Albert J. Hocutt, 95, of LaPorte, died Aug. 4, 2014, at IU Health LaPorte Hospital.

He was born July 22, 1919, in West Plains, MO, to Jess A. and Nanny (Knickerbaker) Hocutt.

Albert worked at New York Central Railroad, Bastian-Morley, and American Home Foods before his retirement. He was a World War II veteran, having served with the 11th Airborne Division. Albert was a member of the VFW and the American Legion.

On Jan. 6, 1940, in LaPorte, he married Irene Marie Hocutt, who preceded him in death.

He was also preceded in death by his parents; five brothers; six sisters; granddaughter, Tina Hocutt; and great-grandson, Junior Colston.

Surviving are his daughter, Janice (Larry) Daniels of LaPorte; his son, Donald Hocutt of LaPorte; grandchildren, Dawn (Charles) Long, Kristine (Mark) Owens and Jeffrey Daniels; 15 great-grandchildren; nephews, Mike (Gail) Hocutt and Randy (Janet) Hocutt; and several nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 3 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 7, at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, LaPorte, with Rev. Dr. Joseph Loftis officiating. Visitation will be held from 2 to 3 p.m. Thursday. Full military honors will be conducted at the funeral home. Private burial will take place at Patton Cemetery, LaPorte.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Trinity Lutheran Church General Fund, 907 Michigan Ave., LaPorte, IN 46350.

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

Basil L. Winn Jr., 87, of LaPorte, died at 5:50 p.m. Aug. 4, 2014, at IU Health LaPorte Hospital.

He was born Oct. 6, 1926, in LaPorte to Basil Sr. and Betty (Wright) Winn, and was a lifelong resident of LaPorte.

Mr. Winn retired after 42 years of service as a core assembler at Modine Manufacturing Company. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II.

On May 7, 1949, in LaPorte, he married Doris C. Huge, who preceded him in death on Dec. 23, 1993. On Oct. 1, 1994, he married Nancy (Leonard) Starkey, who survives.

Also surviving are three stepsons, Steven (Angie) Starkey of LaPorte and Bryan (Sheri) Starkey and Wesley (Theresa) Starkey, both of New Carlisle, IN; six grandchildren, Jeff, Tim, Nicholas, Jerrica, Dustyn, and Dakota Starkey; one brother, James Winn; and several nieces and nephews.

Besides his first wife, he was also preceded in death by two sisters, Mildred Schmitz and Dorothy Warner, and one brother, Calvin Winn.

A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 9, at Essling Funeral Home, LaPorte, with Rev. Aaron Kretzschmar officiating. Visitation will be Friday, Aug. 8, from 4 to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. until the service. Burial with military honors will follow the service in Pine Lake Cemetery, LaPorte.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. John Lutheran Church, 111 Kingsbury Ave., LaPorte, IN 46350.

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

Calvin Lloyd Craft, 65, of LaPorte, died peacefully at 11:55 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2014, in his home.

He was born July 15, 1949.

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.

Eleanor E. Willis, 94, died at 8:45 p.m. Aug. 7, 2014, at Millers Merry Manor, New Carlisle, IN.

She was born Feb. 28, 1920, in Augusta, IN, to John and Hazel (Curtis) Keiser.

Eleanor was an excellent cook. She loved watching basketball and visiting with her friends. She was loved much and will be missed.

She is survived by one daughter, Pamela Willis of LaPorte; two sisters, Writha (Bill) Hannah and Betty (Raymond) Reed, both of LaPorte; niece, Connie (James Edwards) Reed of LaPorte; nephew, Stan Hannah of LaPorte; great-niece, Jamie Edwards of LaPorte; and great-nephew, Eric Edwards of LaPorte. She also leaves behind her good friends, Gloria Hazelgrove; Dave Schmitt and his children Alex, Andrew and Ashley; Bill Brown and his children Maggie and Ben; Dan and Mary Winter; Steve and Martha King and their son Sam; and her dear little beloved Chloe, an Australian shepherd.

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Hoyt Willis.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Millers Merry Manor for their kindness and wonderful care they provided for Eleanor.

There will be no service or visitation; cremation will take place. Essling Funeral Home, LaPorte, is handling arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to the LaPorte County Small Animal Shelter, 2855 W. Ind. 2, LaPorte, IN 46350.

