Michael E. Stolarz

Michael E. Stolarz, age 77, of Portage and formerly of Hobart and Glen Park, passed away Saturday June 13, 2009 at VNA Hospice with his loving family by his side. Mike graduated from Tolleston High School, Class of 1949 and was a US Army veteran serving in Augsburg, Germany. He worked at Bowman/Dixie Dairy where he earned top honors as a salesman. In 1972 he opened Mike’s Sporting Goods in Gary. The business grew and expanded into 5 communities serving Indiana, Michigan and the Chicago area. Mike enjoyed bowling in classic leagues and ABC tournaments where his team placed 2nd Place in Oakland, CA. Mike’s high career score was 299 and he was named Bowler of the Year and won many Bowler of the Week awards. He also coached his son’s Little League, Senior League and All-Star teams. He was most proud of his team’s 1974 All-Star win. Mike also helped found the Glen Park Pop Warner League and served as league treasurer, was a supporter of the Hobart Football Booster Club, a member of Supervisors’ Club and Silver Bell Club. He retired to enjoy golfing, traveling, especially to casinos, and watching his grandchildren play sports. He was preceded in death by his son Michael, and parents Michael and Josephine. Mike is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Janet (nee Blank) Stolarz of Portage; children Michele (Brett) Hendrix of Hobart, James (Jennifer) Stolarz of Crown Point and Joni (Michael) Fryer of Portage and Jon (Andrea) Stolarz of Canton, MO; daughter-in-law Vikki Stolarz of Crown Point; grandchildren Brittanny & Courtney Hendrix, Jeanna Stolarz, James, Jennifer, Amanda Stolarz, Dakota & Jake Fryer and Skylar & Lily Stolarz; step-grandchild Donny Light; and one great-grandson; sister Eleanor (late Jim) Sarbenoff of Hobart; loving and caring godchild and niece Jill Sarbenoff of Hobart and many other nieces and nephews. The family extends a special thank-you to Dr. Thomas Golubski for his passionate care and guidance. A Celebration of Life Service will be Thursday, June 18, 2009 at 10 a.m. at Burns Funeral Home, 701 E. 7th St., Hobart. Rev. Andrew Corona officiating. Interment at Calvary Cemetery, Portage. Friends may visit with the family on Wednesday from 2- 8 p.m. at Burns Funeral Home, (Hobart). Contributions may be made to Porter County VNA Hospice Center, 501 Marquette St., Valparaiso, IN 46383. www.burnsfuneral.com

Michael E. Stolarz

August 25, 1931 - June 13, 2009