Mrs. Patricia A. Zeisig, 87, of Columbia City, IN, and formerly of LaPorte, died Monday, March 2, 2015.

She was born July 24, 1927, to Harry and Hester Ingole.

Patricia lived in LaPorte for most of her life, where she was a homemaker and also a member of the Charm and Chatter Home Economics Club.  Patricia was formerly active at First United Methodist Church, LaPorte, where she was a member.

On Sept. 21, 1947, in LaPorte, she married Robert C. Zeisig, who preceded her in death on March 4, 1998.

She was also preceded in death by her parents; son, Scott Zeisig; two sisters and three brothers.

Patricia leaves behind two daughters, Pamala Caudill of Columbia City and Janelle (Kenneth) Angel of Nashville, TN; three sons, Rodney (Marcia) Zeisig of LaPorte, Thomas (Sue) Zeisig of Columbia City and Bruce (Antoinette) Zeisig of Carol Stream, IL; 17 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held at Essling Funeral Home, LaPorte, on Saturday, March 7, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., followed by a funeral service at 1 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Patton Cemetery, LaPorte.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, 6100 W. 96th St., No. 200, Indianapolis, IN 46278, or to the donor’s choice.

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

Mrs. Flo Vester, 100, of LaPorte, died Tuesday, March 3, 2015, at Golden Living Center Countryside in LaPorte.

She was born Sept. 4, 1914, in Pleasantville, IN, to Ralph and Clara (Esslinger) Dugan.

Flo was a lifetime caregiver to all of her family, neighbors and military men and women. She raised her brothers and sisters, then was a full-time mother and caregiver to her children. Flo never met a stranger. She was a member of the Women’s Association Bowling League. She enjoyed bowling, and spending time with family and grandchildren. She loved to travel to Las Vegas, Minnesota and Europe.

On Sept. 30, 1933, in Marshall, IL, she married Robert W. Vester, who preceded her in death on Jan. 31, 1979.

She was also preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Mary Lowdenslager; two brothers, Gene Dugan and Ralph Dugan; and three sisters, Waneta Purcell, Laura Thompson and Pauline Miller.

She is survived by four daughters, Barbara Smeltzer and Laura King, both of LaPorte, Helen Brown of South Bend, IN, and Betty (Bruce) Burkhardt of Houston TX; son-in-law, Edward Lowdenslager of LaPorte; 14 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; many great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends at Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, LaPorte, on Saturday, March 7, from noon to 2 p.m. A life celebration will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home with Pastor JoEllyn Chadwick officiating. Interment will follow in Patton Cemetery, LaPorte.

Memorial contributions may be made to Asera Care Hospice, 332 W. U.S. 30, Suite E, Valparaiso, IN 46385.

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

Harold W. Lang, 63, formerly of LaPorte, died Friday, Feb. 27, 2015.

He was born Dec. 27, 1951, in LaPorte to Walter and Esther Lang. He was predeceased by his father, mother and older brother, Walter Jr.

He was a graduate of Indiana University with a degree in biology and psychology, and was a member of the National Honor Society and former member of Sauk Town Lake Rock and Mineral Society.

He is survived by a special aunt, Rosemarie Kuhagen, and 10 cousins.

A private funeral service was held at Essling Funeral Home, LaPorte.

Barbara Louise Sennett, 84, of LaPorte, died Thursday, March 5, 2015, at Golden Living Center Fountainview Terrace in LaPorte.

She was born Dec. 16, 1930, in South Bend to Cecil M. and Electa (Halbruge) Sennett.

Barbara was a secretary at the Los Angeles Medical Center and Beatty Memorial Hospital, and retired from the Department of Correction in Westville, IN.  She graduated from John Adams High School in South Bend and received a BS from DePauw University in Greencastle, IN.