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

Sadie Marie Sowards, 68, of Michigan City, IN, died unexpectedly on Friday, Aug. 8, 2014, while traveling with family in LaGrange County, IN.

She was born March 6, 1946, in Portsmouth, OH, to Thomas and Sadie (Stamper) Walters.

Sadie was a loving homemaker who enjoyed caring for her family and home. She was a member of Great Faith Baptist Church, Michigan City. Sadie enjoyed scrapbooking, traveling, flowers, genealogy, helping others, and serving Jesus, family and friends. She and her husband, Ronald, proudly accomplished their goal of traveling to all 50 states along with their lifelong friends Dorothy and Judson Chastain.

On Feb. 21, 1964, in New Buffalo, MI, she married the love of her life, Ronald Douglas Sowards Sr., who survives.

Also surviving are three children, Carol Sowards, Ronald Sowards Jr. and Dawn (Raymond) Peters, all of LaPorte; one sister, Linda (Gregory) Wallace of Ohio; two brothers, William (Pat) Walters and Darryl Walters, both of Ohio; six grandchildren, Adam, Lauren, Justin, Brittnie, Kameron, and Kristina; and several nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death were her parents, two grandchildren and one brother, TJ Walters.

A funeral celebrating her life will be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 13, at Lakeview Funeral Home and Crematory, LaPorte, with Pastor Paul Richardson officiating. Visitation will be Wednesday from 4 p.m. until the service. Burial will take place at Brick Union Cemetery, Kentucky, at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Great Faith Baptist Church, 7287 W. Johnson Rd., Michigan City, IN 46360.

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

James Elwood Mangold, 82, of Rolling Prairie, IN, died peacefully at 10:25 p.m. Friday, Aug. 8, 2014, at home surrounded by his loving family.

He was born July 24, 1932, in LaPorte to Floyd and Lotus (Brewer) Mangold.

James retired from Modine Manufacturing Company, LaPorte, after 30 years of service. He was a graduate of Rolling Prairie High School and attended Rolling Prairie United Methodist Church. James enjoyed farming, fishing, watching basketball and baseball, and cheering on the Colts. He also loved being a sports fan of his children and grandchildren.

On Nov. 13, 1950, in Lawrenceburg, IN, he married the love of his life, Shirley (Kleine) Mangold, who survives.

Also surviving are his son, Tim Mangold of Rolling Prairie; three daughters, Janet Mangold of Martinsville, VA, and Kathy (Andy) Baich and Marty (Jeff) Orr, both of Rolling Prairie; seven grandchildren, James H. (Aron) Mangold of LaPorte, Nick Mangold of Texas, Doug Orr of Rolling Prairie, Angie Elijah and Mindi Miller, both of Florida, Tina Baich of Indianapolis, and Kristy Miller of Michigan City, IN; nine great-grandchildren, Billy Elijah, Josh, Jeff and Isaac Miller, Jayden and Landen Mangold, and Jessie, Amber and Faith Miller; two brothers, Max of New Carlisle, IN, and Dan (Pam) of LaPorte; one sister, Carol (Walt) Sikora of LaPorte; brother-in-law, Eugene Klute of Rolling Prairie; and close family friend, Sandy Johnson of Rolling Prairie.

Preceding him in death were his parents; one daughter, Dianna Miller; one brother, Franklin; one sister, Mary Ellen Klute; and his stepfather, James Boniface.

A funeral celebrating his life will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 13, at Lakeview Funeral Home and Crematory, LaPorte, with Pastor Debbie Beason officiating. Visitation will be Tuesday, Aug. 12, from 4 to 7 p.m. and Wednesday from 10 a.m. until the service.

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

Josephine “Jo” Wallen, 91, of LaPorte, died Saturday, Aug. 9, 2014, at her home.

She was born March 5, 1923, in Veedersburg, IN, to David and Viola (Stonebreaker) Chapell.

Jo was a member of Calvary Baptist Church. She volunteered at the Salvation Army for many years. She was an avid bowler and enjoyed dancing and playing cards. Josephine loved to help and visit friends. She loved her family very much.

She married Raymond Lundgren, who preceded her in death on May 3, 1977. She later married Edward J. Wallen, who preceded her in death on Aug. 18, 1990.

She was also preceded in death by her parents; one daughter, Sharon Miller; four sisters and five brothers.

