Andrew J. "Andy" Durkovich

ANDREW J. DURKOVICH FORT WAYNE/MUNSTER/ WHITING, IN

Andrew J. "Andy" Durkovich, 86 of Ft.Wayne, formerly of Munster and Whiting, passed away Thursday, July 16, 2009 in Ft. Wayne. Beloved husband of Ruth (nee Ready); loving father of Jim (Suzanne) Durkovich of Muncie, Kathy (Steve) Yates of Ft. Wayne and the late Carolyn Kay Durkovich; cherished grandfather of Rory Yates, Blake Yates, Jennifer Kile and John Durkovich; adoring great grandpa of Javin and William Kile and Grant Durkovich; dearest brother of John (Dolores) Durkovich and Margaret (Gerald) Zimmerman both of Whiting; dear brother-in-law of Ruby (Emil) Duffala of Crown Point, Lester Ready of Tennessee and Olga Ready of Texas; fond uncle of many nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, July 21, 2009, 9:30a.m. at the Baran Funeral Home, 1235-119th St., Whiting. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10:00 a.m. at the Immaculate Conception Church, Whiting with the Rev. Stanley J. Dominik, officiating. Interment Calumet Park Cemetery, Merrillville. Visitation at the funeral home Monday from 2:00-4:00 and 6:00-8:00 p.m. Andy Durkovich was born on September 23, 1922 in Podkrivac, Czechoslovakia to John, Sr. and Susan (Vraniak) Durkovich and was a long time resident of the Calumet Region. He was reared at the Immaculate Conception Parish, Whiting and was a former member of St. Thomas More Church, Munster. He was a graduate of Whiting High School, was a WWII Army Veteran serving in the European Theatre and was a charter member and past adjutant of the VFW Post 2697 who will conduct memorial services Monday at 7:30pm. Andy was a former employee of the Amoco Oil (BP) Whiting Refinery with a service of 16 years and was a retiree of the Inland Steel Co., East Chicago, with a service of 20 years. He was a member of the Amoco Oil Annuitants Club and had served as its recording secretary. He was on the executive board and was the vice president and recording secretary for the USW, Local 1010 Retirement Club. Andy adored his lovely wife and was truly proud of his family. He taught us the value of hard work, was a true friend to many and he loved this great country. He will be greatly missed by his family and all who knew him. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the VFW Post 2697 or the Visiting Nurse and Hospice Home of Ft. Wayne, would be appreciated. (219) 659-4400.