Chesterton Tribune

John P. Katzmarek service Saturday

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John P. Katzmarek, 75, died Tuesday, October 18, 2011 at University of Illinois, Chicago after complications from surgery.

He was born Feb. 9, 1936, in Michigan City, Indiana, to Barney and Helen Katzmarek, both of whom preceded him in death.

He graduated Elston High School in 1954.

On June 14, 1958 he married his soul mate Marilyn Arndt, a bond that few married people will ever know.

Surviving are his two children, Andrew (Louann) Katzmarek, Annette (Joseph) Perz, three grandchildren, Stephanie Perz, Brian Katzmarek and Laurin Katzmarek, two sisters, Esther (Tom) Schlegelmilch) and Margaret (Richard) Wroblewski both from LaPorte and three nephews and two nieces.

John worked as a union carpenter for over 50 years, receiving his 50 year membership pin May 7, 2011 from Local 1485, LaPorte, Ind. He was active as a trustee in that local and many years ago was financial secretary for local #1236.

He was a master carpenter who loved working with wood. He and his wife built their home, which they started a year before they married and where they still resided. During his career as a carpenter he was foreman for General Construction and Calumet Construction. Many of the banks, homes, schools, and businesses across Northern Indiana he worked on are still standing and are a credit to his know how. He later worked as a carpenter in heavy industry at many companies in Northwest Indiana.

Upon retiring he and Marilyn started the Red Barn Sharpening shop which became very successful through word of mouth. It actually became more than just something to do. He will be greatly missed by all of his loyal customers. He loved visiting with other retired carpenters who would bring in their blades for sharpening. When John wasn’t sharpening in his shop or helping with yard work he would either be at an auction (which he loved going to) or just relaxing with his wife on their patio enjoying nature.

He served for twelve years as a reservist in the U.S. Navy.

He was a member of St. Patrick Church for over fifty-three years serving on the Parish Council for many years. He was, along with his wife, curator of St. Patrick Cemetery for over twenty-five years.

John was a gentle, loving and devoted man who will be greatly missed by many.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Saturday, October 22, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Patrick Church, 638 N Calumet Rd, Chesterton. Burial will follow at St. Patrick Cemetery.

A Rosary will be said at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 21, at the White-Love Funeral Home, 525 S. 2nd St., Chesterton, Ind.

The family will receive friends on Friday, Oct. 21, 2011 from 2-8 p.m. at the funeral home.

For additional information please call White-Love Funeral Home at 219-926-1309.

 

 

 

Posted 10/20/2011

 

 

 

 

 

 

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