JOHN JELINEK, age 64 of Valparaiso, passed away at his home on Thursday, May 9, 2013. John was born on June 23, 1948 in Gary, Indiana to Henry and Betty (nee Sarich) Jelinek. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Barbara (nee Remkus) and their three “rug rats”: Jill (Jeff) Jelinek Ogiego, BridgetContinue Reading
JOHN JELINEK, age 64 of Valparaiso, passed away at his home on Thursday, May 9, 2013. John was born on June 23, 1948 in Gary, Indiana to Henry and Betty (nee Sarich) Jelinek. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Barbara (nee Remkus) and their three “rug rats”: Jill (Jeff) Jelinek Ogiego, Bridget (Brian) Govert, and John Paul (Jannean) Jelinek; his grandchildren, Nathan and Audrey, and his four step-grandchildren, Christian, Ronni, Shana, and Lauren; his brothers Henry (Judith) Jelinek, Jr. and David (Bonnie) Jelinek. John was a graduate of Calumet High School. While in high school he worked at Tip Top grocery store as a stock boy. After graduation, he went to work at Gary Sheet and Tin in refrigeration. He later transferred to 84 Hot Strip and worked as a millwright and planner. He was called to duty and served in the U.S. Navy on USS Pocono as an electrician until he was discharged. After 36 years at the steel mill, he began his retirement and his part-time job at Safety Training and Technical Service Inc. He became a member of Ainsworth Volunteer Fire Department and served that community for 34 years. John was full of life. He was generous with his time and talents in his jobs, and also with his family and friends. If John was not at work, you would find him in a duck blind with his Chesapeake Bay retriever or on his boat “Bite Me” and enjoying the outdoors. John was an avid outdoors man who would travel as far as Texas to parts of Canada to find the best fields to hunt and lakes to fish. He was part of the founding members who began the Northwest Indiana Waterfowl USA Chapter where he served as vice president for 26 years. John will be missed by all of the people whose lives that he touched. His life is a celebration of what we all need to do for others and of our world. 
Susan Roberts
left a message on May 28, 2013:
To think that John is gone is so unreal...He was so full of life and always the one to step up when Waterfowl USA needed help raising money to restore wetlands. I know he will be greatly missed by my dad (since for 26 years he was his vice president and right hand man in Waterfowl)as well as the rest of my family, in addition the friends and family of Waterfowl USA. This poem is a great tribute to a wonderful man who totally made a difference on this earth with his love for waterfowl, wildlife and wetlands. Godspeed John...I hope you are up there enjoying a big wetland in the sky... Do not stand at my grave and weep. Do not stand at my grave and weep I am not there. I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow. I am the diamond glints on snow. I am the sunlight on ripened grain. I am the gentle autumn rain. When you awaken in the morning's hush I am the swift uplifting rush Of quiet birds in circled flight. I am the soft stars that shine at night. Do not stand at my grave and cry; I am not there. I did not die. -Mary Elizabeth Frye S
velida
left a message on May 13, 2013:
So sorry to hear about John's passing. I'll always remember the much anticipated drag race with Jerry against John and his Road Runner. John won but not by much. Say HI to my love Jerry, John! And shoot a few heavenly ducks together now.
Pat Komechak
left a message on May 13, 2013:
A great guy , too young to go. I worked with John at U.S. Steel. We will all miss him . Prayers for his family and love ones. Pat Komechak
Dorothy Sabovcik
left a message on May 11, 2013:
Barb so sorry for your loss. I'll keep you and your family in my prayers. Greeter Dorothy
Patricia Curtis (Jelinek)
left a message on May 10, 2013:
I remember Johnny wrestling in the frontroom of our house with my dad... His funeral is on my dad's birthday... Johnny was sooooo cool. He helped me feel better when my older bro, George passed. See ya on the flip side, John! Love ya & miss ya....
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
John Eich
left a message on May 10, 2013:
Our condolence and prayers go out to the family of this very kind and generous man who will be missed by all.
David L Johnson
left a message on May 10, 2013:
To Barb and family: John has been my best friend for over 25 years,sorry I can't be with you now but offer my condolences. His leadership and excellent work ethic will be missed. He has left a powerful mark on this world. May he rest in peace.
Bob & Jill Warne
left a message on May 10, 2013:
Our deepest condolences to John's family may god be with them during this time of cherished memories and deep sorrow. I remember the moment we meet John, you couldn't help but enjoy his zest for the outdoors and the time he enjoyed being around his family and friends. He will always have a special place in so many people's lives and we all have been blessed in knowing him.
David Dvojacki
left a message on May 10, 2013:
Horicon Hunts will not be the same. John will be missed.
