Baran Funeral Home, 1235 119th Street, Whiting, IN (2026)

10/10/2026

Obituary for Janice E. Valle:

Janice E. Valle (nee Tyner) 76 of Whiting, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 7, 2026 at the Great Lakes Healthcare Center, Dyer. Beloved mother of Angela (Nicholas) Padilla and Jason (Pia) Valle; loving grandmother of Nico Padilla, Alec Padilla, Keanu Valle and Marco Valle and her late canine companion, “Lucy”.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Baran Funeral Home, 1235-119th Street, Whiting. There was no visitation. A Celebration of Life will be announced at a future date. Expressions of sympathy may be shared on-line at www.baranfh.com.

Janice Valle was born on December 1, 1949 to James William and Peggy Joyce (Douthit) Tyner. A lifelong resident of the Calumet Region, she was a graduate of Hammond High School, Class of 1967. She was a retired pilot car driver for Keen Transportation with a service of 40 years. Devoted to her family, Janice especially cherished the time spent with her grandchildren. She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Whiting Food Pantry, P.O. Box 591, Whiting, IN 46394, would be appreciated. (219) 659-4400.

10/08/2026

Obituary for Francis M. “Moe” Jancosek:

Francis M. “Moe” Jancosek, 91 of Whiting, passed away peacefully on the early morning of Wednesday, October 7, 2026 at the Community Hospital, Munster. He survived by his beloved wife and queen of 68 years, Patricia (nee Novosel); loving father of Michael (Kimberly) Jancosek and David Jancosek; cherished grandfather of Jordan (Jake) Wishart and Jessica (Luke) Smith; adoring great grandpa of Eloise Wishart and Summer Smith; dear brother-in-law of Marilyn (late Carl) Clark, Richard Kauchak and David Burosh; many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews; special friends, Dorothy and late Thomas Pieters. He was preceded in by nine siblings, John Jancosek, Jr., Margaret (late Martin) Gabor, Helen (late Steve) Zabrecky, Ann Marie (late Richard) Kaminsky, Mary Jane (late Art) Lukas, Irene Jancosek, Judith Kauchak, Bernadette Burosh and Paul (late Annie) Jancosek.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, October 12, 2026, 9:30am at the Baran Funeral Home, 1235-119th Street, Whiting; a Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10:00am at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Whiting, Rev. Timothy McFarland, C.PP.S., officiating; interment, St. John Cemetery, Hammond; visitation at the funeral home on Sunday, from 2:00 to 6:00pm; parish wake service at the funeral home on Sunday at 4:00pm. Expressions of sympathy may be shared on-line at www.baranfh.com.

Moe Jancosek was born on January 17, 1935 in Whiting, Indiana to John and Helen (Huntata) Jancosek. He was a lifelong resident and was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Whiting. He was a graduate of Whiting High School, Class of 1952 and continued his studies at the St. Joseph’s Calumet College and the American Institute of Banking. He was a retiree of JP Morgan Chase Bank, Chicago, with a service of 30 years. Moe was an avid Notre Dame fan, holding season tickets for 35 years and enjoyed watching high school sporting events. He loved to cook, fish and watch “Bob Ross” painting shows. Devoted to his family, Moe will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38195, would be appreciated. (219) 659-4400.

10/07/2026

Obituary for Mary A. Horvat:

Mary A. Horvat (nee Kubicko) age 93, a lifelong resident of Whiting. Beloved wife of the late Michael Horvat, Jr.; loving mother of Kathy (Pat) Terrell, Susan Horvat, Michael (Tina) Horvat and Marjorie (Gary) Spiering; eight grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

Funeral services, Saturday, October 10, 2026, 9:30am, Baran Funeral Home, 1235-119th Street, Whiting; 10:00am Liturgy at St. Mary’s Assumption Byzantine Catholic Church, Whiting, Rev. Andrew Summerson, officiating; interment, St. Mary Cemetery, Hammond; visitation at the funeral home on Friday, from 4:00 to 8:00pm; Parastas Service at the funeral home on Friday at 7:00pm. Expressions of sympathy may be shared on-line at www.baranfh.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the charity of your choice, would be appreciated. (219) 659-4400.

09/25/2026

Obituary for Shawn C. Marks:

Shawn C. Marks, 49 of Whiting, formerly of Bremen, Indiana passed away suddenly on Saturday, September 19, 2026 at his residence. Beloved son of Richard and Carol (Kohli) Marks; cherished brother of Anthony (Andrea) Marks; dearest nephew of Steve (Tracy) Kohli, Joe (late Pauline) Martinez, late Paul (Peggy) Kohli, late Dean (late Donna) Marks and the late Eva Kohli; many cousins.

