Jon D. Kollada Jr., 38, of Valparaiso, passed away unexpectedly at his father’s home on Saturday, October 22, 2022.  Jon had been battling heart issues after a massive heart attack a month ago.

  Jon was born January 23, 1984 in Hammond, Indiana to Carmen Ferguson and Jon D. Kollada Sr.  Jon was a graduate of Wheeler High School then graduated from Ivy Tech with a degree in Applied Science. 

  After earning his degree, Jon was a brick mason for many years and for several different companies in Valparaiso.  Jon would later meet the love of his life, Amy Ronhausen, in Monticello, Indiana.  In 2013, the couple moved to Bakersville, North Carolina to be by her family.  There, Jon would learn to drive a truck from Amy’s father.  Jon loved traveling the country as a truck driver.  In November of 2014, Jon’s world got turned upside down with the unexpected passing of Amy.  Jon would continue to drive trucks but eventually move back to Indiana in 2021. 

  More than anything, Jon loved spending time with his family, especially his two sons, Garrett and Anthony. 

  Surviving with his boys are his mother, Carmen Erickson (husband: Edward) of Valparaiso; his father, Jon D. Kollada Sr. of South Bend; a sister, Christine Kollada of Reynolds; two step-brothers, Edward Erickson (wife: Abigail) of Indianapolis and Nicholas Erickson of Denver, CO.  Also surviving are many loving aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews, and many loving cousins.

Jon is preceded in death by Amy Ronhausen and his grandparents, Ruth & Grover Ferguson and Loraine & William Kollada Sr.

  Friends may call from 12 p.m. EST (noon) – 2 p.m. Thursday, October 27, 2022 with a service to follow at Clapper Family Funeral Home of Monon.  Interment to follow at Bedford Cemetery.

  In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to Light House Recovery Home at www.lighthouserecoveryhome.org