Gabriel A. Carrillo, 64, died Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2014, in LaPorte.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held in his honor on Tuesday, Oct. 7, at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, LaPorte. Visitation will be held from 3 to 8 p.m. Monday, Oct. 6, at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, LaPorte. Burial will follow the Mass at Pine Lake Cemetery, LaPorte.
Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP, as well as at www.cutlerfuneralhome.com.
Roger A. Patla, 53, of LaPorte, died Thursday, Oct. 2, 2014, at 12:22 p.m. following a short illness. Roger passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his family and friends.
He was born July 22, 1961, at Holy Family Hospital, LaPorte, to Bernard Stanley Patla and Fay Irene (Tener) Patla.
Roger graduated from LaPorte High School in 1979. He worked for the Indiana State Highway Department from 1979 to 1981 and then as a semi-truck driver and mechanic for Richard Thompson Family Leasing in Westville from 1981 until his death. He loved attending NASCAR races and was a very big fan of Dale Earnhardt. Roger especially enjoyed spending time with his only daughter, Sydney, and going to her school and dancing functions, and spending time with his family and friends.
Roger is survived by one daughter, Sydney Ranae Patla and her mother, Jennifer Patla, of Westville, IN; his parents, Bernard and Fay Patla of Fish Lake, IN; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Don and Linda Kleine of Westville; three sisters, Sherry Flitter and Mary (Rob) Nelson, both of LaPorte, and Peggy (Bill) Day of Fish Lake; one sister-in-law, JoAnn (Kevin) Doran of LaPorte; one brother-in-law, Jack (Amanda) Kleine of LaCrosse, IN; nephews, Christopher (Tiffany) Price, James Tague and Bruno Doran, all of LaPorte; nieces, Malinda (Keith) Berry, Rachel Nelson, Sara Flitter, Anna Nelson and Tricia Kresel, all of LaPorte, Emily Day of Fish Lake, Taylor and Megan Kleine of LaCrosse, and Cassandra (James) Pedotto of Alamosa, CO; great-nephews, Vincent Pedotto of Alamosa and Landen and David Price of LaPorte; great-nieces, Haley and Faith Berry of LaPorte and Izabella Pedotto of Alamosa; and his two Godchildren: his niece, Nicole Nelson, and Chad Michael Waak, both of LaPorte.
He loved and was loved greatly by countless aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
The family will receive friends at Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, LaPorte, on Monday, Oct. 6, from 4 to 8 p.m. and Tuesday, Oct. 7, from 10 to 11 a.m. A life celebration will be held Tuesday at 11 a.m. at the funeral home with Deacon Dale Walsh officiating. Interment will follow at Pinhook Cemetery, West Ind. 2, LaPorte.
In lieu of flowers, donations are being accepted toward a trust fund for his daughter, Sydney.
Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP, as well as at www.haverstockfuneralhome.com.
Donna Beckman, 77, of LaPorte, died peacefully at her home surrounded by her family on Friday, Oct. 3, 2014.
She was born Oct. 10, 1936, to Merle and Jane Pearman.
Donna was a member of St. Peter Catholic Church in LaPorte, and Our Lady of the Snow. She enjoyed cooking and preparing meals for her family and friends and was well known for her hospitality. Donna was an avid gardener and enjoyed flowers and wildlife.
Donna was a devoted wife to James of 61 years and loving mother to five children: Robert (Kathy) Beckman, Elizabeth (Chris) Engelbrecht, Cheryl (Doug) Hayes, Jim (Mary Ann) Beckman and Jacquelyn Beckman. Also surviving are 12 grandchildren: Michael, Kristen, Jack, Lindsay, Carla, Lisa, Matthew, Emily, Sarah, Rachel, Dominic, and Abby; nine great-grandchildren; two brothers: Terry Pearman and Keith Pearman; and one sister: Julia Jeffery.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Friends may visit with the family on Monday, Oct. 6, at Essling Funeral Home, LaPorte, from 4 to 8 p.m., with a prayer service scheduled for 6 p.m. Additional visitation will be held Tuesday, Oct. 7, at St. Peter Catholic Church, LaPorte, from 9 to 10 a.m. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the church with Fr. Joseph Angotti officiating. Interment will take place at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Crown Point, IN. Geisen Funeral Home, Crown Point, is handling arrangements.
