Eugene Andrew Krupinski

Gene Krupinski of Hammond, IN passed away at home while in hospice on Monday, February 16th, 2026. Born on July 10, 1936, in Hammond, IN to Rudy Szany and Genevieve Czajka, adopted and raised by Sigmunt and Genevieve Krupinski. Preceded in death by parents, wife Jolayne (Matusiak) Krupinski, brother Rudy Szany, and brother Dennis (Glenda) Krupinski. He was recently widowed by his deeply, loving wife Carmen (Palmer) Krupinski. He is survived by devoted daughter Mary Jean Krupinski and fiancé Stephen Brooks of Columbus, IN, stepdaughter Carol (David) Wells of Henderson, NV, granddaughters Avery Cornett and Alexi Cornett of Pittsburgh, Pa, brothers Mike (Esther) Krupinski of Forney, TX, Ron (Debbie) Krupinski of CA, Jim (Linda) Krupinski of Valparaiso, IN; Szany sisters Cecilia, Judy Cimarolli, Sharon, Karen, Jeanine, and Katherine Olson; Szany brothers Rick, Victor, Terry (Cathy), and Jerry; Aunt Florence (Krupinski) Pietrzak and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He made friends easily and especially loved his caring neighbors Ralph and Bev Ignas, his angels on earth.

Gene started working at 8 years old as a Pin boy in bowling alleys and caddying at golf courses. At 17 he became a barber and then enlisted in the U.S. Navy becoming a Plane Captain in VU-2 squadron during Korean Conflict. He earned a private Pilot’s license at Valparaiso, IN. He served an apprenticeship and earned a Journeyman Machinist degree at Youngstown Steel & Tube. He was employed at Viking Engineering, Boken Tool and Die in South Holland, IL, and Specialty Steel in Hammond.

Gene enjoyed working on and racing cars. He was an avid golfer getting a hole-in-one playing in the Times Tournament. He was an accomplished bowler competing in MBA and PBA tournaments and was a member of Classic Majors and Senior Leagues. Even at 89, he bowled a 233 and shot below his age as a regular at Cardinal Creek Golf course. Gene always had a smile for everyone, tipped waitresses generously, and loved sharing a good joke. We will miss that twinkle in his eyes and will keep his love and spirit-for-life in our hearts.

Cremation was entrusted to Solan Pruzin Funeral Home and Crematory. A celebration of life will be held in the Spring and he will be interned, along with his wife Carmen, at the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, IL with a military service.