James D. Doig, 85, of Walkerton, IN, died at 8:14 p.m. Monday, Aug. 18, 2014, at Memorial Hospital in South Bend, IN.

He was born Nov. 22, 1928, in Schenectady, NY, to Thomas and Jean (Steedman) Doig, and had lived in the LaPorte County area for 48 years.

James was superintendent at Allis-Chalmers and also at White Farm Equipment. He served in the U.S. Army and Air Force and was a member of American Legion Post 400.

On June 23, 1951, in Schenectady, he married Veronica Leier, who preceded him in death.

His parents and granddaughter, Sarah Belles, also preceded him in death.

He leaves behind two daughters, Susan (George) Neal of Fish Lake, IN, and Debra (William) Belles of Indianapolis; one son, Michael Doig of Fish Lake; companion, Celia Schrader of Fish Lake; grandchildren, Jessie, Hannah, Ian, Veronica, Olivia, and Sam; great-grandchildren, Jackson and Payton; and one sister, June Davisworth.

A Celebration Of Life open house will be held Sunday, Aug. 24, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Fish Lake American Legion. Essling Funeral Home, LaPorte, is handling the arrangements.

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

Patrick J. Grace, 46, of Marion, IN, and formerly of LaPorte, died at 8:55 p.m. Wednesday, July 30, 2014.

He was born Aug. 14, 1967, in LaPorte to Robert and Marjorie (Shroyer) Grace.

Patrick was a firefighter and Hazmat specialist. He was a former member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, LaPorte. Patrick graduated from LaPorte High School in 1986. Following graduation he entered the U.S. Air Force in Lubbock, TX, with his first assignment at Mildenhall AFB, England, for two years, then at Elgin AFB in Fort Walton Beach, FL, for five and a half years with a honorable discharge. As a firefighter and Hazmat specialist, he took on assignments with government contractors in Hungary, Kanago Africa, Saudi Arabia, U.S. Army Kwajalein Atoll Range in the South Pacific, and Spain before returning to the United States. He was in the process of completing his degree in occupational health and safety.

He is survived by his mother, Marjorie Grace; one daughter, Taylor Grace of Ocala, FL; two sisters, Susan Grace of LaPorte and Terri (Lee) Wainscott of LaPorte; two brothers, Dr. Robert (Cheryl) Grace of LaPorte and Steven (Wendy) Grace of Vandalia, MI; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Grace.

A private family graveside service with military honors was held Monday, Aug. 18, at Pine Lake Cemetery, LaPorte, with Rev. Eduardo Malagon officiating. Essling Funeral Home, LaPorte, handled arrangements.

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

Kathryn “Kit” Ann Sandy, 92, died at 7:45 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2014, at Millers Merry Manor, New Carlisle, IN.

She was born June 23, 1922, in LaPorte to Edward and Anna (Rachor) Robertson, and had lived in the LaPorte area her entire life.

Kit was a homemaker and a member of St. Peter Catholic Church and its Funeral Committee. She also belonged to the 40 and Over Dance Club and was very active as a volunteer for the church.

On Feb. 20, 1943, in LaPorte, she married Robert C. Sandy, who preceded her in death on April 9, 2002.

She was also preceded in death by her parents; one grandson, Gregory Sandy; two sisters, Germaine (Sister Kevin) Robertson and Lucia Magnuson; and two brothers, Lawrence “Bud” and Charles Robertson.

She leaves behind three sons, Tim (Rayette) Sandy, Mike Sandy and Dan (Raynelle) Sandy, all of LaPorte; four grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; one brother, Bill Robertson of Milwaukee, WI; and several nieces and nephews.

A funeral Mass will take place at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 23, at St. Peter Catholic Church, LaPorte, with Rev. Joseph Angotti officiating. Visitation will be at Essling Funeral Home, LaPorte, on Friday, Aug. 22, from 4 to 8 p.m. and on Saturday from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. The rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. Friday at the funeral home with Deacon Chris Hawkins officiating. Burial will follow the Mass in Pine Lake Cemetery, LaPorte.

