Dennis Alan Palkovich, 72, of Hobart, passed away on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at St. Mary Medical Center. He was born on January 28, 1954, in East Chicago, to the late John and Martina (Livers) Palkovich. On September 28, 1991, in Hobart, Dennis married the love of his life, Diane St. Martin.

Dennis is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Diane Palkovich; nephews, Tim Phillips, John (Lisa) Phillips, Jim (Kate) Phillips, Dan Harvoth, David Harvoth, Jeff St. Martin, Greg St. Martin, Nick St. Martin, and Clayton (Katelyn) St. Martin; nieces, Karen (Gary) Templeton, Melissa (Martin) Allen, Amy (Brian) Jackson, and Sara Palkovich; numerous great nieces and nephews; brother-in-law, Gordon St. Martin; sisters-in-law, Janice Palkovich, Gina St. Martin, and Debra (Dennis) Harvoth; beloved toy poodles, Tafi and Tawni; and a loving host of friends and acquaintances made throughout the years.

In addition to his parents, Dennis was preceded in death by his brother, John Palkovich Jr.; sister, Martina Phillips; brothers-in-law, Garry St. Martin, and Ray Phillips; and sister-in-law, Sue St. Martin.

Dennis grew up in Indiana and after high school, he moved out to Colorado. He eventually made his way back to Indiana where he worked as a carpenter then became a car salesman. He began his sales career at Shaver Motors then moved onto Schepel Buick-GMC in 1991, where he worked until he proudly retired in 2021. He acquired a mass following of customers, all who still share memories of him to this day.

Dennis was a man who loved a new adventure. He, along with his wife, Diane, would travel all over the world to sightsee, tour, and learn about different cultures. Dennis enjoyed going to tropical resorts, National Parks, or going for the weekend to hike along trails with their pups, always managing to make a lifelong friend (or many) along the way. He also was inspired to become a Certified Scuba Diver after enjoying his experiences on vacation. It should also be noted that the couple was able to attend over 60 different Jimmy Buffett concerts across the country, adding bountiful memories to their lives alongside some good music.

In his spare time, Dennis enjoyed golfing on the greens with friends and family, partaking in downhill and cross-country skiing, fishing, and hunting. He was notably a fantastic cook, always enjoying watching cooking shows and creating his own take on a new dish, such as his wife’s favorite dish of his, chicken schnitzel.

Dennis will best be remembered as a fun-loving, outgoing, and larger-than-life kind of guy who had an infectious laugh and huge smile for everyone he met. He was a truly devoted husband and the notable “cool uncle” who will be deeply missed by everyone whose hearts he touched throughout his amazing life.

Services for Dennis will begin on Friday, March 6, 2026, at Calumet Park Funeral Chapel, 7535 Taft Street, Merrillville, IN 46410, with visitation from 3 PM to 7 PM. Services will continue on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Calumet Park Funeral Chapel, with visitation from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM and a funeral service to begin at 10:30 AM. Interment will follow Saturday’s services at Calumet Park Cemetery in Merrillville.