- Date Of Birth: December 30, 1920
- Date Of Death: January 23, 2014
- State: Indiana
Mr. Stefan (Steve) Markowicz, 93, of Greenwood, formerly of Munster, Indiana, died on January 23, 2014. He was born on December 30, 1920 in Kocina, Poland, a son of Sebastian and Tekla (neé Jamrusz) Markowicz. He survived the German forced-labor camps of WWII, escaping twice without being executed before the American troops liberated the camp. Steve came to America in 1950, immigrating from post-WWII Europe, landing in Gary, IN with his cousins, who sponsored him. A few years after he learned English and saved some money, he saw a pretty girl, Theresa Kozdras, riding a bike down the street in East Chicago, IN. He promptly broke his date with another girl for that evening and began courting Theresa. The two went on to marry on November 28, 1953.
After he came to America, he worked for many years as an electrician and eventually retired from U. S. Gypsum. Never one to stay idle, he then went on to a second career with Standard Equipment as an electrician and all-around handyman.
He is survived by a daughter, Darlene Heck (Jay) of Carmel, IN and three sons: Ron Markowicz (Lyn) of Greenwood, IN; Jeff Markowicz (Mary) of Greenwood, IN; Tim Markowicz (Rose) of Fredericksburg, TX. He also is survived by his 10 grandchildren: Stefanie (Bryan) Heck Turner; Bryan Heck; Vincent, Trevor, Nicholas, Alexandra (Lexy), Sophie, Samuel, Timothy (T.J.) Markowicz; and Danielle Smith (Jesse) , and a great-grandson, William Turner. He was preceded in death by his wife, Theresa Markowicz (neé Kozdras), along with his two brothers: Emil Markowicz (Hammond, IN) and Walter Markowicz (Poland). He had a sister, Jean, who he often wished to contact, but never knew if she survived the war, nor her whereabouts. He last saw her when she was 9 years old, as the German soldiers took him from his home in Kocina.
Steve liked to stay busy and active, and throughout his life, he helped many people with home repair, yard, and car projects. He enjoyed browsing home repair stores, eating out, tinkering around in his garage, and growing cucumbers and tomatoes in the summer. He lived a remarkable and long, full life and loved his family. He was a hardworking, good, strong man who will be sadly missed by all who loved him.
