Joseph Gurnak

Age 78, of Dyer, Indiana, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, November 27, 2025.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Patricia Gurnak. Patti and Joe were high school sweethearts since they were 17 years old. Children, daughter and son-in-law, Kellyn Gurnak Gawel and Carter Gawel, Chicago, IL; daughter, Mary Gurnak, Dyer, IN; daughter, Elizabeth Gurnak, Dyer, IN; son and daughter-in-law,  Andrew Gurnak and Jamie Gurnak, Crown Point, IN. Grandsons, Declan Lain and Aiden Gawel. Preceded in death by father, Frank "Sparky" Gurnak, mother, Susan Kucer Gurnak and twin brother, James R. Gurnak.

Joe was a graduate of Ball State University in Graphic Arts in 1971 with an AS in Graphic Arts Technology and a BS in Graphic Arts Management. Joe worked in newspaper advertising serving as the Regional Sales Manager for Panax Publishing and The Southtown Economist newspapers, as Advertising Director for the Harold News Group, and retired from The Times Newspaper advertising department after 30 years where he was one of the project directors for The Times 500 page coffee table book entitled " Oregionality" featuring Lake, Porter, and LaPorte counties in Northwest Indiana.

He was one of the founding members of the St. Maria Goretti Parish in Dyer, IN, a member of the Rotary Club in Calumet City, and a Paul Harris Fellow. Joe coached Dyer Little League baseball and served on the board of directors and the basketball team at St. Joseph Grade School in Dyer for over 10 years.

Joe loved gardening, flowers, and landscaping. His and Patti's spring tulip garden is a show stopper, as well as the summer and fall gardens. Joe always said, "Get your hands dirty in Mother Earth. You'll be surprised what she gives back!" It was easy to see the best in him; he was one of the good guys.

A Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, from 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM at Solan Pruzin Funeral Home, 14 Kennedy Ave., Schererville, IN. A Funeral Mass will be Celebrated at 11:00 AM on Thursday, December 4, 2025, directly at St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church, 500 Northgate Dr., Dyer, IN 46311, with Rev. Leonardo J. Gajardo officiating. Joseph will Lie-in-State at 10:30 AM, until time of Mass at 11:00 AM, with services concluding at church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church Food Bank or Hospice of the Calumet Area.