Surviving are her brother, James (Diane) Sennett of Michigan City, IN; her nephew, Kristopher (Tami) Sennett of Fort Wayne, IN; two great-nieces, Carlie Sennett and Kelsey Sennett; great-nephew, Keaton Sennett; and cousin, Bob (Joanne) Sennett of Warsaw, IN.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her cousin, John Sennett.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, March 12, at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, LaPorte, with Pastor Roger Ash officiating. Visitation will be held Thursday from 11 a.m. until the service. A private burial will take place following the service at Pinhook Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Independent Cat Society, 4061 S. County Line Rd., Westville, IN 46391.

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

Mrs. Nora J. Bannwart, 84, of LaPorte, died March 5, 2015.

She was born Aug. 30, 1930, in West Virginia to Alfred and Nora (Jerrell) Pettry.

Nora was a hair stylist at Hair Control in LaPorte for 45 years. She retired in 2010.

In 1975, Nora married Edward Bannwart, who preceded her in death.

She was also preceded in death by her parents and husband Darwin Dillon, who died Dec. 28, 2004.

Nora leaves behind two sons, Rodney (Carol) Dillon and Terry (Nancy) Dillon; six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; four sisters, Bett Dillon, Barb Anderson, Nancy Stricklyn and Heneritta Long; and one brother, Phillip Pettry.

Nora also had a longtime friend and caregiver who helped her for the last five years, Don Machler.

Visitation will be held at Essling Funeral Home, LaPorte, on Tuesday, March 10, from noon to 2 p.m. A funeral services will follow visitation at 2 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will take place after the service at Pine Lake Cemetery, LaPorte.

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

Dr. Olufemi Oyetunji Okanlami died March 2, 2015.

He was born Jan. 30, 1955, in Ibadan, Nigeria, to Stephen Oyewole and Marian Moladun Okanlami. He was the first of six sons.

Dr. Okanlami attended Olivet Baptist High School in Oyo, Nigeria, and graduated from the University of Ibadan College of Medicine in 1981. He did his internship at Ife University Teaching Hospital in Ile-Ife, Nigeria, where he met his wife, Olubunmi Abosede Olutoye, and was married in 1982. They were blessed with two children, Olubunmi Oyepeju and Oluwaferanmi Oyedeji Okanlami. He began his training in Pediatrics and Neonatology at Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), prior to relocating to the United States for further training at Howard University and Georgetown University Hospitals in Washington, D.C. Most of his professional career was in the Michiana area as an attending Neonatologist at Memorial Children’s Hospital, St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center, and Elkhart General Hospital.

In addition to his dedication to children and families, he was also an avid gardener, landscape designer and self-made architect. In his limited free time he also enjoyed soccer, table tennis and watching sports.

He worshiped at the Episcopal Cathedral of St. James, where he also served as a lector.

He was very passionate about supporting causes that improved the lives of children, such as March of Dimes and A Rosie Place, and served as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for children.

He is survived by his mother; three brothers, Oyekunle, Oyewale and Oyeniyi; wife and two children; and a grandchild, Alexander Oyedeji Paich Okanlami.

A viewing will be held from 3 to 7 p.m. and a service of songs from 7 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, March 14, at St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, 53720 N. Ironwood Rd., South Bend, IN. A funeral service will be held Sunday, March 15, at 1 p.m. at The Cathedral of St. James, 117 N. Lafayette Blvd., South Bend. (All South Bend times.) Interment will be private. Essling Funeral Home, LaPorte, is handling arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to A Rosie Place  (www.arosieplace.org), or Memorial Children’s Hospital (http://www.qualityoflife.org/childrenshospital).

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

Mrs. Ardith Adams, 63, of LaPorte, died Saturday, March 7, 2015, at her home.

She was born June 29, 1951, in LaPorte to Arden and Elizabeth (Young) Culvahouse.

Ardith is survived by her four sisters, Elsie Lotter, Ethel Hager and Ruby Culvahouse, all of LaPorte, and Ruth Keene of Cartersville, GA; and brother, Jerry Culvahouse of Kewanee, IN.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Private family services will be held at a later date. Interment of ashes will be at Oak Grove Cemetery, Mill Creek, IN. Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services is handling arrangements.

