Jacob Roy Hampton, 26, of Mill Creek, IN, died unexpectedly June 23, 2014.

He was born Jan. 7, 1988, in LaPorte to James Roy and Rebecca (Hicks) Hampton.

Surviving are his mother, Rebecca “Becky” (Algis) Bacevicius of Mill Creek; daughter, Lilyann Ray Hampton of LaPorte; brother, Seth Bacevicius of Mill Creek; grandmother, Nancy (Eugene) Klute of LaPorte; aunts, Dawn Rajski of Newbern, TN, Linda Hampton of Columbus, OH, and Sandra Dye of Colorado; uncle, Russ Hampton of Colorado; and several cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, James Roy Hampton; grandfather, Ivan Hicks; grandparents, Leonard and Edna Hampton; and two great-grandmothers, Frances Stanage and Bessie Hicks.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, June 27, at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, LaPorte, with Rev. Mark Keel officiating. Visitation will be Friday from 9 a.m. until the service.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family of Jacob Hampton, c/o Becky Bacevicius, 2900 Monroe St., LaPorte, IN 46350.

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

Mr. Randall Lee Conlin, 54, of LaPorte, died Sunday, June 22, 2014, at Gary Methodist Hospital in Gary, IN.

He was born Feb. 3, 1960, in Michigan City, IN, to Arthur Boyce Conlin and Fannie Mae (Floyd) Conlin.

Randall was a carpenter by trade. He grew up and attended school in New Buffalo, MI, and after marriage, he moved to LaPorte. He was a loving father and papa. Randy was loved by his family and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by his daughter, Nicole Conlin-Losiniecki; grandchild, TJ Losiniecki; former wife, Angie Conlin; four brothers, William (Pat) Conlin of New Buffalo, Jim (Betty) Conlin of Florida, Walt (Patty) Conlin of LaPorte and John (Mary) Conlin of Michigan City; four sisters, Mildred (Bill) Moss of Tennessee, Pat English of New Buffalo, Helen (Randy) Miller of Three Oaks, MI, and Vickie (Lavoyd) Hall of Florida; and sister-in-law, Maudean Conlin of New Buffalo.

Randall was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Michael David Conlin and Boyce Duane Conlin; sister-in-law, Colleen Werner-Conlin; and brother-in-law, Richard English.

The family will receive friends at Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, LaPorte, on Friday, June 27, from 10 to 11 a.m. A life celebration will be held Friday at 11 a.m. at the funeral home with Walt Conlin officiating. Cremation will take place.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Family of Randall Lee Conlin.

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

Mrs. Cleo M. Crites, 89, of LaPorte, died Tuesday, June 24, 2014, at Oak Woods Manor in LaPorte.

She was born Jan. 3, 1925, in Hamlet, IN, to Chester and Cecil (Moyer) Davis.

Cleo worked for 20 years as a cashier for Five-Star Supermarket in LaPorte. She was a member of First Apostolic United Pentecostal Church of LaPorte. Cleo enjoyed gardening and spending time with her family and friends.

On July 22, 1954, in Westville, IN, she married Glen D. Crites, who preceded her in death on Feb. 26, 2010.

Her parents and one brother, Gayle Davis, also preceded her in death.

She is survived by her daughter, Jody (Mark Lawson) Bates of Hamlet; two sons, Darrell (Sharon) Crites of LaPorte and Gregory (Patty) Crites of Union Mills, IN; five grandchildren, Todd Bates, Nicole Bates, Kelly Maule, Joel Crites, and Stephany Dreessen; six great-grandchildren; and special childhood friend, Louisa Gordon of Hamlet.

The family will receive friends at Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, LaPorte, on Friday, June 27, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. A life celebration will be held Friday at 1:30 p.m. at the funeral home with Rev. Richard Hoffman officiating. Interment will follow at Kingsbury Cemetery, Kingsbury, IN.

Memorial contributions may be made to VNA Hospice of LaPorte, P.O. Box 250, LaPorte, IN 46350; or First Apostolic United Pentecostal Church, 1930 Boyd Blvd., LaPorte, IN 46350.

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

Mr. Mark D. Kroening, 62, of Cincinnati, OH, and formerly of LaPorte, died Sunday, May 25, 2014.

