Stanley J Shepkowski Jr.

Stanley J. “Stan” Shepkowski Jr., age 76, of Griffith, passed away Wednesday, August 7, 2024. A true raconteur, Stan had a story for every occasion and provided levity and humor to even the most serious situations. A life-long fan, you could always count on him for a story and game recap of his Montreal Canadiens. On Wednesdays, you'd find him having breakfast with his high school buddies. Other days, he was probably enjoying a WWII book, watching film noir, or researching something or other on his computer...unless he was visiting with his neighbors, grabbing a coffee, or shooting at a range. On holidays, he loved spending time with family, especially visiting the Chicago Christkindlmarkt. He was affectionately known to family as "Stan-a-Claus" for his stellar gift-giving abilities.

Stan graduated from Indiana University with an education degree, but his true love was math and computing. He put those skills to use, working for US Steel prior to retirement. Stan loved playing baseball as a kid, rollerblading and bicycling as an adult, and was a PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) member for over twenty years. He lived in Griffith most of his life, but enjoyed traveling. His favorite trips included adventuring in Curacao and Rio de Janeiro, though he was also known to hop a flight to New York for a quick lunch. He spent so much time in Miami and the Florida Keys that he felt no irony declaring Jimmy Buffett music "just for tourists".

Stan's friendships were paramount in his life, and he leaves behind treasured friends and family members including his siblings; Larry (Irene) Shepkowski, Mary (Mike) Ullrich, Lori (Edward) Manus, nieces and nephews; Becky (Ryan) Shaw, Nick (Ashley Fields) Shepkowski, Matthew (Kyrie) Ullrich, Sarah Ullrich, Christopher Manus, Gregory Manus, great nephews; Shep, Chase, Camden, and great-niece, Peyton.

He was preceded in death by his parents Stanley Sr., and Cecilia Shepkowski and his infant sister, Louise Ann.

Friends are invited to join a celebration of Stan’s life August 18 from 4-8pm at White Funeral Home. For more information, please contact White Funeral Home at (219) 924-4100 or visit us our website at www.whitefuneralhomeofgriffith.com

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