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

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

Mr. Lauren W. “Porky” Luther, 73, of LaPorte, died Sunday, March 8, 2015, at Memorial Hospital in South Bend, IN.

He was born Feb. 25, 1942, in LaPorte to Bernard and Deloris (Diedrich) Luther.

Porky was a member of PRCU, Eagles and American Legion in South Bend. He had worked for Delaney Furniture, Tucker’s Trucking in Michigan City, Clemons Trucking Co., Royal Metals, and retired from Preston Trucking Local 151. Porky loved to camp and go fishing; he would drive around the lake every morning. He also enjoyed woodworking, water skiing, motorcycles and playing solitaire.

On Oct. 20, 1967, he married Carol (Schoof) Luther, who survives.

He is also survived by three sons, Dom Luther, Brian Luther and Jon (Amy) Luther, all of LaPorte; two daughters, Laura (John) Graber of LaPorte and Sandy (Denny) Greene of Clarksville, TN; 11 grandchildren, Scotty Migliaccio, Amanda Migliaccio, Megan Graber, Moriah Graber, Maris Graber, Mandy Graber, Jessica Miller, Logan Luther, Gretchen Luther, Jacob Hunsley, and Dylan Hunsley; three great-grandchildren, Lucas Migliaccio, Ben Graber and Nicholas Migliaccio; brother, Dale (Margo) Luther of Carmel, IN; two sisters, Joan (Ron) Scherer and Sue (Randy) Nowicki, both of LaPorte; and several nieces and nephews.

Lauren was preceded in death by his parents and one grandchild, Loren Blankenship.

The family will receive friends at Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, LaPorte, on Wednesday, March 11, from 4 to 8 p.m. and Thursday, March 12, from 10 to 11 a.m. A life celebration will be held Thursday at 11 a.m. at the funeral home with Rev. Bill Barnes officiating. Cremation will take place.

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

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

Alejandro Anguiano, 41, of LaPorte, died Friday, March 6, 2015, at IU Health LaPorte Hospital.

He was born Nov. 16, 1973, to Pedro Anguiano Chavez and Maria Del Carmen Robles, who survive.

Alejandro worked as a forklift driver for Markman Peat Corporation in Kingsbury, IN.

On Dec. 17, 2005, in LaPorte, he married Maria Yoye Vazquez, who survives.

Also surviving are his beloved daughters, Alejandra Anguiano and Joanna Anguiano, both of LaPorte; three sisters and one brother.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, March 13, at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, LaPorte. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church, LaPorte, on Saturday, March 14, at 11 a.m. with Father Eduardo Malagon officiating. Burial will follow at Pine Lake Cemetery, LaPorte.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family c/o Maria Vazquez, 2900 Monroe St., LaPorte, IN 46350.

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

Mary Jo Goers, 85, of LaPorte, died peacefully Saturday, March 7, 2015, at Miller’s Health and Rehabilitation in LaPorte.

She was born Aug. 23, 1929, in Stillwell, IN, to Paul Wayne and Joeva (Porter) Jones.

Mary Jo was a dedicated homemaker and devoted herself to her family. She was a member of The Lutheran Church, the American Legion and the Legion Auxiliary. She enjoyed bird watching, camping, traveling, and most of all spending time with her loved ones.

On Oct. 16, 1949, she married William Otto Goers, who preceded her in death in 2010.

She was also preceded in death by her parents; her second mother, Mildred Barden Jones; and her brother, Gene Jones.

