Lansing man enjoyed family, farming RALPH DOUMA

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RO | Sunday,
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27, 2014
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YOUR LIVES
Death Notices
Ashcraft, Evelyn, M., 83,
Valparaiso
Blackburn, David, 54,
formerly of Calumet
City
Blakeman, Forrest D.,
89, Lowell
Brown, Darrell, G., 78
Callahan, Megan, Marie,
28, Hammond
Cook, Peggy, Jean, 79,
formerly of Highland
Dostatni, Mary, formerly
of Whiting
Dreggors, Howard, J., 72,
Shelby
Engelder, Conrad, James,
83, Valparaiso
Fogel, Anna, nee Leston,
93, Valparaiso
Gora, Jessie, B., nee
Abram, 90, Hammond
Hogan, James, Robert
(Red), 88, formerly of
Merrillville
Johnson, Bonnie, Lee,
72, formerly of Lansing
Koepl, Evelyn, C., 87,
Dyer
Krucina, Matthew,
“Butch,” 85, Lansing
Lopez, Virginia, Castro,
87, Portage
Maginot, Joseph, W., 55,
Indianapolis
Massoels, Nicholas, R.,
“Nick,” 77, Valparaiso
Mihal, Bentley, Michael,
2, Chesterton
Ortiz, Sarah, Jane, 20,
Royalton, Ill.
Phillips, Naomi, 76, East
Chicago
Ruggeri, Gino T., 77,
Lansing
Sarengach, Nick, 93,
Highland
Scharnke, Burma J., 86,
Rice Lake
Szwajkowski, Patricia,
Aileen, 66, Wirt,
Minn.
Tipton, Larry, R., 72, St.
John
Von Tobel, Theresa J.,
98, Valparaiso
White, Mary Ann, nee
Belanger, 69, North
Fort Myers, Fla.
Yager, James J., 75,
Valparaiso
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RALPH DOUMA | May 11, 1930 — March 31, 2014
Lansing man enjoyed family, farming
CARRIE STEINWEG
Times Correspondent
Ralph Douma, 83, of Lansing was the youngest of seven children who were all involved in
farming at one time.
On his first day of high school, his father
had a heart attack and he had to quit school to
stay home to farm and help his mother. Part of
the family farm was land that became the Lansing Country Club. He lived in the same house
his whole life.
His greatest pastime was his family, said his
wife, Joan.
“He loved his family, his three children
and seven grandchildren,” she said. “After he
retired, he and his first wife, Sue, baby-sat for
PROVIDED three of their grandchildren. He spent many
Funeral services for Ralph Douma, 83, were held April
happy hours with all his grandchildren.”
5, at New Hope Church in Lansing, followed by burial at
He also enjoyed making trips to the candy
store with them.
Oakridge Cemetery in Lansing.
At Bieker Ready-Mix in Hammond, Douma
MARY DOSTATNI
1921-2013
This is the kind of day in which Mary would be taking a walk.
Actually, every day, no matter the weather, was a good day for
Mary. In Boise, she walked daily to Jim's Café to visit with
friends, and liked to walk with her daughter Nancy in Mary's favorite Julia Davis Park Rose Garden. In her native Whiting, Indiana, she walked to church daily during Lent, and uptown for
lunch and visits with friends daily. She often walked to bingo,
where she played 100 cards! Mary is walking in a different place
today as she died peacefully Monday December 30, 2013, with
family by her side, at a care facility in Boise, Idaho. She was 92.
Mary was born in Hammond, Indiana, to Andrew and Mary
Chorba on August 14, 1921. Her parents, Mary, and her four
brothers and two sisters lived in Roby, Indiana, a small close knit
community of about 20 families in Northwest Indiana. Mary met
Valentine Dostatni at the local roller rink in Roby; they were married in 1949, and resided in Whiting, Indiana, for many years.
Before her marriage, Mary worked at American Maize in Roby on
the canning line. After Val's death, Mary left Whiting in 2004 to
live near her daughter Nancy in Boise.
