Edwin J. Wietecha

Edwin Wietecha, age 78, of Cedar Lake, passed away Sunday, August 25, 2013, peacefully at home. Ed is survived by his wife, Ruth Wietecha; his children, Michael Wietecha, Scott (Linda) Wietecha, and Ardean McDowell; his grandchildren, Evan, Allison, and Kristin Wietecha; his children by marriage, Pamela (Dr. Abdul) Kulam, Patricia (late Richard) Titus, Susan (late Richard) Linz, Raymond (Deidre) Linz, Michael (Dr. Shannon) Linz, Jacqueline (Ralph) Holden, Suzann (Brett) Wright, and Kelly (Jeffrey) Nelson. He was also “Grandpa Ed” to his grandchildren by marriage, Zakariah, Adam, Joshua, Nathan, Erin, Richard, Emily, Alexandra, Elizabeth, Rachel, Mia, Kate, Gavin, Lauren, Nicholas, Megan, Jack, Grace, and Leo. Ed was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Helen Wietecha, and his brothers Ray and Eugene Wietecha. One might say Ed was born a “sports fanatic.” Ed started playing football as a “Rough Rider” at East Chicago Roosevelt, where he was an all-state and two time all-conference center. He went on to become a “Hoosier” at Indiana University, Bloomington, where he played and completed his college degree. Ed’s achievements as a player led to being inducted into the East Chicago Hall of Fame in 2005 and being honored through the Indiana University I Association. Ed’s love of sports was not limited to playing; he was a head football and wrestling coach, an athletic director, an avid spectator, and a devoted fan throughout his lifetime. His love of sports was also not limited to football; he enjoyed baseball, basketball, boxing, golf, hockey, tennis, softball, and wrestling. Ed defined “for the love of the game.” Ed had great appreciation for education and its capacity to provide opportunities in life. Upon receiving his college degree, he returned to East Chicago Roosevelt and became a teacher and coach, where he was able to give back to his community. Over the years, his commitment to education led to positions as an athletic director and an administrator in the Lake Central School Corporation; later, he was a physical education teacher at St. Thomas Moore. Ed continued teaching in his retirement as a driver’s education instructor. He not only taught his students how to drive, but kindly offered family and friends pointers on their complete stops, speed, and various other violations. In his free time, Ed was a regular at Wicker Park where he enjoyed golfing and playing cribbage with his friends. He was a member of East Chicago American Legion #369, the Cedar Lake Keenagers, and Holy Name Church. Ed will be remembered fondly for his witty sense of humor, his strong sense of commitment, and his ability to find contentment in life. Visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 28, 2013 at Kish Funeral Home, 10000 Calumet Ave. Munster, IN. Visitation will continue from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 29, 2013 at Holy Name Church in Cedar Lake, IN. At 11:00 a.m., Father Ed Tlucek will begin the traditional Catholic funeral service. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in memory of Ed to St. Joseph’s Carmelite Home in East Chicago, IN or the Share Foundation in Rolling Prairie, IN.