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

Mr. Andrzej “Andy” B. Gozdziewicz, 62, of Hamlet, IN, died Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2014, at his home.

He was born Aug. 13, 1951, in Lodz, Poland, to Boleslaw Kazimierz Gozdziewicz and Halina (Witczak) Gozdziewicz.

Andrzej had worked for Knoll Brothers Retail. He was a member of Falcon’s Nest 564. He enjoyed bowling and was on the Falcons Bowling League. He loved music, was very personable and loved his family and friends.

On Sept. 3, 1994, in LaPorte, he married Kathryn (Briner) Gozdziewicz, who survives.

He is also survived by his two sons, Kristopher Gozdziewicz and Kurt (Diane) Hoover of Michigan City, IN; daughter, Kimberly (Broch) Wyse of New Carlisle, IN; three grandchildren, Quentin Tracy, MacKinnon Tracy and Nayte Wyse; and one brother in Poland.

Andrzej was preceded in death by his parents.

The family will receive friends at Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, LaPorte, on Sunday, Aug. 24, from 4 to 8 p.m. and Monday, Aug. 25, from 10 to 11 a.m. A life celebration will be held Monday at 11 a.m. at the funeral home with Rev. Andrew Briner officiating. Interment will follow at Pine Lake Cemetery, LaPorte.

Memorial contributions may be made to the The Family of Andrzej B. Gozdziewicz.

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

Mrs. Mildred “Millie” Homann died Thursday, Aug. 22, 2014, at Fountainview nursing home, LaPorte, at the age of 95.

She was born March 30, 1919, in LaPorte to John G. and Emily (Jost) Zahrt. Mildred lived in LaPorte her entire life.

Mildred belonged to St. John’s Lutheran Church Circle 3 and was a 50-year member of the Walther League Chorus. She was also a charter member of the Beechwood 18 Hole Ladies Golf Club. She won the City Golf Tournament in 1981. Millie had a wonderful attitude towards life, always upbeat no matter what the circumstances, and always ready to help anyone in need.

On Nov. 30, 1940, she married Kenneth W. Homann, who preceded her in death on June 10, 2011.

She was also preceded in death by her parents; sister, Helen (James) Reed; and brother, John (Dorothy) Zahrt.

She is survived by two sons, William Homann of Chesterton, IN, and David (Donna) Homann of LaPorte; grandsons, Brett (Kimmie) Homann of Portage, IN, and Ben Homann of Mishawaka, IN; granddaughter, Emily (Ryan Mrozinski) Homann of LaPorte; nieces, Mary (Charles) Watterson of LaPorte and Janis (Richard) Rosenbaum of North Carolina; and nephew, James (Phoebe) Reed of North Carolina.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 26, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, LaPorte, with Rev. Ronald Brauer officiating. Visitation will be at the church Tuesday from 9 a.m. until the service. Burial will follow at St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery, LaPorte. Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, LaPorte, is handling arrangements.

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

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

Mrs. Burdetta J. McClaran, 89, of LaPorte, died Monday, Aug. 25, 2014, at her home.

She was born June 17, 1925, in LaPorte to Otto and Hilda (Schwartz) Schultz.

Burdetta worked 25 years for Stellrema Corp. and also worked at Easy Heat for five years. She was a member of Eagles. She enjoyed embroidering and crocheting. Burdetta also enjoyed find-a-word puzzles and playing slot machines and bingo.

On Jan. 6, 1953, in Michigan City, IN, she married Harry McClaran Jr., who preceded her in death Nov. 20, 1987.

Burdetta was also preceded in death by her parents; three grandchildren, Tom, Risa and Johnnie; two brothers and one sister.

