Joseph Willich Sr.

Joseph Willich, Sr. Valparaiso Joseph "Joe" Willich, Sr., age 76, of Valparaiso, IN, a loving husband, father, grandfather and true friend, passed away Monday, February 12, 2007. He was a retired supervisor of U.S. Steel - Gary Works, where he was known as a skillful pipe fitter. He was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean Conflict and member of American Legion Post #94 and VFW Post #988. Joe was a Gold Card member of the Gary Sportsmen Club and an active member of the Valparaiso Fraternal Order of Eagles. In addition to leading a very active life, he had a true enthusiasm for pets and was a devoted lifelong fan of the Chicago Cubs and Bears. Joe is survived by his wife of 51 years, Betty Willich; three children: Joe (Kellie) Willich, Jr. of CO, Steve (Cindy) Willich of PA and Denise (Dan) Scott of Valparaiso, IN; eight grandchildren: Lindsay, Chris, Mary, Daniel and Jeff Willich, Ashley and Mike Wyatt and Heather Scott; dear great-granddaughter, Allie; brother, Dan (Nancy) Willich of FL; sister, Darlene (Milorad) Ristich of IL; aunt, Dora Muskina of NV; dear lifelong friend, Sam (Mae) Lafata of Hobart, IN; also, several nieces, nephews and lifelong friends. Friends may visit with the family on Friday, February 16, 2007 from 2:00-7:00 p.m. at Burns Funeral Home, 10101 Broadway, Crown Point, IN. A service will be offered at 7:00 p.m. with Rev. Jerry Funes officiating. Cremation will follow. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Porter County Animal Shelter would be appreciated. Arrangements were completed by Savich & Semplinski Funeral Directors.