Mr. Norvel L. Hooper Jr., 74, of LaPorte, died Thursday, May 7, 2015, at IU Health LaPorte Hospital.

He was born Dec. 22, 1940, in Fairfield, IL, to Norvel Sr. and Jenny Lillian (Brock) Hooper.

Norvel worked as a heavy-machine operator for Local 150. He had been a member of Disabled American Veterans since 1979. Norvel was a veteran of the U.S. Army. He loved to do yard work, and the outdoors. Norvel especially loved his children and grandchildren.

On Dec. 6, 1975, in Three Oaks, MI, he married Esther (Carder) Hooper, who preceded him in death.

Norvel was also preceded in death by his parents; one son, Douglas Hooper; two brothers, Jimmy Hooper and Delbert Hooper; and two sisters, Wilma Kincholw and Wanda Williams.

He is survived by six sons, Larry Hooper Jr., Ralph Hooper, Jason Schimmel and Murry Winslett, all of LaPorte, Jeff Winslett of Galien, MI, and Scott Hooper of Washington; three daughters, Angie Stewart of Galien, Sherri Winslett of Michigan City, IN, and Jill Skaggs of Alabama; 17 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; four brothers, Larry Hooper and Johnny Hooper of LaPorte, Billy Hooper of Warsaw, IN, and Ivan Hooper of Three Oaks; and three sisters, Lowla Brown of Fairfield, IL, Zola Shott of LaPorte, and Gladdis Harkriden of Buchanan, MI.

The family will receive friends at Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, LaPorte, on Monday, May 11, from 4 to 8 p.m. and Tuesday, May 12, from 10 to 11 a.m. A life celebration will be held Tuesday at 11 a.m. at the funeral home with Rev. Bradford Payne officiating. Interment will follow at Posey Chapel Cemetery, LaPorte.

Memorial contributions may be made to Michiana Hematology Oncology, 5340 Holy Cross Pkwy., Mishawaka, IN 46545.

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

Patricia Ann Lindsley, 73, of LaPorte, died peacefully with her family by her side on Friday, May 8, 2015, at her home.

She was born April 22, 1942, in LaPorte to Melvin and Burdetta (Schultz) Metcalf.

Patricia worked  for American Home Foods for 21 years and then for TP Orthodontics for 18 years. She was a member of American Legion Post 83, its Women’s Auxiliary, and the American Legion Riders. Pat enjoyed organizing family parties, gambling at casinos, playing bingo and being on the trike with her husband, Lester, for charity events.

On Sept. 1, 1990, in LaPorte, she married Lester Dean Lindsley, who survives.

Also surviving are her beloved dog, Misty; her children, Robby E. Martin of LaPorte, Kristine (Mike) Snyder of Hamlet, IN, and Rhonda Kay (Scott) Lain of LaPorte; stepchildren, Mandy Heminger of Plymouth, IN, Leslie (Lonnie) Lewis of New Buffalo, MI, Curtis (Debbie) Lindsley of Rolling Prairie, IN, Chad (Stephanie) Lindsley of Michigan City, IN, and Olivia (Barry) Sullivan of Argos, IN; siblings, Carolyn (Paul) Cooper of Walkerton, IN, Carl (Bootie) Pointon of Mattoon, IL, and Wayne (Pam) McClaran of LaPorte; and several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and many other family and friends whom she loved dearly.

She was preceded in death by her father, Melvin Metcalf; mother, Burdetta McClaran; stepfather, Harry McClaran; granddaughter, Johnnie Jones; and nephew, Thomas Lindewald.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 13, at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, LaPorte. Visitation will be held Wednesday from 2 p.m. until the service.

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

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

Lonnie Alfred Russell, 62, of Hamlet, IN, died Friday, May 8, 2015.

He was born July 4, 1952, to Paul and Bernice (Proell) Russell.

Lonnie loved NASCAR racing, especially the Daytona 500, as well as the Indianapolis 500. He had a great respect and appreciation for Ford and all American-made vehicles.

Lonnie leaves behind sisters, Myrna Russell and Sandra L. Phelps, both of LaPorte; brothers, Michael (Diane) Russell of Wanatah, IN, and Milford (Judy Andrews) Russell of Valparaiso, IN; niece and goddaughter, Wendy A. (Shawn Blades) Phelps of Indianapolis, and nephew and niece Joseph (Aimee Meier) Phelps of LaPorte and Mindi Pyles of Denver, CO; numerous great-nieces and great-nephews; and special friends, Jeff Jobe, Steve Hutson, Mary and Randy, and Dona and Doris.

