Kenneth Ozelie

Kenneth “Ozzie” Ozelie died peacefully on May 18 th 2019 in Indiana at the age of 77 after a short battle with lung cancer.  He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Suzanne (nee Canady); children, Ken, Michael, Tim, Denise & Mark (Laura) Ozelie; siblings, Nancy (late Walter) Jovanovich of Schererville, Tom Ozelie of Highland, and Deborah Keeley of Lynwood; grandchildren, Bryce and Brianna Ozelie; many cousins, nephews, great nieces & nephews and friends. Ken is preceded in death by his mother, Marie; father, Stanley; sister, Patricia Dahlin; father-in-law, John Canady; mother-in-law, Anna Canady; brother-in-law Jerry Canady and his niece, Pam Easley.

Friends are invited to Gather with the family from 3:00 PM to 6:30 PM on Tuesday, May 21, 2019 at Hillside Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 8941 Kleinman Road, Highland, Indiana 46322.   A short prayer service will be held at 6:30 PM at the funeral home, immediately following the Gathering.   All are welcome to attend and celebrate Ken’s life.

Ken was born on August 5, 1941 in East Chicago, IN to Stanley and Marie Ozelie (nee Kaleta). He graduated from East Chicago Roosevelt in 1959. Ken married Suzanne Canady, his high school sweetheart, in 1959 and established their home in Highland. He worked for Blaw-Knox and Inland Steel as a Supervisor. Over the years, the couple welcomed 5 children into their home. His children remember him as a loving father who encouraged them to pursue their goals. Ken was accomplished at his work and was loved by many. He was a dedicated family man, husband, father, grandfather and friend to many.  He loved making people smile, watching his beloved Cubs, Blackhawks, Bears and listening to his favorite music. He was a member of Pheasant Valley Country Club where he made many dear friends and spent years playing his beloved game of golf.  In his later years, he found abundant joy in watching his grandchildren, Bryce & Brianna grow up and play sports. He was an active and dedicated member of the Highland community and often volunteered coaching and supporting his children.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the family for funeral costs:  Ozelie Family 8022 Duluth St., Highland, Indiana 46322.

The family would like to thank all hospital staff and caregivers at Northwestern Hospital in Chicago,  Community Hospital in Munster, Indiana, and Regency Hospital in East Chicago, Indiana.

For additional information, please contact Hillside Funeral Home & Cremation Center Konnie Kuiper-Kevin Nordyke by calling 219-838-0800 or visiting www.hillsidefhcares.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Kenneth Ozelie, please visit our floral store.