She is survived by two daughters, Suella (Curt) Oswald of Union Mills, IN, and Cathy Pardee of Fishers, IN; four grandchildren, Howard (Teri) Miller, Stephanie Miller Hill, Carey Miller and Dana Oswald; and three great-grandchildren, Tyler Miller, Lindsay Miller and Sami Jo Hill.

A life celebration will be held at Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, LaPorte, on Friday, Aug. 15, at noon with Rev. Curtis Southwood officiating. The family will receive friends on Friday, Aug. 15, from 10 a.m. to noon. Interment will follow the service at Kingsbury Cemetery, Kingsbury, IN.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Salvation Army of LaPorte, 3240 Monroe St., LaPorte, IN 46350; or Calvary Baptist Church, 1808 I St., LaPorte, IN 46350.

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

Sandra Ann Robinson, 71, of LaPorte, died Saturday, Aug. 9, 2014, at IU Health LaPorte Hospital.

She was born Jan. 15, 1943, in Chicago to Stanley and Marie (Aikman) Surowiec.

Sandra was a stay-at-home mom, cared for her grandchildren, and babysat numerous other children over the years. She graduated from LaPorte High School in 1961 and attended LaPorte Missionary Church. She enjoyed scrapbooking and creating homemade cards. Sandra loved her dogs, and especially enjoyed spending quality time with her children and grandchildren.

On May 4, 1963, in LaPorte, she married Marion “Jake” Robinson Jr., who survives.

Also surviving are her beloved children, Michaelanne (Mark) Otwinowski of LaPorte, Kelly (Brent) Ingram of Union Mills, IN, and Jamie Robinson and Mandy Robinson, both of South Bend, IN; grandchildren, Joshua, Brittany and Austin Ingram, Benjamin and Lindsay Otwinowski, and Hugh Mansfield; and her sister, Susan Grice of Elkhart, IN.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Robert Surowiec.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 12, at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, LaPorte, with Pastor Carl Galloway officiating. Visitation will be Tuesday from 3 p.m. until the service. Cremation will take place following the service.

Memorial contributions may be directed to The New Day Foundation, P.O. Box 13, LaPorte, IN 46352-0013.

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

Marcella Thomas Shelton, 94 3/4, of Michigan City, IN, died Saturday, Aug. 9, 2014, at Franciscan Hospice In-patient Unit.

She was born Oct. 21, 1919, in Hobart, IN, to H.O. “Tom” and Myrtle (Long) Thomas.

Marcella was a homemaker. She graduated in 1937 from Bourbon Township Consolidated School. Marcella was a member of the Red Hat Society and the Firecracker Fillies Chapter.

On Jan. 18, 1938, she married Paul Amos Shelton, who preceded her in death on Sept. 24, 1996.

She was also preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Alice Thomas an Mary Jane Schaetzle; grandson, Ronald Cooley, and one great-grandchild, Stephanie Doney.

Surviving are her beloved children, Penni E. (Jerry) Cooley of LaPorte and Paul E. (Johnna) Shelton of Michigan City; grandchildren, Jackie (Bob) Auger, Jeanie (Trip) Flanery, Steven (Anna) Shelton, David Shelton, Scott (Michelle) Cooley, and Beth (Steve) Messer; 11 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 14, at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, LaPorte. Visitation will be on Wednesday, Aug. 13, from 4 to 8 p.m. and on Thursday from 10 a.m. until the service. Burial will take place at Kingsbury Cemetery following the service.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the National Kidney Foundation of Indiana Inc., 911 E. 86th St., Suite 100, Indianapolis, IN 46240-1848; or the Hospice Franciscan Communities, 1225 E. Coolspring Ave., Michigan City, IN 46360.

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

James Strojny, 66, of LaPorte, died at 3:01 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 9, 2014, at IU Hospital in Indianapolis.

He was born Nov. 13, 1947, in LaPorte to Jacob and Eleanor (Kaminski) Strojny, and had lived in the LaPorte area his entire life.

James was a certified quality control technician at Federal Mobile in South Bend, IN. He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

On April 20, 1968, in LaPorte, he married Velma Masterson, who survives.