Mary traveled to Las Vegas for her 90th birthday celebration,
and at least once a year to Vegas with her sisters Eleanor and
Helen. Her dream trip was to go to Switzerland to see the mountains and the skiers, which she achieved one February in the
1980's, traveling with Nancy and Betsy. She collected refrigerator magnets from her travels all over the U.S., and many family
and friends also contributed to her collection.
Mary loved the outdoors, flowers, butterflies, birds, especially
hummingbirds, and animals. She had an outside vegetable and
flower garden in Whiting, and had indoor plants, including violets and Christmas cactus, all her life. She was known for her
tasty deviled eggs. Mary, Val, and Nancy used to travel to northern Wisconsin several times a year. Mary was an avid fisherman,
boater and outdoor enthusiast. Many years ago, she landed a
"muskie" (which had to be at least 30 inches to keep it), while
rowing the boat, managing a four year old, and "gaffing" the spirited game fish.
Mary was a wonderful homemaker; devoted wife, mother, and
sister; and good friend. She loved to get together with friends
and family to watch sporting and musical events, talk, and to
dine. She especially liked watching the Cubs and the Bulls. She
was a long time member of St. Adalbert's parish in Whiting, Indiana.
Mary is survived by her daughter Nancy (Dusty) Bodie, her
brother Ray Chorba, her sister-in-law Anne (Honey) Chorba,
and many special nieces and nephews. Thanks and love go to her
special friends in Indiana, including June, Bobbie, Jane, and
Carol, and friends from other states, Anne and Bill; Betsy and
Eric; David, Consuelo and Ethan; Drew and Carol; Bea, Jan, and
Becky; and Judy and David, and Walt and Alice. Mary and her
family very much appreciated the special care Mary received
from Dr. Nelson, Dr. Nunley, and Dr. Bass in Boise. Mary was
preceded in death by her husband Val, her parents, and her
brothers Andy, Emil, Eddie, and George, and sisters Helen and
Eleanor.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday August 2,
2014 at St. Adalbert Church Whiting, with Father Steven Gross,
O.F.M. (Mary's nephew) officiating. Mary will be interred at St.
John's Cemetery in Hammond, Indiana. The family requests no
flowers, but suggests memorials be made to a charity of your
choice.
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Memories.
NICK SARENGACH
HIGHLAND, IN
Nick Sarengach, age 93, of
Highland, IN passed away on
July 23, 2104. He is survived by
his
grandchildren:
Jennifer
(Andrew) Johnson and Eric
Lebryk and Nick Sarengach;
son-in-law, Joseph Lebryk;
sister-in-law, Louise (Tom)
Thompson;
daughter-in-law,
Pat Sarengach; nephew, Tom
(Sue) Manson; and numerous
nieces, nephews and cousins.
Preceded in death by his wife,
Violet, daughters: Karen and
Janice; son, Nick; brother, Joseph;
and
sister,
Penny
Skidmore.
Funeral service will be held on
Monday, July 28 at 2:00 p.m. at
the Lincoln Ridge Funeral
Home, 7607 W. Lincoln Hwy.,
Schererville (Rte. 30 East of
Cline Ave.) with Rev. Aleksandar Savic officiating. At rest,
Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens. Friends are invited to visit
with Nick's family on Monday,
from 12 Noon until time of service at the funeral home.
Nick proudly served his country in the US Army. He was a
graduate of Indiana University
and Purdue University. He was a
School teacher, Coach and Administrator in the East Chicago
School System. He was a member of the American Legion Post
78, Indiana Harbor Masonic
Lodge, Elks and the VFW and
many other organizations. The
family would like to thank all of
the friendships and loving care
given by the staff of Towne
Center. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given
to a charity of your choice in his
memory.
SARAH JANE ORTIZ
ROYALTON, IL
Sarah Jane Ortiz, age 20, formerly of Royalton, Illinois,
passed away in Leesberg, AL.
Sarah, who was fun and goofy,
loved to be around people. She
loved animals and if she found a
stray dog or kitten, she would
find it a home.
