John Niedziela

Our cherished father, John Niedziela, age 98, formerly a long-time resident of South Holland, IL, passed away peacefully in Crown Point, IN on February 25, 2025. John was preceded in death by his loving wife Dorothy (Zwiezen), and only son, John. He is survived by loving daughters Teresa, Susan (Jay), Sharon (Brendan), Dori (James), and Jane (Bruce). He was the devoted grandfather of Edward, Rebecca, Joseph, Paul, Michael (Anna), Jennifer (Miguel), Amy (Damon), Alyssa (Alvaro), Clare, Keely (Billy), Ethan, and Jack; proud great-grandfather to Brandon, Anthony, Thomas, Joshua, Levi, Emilie, Sophia, Isaiah, Emersyn, Morgan, Dean, Samuel and Noah. In addition, John was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers and sister, all of Lodz, Poland. John was born in Lodz, Poland on November 8, 1926. He served in the Polish Army during WWII and after working in England for five years in the late 1940’s, he came to the United States, becoming a US citizen and proudly serving in the United States Army, in the 82nd Airborne Division and Special Forces, from 1952-54. He married Dorothy in November 1955 and together they proudly raised six children. John was a devout Catholic, and enjoyed attending Mass. An incredibly hard-working man, John was employed as a diesel mechanic for over 35 years in Illinois and was a member of the Local 701 Union. He loved music, dancing the polka, history, and above all, he held his family and God in the highest esteem. John was a man of remarkable strength and resilience, yet was known for his profound kindness, calm demeanor, and was the definition of a true gentleman. His life was punctuated with unwavering sacrifice and courage. He was a true inspiration; and we are honored and blessed to share in his remarkable life journey and legacy. A visitation will be held on Thursday, March 6, 2025, from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Burns Funeral Home & Crematory, 10101 Broadway, Crown Point, IN. A visitation will be held on Friday, March 7, 2025 from 9:30 a.m. until time of Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. directly at Holy Name Cathedral, 735 N. State Street, Chicago, IL. Rev. John Boivin officiating. Burial with military honors will take place at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery, in Calumet City, IL. Please follow the link for directions and parking at Holy Name Cathedral. https://holynamecathedral.org/directions-parking/. John’s family takes comfort in knowing that his deep faith and a life well-lived has brought him to eternal peace. The family is also deeply grateful to the kindhearted caregivers who provided comfort and care for him in his final years. In lieu of flowers please send donations to St. Agnes Adult Day Service Center, 1859 Harrison Blvd, Valparaiso, IN. 46385 www.burnsfuneral.com

John Niedziela

November 8, 1926 - February 25, 2025