Wayne J. Orzech

Wayne J. Orzech

Wayne J. Orzech, 86, of Demotte, IN, passed away on Thursday, February 19, 2026, after a brief illness, surrounded by loved ones. He was born on August 15, 1939, in Michigan City, IN, to Joseph and Lorraine (Nawrocki) Orzech. Wayne was a long-time resident of Demotte, IN, where he built a house and a home with his wife of 65 years Patricia C. (Rymer) Orzech. Wayne and Patricia fell in love and were married on April 8, 1961, at Sacred Heart Church in LaPorte, IN.

Preceding him in death were his parents; one sister Lois (Orzech) Synave; and one brother-in-law Walter Synave. He is remembered with love by his two sons Steven W. Orzech (Mary Hadley) of Middlebury, VT, and Robert J. Orzech (Sherry Sovern) both of Kokomo, IN; one daughter Michelle L. Orzech of Demotte; brother-in-law Paul (Linda) Rymer; Kim Orzech; seven grandchildren Erich, Justin, Brenden (Allison), Katie (Chance), Kyle (Katie), Elizabeth, and Peter; nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members.

Wayne was a member of the Army Reserves, serving from 1959 to 1964. After attending Purdue University, Wayne worked for nine years as a chemist at U.S. Steel, Gary Works in Gary, IN. Wayne then became a Journeyman Electrician and was a 55-year member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local Chapter 531. He was a member of the Keener Township Volunteer Fire Department for more than 20 years. He was a member of the American Legion Post 440 in Demotte. As a former member of St. Cecilia’s Catholic Church, Wayne served on the building committee, helping to raise building funds and install the bell tower when the church moved to its current location in 1978. He spent his spare time learning World War II history, watching old movies, and growing tomatoes. Wayne was an avid collector of flashlights and zipper bags. He loved telling stories and jokes to family, friends, co-workers, doctors, nurses, postal workers, cashiers, and strangers. We will miss his humor, ingenuity, stubbornness, advice, kindness, laughing brown eyes, and mischievous smile.

Visitation will be held from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m., Thursday, February 26, 2026, at Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, 1117 Indiana Ave., LaPorte (219) 362-2722.

A Vigil will be held at 6:45 p.m. Thursday, February 26, 2026, at the funeral home.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated at 11 a.m., Friday, February 27, 2026, at Holy Family Parish, Sacred Heart Church, 201 Bach St., La Porte.

Family and friends may gather on Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. in the Funeral Home prior to the Mass.

Burial will follow at Pine Lake Cemetery, La Porte.

To light a virtual candle, share a cherished memory, or leave a message of comfort for Wayne’s family, please visit esslingfuneralhome.com