George H. Vondrak

George H. Vondrak, age 80, of Crown Point, IN, passed away on Wednesday, March 27, 2024. George is the loving husband of 52 years to Karen Vondrak; proud father to Ryan (Karma) Vondrak and Rebecca (Frank) Zaremba; affectionately known as "Papa George" to his grandchildren Evan, Natalie and Harper Grace; cherished brother to the late Edward Vondrak. George's life started with humble beginnings in Calumet Township. His mother, Helen, taught him the value of hard work, faith and kindness. George and his brother, Ed, dedicated their youth and adolescence to playing basketball. As a result, the brothers ended their high school careers in the Calumet High School Hall of Fame. George received a Division I scholarship to play basketball for Western Michigan University. While at college, he received his Bachelor's degree in education. George went on to obtain his Master's degree in School Administration at Indiana University. The majority of his professional career was spent happily with the Lake Station Schools as a successful Principal and outstanding coach. George's favorite things in life included spending time with his family, boating and swimming in Lake Michigan, traveling to Las Vegas (70 times), bicycling along Lake Shore Drive, working in his garden and anything to do with cars. It brought so much joy to George to proudly cheer on his kids' and grandkids' at their sporting events. He was not afraid to spark a conversation with anyone, therefore never missing an opportunity to be kind and brighten someone's day. We are all very lucky to have had George in our lives. Visitation will be Tuesday, April 2, 2024 from 3:00-7:00 pm at Kuiper Funeral Home, 9039 Kleinman Road; Highland, IN 46322. Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday, April 3 at 11:00 am at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, 1 W. Wilhelm Road, Schererville, IN 46375. He will be laid to rest in St. John/St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given toward the American Diabetes Association. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.KuiperFH.com for the Vondrak family.