Stephen Jacob Grdina, age 79, of Crown Point, IN, previously of Hammond, IN, died peacefully Sunday, January 27, 2013. Steve graduated from Whiting High School class of 1951.  Steve worked in real estate, the steel industry, and eventually became a talented Electrical Designer, working on a multitude of large construction projects in the Chicago area including Ohare and Midway airports as well as the Chicago Deep Well and McCormick Place just to name a few.  Steve was a past Grand Knight with the Knights of Columbus Coronata Council 3806 in Calumet City, IL, and for many years the treasurer for the Holy Name Society at St. Andrew the Apostle church, also in Calumet City.  Steve’s passions were playing Bluegrass and Tamburitza music.  Steve learned to build Tamburitza instruments from Milan Opachich and built and repaired instruments for many people over the years.  Steve founded and wrote the Tamburitza Newsletter and wrote a book on how to build Tamburitza instruments.  Although riddled with arthritis, he was also an excellent artist.  His great sense of humor stayed with him until the end.  He was preceded in death by his wife of 43 years, Ada (nee Cravens), his parents, Violet Sasek and John Grdina, and his brother John Grdina.  He is survived by his 4 children:  Carrie (Paul) Clark of San Carlos, CA, Laura (Doug) McMorris of Valparaiso, IN, Steve (Lisa) Grdina of Crown Point, IN, Ada (Joe) White of Valparaiso, IN, 9 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, sisters Liz (Ed) Fritz of Whiting, IN, Mary (Rich) Troksa of Munster, IN, and many nieces and nephews.  Friends may visit the family at Burns Funeral Home, 10101 Broadway, Crown Point, IN, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Friday, February 1, 2013. Memorial service will be held on Friday at 3:00 p.m. Rev. Thomas J. Mischler officiating. www.burnsfuneral.com

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