Oralee Joseph, 82, of La Porte, Ind., passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family and loved ones at 3:44 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 25, 2020.

She was born March 16, 1938, in Eastern Kentucky to Kelly and Hazel (Collins) Caudill.

Oralee was an avid quilter, making hundreds of quilts over the years and giving them as treasured gifts to her family. She enjoyed spending time with her family and for years organized a reunion that was attended by family all over the country. She enjoyed gardening, especially her flowers and her vegetable garden; she would spend hours at the table snapping green beans. She enjoyed going to auctions and casinos. She spent many hours sewing and donating masks for COVID relief to the VA Hospital in Washington State and local hospitals. Oralee also liked to camp, fish and go with Jim Baich on his racing expeditions. She worked at InterRoyal, where she met and fell in love with Jim. She also worked at Weil-McLain, Fiberbond, ANCO and several other places before retiring at the age of 62 from Federal Mogul.

She is survived by her husband, James “Jim” Baich; 11 children, John (Teresa) Joseph of Pinellas Park, Fla., Hazel (Rick) Elkins of Michigan City, Ind., Janet (Larry) Hale of La Porte, Michael Joseph of Michigan City, Sandra Joseph (Jeff Cook) of Michigan City, Melvin Joseph of La Porte, Barb (Rodney) Dibble of Lynnwood, Wash., Deborah Faye Joseph Barrios of Houston, Tex., Dennis (Paige) Joseph of Indianapolis, Ind., Darrell (Susan) Joseph of Michigan City, and Robert (Heather) Griffin of Ashland City, Tenn.;  grandchildren, Greg, Amber, Matt, Melissa, Michael, Meredith, Charity, Christine, Eric, Charles, Christopher, April, Alex, Jefferey, Jr., Todd, Sara, Ryan, Brittany, Brandon, Brianna, Tyler, Marcus, Allison, Elizabeth, Meredith, Linzee, Autumn, Taylor, Michelle, Miles, and Patrick; 42 great-grandchildren; several great-great-grandchildren; three sisters, Dallie, ClaraAnn and Linda; one brother, Marvin; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Hazel Davis, step-father, John Davis, father, Kelly Caudill, son, Kevin Joseph; grandsons, Lucas Lowry and Nathan Cook; three sisters, Emma Sue, Lula May and Patty; and four brothers; Arthur, Carl, James and Lewis.

A funeral celebrating her life will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 29, at Lakeview Funeral Home and Crematory, La Porte, with Pastor Bob Vale officiating. Visitation and viewing will be from noon until the service Sunday at the funeral home. Cremation will take place following the service. Burial will take place at Rolling Prairie Cemetery at a later date. Masks will be required and social distancing will be practiced per local ordinances.

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

Shirley Morris, 83, of La Porte, Ind., passed away Friday, Nov. 27, 2020, at Northwest Health – La Porte.

She was born Dec. 5, 1936, in Mount Pleasant, Ohio, the daughter of A.H. and Kathryn (Sterling) Knutsen.

Shirley worked as a secretary for Boise Cascade, currently Graphic Packaging, Inc., from where she retired after 27 years in 1999. She was a member of First United Methodist Church, La Porte, and loved singing in the church choir.  She was a former member of the Michigan City Women of the Moose No. 935; enjoyed traveling, especially cruises; and was an avid reader.

On Dec. 26, 1972, in Martins Ferry, Ohio, Shirley married Robert Morris and shortly afterward they moved to La Porte.

She is survived by her sister-in-law, Mary Jane Morris;  a host of close friends, including Marcia (Gary) Alexander, JoAnn (Marvin) Erby, John (Dawn) Krishack, Mark (Lesa) Hill, Lois Hagglund, and Becky Read; and many “adopted” grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Robert; her cousin, Jeffrey Knutsen; close friend, Marian Krickshack and her beloved Pomeranian pup, Buffy.

A private memorial service will be held at Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, La Porte, with interment at Pine Lake Cemetery, La Porte.  Pastor Bob Vale, First United Methodist Church, will be officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made in her honor to First United Methodist Church, 1225 Michigan Ave. La Porte, Ind. 46350. 