Surviving are her beloved sons, Mark Goers, Corey (Rita) Goers and Scott (Marie) Goers, all of LaPorte; three grandchildren, Corey R. (Meghan) Goers, Brandon Goers and Angie (Julius) Ellis; five great-grandchildren, Emily Goers, Ciara August, Malik Corley, Madison Hanley and Rachel Ellis; her brother, Roger (Penny) Jones of LaPorte; and her nephew, Bradley (Jenna) Jones of South Bend, IN.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, LaPorte, on Saturday, March 14, at 4 p.m. with Rev. Dr. Loftus officiating. Visitation will be held Saturday from 2 p.m. until the service. A private family burial will take place at a later date in Salem Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to LaPorte Slicer Baseball, 704 F St., LaPorte, IN 46350.

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

Lulu A.O. Davis, 91, of LaPorte, died peacefully at 1:15 a.m. Friday, March 6, 2015, in her home.

She was born Aug. 17, 1923, in Crofton, Nebraska, to Perry and Lulu (Krueger) Waggoner.

Lulu loved to dance, garden, crochet blankets, golf in California, and bird watch outside her kitchen window. She also enjoyed thimble and miniature lamp collecting. Lulu was a loving mother, sister, grandmother and great-grandmother.

In 1996, in Las Vegas, Nevada, she married the love of her life, Bill Davis, who preceded her in death in 2007.

Also preceding her in death were her parents; two sisters, Florine Drinkwine and Harriet Hillier; two brothers, Perry Waggoner Jr. and Chesleigh Waggoner; and one infant great-grandson, Loki Bardwell.

Surviving are two daughters, Carolyn Fox of LaPorte and Loretta Craig of Wolcottville, IN; two sons, Harry Yazell of LaPorte and Garry (Michelle Dunning) Yazell of St. Paul, MN; two stepdaughters, Norma Curtis of Heavener, OK, and Diana Bardwell of Oklahoma; one sister, Bessie Havens of Hesperia, CA; one brother, Harry Waggoner of Oregon; 10 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service celebrating Lulu’s life will be held at 5 p.m. Thursday, March 12, at Lakeview Funeral Home and Crematory, LaPorte. Visitation will be held Thursday from 2 p.m. until the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to IU Health VNA Hospice, 901 S. Woodland Ave., Michigan City, IN 46360.

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

Alejandro Anguiano, 41, of LaPorte, died Friday, March 6, 2015, at IU Health LaPorte Hospital.

He was born Nov. 16, 1973, to Pedro Anguiano Chavez and Maria Del Carmen Robles, who survive.

Alejandro worked as a forklift driver for Markman Peat Corporation in Kingsbury, IN.

On Dec. 17, 2005, in LaPorte,  he married Maria Yoye Vazquez, who survives.

Also surviving are his beloved daughters, Alejandra Anguiano and Joanna Anguiano, both of LaPorte; three sisters and one brother.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church, LaPorte, on Saturday, March 14, at 11 a.m. with Father Eduardo Malagon officiating. Visitation will be held at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, LaPorte, from 4 to 8 p.m. on Friday, March 13. Burial will follow the Mass at Pine Lake Cemetery, LaPorte.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family c/o Maria Vazquez, 2900 Monroe St., LaPorte, IN  46350.

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

Erla Bernice Peterson, 72, of Rolling Prairie, IN, died Wednesday, March 4, 2015, at IU Health LaPorte Hospital.

She was born Dec. 26, 1942, in Peoria, IL, to Sturgis and Mary Erla (Cranmer) Johnston.

Erla enjoyed reading, classic films, television, classical music, flowers, collecting stuffed animals, and Star Trek. She enjoyed learning something new about people, places and all kinds of other things.

Surviving are her beloved sons, Shawn D. Peterson and Scot Peterson, both of Rolling Prairie; grandsons, Tristan and Troy; brother, Albert Johnston of Texas; and sister, Helen Block of Florida.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at 5 p.m. Sunday, March 15, at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center. Visitation will be held Sunday from 2 p.m. until the service. A cremation committal will take place following the service.

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

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

Carol Z. Peeples, 79, of LaPorte, died peacefully at 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 11, 2015, at Hamilton Grove in New Carlisle, IN.