He was born Jan. 8, 1952, in LaPorte to Lyle W. Kroening and Clara (Heath) Kroening-Castle.

Mark worked as a water well driller for Oliver Well Drilling. He was a past school board member of the New Durham Township Metropolitan District, past president of Westville, IN, Little League and past coach of girls softball in Westville. He was a Pom-Pom Dad for his daughter when she was in school. Mark was a baptized member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, LaPorte. He had a degree in business marketing from Purdue.

He married Amy (DeBorde) Kroening in Gatlinburg, TN. She survives.

He is also survived by his children, Katie Zila of Noblesville, IN, and Mikayla, Katelyn, Alexander and Naomi; his mother, Clara (Jerry) Castle of Henderson, NV; two brothers, Brian and Todd Kroening, both of Henderson; and two aunts, Barbara (Robert) Elliott and Marion Heath, both of LaPorte.

Mark was preceded in death by his father; one brother, Jeff Kroening; and grandparents, George and Helen Kroening and Lillian and Paul Heath.

A life celebration will be held at Pine Lake Cemetery, LaPorte, on Saturday, June 28, at 10 a.m. with Rev. Ronald A. Brauer officiating, followed by burial of ashes. There will be no visitation. Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, LaPorte, is handling local arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Family of Mark D. Kroening c/o Haverstock Funeral Home.

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

Deanne “Pete” Hawkins, 58, of LaPorte, died peacefully at 12:45 p.m. Tuesday, June 24, 2014, in her home surrounded by her family.

She was born Dec. 24, 1955, in LaPorte to Floyd and Gladys (Erne) Price.

Pete loved her dog, Poncho, and her husband, Bob, the most, as well as, camping, playing bingo, euchre and bowling. She enjoyed working at the Westville Correctional Center and was a member of PRCU, Polish Falcons and the Drum and Bugle Corps. Pete will be greatly missed by all of her family and friends.

On May 26, 1979, in LaPorte,she married Robert Hawkins Sr., who survives.

Also surviving are three children, Robert (Debbie) Hawkins Jr. of LaPorte, Lisa (Damian) Willoughby of California and James (Stephanie) Hawkins of Florida; grandson, Robert Lowell Hawkins of LaPorte; three sisters, Danielle (Neil) Straub, Patricia Warren and Michelle (Bill) Liffick Murray, all of LaPorte; 13 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; special sister-in-law and brother-in-law and friends, Patti and Denny Danitschek; and her camping family friends at Mini Mountain Campground.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her in-laws, John and Nancy Hawkins.

A funeral service celebrating her life will be held at 5 p.m. Friday, June 27, at Lakeview Funeral Home and Crematory, LaPorte, with Pastor Mike Johnson officiating. Visitation will be Friday from 2 p.m. until the service.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Lung Association, 115 W. Washington St., Ste 1180-S, Indianapolis, IN 46204.

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

Ardith Lucille Shaffer (Manis Wittchen) Blessed Child of God, of LaPorte and formerly of Monterey, IN, passed peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, June 25, 2014.

She was born Sept. 17, 1932, to Lester and Ruth (Gray) Manis in Hammond, IN. Loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother.

Ardith was a member of Salem Chapel and formerly United Methodist Church of Monterey. She had many diverse talents and vocations during her life: carpentry, postmaster, Mary Kay beauty consultant, artist, server, seamstress, caregiver, teaching volunteer, to name a few. Ardith held art exhibits and sales with her beautiful paintings, which benefited the homeless and hungry.

On Dec. 22, 1952, she married Robert O. Wittchen, who preceded her in death. On Jan. 10, 1981, she married Roy Shaffer, who preceded her in death June 20, 2004.

She was also preceded in death by son, Douglas Wittchen; her parents; two brothers, John Manis and Bud Manis; and two sisters, Ruth Ann Manis and Marian Mahler.