He was preceded in death by his parents and great-nephew, Marcus Phelps.

A graveside service will be officiated by Father Ian Williams of Sacred Heart Catholic Church at 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 13, at Tracy Cemetery in LaPorte.

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.

Mr. Edward L. Kessler, 78, of LaPorte, died Thursday, May 7, 2015, at his home.

He was born May 10, 1936, in LaPorte to Howard and Amelia (Felton) Kessler.

Edward worked 30 years for Ford Motor Co., retiring in 1991. He attended Immanuel Lutheran Church in Hamlet, IN, and was a member of LaPorte Moose Lodge 492. Edward was a veteran of the U.S. Army, having served during the Vietnam era. He enjoyed raising pigs, hunting, fishing, traveling to Las Vegas, and going gambling on the casino boat.

On Aug. 1, 2008, in Las Vegas, NV, he married Sandra (Hufstedler) Kessler, who survives.

He is also survived by his two sisters, Mary (John) Cuson of Mill Creek, IN, and Shirley Peckham of LaPorte; four nieces and eight nephews.

Edward was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Robert and Howard Kessler; and three sisters, Elsie Brown, Dorothy Cook and Ruth Kessler.

A graveside service will be held at Tracy Cemetery, Hamlet, IN, on Wednesday, May 13, at 11 a.m. with Pastor JoEllyn Chadwick officiating. Military honors will be conducted at the cemetery by the LaPorte Honor Guard. Burial of ashes will follow. Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, LaPorte, is handling arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to LaPorte Moose Lodge 492, 925 Boyd Blvd., LaPorte, IN 46350.

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

Dennis Robert Goers, 79, of LaPorte, died unexpectedly Friday, May 8, 2015.

He was born Jan. 14, 1936, at Holy Family Hospital in LaPorte to Robert G. and Mahala (West) Goers.

Dennis graduated from LaPorte High School and went on to serve his country honorably in the United States Navy for 21 years, retiring as a medic. Later, in 1994, he retired as a paramedic from LaPorte County EMS after 20 years of dedicated service. He was the first paramedic to retire in the state of Indiana. Dennis was a member of American Legion Post 83 and attended First United Methodist Church, both in LaPorte. He loved traveling the world with Grace and playing cards and board games with their friends.

On Sept. 17, 2003, Dennis married his sweetheart, Grace E. Pugh, after 20 years of courting. She survives.

He is also survived by a son, Jeffery B. Goers of California; stepchildren, Linda (Tim) Howell, Douglas (Laurie) Kiger and Robert Kiger, all of LaPorte; nine grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Bruce W. Goers.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held Thursday, May 14, at noon at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, LaPorte, with Rev. Evan Lash officiating. Family and friends will be received Thursday from 10 a.m. until the service. Burial will follow the service at Patton Cemetery, LaPorte.

Memorial contributions may be directed to First United Methodist Church, 1225 Michigan Ave., LaPorte, IN 46350; or 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.cutlerfuneralhome.com.

Frank Edward Maerz Jr., 84, of New Buffalo, MI, and formerly of LaPorte, died peacefully at 9:05 p.m. Monday, Sept. 15, 2014, at Hanson Hospice Center in Stevensville, MI.

He was born Feb. 10, 1930, in LaPorte to Frank and Florence (Hedrick) Maerz.

Frank served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean War. He loved fixing things and woodworking.

On Sept. 23, 1949, in LaPorte, he married Shirley (Hancock) Maerz, who died May 7, 2015.

Surviving are three children, Judi (Eldon) Seal of New Buffalo, Rodney (Sonyo) Maerz of Texas and Brian (Jennifer) Maerz of Galien, MI; two sisters, Mary (Dennis) Carroll of Michigan City, IN, and Barbara (Raymond) Frye of Benton Harbor, MI; eight grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

Preceding him in death were his parents; brother, John Maerz; sister; Dorothy Pickford; and infant son, Hollie Maerz.

A memorial service celebrating the lives of Frank Jr. and Shirley Maerz will be held at 3 p.m. Friday, May 15, at Lakeview Funeral Home and Crematory, LaPorte, with Rev. Dr. Dennis Carroll officiating. Visitation will be held Friday from 1 p.m. until the service. Burial will take place at Pine Grove Cemetery, New Buffalo.

In lieu of flowers, 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.LakeviewFHC.com.

