Benjamin S. Michaw

Benjamin Stanley Michaw, 90, of Terre Haute and formerly of Hammond, IN, passed away on Thursday, April 3, 2014, at Terre Haute Regional Hospital. He was born on August 29, 1923, in Hoboken, NJ, to Benjamin Adolph and Agnes Marie Michaw. He married Ethel Leona Tanney in 1946 and together they raised four children.

Benjamin proudly served in the Navy Coast Guard from 1942 to 1946, in the Pacific Theater during WWII. After his service to his country, Benjamin began working as an ironworker. He transitioned into a new career as a firefighter for the City of Hammond. He devoted 30 years to protecting the citizens of Hammond, with the last 8 of those years in the role of Fire Chief. Benjamin was the President of the AFL-CIO for 10 years. During that time, he passed safety and policy legislature that benefited firefighters across the state of Indiana.

After retirement, Benjamin still had the drive to continue working. He sold sprinklers and safety systems and worked as a security guard for a steel manufacturer. He was a hard worker with a work ethic that was unmatched by anyone.

Fifteen years ago, Benjamin and Ethel moved from Hammond to Terre Haute, to be closer to family.

Benjamin enjoyed being outdoors, especially fishing. He liked to play bingo. He and Ethel loved to travel, making many trips to visit family across the country. Most of all, Benjamin cherished the time he spent with his family.

Benjamin is survived by his children: James Patrick Michaels and his significant other, Linda Barnett, of Dyer, IN; Tim Michaw and his wife Sandi of Winnipeg, Canada; Kate Michaw and her partner, Mark Sinn of Terre Haute; and Susan Delores Grammer and her husband Bill of Nashville, TN. Grandchildren: Jon Michaels, Nicole Miskowicz (Steve), Nicholas Michaels (Melissa), Robert Michaw (Tannis), Chenoa Lyons (Michael), Dylan Sinn, Jurgen Sinn, Jason Grove (Kathy), and Marcy Peneguy (David). Great-Grandchildren: Skyler and Mara Michaels, Maxwell Michaels; Mack and Joseph Michaw; Gabrielle and Benjamin Grove (his namesake); Grace Peneguy, and Luke Hatzl.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Ethel; his parents, and his sisters, Lorraine Snyder and Delores Gibson, and a daughter-in-law, Janis Michaels.

Per Benjamin’s wishes, cremation was chosen. A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Pat's Church on the morning of Sunday, June 1 at 9 a.m. Benjamin and Ethel will be laid to rest together in Chapel Lawn Cemetery, Schererville on June 6 at 3 p.m. Mattox-Wood Funeral Home was entrusted with the arrangements.