Also surviving are one son, Shawn (Kelly) Strojny of LaPorte; three sisters, Carol (Ronald) Ryba of Trail Creek, IN, Bernadette (Richard) Stroh of Union Mills, IN, and Elaine Nowak of Schererville, IN; one brother, Mark (Laurie) Strojny of LaPorte; mother-in-law, Lucille “May” Doherty of Lady Lake, FL; and sister-in-law, Patricia Strojny of Middlebury, IN.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Jerome Strojny; and his father-in-law, James Masterson.

A funeral Mass will be held Saturday, Aug. 16, at 10 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, LaPorte, with Rev. Ian Williams officiating. Visitation will be at Essling Funeral Home, LaPorte, on Friday, Aug. 15, from 4 to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. A rosary service will take place at 4:30 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Burial will follow the Mass at Pine Lake Cemetery, LaPorte.

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

Mr. Stanley M. “Chip” Levandoski III, 60, of LaPorte, died Saturday, Aug. 9, 2014, at IU Health LaPorte Hospital.

He was born July 13, 1954, in San Antonio, Texas, to Stanley J. and Beatrice (Jeffries) Levandoski.

Stanley owned Stan’s Auto Repair Inc. and was also a former owner of Warehouse Pizza. He liked guns and shooting, and was a historian. He also enjoyed collecting and scrapping old cars. He was president of the Neighborhood Watch from 1998 to 2002. Stanley loved spending time with family and friends. He was always ready with a good joke. His bright smile will be missed by everyone who knew him. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and his dog, Lucy.

On Nov. 18, 2005, in LaPorte, he married Loretta Stevens Levandoski, who survives.

He is also survived by his son, Stanley M. Levandoski IV of LaPorte; daughter, Carley Rae Levandoski of LaPorte; brother, Eddy King of South Bend, IN; stepbrothers, Jason, Dale and David; and stepsisters, Lori, Kendi, Tammy, Kyra and Julie.

Stanley was preceded in death by his parents and stepfather, Louis Cady.

The family will receive friends at Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, LaPorte, on Wednesday, Aug. 13, from 4 to 8 p.m. and Thursday, Aug. 14, from 10 to 11 a.m. A life celebration will be held Thursday at 11 a.m. at the funeral home with Michael Stiller officiating. Interment will follow at Pine Lake Cemetery, LaPorte.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society Donor Services, P.O. Box 4072, Pittsfield, MA 01202.

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

Beverly E. Holiday, 84, of LaPorte, died Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2014, at Golden Living Center Fountainview, LaPorte.

She was born April 6, 1930, in LaPorte to Lloyd and Elsie (Bartz) Bunton.

Beverly worked at Indiana Molding and retired from American Rubber. She enjoyed gardening, flowers, birdhouses, and especially cardinals. She loved her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchild very much.

On Oct. 30, 1972, she married Kerney Holiday, who preceded her in death on Feb. 16, 2013.

She was also preceded in death by her parents and sister, Lorraine Bunton.

Surviving are her beloved children, Carolyn Doms of North Liberty, IN, Connie (Tim) Ransom of LaPorte and Gina (Doug) Klute of New Carlisle, IN; seven grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; brother, Lloyd Bunton Jr. of Knox, IN; sister, Donna Crosswait of LaPorte; and special dogs, Baby Bear and Brownie.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 15, at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, LaPorte, with Rev. Wes Spain officiating. Visitation will be on Thursday, Aug. 14, from 3 to 7 p.m. and on Friday from 10 a.m. until the service. Burial will take place at Swan Lake Memorial Gardens, Michigan City, IN, at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Animal Lovers Inc., P.O. Box 223, Three Oaks, MI 49128.

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

William L. Mitchell, 89, of LaPorte, died Aug. 13, 2014, at 5:50 a.m. at home surrounded by his loved ones.

He was born Jan. 5, 1925, in Cincinnati, OH, to Mark L. and Katherine Blanche Mitchell.

William served in the Army Air Corps during World War II from 1943 to 1946 in Africa, Italy and France. He was in four major campaigns and was awarded a Bronze Star for each one. He was active in the Air Force Reserve, retiring in 1985 as a lieutenant colonel. He worked for the Admissions Office of the U.S. Air Force Academy for the State of Indiana from 1954 to 1985, and was also awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal in 1977.

