Earl Edward Roark Jr.

Earl Edward Roark, Jr., age 66, of Crown Point, Indiana, passed away while surrounded by love on August 21, 2025. Earl was born in 1959 in Gary, Indiana, and spent much of his younger years in Merrillville, Indiana. He was a proud graduate of Merrillville High School, Class of 1977. Earl was a longtime employee of Precoat Metals before becoming a Supervisor at Silgan Containers. Outside of his career, Earl was a skilled and frequent bowler and loved to spend evenings at the alley with his pals. For many years, he was a member of Trinity Memorial Lutheran Church. Earl was also an avid lover of country music, which was the only thing that could persuade him to show off his signature move on a dance floor. He was a passionate sports fan, following the Chicago Bears, Chicago Cubs, Notre Dame football, and Indiana basketball teams. He had a knack for predicting exactly the next line that any sportscaster would give during a broadcast. His dedication ran so deep that he even tattooed his upper arm to commemorate the Cubs’ win in the 2016 World Series. Earl also maintained an extensive collection of sports jerseys of all types. He particularly enjoyed wearing his jerseys while at the pool during his many vacations. Travel was another of his favorite hobbies, especially to tropical destinations where he could socialize with fellow travelers. His easily bronzed complexion, a mark of his Cherokee heritage, shone most brightly in the sun. He especially cherished his trips to the Dominican Republic with his wife, Jennifer. Though Earl loved many things, he was most devoted to his family and lifelong friends. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Harvey and Helen Simonson; beloved mother, Bonnie Cox (née Simonson) and her husband Larry; aunt, Marion (Elmer) Forney; cousin, Jack Forney; and his dearest friends, Ray Maple, John “JB” Burke, and Marc “Mac” McDonald. Earl is survived by the love of his life, his wife of nearly 11 years, Jennifer Roark (née Kozlowski); son, Jeremy Roark; stepsons, Michael Lord, Kyle (Dani) Stofko, and Reed Stofko; brother, Chris (Jodi) Roark; aunt, Marsha (Ross) Hansard; sisters-in-law, Leigh (Kevin) Ryan, and Kirsten (Kevin) Norris; nieces and nephews, Kira (Brad) Healy, Tyler (Jeannette) Roark, Colin (Jamie) Ryan, Emma (AJ) Castillo, Lily Ryan, Timothy Norris, Daniel (Madison) Norris, Sean Norris, and Madelyn Norris; and great-nephews, Carson, Blake, Michael, and Wells. Earl was eagerly anticipating the arrival of his grandchild and was so thrilled about the opportunity to become a grandparent. The Roark family is eternally grateful to Earl’s cousin, Steve Schanz, and his incredibly generous gift of a kidney donation. In memory of Earl, the family invites every person to consider the life-changing gift of organ donation. For information, please visit www.organdonor.gov. Those who loved Earl will remember his quiet and stoic nature, thoughtful gestures, extraordinary generosity, and quick wit. Earl was a wonderful listener and a loyal friend. Most of all, he will be missed for his sharp laugh and warm grin. A service will be held for Earl at 11 AM on Friday, September 12, 2025, at Trinity Memorial Lutheran Church, 7950 Marshall Street, Merrillville, IN. The service will be immediately followed by a Celebration of Life in the church’s Family Life Center, where all will wear vibrant colors in honor of Earl’s love for all things bright. Donations may be made in Earl's name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital https://www.stjude.org. Burns Funeral Home & Crematory, Crown Point, IN, entrusted with arrangements. www.burnsfuneral.com

Earl Edward Roark Jr.

April 18, 1959 - August 21, 2025