Judith (Jancosek) Kauchak

Judith Kauchak of Highland, Indiana died peacefully on Monday, December 28, 2020 surrounded by her family. Judy was born in Whiting, Indiana on March 1, 1937 to John and Helen Jancosek. She is survived by her loving husband of 58 years, Richard, four children: Lynn (Tracy) Grant, Rick (Veronica) Kauchak, Bob (Lisa) Kauchak, and Susie (Tony) Zitella; 6 grandchildren: Erica (Mike) Maynor, Matthew Kauchak, Joel Gaudio, Gianna, A.J., and Sophia Zitella; and 1 great grandchild, Breanna Maynor. Judy is also survived by one brother; Francis (Moe) Jancosek and his wife Pat, one sister Mary Jane Lukas, brother-in-law David Burosh, many nieces and nephews, and special niece, Debbie Zabrecky.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents, John and Helen Jancosek; brothers, John Jancosek and Paul and his wife, Annie Jancosek; sisters, Margaret and her husband Martin Gabor, Ann Marie and her husband Richard Kaminsky, Helen and her husband Steve Zabrecky, Bernadette (Bernie, Dee Dee) Burosh, brother in law Art Lukas and grandson, Kyle Gordon.

Judy graduated from Whiting High School in 1955. After high school, she began her work career at Prudential Insurance in Chicago. Judy and Richard were married on May 26, 1962. Soon after, she stopped working to raise a family while living in Whiting. In 1967, The Kauchak family moved to Highland, Indiana. Judy was a stay at home mom until 1978 when she became an elementary school secretary at Southridge Elementary School in Highland. In 1984, Judy became the office manager for the Northwest Indiana Educational Service Center in Highland, Indiana, and continued working there until her retirement in 2006.

Judy enjoyed spending quality time with her children and grandchildren. She enjoyed gardening, growing her beautiful flowers, and baking. Judy and her husband, Richard were able to travel to various places such as St. Lucia, Florida, and Wisconsin Dells, while keeping the Feast of Tabernacles, one of the holy days that she kept as a follower of The Way. Judy attended the United Church of God and was a true Christian in word and deed.

Judy will be remembered for her thoughtful deeds and kind heart. She loved her friends and neighbors and especially her “Lakeside Ladies” whom she routinely met to have a monthly breakfast. Judy touched the lives of everyone she ever met. She will be lovingly remembered by all who knew her.

At Judy’s request a private family service will be performed by Mr. Shawn Cortelyou.

In lieu of flowers, donations preferred to Wounded Warriors in Judy's name. Donations can be made by following this link. 

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

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