Shirley Frances Maerz, 84, of New Buffalo, MI, and formerly of Michigan City, IN, died peacefully at 12 a.m. Thursday, May 7, 2015, at Hospice Franciscan Communities in Michigan City.

She was born March 1, 1931, in Michigan City to Hollie R. and Theresa (Mazur) Hancock.

Shirley was a loving wife and mother. She enjoyed making crafts and loved her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren very much. Shirley loved making things with her hands and giving away her handcrafts to others.

On Sept. 23, 1949, in LaPorte, she married Frank Edward Maerz Jr., who preceded her in death Sept. 15, 2014.

Also preceding her in death were her parents; sisters, Delores West and LaVerne Struyf; brothers, Robert and LeRoy Hancock; half-sister, Pauline Webb; and half-brother, Earl Hancock.

Surviving are three children, Judi (Eldon) Seal of New Buffalo, Rodney (Sonyo) Maerz of Texas and Brian (Jennifer) Maerz of Galien, MI; three sisters, Mae Pitman, Sylvia White and Corine (Ernie) Hollihan, all of Michigan City; sister-in-law, Barbara Hancock of Michigan City; eight grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

A memorial service celebrating the lives of Shirley and Frank Maerz Jr. will be held at 3 p.m. Friday, May 15, at Lakeview Funeral Home and Crematory, LaPorte, with Rev. Dr. Dennis Carroll officiating. Visitation will be held Friday from 1 p.m. until the service. Burial will take place at Pine Grove Cemetery, New Buffalo.

In lieu of flowers and in honor of Shirley’s life, do something special for a child.

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

Allen Richard Kramer, 80, of LaPorte, died Sunday, May 10, 2015.

Al was born Sept. 25, 1934, in LaPorte to Leo and Isabelle (Eckstein) Kramer.

After serving in the United States Army as a paratrooper in the 101st Airborne Division, Al returned to LaPorte to work for 30 years at Howmet, retiring as a supervisor. Grandpa Al enjoyed helping his grandsons with their 4-H projects and giving them his words of wisdom with life.

On Oct. 22, 1960, he married Dorothy Schoof, his wife of 53 years, who survives.

Also surviving are his son, David Kramer of LaPorte; his daughter, Theresa (John) Kramer Mohlke of Wanatah, IN; two grandsons, Greg Mohlke and Josh Mohlke, both of Wanatah; and sisters, Loretta Rudolph and Marie Kramer, both of LaPorte, and Karen (Ed) Wojasinski of Michigan City, IN.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Kenneth Kramer.

Visitation will be held at Essling Funeral Home, LaPorte, on Wednesday, May 13, from 4 to 8 p.m., where a parish rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Thursday, May 14, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, LaPorte, where family and friends may gather at 9 a.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church, 109 C St., LaPorte, IN 46350.

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

A local Celebration Of Life Service for Craig Richard Pritz will be held at Bethany Lutheran Church, LaPorte, on Friday, May 15, 2015, at 11 a.m. with Rev. Dennis Meyer officiating.

Craig, 45, of Virginia Beach, VA, and formerly of LaPorte, died Friday, Dec. 19, 2014, following a brief illness.

He was born Feb. 19, 1969, in LaPorte to Richard E. and Sharon L. (Coupland) Pritz.

Craig was confirmed at Bethany Lutheran Church, LaPorte. He played varsity Slicer football at LaPorte High School for three years and graduated from LPHS in 1987. Craig went on to graduate from Valparaiso University in 1991 with a double major in Political Science and Business. He was a very successful sales representative for Lincoln Electric of Cleveland, OH, for over 18 years. During that time, he received numerous awards for his professional achievements. He loved both playing and watching golf. He will always be loved dearly, missed and remembered well.

On July 26, 2008, in the outer banks of North Carolina overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, he married Gretchen Swanson, who survives.

He is also survived by his daughter, Katherine Marie Pritz, at home; mother, Sharon Pritz of LaPorte; aunts and uncles, Carrol McCarty, Don and Phoebe Pritz, and Esther Pritz; and very close cousins, Gary Dare, Rick Dare, Tom Pritz, James Pritz, Janice Pritz, Jim Pritz, Susan Kebsch, David Pritz, and Steven Pritz.

He was preceded in death by his father, Richard E. Pritz, on Jan. 17, 2003, and his sister, Corrine Pritz, on July 13, 1986.