Linda D. Pearman
left a message on May 10, 2013:
I have known John 4 years through my Admin duties for Bass pro Shops he was a very nice man and make us smile and laugh when he came to visit Jim Osborne. he will be miss.
peggy miller
left a message on May 10, 2013:
barb I.m so sorry for your loss, John was a very nice
John Welch
left a message on May 10, 2013:
It's truely with sadness that I extend my sympathy to all of John's family. I've known John for a long time and will miss the occasional bump into with him. Always a good story. God bless you all. John Welch
Mike Miller & Mary Brazinsky
left a message on May 10, 2013:
Dave, Bonnie and Family, Our hearts go out to your entire family during this most difficult time. We understand how much love you have in your heart for John but not even death can take that or the memories away. May God take him fishing and hunting to better places than we can even imagine and may John watch over you from above. God Bless. Mike & Mary
Greg Rogers
left a message on May 10, 2013:
I never had the pleasure of meeting John. He sounds like my kind of guy. I know he raised a great son and that the the rest of the family and friends will miss him dearly. It sounds as though the memories and fond stories left behind will last for many years to come. I wish I could be there in person to extend my sympathy. My thoughts and prayers will be with you.
ronald mehok
left a message on May 10, 2013:
remembering john from high school and as a neighbor in calumet township (many years ago. So very sorry for your loss.
Pam Rikard
left a message on May 10, 2013:
Pam Rikard has sent this Expressions of Sympathy card.
Ray Handley
left a message on May 10, 2013:
I worked with John in the air conditioning department from 1967 until he transferred to the 84" hot strip mill. We always kept in touch with each other and although I wasn't the outdoorsman he was, we went shooting targets several times together. He was a great friend and we shared many laughs together. He will be missed by many. Ray Handley
Matt Bochnowski
left a message on May 10, 2013:
John was one of the most helpful and thoughtful people I know and one heck of a leader to the club that he loved. He always preached to many of us to put aside the differences and look at the big picture. Funny how something so simple applies to everyday life in all we do. He will always be remembered and always be with us in the fields and marshes he loved to travel to.
Jim Porter
left a message on May 9, 2013:
I remember the first time I met John. We were sitting in a Dove field at Jasper Pulaski in the mid 80s, we became friends and that's when I became involved with Waterfowl USA. John and I began our adventures hunting and fishing together. In 1990 we started duck nesting project.after thinking about this I realized John lived his life to the fullest everyday.i will miss John every single day.
Jason Gonsiorowski
left a message on May 9, 2013:
We gave you the nickname "The Field General" for a reason. John you commanded the fields. Until we meet again, save me a seat!
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Terry Rager
left a message on May 9, 2013:
Twin Bridges Chapter of Waterfowl USA sends their sympathy. John was a tremendous, honest man with a heart of gold for the young and old and for his country. John built a foundation for you all to stand on. This foundation will hold you until you meet him again. John's laughs and gifts of heart and mind of wisdom will always be remembered. May God be with you as he is with God now.
Michael Bires& family
left a message on May 9, 2013:
John you will be missed by so many. For all of the family my family will keep you in our thoughts and prayers
Paul Zurbriggen
left a message on May 9, 2013:
He was a great man and friend to me. He will be missed greatly.
Mark Baca and Family
left a message on May 9, 2013:
It was truly an honor to know John and be able to call him my friend. He was one of a kind, he had a way about him that I have never come across before. He always made my day better even with a simple phone call. To say I will miss him is a understatement! God speed brother, we will meet up again at the big blind in the sky!
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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Susan Roberts
left a message on May 28, 2013:
To think that John is gone is so unreal...He was so full of life and always the one to step up when Waterfowl USA needed help raising money to restore wetlands. I know he will be greatly missed by my dad (since for 26 years he was his vice president and right hand man in Waterfowl)as well as the rest of my family, in addition the friends and family of Waterfowl USA. This poem is a great tribute to a wonderful man who totally made a difference on this earth with his love for waterfowl, wildlife and wetlands. Godspeed John...I hope you are up there enjoying a big wetland in the sky... Do not stand at my grave and weep. Do not stand at my grave and weep I am not there. I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow. I am the diamond glints on snow. I am the sunlight on ripened grain. I am the gentle autumn rain. When you awaken in the morning's hush I am the swift uplifting rush Of quiet birds in circled flight. I am the soft stars that shine at night. Do not stand at my grave and cry; I am not there. I did not die. -Mary Elizabeth Frye S
velida
left a message on May 13, 2013:
So sorry to hear about John's passing. I'll always remember the much anticipated drag race with Jerry against John and his Road Runner. John won but not by much. Say HI to my love Jerry, John! And shoot a few heavenly ducks together now.