She is survived by son, David R. Wittchen, and daughter, Lynn A. (James) Boatwright, both of LaPorte; granddaughters, Holly (Randy) Fagan of Hartselle, AL, Carrie (Dan) Edlen of Valparaiso, IN, and Ashley Dobbin of Mishawaka, IN; grandson, Maxfield (Kaylena) Gulab of Wanatah, IN; great-grandsons, Douglas (Haely) Shaffer, Grant (Jennifer) Froehlke, Zane Elrick, Ezra Elrick, Drake Edlen, and Owen Edlen; great-great-grandson, Sebastian Froehlke; many nieces and nephews; and two special “boys,” Mischief and Mayhem.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, June 30, at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, LaPorte. Visitation will be held Sunday, June 29, from 2 to 6 p.m. and Monday from 10 a.m. until the service. Burial will follow the service at Pine Lake Cemetery, LaPorte.

Memorial contributions may be made by loving thy neighbor in accordance to the commandment of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Condolences may be shared with the family below on WNLP, as well as at www.cutlerfuneralhome.com.

Dawn Anne Catherine Wells, 68, of LaPorte, and formerly of Chesterton, IN, died Sunday, June 6, 2014, at Franciscan St. Anthony Health, Michigan City, IN, under hospice care.

She was born March 4, 1946, in New York City to Henry and Catherine (Reinschmidt) Schneider.

Dawn Anne worked as an executive secretary and medical transcriptionist before moving to Indiana from Pittsburgh, PA, with her husband and children in 1984. She was a weekly volunteer for the Child Evangelism Fellowship and the Liberty Bible Church Library. Dawn Anne contributed to other Christian ministries as well, including the Liberty Bible Church LaPorte Campus children’s ministry. Dawn was an avid gardener and enjoyed wildflower botanizing.

Dawn Anne and her husband moved to Union Mills, IN, in late 2004 and then downsized to LaPorte in 2013 as her health deteriorated.

She is survived by her husband, Thomas Wells; her son, Michael Wells; her daughter, Becki Wells; and six grandchildren.

Dawn Anne, an only child, was preceded in death by her parents.

Her life will be celebrated during a private family gathering during the 4th of July holiday. Cremation has been entrusted to Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, LaPorte.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Liberty Bible Church Benevolent Fund, 824 N. Calumet Ave., Chesterton, IN 46304; or First Step of LaPorte (in the Salvation Army building), 3240 Monroe St., LaPorte, IN 46350.

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

Mr. Robert Alan Knotts, 64, of LaPorte, died Monday, June 23, 2014, at his home.

He was born July 20, 1949, in Michigan City, IN, to Thomas Earl and Dorothy (Strutts) Knotts.

Robert is survived by his mother, Dorothy Knotts of Rolling Prairie, IN; son, Stephan Knotts of LaPorte; eight brothers, Eddy Knotts of Texas, Adriel Knotts of Kingsford Heights, IN, Thomas Knotts and Kevin Knotts of Rolling Prairie, Keith Knotts of LaPorte, Dwayne Knotts of Kentucky, Calvin Higgins of Florida, and David Knotts of LaPorte; two sisters, Melody Knotts of Florida and Kristy Knotts of South Bend, IN; and many nieces and nephews.

Robert was preceded in death by his father; one son, Robert A Knotts Jr.; and one sister, Yvonne Chledowski.

A gathering of friends and family will be held at Haverstock Funeral Home, LaPorte, on Sunday, June 29, from 2 to 4 p.m. There will be no service. Cremation will take place.

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

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

Leona Martha Anna Reynolds Collins, 98, of LaPorte, died peacefully at home on June 26, 2014.

She was born Dec. 10, 1915, in LaPorte to Earl and Martha (Rosenow) Reynolds and lived in LaPorte her entire life.

Leona was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend who delighted in community activities and in her family. She was a lifelong member of First United Methodist Church in LaPorte and spent numerous hours volunteering her time to help the church, which included stuffing newspapers at the Herald-Argus, ushering, volunteering as a secretary, and even donating the contents of her home to her church when she downsized into a smaller apartment.

