John F. Kmetz

John Francis Kmetz, age 87, of Merrillville, IN, passed away on June 16, 2024. He was born on January 30, 1937, in Gary, Indiana. John was preceded in death by his parents, John E. Kmetz and Elizabeth (nee Hreha) Kmetz. He was a graduate of St. Procopius High School and College. John retired from Chase Bank as Vice President and Regional Manager after 42 years of service. During his career as a banker, he managed different offices of Gary National Bank located in Brunswick (Tri City), Gary (Miller), Lake Station, Gary (Village Shopping Center), Griffith, Glen Park, Michigan City and the Merrillville office as Regional Manager. John was a past President of the local chapter of The American Institute of Banking – Northwest Indiana Chapter, past Indiana State Chairman of the American Institute of Banking. He was a member of the Merrillville Chamber of Commerce, serving as a Board Member, the Griffith Chamber of Commerce, Griffith Optimist Club, Lake Station Chamber of Commerce, Lake Station Lions Club, The Village Shopping Center Merchants Association, The Hobart – Southlake Optimist Club, Treasurer of the Catholic Youth Organization for many years, and past President of the March of Dimes of Northwest Indiana. John enjoyed playing golf, taking his boat out on Lake Michigan with his children and going to all the sporting events for his four grandchildren. He was a member of St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church. He was a 2nd degree black belt in Judo and Jujitsu and taught Judo and Jujitsu while serving in the US Army. John served in the US Army attached to the 395th EVAC Hospital which was recalled to active duty during the Berlin Crisis. He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Vincent Kmetz; sisters: Helen (nee Kmetz) Wallo, Sister Mary Rosanne, SSCM. John is survived by his wonderful significant other and angel caregiver, Marilyn Balas; son, John D. Kmetz who is married to Teresa (nee Spencer) Kmetz; daughter, Debra (nee Kmetz) Kozlowski who is married to John Kozlowski; sister, Sister Irene Rose, SSCM; twin sister, Betty Yurko; grandchildren: John A. (Lauren) Kmetz, Kaitlin Kmetz, Danielle (Luke) Kozlowski and Brad Kozlowski. There will be a private Mass of Christian burial. Inurnment at Calumet Park Cemetery, Merrillville, IN. RIP: Johnny Vodka. Burns Funeral Home & Crematory, Crown Point, IN, entrusted with arrangements. www.burnsfuneral.com

John F. Kmetz

January 30, 1937 - June 16, 2024