Pat Komechak
left a message on May 13, 2013:
A great guy , too young to go. I worked with John at U.S. Steel. We will all miss him . Prayers for his family and love ones. Pat Komechak
Dorothy Sabovcik
left a message on May 11, 2013:
Barb so sorry for your loss. I'll keep you and your family in my prayers. Greeter Dorothy
Patricia Curtis (Jelinek)
left a message on May 10, 2013:
I remember Johnny wrestling in the frontroom of our house with my dad... His funeral is on my dad's birthday... Johnny was sooooo cool. He helped me feel better when my older bro, George passed. See ya on the flip side, John! Love ya & miss ya....
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
John Eich
left a message on May 10, 2013:
Our condolence and prayers go out to the family of this very kind and generous man who will be missed by all.
David L Johnson
left a message on May 10, 2013:
To Barb and family: John has been my best friend for over 25 years,sorry I can't be with you now but offer my condolences. His leadership and excellent work ethic will be missed. He has left a powerful mark on this world. May he rest in peace.
Bob & Jill Warne
left a message on May 10, 2013:
Our deepest condolences to John's family may god be with them during this time of cherished memories and deep sorrow. I remember the moment we meet John, you couldn't help but enjoy his zest for the outdoors and the time he enjoyed being around his family and friends. He will always have a special place in so many people's lives and we all have been blessed in knowing him.
David Dvojacki
left a message on May 10, 2013:
Horicon Hunts will not be the same. John will be missed.
Linda D. Pearman
left a message on May 10, 2013:
I have known John 4 years through my Admin duties for Bass pro Shops he was a very nice man and make us smile and laugh when he came to visit Jim Osborne. he will be miss.
peggy miller
left a message on May 10, 2013:
barb I.m so sorry for your loss, John was a very nice
John Welch
left a message on May 10, 2013:
It's truely with sadness that I extend my sympathy to all of John's family. I've known John for a long time and will miss the occasional bump into with him. Always a good story. God bless you all. John Welch
Mike Miller & Mary Brazinsky
left a message on May 10, 2013:
Dave, Bonnie and Family, Our hearts go out to your entire family during this most difficult time. We understand how much love you have in your heart for John but not even death can take that or the memories away. May God take him fishing and hunting to better places than we can even imagine and may John watch over you from above. God Bless. Mike & Mary
Greg Rogers
left a message on May 10, 2013:
I never had the pleasure of meeting John. He sounds like my kind of guy. I know he raised a great son and that the the rest of the family and friends will miss him dearly. It sounds as though the memories and fond stories left behind will last for many years to come. I wish I could be there in person to extend my sympathy. My thoughts and prayers will be with you.
ronald mehok
left a message on May 10, 2013:
remembering john from high school and as a neighbor in calumet township (many years ago. So very sorry for your loss.
Pam Rikard
left a message on May 10, 2013:
Pam Rikard has sent this Expressions of Sympathy card.
Ray Handley
left a message on May 10, 2013:
I worked with John in the air conditioning department from 1967 until he transferred to the 84" hot strip mill. We always kept in touch with each other and although I wasn't the outdoorsman he was, we went shooting targets several times together. He was a great friend and we shared many laughs together. He will be missed by many. Ray Handley
Matt Bochnowski
left a message on May 10, 2013:
John was one of the most helpful and thoughtful people I know and one heck of a leader to the club that he loved. He always preached to many of us to put aside the differences and look at the big picture. Funny how something so simple applies to everyday life in all we do. He will always be remembered and always be with us in the fields and marshes he loved to travel to.
Jim Porter
left a message on May 9, 2013:
I remember the first time I met John. We were sitting in a Dove field at Jasper Pulaski in the mid 80s, we became friends and that's when I became involved with Waterfowl USA. John and I began our adventures hunting and fishing together. In 1990 we started duck nesting project.after thinking about this I realized John lived his life to the fullest everyday.i will miss John every single day.
Jason Gonsiorowski
left a message on May 9, 2013:
We gave you the nickname "The Field General" for a reason. John you commanded the fields. Until we meet again, save me a seat!
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Terry Rager
left a message on May 9, 2013:
Twin Bridges Chapter of Waterfowl USA sends their sympathy. John was a tremendous, honest man with a heart of gold for the young and old and for his country. John built a foundation for you all to stand on. This foundation will hold you until you meet him again. John's laughs and gifts of heart and mind of wisdom will always be remembered. May God be with you as he is with God now.
Michael Bires& family
left a message on May 9, 2013:
John you will be missed by so many. For all of the family my family will keep you in our thoughts and prayers
Paul Zurbriggen
left a message on May 9, 2013:
He was a great man and friend to me. He will be missed greatly.
Mark Baca and Family
left a message on May 9, 2013:
It was truly an honor to know John and be able to call him my friend. He was one of a kind, he had a way about him that I have never come across before. He always made my day better even with a simple phone call. To say I will miss him is a understatement! God speed brother, we will meet up again at the big blind in the sky!
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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