A memorial service was held in Virginia Beach, VA, and burial took place at Pine Lake Cemetery, LaPorte.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Bethany Lutheran Church, 102 G St., LaPorte, IN 46350.

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

Ronald C. Johnston, 56, of Westville, IN, died Monday, May 11, 2015, at University of Chicago Hospital surrounded by his family.

He was born Nov. 25, 1958, in East Chicago, IN, to Jimmy Johnston and Elizabeth Parks.

Ronald graduated from Lake Station High School in 1978 and became a police officer in New Chicago, IN. He worked and served as a volunteer firefighter for over 35 years. During those years he served at the New Chicago Fire Department, Noble Township Fire Department, and Westville Fire Department. For 20 years before his retirement, Ronald worked for the Indiana State Prison in Michigan City. He was a 32nd Degree Mason and a member of the Rolling Infernos Bike Club. Ronald loved riding motorcycles, camping, fishing, hunting, and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

On Oct. 26, 1980, in Lake Station, IN, he married his loving wife of 35 years, Karen Howell, who survives.

Also surviving are his beloved children, Ronald Eric Johnston, Kristy (Ryan) Culp and Troy Johnston, all of Westville; seven grandchildren; siblings, Penny Wanmer of Westville and Phillip (Crystal) Johnston of Bristol, TN; stepmom, June Johnston of Bristol, TN; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Connie Kay McCarty.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Cutler Funeral Home And Cremation Center, LaPorte, on Saturday, May 16, at 10 a.m. with Pastor Daniel R. Fleming Sr. officiating. Visitation will be held Friday, May 15, from 3 to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. until the service. Burial will follow the service at Graceland Cemetery in Valparaiso, IN.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family of Ronald Johnston c/o Karen Johnston, 2900 Monroe St., LaPorte, IN 46350.

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

Lucille M. Boes, 66, of LaPorte, died peacefully at 6 a.m. Tuesday, May 12, 2015, in her home.

She was born Dec. 13, 1948, in South Bend, IN, to A.F. “Mike” and Beverly (Beckner) Petrie.

Lucille was a loving wife, mother, sister, grandmother and friend.

In June of 1967 in LaPorte, she married Robert Boes Sr., who died in 2002.

Also preceding her in death were her parents; sister, Janice Hiscox; brother, Michael W. Petrie; and stepmother, Norma Jean Petrie.

Surviving are four children, Erin Boes, Robert Boes Jr., Amanda Boes and Deborah Boes; one sister, Mary Jo Dadlow; one brother, James Surgeon; and four grandchildren, Andrew, Alyssa, Addison and Ashton.

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

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123.

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

A gathering of friends and family in memory of Loretta A. Levandoski will be held Saturday, May 16, 2015, at 2 p.m. at Pine Lake Cemetery, LaPorte, when burial of ashes will take place.

Loretta, 58, of LaPorte, died Thursday, Feb. 26, 2015, at her home.

She was born Feb. 18, 1957, in LaPorte to Loren and Nona (Kean) Stevens.

Loretta was self-employed, cleaning homes and businesses. She trained horses and dogs for many years. Loretta was a very devoted wife and mother; she loved her family and loved to help everyone.

On Nov. 18, 2005, in LaPorte, she married Stanley M. Levandoski III, who preceded her in death Aug. 9, 2014.

Her parents also preceded her in death.

She is survived by her stepson, Stanley M. Levandoski IV of LaPorte; stepdaughter, Carley Rae Levandoski of LaPorte; brother, Barry Stevens of Kentucky; and nephew, Adam Stevens.

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.

Marcia Jean Quallich, 89, of LaPorte, died Tuesday, May 12, 2015, at The Arbors in Michigan City, IN.

She was born Aug. 6, 1925, in Hammond, IN, to Edwin and Glada E. (Elliot) Spoerner. She was raised by her aunt and uncle, Margaret and Edward Petersen.

Marcia worked as a registered nurse for Dr. Mannion’s and Dr. Kerr’s offices.

On Dec. 14, 1945, she married William Arthur Quallich, who preceded her in death.

Her parents also preceded her in death.

Surviving are her daughters, Sue (Bob) Braden and Gaye Ogle, both of LaPorte; three grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, LaPorte, on Monday, May 18, from 11 a.m. to noon. A private family service will follow and interment will take place at Pine Lake Cemetery, LaPorte.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, D.C. 20090-6011.

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

Mr. Raymond Johnson, 68, of Michigan City, IN, and formerly of LaPorte, died Wednesday, May 13, 2015, at St. Anthony Memorial Hospital in Michigan City.