She is survived by her two daughters, Patricia Ann (Lester) Lindsley of LaPorte and Carolyn J. (Paul) Cooper of Walkerton, IN; two sons, Wayne (Pam Newton) McClaran of LaPorte and Carl “Bootie” Pointon of Mattoon, IL; 13 grandchildren, Robby, Kristine, Rhonda, Tracy, Todd, Tim, Mike, Steve, Dennis, Leslie, Curtis, Chad, and Olivia; many great- and great-great-grandchildren; beloved boyfriend, Scott Lain; and beloved pet, Tyke.

The family will receive friends at Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, LaPorte, on Thursday, Aug. 28, from 2 to 8 p.m. and Friday, Aug. 29, from 10 to 11 a.m. A life celebration will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at the funeral home with Pastor Jo Ellyn Chadwick officiating. Interment will follow at Patton Cemetery, LaPorte.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Family of Burdetta J. McClaran.

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

Genevieve O’Donnell, 98, of LaPorte and formerly of Chicago, died Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2014, at Settler Place, LaPorte.

She was born Feb. 14, 1916, in Chicago to John and Anna (Mazeikis) Petrila.

Genevieve had been employed with International Harvester. She was a member of St. Peter Catholic Church in LaPorte and a former member of St. Paul & Paul Catholic Church in Chicago.

On Dec. 28, 1942, Genevieve married Leo O’Donnell, who preceded her in death on Nov. 4, 1995.

Surviving are a niece, Ann Petrila of Denver, CO, and nephews, John Petrila of Tampa, FL, and James Petrila of Washington, D.C.

Private burial services 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 esslingfuneralhome.com.

Martha Evelyn Cole, 80, of LaPorte, died Aug. 26, 2014, at Franciscan St. Anthony Health, Michigan City, IN.

She was born March 24, 1934, in Harrison, AK, to Kermit and Irene (Smith) Baucom.

Martha worked as a seamstress and also worked at Burger King in LaPorte for 12 years. She was a member of Victory Tabernacle in Columbus and also attended First Church of God in LaPorte.

On Oct. 23, 1950, she married Melvin Cole, who preceded her death.

She was also preceded in death by her parents; daughters, Darlene and Debra; brother, Pete Baucom; and sister, Kathyren Phillips.

Surviving are her beloved children, Valerie (Alan) Peterson of Rolling Prairie, IN, and Lynn (Mark) Banaski of Valparaiso, IN; grandchildren, Kelli (Dale) Fisher, Lisa Cole, Angel Wall, Frances Beck, and Karla (Dave) Lane; great-grandchildren, Brittany Fisher and Maxwell Fisher; great-great-grandchildren, Austin Rickard and Braydon Lane; and brothers and sisters, Wanda Andrews, Ellis Baucom, David Baucom, Tony Baucom, Kermit Baucom Jr., Leslie Baucom, and Michael Baucom.

A private family Celebration of Life Service will be held at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, LaPorte.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family of Martha Cole c/o Valerie Peterson, 2900 Monroe St., LaPorte, IN 46350.

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

Mr. Leroy W. Brickey, 101, of LaPorte, died Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2014, at Miller’s Health and Rehab in LaPorte.

He was born May 22, 1913, in Salem, IN, to Clifford and Mary E. (Criswell) Brickey.

Leroy worked as a assembly and set-up person for Bendix Corp. for 29 years. He was a member of the Church of The Nazarene. Leroy was a veteran of the U.S. Army Air Corps, having served during World War II, and was a member of American Legion Post 297 of New Carlisle, IN.

On Jan. 7, 1945, in Sudbury, England, he married Dorothy (O’Dell) Brickey, who preceded him in death April 29, 2005.

Leroy was also preceded in death by his parents; infant son, Clifford Brickey; and several brothers and sisters.