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

Renessa Christaine Pihl, 30, of La Porte, Ind., died Nov. 20, 2020, at her home, surrounded by her family.  

She was born Dec. 12, 1989, in Westwood, N.J., the daughter of Keith and Renee (Volay) Pihl.

Along with her parents, Renessa lived in three different states: New Jersey, Michigan and Indiana. She was a sweet young lady with beautiful hair and bright brown eyes who always gave joy and love to others.

Renessa is survived by her parents and her two older brothers, Kerent and his wife Sarah of Grand Rapids, Mich., and Rolen, his wife Erica and their children Ember and Keadyn of Las Vegas, Nev.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents.

A visitation will be held Friday, Dec. 4, at Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, La Porte, from 10 to 11 a.m. A service will be held at 11 a.m. at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Pine Lake Cemetery, La Porte.

Due to Covid 19 restrictions, masks will be required and social distancing observed. 

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

Anna Sue Arnett, 63, passed away Thursday, Nov. 26, 2020, at Northwest Health – La Porte.

She was born Dec. 7, 1956, in Searcy, Ark., to William and Dorothy (Todd) Bressie.

Anna worked in the La Porte County Public Library system for 26 years. Her last position was as team leader for the Union Mills branch. She very much enjoyed her years with the library and all of the friends she made within her community. Anna enjoyed crafting, knitting, crocheting and reading. Most importantly, she enjoyed playing with her grandchildren and spending time with family.

On Aug. 9, 1973, in St. Joseph, Mich., she married Richard, who survives.

Also surviving are her children, Eric Arnett of South Bend, Ind., and Carey Foldenauer of Union Mills, Ind.; 3 grandchildren, Alexis Arnett, William Arnett and Lily Foldenauer; siblings, Eva Storie of Russell, Ark., Henry Bressie of Searcy, Ark., and Edward Morrison of Beebe, Ark.; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Gertrude “Trudy” Moon.

Cremation has taken place with Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, La Porte.  A private family service will take place at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the La Porte County Public Library – Children’s Programming, 904 Indiana Ave., La Porte, Ind. 46350.

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

Joanne Harding Gillerlain, 79, passed away Sunday, Nov. 22, 2020, at Brentwood Assisted Living in La Porte, Ind.

She was born Nov. 29, 1941, in Flint, Mich., the daughter of the late Charles and Rufina (Stockman) Harding.

Joanne was an R.N. at Christ Hospital in Oak Lawn, Ill., before retiring with her husband to La Porte.

She was the beloved wife of Paul Gillerlain, the loving mother of Tim (Sue) Gillerlain and Teri and the late Todd (Regina) Gillerlain, sister to Ken (Tricha) Harding and Mary Ann and the late Phil Harding, and grandmother to five grandchildren, Jack, Sarah, Danny, Patsy and Maggie. 

Cremation will take place. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, services will be held at a later date. Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, La Porte, are handling arrangements.

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

Donna Marie Forst, 69, of Westville, Ind., passed away Friday, Nov. 20, 2020, at Brentwood Assisted Living in La Porte, Ind.

She was born Nov. 22, 1950, in Chicago, Ill., the daughter of Olivio and Phyllis (Benadello) Carlmango.

On June 23, 1972, Phyllis married Barry Lee Forst, who survives. Together they lived in Portage for 30 years, moved to Valparaiso, Ind., for a short time, then lived in Westville until her passing. Phyllis was the manager at Jewel Supermarket. She was a baptized and confirmed Catholic and really loved spending time with her husband, going out and attending plays together.

Along with her husband, Phyllis is also survived by her two sons, Brian Forst of Westville and Kris Forst of Morocco, Ind.; sister, Karen (Joe) Gatto of Tampa, Fla.; and grandchild, Leo Forst.

Cremation will take place. Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, La Porte, is handling arrangements.

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

Robert Morn McGee, 90, passed away Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, at his home.