Leona was a proud graduate of LaPorte High School and was excited to be a secretary at the school, where she worked until her retirement. She enjoyed working with the students and attending sporting events. Leona had a closet full of Slicers gear and enjoyed going to basketball and baseball games, where she cheered as loudly as possible. Leona was also a member of the LaPorte Aero Club, where she served as secretary; the Women’s Circle at her church, Naomi Circle LaPorte Chapter 280 O.E.S., LaPorte Hospital Auxiliary, LaPorte Camera and Travel Club, Retired Public Employees of Indiana Inc., and various dance groups around town. She made sure to pick up friends to take them to church when they did not have their own transportation and also volunteered serving lunches for funerals of church members.

Leona delighted in the world around her. She taught her granddaughters and great-grandchildren to “look!” and see all that was around them. She took pleasure in the simple things, from the beautiful peonies growing in her garden, to the taste of a juicy ripe strawberry, to growing her own garden. Leona loved being outside and delighted in being able to see Chicago from the shores of Lake Michigan in Michigan City. She made sure family was and felt important, traveling frequently to visit her son and granddaughters, both in their homes and when they were in college. She made sure she attended local band concerts, both when her son played in them and long after he no longer did. Leona made sure to walk at least a mile a day, most commonly outside, even after she broke her hip and relied on a walker.

On Oct. 2, 1937, Leona married Robert “Bob” Collins, who preceded her in death on May 21, 1979. Leona also had a longtime friend, Wayne Wilberg, with whom she enjoyed traveling via car, air and cruises; he preceded her in death in 1999.

She was also preceded in death by her parents; her brothers Harold, Charles and Earl Reynolds; and her sister, Myrtlemae Phillips.

She is survived by her son, Douglas R. Collins of Westerville, OH; granddaughters, Jennifer (Steve) Keutzer of St. Louis, MO, and Heather (Adam) Kolp of New Albany, OH; and great-grandchildren, Hadley, Gretchen, Delaney and Addison Kolp and Sarah, Jonah, and soon-to-be-born baby girl Keutzer.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, LaPorte, on Wednesday, July 2, at 10 a.m. Visitation will be Tuesday, July 1, from 4 to 8 p.m. Burial will follow the service at Patton Cemetery, LaPorte.

Memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church, 1225 Michigan Ave., LaPorte, IN 46350.

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

Mary Lou Wright, 83, of Rolling Prairie, IN, died Saturday, June 28, 2014, at Millers Merry Manor, New Carlisle, IN.

She was born June 28, 1931, in LaPorte to Lawrence and Frances (Fara) Bass.

Mary worked as a accountant and tax preparer for over 40 years. She was a member of First Christian Church of Rolling Prairie and VFW Women’s Auxiliary Post 9423 of Rolling Prairie. She coordinated the first women’s billiards and dart leagues in LaPorte and Rolling Prairie. She enjoyed activities at the Swanson Activity Center in LaPorte, and was past president of the Tuesday Recreational Club. She was an avid card and bingo player.

Mary is survived by her son, Jess (Marcella) Miller of Rolling Prairie; two daughters, Dawn (Ron) Heider and April Harradon, both of LaPorte; two brothers, Peter Oberholtzer of Rolling Prairie and Ronald Oberholtzer of LaPorte; sister, Kathleen West of Carmel, IN; eight grandchildren, Stephanie Clendenen, Greg Miller, Alisha Stoewer, Michelle Stoewer, Justin Miller, Zachary Harradon, Brandi Harradon, and Caitlin Miller; three step-grandchildren, John McNally, Tim McNally and Christopher McNally; and three great-grandchildren, Jayden Allen, Carriana Peals and Zarion Harradon.

Mary was preceded in death by one son, Michael Miller; two brothers, William Bass and Walt Oberholtzer; and a sister, Cleo Oberholtzer.

The family will receive friends at Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, LaPorte, on Wednesday, July 2, from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. A life celebration will be held Wednesday at 2 p.m. at the funeral home. Cremation will follow with burial of ashes in Rolling Prairie Cemetery.

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

Barbara Ann Egolf, 74, of LaPorte, died peacefully at 12:05 p.m. Sunday, June 29, 2014, at LaPorte Miller’s Health & Rehabilitation Center.

She was born Aug. 1, 1939, in Michigan City, IN, to Lloyd and Henrietta (Stratton) Bielski.

Barbara worked at Thanhardt-Burger in LaPorte, making custom picture frames for nearly 20 years. She enjoyed the outdoors, caring for her yard and garden. Barbara loved fishing and taking the great-grandchildren to the park.