He is survived by his three daughters, Sheila Chester of LaPorte, Phyllis Brickey of LaPorte and Ruth (Thomas) Hutchins of Manitou Springs, CO; son, Gordon (Linda) Brickey of LaPorte; six grandchildren, Douglas Taylor, Barbara Mercer, Dorothy Wellinski, Sarah Smith, Joshua Kraus, and Julie Hopkins; eight great-grandchildren, Corina, Kristopher, Jeffrey, Ashley, Wyatt, Ella, Audri, and Wyatt; and a sister, Jackie Shores of Rockford, IL.

The family will receive friends at Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, LaPorte, on Tuesday, Sept. 2, from 11 a.m. to noon. A life celebration will be held at noon Tuesday at the funeral home with Rev. Dan McDonald officiating. Interment will follow at Rolling Prairie Cemetery.

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

Mr. Albert Humes, 69, of LaPorte, died Thursday, Aug. 28, 2014, at his home.

He was born April 29, 1945, in Knox, IN, to Joseph and Clara (Murrel) Humes.

Albert worked for 25 years as a maintenance foreman for Westville Correctional Center, retiring in 2008. He was a former member of the Moose Lodge and LaPorte Jaycees. Albert was a volunteer firefighter for Westville and Kingsford Heights fire departments. He enjoyed playing pool, woodworking, fishing and watching wrestling. He also enjoyed gardening, doing yard work, riding his tractor and mowing. Albert especially enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren.

On Dec. 6, 1966, in Detroit, MI, he married Carolyn (Fults) Humes, who survives.

He is also survived by four sons, Mark Humes, Kirk (Jennifer) Humes, Darin (Dawn) Humes and Dennis (Kari) Humes, all of LaPorte; daughter, Candy Searing of LaPorte; 10 grandchildren, Jasen, Jennie, Aaron ,Christina, Zachary, Haley, Jacob, Erica, Cameron, and Bentley; seven great-grandchildren, Jamie, Joaquin, Hayden, Brianna, Emerson, Bailey, and Liam; and one brother, Henry Murrel of Arkansas.

Albert was preceded in death by his parents; one granddaughter, Alisyn McIntosh; three sisters, Alta, Pearl and Emma; one brother, Lige “Lucky” Murrel; and one nephew, Jan Wade Allen.

The family will receive friends at Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, LaPorte, on Wednesday, Sept. 3, from noon to 2 p.m. A life celebration will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home with Pastor Andy Perez officiating. Interment will follow at Tracy Cemetery, Hamlet, IN.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Family of Albert Humes.

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

David M. Povlock, 73, of LaPorte, died unexpectedly on Friday, Aug. 29, 2014.

He was born June 5, 1941, in LaPorte to Raymond and Josephine (Peterson) Povlock.

David was employed with Laborers Union Local 81 for General Construction, and Tonn & Blank Construction. He had attended St. Joseph Catholic Church and was a past member of the PRCU Club and Eagles Lodge 2439. He was an avid car collector, attending numerous shows and winning several trophies for his cars.

On Feb. 14, 1962, David married Judith K. Johnson, who survives.

Also surviving are their children, Tonya (Andy) Kalenowsky of Michigan City, IN, and Dale (Melody) Povlock of LaPorte; sisters, Barbara Smith of LaPorte and Marie Gaddy of Kingsford Heights, IN; a brother, Don Povlock; and several nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death were his parents; a granddaughter, Sarah B. Hudson; sisters, Anita Shimanek and Joan Koeppen; and brother, John Povlock.

A funeral will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 3, at Essling Funeral Home, LaPorte. Visitation will be Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Burial will follow at Springville Cemetery.

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

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

Mrs. Jerre Anne Deutscher, 82, of Rolling Prairie, IN, died Sunday, Aug. 31, 2014, at Franciscan Communities Hospice in Michigan City, IN.

She was born Sept. 7, 1931, in St. Joseph, MO, to Lawrence and Violet (Randolph) Blankenship.

Jerre worked as an office clerk/receptionist for LaPorte I Street Clinic. She supported 4-H (her children were members for 20-plus years), assisted with the family farming, and supported her children in their school activities. Jerre enjoyed sewing, traveling with childhood friends, bowling, and story/joke telling. She loved her Maltese, Tucker.