She was born Aug. 13, 1935, in LaPorte to Henry and Maude (Doliver) Wagner.

Carol was a member of Michigan City Christian Church and a former member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Women’s Auxiliary.

On Dec. 30, 1957, in LaPorte, she married James Harley Eycleshymer, who preceded her in death.

On May 1, 1965, in Rolling Prairie, IN, she married Gene Peeples, who also preceded her in death.

Also preceding her in death was her parents; daughter, Dianna Lynn Peeples; and son-in-law, Randy Stoeckinger.

Surviving are five children, Eileen Stoeckinger and Dawn (Adam) Mitchell, both of LaPorte, David (Rosetta) Peeples of Jacksonville, FL, Brian Peeples of Las Vegas, NV, and Wayne (Michele) Peeples of LaPorte; three sisters; eight grandchildren, Kyleen Fuller, James Stoeckinger, Anthony Cantrell, Nicole Peeples, Anthony Peeples, Brandon Peeples, Abbigail Mitchell, and Ian Mitchell; and three great-grandchildren, Allen Fuller, Elaine Fuller and Noah Anderson.

A funeral celebrating Carol’s life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 14, at Lakeview Funeral Home and Crematory, LaPorte, with Kim Cole officiating. Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. until the service. Burial will follow the service at Kingsbury Cemetery.

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

Mrs. Rebecca “Becky” M. Roda, 80, of Rolling Prairie, IN, died Wednesday, March 11, 2015, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Mishawaka, IN.

She was born May 18, 1934, in Aiken, Minnesota, to George and Irene (Munger) Blackburn.

Rebecca was a homemaker and worked on the farm, retiring in 1985. She was a member of TOPS IN 1364 of Rolling Prairie, Piece-makers of Rolling Prairie United Methodist Church, Rolling Prairie Community Center and Rolling Prairie Gleaners. Rebecca enjoyed quilting and reading.

On Aug. 28, 1953, she married James C. Roda, who preceded her in death Aug. 3, 2013.

Rebecca was also preceded in death by her parents; son, Charles Roda; and son-in-law, Mike Haag.

She is survived by her son, Paul Roda of Plymouth, IN; three daughters, Loretta (Dan) Johnston of New Carlisle, IN, Christine (Doug) Keeling of Bremen, IN, and Peggy Haag of Plymouth; seven grandchildren, Jeremy (Jenny) Haag, Chad (Erica) Haag, Nicole Biggerstaff, Aaron (Allison) Keeling, Samantha (James) Morrison, Amanda (Keith) Collins, and James (Angela) Roda; 11 great-grandchildren; one brother, Kenneth Blackburn of Arizona; and one sister, Esther Boatman of Adell, IA.

The family will receive friends at Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, LaPorte, on Sunday, March 15, from 2 to 6 p.m. and Monday, March 16, from 9 to 10 a.m. A life celebration will be held Monday at 10 a.m. at the funeral home with Pastor Steve VanHouten officiating. Interment will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery, Mill Creek, IN.

Memorial contributions may be made to Oak Grove Cemetery, CR 600 East, Mill Creek, IN 46365; Rolling Prairie United Methodist Church, 3444 E. U.S. 20, Rolling Prairie, IN 46371; or Rolling Prairie Community Center, 100 N. Depot St., Rolling Prairie, IN 46371.

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

Betty L. Boerema, 77, of Canton, OH, and formerly of LaPorte, died Wednesday, March 11, 2015.

She was born June 29, 1937, in Bloomington, IN, to Albert G. and Dorothy Nadine (Cooper) Wilber.

Betty worked at Allis-Chalmers for 10 years, then finished her career by working for 15 years at Modine Manufacturing, where she retired in 1998 as a human resources manager. She was a member of Baptist Missionary Church of LaPorte. She enjoyed working in her flower gardens and loved spending time with her family. Betty loved the Lord and wanted everyone she met to know Him personally!

