Ruth S. Miller, 94, of La Porte, Ind. passed away Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2020.

She was born Jan. 3, 1926 in Chicago, Ill. to Frank and Bessie (Fee) Schmich.

On April 12, 1947 Ruth married John J. “Jack” Miller.

Ruth retired from the La Porte County Auditor’s office where she was a clerk.  She was a member of St. Peter Catholic Church, St. Peter Joan of Ark Circle, and Beta Theta Tau Sorority.  Ruth also enjoyed golfing, playing bridge, crocheting, oil painting and sewing.

Survivors include sons, Patrick Miller of South Bend, Ind., James (Angie) Miller of La Porte and Bob Miller of La Porte; five grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; sister, Norene Quartuccio of La Porte;  and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Jack on April 15, 1987; and brother, Robert Schmich.

Cremation has taken place.

A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 22 at St. Peter Catholic Church, 1101 Michigan Ave., La Porte with Rev. Nate Edquist officiating.  Burial will follow at Pine Lake Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP as well as at www.esslingfuneralhome.com.

David Allen Voltz, 58, of La Porte, Ind. passed away Thursday, Aug. 20, 2020.

He was born April 18, 1962 in Michigan City, Ind. to Kenneth Voltz and Leanita “Skeeter” (Turner) Scott.

David was a proud veteran of the U.S. Army, serving in both Desert Storm and Iraqi Freedom.  He also served in the U.S. Army Reserves and the U.S. National Guard.  David was a truck driver for many years.  He enjoyed working on cars and discussing anything military-related.

Survivors include children, Terry Voltz of Chicago, Ill. and Amber Voltz of Michigan City; mother, Leanita “Skeeter” Scott; siblings, Dale Scott of La Porte, Debra Staples of Three Oaks, Mich., Deann (Joe) Toth of Gulf Shores, Ala., and Patrick Voltz of Michigan City; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 26 at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center and from 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday, followed by a celebration of life service with full military honors at 11 a.m. with Pastor Jay Loucks officiating.  Cremation will follow the service.

Due to the recent governor’s order, attendees are required to wear a mask.

Memorial donations may be made to Lamb’s Chapel United Methodist Church, 6006 N. Fail Rd., La Porte, Ind. 46350.

Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP as well as at www.cutlercares.com.

Lisa M. Pinkstaff, 52, of La Porte, Ind. passed away Friday, Aug. 21, 2020 at La Porte Hospital.

She was born Sept. 20, 1967 in Gary, Ind. to Alan B. Pinkstaff and Linda (Larzelere) Pinkstaff.

Lisa was a member of the Grace Baptist Church, La Porte.  She was head of music ministry at her church, involved with the women’s Bible study group, the youth group, and the AWANA for Kids. She was gifted at playing the piano and the guitar. For 24 years she was the manager of surgical services at La Porte Hospital. Lisa loved the work she did, as well as her cats Primrose and Pierson.

Survivors include her mother, Linda Pinkstaff; brother, Bruce A. (Marisa) Pinkstaff; niece, Morgan Pinkstaff; nephew, Mason Pinkstaff; a half-brother and half-sister; and special family friend, Anita Phillips.

She was preceded in death by her father.

Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 602 Maple Ave., La Porte, Ind. is handling the arrangements. A life celebration will be held at a later date. Cremation has taken place.

Memorial contributions may be made in Lisa’s name to the New Day Foundation P.O. Box 13, La Porte, Ind. 46352; to the La Porte County Animal Shelter, 2855 Ind. 2, La Porte, Ind. 46350; or to the Leukemia Lymphoma Society, www.LLS.org.

Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP as well as at www.haverstockfuneralhome.com

Dennis Garner Kessler, 79, died Sunday, Aug. 16, 2020 at his home in Charleston, Ill.

He was born Aug. 22, 1940 in La Porte, Ind. to Glen and Mary (Garner) Kessler.

Dennis was a U.S. Army National Guard veteran and graduated from Murray State College. He attended New Mercy Worship Center. For many years Dennis volunteered at various nursing homes, offering his guitar playing and singing for worship services. He joined in sing-a-longs that have been a Kessler family tradition for decades. His gregarious personality and sense of humor enlivened every occasion, and he kept his upbeat attitude toward others even as his health failed. He put his family first and foremost in whatever he did.

