Dean Leon Pickering, 83, of Hobart, passed away on Saturday, February 14, 2026.
Born in Robinson, Illinois, Dean moved to Hammond, Indiana as a child.

He attended Hammond Tech and thereafter enlisted into the U.S. Army from 1962 – 1965. After his military service, he returned to his family and worked for U-Haul and later was employed at Youngstown Sheet and Tube Company, in East Chicago. In his later years, he was a correctional officer at the prison in Michigan City, Indiana, until his retirement.

Dean was a devoted caregiver to his beloved wife, Kathryn, throughout her years long fight with Multiple Sclerosis. Kathryn was truly his soulmate for 45 years and he loved her so very much, it seems only fitting that he would join her in eternity on Valentine’s Day.

He enjoyed watching old Westerns, and he loved sharing stories of fishing with grandpa Doolittle, spending his youth on the family farm, and of his time as a correctional officer.

Dean is preceded in death by his parents, Dean Lorraine Pickering and Lenora Pickering (nee Doolittle) and his beloved wife, Kathryn Pickering (nee Hetfield). He also leaves to cherish his memory, his daughters: Donna (Nick) Chalos, Linda (Jorge) Winandy, and Kathleen Pickering; his adored grandchildren: Jeremy Robinson, Kaitlin Addison, and Christopher Addison; and many extended family and friends.

Dean will be laid to rest with military honors at Calumet Park Cemetery on Tuesday, February 24, 2026.
Please arrive at Calumet Park Funeral Chapel (7535 Taft Street, Merrillville) at 10:15 AM for procession to the committal service.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society www.nationalmssociety.org