Memorial donations may made to St. Peter Catholic Church, 1101 Michigan Ave., LaPorte, IN 46350; or The March of Dimes at www.marchofdimes.org.
Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP, as well as at www.GeisenFuneralHome.com.
Michael William Olson, 30, of Portland, OR, and formerly of LaPorte, died Sept. 30, 2014, in Portland.
He was born Nov. 8, 1983, in LaPorte to James and Sandra (Oesterle) Olson.
Michael graduated from LaPorte High School in 2002; while a student there he was a member of the Speech Team, El Pe Yearbook Staff and Creative Writing Staff. He also acted in plays both at the high school and at Footlight Theatre in Michigan City, IN. From 2002 to 2004 he attended Ball State University in Muncie, IN. In 2009 he moved to Portland. He had worked at Hair of the Dog Brewing Company as a server and bartender for the past two years.
Michael loved online gaming and music. He was an avid reader and poet. He loved Portland and the many friends and co-workers he had there, as well as his many friends from LaPorte and Muncie.
He is survived by his parents, who now live in Summerfield, FL; his sister, Amanda (Chad) Martin, and his brother, Paul Hanahan (Lakiska Flippin), both of Indianapolis; two nieces, Blaire Martin and Zadie Flippin-Hanahan, both of Indianapolis; and his beloved cat Mullet, of Portland.
He was preceded in death by maternal grandparents Eugene and Mabel (Miller) Oesterle and paternal grandparents Ruth (Spierling) and Elmer Olson.
A celebration of Michael’s life will be held at The Hair of the Dog Brewing Company, 61 SE Yamhill St., Portland, OR, on Sunday, Oct. 12, from 1 to 4 p.m. PDT.
Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice.
Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP, as well as at http://www.omegaservices.com.
Mrs. Helen Ross Horlbeck Carleton, 86, of LaPorte, died Friday, Oct. 3, 2014, at her home.
She was born Sept. 11, 1928, in LaPorte to Walter and Mable (Popka) Ross.
Helen was a homemaker. She enjoyed playing bridge and was an avid reader.
She was married to Elmer Horlbeck and then to John Carleton, who both preceded her in death.
She was also preceded in death by her parents; a daughter, Jana Adkins; two brothers and one sister.
She is survived by two daughters, Debra (Ron) Vlietstra of LaPorte and Kim Fasano of Joliet, IL; six grandchildren, Jennifer Vlietstra, Christy (Mark) Satoski, Anthony (Jessica) Fasano, Nick Fasano, John (Maggie) Adkins, and Troy Adkins; seven great-grandchildren, Nicole, Alex, Samantha, Giovanni, Isabella, Breanna, and Jason; and a sister, Sandra Tarnow of LaPorte.
The family will receive friends at Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, LaPorte, on Tuesday, Oct. 7, from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. A life celebration will be held Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. at the funeral home with Dr. Joseph Loftis officiating. Interment will follow at Pine Lake Cemetery, LaPorte.
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.haverstockfuneralhome.com.
Mr. Vincent H. Krueger, 70, of LaPorte, died Friday, Oct. 3, 2014, at IU Health LaPorte Hospital.
He was born Oct. 13, 1943, in LaPorte to Harold and Josephine (Soja) Krueger.
Vincent worked in maintenance for LaPorte Savings Bank, retiring in 2012, and also had worked at Joy Manfacturing in Michigan City, IN. He graduated from LaPorte High School in 1962, and was a veteran of the U.S. Army, having served in Germany during the Vietnam Conflict. He enjoyed working in the yard and with his tools. Vincent loved animals. He especially enjoyed visiting his friends and was the heart of his family. Vincent will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
Forever in our hearts, even death will not part us, until we meet again …. forever, your loving wife and daughter.
On Aug. 17, 1968, in LaPorte, he married Sandra (Nash) Krueger, who survives.
He is also survived by his daughter, Susan Daniels of Kingsford Heights, IN; brother-in-law, Tony (Terri) Nash of Kingsford Heights; aunt, Jeannette Horan of South Bend, IN; special cousin, Millie Firanek of Union Mills, IN; and several other cousins.