In 1959, Betty married Dale M. Boerema, who survives.

Also surviving are her beloved children and their spouses, Douglas Dale Boerema and Rick M. Boerema, both of Akron, OH, and Tammi L. (Boerema) Shields of Massillon, OH; and five grandsons, Cody Boerema (Doug’s son), Jordyn and Ty Boerema (Rick’s sons), and Ian and Ryan Shields (Tammi’s sons).

Betty was preceded in death by her father, Albert G. Wilber, and her daughter, Debra L. Boerema.

Visitation will be at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, LaPorte, on Monday, March 16, from 4 to 8 p.m. and on Tuesday, March 17, from 10 to 11 a.m. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the funeral home with Rev. Roger Cooper of Calvary Baptist Church officiating. Burial will follow at Pine Lake Cemetery, LaPorte.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Calvary Baptist Church, 1808 I St., LaPorte, IN 46350.

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

Walter Feare Jr., 87, of LaPorte, died Tuesday, March 10, 2015, at Fountainview Terrace in LaPorte.

He was born Aug. 20, 1927, in Grandville, MI, to Walter Ray and Eva Marie (Ackerman) Feare.

Walter worked for Georgia Pacific and retired from UpJohn Pharmaceuticals as a landscaper. He was a veteran of the United States Navy, having served in Okinawa and Guam. He enjoyed horseback riding and was a good bowler.

On Feb. 13, 2006, he married Jean Darnell, who survives.

Also surviving are his beloved children, Daniel (Samey) Feare of LaPorte, Roger (Dottie) Feare of Kingsford Heights, IN, Mike Feare of Portage, MI, and Robert (Angie) Feare of LaPorte; grandchildren, Roger Jr., Candy, Daniel Jr., Sarah, Katie, Mikayla, Mikey, Austen, Kateland, Nicki, Alisha, Joy, and John Edward Lee Feare; and numerous family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wives, Norsetta and Priscilla; and brother, Bill Feare.

A Celebration of Life Service and Military Service will be held at noon Monday, March 16, at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, LaPorte. Visitation will be held Monday from 10 a.m. until the service. A cremation committal will take place. Burial will take place at a later date at Alamo Cemetery in Kalamazoo, MI.

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

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

Marcie A. Schlabaugh, 44, of Elkhart, IN, and formerly of LaPorte, died Thursday, March 12, 2015, at IU Hospital Indianapolis after an extended illness.

She was born Sept. 28, 1970, in LaPorte to Thomas J. and Diane M. (Cota) Brown.

Marcie was a graduate of LaPorte High School and Valparaiso University. She later graduated from Indiana University South Bend with a Master of Social Work degree. She was a member and an avid volunteer of Grace Bible Church. While at LPHS she was a varsity swimmer for four years.

In addition to her parents, of LaPorte, other survivors include her husband of 15 years, Jon Schlabaugh of Elkhart; one son, Carson Schlabaugh, and one daughter, Kami Schlabaugh, both of Elkhart; two stepchildren, Tyler and Nick Schlabaugh; three brothers, Todd Brown of Portage, IN, Ryan (Aekata) Brown of Chicago and Adam (Haley) Brown of Kewadin, MI; mother- and father-in-law, Connie and Tex Schlabaugh of Elkhart; paternal grandfather, Herbert J. (Leona) Brown of LaPorte; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, George and Jeri Cota, and her paternal grandmother, Mary Helen Brown.

The family will receive friends for two hours prior to the 1 p.m. EST Tuesday, March 17, celebration of life service at Grace Bible Church, 54230 C.R. 5, Elkhart. Pastor Mike Fisher will officiate. Interment will follow in Prairie Street Cemetery, Elkhart. Billings Funeral Home, Elkhart, is handling arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family to assist with her children’s education.

Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP.

