Hattie M. Unknown Boncela

Hattie Margaret Boncela (nee Sommers) of Hammond, IN, passed away September 9, 2015 at the age of 92. Born December 6, 1922 in East Chicago, IN, the Indiana native graduated from Washington High School in 1941, worked in the local banking industry (including stints at Rileys Bank, Union National Bank and Calumet National Bank) and proudly served in the U.S. Navy. Her military service, which began with her enlistment on September 21, 1944 in Cleveland, Ohio, included a 16-month assignment in Pensacola, FL, during the Korean War and saw her achieve the rank of Storekeeper 3rd Class. On August 16, 1952, she married Edward Boncela, with whom she built a loving family and a lifetime of memories exploring the country she so proudly served. The couple’s travels included unpredictable ”mystery trips” in which they’d eagerly pack their bags for destinations unknown. She will be fondly remembered for her devotion to her faith, her dedication to her family, her service to her country and even her fondness for American pop culture Betty Boop. A member of East Chicago, IN American Legion Post 369 and Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, she is survived by two children Bonne (Dale) Koebcke, Ed (Catherine)Molnar-Boncela, four children grandchildren Christian(Ryan) Boncela-March, Kyle Koebcke, Edward Boncela III, Karlene Koebcke, she is preceded in death by her husband , brother and sister. Funeral services will be held Saturday September 12, 2015; 11:00 AM at Kuiper Funeral Home 9039 Kleinman Rd (two blocks south of Ridge Rd)) Highland, IN; friends may visit with the family on Saturday morning for 9:00 AM until 11:00 AM (time of services) at the funeral home, she will be buried beside her late husband at Chapel Lawn Cemetery.