Cletus J. Bach, Sr.

Cletus Joseph Bach, Sr.

May 9, 1948 – Nov. 27, 2025

Cletus Joseph Bach, Sr. of Lake Station, IN passed away at the age of 77 on Thursday, November 27, 2025 at Spring Mill Health Center in Merrillville, IN. Born May 9, 1948 in Charles City, IA, “Clete” was the son of Cletus and Nellie (Hargrove) Bach. He married the love of his life, Gloria (Kurowski), on October 22, 1967 in East Chicago, IN. They later settled with his young family in Whiting where he worked as a bread delivery man for thirty-three years before retiring. Together, Clete and Gloria created countless happy memories with their family: Cletus, Jr. (Barbara Hansen), Robert “Rob” (Melissa Stevens), and Tammy (Jewan Mendonca). He adored his grandchildren: Rebecca, Matias, Michael, Christian, and Carter; found great joy in his great-grandchildren: Aubrey, Malcolm, Jace, Annalei, and Maliyah; and delighted in gatherings with numerous nieces, nephews and extended family and friends at holidays, for special occasions – or for no reason at all! Long-time members of Moose Lodge 570, Clete and Gloria also relished camping, pool and card parties, boating, relaxing at the lake, and dancing the “Foot Stomp!” He especially loved cars and four wheelers, watching westerns and wrestling, and working in his yard. Clete was a “wanna- be” handyman and, over the years, was always ready to lend a hand or open his home to several friends and neighbors in need. Clete leaves behind a legacy woven in generosity, humor, and love of family, friends and neighbors. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Gloria (Kurowski); parents Cletus and Nellie Bach of Whiting, IN; brothers, Robert (Martha Huke) of East Chicago, IN; Mary Lou (infant); William (Marge Bach) of Griffith, IN; and Lawrence (Barb Newlun) of California. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at 10:30 am at St. James the Less Catholic Church, 9640 Kennedy Avenue, Highaland, Indiana with Rev. Gregory Bim-Merle officiating.  Burial to follow at Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens, 8178 Cline Ave., Schererville, Indiana.  Visitation will be on Tuesday, December 2, 2025 from 3:00 to 7:00 pm at FIFE FUNERAL HOME, 4201 Indianapolis Boulevard, East Chicago, Indiana; and on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 from 10:00 am until the time of the Mass at 10:30 am at Church  Please Omit Flowers. To send an online condolence, logon to: www.fifefuneralhome.com

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