Marco Steven KUYACHICH

Notes:

Name:
Marco Kuyachich
October 16th, 2019
Marco Kuyachich, age 66, of Crown Point, IN passed away on Oct 16, 2019 at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago due to heart complications.

Marco graduated from Andrean High School-Class of 1971 and earned a Bachelor of Science from Indiana University. He attended the FBI academy and graduated from EVOC 1 and 2 (Emergency Vehicle Operation.) Continually improving his knowledge and skills, he attended numerous seminars and classes.

Marco was honored to serve the Lake County Sheriff?s Department for 32 years. While exemplifying the service and protect attitude, he progressed up in the ranks and enjoyed the new challenges where his final duty was Chief of Police. His career milestones included:

Patrol Officer

Canine officer ? working protection and tracking canine

Aquatics ? Underwater Rescue / Recovery Specialist Original member

Tactical (SWAT) Unit Commander, Marksman, Entry Team Original member (Was involved in training various local SWAT teams)

Criminal Investigations

Criminal Warrants - Investigator

Auto Theft Unit - Sergeant in Charge

Gang Crimes and Intelligence Unit - Lieutenant in Charge (Created and Developed a twelve man Unit & the Intelligence for the HIDTA Gang database, Operation Tattoo Zap. Coordinated Drug and Gang Sweeps with local municipal agencies)

Lake County Drug Task Force Unit Commander

Special Assignment Commander

Deputy Chief

Chief Inspiration for the Chief?s Challenge to improve fitness for Lake Co. residents. Participated in the back to school program that gave backpacks, full of school supplies, to Lake Co school children.

In addition, Marco was rewarded for his dedication with many awards:

Distinguished Service Awards 1988, 1990, 1993, 1998

Officer of the Year Awards 1988, 1990

Supervisor of the Year Awards 1993, 1998

Lifetime Achievement award from Indiana Representatives

He was an active member of several professional organizations:

Indiana State Fraternal Order of Police State Training Coordinator

Indiana Fraternal Order of Police Labor Council, Inc. State Secretary, Contract Negotiator

Indiana Law Enforcement Academy Instructor

Lake County Police Association Local # 72 President for many years and negotiator for department?s contract

Chris Anton FOP Lodge # 125

Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonel?s

Blue Knight?s International Indiana IV Chapter founding member

Member of Lake County Agricultural board

His Parents--Gelsomina (Jasmine) and Bronko (Tom) Kuyachich preceded him in death.

Marco is survived by the love of his life for 45 years, Karen Loraine (Seneff); cherished daughter- Laura Elizabeth Anne of Crown Point; mother-in-law, Phyllis Seneff of Merrillville; brother-in-law, Tim Seneff of Portland, OR; Cousins: Susan (Kujaca), Michael, Tressa, Ian Carniello and a great number of many dear friends.

Marco was always deeply appreciative for the donation of his kidney that resulted in giving him another 11 years of quality life. Marco enjoyed vacationing with his family, outings with his friends, boating, photography, riding his motorcycle and attending Chicago Bears' games. He did it all. A life well lived.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, Oct 23, 2019 at the Calumet Park Funeral Chapel, 7535 Taft St, Merrillville from 2 pm to 7 pm. On Thursday morning will be visiting from 10 am until 10:30 am at St. Andrews Catholic Church (801 W 73rd Ave, Merrillville). Funeral Mass will begin at 1030 am with Rev James Meade officiating. Interment Calumet Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers please make donations in Marco?s name to: American Kidney Fund, 11921 Rockville Pike, Suite 300, Rockville, MD 20852. For further information please phone David or Mileva of Calumet Park Funeral Chapel at 219-736-5840 or mycalumetpark.com

Marco married Karen Loraine SENEFF on 18 Jun 1983 in Gary, Lake County, Indiana. Karen (daughter of Joe Edward SENEFF and Phyllis Loraine SLOSSON) was born on 03 May 1955 in Indiana; died on 23 Feb 2021 in Indiana. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

1. Laura Elizabeth Anne KUYACHICH