose Lodge 1623. John was a
Veteran of WWII serving his country in the US Army Air Force Corp. where he
was awarded the “Bronze Star,” as well as many other medals and ribbons.
Funeral services
will be held on Saturday, February 22, 2014, at 11 a.m. at the White-Love
Funeral Home, 525 South 2nd St., Chesterton, Ind., with Pastor G. Thomas
Jones officiating. Burial will follow at Chesterton Cemetery.
The family will
receive friends on Friday, February 21, from 3 until 7 p.m. at the funeral
home. The VFW Post 2511, Porter will join with the American Legion Post 100,
Lake Station, for a memorial service on Friday at 6 p.m.
Memorial donations
may be given to The Wounded Warrior Project, 230 W Monroe St., Suite 200,
Chicago, IL, 60606; VFW Post 2511, 1290 Wagner Rd., Porter, IN, 46304, or to
the charity of your choice.