JEROME (JERRY) L. KORWEK

Age 84 of Highland, Indiana, formerly of Tolleston, passed away on Friday, October 29, 2021.  Jerry is survived by his loving wife Janice (nee Hanzi) of 58 years; three children Karen (Tom) Cumbee, Kathy Korwek, Jerry "Rob" (Lynn) Korwek; grandchildren Tom Jr. (Becky) Cumbee, Ryan (Rebecca) Cumbee, Sean (Carolyn) Cumbee, Nicholas (Morgan) Davidson, Benny Davidson, Luke Davidson, Ethan, and Joshua Korwek; 12 great grandchildren: Aubrey (Michael), Aiden, Addison, Connor, Caleigh, Grace, Matthew, Keegan, Reagan, Cole, Elliott, and Parker; and brother-in-law Nick Hanzi (Ray Friedeck).  Nieces and nephews; Jim (Debra) Korwek, Terry (Sandra) Korwek, David (Beth) Korwek, Tina Olton, Audrey (Olton) Minglin, Lori Korwek Thomas.  Preceded in death by his parents Leo and Theresa (nee Springer) Korwek and brothers Robert, Fred, and Ray Korwek.

Jerry graduated from Gary Tolleston High School in 1955, as a three sport athlete, lettering 11 times.  He cherished his close high school relationships, attending all class reunions, including most recently his 66th.  Jerry's athletic ability earned him a baseball scholarship to Michigan State University, where he graduated in 1959 with a Bachelor's degree in business.   After serving proudly in the Army Reserves, Jerry joined the ranks of American Legion Post 270. He retired from American States Insurance Company in 1997.

Even though Jerry was the youngest of 4 brothers, he took great pride in keeping the brothers close.  Summer weekends meant cookouts/pool parties for all the Korweks on Ash Street in Griffith.  One of Jerry's biggest accomplishments was his 34 years of sobriety. He loved to travel with his family, his favorite vacations were spent at Sauble Resort in Ludington, Michigan.  Jerry, known to so many as "Papa", was the ultimate family man and a loyal friend.  He was a thoughtful and generous person.  There wasn't a girl scout cookie, raffle ticket or charity he didn't support.   His grandchildren held a special place in his heart.  He was their biggest fan, never missing a game or event.  For Jerry, there was no reason too small to bring loved ones together, and family gatherings were his pride and joy.

Jerry was an enthusiastic and dedicated sports fan. As a Chicago Bears season ticket holder for over 50 years, he specialized in organizing many tailgate parties. Most memorable for Jerry was his attendance at the 1985 Bears Super Bowl victory in New Orleans with his son Rob and beloved brother Bob. An avid Chicago White Sox fan, Jerry took great joy in cheering on his team in person, along with his brothers, children, and nieces. He attended Game 2 of the 2005 World Series at US Cellular Field, where he witnessed a walk-off home run that clinched the White Sox victory. When he wasn't cheering on Chicago's finest, Jerry enjoyed grocery shopping, where no trip was complete without making friends, or at least having a friendly conversation, with employees at each store.

Even though we hate to say goodbye, we feel so very blessed to have had such a wonderful man to call Husband, Father, Papa, Brother, Uncle, and Friend.

A visitation will be held from 4:00pm-8:00pm on Friday, November 5, 2021, at Solan Pruzin Funeral Home , 14 Kennedy Ave., Schererville.  A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30am Saturday, November 6, 2021, DIRECTLY AT Our Lady of Grace Church, 3025 Highway, Highland, with Fr. Brian Chadwick officiating.

Our deepest gratitude to all the loving nurses and staff in the IMCU West at Community Hospital in Munster, IN for their compassionate care.