He was born May 16, 1930, in La Porte, Ind., to Basil and Cora (Mandeville) McGee.

Robert was a pipefitter for many years with Pipefitter Local 172, South Bend, Ind. He loved jewelry making and silversmithing.  Robert also loved painting and artwork. He enjoyed traveling, RVing and fishing. Robert loved to read western novels and watch westerns. He deeply loved his wife of 66 years. Robert was a devoted husband and father.

On April 17, 1949, in Michigan City, Ind., he married Geraldine “Gerry” Virge, who preceded him in death on May 14, 2015.

He was also preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Tom McGee and Connie “Cora” Smith.

Surviving Robert are his children, Robert “Bob” McGee of La Porte, Penny Kaderly of La Porte, Linda Fisher of N. Las Vegas, Nev., Nancy Goff of Decatur, Mich., and Michael McGee of Hudson Lake, Ind.; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; sister, Betty Snyder of Diamondhead, Miss.; and many nieces and nephews.

Cremation has taken place with Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, La Porte. A memorial service will be announced at a later date.

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

Donna L. Smith, 75, of La Porte, Ind., passed away Saturday, Nov. 28, 2020, at Miller’s Health and Rehabilitation, La Porte.

She was born Aug. 11, 1945, in La Porte, the daughter of Charles and Mary Lou (Graham) Greenlaw.

A lifelong resident of the area, Donna was a self-employed hairdresser at Donna’s Beauty Boutique, retiring in 2017 after 48 years. She continued to work at Hair Control for 3 more years. Donna was also a member of St Joseph Catholic Church, the La Porte Women’s Elks Lodge 396 and the American Legion Post 83 auxiliary. She loved living on Pine Lake and saved the lives of three men whose boat capsized, receiving the Red Cross award. Because of her years of owning her business and dedication to her family, church and community, in 2015 the mayor declared November 27 Donna Greenlaw Smith Day, presenting her with a proclamation. Donna enjoyed the Cubs, golfing and bowling, but her greatest joy was her grandchildren, who affectionately called her “Grandma Horsey.”

On May 31, 1969, at St. Joseph Church in La Porte, she married Gerald “Jerry” Smith, who preceded her in death October 13, 2019.

Donna was also preceded in death by her parents and brothers, Leroy and Patrick Greenlaw.

She is survived by her son, Marc (Kathleen) Smith of Valparaiso, Ind.; daughter, Dana (David) Henderson of La Porte; twin brother, Dan (Gale) Greenlaw of La Porte; her grandchildren, Ashley, Katelyn and Zachary Smith and Abigail, Emma, Isabella and David Henderson; and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family will receive friends at Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, La Porte, on Thursday, Dec. 3, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. A Catholic Mass will be offered Thursday at 11 a.m. at St Joseph Catholic Church, with interment to follow at Pine Lake Cemetery, La Porte.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, masks are required and social distancing will be observed both at the funeral home and the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, 213 West Institute Place, Suite 302, Chicago, Ill. 60610 in Donna Smith’s name.

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

Scott Alan Gesse, 54, of Fort Wayne, Ind., passed away Monday, Nov. 30, 2020, at his brother’s home in La Porte, Ind.

He was born March 16, 1966, in La Porte, the son of Walter L. and Charlotte (Reed) Gesse.

Scott was an outgoing man who loved sports, particularly the Cubs. He enjoyed going to casinos and trying his luck at various games. A partial owner of a storage facility in Fort Wayne, Scott spent much of his time going through the abandoned storage lockers searching for treasures, especially scrap metals, and cleaning them up for the next renter. He also enjoyed auctioning and volunteered as a clerk at auctions. Scott would ride his lawnmower for hours, smoking his cigar and thinking about life.

He is survived by his four brothers, Tim (Chris) Gesse of La Porte, Rick (Kathy) Gesse of La Porte, his best friend Todd Gesse of La Porte and and Tabb Gesse of La Porte; seven nieces and nephews; and many friends from Fort Wayne.

Scott was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Darla L. Guthrie.