On Nov. 25, 1949, in Michigan City, she married Henry W. Deutscher, who preceded her in death Sept. 28, 1995.

Jerre was also preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Robert Blankenship.

She is survived by her three daughters, Gayle Leslie Argenzio D.O. of LaPorte, Jean (Ken) Miller of Carmel, IN, and Sharon (Bud Will) McGuire of LaPorte; three sons, Bill (Lisa) Deutscher of Rolling Prairie and Roy (Cindy) Deutscher, both of Rolling Prairie, and Rodney Zeedyk of Birmingham, AL; 15 grandchildren, Michael (Dawn) Miller, Jeff Miller, Faye (David) Adams, Tom (April) Argenzio, Ty McGuire, Scott (Kara) McGuire, Joshua Deutscher, Lindsey Deutscher, Ashley (Rich) Kroeger, Todd Deutscher, Erica (Mike) Burcham, Kryie (Tim Gielow, Kayla Robinson, Zach Blakeman, and Marissa Blakeman; 15 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; and a brother, William R. (Jeanene) Blankenship of Fort Myers, FL.

The family will receive friends at Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, LaPorte, on Wednesday, Sept. 3, from 4 to 8 p.m. and Thursday, Sept. 4, from 10 to 11 a.m. A life celebration will be held Thursday at 11 a.m. at the funeral home with Pastor Pam Paske officiating. Interment will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery, Mill Creek, IN.

Memorial contributions may be made to Franciscan Communities Hospice, 301 W. Homer St., Michigan City, IN 46360.

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

Mr. Clarence W. Morrison, 79, of LaPorte, died Friday, Aug. 29, 2014, at Millers Merry Manor in New Carlisle, IN.

He was born Nov. 30, 1934, in Elkhart, IN, to Enoch and Irene A. (Jackson) Morrison.

Clarence worked as a carpenter for Carpenters Union Local 1485 and was a member for over 30 years. He was a member of Tracy United Methodist Church. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, was class president of Mill Creek High School, coached Little League baseball, and was a Union Township trustee. He enjoyed spending time with his family, camping, local fishing, driving his golf cart, and assisting in coordinating the LaPorte County Fair.

On Jan. 22, 1955, in Tracy, IN, he married Joan Nelson Morrison, who survives.

He is also survived by one daughter, Cindy McCoy of Hamlet, IN; three sons, Kalvin (Ann) Morrison of LaPorte, Rick A. Morrison of New Philadelphia, OH, and Curt (Amy) Morrison of LaPorte; nine grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Clarence was preceded in death by his parents and one son, Joe Morrison.

The family will receive friends at Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, LaPorte, on Friday, Sept. 5, from 5 to 8 p.m. and at Tracy United Methodist Church on Saturday, Sept. 6, from noon to 1 p.m. A life celebration will be held Saturday at 1 p.m. at the church with Pastor Ann Dill and Rev. William C. Babb III officiating. Interment will follow at Tracy Cemetery, Hamlet, IN.

Memorial contributions may be made to Tracy United Methodist Church, 1702 E. U.S. 6, Hamlet, IN 46532.

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

David James Ebert, 75, of LaPorte, died Friday, Aug. 29, 2014.

He was born Dec. 12, 1938, in LaPorte to Irving and Mildred (Brooks) Ebert.

David was a foundry engineer at Cast-Fab Technologies Inc. in Cincinnati, OH, retiring in 2002. He was a member of the LaPorte Lions Club, where he had served as a past director, president, 1st vice president and 2nd vice president. He coached Little League with the LaPorte Boys Baseball Association for 10 years and was a member of the 30,000-Mile Cyclist Club; Zeta Chapter of Phi Gamma Delta Class of 1962, Indiana University; and Alpha Epsilon Delta Class of 1962, Indiana University. He was active in the Youth Service Bureau School Buddies program.

