Chesterton Tribune

 

 

Bernard F. Poracky, M.D. service Monday

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Bernard “Ben” Francis Poracky, M.D., retired Physician and Surgeon of Ogden Dunes, Ind., passed away at home on July 23, 2014.

He was born January 29, 1924, in Whiting, Ind. Ben was the beloved husband of the late Elizabeth Mae (Meyers) Poracky, RN.

He is survived by his loving children: son John Poracky (Liz Finan) Chesterton, Ind., grandchildren Rachel, of Chicago, and John of Houston; daughter Jean (James) Haley, of Oak Brook, Ill.; son Paul Poracky (Jennifer Miller), of Ogden Dunes; grandchildren, Lara, Dana, Molly; and daughter Ann (James) Adams, of St. Charles, Ill., grandchildren Brian, of Charlotte, No. Car., and Elizabeth.

Ben is also survived by his sister Dorothy (Poracky) Hoover, of Whiting, Ind., and long time caregiver Maria Barbara Horoszko.

Ben was preceded in death by his father John Poracky, mother Mary (Skurka) Poracky, brother Andrew Poracky and sister-in-law Mary (Jancosek) Poracky, sister Emma Pers and John Pers, brother-in-law, sister Ann Vrabel and George Vrabel, brother-in-law, sister Leona Zientara and Joe Zientara, brother-in-law and sister Mary Jane Macnak and Joe Macnak, brother-in-law.

Dr. Poracky practiced medicine for 50 years in Northwest Indiana caring for thousands of patients, many of whom surprised and honored him at his first retirement party, sharing stories of how he saved their lives and offered compassionate care. Not wanting to stay retired, Ben continued working part-time at Radiological Associates of Northwest Indiana and at Bethlehem Steel.

Ben was an avid golfer and member of Innsbrook Country Club and Sand Creek Country Club. He was awarded the “Double Eagle Certificate of Recognition” by Golf Digest Magazine when on October 10, 1971, he shot a Double Eagle on the par 5, “old” 14th hole (2 strokes on a par 5) at Innsbrook Country Club.

Ben met his late wife Elizabeth (“Betty”), who was Valedictorian of her Nursing Class, while serving his internship at St. Margaret Hospital. Bernard and Elizabeth were married on November 20, 1948. Ben and Betty enjoyed traveling the globe, golfing, and spending time with their four children, grandchildren and friends.

Ben was a devoted member of Nativity of Our Savior Catholic Church, Portage and former parishioner of St. Peter and Paul Church in Merrillville, Ind.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, July 28, 2014, at 10 a.m. at Nativity of Our Savior Church, 2949 Willowcreek Rd., Portage, Ind., Father Andrew Corona officiating. Interment at Calumet Park Cemetery, 2305 W. 73rd Avenue, Merrillville, Ind.

Friends may visit with the family on Sunday, July 27, from 3-7 p.m. at the Burns Funeral Home, 10101 Broadway, Crown Point, Ind.

Memorials may be made to University of Chicago Cancer Research Foundation at www.cancer.uchicago.edu/help/research-foundation on behalf of future research by Walter M. Stadler, M.D.

On line condolences can be left at www.burnsfuneral.com.

The Poracky Family wishes to thank Dr. Michael C. Weiss and VNA Hospice Care.


 

 

Posted 7/25/2014

 

 
 

 

 

 

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