On Feb. 26, 1983 in Westminster, Colo. he married Joyce Erlene ODell, who survives. Also surviving are their children,  Melissa (Brion) Guzzino, Erlene (Kris) Grosso, Morgen (William) Kessler, Xavier (Cassie) Kessler, all of Colorado, and Teresa (Scott) De Lucero of Florida and Kenneth (Diane) Freeland of Indiana; siblings, Patricia Kessler of Alabama, Thomas (Patricia) Kessler and David (Julie) Kessler, both of Indiana, and Gene (Dianne) Kessler of Virginia; 12 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Harper-Swickard Funeral Home handled the arrangements for the funeral held Aug. 22 in Charleston, Ill.

Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP.

Marilyn Antisdel, 87, of Michigan City, Ind. passed away peacefully at 11:03 a.m. Friday, Aug. 21, 2020.

She was born April 11, 1933, in La Porte, Ind. to Buel and Edith (Bull) Doane.

Marilyn was a member of the Springville Community Church. She was also a member of many clubs and organizations such as the Moose Cummins Lodge, Bunco Club, Farm Bureau and the Modern Woodman Organization. Marilyn enjoyed spending her time with family and traveling. She will be greatly missed.

On Dec. 24, 1993 in Las Vegas, Nev. she married John Antisdel, who preceded her in death Sept. 25, 2007.

Also preceding her in death were her parents; sister, Lois Hocutt; and son, Donald.

Surviving are children, Darrell Doane, Carolyn Tibbs, Roger Price, Ronald Price and Stacy Watts; sister, Joyce (Bob) Beckner; brother, Charles (Mary) Doane; grandchildren, Stacy Watts, Jamie Hay, Jennifer Johnson, Nicole Henderson and April Doane; great-grandchildren, Skyler, Paige, Felisha, Autumn, Brandon, Keli, Logan, Kara, Cayti and Madison; and great-great-grandchildren, Summer, Hunter, Lilly, Millie, Mason and Liam.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 27 and from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday at Lakeview Funeral Home & Crematory, 247 W. Johnson Rd., La Porte, (219) 362-3100, where a funeral celebrating her life will follow at 11 a.m. with Pastor Kurt Feneley officiating. Burial will follow the service at Springville Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family.

Barry Vann Pittman, 59, of La Porte, Ind. passed away Sunday, Aug. 23, 2020 at Aperion Care Arbors, Michigan City, Ind.

He was born Feb. 2, 1961 in Ardmore, Tenn. to “Jack” Van Buren and Betty J. (Sprouse) Pittman.

Barry was an extruder operator for many years. He enjoyed Alabama Crimson Tide football, long hair, The Rolling Stones, and back scratches.

Survivors include son, Josiah (Amy Bealor) Pittman of La Porte; siblings, Garry Robison, Sherry (Mike) Spencer, Vickie (Jimmy) Reeder, Diane (Mike) Phillips, and Rick (Cammy) Pittman, all of La Porte; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 28 at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, where a celebration of life service will be held at 11 a.m. with Pastor Roger Ash officiating.  Burial will follow at Patton Cemetery.

Due to the recent governor’s order, attendees are required to wear a mask.

Memorial donations may be made to the family c/o Josiah Pittman, 2900 Monroe St., La Porte, Ind.  46350.

Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP as well as at www.cutlercares.com.

Joyce Louise Schroeder, 84, passed away Saturday, Aug. 22, 2020 at La Porte Hospital and Health Services.

She was born Dec. 17, 1935 in Freeport, Mich. to William and Arvilla (Osborn) Boughner.

Joyce was a homemaker. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star and also enjoyed traveling and mothering people.

On Oct. 16, 1954 in New Buffalo, Mich. she married Henry Schroeder.

Survivors include daughter, Debra Schroeder of La Porte, and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; brothers, Mac, Bob, Bill, Wes, Jim and Fritz; and sisters, Pat and Helen.

Cremation has taken place with Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, La Porte.  A private family service has taken place.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, 100 E. Wayne St., South Bend, Ind. 46601.

Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP as well as at www.cutlercares.com.

Gary Lee McCleland Sr., 67, of Rolling Prairie, Ind. passed away Saturday, Aug. 22, 2020 at his daughter’s residence in Rolling Prairie, surrounded by his family.

He was born Oct. 14, 1952 in La Porte, Ind. to Farrell McCleland and Gladys (Troeger) McCleland.

First and foremost, Gary’s passion in life were his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The things he loved to do were playing golf, metal detecting, and collecting rocks; he was also a history buff.

On Oct. 14, 1992 in Niles, Mich. he married Patricia (Simpson) McCleland.