Surviving are his children: son David (Julie) Ebert Jr. and grandchildren Jessica, Drew, & Carissa Ebert; son Stephen (Janyl) Ebert; son Thomas (Cynthia) Ebert, grandchildren Emily Jorgenson and Allyce Ebert, and great-granddaughter Paisley; daughter Amy (Steven) Bernth and grandchildren Carter, Brady and Kylee; and daughter Elizabeth (Matthew) Hagenow and grandson Parker Hagenow; his former wife, Constance L. Roule; and his beloved dog, Hope.

His parents and a brother, Dennis Ebert, preceded him in death.

A funeral will be held Friday, Sept. 5, at 10 a.m. at Essling Funeral Home, LaPorte. Visitation will be Thursday, Sept. 4, from 5 to 8 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m. until the service. A Lions Club service will be held at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Youth Service Bureau of LaPorte County, 906 Michigan Ave., LaPorte, IN 46350; LaPorte Lions Club, P.O. Box 184, LaPorte, IN 46352; or LaPorte City Park Foundation to benefit Little League, 250 Pine Lake Ave., LaPorte, IN 46350.

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

Mrs. Vera Lucille Nelson, 86, of LaPorte, died Sunday, Aug. 31, 2014, at IU Health LaPorte Hospital.

She was born March 22, 1928, in Union Mills, IN, to Louis and Sophia (Langman) Hundt.

Vera worked in the housekeeping department of LaPorte Hospital for 11 years, retiring in 1982. After her retirement she volunteered with the hospital auxiliary for an additional 21 years. She was a member of St. John Lutheran Church and LaPorte Hospital Auxiliary. Vera enjoyed her flower garden and working in the yard. She loved spending time with her family and volunteering at the hospital.

On Nov. 25, 1950, in LaPorte, she married Cecil E. Nelson, who preceded her in death Nov. 26, 1982.

Vera was also preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Dorothy Seitz; granddaughter, Lillian Rose Nelson; son-in-law, Angel Contreras; seven brothers and two sisters.

She is survived by two daughters, Diane (Roger) Speakman and Darlene Contreras, both of LaPorte; two sons, David (Patricia) Nelson and Donald (Penny) Nelson, both of LaPorte; 11 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and a sister, Gladys Wallace of Medford, OR.

The family will receive friends at Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, LaPorte, on Friday, Sept. 5, from 4 to 8 p.m. and Saturday, Sept. 6, from 9 to 10 a.m. A life celebration will be held Saturday at 10 a.m. at the funeral home with Rev. Ronald A. Brauer officiating. Interment will follow at Patton Cemetery, LaPorte.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 130 Redcoach, Mishawaka, IN 46545; or St. John Lutheran Church, 111 Kingsbury Ave., LaPorte, IN 46350.

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

Sophia Maria Tracy entered into the arms of Jesus on Aug. 28, 2014. She was the infant daughter of Aundreana McCall and Norman S. Tracy Jr. of Fish Lake, IN.

Sophia is survived by her loving parents; her brother, Keegan McCall; and her sisters, Savannah McCall of Monticello, IN, and Izabella Tracy, Sierra Tracy and Alexis Tracy, all of Fish Lake; and her grandparents, Norman S. (Bonita) Tracy Sr. of Fish Lake, Rick Emery of LaPorte and Tabatha Fay of Montana. Also surviving are many loving cousins, aunts and uncles.

A celebration of Sophia’s life was held privately. Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, LaPorte, is handling arrangements.

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

Marcus Anthony Phelps, 25, of LaPorte, died Saturday, Aug. 30, 2014.

He was born March 1, 1989, in LaPorte to Mindi Terese (Phelps) Pyles of Thornton, CO.

Marcus was employed with ArcelorMittal Indiana Harbor as a crane operator and was a member of United Steelworkers Local Union 6787. He graduated from LaPorte High School in 2007. During his football career as a Slicer, he held school records that include: receptions in a season, 58; yards receiving in a season, 1,082; 3rd in receptions in a game, 11; and 4th in yards reception in a career, 1,122.