Vincent was preceded in death by his parents; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Ernest and Anna Nash; and several aunts and uncles.
The family will receive friends at Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, LaPorte, on Wednesday, Oct. 8, from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. A life celebration will be held Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. at the funeral home with Rev. Victor M. Frohne officiating. Interment will follow at Pine Lake Cemetery, LaPorte.
Memorial contributions may be made to the LaPorte Hospital Foundation, P.O. Box 250, LaPorte, IN 46350.
Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP, as well as at www.haverstockfuneralhome.com.
Mr. Robert C. Reed, 67, of LaPorte, died Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2014, in Michigan City, IN.
He was born Nov. 23, 1946, in LaPorte to Robert E. and Violet (Gemberling) Reed.
Robert worked as an architect for Fanning-Howey Association of Michigan City.
He is survived by his uncle, James Reed of Clifton, TN, and his cousin, Norman Funk of Camby, IN.
Robert was preceded in death by his parents and several aunts, uncles and cousins.
The family will receive friends at Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, LaPorte, on Saturday, Oct. 11, from noon to 2 p.m. A life celebration will be held Saturday at 2 p.m. at the funeral home with Pastor JoEllyn Chadwick officiating. Burial of ashes will be held at Union Mills Cemetery at a later date.
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.haverstockfuneralhome.com.
Delmar Leroy Martin Jr., 77, of Three Rivers, MI, and formerly of LaPorte County, died at Three Rivers Hospital on Monday, Sept. 1, 2014.
He was born Aug. 11, 1937, in Rolling Prairie, IN, to Delmar and Gladys (Morrison) Martin.
From his youth Delmar was an avid and marksman, a lifelong commitment, leading to numerous certificates and awards of which he was extremely proud. He was also a member of the local civil air patrol while at school.
Delmar graduated from LaPorte High School in 1956 and immediately enrolled in the United States Marine Corps aviation program. During basic training he was awarded certificates for outstanding marksmanship, and being an outstanding member of his platoon. He served initially as an aviation technician in the Marine Black Knights Squadron, followed by tours of duty in Taiwan and Japan before spending his final two years as a sergeant in the Marine Corps detachment at the U.S. Embassy in London.
While in London he married Sonia Sneiman before returning to Cherry Point, N.C., where his daughter Amber was born. The couple moved back to England upon Delmar’s discharge from the Marine Corps, and he joined a family business selling high-end cars to the military, prior to moving into private security for the business sector in London.
In 1972 the couple divorced and he married Maria Bryson, who later died. He shifted his focus toward helping youth and spent the next 18 years as a youth sports coach, a youth counselor and eventually youth center manager in his local borough of Walthamstow. He retired from that post in 1991.
In March 1991 in London, he married Susan McLeod, and shortly thereafter the family moved to Three Rivers to become carers for the Martin seniors while he worked as a realtor for several local companies. He also enrolled as a reserve deputy for the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department and did the county liquor inspections for several years.
In 1996, Delmar was elected supervisor of Fabius Township, where he served for nearly eight years prior to his retirement from that post in 2004. But he retained his interest in public policy, standing for state representative, county sheriff and most recently county commissioner, and although he did not win, he enjoyed the race. He was a strong believer in the rights of the taxpayer.
He was predeceased by his parents, Gladys and Delmar, his sister Barbara Perz, his nephew Donald Martin and his favorite uncle Skeezix Morrison.
Surviving are his wife, Susan; daughters, Anne in Three Rivers, and Amber (Ian) Mackmurdie in England; his brother, Donald (Joyce) in Kissimmee, FL; nephew, Denis (Karen) Martin of LaPorte; and niece, Denise of Florida.
A graveside service will be held Monday, Oct. 13, at 1 p.m. at Oak Grove Cemetery, LaPorte County, with Pastor JoEllyn Chadwick officiating. Burial of ashes will be conducted in the cemetery.
Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP, as well as at www.haverstockfuneralhome.com.
Tammie L. Campos, 54, of LaPorte, died peacefully at 8:10 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2014, at Miller’s Health and Rehabilitation, LaPorte.