On June 28, 1958, in Michigan City, she married Floyd U. Egolf, who preceded her in death.

Also preceding her in death were her parents; one son, Micheal Allen Egolf; and one granddaughter, Linda Lynn Weldy.

Surviving are two sons, Robert (Karen) Egolf and Mark Christopher (Lorrie) Egolf, both of LaPorte; one brother, Lloyd George (Nancy) Bielski of Niles, MI; two grandchildren, Ashley Lindewald and Billy Lewis; three great-grandchildren, David and Valerie Mrozinski and Avery Lewis; and one brother-in-law, Lloyd Egolf.

There will be no services. Lakeview Funeral Home and Crematory, LaPorte, is handling arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 130 Red Coach Dr., Mishawaka, IN 46545.

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

Mrs. Mary Jo Lehman, 75, of North Judson, IN, died Monday, June 30, 2014, at her home.

She was born March 26, 1939, in Traverse City, MI, to Archie and Elnora (Spooner) Buchan.

Mary Jo had worked for Boise Cascade, retiring in 1996. She enjoyed doing needlework and was a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

On Oct. 22, 1960, in Michigan City, IN, she married Bobby Joe Lehman, who survives.

She is also survived by her five sons, Larry (Sue) Lehman of Michigan City, and Billy (Kim) Lehman, Robert (Linda) Lehman, Norman Lehman and Mathew (Jackie) Lehman, all of LaPorte; two daughters, Janet (Bobby) Smith of Jacksonville, FL, and Jody Lehman of LaPorte; nine grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; two brothers, Larry Kelley and Dale Kelley; and two sisters, Eva Kelley and Beatrice Shimkus.

Mary Jo was preceded in death by her parents; five brothers, Vernal Kelley, Don Kelley, Roy Kelley, Neil Kelley and Joe Kelley; and two sisters, Garnet Kelley and Freida Mielke.

The family will receive friends at Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, LaPorte, on Wednesday, July 2, from 6 to 8 p.m. and Thursday, July 3, from 10 to 11 a.m.. A life celebration will be held Thursday at 11 a.m. at the funeral home with Rev. Roger Ash officiating. Interment will follow at Pine Lake Cemetery, LaPorte.

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

John H. Bachert, 75, of LaPorte, died July 1, 2014, at 9:06 p.m. at Hospice Franciscan Communities, Michigan City, IN.

He was born March 14, 1939, in South Bend, IN, to John E. and Marcile (Warner) Bachert.

John retired after serving as a LaPorte city firefighter for 21 years. He was a U.S. Army veteran, having served in France during peacetime, and a member of Indiana Association of Firefighters Local 363.

In October 1961, he married Kathleen Schnable, and they were the best of friends until his passing.

He was also preceded in death by his parents; two daughters, Christine Bradford and Kathleen Wilburn; one grandson; Mark Ronan; and former wife, Diane Mays Bachert.

He is survived by two daughters, Jennifer (Jim) Ronan of Pompano Beach, FL, and Angela (Leonard) Bachert of Atlanta, GA; one son, John C. (Linda) Bachert of LaPorte; stepchildren, Donnie Mays, Lisa Banic, Stacy Gordenier and Rea Ann Mays; six grandchildren, MacKenzie (Craig) Hammonds, Alexandra (Eddie) Gehrmann, Scotty Bradford, Marysol Mendez, Sabrina Mendez, and Philip Fremento; one sister, Sharon Milzarek of LaPorte; two brothers, Ted (Donna) McCleery of LaPorte and Ron E. Bachert of Florida; son-in-law, Gordon Wilburn; and several nieces and nephews.

There will be no visitation; private family only. Essling Funeral Home, LaPorte, is handling arrangements.

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

M. Marcile Reeg, 100, of LaPorte, died July 2, 2014, at Lakeland Hospital in Niles, MI, following a brief illness.

She was born Oct. 13, 1913, in Kankakee, IL, to Frank and Grace (New) Zedeck.