He graduated from LaPorte High School in 1943 and received a bachelor of science degree in business in 1949 from Indiana University (Bloomington), and a master of education degree in 1950. He taught school from 1952-1954 at Rolling Prairie High School, then joined LaPorte Community Schools in 1954 as a teacher of business subjects at LaPorte High School. He worked in other positions at LPHS in addition to teaching — as a counselor, assistant principal and principal from 1964-1969. Then, he served as assistant superintendent of LaPorte Community Schools from 1969 to 1985. During that time, he was instrumental in the planning and construction of the present LaPorte High School.

William belonged to a number of organizations, including Phi Delta Kappa (Education Honorary); Salvation Army Board 1964-1985; American Red Cross Board; elder, deacon, and trustee of LaPorte Presbyterian Church; LaPorte Rotary Club – president 1973-1974; member of the Indiana High School Principals Association and Indiana Association of Public School Superintendents; and life member of the Indiana PTA.

He was also active in evaluating high schools for the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools, serving as chairman several times, both in Indiana and other states, including Alaska.

On Aug. 24, 1946, he married Betty L. Ervin; she preceded him in death on July 29, 1999, after nearly 53 years of marriage.

He was also preceded in death by his parents and an infant brother, Mark.

He is survived by his beloved children, Stephen Mitchell of Burke, VA, Katherine Shott of Plymouth, IN, and Marilyn Stazin of Geneva, IL; his brother, Charles Mitchell of LaPorte; grandchildren, Amanda Putz, Matthew Mitchell, Erin Anderson, Kevin Mitchell and Ryan Mitchell; six great-grandchildren; and his loving companion, Bebejean Knoll.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held in his honor on Saturday, Aug. 16, at 11 a.m. at LaPorte Presbyterian Church with Pastor Sally Wicks officiating. Visitation will be Saturday from 10 a.m. until the service at the church. Burial will follow at Pine Lake Cemetery, LaPorte.

Memorial contributions may be directed 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.cutlerfuneralhome.com.

Haron Woolbright, 90, of LaPorte, died Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2014, at Jesse Brown VA Medical Center in Chicago.

He was born April 29, 1924, in Cookeville, TN, to Orville and Letha (Coomer) Woolbright.

Haron worked as an assembly foreman and retired from New York Blower, LaPorte. He proudly served his country during World War II and was a life member of both the DAV and VFW Post 1130.

On May 25, 1947, he married Ada Smith, who preceded him in death.

He was also preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Irene Bush, Audi Hammonds and Auta Lenter; brothers, Harley Woolbright, Anthon Woolbright, Samuel Woolbright and Charley Woolbright; and stepchildren, Ellie Gray, Marie Hogan and James Douglas Poston.

Surviving are his significant other, Wilma Matayo of LaPorte, and his stepchildren, Connie Page of Little Rock, AR, and Joe T. Poston and Kenny Matayo, both of LaPorte.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 16, at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, LaPorte, with Chaplain Larry Pinkerton, Vietnam vet, officiating. Visitation will be held Friday, Aug. 15, from 4 to 7 p.m. and Saturday from noon until the service. Burial will take place at Salem Heights Cemetery following the service.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family of Haron Woolbright, c/o Wilma Matayo, 2900 Monroe St., LaPorte, IN 46350.

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

Bruce Stephen Kahn, 62, of Michigan City, IN, died peacefully at 10:47 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2014, at the home of his nephew, Rob (Randi Fratogillo) Kahn, with his family by his side.

He was born March 20, 1952, in Michigan City to Thomas Earl and Geraldine (Grantham) Kahn.

Bruce owned Bruce Kahn’s Sewer Service. He was very creative with arts, crafts and woodburning. Bruce was known as one of the best pool players in Michigan City, was an avid golfer, and enjoyed horseshoes, chess, working out, and spending time with his family. He will be remembered as a loving, caring father who would do anything for anyone.

Surviving are his children, a very special son, Bruce (Tabitha) Kahn of Michigan City, Ashley Kahn of Michigan City, Bobby Granzo of Michigan City and Lisa Granzo of Hamlet, IN; his sister and former caretaker, Kimberley Kahn of Sarasota, FL; two brothers, Gregory Kahn of Michigan City and Thomas Kahn of Sarasota; six grandchildren, Desirae Kahn, Curtis, Darren and Steven Lovins, Matthew Lampkin and Isaiha; three nieces, Allison Januchowski, Jennifer Kahn and Tia Marsh; a very special grandniece, Sophia Kahn; special cousin, Susie Koepke; former wife, Lynda Granzo; and a very special nephew, Rob, and his wife, Randi Fratogillo Kahn, who cared for him.

