Timothy “Big Country” Michael Gajdik, age 33 of Chesterton, Ind., passed away June 7, 2012.

He was born June 6, 1979 in Valparaiso, Ind., to Bobbie Dean Gajdik of Chesterton and Carol Bagnell-Kucek of Portage, who both survive.

He is also survived by his mother of heart Jackie Miller, sisters Laurel Ann Eris of North Carolina, Tova Renee (Eric) Eliason of Malden, Ind., and Kim (Chase Spitka) Eich of LaPorte, Ind., and brother, Jeffrey Allen Miller of N. Liberty, Ind.; uncles Michael D. (Mindy) Gajdik and Timothy Nelson; aunt Laura Marie Smolnicky of Hessville, Ind.; nephews Andrew, Landon and Jayce and nieces Kaitlyn and Aalliah; best friends Matt Kyle of Chesterton and “Hammer” of Michigan and all his friends at Whistle Stop; Glen and Maggie.

He was preceded in death by his uncle and namesake, Timothy Lee Gajdik, and parental grandparents Michael and Eula Gajdik.

Timothy graduated from Chesterton High School and was employed by Sun Steel Corp. as a carpenter and framer. He was a member of the Portage Jaycee’s and gave of his time in many ways, including Christmas food distribution, Christmas shopping tour for kids and the Haunted House Project. Tim had a great rapport with kids and enjoyed setting up and participating in events for them. He enjoyed dirt bike riding, camping, ATV racing, and was a great fisherman and motorcycle enthusiast.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, June 14, 2012 at 10:00 a.m., at Edmonds and Evans Funeral Home Portage Chapel, 6941 Central Ave., Portage, Ind. Burial to follow at Fairlawn Cemetery, Kentland, Ind.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 13, 2012 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Tim’s family.

Online condolences to the family may be left at www.EE-FH.com

Posted 6/12/2012