obit-thumbnail

James F. Backe

August 7, 1937 - March 15, 2010

James F. Backe, age 72, of Portage, IN formerly of Merrillville, passed away on Monday, March 15, 2010. Jim is survived by 2 brothers: Ralph Ellen Backe and David Backe; 2 sisters: Mary Stephen Tomko and Monica Tom Nowesnick; sister-in-law, Judi Backe; nieces: Nicole Tomko and Natalie Nowesnick and other nieces; nephews: Lucas Nowesnick and other nephews & cousins; aunt, Georgiann Massa; and step-children: Pat Daily, Sherryl Reeves and Laurie Cook. He was preceded in death by parents, Nicholas and Dorothy Backe; 2 brothers: Michael and Eddie Backe. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, March 20, 2010 at 10:00 AM at Ss. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, 5885 Harrison St., Merrillville, IN with Rev. Roy Beeching officiating. Interment to follow at Calumet Park Cemetery, Merrillville, IN. Friends may visit with the family directly at church on Saturday, March 20th from 9:00 AM until the time of services at 10:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Jim's name to: St. Francis Center of St. Margaret Mercy, Dyer, IN 46311 or St. Aquinas School, c/o St. Andrew Church, 801 W. 73rd Avenue, Merrillville, IN 46410. To share a memory or send a condolence to the family, please visit the guestbook section at www.GeisenFuneralHome.com. For more information call 219-769-3322.

candle-small flame
Geisen Funeral Home Light a candle Light a candle
Light a Candle
flowers
Flowers & Gifts

Arrangements starting at $35

James F. Backe, age 72, of Portage, IN formerly of Merrillville, passed away on Monday, March 15, 2010. Jim is survived by 2 brothers: Ralph Ellen Backe and David Backe; 2 sisters: Mary Stephen Tomko and Monica Tom Nowesnick; sister-in-law, Judi Backe; nieces: Nicole Tomko and Natalie Nowesnick and other nieces; nephews: Lucas Nowesnick andContinue Reading

See Condolences
Sherryl Reeves left a message on March 18, 2010:
I remember the day you and mom walked from the Crown Point courthouse and we heard 'we're married'. You were happy. From that day forward you proudly told everyone about your three step-daughters. And you ended every conversation we had saying I say a prayer for all of you every night. You will be missed but not forgotten. We know you are at peace and pray If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. Romans 14:8
Pat Cook Daily left a message on March 18, 2010:
For the Family - I am sorry for your loss and understand it well because I too feel the pain. For Jim - Thank you for sharing your life with me. You will be missed.
Major John Johnston left a message on March 18, 2010:
Jim...thanks for excitedly showing me your collection and the interest you had in your car collection. You were unique! I wish I had visited more. Isn't that how it always is when we look back? There is a lesson there. Thanks for your kindness in always wanting to share something and keeping Lorrie and I in your prayers. I am so sorry you were alone at the end. But we remember you in life in our memories. You will not be forgotten. You will be missed! Your life mattered! Rest.....
M Ruiz left a message on March 17, 2010:
Jimmy, I'm glad we had the chance to speak one last time. More importantly, thank you for making me laugh during our conversation. We will miss you and I will never forget you kindness.
Geisen Funeral Home left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
Show More