Kenneth E. Smith Jr.

       Kenneth E. Smith Jr., age 67 of Chesterton, IN, formerly of Lakes of the Four Seasons, passed away on August 9, 2023. He was born on February 3, 1956 in Gary, IN to Kenneth E. Smith Sr. and Barbara (Piper) Smith, both of whom preceded him in death.

       In 1991, in Crown Point, IN, he married the love of his life, Catherine S. Smith, who survives. He is also survived by his loving daughters, Madeline (Santiago) Fuentes and Tifiney (Michael) Weber; his grandchildren: Analeese Weber, McKenzie Weber, Daniel Weber, and Emma Lyons; his sister, Piper (Louie) Bakrevski; his sister-in law Vicki (Ed) Stewart, his brother-in-law Tom (Kim) Sztuba, and by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. 

       In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his sister, Cheryl Smith; his in-laws, Thomas and Patricia Sztuba; his sister-in-law, Susan Daniel; and brother-in-law, Daniel Sztuba. 

       Kenneth was a well-known Mr. Fix It to all who knew him. He and his wife were the owners of Lake Heating and Ventilating, Inc. (a multi-generational family business) from 1996 to 2018, where he began working at the age of 18. In addition, Ken taught HVAC courses at the Gary Steel Mills in the late 1990’s. He was also a member of the Refrigeration Service Engineers Society. Ken served on the board for the Merrillville Conservancy District for 15+ years, before he began working there full time in 2018. He will forever be remembered as a wonderful husband, father, and friend. His humor, quick wit, and MacGyver skills will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

       Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, August 15, 2023 at 11 a.m. at White-Love Funeral Home, 525 S 2nd St., Chesterton, IN, with Rev. Erik Bernth officiating. Burial will follow at Chesterton Cemetery. 

       The family will receive friends on Monday, August 14, 2023 from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the funeral home, with Rev Doug Klukken sharing words of remembrance.

Please share your wonderful memories with the family at: www.whitelovefuneralhome.com.

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