Martha Kwandras

Martha Laura Kwandras (nee Young), age 98, passed away peacefully on January 4, 2026.

She is survived by her two daughters, Cathy (Gary) Bonnema and Karen (Curt (JR)) Geissler, four grandchildren, Jennifer (Jim) Bauner, Brian (Milica) Geissler, Michelle (Rob) Fleishman and John W. (Elizabeth) Kwandras. Four great-grandchildren Hunter (Peyton) Mihalic, Hannah Mihalic, River Kwandras and Luka Geissler, along with many nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by her husband of 49 yrs John J. Kwandras, parents Bob and Eva Young, brothers Bill and Bussy Young, sister Kay Matter, and son John J. Kwandras Jr.

Martha was born on August 21, 1927, in East Chicago. She married John Kwandras and resided in Indiana Harbor and Hessville where they raised their family and met lifelong friends. Martha was an avid bowler and continued playing well into her 80’s. She remained close friends with the Hessville neighbors from the 1960’s and enjoyed the lunches, vacations and time spent together with them all. Martha loved reading, crosswords, puzzles and playing scrabble and cards with her friends and the kids.

Martha lived a long and blessed life and will truly be missed by all who knew her.

Visitation will be held on Sunday January 11, 2026, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at Hillside Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 8941 Kleinman Road (one block south of Ridge Road) Highland, IN with a Prayer Service at 1:00 pm.

Donations can be made to Hospice of the Calumet Area.

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

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