Stephen Stanczak

STEPHEN C. STANCZAK GRIFFITH, IN Stephen C. Stanczak, age 91, a longtime resident of Griffith, Indiana, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 17, surrounded by his family. Stephen was born on February 1, 1921 in Chicago, IL to John and Apolonia Stanczak. He attended Bowen High School (Class of 1938), Northern Illinois University (Class of 1949, B.S. in Education) and Purdue University (M.S. in Education). Stephen married Josephine Jasek in 1951 and they made their home in Griffith, IN. Steve was a history teacher at Griffith High School for 37 years (1949 - 1986) and also coached many baseball, basketball and football teams throughout the years. He was a member of the American Federation of Teachers (Griffith Local) and served as president for seven years. Stephen served in the United States Navy during World War II from 1943 -1945. A longtime member of St. Mary's Church in Griffith, Stephen was a member of the Resurrection Choir and an active volunteer with St. Vincent DePaul Society for 17 years. Steve also volunteered with Meals on Wheels for 15 years. He was a lifelong member of the Knights of Columbus and the American Legion. Stephen is survived by his children: Mark Stanczak of Schererville, Geralyn Stanczak Smith (Randy) of Naperville, IL, Mary Stanczak of Caledonia, Michigan; his grandchildren: Laura Stanczak of Crown Point and Madeline Smith of Naperville, IL; and many, many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Josephine; parents; siblings: John Stanczak, Stanley Stanczak, Albert (Martha) Stanczak, Frank (Priscilla) Stanczak, Anthony (Phyllis) Stanczak, Henry Stanczak, Eugenia (George) Stanny, Sister Mary Antoniana, Wanda Stanczak, and Helen Stanczak. Visitation will be held Friday, September 21, from 2:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Kuiper Funeral Home, 9039 Kleinman Road (two blocks south of Ridge Road), Highland, IN. A Funeral Mass will be held Saturday, September 22, at noon at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Griffith. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to St. Mary Church in Griffith, the American Heart Association , or Harbor Light Hospice (800 Roosevelt Road, Bldg. C, Ste. 206, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137). www.kuiperfh.com