He was born Jan. 15, 1947, in LaPorte to George and Jean (Szymaszek) Johnson.

Raymond owned Johnson’s TV Service. He was a member of Bethany Lutheran Church. Raymond enjoyed working on cars and televisions and doing yard work. He liked to watch the Chicago Cubs and the Chicago Bulls. Raymond loved his dog, Samuel, a chocolate Labrador. He loved going to church, and especially loved his family very much.

On March 25, 1971, in Michigan City, he married Audrey (Gangwer) Johnson, his wife of 44 years, who survives.

He is also survived by his son, John R. Johnson of Michigan City; two daughters, Carol Johnson of Michigan City and Mary (Stephen) Potrzebowski of Westville, IN; and several nieces and nephews.

Raymond was preceded in death by two grandchildren, Samatha Potrzebowski and Emily Potrzebowski; one brother, Chester Grys; and three sisters, Dolores Kalita, Julie Jones and Marian Harkeroad.

The family will receive friends at Bethany Lutheran Church, LaPorte, on Tuesday, May 19, from 10 to 11 a.m. A Memorial Service will be held Tuesday at 11 a.m. at the church with Rev. Dennis Meyer officiating. Burial of ashes will take place at a later date. Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, LaPorte, is handling arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Family of Raymond Johnson.

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

Brian D. Marvel, 47, died Monday, May 4, 2015, at his home.

He was born April 23, 1968, in LaPorte to Doug Marvel and Ethel (Owen) Jonas.

Brian worked security at Midland Foods in Westville.  He loved music.

Surviving are his parents; sister, Wendy Marvel of LaPorte; aunt and uncle, Steve (Pam) Owen of New Carlisle, IN; and nephew, Seth Marvel of LaPorte.

He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Betty Owen, and stepfather, David Jonas.

A memorial visitation will take place at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, LaPorte, from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, May 23. A cremation committal has taken place.

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

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

Robert L. Griessen, 88, of LaPorte, died peacefully Saturday, May 9, 2015, at Miller’s Health and Rehabilitation, LaPorte.

He was born Feb. 18, 1927, in Sedalia, MO, to John and Beulah (Luther) Griessen.

In 1944–1945, Robert honorably served his country in the U.S. Merchant Marines during World War II, and he served in the U.S. Army in 1945 in Korea. He was a former member of LaPorte VFW, Elks Lodge and the Shriners. Robert spent most of his career in the automotive business.

On Feb. 3, 1961, in Kansas City, MO, he married Ruth E. (Scotten) Griessen, who preceded him in death Nov. 7, 2006.

His parents also preceded him in death.

Surviving are one daughter, Elizabeth (Michael) Staton of Carmel, IN; one son, Matt Beatty of LaPorte; one brother, John (Barbara) Griessen of Texas; three grandchildren, Lara Staton, Daniel Staton and Sarah Beatty; and two nephews, John and Steve Griessen.

A memorial service celebrating his life will be held at a later date. Lakeview Funeral Home and Crematory, LaPorte, is handling arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123 in memory of Robert L. Griessen.

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

Mr. Franklin D. Hall, 82, of LaPorte, died Thursday, May 14, 2015, at IU Health LaPorte Hospital.

He was born Feb. 26, 1933, in Winamac, IN, to Edward and Doris (Rigleman) Hall.

Franklin was a retired vice president for LaPorte Savings Bank. He was a member of the Swanson Senior Center and volunteered at the Salvation Army. Franklin loved his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

On Sept. 3, 1955, in Rolling Prairie, IN, he married Barbara (Bush) Hall, who survives.

He is also survived by his two daughters, Teresa (Kevin) Shuter of Rolling Prairie and Alesia (Tom) Lasky of LaPorte; five grandchildren, Matthew (Swati) Shuter, Ashley (Jeff) Wright, Quinn Lasky, Bryce Lasky and Frank Hall; two great-grandchildren, Macy Wright and Maya Wright; and one brother, William Hall of Rolling Prairie.

Franklin was preceded in death by his parents; son, Frank Hall Jr.; one sister, Marge Hall; and one brother, Gene Hall.

There will be no visitation. A private family service will take place at a later date. Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, LaPorte, is handling arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Lymphoma Research Foundation, 115 Broadway, Suite 1301, New York, NY 10006.

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

J. Willard Simcox, 99, of LaPorte, went to be with the Lord at 7:45 a.m. May 16, 2015, one week short of his 100th birthday.