Funeral arrangements 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.

Shawn Marks was born on September 21, 1976 in Bremen, Indiana. A top 10 graduate of Bremen High School, Class of 1995, he enjoyed sports, participating on the wrestling team and was on the Bremen High School State Championship Football Team in 1994. He went on to earn his Bachelor of Arts and Masters Degrees in accounting from Manchester University with a 21st Century Scholarship. He was a Certified Public Accountant and was an employee of Purdue University Northwest with a service of seven years. Shawn was an avid Chicago Bears, White Sox and Indiana University fan. Devoted to his family, Shawn will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Whiting Food Pantry or “Gimme Shelter” (for pets), P.O. Box 591, Whiting, Indiana 46394, would be appreciated. (219) 659-4400.

09/24/2026

Obituary for Dorotha Brenda Stelow:

Dorotha Brenda Stelow (nee Smith) 84 of Whiting, passed away peacefully on the early morning of Tuesday, September 8, 2026 at her home. She was the beloved wife of 63 years to the late Larry R. “Rock” Stelow who passed away October 6, 2024; loving mother of Brad (Carol Zebracki) Stelow and Scott (Kelly Beerman) Stelow; cherished grandmother of Cole, Blake and Paul Stelow, David Mourey and Markie (Robert) Myers; adoring great grandma of Jordan Richards, Justin Gruca, Bailey Stelow, Rusty Dinsmore, Brantley, Brenna and Bristol Meyers, Genesis and Rayne Stelow; dearest sister of Marlyn (Hunt) Mills and sister – in – law of Frederick “Buck” (Victoria Paris) Mills; dear sister– in – law of Dean (Rhonda Miller) Stelow; cherished aunt to many nieces and nephews; devoted canine companion “Meatball”. She was also preceded in death by her father, Foster Smith, mother, Delores (French) Smith Hunt Harrall, brother, James “Charles” Smith and sisters, Wanda “Faye” (Smith) Cruz and Joyce (Smith) Buckner, father – in- law Alfred Stelow, mother – in – law Dorothy (Odell) Stelow Gotch Desjardins, sister – in – law Carol (Stelow) Russell, grandson, Scott Stelow, Jr., and granddaughter, Ivy Mourey. The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to Selena, Tapi, Teresa, & Ann for their special friendship and the loving and compassionate care shown to Brenda. Special thanks are also extended to the staff of Dunes Hospice for the exceptional compassion and care they provided.

Memorial Services will be held on Saturday, October 17, 2026, 12:00 noon at the Baran Funeral Home, 1235-119th Street Whiting Indiana with her brother – in – law Dean Stelow, officiating. Visitation from 10:00 am until time of services. Expressions of sympathy may be placed on-line at www.baranfh.com

Brenda Stelow was born on January 21, 1942, in Beaver Dam, Kentucky. She was a lifelong resident of the Calumet Region and a graduate of Dyer Central High School, (Lake Central High School). She retired from Centier Bank after 28 years of service as an Executive Administrative Assistant. She enjoyed traveling, gardening, going for walks, and spending time with her friends and family. Brenda was gracious and faithful. Her life was a shining example of deep, unwavering devotion to Jesus Christ. She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Whiting – Robertsdale Historical Society, 1606-119th Street Whiting Indiana 46394 would be appreciated. (219) 659-4400

09/09/2026

Obituary for David Allen Beaulieu:

David Allen Beaulieu, 68 of Whiting, passed away suddenly on Sunday. September 6, 2026 at his residence. Beloved son of Rose (Pivovarnik) Beaulieu and the late Laurence E. Beaulieu; loving brother of Dawn Beaulieu and the late Larry Beaulieu and Denise Beaulieu; cherished uncle of Therese (Joseph) Vogel, Demetria (Myron) Beaulieu-Frank, Russel Martin Eldridge, Jr. and the late Patrick A. Beaulieu; adoring great uncle of Joey, Michael, David and Thomas Vogel; many cousins.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, September 11, 2026, 10:30am at the Baran Funeral Home, 1235-119th Street, Whiting; a Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11:00am 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 Thursday 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 Thursday at 4:30pm. Expressions of sympathy may be shared online at www.baranfh.com.

