John Danko

John Danko, 95, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Saturday, April 3, 2021 at his home in Highland, Indiana.
 
He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Patricia (Simmons) Danko and their three children, Greg Danko, Heather Danko, and David (Fawna Bough) Danko; two children from his first marriage, Tina (Gary) Ibello and Mickey (Steve) Heiman; nine grandchildren; six great grandchildren; his sister, Ann Mantich; and several nieces and nephews.  
 
John was born in the city of Gary in Lake County, Indiana on May 22, 1925.  He was the third child, and the first son, of Andrew Danko and Anna (Domasica) Danko.  He is predeceased by his parents and his sister, Margaret Matlock.  
 
Raised in a strong Slovak and Catholic family rich in tradition, he grew up in the ethnically diverse neighborhoods of Whiting, Indiana which helped shape much of his worldview.  As part of the Greatest Generation, he served with the Marine Corps during World War II and fought in the Pacific theater on Iwo Jima.  He was wounded in battle and awarded the Purple Heart.   
 
After returning home from World War II, he began his career at Standard Oil/Amoco Oil in Whiting where he worked for 43 years as a Personnel Assistant.  He met Patricia at work and after years of courtship, they were married on May 11, 1968 in Hammond, Indiana.  During his time at the Whiting refinery, he touched countless people’s lives and developed lifelong friendships.  His colleagues fondly remembered him as the most organized person they ever met.  He was the poster child for the old proverb, “A place for everything and everything in its place.”  That held true in his personal life too. 
 
Gifted with a great sense of humor and a smile that could light up a room or a camera, John could be the life of the party, but was always more comfortable fishing, hunting or trapshooting.  Other than spending time with his wife and laughing with his family, he was the happiest on the trap line yelling, “Pull!” 
 
Never one to philosophize for very long, he was a man of action— a doer— who was always willing to lend a helping hand or teach what he knew.  He kept life simple by focusing on the things that truly gave him peace and he found no value in complicating life.  
 
Caring son, proud Slovak, devout Catholic, tough Marine, good friend, hard worker, devoted husband and supportive father, he was a genuinely decent man with a warm heart who was fiercely loyal to his family.  He did it right and is now resting in peace.  
 
A private ceremony will be held at a later date.

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

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