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.