John "Johnny" E. Saliwanchik

John “Johnny” E. Saliwanchik, 88, of La Porte, Indiana, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, January 16, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on May 18, 1937, in La Porte to the late John – Joannes Saliwanchik – Salawonczyk and Valeria Josepha - Laura (Kuta) Saliwanchik, John lived a full life with family, his hunting dogs and his passion of hunting, fishing, bowling and golfing. In which he passed down that passion to his sons, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Johnny graduated from LaPorte High School in 1954, where he proudly played on the LaPorte Slicer baseball varsity team as a catcher. Johnny also swam on the LaPorte High School swim team.

On February 12, 1966, Johnny married the love of his life, Alice Marie (Biege) Saliwanchik, who preceded him in death on December 18, 2020. Together they shared 54 wonderful years of marriage and were blessed with two sons, Ted (Sheri) Saliwanchik of La Porte and Scott (Catherine) Saliwanchik of La Porte; his grandchildren, Alexandria (Ryan), Benjamin (Cassidy), Hunter, and Amber; and his great-grandchildren, Oaklee, Bentlee, Charlie Jo, and Bennett. His wife, his children and his grandchildren were the light of his life.

Johnny was welcomed into Heaven by his beloved wife, parents, brothers Rudolf, Roman, Richard, his sister Dorothy Saliwanchik Gill Inman and all of his hunting dogs.

Following high school, Johnny worked for various foundry casting companies and traveled. From 1970 to 1977, Johnny worked at LaPorte Foundry Company. These work life experiences is where he found his passion for welding and fabrication. In 1977, Johnny started Saliwanchik Welding Service where he proudly owned and operated until he retired in 2014. His business still thrives today with his son and grandson.

Johnny is remembered by those in his life for his boxing days at Sacred Heart gym, the best fast-pitch catcher for PNA and PRCU, many 300 games bowled for PNA and Thunderbird lanes, 2 holes in ones at Briar leaf Golf Course and the one 5 x 5 – 800 lb Elk at the Rio Grande National Forest Colorado.

Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 23, 2026, at Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, 1117 Indiana Avenue, La Porte, Indiana.

A funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home, with Pastor Jeff Zigler officiating.

Burial will take place afterward at Pine Lake Cemetery in La Porte.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to LaPorte County Animal Control & The Jane Bernard Animal Adoption Center.

To light a virtual candle, share a cherished memory, or leave a message of comfort for Johnny’s family, please visit esslingfuneralhome.com.

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