Preceding him in death were his parents; one son, Kyle Curtis Kahn; and one granddaughter, Amanda Lovins.

A memorial service will be held at a later date with a notification to follow. Lakeview Funeral Home and Crematory, 247 W. Johnson Rd., La Porte (219) 362-3100 is caring for the arrangements.

Please send condolences to the family at www.LakeviewFHC.com.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family c/o Lakeview Funeral Home and Crematory, 247 W. Johnson Rd., La Porte, IN 46350.

Mr. Robert Eugene Watts, 84, of LaPorte, died Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2014, at his home.

He was born Jan. 6, 1930, in Walkerton, IN, to Dale and Thelma (Stickley) Watts.

Robert worked 16 years for Premdor and also worked at Allis-Chalmers, LaPorte, for 23 years. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, having served during the Korean War. Robert was a member of VFW Post 1130 of LaPorte, American Legion Post 83 of LaPorte and the PNA Club. Robert enjoyed riding his bike.

On June 19, 1953, in LaPorte, he married Shirley (Krueger) Watts, who preceded him in death May 23, 1999.

Robert was also preceded in death by his parents, three sisters and one brother.

He is survived by his three daughters, Sharon (Joe) Barnes and Brenda Peterson, both of Plymouth, IN, and Janet (Jesse) Stevens of LaPorte; two sons, Gary Watts and Kevin (Kim) Watts, both of LaPorte; 12 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; three sisters, Norma Eddinger of Tyner, IN, and Betty Kunke and Bertha Walker, both of Walkerton; and two brothers, Dale Watts Jr. of Bryon, OH, and Kenneth Watts of South Bend, IN.

The family will receive friends at Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, LaPorte, on Sunday, Aug. 17, from 4 to 8 p.m. and Monday, Aug. 18, from 10 to 11 a.m. A life celebration will be held Monday at 11 a.m. at the funeral home with Rev. Bill Barnes officiating. Interment will follow at Pine Lake Cemetery, LaPorte.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Family of Robert Eugene Watts.

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

Shirley Rosenbaum, of Union Mills, IN, died Aug. 14, 2014, at IU Health LaPorte Hospital.

She was born March 21, 1935, in Seymour, IA, to Everett and Wynema (Norman) Liggett, and moved to Union Mills at the age of 10.

Shirley graduated from Union Mills High School in 1953. She worked at Allis-Chalmers in LaPorte and also served for 25 years at the LaPorte County ASCS Office as a program assistant. Shirley enjoyed sewing and dancing and was an avid sports fan, favorites being professional baseball, professional basketball and college basketball. She enjoyed traveling with her husband, Glen, through his Minor and Major League baseball career with the Chicago White Sox.

On Oct. 12, 1957, at First Lutheran Church of Hanna, IN, she married Glen Rosenbaum, who survives.

Also surviving are their son, Scott, of Wauconda, IL; and two sisters, Kollene Highnote and Gertrude White, both of LaPorte.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother Robert (Ruby) Liggett, sister Ayliffe (Edwin) Pinkerton, brother Gene (LaDonna) Liggett, and nephew David Rans.

A funeral service will be held Thursday, Aug. 21, at 11 a.m. at First Lutheran Church, Hanna. Visitation will be at Essling Funeral Home, LaPorte, on Wednesday, Aug. 20, from 3 to 7 p.m. Interment will be at Union Mills Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to First Lutheran Church, 15 E. Wheeler St., Hanna, IN 46340, and to the Union Mills Conservation Club, Mill Pond Road, Union Mills, IN 46382.

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

Marie Landes, 95, joined her husband Floyd Landes of 62 years, both to be with our Lord, on Aug. 13, 2014.

She was born May 16, 1919, to George and Hazel (Johnson) Bluhm, and lived most of her life in the LaPorte County area.

Marie was the wife of a farmer who worked hard and alongside her husband in the fields and with the animals. Marie took great pride in cleanliness, both in her house and in her yard with beautiful flowers and a manicured lawn. For many years Marie and her beloved husband were caretakers of the Rolling Prairie Cemetery. Marie loved animals and wanted to be sure the birds were well fed. She gave of herself to help numerous pastor families, babysitting their children.

