Edward "Ed" George Korpella

Ed Korpella, age 76 of Crown Point, IN, passed away suddenly on December 22, 2023. He was the loving husband of Lynn Hatch Phillips and the devoted Dad of Holly Korpella (Lazo Ilich) and Todd Korpella; cherished stepdad to Tracey Phillips, Jerry (Nancy) Phillips, Wendy (Chuck) Reeder, and Ted (Carrie) Phillips; proud Grandpa, Papa and Buddy to Lily & Payne Korpella, Tyler, Jayden, Brandon & Benji Phillips, Joshua & Maxwell Reeder. Ed is also survived by his brother, Joe (Pam) Korpella and brother-in-law, Bob Hatch; former spouse, Donna Korpella and several cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ray & Lola Korpella and his brother, Ric Korpella. Ed coached both Little League and Pop Warner football teams when his children were younger. He started his working career as a millwright at the US Tubing Specialties (formerly Gary Tube Works). Ed worked himself up to a multicraft millwright while also getting involved in USS Local Union 2697. He served several positions in the union before becoming the president of Local Union 2697. The shutdown of the mill brought him to Lehigh Cement Company (formerly Atlas Cement) where he eventually became the Employee Relations Supervisor. He negotiated many contracts for Lehigh with their union. The shutdown of that plant then brought him to IMG Cement in Evansville where he was hired as Human Resource Manager and Safety Director. The closure of that company brought him back to the region where he became Facilities Manager for IHM, an outside contractor for Inland Steel Company, overseeing maintenance. Not to be outdone by yet another plant closing, Ed embarked on his most rewarding position as an instructor for apprentices with ESW. After ESW was bought out by Crown Training he started his current job as a proctor who tested and instructed apprentices. Ed was especially proud of his four years of military service in the US Air Force where Sergeant Korpella served as a jet aircraft mechanic before becoming part of the Military Airlift Command in which his division was instrumental in the airlift of the 101st Airborne to Viet Nam. One of his life’s proudest moments was being selected to go on an Honor Flight for veterans to Washington, DC in October of 2022. Ed was loved by everyone who met him. He volunteered with Lynn as Santa and his helper for several years for parties at Impact, enjoying every single minute entertaining the disabled community. Ed was also a member of the Cedar Lake Fish & Game Club. He volunteered in their booth in the Conservation building at the Lake County Fair for several years, eventually becoming the official Grandpa in Grandpa’s fishing boat. Adults would bring their children by Ed to fish and they remembered Ed helping them to fish when they were kids. He loved attending his grandkids sporting events and giving them a dollar with a word of encouragement after every game. Ed’s favorite times were spent with Lynn relaxing on the pontoon and trailer in Cedar Lake as well as fishing in Grand Rivers, KY, while visiting with friends he and Lynn made there. Ed was the most positive person in the world who always had a smile on his face. He would want you to say the Our Father prayer every night and have 8 o’clock tickle time on anyone within reach. A visitation will be held on Friday, December 29, 2023, from 1 p.m. until the time of funeral service at 5 p.m. at Burns Funeral Home and Crematory, 10101 Broadway, Crown Point, IN. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ed’s honor to Cedar Lake Fish & Game Club, PO Box 308, Cedar Lake, IN 46303, so more kids can enjoy Grandpa (Ed’s) Fishing Boat. www.burnsfuneral.com

Edward "Ed" George Korpella

May 30, 1947 - December 22, 2023