Kenneth "Champ" Lazarek

Kenneth “Champ” Lazarek, 72, of La Porte, Indiana, passed away Thursday, March 13, 2025.

Ken was born on November 10, 1952, in La Porte to Stanley & Vicky (Hayman) Lazarek.

Ken is survived by his mother, Vicky Lazarek of La Porte; children, Melissa Noveroske of Granger, Indiana, Garland (Becky Spencer and family) Lazarek of La Porte, Caralee (Todd Sigler) Lazarek of Greensboro, North Carolina; eight grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; siblings, Henry (Carol) Lazarek of Chesterton, Indiana, Christine Tomoske of La Porte, and Richard (Lori) Lazarek of Fort Wayne, Indiana; sister-in-law Viki Lazarek of La Porte; four nieces and their husbands; one great-niece and one great-nephew; and friends. He was preceded in death by his father; his sister Rita Lazarek, his twin brother Keith Lazarek; and his brother-in-law Roger Tomoske.

Ken worked mainly as a roofer in LaPorte. He was a very talented master woodworker, craftsman, and builder. He loved classic cars (enjoyed LaPorte’s Cruise Nights) and race cars, even driving in the Richard Petty driving school. He had a soft spot for animals of all kinds and was knowledgeable about butterflies and moths since childhood. He was interested in history; military aircraft (old and new); fireworks (the bigger and louder the better); the Sacred Heart Polish Festival, good times, and laughs. In his younger years, he was best known as “Champ.”

His greatest love, however, was always family, no matter how far extended. His grandkids and great-grandkids were a special light in his life. Like all Polish grandfathers, he was honored to be called “Dziadzia” and “Dziadz.” We all miss you, Ken. Thank you for all the help, all the love, and all the joy you brought into our lives! Thank you for bearing with us in trying times. And thank you for letting us do all the same for you! We are comforted to know that you no longer face pain and sickness, and please continue to watch over us all. We love you always.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 AM Monday, March 24, 2025, at Holy Family Parish, Sacred Heart Church, 201 Bach Street, La Porte, Indiana, where family and friends may visit from 10 AM until Mass time at 11 AM.

A private burial will take place at Pine Lake Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, https://www.stjude.org/

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel in La Porte, Indiana.

To light virtual candle, share a story of Kenneth’s life or leave a message of comfort for his family, please visit esslingfuneralhome.com

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