Richard T. Kowalczyk

Richard T. Kowalczyk , 91, of LaPorte, Indiana passed away Tuesday, September 19, 2023.  He was born October 21, 1931 at the Holy Family Hospital in Laporte to Joseph and Josephine (Lapatka) Kowalczyk.

He was a graduate of Purdue University (West Lafayette) in Economics and completed Purdue’s Reserve Officer Training.  He served in the United States Air Force upon graduation and attained the rank of Captain. He retired from Anchor Savings & Loan Association as its Chief Financial Officer. He was an avid reader, a very close follower of current political events, enjoyed fishing, loved to tend to his raised-bed vegetable garden and spending time with his K-9 companions Ila & Sage.

On January 29, 1955 he married Joan (Jasinowski) Kowalczyk, who preceded him in death.  He is survived by their four children Alicia (James) Barnhart of LaPorte, Thomas (Paul Stearns) Kowalczyk of Oakland, California, David (Barbara McConnelll) Kowalczyk of Crown Point, Indiana and Marti (Mark) Coffey of Shelbyville, Indiana and 4 grandchildren; Nikolas (Amber & Michael)Barnhart, Lauren (Brandon) Gropp, Craig Coffey, and Emily (Avery) Coffey.  He is also survived by several nieces and nephews including Sr. Carmen Gillick.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his five brothers – Walter, Edmund, Clemens, Eugene, and Henry Kowalczyk.

Visitation will be at Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, 1117 Indiana Avenue, LaPorte, Indiana on September 30th at 9:00 AM with Rosary at 10:00 AM.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Holy Family Parish, Sacred Heart Church, LaPorte, at 11:00 AM with Father Ian Williams officiating.  Burial will follow at Pine Lake Cemetery.  Cremation has taken place. 

Memorial contributions may be made to the Food Pantry at Sacred Heart Church, 201 Bach Street, LaPorte, Indiana 46350.

To light a virtual candle, share a story of Richard’s life, or leave a message of condolence for his family, please visit www.EsslingFuneralHome.com.

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