She was born Sept. 12, 1960.
A celebration of her life will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11, at the Moose Lodge, 925 Boyd Blvd., LaPorte. Family will accept flowers; send flowers to the Moose Lodge. 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.
Mr. James O. Lilly, 61, of LaPorte, died Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2014, at his home surrounded by his family.
He was born Jan. 12, 1953, in LaPorte to Willard A. and Mary Jane (Cram) Lilly.
James worked as a machine operator for A&M General and H&K Machine. He attended Grace Baptist Church; was a past member of Order of DeMolay, American Aquarist Society, Federation of American Aquarists Societies, and Singing Sands Aquarists Society; and a member of Academy of Model Aeronautics and Northern Indiana Modelers Association.
On May 13, 1989, he married Barbara A. Lilly, who survives.
He is also survived by two daughters, Brandi S. Lilly and Brittany A. Lilly, both of LaPorte; two grandchildren, Cali and Chelsea Lilly; one brother, Roger A. Lilly of LaPorte; two nephews, Mark and Joe Lilly; and two nieces, Wendi and Gina Lilly.
James was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Mary E. Hunt.
The family will receive friends at Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, LaPorte, on Thursday, Oct. 9, from 4 to 8 p.m. and Friday, Oct. 10, from 10 to 11 a.m. A life celebration will be held Friday at 11 a.m. at the funeral home with Pastor Roger Ash officiating. Interment will follow at Patton Cemetery, LaPorte.
Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP, as well as at www.haverstockfuneralhome.com.
Hector E. Garcia Jr., 60, of LaPorte, died suddenly on Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2014.
He was born Aug. 21, 1954, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, to Hector E. Sr. and Flor (Gonzalez) Garcia.
Hector retired from the Hobart Fire Department as a firefighter and EMT. After his retirement Hector worked in fire service in Iraq for five years, then in Afghanistan for three years. He was most recently an Inspector for the Indiana State Department of Health. He had served in the Marine Corps.
On July 1, 2005, Hector married Sandra Hootman, who survives.
Also surviving are his mother, Flor Garcia of Tennessee; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Sharon and Tom Hootman of LaPorte; children, Danette (Tom) Dolan of London, England, Hector (Lucy) Garcia Jr. of Illinois, Alamar (Andy) Hoke of Indiana, Ryan (Jessica) Kain of DeMotte, IN, and Michael Chesnut of Valparaiso, IN; several grandchildren; a brother, Victor (Margaret) Garcia of Indiana; and a sister, Norma (Robert) Hall of Florida.
His father preceded him in death.
A memorial service will be held at noon Saturday, Oct. 11, at Moose Lodge, 925 Boyd Blvd., LaPorte. Essling Funeral Home, LaPorte, is handling arrangements.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Rhododendron Species Foundation & Botanical Garden, 2525 S. 336th St., Federal Way, WA 98003.
Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP, as well as at www.esslingfuneralhome.com.
Lawrence “Larry” “Lum” A. Granzo Sr., 90, of LaPorte, died peacefully at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2014, at IU Health LaPorte Hospital.
He was born Aug. 15, 1924, in Chicago to Arthur and Estelle (Pickford) Granzo.
Larry was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in LaPorte. He worked as a traffic manager and shipping clerk at Phillips Drill, presently known as ITW Ramset Red Head, from which he retired in 1986. Larry was in the Traffic Club while working at Phillips Drill and also received an award from the United Way. He was a former member of the Moose Lodge in Michigan City. Larry loved life and telling stories of his life in Chicago. He enjoyed Big Band music, especially Lawrence Welk. Larry spent many mornings at Lindos restaurant, having coffee with his brother Ronnie. He loved spending time on his outdoor swing at his home. Larry dearly loved his family, grandchildren and friends.
On Jan. 24, 1987, in Michigan City, IN, he married Cecilia F. Gordon Levendoski Granzo, who survives.
Also surviving are seven children, Joyce (Peter) Pawlak, Connie (Virgil) Partenberry, Pam (Daryl) Bentley, Lynda Brown, Sharon (Brent) Marxman, Melissa (David) Kreiger, and Brian (Jean) Granzo; one brother, Ronald (Judith) Granzo; four nieces; 22 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; seven great-great-grandchildren; and many friends.