The family will hold a private interment at Pine Lake Cemetery, La Porte. Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, La Porte, is handling arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Social and Learning Institute, 201 E Garfield St., Michigan City, Ind. 46360; or VNA Hospice, 803 Washington St., La Porte, Ind. 46350.

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

Joan P. Leinbach, 86, of La Porte, Ind., passed away peacefully on Nov. 30, 2020, at home surrounded by her family.

She was born Nov. 13, 1934, in La Porte to Willard and Margaret (Oberem) Nichols.

Joan retired from the La Porte Community School Corporation after 30 years as a devoted and caring second-grade teacher. She graduated from Ball State University and Indiana University South Bend. Joan enjoyed her Bunco Club and Lincoln Elementary School retired teachers’ group, and for many years volunteered at the La Porte Hospital gift shop, Door Village Harvest Festival and La Porte County Pioneer Land. She was a member of Bethany Lutheran Church in La Porte.

Joan is survived by her children, Matt (Mary Lynne) Plis of Glendale, Ariz., Mark Plis of Tijeras, N.M., Margo (Matt) Bowen of Michiana Shores, Ind., and Marti (Andy Card) Hankins of Fishers, Ind.; grandchildren, Ben and Abe Plis, Montana Kliphan, Morgan Schwarz, Taylor Bowen, and Max and Mason Hankins; great-grandson, Jaden Schwarz; and sister, Betty Bunce of Freeport, Fla..

Joan was preceded in death by her husband Dr. Earl R. Leinbach, and siblings Richard Nichols, Jeanette Gaekle and Willard Nichols, Jr.  She was previously married to the late Joseph S. Plis of La Porte.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6, at Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, La Porte. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 7, at Bethany Lutheran Church, La Porte, where family and friends may visit one hour prior to the service. Burial will be in Fletcher Cemetery, Hamlet, Ind.

Due to COVID-19, all attending are required to wear a mask.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to either the Lincoln Elementary School Library, 402 Harrison St., La Porte, Ind. 46350, or The Bethany Foundation, 102 G St., La Porte, Ind. 46350.

Memorial contributions will be accepted at the funeral service or may be mailed directly to Essling Funeral Home, 1117 Indiana Ave., La Porte, Ind. 46350.

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

Charles “Dan” Daniel Firebaugh, 90, of rural La Porte, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, November 25, 2020 at VNA Hospice Center, Valparaiso.

Dan was born in Wooster, OH, on June 28, 1930 to George Marshall and Mary Lillian (Coffman) Firebaugh.

He married Nina Meyers on September 4, 1954 in Galena Baptist Church, La Porte County.  She survives as his beloved wife of 66 years.  Also surviving are his children; Jane Firebaugh of Porter, Jerry (Mona Reinhard) Firebaugh of Winfield, IL, and Karen Firebaugh of rural La Porte; a brother, John (Francille) Firebaugh of Columbus, OH; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Della Daugherty, Annie Australia Baldridge, and Marian Vermillion; and brothers, Wyman Firebaugh, Jay Glenn Firebaugh, George Lawrence Firebaugh, and Lowell Wayne Firebaugh.

Dan served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, where he was in charge of POWs.

He met his wife while at Bryan College.  After graduation and marriage, he then received a Master’s degree in history from Ohio State University in Columbus, OH.

He accepted Christ as his savior at a young age and lived out his faith.

Dan was a teacher and elementary school principal for over 37 years.  He was also a farmer, raising Black Angus cows.  He enjoyed flower gardening and landscaping.  People in cars passing by their house would occasionally stop and look at the photo-worthy front yard.  Starting in his late 60’s, he enjoyed long distance bicycling with his daughter Karen and son Jerry.  He made spending time with his family a priority.  He attended Liberty Bible Church.

Cremation was done by Cutler Funeral Home.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, December 7, 2020 at Cutler Funeral Home with Pastor Darrell Crots officiating.

A time of visitation will be held from 1 p.m. until the time of the service on Monday at the funeral home.

