Edward J Vondrak Jr.

EDWARD J. VONDRAK CALUMET TOWNSHIP Edward J. Vondrak, age 73 of Calumet Township, passed away Monday December 5, 2011. Ed was born on June 19, 1938 in Gary, IN. He was preceded in death by his parents: Edward and Helen Vondrak. Ed is survived by his brother, George (Karen); nephew, Ryan (Karma) Vondrak; and niece, Rebecca (Frank) Zaremba. He had may lifelong friends including Tom Feeny and Jack Hoffman, who he had known since grade school; other relatives including Ken and Shirley Miller. Ed was a graduate of Calumet High School and Western Michigan University of Illinois. He was a lifelong member of Blessed Sacrament Church; recently of St. Mary's in Griffith, IN. Ed was a dedicated teacher for 49 years, and retired from his position at Thornwood High School. Prior to Thornwood High School, he taught at Thorton Fractional South and Calumet High School. Ed coached track, cross country, and basketball. Besides classroom teaching, he was also a school counselor. Ed was selected as "Teacher of the Year" in District 205 and was inducted into the "Hall of Fame" at Calumet High School. He had a great career with many wonderful memories. Ed had many interests, especially cars and sports. He thoroughly enjoyed watching his nephew's softball team at Calumet High School. He rarely missed a game or practice. Ed was generous with time, talents and treasures. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, December 8, 2011 at 10:00 AM Directly at St. Mary Catholic Church with Rev. Theodore Mens officiating. Burial St. John Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family on Wednesday from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. (4:30 p.m. prayer service) at Kuiper Funeral Home, 9039 Kleinman Road (two blocks south of Ridge Road) Highland, IN. Memorials may be given to Calumet High School Athletics Dept. He will be greatly missed.