Survivors include daughters, Beth (Kip) Prast of Rolling Prairie, Joede Covyeou of Niles, and Raychel (Thomas) Bogaert of La Porte; sons, James (Kristin) McCleland of Tempe, Ariz., Gary (Michelle) McCleland of Noblesville, Ind., Seth (Tricia) McCleland of Noblesville, and Richard (Candy) Whitmire of Niles; brothers, Robert (Connie) McCleland and Michael (Paula) McCleland; sister, Karen (Bennie) Rison; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife; parents; and brother, James McCleland.

Visitation will be from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Monday, Aug. 31 at Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 602 Maple Ave., La Porte, where a life celebration will be held at 11 a.m. with Kyle McCleland officiating.

A graveside service will then be held at 2 p.m. (EST — Michigan time) that day at Oakridge Cemetery, Buchanan, Mich.

Memorial contributions may be made to a hospice facility of the donor’s choice.

Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP as well as at www.haverstockfuneralhome.com

Margaret “Marge” E. Kollar, 88, of La Porte, Ind. passed away Sunday, Aug. 23, 2020 at Hamilton Communities.

She was born Feb.17, 1932 in South Bend, Ind. to Cyril T. and Bernice (Redpath) Herthog.

Marge worked many years for American Home Foods. She was a member of Eastern Star Masonic Lodge Excelsior 41.

On May 24, 1952, in South Bend, she married Otto G.

Survivors include daughter, Karen (Ric) Graf of La Porte; granddaughters, Carrie (John) Stalbaum of La Porte, Heather (Robert) French of Valparaiso, Ind. and Tara (Jason) Payton of La Porte; 10 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild; brother, Cyril Herthog, Jr.; special friends, Robert (Nancy) McVay of La Porte; and a niece and a nephew.

She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; son, William Kollar; sister, Alice “Gloria” Herthog; and grandson, Brandon Scott Kollar.

Visitaiton will be from noon to 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 30 at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, where a celebration of life service will follow at 3 p.m. with Pastor Roger Ash officiating.  Cremation will take place.  Burial will be at a later date at Patton Cemetery.

Due to the recent governor’s order, anyone attendees are required to wear a mask.

Memorial donations may be made to the family c/o Carrie Stalbaum, 2900 Monroe St., La Porte, Ind.  46350.

Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP as well as at www.cutlercares.com.

Henry Stelter, Jr., 79, of La Porte, Ind. passed away Friday, Aug. 14, 2020 at Golden Living Center, La Porte.

He was born Sept. 14, 1940 in Bridgman, Mich. to Henry Stelter, Sr. and Hulda (Krieger) Stelter.

He was born and raised in Michigan, and was a carpenter for most of his life.

Survivors include his brother, Richard Stelter of Bridgman; sister, Emily Cast; and niec, Judy Spalding.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 602 Maple Ave., La Porte, is handling the arrangements. No services are scheduled at this time; cremation has taken place.

Memorial contributions may be made to the funeral home in Henry’s name.

Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP as well as at www.haverstockfuneralhome.com

John Charles Mills, 66, of Trail Creek, Ind. passed away unexpectedly at 9:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 20, 2020 at Franciscan Health Hospital, Michigan City, Ind.

He was born Jan. 15, 1954 in Louisville, Ky., to Owen Kenneth Mills, Sr. and Marjorie (Murphy) Mills.

John was a lifetime member of the V.F.W. Post 2536, Michigan City and was an avid Notre Dame fan.

Survivors include daughters, Shannon (Danny) Mikell and Carla (Steve Knight) Mills; brothers, Larry (Donna) Mills and Rick (Lydia) Mills; sisters, Linda (Dave) Knoll, Vicki Biggerstaff and Shirley (Al) Austin; grandchildren, Corrine Kelley, and Holden and Jack Mikell; step-father, Dale Rehbein; companion, Paula Keehn; and several nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death were his parents; Owen Kenneth Mills Sr. and Marjorie Rehbein; sister, Janet Hultgren; brother, Owen Kenneth Mills Jr.; and brother-in-law, Allen Austin.

Cremation will take place. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date.

Lakeview Funeral Home & Crematory, 247 W. Johnson Rd., La Porte, (219) 362-3100 is handling the arrangements.

Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP as well as at www.LakeviewFHC.com

James “Arizona” S. Richmond, 80, of Rolling Prairie, Ind. passed away Friday, Aug. 28, 2020 at his home, surrounded by his family.