Preceding him in death were his parents; brother, Donald Granzo; son, Larry Granzo Jr.; nephew, Tim Granzo; nieces, Dawn and Stacy Granzo; grandchildren, Laura Feldemier, Bonnie Egelske and Kyle Kahn; and great-grandchild, Amanda Lovins.
A celebration of his life will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 26, in the Orleans Ballroom of Blue Chip Casino, Michigan City. Lakeview Funeral Home and Crematory, LaPorte, is handling arrangements.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in memory of Lawrence Granzo Sr., 9075 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46260.
Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP, as well as at www.LakeviewFHC.com.
Cynthia Lynn Harper, 67, of LaPorte, died early Saturday morning at home.
She was born March 22, 1947, in Rockford, IL, to Vernon and Lorraine (Smith) Marsch.
Cynthia loved shopping and traveling, especially to the Holy Land.
On Dec. 5, 1981, she married C. Eugene “Gene” Harper, who survives.
Also surviving are her stepson, Ron Harper of Mishawaka, IN; grandchildren, Christopher and Karyn Harper of Mishawaka; sister, Debbie (Sam) Cardinale of LaPorte; nephews, Matthew (Julie) Cardinale of Valparaiso, IN, and Anthony (Lisa) Cardinale of LaPorte; great-niece, Jadeyn Cardinale of LaPorte; uncle and aunt, Bob and Corinne Smith; and several cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 15, at First United Methodist Church, LaPorte, with Rev. Evan Lash officiating. Family and friends will be received at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, LaPorte, on Tuesday, Oct. 14, from 2 to 6 p.m., and at the church on Wednesday from 10 a.m. until the service. A committal service will be held at Chapel Hill Cemetery in Osceola, IN, on Thursday, Oct. 16, at 11 a.m.
Memorial contributions may be directed to First United Methodist Church, 1225 Michigan Ave., LaPorte, IN 46350; or the charity of the donor’s choice.
Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP, as well as at www.cutlerfuneralhome.com.
Arthur William Jaques, 68, of LaPorte, died Oct. 13, 2014, at his daughter’s home in Summerville, SC.
He was born April 19, 1946, in Providence, RI, to Arthur W. Sr. and Dorthy (Duclau) Jaques.
Arthur worked for 38 years for Indiana State Prison and also as a deputy marshal for the town of Westville, IN, and delivered newspapers for the Westville Indicator. He was a loving grandfather who enjoyed spending time with his family and grandchildren. He loved riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle, camping and building campfires.
On April 26, 1972, he married Christine (Markiewicz) Jaques, who survives.
Also surviving are his beloved children, Gwendolyn (Tommy) Wilson of Michigan City, IN, Michelle Jaques of LaPorte and Jennifer (Christopher) Eich of South Carolina; grandchildren, Tommy Wilson III, Jaden Wilson, Brittney Vance, Bella Jaques, Nevaeh Eich, Keaton Eich, and Ryan Eich; two sisters, Margaret (James) Tibbs and Martha (Wayne) Marks; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; grandson, Steven Vance; and brothers, Robert, Raymond and Howard Jaques.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, LaPorte, with Pastor Roger Ash officiating. Visitation will be Friday, Oct. 17, from 5 to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. until the service. Burial will take place at noon Saturday at Graceland Cemetery, Valparaiso, IN.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the family of Arthur Jaques c/o Christine Jaques, 2900 Monroe St., LaPorte, IN 46350.
Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP, as well as at www.cutlerfuneralhome.com.
Mark Lee White, 52, of LaPorte, died Thursday, Oct. 16, 2014, at IU Health LaPorte Hospital.
He was born Sept. 8, 1962, in LaPorte to James and Bonnie (Felton) White.
Mark worked as a farmer and a field representative for Foremost Farms for 30 years.
On Sept. 3, 2011, he married Christina Smith, who survives.
