Jose F. Reta, age 75, of Gary passed away on January 20, 2012 at his home.  He was born on June 26, 1936 in Monterrey, Mexico to Jose Reta Rodriguez and Josefina Flores de Reta. Jose was raised by his aunts: Herlinda Flores de Gonzalez (Apolonio Gonzalez) and Aurora Flores. He worked as a switchman for Inland Steel retiring in 1999. Jose enjoyed his hobby farming, raising goats and chickens, and traveling.  On April 26, 1970 in Mexico he married Maria de la Luz Hernandez who survives along with 3 daughters:  Karla (Chris) Barnes of Hanceville, AL, Kattia (Alvin) Schrock of Jerome, MO, and Karen (Jacob) Molnar of Valparaiso; 4 siblings: Manlio Reta Flores (deceased), Irma Reta Fragoso (Joel – deceased), Jupiter Reta Flores (Mireya), Marte Reta Flores (Criselda) and Alma Reta Flores; 9 grandchildren; and cousin who he was raised with, Sylvia Cantú de Azua.  Jose was also preceded in death by his parents, his aunts and uncle and Manlio Reta Flores.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, January 24th at 10:00 AM at Moeller Funeral Home, 104 Roosevelt Rd. Valparaiso with Pastor Dave Johnson officiating.  Burial will follow at Angelcrest Cemetery, Valparaiso.  Visitation will be held on Monday from 3-7 PM at the funeral home.