After the death of her father in 1918, Marcile’s mother moved to LaPorte with her family and Marcile attended LaPorte schools. Marcile worked in the medical field for many years, starting at Holy Family Hospital in LaPorte during World War II. She then worked for Dr. Martin and later retired from Dr. Larson’s office. After retirement, she worked briefly for the Newby, Lewis, Kaminski & Jones law firm.

When Marcile’s husband was in the Marines, they traveled to and from California. She always fondly remembered the time they spent there. They also enjoyed bowling in tournaments. Travel was a passion of Marcile’s and she enjoyed several trips to Europe and upper Michigan with her friends. She enjoyed cross stitching, playing bridge and working around her home.

On Nov. 22, 1939, she married Randolph L. Reeg, who preceded her in death on Sept. 27, 1959.

She was also preceded in death by her mother, Grace Conner; her father, Francis (Frank) Zedeck; and her brother, Stanley Zedeck.

A graveside service will be held in her honor on Saturday, July 5, at 10 a.m. at Pine Lake Cemetery, LaPorte. Father Thomas Kincaid will officiate. Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, LaPorte, is handling arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be directed to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 1000 Michigan Ave., LaPorte, IN 46350; or IU Health LaPorte Hospital Foundation, 1007 Lincolnway, LaPorte, IN 46350.

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

Margaret Helena Heckard Applegate, 101, formerly of LaPorte, died July 1, 2014.

Margaret was born April 26, 1913, in Lacon, IL, to Grover Cleveland Heckard and Helena Ahrndt Heckard. As a young child she moved to LaPorte, where she graduated from LaPorte High School.

She met and married George Harding Applegate Sr. in 1933. They had enjoyed 72 years of marriage when he preceded her in death in 2005.

Margaret was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother as well as a role model for good citizenship through meaningful service to her community. In East Chicago, IN, she served as president of Beta Gamma Upsilon, a charitable sorority that sponsored projects in the community with special attention to hospitals and clinics. She was also president of the East Chicago Women’s Club, which worked with the city to sponsor projects to assist those in need as well as to improve the community. Her terms as president of the East Chicago Garden Club served to nurture her creative nature. She was active in the local Community Chest, which became the United Way. She was very pleased to be the first female to hold the office of president of a Missouri Synod Lutheran Church Council in the state of Indiana in the 1960s. She was very active in her church. More recently she had been a member of St. Stephen’s Lutheran (ELCA) Church of Plainfield, IN. The late Gov. Frank O’Bannon presented her with the Distinguished Hoosier Award in honor of her community service. Aside from growing up in LaPorte, Margaret lived in Jeffersonville, Indianapolis, East Chicago, Warsaw, and Camby, IN, as well as Lacon, IL, and briefly in Iowa. She always considered herself a loyal Hoosier and was happy to participate in events that served her community and state. She was an amazing lady with a huge sense of humor who will be missed by all who were privileged to know her.

Margaret is survived by her three children: George Applegate Jr. of Griffith, IN, Margaret Applegate of Camby, IN, and Dianne (Allan) Brands of Crown Point, IN; six grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.

Her two brothers, John “Bud” Heckard and Grover “Duff” Heckard, preceded her in death.

The family wishes to thank the very competent and caring health care workers who cared for Margaret in her final weeks at Westside Village Health Center in Indianapolis.

Services will be conducted at Essling Funeral Home, LaPorte, on Monday, July 7, at 1 p.m. with Rev. Robert Rohrman officiating. Visitation will be Monday from 11 a.m. until the service. Burial will follow the service at Pine Lake Cemetery, LaPorte.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church, 1001 Concord Rd., Plainfield, IN 46168, or the charity of your choice.

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

Albert M. Torrone, 68, of LaPorte, died peacefully at 12:15 p.m. Sunday, July 6, 2014, at Golden Living Center Fountainview Terrace, LaPorte.

He was born Sept. 14, 1945.

There will be no services. Cremation will take place. Lakeview Funeral Home and Crematory, LaPorte, is handling arrangements.

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

Michael C. McMahan, 73, of LaPorte, died Sunday, July 6, 2014, at IU Health LaPorte Hospital.

He was born Feb. 2, 1941, in LaPorte to Edgar and Lucille (Wainscott) McMahan.

