Michael J. Buchko Jr.

MICHAEL JEROME BUCHKO GRIFFITH, IN Michael J. Buchko Jr., age 74, of Griffith, IN, formerly of Gary, IN passed away at 1:18 a.m. on Sunday, May 19, 2013 at St. Mary Hospital, Hobart, IN. He was born on February 15, 1939 in Gary, IN, the son of Michael and Emelia Buchko. He married Janice M. Marshall on September 2, 1961. Michael studied Marketing at St. Joseph College, earning his degree in 1961. He continued his education at Purdue University, earning his M.S. in Education in 1969, and achieved a Doctorate in Education in 1976. He began his career in education teaching 3rd grade at St. Paul Catholic School in Valparaiso in 1962. He then became an assistant principal at Evans Elementary in River Forest. In 1969, he became principal at Wadsworth Elementary School in Griffith where he shaped the lives of countless children for over 31 years until his retirement in 2000. That same year, he earned the honor and distinction as the first father/daughter team to graduate from the Indiana Principal Leadership Academy with his daughter Marian Buchko. Michael had a fun-loving and adventurous spirit. He often traveled around the country with his family and, with his retirement, continued that passion by becoming a world-traveler together with his wife of 52 years. Michael served as Eucharistic Minister and exemplified his faith through his many hours of volunteerism at St. Mary Church in Griffith, IN. He was a member of the St. Mary Men's Club as well as the Slovak Club. He was a generous friend, and role model to everyone who knew him. Survivors include his two sons, Michael A. Buchko of Friendsville, TN, Joseph C. Buchko of Griffith, IN; daughter, Marian L. Buchko of Crown Point, IN; sister, Elaine R. York of Hobart, IN; brother, Thomas J. Buchko of Galveston, IN; and several nephews, nieces, and grand nieces. He was preceded in death by his wife, Janice Marshall Buchko; daughter, Amy L. Buchko; father, Michael Buchko; mother, Emelia Perunko Buchko; brothers: Robert A. Buchko and Jerome D. Buchko. Friends may meet with the family at White Funeral Home in Griffith, IN on Wednesday, May 22nd from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. The Funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary Church in Griffith, IN on Thursday, May 23rd at 10:00 a.m with Fr. Theodore Mens celebrating. Burial will follow at Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens in Schererville. Special donations in Michael's name may be made towards either St. Jude Children's Hospital or St. Mary School. For information, please call White Funeral Home at (219) 924-4100.