David Beaulieu was born on January 12, 1958 and was a lifelong resident of the Whiting-Robertsdale Community. He was a graduate of Hammond Technical High School, Class of 1977. He was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Whiting and the First Catholic Slovak Ladies Association, BR. 81. He was a retiree of the City of Hammond, working for the street department and the Lost Marsh Golf Course, with over 30 years of service. David loved to play bingo and was an automobile enthusiast, he just loved cars, all kinds of cars! Devoted to his family, David will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the St. John Baptist Catholic Church Capital Campaign, 1849 Lincoln Ave., Whiting, IN 46394, would be appreciated. (219) 659-4400.

09/02/2026

Obituary for Ramona Navarro:

Ramona Navarro, 95, of Whiting, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 30, 2026, at her residence. She was the beloved wife of the late Roberto Navarro who passed away June 24, 1995; loving mother of Clara, Raul, Linda, Ernesto, Rosa. Yolanda, Ramona and Roberta and the late Richard, Daniel and Evelyn; cherished grandmother and great grandmother of many; dearest sister of the late Steve Salazar.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 5, 2026 at 10:00am at the Northside Baptist Church, 643 E. Gostlin Street, Hammond, with Pastor Stephen R. Harvey, officiating; interment, St. Mary Cemetery, Evergreen Park, Illinois; visitation at the church on Saturday morning from 9:00am to time of services. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Baran Funeral Home, 1235-119th Street, Whiting. Expressions of sympathy may be shared on-line at www.baranfh.com.

Ramona Navarro was born on November 30, 1930 in Chicago, Illinois to Madaleno Salazar and Clara Santisteban Salazar and was a resident of the Whiting-Robertsdale Community for the past 10 years. She was a member of the Northside Baptist Church of North Hammond. Ramona loved to dance, was an excellent cook and enjoyed travel. Devoted to her family, Ramona will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her. (219) 659-4400.

08/21/2026

Obituary for David S. Furtak:

David S. Furtak, 67 of Whiting, passed away suddenly on Wednesday, August 20, 2026 at his residence. He was the beloved only child of the late William M. and Mary Catherine (Miller) Furtak; cherished nephew of Gerald (Pam) Miller; dearest cousin of Eileen (Keith) Allison and Jonathan (Katie Bellis-Miller) Miller; many dear extended family members and many wonderful friends. He was also preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Steve and Mary Miller and his paternal grandparents, Joseph and Julia Furtak.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, 9:30am at the Baran Funeral Home, 1235-119th Street, 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 Tuesday from 5:00 to 8:00pm. Parish Wake Service at the funeral home on Tuesday at 5:30pm. Expressions of sympathy may be shared online at www.baranfh.com.

David Furtak was born on November 19, 1958. A longtime resident of the Whiting-Robertsdale Community, he was a graduate of George Rogers Clark High School, Class of 1977. He went on to earn his Bachelor of Science Degree in Industrial Engineering from Purdue University, LaFayette, IN and spent most of his professional career in the aeronautical industry. He was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Whiting, the Knights of Columbus, Pope John XXIII Council 1696 (prayers, Tuesday at 6:30pm) and the Sokol Club. David was an avid sports fan, enjoying all Purdue sports and Chicago teams, the Bears, Blackhawks and White Sox. Devoted to his family and friends, David will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. (219) 659-4400.

08/16/2026

Obituary for Barbara J. Hmurovich (nee Vucich):

Barbara J. Hmurovich (nee Vucich) age 102 of Whiting, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 14, 2026 at her residence. She was the beloved wife of 18 years, to the late Milton J. Hmurovich who passed away September 10, 1965; loving mother of James (Lori) Hmurovich, the late Janice (late Paul “Butch”) Miskus and the late Barbara Beth Laurinas; cherished grandmother of Paul Brian (Patricia) Miskus, Jason (Lynn) Miskus, Amanda (Peter) Adam, Matthew (Nicole) Laurinas, Karissa (Andy) Losh, Cathy (Mike) Adler, David (Cate) Hmurovich, Christopher (Erika) Hmurovich and Sarah Hmurovich; adoring great grandma of fourteen. The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Daria and Cecil for their friendship and for the faithful and compassionate care that they gave to Barbara for ten years.

