John R. Kondra

Hammond

John R. Kondra, age 88, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 9, 2014.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Valerie (nee Maka), loving son; Jeffrey Kondra, grandson; John J. Kondra. One sister Bernice (Andrew) Herbach, brother in law; Thaddeus (Pat) Maka and many nieces, nephews and friends.                                  He was preceded in death by his parents John G. and Stephanie Kondra; sisters, Agnes Bucheck, Helen Kobitka, Sophie Schrum, Carole Kamysz, Joann Zak and Lottie Bishop.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, November 12, 2014 with a Mass of Christian burial at 11:00 a.m. directly at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 7132 Arizona Ave., Hammond with Father Charles Mosley celebrant. Burial will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery in Calumet City, IL. Friends are invited to meet with the family for a time of visitation at the Church on Wednesday, November 12, 2014 from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m.

John was born on May 16, 1926 to John and Stephanie Kondra in Calumet City, IL; he was an alumnus of Thornton Fractional North High School. After graduation he served in WWII in the US Army stationed in the Rhineland and Central Europe where he was awarded many medals including the Purple Heart. He was retired from the Hammond Fire department and rose to the rank of Battalion Chief with 36 years of loyal and dedicated service. He was also the owner of Harmony T.V. and sound business, which serviced many homes, churches and restaurants in the area for 25 years. John was the organizer of N.W. Indiana Purple Heart Chapter 721 and its first commander. He was also a member of fire fighters local 556, life member of American Legion Post 330 of Calumet City and the V.F.W. Post 802, D.A.V. Chapter 17, The Golden Times, Hobart Elks 1152, Knights of Columbus Marquette council, Griffith, IN. and a faithful parishioner and member of Holy Name Society at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church. John was a loving husband, father, grandfather who enjoyed a good life to fullest. In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to Share Foundation P.O. Box 400, Rolling Prairie, IN 46371or the charity of your choice.

For more information you may call Bocken Funeral Home at (219)-844-1600, or visit www.bockenfunerals.com