George Francis Cengel

George Francis Cengel, 89, of Highland, Indiana passed away on May 15, 2025 at Community Hospital in Munster. Born on April 2, 1936 in Whiting, Indiana, to John and Mary (nee Polunc) Cengel, Mr. Cengel attended George Rogers Clark HS in Hammond, graduating in 1954. He attained an Associate’s Degree from Purdue University Calumet in 1956 in drafting. In 1958, George married Catherine Louise Duray in Whiting, Indiana.

George is survived and will be missed by his wife of 67 years, Catherine (nee Duray) Cengel; children Leslie (Joe) Manfredo and Deborah Pukozek; grandchildren Michael (Stefanie) Manfredo, Jennifer (Bledi) Brahimaj, Alexander Pukozek; great-grandchildren Elizabeth and Hannah Manfredo and Besnik Brahimaj; siblings MaryAnne Matis and JoAnne (Michael) Krueger; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

George was preceded in death by his parents John and Mary (nee Polunc) Cengel; child Kenneth Cengel; grandchild Brandon Pukozek; sibling Lorraine (Tony) Gaik; numerous aunts and uncles.

George worked as a structural draftsman for 25 years at American Bridge and for several years at Wilson Iron, working on numerous buildings and projects that will forever be seen and enjoyed. 

George and Cathy were nearly 60-year members of Our Lady of Grace Catholic Parish in Highland. He was an avid collector of baseball cards and a Chicago sports fan (Cubs).

Visitation will be Monday, May 19, 2025 from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Hillside Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 8941 Kleinman Road (one block south of Ridge Road), Highland, Indiana.

A funeral mass will be held Tuesday, May 20 at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, 3025 Highway Ave, Highland, Indiana, with visitation from 9:45-10:15am at the church.

Memorials may be made to Our Lady of Grace Church in Highland, Indiana, or the Humane Society.

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

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