Joseph Patrick Kieras, 71, Culver, passed away Thursday, Jan. 14, 2016, surrounded by family.

Joe was born in Hammond, at St. Margaret’s Hospital, to the late Joseph and Helen Kieras. Joe graduated from Hammond Tech and was then drafted into the United States Army, during which he served overseas in the Vietnam War, and from which he received an Honorable Discharge in 1971.

After his service, Joe became an accomplished tile layer and contractor, whose work still stands the test of time. Joe was a loving and devoted brother, doting uncle, and steadfast friend, a man of unbounded generosity, strength, and tenacity.

An avid and skilled fisherman, Joe knew fishing holes that surprised even the most wary of fish, and he enjoyed a good day spent mushrooming. From hunting to gardening to wood chopping, he was a true outdoorsman, and the birds and squirrels were always well fed. Joe canned a mean pickle, and his delicious jerky had a rabid following far beyond Culver.

Joe is survived by his loving sister: Maribeth Parton; a brother: Frederick Kieras (and their spouses). Joe is also survived by two nephews: David Cichon, John Cichon; and two nieces: Laura Semko, and Joy Helen Kieras.

A memorial gathering will be held at the Odom Funeral Home 9 – noon, Wednesday, Jan. 20. Burial will follow at the Culver Masonic Cemetery.

Friends and family are invited to celebrate Joe’s life immediately following at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post in Culver.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Joe’s name to either VNA Hospice Center of Valparaiso or Porter County Animal Shelter in Valparaiso.