John Irak, Jr.

John Irak, Jr., age 90, of Crown Point (formerly of Gary), passed away on Sunday, March 21, 2010. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Evelyn Irak of Crown Point, his life partner and best friend, who traveled this journey of life at his side. Through raising their children, the births of their grandchildren and great-grandchildren, well into their golden years of retirement, they always took the most out of life by staying active and fun loving. They were inseparable companions and the memories they created together will live on forever in the hearts of those who know and love them. John is also survived by his daughter Janet (Art) Solomon of Dallas, Texas; son John (Martha) Irak, III of Hobart; son Joseph (Kristi) Irak of Crown Point; 8 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; nephew Frank (Helen) Remes of Crown Point, who faithfully visited John and Evelyn every week; numerous nieces and nephews; and many dear friends, including Jim and Pat Mathis. John was retired from the New York Life Insurance Company after years of a very successful career in sales. He had a gift for gab and truly could have sold air conditioners to Eskimos. John was involved in Lake County politics for most of his life. He was an active and dedicated precinct committeeman in Glen Park, served in the Calumet Township Assessor’s Office for many years, and was very active in numerous political campaigns. He was a well-known figure in the Lake County political circle. In addition to his penchant for local political activism, John was an active member of the Gary Sportsman’s Club and achieved Gold Life Member status. He was a “people person” and truly enjoyed being a part of his community. John served his country as a Sergeant in the Army’s 91st Bomb Group in Bassingbourn, England during WWII. He loved his country and was proud to be an American, though his younger brother, Joseph, lost his life serving the same cause. In fact, if one were to believe him, John was pretty much solely responsible for the eventual demise of Adolph Hitler. Anyone who knew John well knew about the infamous St. John parties that were held at the Irak residence. St. John, the patron saint of John Irak, was celebrated and revered in a way that only John Irak (with the help of his lovely wife and hostess, Evelyn) could produce. When John wasn’t planning a get-together at his home in Indiana, he was off to Elk Rapids, Michigan, heading to the trailer on the lake to spend some quality time fishing with his kids and 50 – 75 of his closest friends. John was an avid fisherman and outdoorsman, a passion he passed on to his boys. Later in life he traded his fishing spots in Michigan for fishing spots in Florida. He and Evelyn spent many winters on Captiva Island where the weather suited him a bit better than the winters in Crown Point. Memorial services Thursday, March 25, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. at the Burns Funeral Home. A time of sharing with the family will be held at Burns Funeral Home, 10101 Broadway, Crown Point on Wednesday from 3:00 to 7:00 Cremation will precede the time of sharing. John Irak. Loving husband, devoted father, proud grandfather and great-grandfather, proud American, lover of life, decent human being and child of God. Rest in peace.

John Irak, Jr.

October 18, 1919 - March 21, 2010