Sarah was preceded in death by
her father, Mario Ortiz, Sr.;
great grandmothers: Evelyn
Quainstrom
and
Sally
Cheatham; and great grandfather, Fred Cheatham. Sarah is
survived by her mother, Charolett; two sisters: Ashley Ortiz,
Amanda Ortiz; two brothers:
Justin Ortiz and Mario Ortiz, Jr.;
grandparents: Bill and Ava
Miller and Charlie and Jana Williams; many loving nieces,
nephews and cousins.
A benefit on behalf of Sarah will
be held at the International Long
Shore Men's Association, 6031
Melton Road/Highway 20, Portage, IN. on July 27, 2014 from
1:00 p.m. until 5:00. Visitation
for Sarah will be Tuesday, July
29th, 2014 from 11:00 a.m. until
the time of service at 1:00 p.m.
at Burns Funeral Home, 701
East 7th Street, Hobart, IN.,
Pastor James Utley, Sr., officiating. In lieu of flowers donations
can be made directly to Burns
Funeral Home in Hobart or
through Regions Bank in care of
Mario Ortiz, Jr.
www.burnsfuneral.com
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worked as a driver and was later in charge of
the yard. When the business was sold to Ozinga
Concrete, Douma was the only employee who
remained. He worked first at the Calumet City
location, then Chicago Heights, where he was
the manager.
“He really worked himself up for someone
who had a limited education,” Joan said.
Sue passed away after more than 50 years of
marriage. He and Joan were married the past
seven years. She was a secretary at the school
that two of his grandchildren attended.
Joan said they hit it off immediately and
really laughed a lot together. The couple took a
long road trip out West, visiting landmarks like
Mount Rushmore and Yellowstone National
Park.
“He had never been out West and couldn’t
believe how beautiful it was,” she said.
“He was such a kind person,” Joan said. “He
was very good to me and I can’t thank God
enough for him.”
EVELYN M. ASHCRAFT
VALPARAISO, IN
Evelyn M. Ashcraft, age 83, of
Valparaiso, IN passed away on
July 24, 2014. She was born on
February 2, 1931 in Roselawn, IN
to Clifford and Bertie (Hixson)
David, whom preceded her in
death. She is survived by her
husband of 50 years, Glen A.
Ashcraft of Valparaiso; sons:
Gary Lee Cunningham of Hammond, Gregory Allen (Lana)
Cunningham of LaPorte, Glen
A. Ashcraft, Jr. of South Haven;
daughters: Barbara K. (Robert)
Tucker of South Haven, Gail L.
Ackerman of Rensselaer, Brenda
K. (Rudy) Soucie of Valparaiso;
sisters: Virginia (Fred) Groomer
of North Judson, Shirley Fisher
of Plymouth; 11 grandchildren
and five great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by
her six brothers and three sisters.
Evelyn
enjoyed
cooking,
camping, fishing and spending
time with her family.
Funeral Services will be held on
Tuesday, July 29, 2014 at 10:00
a.m. at Edmonds & Evans Funeral Home, 6941 Central Ave.,
Portage, IN 46368, with Chaplain Craig Forwalter officiating.
Burial to follow at Graceland
Cemetery, Valparaiso, IN. Visitation will be held on Monday,
July 28, 2014 from 4:00 p.m. to
8:00 p.m. at the Funeral Home.
Memorial donations may be
made to VNA Hospice Center,
2401 Valley Drive, Valparaiso,
IN 46383. Online condolences
to the family may be made at
www.ee-fh.com
FORREST D. BLAKEMAN
LOWELL, IN
Forrest D. Blakeman, age 89,
passed away Wednesday, July 3,
2014. He is survived by his loving daughter, Judy (Lawrence
Turnquist) Keith; son, Boyd
Gearlds; granddaughter, Robin
(Chad) Rosenthal; grandson,
Scott (Beca) Gearlds; many
nieces and nephews and great
grandchildren. Forrest was preceded in death by his loving wife
of 58 years, Judith (nee Bishop)
Blakeman; parents, Vern and
Edith (nee Burnette) Blakeman;
sister, Lavern; brothers, Russell
and Kenny Blakeman; and sons,
William Blakeman and Bobby
Gearlds.
