Joseph “Joe” VanScoyk, 84, of Crown Point, passed away on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at Methodist Hospital Southlake Campus. He was born on December 22, 1940, in Gary, to the late Ira J. and Martha Jane (Matthews) VanScoyk. On September 25, 1966, in Gary, Joe married the love of his life, Dorothy Jean “Cookie” Kotevich. 

Joe is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Dorothy Jean “Cookie” VanScoyk; children, Mark VanScoyk, and Tammy (Steve) Blaney; grandson, Christian Joseph (Ariona) Rak; great-grandchildren, Joseph, Dixie, Thomas, and Isaiah Rak; sister-in-law, Marilyn Pappas; and many nieces and nephews. 

In addition to his parents, Joe was preceded in death by his daughter, Wendy VanScoyk, and sisters, Maryann Greenburg, Joan Martin, and Linda Lupeika. 

Joe proudly served in the US Air Force from 1958 to 1962. He went on to graciously work his way up to the rank of Lieutenant with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office after 21 years of service. During his time at the sheriff’s department, he worked with the detective bureau along with the tactical and hostage negotiation unit, proudly graduating from the FBI Academy in 1983. He also served as a training instructor and chaplain for the department over his 21 years. 

Joe also had the honor of serving as a bailiff for the Lake County Court under Judge Sherrille for 21 years, serving as a security officer for St. Anthony’s Hospital (now Franciscan Hospital) for 42 years, and serving as a security officer for the stars at the Holiday Star Theater for 7 years. 

Joe, along with his wife, Cookie, are notably longtime members of Deep River Church of Christ, where he served as a Sunday school teacher. However, as Joe would always say, his greatest lifetime accomplishment was being able to serve as an elder at his beloved church, as well.  

Services for Joe will be held on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at Calumet Park Funeral Chapel, 7535 Taft Street, Merrillville, IN 46410, with visitation from 11 AM to 1 PM, and a funeral service to begin at 1 PM. A graveside service and military honors will immediately follow at Calumet Park Cemetery in Merrillville.