Joseph Stephen Quartuch

       Joseph Stephen Quartuch passed away peacefully at his home, just 3 hours from his 84th birthday, surrounded by family on July, 11, 2021.  Joe was born on July 12, 1937 to Joseph and Victoria (Pakuszewski) Quartuch in Michigan City, IN.   He graduated from St. Mary’s High School in 1955 and was in the Navy Reserve during his college years at St. Joseph’s College in Rensselaer, Indiana. He graduated in 1959 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education.  Joe continued his education at Valparaiso University where he earned a Master of Arts degree. 

       He began his teaching career in Michigan City, Indiana and then moved to Chesterton, Indiana where he met and married the love of his life, Jacqueline Ann Charlson, on June 12, 1965.   Joe became a math teacher with Duneland Schools in 1960 where he taught for 39 years.  During his teaching career, Joe was awarded numerous National Science Foundation Scholarships to continue his education.  He taught algebra, geometry and his favorite class, Money & Banking.  Many of his students will remember taking field trips to Chesterton State Bank.

       Joe loved the Fall because it meant the start of many of his favorite things - school, football, bowling and the Chesterton Tribune Pigskin Picks.  Joe ran the varsity time clock for the Chesterton Trojan football team for 51 seasons.  He met his wife Jackee in a teacher’s bowling league and continued to bowl for over 50 years.  Joe was the secretary of the Chesterton Men’s Bowling Association for over 25 years, and the highlight of his bowling career was a 300 game.  Joe loved Notre Dame hockey and as a season ticket holder, would treat his children and grandchildren to a hockey night.  Most of all, Joe loved his students.  He delighted in teaching and even had his own children as students at Westchester Middle School. 

       Joe retired from Duneland Schools in 1999 and spent his retirement with Jackee traveling and enjoying his grandchildren. He continued to work at Pat’s Liquors during his retirement and many of his former students would stop in and say hello.  Joe often said that spending time with family was the best part of his day and he loved family parties.

       Joe leaves behind his wife of 56 years, Jackee, and his four children Susan (Scott) Pearson, Jay (Katie) Quartuch, Jeff (Susan) Quartuch and Mark (Lisa) Quartuch. He also leaves his grandchildren: Holly (Jason) Finner, Mitch (Megan) Pearson, Evan Pearson, Grant Pearson, Shannon Quartuch, Amber and Annika Brandt, Jessica, Shelby and Savannah Quartuch and Kenneth Cupp. He is survived by his sister, Judy Smith and brother Tom (Diana) Quartuch, his brothers-in-law Neil (Patricia) Charlson and J. Richard (Barbara) Newton, along with many nieces and nephews who loved their Uncle Joe.

       The family will receive visitors at White-Love Funeral Home, 525 S. 2nd Street, Chesterton on Thursday, July 15, 2021 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and again on Friday, July 16, 2021 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Services will be at White-Love Funeral Home 11 a.m. with Father Nate Edquist officiating. Burial will be immediately following the service at Chesterton Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. 

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

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