Due to the recent Governor’s Order, anyone attending the visitation and/or service is required to wear a mask and practice social distancing of six-feet.  Also, we are limited to 50 people in the building at any given time.  We kindly ask for your patience as we oversee these mandated guidelines.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Moody Bible Institute, 820 N. La Salle Blvd., Chicago, IL 60610 or Bryan College, 721 Bryan Dr., Dayton, TN 37321.

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

Martha Elizabeth Fraser, 99, of La Porte, Ind., passed away Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2020.

She was born Aug. 5, 1921, to Clarence O. and Bertha (Berriaux) Brown.

Martha was a legal secretary with her husband’s law firm and a banker for many years.

Surviving is her daughter, Elizabeth (Peter) Barker of Naples, Fla., and Plymouth, Mass.; grandchildren, Kara Barker, Julie Barker and Scott Barker; and great-grandchildren, Coleman, Bryce, Sydney and Audrey.

Martha was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Keith Fraser; and siblings, Mary Ellen Heniser, Gloria Anne Martin and Joseph Brown.

Private entombment will take place at Elm Ridge Memorial Park in Muncie, Ind. Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, La Porte, is handling arrangements.

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

Thomas “Tom” Anthony Williams, 53, of Westville, Ind., passed away peacefully at 1:15 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 26, 2020, at Golden Living Center – Fountainview Terrace, La Porte.

He was born Oct. 27, 1967, in Blue Island, Ill.,, to Douglas and Barbara (VanDyke) Williams.

Tom graduated in 1985 from South Central High School, Union Mills, then continued his education at Purdue University where he earned his Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering. He worked at the Department of Transportation as an electrical engineer for the Division of Research for 17 years. Tom was very computer savvy and enjoyed hunting and fishing.  He was a very loving and giving person who always lended a helping hand.

Surviving are his mother, Barbara Williams of Westville; one son, Robert A. Williams of Lafayette, Ind.; one stepson, Matthew (Courtney) Noszlopy of West Lafayette, Ind.; four siblings, Becky M. Williams and Sharon Williams, both of Westville, Darlene (Lou) Aigner of Frankfort, Ill., and Tracy Thomas of Shilton, England.

Preceding him in death were his father, Douglas Williams, and one sister, Deborah Beck.

Cremation will take place. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date. Lakeview Funeral Home and Crematory, La Porte, is handling arrangements.

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

Robert “Bob” D. Proud, 74, of La Porte, Ind., passed away peacefully at 10:50 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, at Northwest Health – La Porte.

He was born Sept. 3, 1946, in South Bend, Ind. His grandparents, William J. and Claris P. Proud, raised him.

Bob honorably served his country in the United States Army. He was a former police officer for the Michigan City Police Department as well as a security officer at the Indiana State Prison in Michigan City. Bob was an avid sports fan, especially of the White Sox and the Raiders. He lived for caring for his wife, Ila.

On Sept. 20, 1992, in Elm City, N.C., he married Ila Jean (Koepke) Proud, who survives.

Also surviving are his four step-children, Cindi (Al) Anderson of La Porte, Donna (Gary) Huddleston of Columbia, Miss., Judi (Brian) Dreibelbis of Argos, Ind., and Dennis Koepke of La Porte; 11 grandchildren, John (Marie) Sechrest, Lisa (Shannon) List, Tonya Shaffer, Nikki, Tiffany and Cody Dreibelbis, Steve Koepke, Crystal Gilroy, Dennis Koepke Jr., Brandon Koepke, and Angie Koloj; numerous great-grandchildren; and one close friend, Howard Conley of La Porte.

His grandparents preceded him in death.

Cremation will take place. A graveside service will be held at noon, Friday, Dec. 18, at Springville Cemetery, La Porte, with Priestess Tonya Shaffer officiating. Lakeview Funeral Home and Crematory, La Porte, is handling arrangements.

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

Christine M. Jaques, 68, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2020, at 5:59 p.m. EST in Walterboro, S.C.

She was born Sept. 11, 1952, in Michigan City, Ind., to Joseph and Aloysia (Harper) Markiewicz.