Also surviving are his son, Joshua (Jennifer) White of Gurnee, IL; daughter, Ali Biernacki of Rochester, IN; stepdaughter, Ashley Clark of LaPorte; stepdaughter, Courtney Tallman of LaPorte; siblings, Lee (Erin) White, Ruth (Craig) Lile, Jeff (Ann) Robinson, Matt (Jackie) Robinson, and Chad (Tina) White; six grandchildren, Kimberly, Riley, Drew, Vada, Caden, and Ivy; father, James White of LaPorte; mother, Bonnie (Jim) Robinson of LaPorte; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents.
A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 23, at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, LaPorte. Visitation will be Thursday from 3:30 p.m. until the service. A cremation committal has taken place.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the family of Mark White c/o Christina White, 2900 Monroe St., LaPorte, IN 46350.
Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP, as well as at www.cutlerfuneralhome.com.
Ruth E. Merchant, 90, of LaPorte, died Saturday, Oct. 18, 2014.
She was born Sept. 6, 1924, to Roy and Elsie (Hubner) Anderson and was a lifelong resident of LaPorte.
Ruth retired from Whirlpool Corporation after 23 years of service and formerly worked at Howmet Industries. She was a member of VFW Ladies Auxiliary, bowled on the Whirlpool team, and was a member of Rosie Riveters at the Kingsbury Munitions Plant.
On Nov. 23, 1946, Ruth married Claude R. “Bud” Merchant, who preceded her in death on July 15, 2003.
Also preceding her in death were her son, Randy Merchant, on April 29, 2007; and a sister, Mary Cook.
Ruth is survived by her daughter, Pam; husband, Gary McDonald of LaPorte; son, Steven Merchant of Minot, ND; six grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; sister, Alyce Galko of Lexington, NC; and two nephews and a niece.
Visitation will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 22, at Essling Funeral Home, LaPorte. A private burial service will take place.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Lincoln School Library, 402 Harrison St., LaPorte, IN 46350.
Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP, as well as at www.esslingfuneralhome.com.
Patricia Ann Strojny, 78, of Middlebury, IN, died Sunday, Oct. 19, 2014.
She was born Dec. 29, 1935, in Elkhart, IN, to Theodore Wayne and Anna (Pinter) Ringer.
Patricia received her nursing degree from Purdue University in 1971 and worked as a registered nurse in critical care, medical surgery and recovery at La Porte Hospital for almost 20 years. While there she completed another degree in public health from the University of St. Francis. She then went on to run the Women, Infants and Children program in LaPorte and Elkhart counties. She finished her nursing career working as assistant director of nursing at Lakeland Rehabilitation in Milford, IN, and then in Home Health Care, serving Elkhart, Lagrange and Kosciusko counties. She greatly enjoyed her calling to help care for her patients, but her real love was spending time with her family and friends, especially at Hunter Lake in Middlebury.
Patricia was married to David Kent Bowser, who preceded her in death on July 5, 1969. She then married Jerome Joseph Strojny, who preceded her in death on Jan. 2, 1989.
A great-grandson, Weston Proud, and a brother, Ted Ringer, also preceded her in death.
Patricia is survived by her children, Randy L. (Kim) Bowser of LaPorte, Terry A. (Mary) Bowser of Hanna, IN, Larry L. (Susie) Bowser of LaPorte and Jodi Strojny Clouse of Syracuse, IN; eight grandchildren, David (Jackie) Bowser, Shannon (Matt) Proud, Michael Bowser, Dustin Bowser, Stephen Bowser, Haley Bowser, Stevie Bowser, and Olivia Clouse; and two great-grandchildren, Wyatt and Wren Proud.
Visitation will be at Essling Funeral Home, LaPorte, on Thursday, Oct. 23, from 4 to 8 p.m. and Friday, Oct. 24, from 10 to 11 a.m. A funeral service will be held Friday at 11 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Union Mills Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org, or the Leukemia Foundation at www.lls.org.
Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP, as well as at www.esslingfuneralhome.com.
Patricia “Patti” Ann Fannin, 58, of LaPorte, died peacefully at 5 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 16, 2014, at Golden Living Center Countryside, LaPorte.
She was born July 4, 1956, in Muncie, IN, to John and Beverly (Shanks) Gupton.