Michael worked for the post office as a mail carrier. He was a family man who loved his wife, children and grandchildren. He also loved the family boxer, Maddie. He was a very generous man and would give the shirt off his back to someone in need. If you were a friend, you were a friend for life. He attended Salem Chapel.

On April 5, 1965, in Tennessee, he married Phyllis Ashcraft, who survives.

Also surviving are one daughter, Trisha McMahan of LaPorte; one son, Brian (Jen) McMahan of New Carlisle, IN; three grandchildren, Anthony Rogers, Jake McMahan and Sean Rogers; one sister, and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one grandson, Nate McMahan; and one sister, Pat Vermilyer.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, July 11, at Essling Funeral Home, LaPorte, with Rev. Bob Raschka officiating. Visitation will be Thursday, July 10, from 4 to 7 p.m.

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

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

LeRoy “Lee” Machtemes, 71, of LaPorte, left this world behind at 10 p.m. Monday, June 30, 2014, in his home.

He was born Jan. 22, 1943, in Harvey, IL, to Joseph and Mathilda (Kraatz) Machtemes. He was the youngest child of Joseph and Mathilda.

Lee was a professing Evangelic Christian and knew death was the only doorway to Jesus Christ. Lee is loved and missed by many.

Surviving are two sisters, Geraldine Manning and Lucille Plunkett; his four children, Marjorie Weathers and Joseph, Amy and Jonathan Machtemes; six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and his best friend he ever had, Sue Briskey.

Preceding him in death were his oldest son, Brian, three brothers and six sisters.

A celebration of his life will be held at 4 p.m. Tuesday, July 15, at Calvary Baptist Church, 18th and I streets, LaPorte. Lakeview Funeral Home and Crematory, LaPorte, is handling arrangements.

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

Barbara Jean Wallace, 76, of LaPorte, died Saturday, June 5, 2014, at IU Health LaPorte Hospital.

She was born June 12, 1937, in LaPorte to James S. and Cleta (Newland) Gourley.

Barbara worked for 10 years at Hamilton Grove Community. She enjoyed horseback riding, motorcycle riding, crocheting, knitting, and collecting horse figurines. She especially loved spending time with her family.

She is survived by her life partner, Reinie Shippee of Rolling Prairie, IN; daughter, Dawn M. (Kevin) Bennett of Warren, IN; three sons, Nicholas L. (Racheal) Wallace of Butler, IN, Marshall F. Wallace of South Bend, IN, and Chad (Shannon) Shippee; two brothers, James S. (Faye) Gourley of Portage, IN, and Charles R. (Tonya) Gourley of LaPorte; 15 grandchildren, Ashley Campbell, Allie Bennett, Lindsie Smoker, William J. Wallace, Dinah Wallace, Trina Wallace, Brian Wallace, Casey Wallace, Lance Jackson, Kymberly Zoll, Haley Wallace, Keigaan Wallace, Noah Wallace, Nicholas L. Wallace IV, and Austin Shippee; and 11 great-grandchildren.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, son William J. Wallace, and one brother, Robert Gourley.

A Gathering of Family and Friends will take place Thursday, July 10, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, LaPorte. Cremation will take place.

Memorial contributions may be made to Riley Children’s Hospital, 702 Barnhill Circle, Indianapolis, IN 46202.

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

Timothy Joel Johnson, 31, of Mill Creek, IN, died unexpectedly on Friday, July 4, 2014, in LaPorte.

Tim was born Sept. 22, 1982, in Plano, TX, to Julie (Hargrave) Johnson Magley and James N. Johnson. His father preceded him to God’s Kingdom.

If our love alone were enough to keep you with us, you wouldn’t be in heaven today.

On Oct. 5, 2013, he married the love of his life, April Cooper Johnson, who preceded him to God’s Kingdom on Feb. 20, 2014.

He is forever held in the hearts of his surviving parents, Julie and Jerry Magley; brother, Ethan Johnson; and aunts, uncles, cousins and dear friends.

The family wishes to thank all who have shown an outpouring of love and support, and requests the respect of privacy from all others.

A private celebration of his life for family and close friends is pending. Lakeview Funeral Home and Crematory, LaPorte, is handling arrangements.

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