Christine was a patient registrar for nearly 10 years at Franciscan Health, Michigan City, Ind. Prior to that she worked in the billing office for Walters Clinic. She enjoyed spending time with family and friends, watching movies and doing fun activities with her grandchildren, outdoor fires and iris folding craft. Chris recently started at the local university, taking computer classes.

On April 26, 1972, she married Arthur Williams Jaques, Jr., who preceded her in death on Oct. 13, 2014.

She was also preceded in death by her parents and grandson, Steven Vance.

Surviving are her children, Gwendolyn (Tommy) Wilson of Michigan City, Michelle Jaques of  South Carolina, Jennifer (Christopher) Eich of South Carolina and Lindsey Kirkham of La Porte; grandchildren, Marisa Loiacono-Wilson, Tommy Wilson III, Jaden Wilson, Brittney Vance, Bella Jaques, Nevaeh Eich, Keaton Eich, Ryan Eich, Serenity Eich, Adelynn Eich, and Briar Kilburg; sister, Diane Anderson of West Lake Village, Calif.; and several nieces and nephews.

Local arrangements have taken place with Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, La Porte.  A private family graveside service will take place at Graceland Cemetery in Valparaiso, Ind., at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family c/o Gwendolyn Wilson, 2900 Monroe St., La Porte, IN 46350, or to the donor’s choice.

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

RuthEllen S. Murray peacefully passed away on Nov. 24, 2020, in Ocala, Fla., at Clare Bridge Memory Care.  

RuthEllen was born April 12, 1924, in Evansville, Ind. 

She graduated from the University of Kentucky in 1947.

RuthEllen was married to Len L. Murray on March 15, 1947, and moved to La Porte, Ind., in 1959.  They raised four children in La Porte: Bud (Karen) Murray, Peter (Betsey) Murray, James (Erin) Murray and Kitty (Rick) Knoll.  

Her husband Len, son Peter and grandson Rok preceded her in death.

She enjoyed a wonderful long life, living about 30 years on Sanibel Island, then moving to Albuquerque, NM. RuthEllen did a lot of traveling later in life and had a zest for visiting new places. She had an adventurous soul and will be sadly missed by her children, 13 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

The family asks only for your prayers and thoughts for RuthEllen.

Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP.

Louis E Weeks, 38, of La Porte, Ind., passed away Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2020, at Franciscan Health Hospital in Indianapolis.

He was born Aug. 28, 1982, in La Porte, the son of Robert Weeks and Peggy (Clendenning) Weeks Loehmer.

An avid sportsman, Louis played little league baseball as a child and began his love of the White Sox and an extensive baseball card collection. While in high school, he swam the butterfly for the La Porte swim team.  He was a softball fanatic, playing in many La Porte and Michigan City leagues, even winning a few championships. He also loved kayaking and hiking with his two dogs, Great Dane, Wilson, and beagle mix, Miles. He collected comic books, especially Spiderman and Joker, and had just begun dabbling in woodworking. Above all else, though, he loved and was devoted to his family.

On May 20, 2017, in La Porte, Louis married Amanda Lee Craven Weeks, who survives.

Louis is also survived by his father, Robert of La Porte; his mother, Peggy (Mark) Loehmer of Westville, Ind.; brother Kelly (Tabitha) Weeks and their children, Shon Weeks and Hollie and Cayla Bryan of Georgia; brother Andrew (Emily) Weeks of South Carolina; sister Maggie (Doug) Fritzen and their children, Dylan, Isabella and Harrison of La Porte;  step-sister, Amber (Patrick) Vuich and their children, Hazel, Jake and Jase of South Carolina; step-brothers, Adam Loehmer of South Bend, Ind., and Zachary Loehmer of Portage, Ind.; and several aunts, uncles and cousins. 

Louis was preceded in death by his grandparents.  

The family has selected cremation. Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, La Porte, is handling arrangements.

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

Lewis David Elzey, 80, of Michigan City, Ind., and formerly of St. Charles, Ill., Butler, Pa., Barberton, Oh., and Royal Oak, Mich., died peacefully among family Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020, at the home of his eldest son in Lizton, Ind.