Above all, Marie loved Jesus Christ. She passed her faith, love in God, and love of family and work ethic to her daughters. She loved visiting those who were ill, shut-ins, and those who lost love ones — most often with a pie in hand.

Marie was member of First Christian Church of Rolling Prairie. She belonged to the Women’s Sunshine Circle, Christian Women’s Fellowship, God’s Golden Warriors, and Best Years. She was a lifetime member of the Farm Bureau. She spent numerous afternoons playing cards with friends at the Swanson Center.

She is survived by two daughters, DeEtta Marie (Kenneth) Coe of LaPorte and Ruth Ann (Phillip) Carr of Phoenix, AZ; one granddaughter, Paula Marie Carr of Scottsdale, AZ; one sister-in-law, Dianna Reynolds of LaPorte; and special niece, Darnell Bailey of Granger, IN.

Besides her husband, preceding her in death were her parents, two brothers and one sister.

The family will receive friends at Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, LaPorte, on Monday, Aug. 18, from 6 to 8 p.m. A life celebration will be held at First Christian Church of Rolling Prairie on Tuesday, Aug. 19, at 11 a.m. with Rev. John King officiating, assisted by Elder George Fultz. Interment will follow at Rolling Prairie Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to First Christian Church of Rolling Prairie, 113 W. Michigan St., Rolling Prairie, IN 46371.

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

Evelyn May Williams, 86, of LaPorte and formerly of Hartzell, AL, died peacefully at 1:15 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 16, 2014, at Golden Living Center Fountainview Terrace, LaPorte.

She was born May 15, 1928, in Starke County, IN, to Frank and Blanche (Rank) Wagner.

Evelyn was an Avon representative in Baton Rouge, LA, from 1974 to 1986. She also owned and operated a craft shop in Hartzell, AL, from 1988 to 2007, then moved to LaPorte. Evelyn had a sense of humor and was loved by many.

In 1971 in Nashville, TN, she married James Williams, who preceded her in death in January 2000.

Also preceding her in death were her parents; two sons, Jack and Russell Large; three sisters, Pearl, Gladys, and Mable; and two brothers, Richard and Bud Wagner.

Surviving are her four children, Jerry (Sue) Large of Gaylord, MI, Bill (Mona) Large of Elkhart, IN, Bonnie (Don) Olson of LaPorte and Gloria Lilly of Delmar, NY; one sister, Darlene VanZuilen of Sturgis, MI; three close grandsons, Jerry Shepherd, Don Barden and Harlan Large; 14 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren.

A funeral celebrating her life will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 20, at Lakeview Funeral Home and Crematory, LaPorte, with Pastor Chris Tiedeman officiating. Visitation will be Tuesday, Aug. 19, from 4 to 7 p.m. and Wednesday from 10 a.m. until the service. Burial will take place at Culver Masonic Cemetery in Culver, IN.

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

James D. Wilson, 65, of Michigan City, IN, died unexpectedly at 10 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 17, 2014, in his home.

He was born March 7, 1949, in Jonesboro, Arkansas, to James W. and Virginia (Qualls) Wilson.

James honorably served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He was a deputy officer in Kingsford Heights and was a jailer for the LaPorte County Sheriff’s Department. James loved fishing and his dog, Abby. His pride and joy was his daughter, Jackie.

On July 12, 1981, at First United Methodist Church in LaPorte, he married his former wife, Gail.

Surviving are one daughter, Jacquelyn Corrine Wilson of LaPorte; three sisters, Ruby Tarwater and Pat J. Prater, both of Kingsford Heights, IN, and Peggy (Jody) Gilchist of Lake Mary, FL; lifelong partner, Judy Spears; two stepchildren, Melissa (Anthown) Wren of Minnesota and John (Tammy) Spears of LaPorte; mother-in-law, Mary Striggow of Michigan City; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and his former wife, Gail (Karl) Kugler.

His parents preceded him in death.

A funeral celebrating his life will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 21, at Lakeview Funeral Home and Crematory, LaPorte, with Pastor James Bouslog officiating. Visitation will be Wednesday, Aug. 20, from 4 to 8 p.m. and Thursday from 10 a.m. until the service.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Judy Spears c/o Lakeview Funeral Home and Crematory, 247 W. Johnson Rd., LaPorte, IN 46350.

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