Sam F. Dudkowski

Sam F. Dudkowski, 78, of Plainfield, died at home September 20, 2020 following a long battle with cardiovascular disease. He was born in Toledo, Ohio, on April 16, 1942 to the late Sam A. and Clara Rose (Corey) Dudkowski. Sam was raised in Indianapolis and graduated from Arsenal Technical High School, where his father was a beloved teacher and administrator.

Though his career in electro-mechanical technology began at the Naval Avionics Facility in Indianapolis, the outdoorsman transferred to the Crane Naval Weapons Support Center in southern Indiana, where he spent his free time fishing, hunting, Jeeping, and farming. He studied at Purdue University, the University of Wisconsin, and Indiana Vocational Technical College (Ivy Tech).

After 23 years at Crane, Sam retired early and headed to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, taking his hobbies to the next level while working as a docent at the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum in Chippewa County. He eventually returned to Indiana to be closer to his daughters and their families, living in the Cloverdale area where he excelled in poker and NFL gambling. Great Lakes fishing, however, remained his specialty.

Survivors include brother Donald Dudkowski (Cindy); daughters Tina Lamb (Mark), Debra Wilson (Dave), and Angela Stalker (Harold); and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  Hall-Baker Funeral Home in Plainfield will be handling the arrangements, and a celebration of life will be held privately.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum, 18335 N. Whitefish Point Rd., Paradise, Michigan, 49768.

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