Joseph F. Stainko, of Chesterton, passed away Friday evening, Dec. 22, 2006 at VNA Horton Hospice Center, Valparaiso. He was 78.

He was born March 18, 1928 in Porter, the son of Louis and Cecilia (Royko) Stainko, both of whom preceded him in death.

He is survived by seven children, Janice (David) Dunn and Robert (Judith) Bearup, both of Westville, Deborah (William) Gibson of Valparaiso, Connie Jo Stainko (friend Walter Turulis) of Valparaiso, Kathleen Mary Holloway of Virginia Beach, Va., Joseph Frank (Jill) Stainko, Jr. of Porter and Dean (Kim) Stainko of LaPorte and 10 grandchildren.

He is also survived by a sister, Betty Stainko of Chesterton, a sister-in-law, Ann Stainko of Porter; one great niece; two great-great nephews; nephews, Andrew (Mary) Stainko and George Stainko.

He was also preceded in death by his son Micheal Ray Bearup in 1989, a granddaughter, Heather Renee Bearup; brothers, Andrew, Stanley and Charles Stainko; sisters, Genevieve Zoliner and Angela Davis.

Joe was a member of Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, Valparaiso American Legion Post #170, Chesterton, VFW Post 2511, Porter. He was a veteran of the Korean Conflict and a former member of Chesterton Moose Lodge 1623. He was retired from CSX Railroad with over 30 years service. He had worked as a driver for Charles Lorenz Trucking, worked in grounds maintenance at Sand Creek Country Club and had worked with KAT Trucking as a mechanic. Joe also enjoyed fishing.

A Mass of Christian Burial, Fr. Doug Mayer officiating, will be offered at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 27 at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, 356 W. Seven Mile Rd., Valparaiso. Interment will be at St. Patrick Cemetery, Chesterton.

The family will receive friends from 5-8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 26 at White-Love Funeral Home, 525 S. 2nd St., Chesterton. Rosary will be recited Tuesday at 7 p.m., followed by a memorial service by the American Legion Post #170 at 7:45 p.m.

For more information, please call 926-1309.

Posted 12/26/2006