Surviving are his parents, Mindi and Justin Pyles; son, Nathan Josiah Phelps of LaPorte; grandparents, Sandra L. Phelps of LaPorte, Jan and Robert “Bud” Smith of Pueblo, CO; special grandparents Coreane “Coco” and Bernect “Fat Dad” Roberts; sisters and brothers, Janell A. Collins of Thornton, Jordan R. Pyles of Thornton, Audrianna K. Pyles of Las Vegas, NV, Shawn Armstrong of Michigan City, IN, and Victoria Armstrong of Michigan City; fiancée, Nikki Nixon of LaPorte; aunts, Myrna Russell of LaPorte and Wendy A. (Shawn Blades) Phelps of Indianapolis; uncles, Joseph (Aimee Meier) Phelps of LaPorte, Lonnie Russell, and Carmell “T” and his wife Rae Isbell; and cousins, Kennedy Phelps and Isabella Meier.

Visitation for Marcus will be at Essling Funeral Home, LaPorte, on Friday, Sept. 5, from 2 to 8 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Sacred Heart Church, LaPorte, on Saturday, Sept. 6, at 10 a.m. (Please go directly to the church by 9:45 a.m.) Burial will follow in Tracy Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to LaPorte High School, Special Football, 602 F St., LaPorte, IN 46350.

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

Anna Jean “Annie” Bladecki entered eternal life on Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2014. Her spirit is carried on by her four children, 11 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and an extended family of relations and friends. She died peacefully surrounded by her loved ones at Hamilton Grove in New Carlisle, IN.

Anna was born July 25, 1925, in Michigan City, IN. She was the youngest of five born to Polish immigrant parents, the late Joseph and Anna (Kapusta) Banul.

On Aug. 28, 1943, she married Anthony “Tony” J. Bladecki at St. Stanislaus Kostka Catholic Church in Michigan City. She moved to New Carlisle, where she and Tony started a family and embraced the true spirit of the American farmer. Along with managing the household, Anna worked the fields and tended the livestock with her husband.

We were all blessed to learn so many valuable lessons from Anna during her 89 years, one of the most important being that “food is love” and food brings people together. Aside from peeling sacks of potatoes, cleaning buckets of string beans, and frying pans of chicken, Anna was famous for her pie slice. There was magic in her hands, in the way the dough rolled out and the way the edges crimped up like a well kept gate. She always made certain that there was enough to share; food, laughter and love.

Anna was a pillar of her community and an active member of St. Stanislaus Kostka Parish in New Carlisle. She gave years of service as a member of the Altar & Rosary Society, she ran church kitchens, she was a member of the church council, and she ran numerous festivals, dances and bake sales. She had five children of her own but through the years she was considered “Mom” to so many who looked to her for advice, comfort, a good laugh or a piece of pie.

Anna loved to cross-stitch and meticulously threaded dozens of canvases that grace the walls of family and friends. She loved the blackjack tables and the slot machines and seemed to play with the luck of angels. She loved baking, she loved rocking a child of any age, she loved praying the rosary, she loved filling the “candy drawer” for the kids, and she loved when her living room was filled with the laughter of her family and friends.

Anna is survived by three daughters, Eileen Esposito of New Carlisle, Chris (Jeff) DeLater of New Carlisle and Diane (Susan Spikes) of Jersey City, NJ; one son, Richard Sr. (Laura) Bladecki of New Carlisle; a son-in-law, David (Theresa) Jaronik of Pahrump, NV, who was married to Catherine; 11 grandchildren, Julie (Greg) Kaniewski of South Bend, IN, Kim (James) Leep of South Bend, Shannon Jaronik of Chicago, Kelly (Aaron) Walbrandt of Clayton, MO, Jennifer (Chris) Vogelsang of Cincinnati, OH, Richard Jr. (Courtney) Bladecki of LaPorte, Ryan Jaronik of Brooklyn, NY, Amy Kazmierzak of LaPorte, Brenda (Josh) Schweizer of New Carlisle, Melissa Bladecki of New Carlisle, and Tyler Richards of Jersey City; 17 great-grandchildren; and a sister, Stella Ryba of Michigan City.