He was born May 23, 1915, in LaPorte to Rose Catherine (Cox) Simcox and Jesse Francis Simcox.

A lifelong native of LaPorte County, Willard was involved in a great many professional, civic and political activities.

Over the course of his working life, Willard’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to participate in many and varied endeavors. He was a licensed real estate broker, a real estate developer and a retail dealer of farm and industrial machinery and equipment, including the Allis-Chalmers, Ford and New Holland lines under the name Simcox & Son. He was also part owner of a Hudson automobile dealership in Michigan City, IN. In addition, he sold securities and served as district sales manager of Willys Overland, Toledo OH, as a grower and marketer of Christmas trees, as the administrative assistant for the State Highway Commission, LaPorte District, as a school bus safety trainer and inspector for the Indiana Department of Education, and as the operator of the LaPorte County Motor Vehicle License Branches.

Willard was a leader in local and state political circles, having served as a volunteer for the LaPorte County Republican Party, eight years as LaPorte County Republican Chairman, and six years as the Third Congressional District Republican Chairman.

His civic activities included service as an officer and board member of the Pine Lake Cemetery Board, LaPorte, the Rolling Prairie School Board, the Rolling Prairie United Methodist Church Board of Trustees, and the LaPorte County Board of Health. Other fraternal affiliations included the LaPorte Elks Club, over 65 years as a member of the Excelsior Masonic Lodge of LaPorte, the Scottish Rite and Orak Shrine, and a 69-year member and past president of the LaPorte Rotary Club, which designated him as a Paul Harris Fellow. He was honored by Indiana Governors Whitcomb, Bowen, Orr and Pence with the designation of Sagamore of the Wabash, the highest honor bestowed by a governor on a citizen of the state. Additionally, Governor Mitch Daniels conferred the Distinguished Hoosier Award on him.

He was a 1934 graduate of Rolling Prairie High School and a member of the Rolling Prairie United Methodist Church for over 75 years.

Willard was an avid sportsman and Chicago Cubs fan. He also loved to golf and spend time with family.

On May 23, 1938, he married Rachel Louisa Gibbs at First United Methodist Church, River Park in South Bend, IN, then in February of 1991 he married Genevieve Kimmel at Rolling Prairie United Methodist Church. Both predeceased him.

He was also preceded in death by brothers Norman and Arnold Simcox and grandson Matthew Feltman.

He is survived by daughter Sheila (Bernie) Jastrzembski of Granger, IN; son, Edwin J. (Sandra) Simcox of Fishers, IN; stepdaughter, Margo (Joe) Brown of LaPorte; grandchildren, Lori Risser of South Bend, Nathan Feltman of Carmel, IN, Ed Simcox Jr. and Ethan Simcox of Indianapolis, and Stephen Simcox of Dallas, TX; two step-grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

Friends may call Tuesday, May 19, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, LaPorte, and Wednesday, May 20, from 10 to 11 a.m. at Rolling Prairie United Methodist Church. A funeral service will be held Wednesday at 11 a.m. at the church. Burial will be at Pine Lake Cemetery, LaPorte.

The Simcox family would like to offer their sincere gratitude to the staff of Brentwood Assisted Living for the outstand care they provided.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Rolling Prairie United Methodist Church, 3444 E. U.S. 20, Rolling Prairie, IN 46371, or Rolling Prairie Alumni Association Scholarship Fund, C/O Carmadeane Rose, 3411 E. 800 N., Rolling Prairie, IN 46371.

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

Dorothy J. Padlo, 87, of Rolling Prairie, IN, died peacefully at 2:30 a.m. Saturday, May 16, 2015, at Life Care Center, Michigan City, IN.

She was born Jan. 9, 1928.

A memorial service celebrating her life will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 19, at Lakeview Funeral Home and Crematory, LaPorte. Visitation will be held Tuesday from 4 p.m. until the service.

Memorial contributions may be directed to St. Jude’s Children Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

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

Jean, 75, died March 24, 2015, at South Bend Memorial Hospital.

She was born Jan. 12, 1940, in LaPorte to Harriet (Maciag) and Joseph Janas.

Jean was a lifelong resident of LaPorte. She attended both Rolling Prairie and Westville schools growing up. She graduated from Holy Cross Central School of Nursing, South Bend, earning her RN degree. Jean began her nursing career at Holy Family Hospital in LaPorte, then worked with Dr. Smith and retired from I Street Clinic. Jean was a member of St. