Michael A. Penkala

Michael A. “Pinky” Penkala, age 71, of Schererville, IN, formerly of Burnham and Hegewisch, IL, passed away peacefully Wednesday, November 4, 2026.  Loving husband of Kathleen J. Penkala, nee Skubisz.  Devoted father of Jill (Chris) Schuster and Nicholas (Jamie Bellar) Penkala.  Proud papa of Carlie, Jenna, Ayvah, and Tessa.  Dear brother of Paul (Sandy) Penkala, Diana Kiel, and the late Chris (late Jim) Hlebek.  Kind uncle and great-uncle of many nieces and nephews.  Preceded in death by his parents Joseph Penkala and Dolores Kwasny and son-in-law Eric “Bubba” Langbeen.  There was nothing more important to Mike than his family, but most important his grandkids and nieces and nephews. He had a wonderful sense of humor, was a former coach for the South Holland Jets, enjoyed golfing, bowling, the Bears, and the Sox. Mike was loved by his family and friends and will be dearly missed. 

Visitation Monday, November 9, 2026 from 3:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Smits Funeral Home 2121 Pleasant Springs Lane (Rt.30/Pleasant Springs Ln.) Dyer, IN.  Visitation Tuesday, November 10, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mike’s funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. directly at St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church 500 Northgate Dr. Dyer, IN, with Rev. Leo Gajardo officiating.  Interment Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens – Crown Point, IN. 

Memorial donations to William J. Riley Memorial Residence 511 Otis Bowen Dr. Munster, IN 46321or Shriners Children Chicago 2211 N Oak Park Ave, Chicago, IL 60707, greatly appreciated.

For further information, please contact 219-322-7300 or visit our online obituary and guestbook at www.SMITSFH.com