Gilbert Joseph “Joe” Gilchrist Jr., 65, of Rolling Prairie, IN, died peacefully at 5:30 a.m. Sunday, March 15, 2015, in his home after a two-month battle with leukemia.

He was born Oct. 19, 1949, in LaPorte to Gilbert J. and Margery Jean (Jones) Gilchrist.

Joe was a lifetime resident of Rolling Prairie. He worked for 28 years at Wirekraft, Rolling Prairie, until it closed. Joe later retired from Sanlo, Michigan City, in 2013. He was a member of the last graduating class of Rolling Prairie High School in 1968. Joe attended Indiana University and was a member of Phi Sigma Kappa Fraternity. He enjoyed spending time at home with his family and friends, tending to his garden, and watching IU basketball and the Cubs. He also enjoyed traveling the country with Lory. Most recently, they enjoyed a two-week trip to Alaska.

On Sunday, June 28, 1970, in Maple Grove Church, he married Lory L. (Wilkey) Gilchrist, who survives.

Also surviving are his father, Gilbert J. Gilchrist Sr.; two daughters, Sheryl E. (Jason) Warren of LaPorte and Jody L. (Jack Strope) Gilchrist of Rolling Prairie; four grandchildren, Dylan James “DJ” and  Samantha Grace Warren of LaPorte and Dakota Rae and Caleb Joseph Strope of Rolling Prairie; one sister, Ann Gilchrist of LaPorte; and two brothers, Dale Gilchrist of Rolling Prairie and Cliff (Melissa) Gilchrist of LaPorte.

Preceding him in death were his mother, Margery; one brother, Roger Dean; grandparents; great-grandparents; three aunts and two uncles.

A memorial service celebrating his life will be held at 5 p.m. Tuesday, March 17, at Lakeview Funeral Home and Crematory, LaPorte. Visitation will be Tuesday from 3 p.m. until the service.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, 941 E. 86th St., Suite 100, Indianapolis, IN 46240, in memory of Gilbert Joseph Gilchrist Jr.

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

Sandra Lea Underwood, 56, of Michigan City, IN, died unexpectedly on Friday, March 13, 2015, at home.

She was born July 6, 1958, in Michigan City to Eugene R. Sr. and Juanita A. (Welch) Chambers.

Sandra was a member of the Ladies Auxiliaries at both American Legion Post 83 and VFW Post 1130, and a member of Falcons Nest 564, all in LaPorte. She was also a life member of DAV Post 23 in Michigan City. She love to play pool and was quite good at it. She also enjoyed camping, dancing, riding Harley-Davidson motorcycles and, above all, spending time with her family. Sandra loved to have a good time and make everyone else laugh in the process. She will always be loved, deeply missed and remembered well by her family and friends.

On April 10, 1999, she married Richie T. Underwood; he preceded her in death on Jan. 1, 2013.

She was also preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Ronald L. Chambers; her great-grandparents; and three dogs.

She is survived by her beloved family: daughter, Lynn A. (Chris McDonald) Chambers of Michigan City; grandson, Zachery (Felicia) Chambers of Michigan City; two great-granddaughters, Kylie and Brooklin, both at home; great-grandson, Zachery Jr., on the way; three brothers, Eugene (Pat) Chambers Jr. and Roger (Kathy) Chambers, both of Michigan City, and Thomas (Jan) Chambers of LaPorte; two special sisters, Carol R. Barger of LaPorte and Shaun (Tony) Hale of Michigan City; many nieces and nephews; and her dogs, Rikki and Maggie.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, LaPorte, on Wednesday, March 18, at 1 p.m. with Pastor Dennis Pickens officiating. Visitation will be held Tuesday, March 17, from 4 to 8 p.m. and on Wednesday from noon until the service. Burial will follow the service at Swan Lake Memorial Gardens, Michigan City.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the American Heart Association, Attn: Memorial/Tribute Processing Center, 3816 Paysphere Circle, Chicago, IL 60674.

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