Forrest was born in Shelbyville,
IL on March 15, 1925. His family
moved from Shelbyville to
South of Crown Point, IN approximately 1936. He graduated
from Crown Point High School
in 1941 and enlisted in the Army
in 1943. He served in Battery B.
277th field artillery in the European Theater. Forrest said he
felt lucky to have survived serving in Europe and said the
thought of having to take Japan
in a land war he and his Battery
would not be so lucky.
After the service he worked in
several plants in Northwest Indiana and learned the machinist
trade. Forrest eventually wound
up having a machine shop in
Lansing, IL. Forrest was a handy
person who could do practically
anything he put his mind to. He
was an avid fisherman and deer
hunter, this included deer and
elk hunting in Wyoming. Forrest
had an airplane at one time and
also later a boat with living
quarters on Lake Michigan. Forrest enjoyed farming his land in
Lowell and working in the
woods.
Forrest will be missed by all
who knew him, but especially by
family and friends.
Forrest requested that no services be held on his behalf.
Burdan Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements.
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to view daily obituaries, area
death notices and in memoriams.
DAVID BLACKBURN
MAY 9, 1960 - MAY 25, 2014
(formerly of Calumet City)
David Blackburn, formerly of
Calumet City, IL passed away of
natural causes at his home in
Santa Monica, CA. David was
the son of the late Ernest and
Charlotte Blackburn. Preceding
him in death was his beloved
brother, Brian. Surviving David
are brothers: Jay (Erika)) of
LaPorte, IN, Robert (Margaret)
of Louisville, KY, Raymond (the
late Randy) of Chicago, IL and
sister-in-law Dawn of Rochester, MI. Also surviving are 11
nieces and nephews and three
grand nieces and nephews.
David was a 1978 graduate of
T.F. North High School and a
1982 graduate of the University
of IL. Urbana Champaign. Following graduation, Dave moved
to the Los Angeles area to pursue his two great loves, fast
pitch softball and computer animation for the entertainment
industry. Dave was a pioneer on
the use virtual reality and computer motion capture. Projects
he was involved with are too
numerous to mention.
Dave's love of fast pitch softball came from watching his father, Ernie, playing all over the
Midwest. Dave moved to California so he could play year
round. His career highlights included many trips to Israel and
South America playing with the
US Maccabi softball team. He
pitched in many national tournaments and was a member of
the World Champion Camarillo
Kings. His career culminated in
being elected in the southern
California Jewish Sports Hall of
Fame, the Israel Softball Hall of
Fame and the International
Softball Congress Hall of Fame.
It was on his way to a softball
tournament that Dave was involved in a near fatal car crash.
Though confined to a wheelchair these last four years, Dave
never lost his sense of humor
and large lust for life. He is
deeply missed by his family and
friends.
There will be a Celebration of
Life Service for Dave on Sunday, July 27, 2014 starting at
12pm at the Calumet City American legion Post 330, 950 Legion
Drive. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Maccabi
USA, 1926 Arch Street 4R, Philadelphia, PA 19103 or to an organization of your choice.
DARRELL G. BROWN
12-29-31 - 7-17-14
Darrell G. Brown, age 78. Son
of Nigel and Jessie (Breuner)
Brown. He was born in Harrisburg, IL. Survived by wife of 54
years, Linda Goforth Isaacs
Brown, four children: three
sons: John C. Isaacs (Betty) of
California, William J. Brown of
Indiana, Thomas Willard Brown
of Florida and daughter: Barbara
Porras McDowell (Levi), nine
grandchildren
and
nine
great-grandchildren. He is also
survived by a brother, Larry
Brown of Michigan City and a
sister Patricia Brumett of Germany and numerous nieces and
nephews. He was a member of
Local #41 in Hammond for 50
years and a child of the Lord for
most of his life.
He will be cremated and no funeral services. There will be a
memorial service at a future
date. No flowers please. Please
donate to VNA Hospice in Valparaiso, IN or Midwest Crematory.
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