He was born Sept. 6, 1940, in Parkersburg, W.Va., to Lewis Woodward and Helen Virginia (Whitehare) Elzey. 

Lewis earned his bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering and mathematics from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, and worked as a project and safety engineer for over 50 years in the rail car industry. He retired from Union Tank Car Company in 2012. 

Lewis’ belief that Christ died for all compelled him to live his life in service to all. He attended Evergreen Baptist Church and cherished teaching adult Sunday school. He dedicated over 20 years of service to Child Evangelism Fellowship and ministering to those in prison.  He also donated 22 gallons of blood over his lifetime. 

Music held a special place in his heart. He sang in the U of M Men’s Glee Club and continued with its Alumni Glee Club in his later years. Lewis loved driving cross country, gathering his family for Lake Michigan vacations, Oink’s Ice Cream, and a good game of pinochle or Rummikub. He enjoyed Albano’s Pizza with family and friends at every opportunity. And pie. Always pie.

He is survived by his sister, Helen Fairbanks, and brother, Edwin (Marji) Elzey; four children, Bennett (Sarah) Elzey, Meggon (Thomas) McKinley, Jared (Carey) Elzey and Merit Stloukal; and 13 grandchildren and their families.

He was preceded in death by his parents and Kathleen Elzey (divorced.) 

Visitation will be from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. La Porte time Wednesday, Dec. 9, at Evergreen Baptist Church, Michigan City, followed by an 11 a.m. funeral service. Burial will be at Brighton Cemetery, Howe, Ind., at 3:15 p.m. La Porte time. Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, La Porte, is handling arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Paradigm Health Hospice, 8904 Bash St., Suite B, Indianapolis, Ind. 46256.  

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

Jeff L. Orszulak, 64, of La Porte, Ind., passed away Friday, Nov. 27, 2020, at Northwest Health – La Porte.

He was born March 6, 1956, to Michael “Mike” Orszulak, Sr., and Lorraine (Lowery) Orszulak.

Jeff worked in retail for many years as a manager of maintenance. After he retired, Jeff enjoyed spending time in his garden and working on and detailing cars. 

Surviving are his two daughters, Kristen Moore of La Porte and Lynsey Orszulak of Minnesota; one sister, Phoebe (Terry) Miller of Washburn, Wis.; two brothers, Dan Orszulak of Michigan City, Ind., and Mike Orszulak, Jr., of Clermont, Fla.; and two nephews, Kevin Miller of Minnesota and Dan Orszulak, Jr., of Indiana.

 Preceding him in death were his parents, Michael Orszulak, Sr., and Lorraine Gresham.

 Cremation will take place. A private family celebration of life will be held. Lakeview Funeral Home and Crematory, La Porte, is handling arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be directed to his sister, Phoebe Miller, c/o Lakeview Funeral Home and Crematory, 247 W. Johnson Rd., La Porte, Ind. 46350.

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

Ryan M. Losiniecki, 38, of Michigan City, Ind., passed away Thursday, Nov. 26, 2020, at 11:20 a.m. in his home.

He was born Nov. 23, 1982, in Michigan City to Raymond and Kimberli (Wolfe) Losiniecki, who survive in Michigan City.

Also surviving are a daughter, Mariska Losiniecki of Michigan City; two sons, Clayton and Riley Losiniecki, both of Michigan City; two sisters, Shannon (Kar) Nallenweg of New Carlisle, Ind., and Nicole (Roberto Morales) Losiniecki of Rolling Prairie, Ind.; and his brother, Brandon Losiniecki of Michigan City.

Ryan had worked as a maintenance man at Aero Metals. He enjoyed hunting, radio-controlled cars and watching football.

A private family service will be conducted. Ott/Haverstock Funeral Chapel, Michigan City, is handling arrangements.

Contributions may be made to the American Heart Association 6100 W. 96th St., Suite 200, Indianapolis, Ind. 46278.

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