Barbara was born on September 7, 1923 in East Chicago, Indiana, the youngest of eleven children born to Joseph and Ana Vucich and was a lifelong resident of the Calumet Region. She was a graduate of East Chicago Washington High School, Class of 1941, which prepared her for a position at the Union National Bank of East Chicago. She married in 1947, and she and her husband made their home in the Robertsdale section of Whiting, where she lived for the remainder of her life. A devout Catholic, she was a long-time member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Whiting. She served the parish faithfully as the church secretary and bookkeeper for 42 years and was an active member of the St. John Rosary Society. She had also served on the St. John School Board (past secretary), Finance Committee, Parish Council, Centennial Committee and Home and School Association (past treasurer). She also volunteered as a den mother to her son’s Cub Scout troop.

Throughout her life, Barbara was guided by the principle of “kindness to all, malice to none.” Her greatest devotion was to her religious belief and her love of family. She cherished planning family vacations and holiday gatherings. After the passing of her husband in 1965, she embraced the role of both parents, choosing not to remarry and dedicating herself fully to her children, grandchildren and friends. She offered steady guidance, support, and encouragement, often accompanied by the quiet comfort of a prayed rosary.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, August 20, 2026, 10:30am at the Baran Funeral Home, 1235-119th Street, Whiting; a Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11:00am at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Whiting, with the Rev. Timothy McFarland, C.PP.S., officiating; interment, St. John Cemetery, Hammond; visitation at the funeral home on Thursday morning from 9:00am to time of services. Expressions of sympathy may be shared online at www.baranfh.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the St. John the Baptist Catholic Church Capital Campaign, 1849 Lincoln Avenue, Whiting, IN 46394, would be appreciated. (219) 659-4400.

08/09/2026

Obituary for Pamela M. Puhek:

Pamela M. Puhek (nee Turpin), 74, of Whiting, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 6, 2026, at her residence. She is survived by her beloved husband and caregiver of 33 years, Kevin S. Puhek (ret. WPD); loving mother of Kevin (Candi) Puhek, Jr., Sarah Heisler, Shannon (Joseph) Stanley, Stephanie (David) Franco, and Kelsey Puhek; cherished grandmother of Haven (Trey) Cook, Leia Stanley, Evan Stanley, Curtis Heisler, Chandler Heisler, Amelia Franco, Averie Franco, Eian Franco, Evelyn Puhek, and Scott Puhek; adoring great-grandmother of Ozzie and Jett; dearest sister of Charles (Barbara) Turpin, Wendell Turpin, and Rick (Joey) Turpin; dear sister-in-law of Patty Turpin, Lorraine Schwartz and Krystal (Jeffrey) Michelin; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Victor George Filipek, on February 28, 1983.

Funeral services will be held Monday, August 17, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. at 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. Charles W. Niblick officiating. Cremation will follow. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Sunday from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. Expressions of sympathy may be shared online at www.baranfh.com.

Pam was born on November 3, 1951, to Norman and Pauline Turpin. A lifelong resident of the Whiting-Robertsdale Community, she was a graduate of George Rogers Clark High School, Class of 1969, and was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. Pam spent many years serving others as a waitress at Phil Smidt’s and Son’s Restaurant and Keith’s Restaurant, where she truly loved taking care of her customers and making them feel welcome. She had a natural gift for making people feel comfortable and cared for, always making sure everyone had everything they needed. Taking care of people was simply part of who Pam was, and she carried that same generous spirit with her throughout her entire life.

Pam loved to cook and, just as much, loved to share what she made with everyone around her. Her famous chop suey and award-winning chili were favorites of family and friends, and she never hesitated to make enough to share. In her earlier years, Pam was an avid runner and loved running with her best friends. Many will remember seeing her out on the road with Kelsey in her running stroller beside her. She also ran the Hancock Building several times for charity and was willing to shave her head in support of St. Baldrick’s, always ready to go the extra mile to help others. Pam was also a lifelong animal lover. Throughout her life, she rescued countless animals, welcoming them into her own home and giving them a safe, loving place to live. She simply could not turn away an animal in need. Her beloved dogs were an important part of her life, and she was a familiar sight throughout the neighborhood walking them. Above all, Pam was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She was happiest when she was surrounded by the people and animals she loved. Her kindness, generosity, sense of humor, and willingness to help others touched countless lives. Pam will be deeply missed by her family, friends, neighbors, former customers, and all who had the privilege of knowing and loving her. She leaves behind a beautiful legacy of caring for others, loving her family, helping those in need, and making sure no one—or no animal—went without feeling loved. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the St. John the Baptist Catholic Church Capital Campaign, 1849 Lincoln Avenue, Whiting, IN 46394, would be appreciated. (219) 659-4400

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