John Walter Kaminski, 85, formerly of Valparaiso, Ind., passed away Sunday, Nov. 11, 2012, at the Woodlands in the Meth-Wick Community, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where he lived since February 2011.

John was born April 9, 1927 in Lackawanna, N.Y., to John and Florence (Drabek) Kaminski. He lived on a farm in Darien Center, N.Y., with his parents and six brothers until he married the love of his life, Josephine (Jo) Garbacz on May 14, 1949. They had three children. John began his career with Bethlehem Steel in Lackawanna, N.Y., and relocated to Valparaiso in 1964 to work at the Burns Harbor facility. John took an early retirement after nearly 36 years with the company. John began a second career with Valparaiso High School as an educational assistant in the machine trades shop. He enjoyed sharing his skills and learning new skills. John was a 4th degree Knight of the Knights of Columbus, and a member of the St. Paul’s Men’s Club. John loved the game of golf, but most of all, loved time spent with his family. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He will be dearly missed.

John is survived by his daughters, Lynn (Mike) Jump of Cedar Rapids and Elaine (Wayne) Earle of Hobart, Ind., granddaughters, Kristen Jump (Jim) Meub of Albuquerque, N.M., and Kandis and Ashley Earle of Hobart, Ind.; brothers, Chester and (Joanne) Kaminski of Beloit, Wis. and Anthony Kaminski, of Darien Center, N.Y.; and a niece and four nephews.

John was preceded in death by his wife, Jo; his son, David; his parents; brothers, Thaddeus, Frank, Stephen and Edward.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Paul’s Catholic Church, the American Diabetes Association or a charity of the donor’s choice.

A Mass of Christian burial will take place at 11 a.m. Nov. 24, at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Valparaiso, Ind., with the Rev. Joseph Pawlowski officiating. Visitation will take place at the church, before Mass beginning at 9 a.m. Interment will follow after Mass at St. Paul’s Catholic Cemetery in Valparaiso.

Cedar Memorial Funeral Home and Dykes Funeral Home are handling the arrangements.

Published in The Gazette Nov. 13, 2012.