Michael Paul Ratajczak - age 53 of Hammond, IN passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, July 15, 2014.  Preceded in death by his parents, John F. "Rusty" and Winifred "Wini" (nee Gaither) Ratajczak, he is survived by his siblings, Randi (Jerry) Pelczar, Diane (Michael) Fogarty, John T. (Ginny) Ratajczak, Sharon (late Ron) Lucich, and Laurel (Mario) Biancardi; and he was "Uncle Mikey" to his nieces and nephews, John Pelczar, Danielle, Michelle and Rachelle Fogarty, Jenny (Jim) Tatge, Melanie Ratajczak, Katherine and Nicholas Lucich, Billy (Liz) Aguilera, Kayla (Nick) Cottrell, Natalie Aguilera, and Katie Biancardi, several great-nieces and nephews, and 1 great-great nephew.

Friends are invited to meet with the family on Sunday, July 20, 2014 from 2:00 pm until time of services at White Funeral Home , 921 W. 45th Ave., Griffith, IN.

Funeral services will be conducted on Sunday, July 20 at 7:00 pm with Deacon Michael Hallas officiating.   Internment will take place at a later date.

Mikey attended grade school at Our Lady of Perpetual Help and was a 1979 graduate of Morton High School. He was a sports writer for the school paper, and was a member of the wrestling team.  He was previously employed at the Hammond Clinic as a patient escort, and then worked as a pizza delivery man for many years.  He was currently employed at the Star Plaza Theatre.

Mike was an avid sports fan who enjoyed cheering on his Chicago White Sox and Black Hawks and Indianapolis Colts.  You've got the best seats in the house now, Mikey, and you will be missed by us all!

For more information please call White Funeral Home at 219-924-4100 or visit us at www.whitefuneralhomeofgriffith.com