Anna is reunited in heaven with her husband, Tony; her oldest daughter, Catherine; and three of her siblings, Lottie Klosinski, Theresa Miglore and Joseph Banul Jr.

Visitation will be at Kaniewski Funeral Home, South Bend, on Friday, Sept. 5, from 3 to 8 p.m. EDT. A Parish Rosary will be prayed Friday at 4 p.m. EDT at the funeral home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. EDT Saturday, Sept. 6, at St. Stanislaus Kostka Catholic Church, New Carlisle, with Rev. Paul McCarthy officiating. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, South Bend.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Stanislaus Kostka Catholic Church, 55756 Tulip Rd., New Carlisle, IN 46552.

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

William “Bill” Estep, 51, died Sept. 5, 2014, in his home surrounded by family.

He was born Dec. 12, 1962, in Pontiac, MI, to Harold and Jane (Boggs) Estep, who live in Homosassa, FL.

Bill graduated from Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo with an engineering degree in metallurgy. He began his employment in 1985 at Howmet Corp. in LaPorte, where he held various roles. Bill accepted an assignment from Howmet to a joint venture company in Japan, Komatsu Howmet, to assist in improving technical expertise in the Japanese company. He and his wife Tracy lived in Japan for one year. Bill loved all sports (Go Blue) and was an avid golfer. His enjoyment of snow skiing brought him and Tracy together and they loved to ski out West as a family. Bill traveled the world, but his most favorite place was his family’s cabin on Gilchrist Creek in northern Michigan. Bill’s passion for his work and life was evident and he was motivated to always do right by others. He will be greatly missed, not only by his immediate family and friends but also by his work family.

On Jan. 21, 1989, in Michigan City, IN, he married Tracy (Gore), who survives.

Bill also leaves behind two beloved daughters, Arden and Bergen Estep; one sister, Pam Estep (Karen); mother-in-law, Jacqueline Gore of Fish Lake, IN; and many brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews.

A memorial visitation will be held at Essling Funeral Home, LaPorte, on Tuesday, Sept. 9, from 3 to 8 p.m. A memorial service will be held at St. John Lutheran Church, LaPorte, on Wednesday, Sept. 10, at 10 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the William L. Estep Memorial Fund at Generations Federal Credit Union, 706 Boyd Blvd., LaPorte, IN 46350.

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

Edith B. Mooney, 88, of LaPorte, died Sunday, Sept. 7, 2014.

She was born Aug. 5, 1926, in LaPorte to William and Beulah (Shippee) Diedrich.

Edith had been employed with American Home Foods and the Kingsbury Ordnance Plant.

On March 8, 1944, she married Paul Mooney Sr., who preceded her in death on Feb. 26, 2003.

She was also preceded in death by sons-in-law, Rick Koontz and Dean Burger; sisters, Leona Bernacki, Evelyn Winkfein and Rosey Diedrich; and brothers, William, Earl, Kenneth and Herold Diedrich.

Surviving are her children, Judy Koontz, Connie Burger and Paul Mooney Jr., all of LaPorte; four grandsons; two granddaughters; three great-granddaughters; two great-grandsons; sisters, Pearl (Tom) Taylor, Violet (Kenny) VanSchoyck and Betty (Tom) Hedgecock; and a brother, Donald (Jane) Diedrich.

Visitation will be at Essling Funeral Home, LaPorte, on Thursday, Sept. 11, from 4 to 8 p.m. A funeral service will be held Friday, Sept. 12, at 11 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Patton Cemetery, LaPorte.

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