Craig Nicola Poparad

       Craig Nicola Poparad, age 63, passed away on Saturday, January 16, 2021 in the early morning sleeping at his home, comfortable in his living room watching an old movie with his family and dog, Buck, at his side. Diagnosed with stage four lung cancer, Craig assisted in "flattening the curve" of the COVID 19 Pandemic by testing negative NINE times. 

       Craig was born August 27, 1957 to Nick and Ruth M. “Babe” Poparad (Schultz) of Chesterton, IN. He was raised in Porter County and was a 1975 graduate of Chesterton High School. He married Elizabeth “Betsy” Kroner, his high school sweetheart, on October 29, 1984. 

       He was preceded in death by his father, Nick Poparad in 1990, his sister-in-law, Carol Glinski in 2008, his nephew, David Allen Glinski in 2014, his cousin, Marc Ellis in 2006, and by his many beloved Poparad relatives. 

       He is survived by his wife, Betsy, his mother, Babe, of Porter, IN,  his Godmother, Jean Ellis of Porter, IN,  his brother, Paul (MaryAnn) Poparad of Lisle, IL, and sister-in-law, Susan (Craig) Brooks of Lexington, SC. He is also survived by his many nieces and nephews including: Amanda (Poparad) McDaniel (Ben) of Crystal Lake, IL, David (MaryAnn) Poparad, of Orlando, FL, Nathaniel (Nancy) Poparad, of Crown Point, IN,  Benjamin (Natacia) Poparad, of Greenville, SC, Justin (Heather) Brooks of Chapin, SC, Ann (David) Hurni of Westville, IN, Tom (Kelly) Brooks of Wildwood, MO, and Jennifer (Mike) Leeson of Schererville, IN; by his 15 great nieces and nephews; and 3 great-great nieces and nephews, by a plethora of cousins. 

       Craig was a steel hauler for over 30 years at ALCO trucking. He took great pride in keeping his truck’s chrome shiny. His traveling spirit enjoyed annual NASCAR racing trips to Talladega and camping trips to Eldora Speedway. Craig was a connoisseur of classic movies and loved The Three Stooges. He loved Dobermans and spoiling his Doberman with Dairy Queen ice cream. 

       Craig lived a venturesome life, willing to take risks and engage in demanding tasks and adventures. In his younger days, he enjoyed providing horse care, horseback riding, and motorcycle riding. Craig could frequently be found gardening with Betsy, riding his tractor, socializing at the local pub, or manning the grill at family gatherings. Grilling became a true passion of his, providing mouth-watering meals for friends and family. Craig’s lifetime loves were big bonfires and gatherings of friends and family, spending time laughing and telling entertaining stories with a nice glass of rum. 

       A Private Funeral Service, by invitation only,  will be held on Thursday, January 21, 2021 at 3 p.m. at White-Love Funeral Home, 525 S 2nd St., Chesterton, IN.  This service will be live streamed and available for viewing after services. https://www.asimplestreaming.com/poparad/

The family will receive friends on Thursday from 12 p.m. until 3 p.m. at the funeral home. 

Per Porter County Government mandate, only 25 people are allowed inside the funeral home at a time. 

Masks and social distancing are required at all times inside and outside the funeral home.

        A Celebration of Life Bonfire will be held on August 27, 2021. Save the date, details to follow. 

        Memories may be shared at: http://www.whitelovefuneralhome.com. 

       Donations may be made to the VNA Hospice Foundation, Valparaiso, IN at https://vnanwi.org/give.php

  or Porter County Cancer Society at 2502 Beech Street, Valparaiso, IN 46383; 219-462-7466.

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