Robert S. Koschal

Robert “Bob” S. Koschal of DeMotte, formerly of Gary and Dyer, IN, age 61, passed away Monday, April 6, 2009 at home. He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Catherine; son, Robert Jr. and daughter, AnneMarie Kyle Miller, all of DeMotte, IN; son, Michael Jilanne of Valparaiso, IN and daughter Lori Stephen Franczek of Oswego, IL; grandchildren: Stephen and Jacob Franczek and Nicholas Koschal; brother-in-law, Joseph Terri Long of Winnetka, IL; sisters-in-law: Janette Scott Whelan of Dyer, IN, Jean Gary Brown of Terre Haute, IN, Marsha Gott of Munster, IN and Terri Greg Leonard of Dexter, MI; uncles: John Koschal of Crown Point, IN and Andrew Mickey Koschal of Painesville, OH; cousins: Judy Muldoon of Crown Point, IN, Paula Herb Ratchford of Crown Point, IN and Rodney Basiak of Chesterton, IN; numerous nieces and nephews all who were dearly loved by their uncle. Preceded in death by his parents, George and Dorothy. Funeral services will be held Friday, April 10, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. at Geisen Funeral Home, 7905 Broadway, Merrillville. Msgr. Robert L. Sell officiating. Burial to follow at Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens, Schererville. Friends may visit with the family Thursday, April 9th from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Prayer service Thursday at 4:00 p.m. Bob was born on Christmas Eve, 1947. He graduated from St. Luke's Grade School and Emerson High School, class of 1965. Bob served as a Marine Reserve from 1966 to 1972. He was a member of the Pipefitters Local 597 U.A. since 1968. He joined the Lake County Police Force after graduating from the Police Academy 1st in his class first time in Lake County history in 1979. He then joined the Dyer Police Force in 1981 where he served until 1996. He served as a Dyer Precinct Committeeman, President of the Dyer Lions, member of the Dyer F.O.P. and a St. John Township Advisory Board member. After retiring from the Dyer Police Force with the rank of Lieutenant Detective, he pursued his dream of owning his own business and became a Subway restaurant franchisee, owning two stores in DeMotte and Hebron. Bob also coached Dyer Little League and Babe Ruth baseball for many years. He attended St. Cecilia's Church in DeMotte. Bob loved visiting Las Vegas and the local casinos who will most likely miss his deposits deeply. He was an avid sports fan and enjoyed both watching and attending games. He was passionate in all he did and everything he touched was completed to its fullest. He was a good guy with a great sense of humor who sometimes would keep you talking for hours. Bob will be dearly missed by his family and friends. Memorial donations may be made to Jasper County Hospice or to the Koschal family. To share a memory or send a condolence to the family, please visit the guestbook section at www.geisenfuneralhome.com.