Robert Paul Mekola, Sr., 93 of Westville, IN, passed away Sunday, September 20, 2026.
He was born October 25, 1932, in Gary, IN, to the late George and Anna (Franko) Mekola, Sr. Bob graduated from Merrillville High School, class of 1952, where he played center on the basketball team. He proudly served in the United States Army from 1953-1955 in Ft. Bliss, TX. Bob made his career as a Foreman with U.S. Steel for 41 years before retirement, and later worked at the New Durham Hardware Store in Westville for several years.
He was an active member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Wanatah, and served the St. Vincent de Paul Society by driving donations to Kentucky for many years. Bob was also a member of the American Legion in Merrillville Post 430, the American Legion in Westville Post 21, and had served as a Town Councilman in Westville.
In his free time, Bob enjoyed going fishing, tending to his garden, and spending time with his beloved family. He was a loving and caring husband, father, and grandfather who will be remembered for his wonderful sense of humor.
On April 18, 1953, Robert married his high school sweetheart, and the love of his life, Patricia Gavin, who survives, along with their children: Robert (Edie) Mekoka, Jr., Cathy (Orlando) Piunti, Lori (Russel Joy) Mekola, John (Judy) Mekola, and Barbara (Ken) Mossman; grandchildren: Daniel (Shannon Hutchens) Mekola, Christopher (Niki) Mekola, Anna (Ray) Bowlin, Sabrina Piunti, Joshua Mekola, Paige Mekola, Sarah (Belanah) Stewart, Jenica Mekola, Kyle (Hannah) Mossman, and Khloe (Piere) Cruz; great-grandchildren: Lukas Herrmann, Kyla Burton, Aliciana Gutierrez, Keira Burton, Mia Piunti, Ashley (Artie) Newbury, Jaxton Mekola, Lyndon Mossman, and Elaine Mossman; great-great grandchildren: Sophia and Artie Newbury; sister-in-law, Mary Mekola; and brother-in-law, Michael (Sheryl) Sheppard.
He was preceded in death by his siblings: Katherine (Fred) Hein, Magdalene (Chester) Opolski, and George Mekola, Jr.; and great-granddaughter, Madison Mekola.
A visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Moeller Funeral Home, 104 Roosevelt Rd., Valparaiso. The funeral mass will begin on Thursday at 11:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 204 N. Ohio St., Wanatah. Burial will follow at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the St. Vincent de Paul Society of Sacred Heart.
