Mr. Joseph G. Wegiel Jr., 72, of LaPorte, died unexpectedly Tuesday morning, Jan. 14, 2014, at his home.
He was born Nov. 30, 1941, in LaPorte to Joseph G. Sr. and Norma E. (Wells) Wegiel and lived most of his life in the LaPorte area.
Joseph retired from IBM as an electronic technician after 30 years. He was a U.S. Navy veteran, having served on the USS Boston. He attended Sacred Heart Catholic Church and was a graduate of St. Bonaventure Seminary, Sturtevant, WI. He was also a member of Polish National Alliance and PNA Conservation Club, and attended The Crossing on a regular basis. He enjoyed fishing.
He leaves behind two brothers, David (Sue) Wegiel and Dan (Jonnie) Wegiel, both of LaPorte; one niece, Trinity Wegiel; three nephews, Rob (Wendy) Perkins, Dave (Lori) Wegiel Jr. and Greg (Lindsay) Wegiel; several grand-nieces, grand-nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins; his dog, Bert; and his good friends, Don and Pat Turner.
He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.
A funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 18, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, LaPorte, with Rev. Ian Williams officiating. Visitation will be at Essling Funeral Home, LaPorte, on Friday, Jan. 17, from 3 to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. A prayer service will be held at 4 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Burial will follow the Mass in Patton Cemetery, LaPorte, with military honors.
Memorial contributions may be made to American Heart Association, 3816 Paysphere Circle, Chicago, IL 60674, or to the charity of the donor’s choice.
Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP, as well as at www.esslingfuneralhome.com.