Patti loved life, her children and grandchildren. She was a loving and devoted grandmother who enjoyed caring for her grandchildren “beyond the call of duty.” Patti also enjoyed fishing, creating jewelry and sewing. She was a wonderful daughter, mother and grandmother.
She is survived by her mother, Beverly Kausrud of LaPorte; one sister, Jeannie Gupton of Rochester, IN; one brother, Ed (Connie Jean) Gupton of Austin, TX; two daughters, Heather Creed and Cora Birch, both of LaPorte; five grandchildren, Serena, Clutch, Tyler, Evanthan and Amazie; niece, Jamie Mitchell-Rasmussen of Valparaiso, IN; and nephew, John (Bonnie) Mitchell of Uruguay.
Her father and one grandmother preceded her in death.
A private memorial service will be held at a later date. 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.
Patricia “Pat” F. (Frame) Larsen, 84, of Michigan City, IN, and formerly of Walkerton, IN, died Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2014, at IU Health LaPorte Hospital.
She was born April 8, 1930, to Samuel N. and Hilda F. (Skinner) Frame.
Pat was raised in Walkerton and was valedictorian of the 1948 Walkerton High School graduating class. She then worked for Inland Steel in East Chicago for 27 years before retiring. She also spent over 20 years as the deputy city clerk of Michigan City.
Pat was very active to say the least. She was a longtime dedicated member of First Baptist Church in Michigan City, where she had played the organ and served as treasurer. She was an active member of the Festival Players Guild and several other musical organizations for many years. Pat loved cats, playing bridge, and most of all going on Saturday adventures with her family.
She is survived by her loving family: siblings, Thomas (Elsie) Frame of Venice, FL, Mary Ann Frame of Walkerton and Ellen Swihart of Terre Haute, IN; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, David Frame; and a sister, Nancy Bell.
Visitation will be held at Nusbaum-Elkin Funeral Home, Walkerton, on Friday, Oct. 24, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. EST (4 to 6:30 p.m. CST). A Celebration of Life Service will be held in Pat’s honor on Saturday, Oct. 25, at 11 a.m. EST (10 a.m. CST) at the funeral home with Rev. Kevin Patterson officiating. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery, Walkerton.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the LaPorte County Small Animal Shelter, 2855 W. Ind. 2, LaPorte, IN 46350.
Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP.
Mrs. Suzette “Suzy” Halbert Smith, 86, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, died peacefully on Oct. 20, 2014, at Hamilton Communities in New Carlisle, IN, after a lengthy illness.
She was born Feb. 15, 1928, in Philadelphia, PA, and adopted by Dr. Victor Browne Halbert and Maude Hutchinson Halbert of Sylvania, OH, where she was the youngest of three siblings. Suzette grew up in Sylvania and graduated from Stephens College in Columbia, MO. In her youth, Suzette was an accomplished equestrian, a drum major for the Burnham High School Band, and enjoyed sailing during summers spent at their cottage at Devils Lake, MI.
She married Eugene Allen Smith on Dec. 19, 1948, at First Congregational Church of Sylvania, OH, of which she was a member. Suzette and Eugene raised three children in Sylvania, and later, LaPorte, IN, where she loved to play bridge and entertain friends. She is remembered fondly for her lively candor and wit. The Smiths enjoyed their retirement years in Fairfield Glade, TN, before moving back to Indiana for health care reasons and to be closer to family.
Suzette is survived by her devoted husband, Eugene, and their three children, Randolph (Pamela) Smith of Fredericksburg, VA, Victoria Stebel of Columbus, OH, and Jennifer (Richard) Kinas of Mill Creek, IN; four grandchildren, Dr. Elizabeth Smith, Alexander (Colleen) Wemyss, Bradley Stebel and Clayton Kinas; and one great-grandson, Milo Wemyss.
She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Robert Halbert and Frederick Halbert; and son-in-law, David Stebel.
Cremation was entrusted to Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, LaPorte. There will be no visitation. A private family burial will take place at a later date in Toledo Memorial Park, Sylvania, OH.
Those who wish to send written condolences may address them to Eugene Smith c/o Hamilton Communities, 31869 Chicago Trail, New Carlisle, IN 46552.
Online messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP, as well as at www.haverstockfuneralhome.