He was born July 17, 1940 in Michigan City, Ind. to John W. Richmond and Anna (Adrion) Richmond.

James was a member of the Harmon Gray American Legion Post 83, the VA of Mishawaka, the Eagles, and the IBEW Railroad. He was very fond of karaoke. James was better known as “Arizona.” He enjoyed fishing, camping with this family, and coaching baseball, which he did with his grandkids. He was a fan of WWE wrestling and anything to do with UFOs and Bigfoot Mysteries; he also was a star gazer.

On March 3, 1962, in La Porte, Ind. he married Judith (Rosentreter) Richmond, who survives.

Also surviving are daughter, Christi Lyn (Larry) Richmond-Steinbeck of La Porte; brother, Levi (Tracy) Richmond of Mesa, Ariz.; and grandchildren, Brittni Ann Marie Richmond-Steinbeck, Jessica Hall, and Larissa Steinbeck-Heath.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Christopher Dean Richmond; brother, Ed Richmond; and sisters, Nettie Koepke, Virginia Nauyokas, Agnes Lee, and Judy Raska-Scott.

Visitation will be 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 3 at Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 602 Maple Ave., La Porte, where a life celebration will follow at 7 p.m. Cremation will take place, with inurnment following at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to his family.

Martin “Marty” Arthur Knip, 63, of La Porte, Ind. and originally from DeMotte, Ind., went home to be with the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2020.

He was born May 16, 1957 in Rensselaer, Ind. to Cornelius and Thelma Agnes (DeFries) Knip.

On July 26, 1983 in Rensselaer, Ind. he married Ruth Ann Baugh.

Marty was a Teamster for over 30 years and spent 20 of those years working for Walsh & Kelly.  He was a member of the Texas Corner Bible Church and the Teamsters Union.  His hobbies included mushroom hunting and Farmall antique tractors. Marty enjoyed spending time with family, playing cards with grandkids, tending to his asparagus patch, and spending evenings with the love of his life, Ruth.

Survivors include his wife; daughters, Rachel (Cade) Cooper of La Porte and Jennifer (Brandon) Hite of Marcellus, Mich.; sons, Brandon DeYoung of  Fair Oaks, Ind. and Taylor (Brooke) DeYoung of DeMotte; grandchildren, Jacob, Caiya, Elli and Mason; siblings, Ruth (Bub) Koeppen and Kenny (Wanda) Knip; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Alan Knip.

Visitation will be from 11 am. to 1 p.m. Monday, Aug. 31 at La Porte Missionary Church, 104 E. 18th St., La Porte, where a celebration of life memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. with Pastor David Thompson officiating. Cremation has taken place with Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, La Porte.

Due to the recent governor’s order, attendees are required to wear a mask.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the charity of the donor’s choice.

Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP as well as at www.cutlercares.com.

Donald Francis Clayton, 91, of West Lafayette, Ind. passed away Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2016 at his residence at Westminster Village.

He was born Oct. 6, 1925 in Greene County, Ind. to Francis Clayton and Faye (Beasley) Clayton.  Donald married Pat (Cunningham) Clayton on Feb. 7, 1949 in Indianapolis, Ind.

He was a member of the Presbyterian Church. Donald served in WWII with the Army Air Force 15th Air Force out of Italy as a gunner on a B-24.  He received multiple decorations and was a Purple Heart recipient. Donald received a B.S. in agriculture from Purdue University in 1949 and a M.S. in extension education in 1971. He worked as a county extension agent from 1949 to 1974 in Harrison, Pike, Blackford, Whitley, and LaPorte counties.  Donald served as Area 10 extension administrator from 1974 until his retirement in 1984. He was the president of Indiana County Extension Workers Association in 1974, a longtime member and president of the Kiwanis Club, coordinator of LaPorte County Community Development Study Committee from 1963 to 1974, a member of LaPorte County Plan Commission from 1963 to 1974, served as rural chairman of LaPorte Community Hospital Fund Drive, was governmental chairman of LaPorte United Fund Drive, a long-time LaPorte County Fair director, and was a member of the LaPorte County Tree Commission.

