Mr. Thaddeus F. “Ted” Gurnicz, 77, of LaPorte, died unexpectedly at 11 a.m. May 13, 2013, at his home.
He was born in Chicago on May 27, 1935, to Frank and Angeline (Wojtala) Gurnicz and had lived here since 1947.
Ted He retired after 38 years as a shipping clerk for Berkel Inc. in LaPorte. He was a member of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church. Ted was passionate about collecting and restoring antique hit-and-miss engines, which he exhibited at historical power shows, where he enjoyed a strong fellowship with other collectors. He was a hard-working man’s man who enjoyed being outdoors and raising crops for his livestock. He was an avid fisherman and traveler. He had a great love for his Polish heritage and traditions. He was a wonderful husband and father, and is forever loved.
On May 3, 1958, in Sacred Heart Catholic Church, LaPorte, he married Lorraine V. “Lorry” Niewiadomski, who survives. They had just celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary.
He is also survived by two sons, Dan (Nan) Gurnicz of LaPorte and Darrin (Kristina) Gurnicz of LaPorte; one granddaughter, Katie Gurnicz of LaPorte; one sister-in-law, Dorothy Sutor of LaPorte; and several special nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Jean Dorencz and brother James Gurnicz.
A funeral Mass will be held Friday, May 17, at 10 a.m. at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, Fish Lake, IN, with Rev. Michael Heimer officiating. Visitation will be at Essling Funeral Home, LaPorte, on Thursday, May 16, from 4 to 8 p.m. and Friday from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. The rosary will be recited Thursday at 7 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be in Pine Lake Cemetery, LaPorte, following the Mass.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 7732 E. State Road 4, Walkerton, IN 46574; or Pioneer Land Log Cabin Committee, c/o Dick Reel, 0091 W. Powell Drive, LaPorte, IN 46350.
Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP, as well as at www.esslingfuneralhome.com.