Stephen Frank Nedza, Sr.

Stephen Frank Nedza, Sr. 88, of LaPorte, Indiana passed away Wednesday, August 26, 2015.

He was born April 3, 1927 in Chicago, Illinois to Stanley and Stanislaia (Jakus) Nedza and lived in the La Porte area since 1955.

On August 15, 1953 in Chicago, Illinois Stephen married Lorraine Witowicz who preceded him in death on December 29, 2014.  He graduated from Springfield Township High School, Valparaiso University, and Indiana University with a Masters of Education degree.

Mr. Nedza retired in 1987 after 35 years as an educator.  He spent 14 years with Union Township High School and 21 years with the LaPorte Community Schools.

He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, the Sacred Heart Polish dancers, Holy Name Society, Polish Falcons, and served his country in the United States Navy.  He participated in the 2014 Chicago Honor Flight.  Stephen loved his family and friends, Indiana Hoosier basketball, the Cubs, and LaPorte Slicer baseball.

He leaves behind three daughters, Theresa (Dan) Mayerik of Portage, Indiana, Catherine (Steve) Drabyn of Avon, Indiana, Patricia (Bill) Werner of Hanna, Indiana; a son, Stephen "Butch" (Tami) Nedza of La Porte, Indiana; nine grandchildren, Kari Thirsk, Nick Mayerik, Christopher, Stephen and Kristen Drabyn, Aimee Coonfield, John Werner, Dr. Bill Werner and Silas Nedza; seven great grandchildren; two step grandchildren; two brothers, Stanley Nedza and Alex Potocki of Illionois; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and infant daughter Mary Nedza and a brother, Matt Nedza.

Visitation will be from 2-6 pm Sunday, August 30, 2015, Essling Funeral Home-Frank L. Keszei Funeral Director, 1117 Indiana Avenue, La Porte, Indiana.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 am Monday, August 31, 2015, Sacred Heart Catholic Church, LaPorte, Indiana, with Reverend Ian Williams officiating.  Family and friends may gather at 9 a.m. Monday in the Essling Funeral Home where a Parish Rosary will be recited at 9:15 a.m.

Burial will follow the Mass in Pine Lake Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Sacred Heart Catholic Church Scholarship Fund, 130 Bach Street, La Porte, Indiana 46350, or the Chicago Honor Flight, 938 W. Montana Street, Chicago, Illinois 60614. 

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