Survivors include his loving wife of W. Lafayette; sons, Dr. Donald (Mindy) Clayton of Lafayette, Dr. Michael (Terri) Clayton of Danville, Ill., and Gerald (Janet Lemen) Clayton of Bloomington, Ind.; sisters,  Lillian Blanton of Bloomfield, Ind., and Loretta Mobley of Bloomington, Ind.; sister in-law, Betty Clayton of Indianapolis, Ind.; grandchildren, Tom Clayton, Missy (Andrew) Buche, Lauren Clayton, Joanna Clayton, Sheila Clayton and Charlotte (Joel) Lelliott; and five great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Darwin Clayton; and grandson, Andrew Clayton.

Visitation was on Friday, Dec. 16, 2016 at the Anderson-Poindexter Funeral Home, 89 C St NW Linton, Ind. 47441. Burial was in the Clayton Family Cemetery in Linton, Ind. with military honors.

Local arrangements were entrusted to James W. Meng, Jr. and the Anderson-Poindexter Memory Chapel in Linton.

Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP as well as at www.andersonpoindexter.com.

Mathew Kurpiel Jr., 75, of Union Mills, Ind. passed away unexpectedly at 9:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2020 at his home.

He was born March 10, 1945 in La Porte, Ind. to Mathew Kurpiel, Sr. and Ethel (Cowgill) Kurpiel.

Mat was a crane operator and truck driver for the steel mills for Teamster’s Union Local 142. He was a member of the American Legion Post 131, Knox, Ind. Mat was a classic car enthusiast, owning a 1950 Pontiac Skylark. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. Mat will be greatly missed.

On Feb. 17, 1967 in Ringgold, Ga. he married Lois (Hyatte) Kurpiel, who preceded him in death April 12, 2019.

Also preceding him in death were his parents, Mathew Kurpiel, Sr. and Ethel Strange; daughters, Maxine Woodard and Penny Kurpiel; brothers, Ronnie and David Kurpiel; and sister, Beverly Bell.

Survivors include daughters, Trish (Ken) Sawyer of Springfield, Mo., Barb (Rob Nowatzke) Knotts of Union Mills and Starla Winger of La Porte; uncle, Gerald (Phyllis) Cowgill of La Porte; grandchildren, Reid (Caroline), Starla, Nicole, Chad, Danielle, Timothy and Michael; eight great-grandchildren; and one great-grandchild on the way.

Cremation will take place. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date. Burial will be at Union Mills Cemetery.

Lakeview Funeral Home & Crematory, 247 W. Johnson Rd., La Porte, (219) 362-3100 is handling the arrangements.

Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP as well as at www.LakeviewFHC.com

Joyce  Barnes, 78, of Rolling Prairie, Ind. passed away Sunday, Aug. 30, 2020 at her home.

She was born March 21, 1942 in Chicago, Ill. to Frank and Rose Marie (Vanek) Kebr.

On Sept. 2, 1961 in Three Oaks, Mich. she married Dale, who survives.

Joyce worked as a bus driver for many years and was a member of St. Peter Catholic Church. Earlier in her life, Joyce enjoyed sewing. She enjoyed volunteering at the Share Foundation.

Survivors include her husband; children, Bonnie (Donald) Stoner of Rolling Prairie, Darlene Barnes of Rolling Prairie, Gary Barnes of South Bend, and Edward (Cindy) Barnes of Mill Creek, Ind.; grandchildren, Joshua (Rachel) Cummings of Crown Point, Ind., Adam (Ranai) Stoner of La Porte, Andrew Simmermeyer of La Porte, Lynnette (Benjamin) Thomas of Waldron, Ind., Tonya (Lee) Hansen of Champaign, IL, Capt. Nicholas Cummings, USAF of Oklahoma City, Okla., Suzanne (John Kutscher) Simmermeyer of Rolling Prairie, Candice (Mark) Scott of Rolling Prairie, Kyle Barnes of Rolling Prairie, and Adriana (Michael Clizbe) Barnes of Sellerburg, Ind.; great-grandchildren, Arianna and Caroline Thomas, Owen and Isabella Scott, Jacob Herma, Chase Duttlinger, Beau and Sloan Hansen, Noah Cummings, Waylon Barnes, and Jayda Simmermeyer; siblings, Richard Kebr of Burbank, Ill. and Mary (Frank) Horvath of Rolling Prairie; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Connie Cummings; and great-grandson, Levi Stoner.

Visitation will be from 3 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 3, 2020 at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center.

Cremation will follow the visitation. A memorial mass of Christian burial will be held at a later date.

Due to the recent governor’s order, attendees to the visitation are required to wear a mask.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Share Foundation, P.O. Box 400, Rolling Prairie, Ind. 46371.

Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP as well as at www.cutlercares.com.