John R. Lomberger

Published in The Times from 10/8/2008 - 10/9/2008

JOHN R. LOMBERGER HIGHLAND, IN
John R. Lomberger, age 85, of Highland, passed away Tuesday, October 7, 2008.

He is survived by his children: Maryanne (Samuel) Arancibia of Chile, Rudy (Susan) Lomberger of Schererville and Joanne (Dan) Hurley of Michigan; nine grandchildren; and six great grandchildren. Also surviving is his special friend, Dolores; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary; and sister, Olga Donovan. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, October 10, 2008 at 10:30 AM DIRECTLY at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, 3025 Highway Ave, Highland, IN with Rev. Edward Moszur, officiating. Interment at St. John/St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Hammond, IN.

Friends are invited to meet with the family on Thursday, October 9, 2008 from 3:00-8:00 PM at Kuiper Funeral Home, 9039 Kleinman Road (two blocks south of Ridge Road), Highland, IN. There will be a prayer service at the funeral home at 4:15 PM Thursday afternoon.

Visitation will also be held at the church on Friday morning from 9:45 AM until the time of Mass.

John was an outstanding three sport athlete at East Chicago Washington and was a member of the East Chicago Sports Hall of Fame.

He received a football scholarship to Northwestern where he played for one year before signing a minor league contract with the New York Yankees. He left the Yankees after two years to join the U.S. Army, serving in World War II.

After being discharged from the Army, John was employed by Inland Steel and worked there many years before his retirement.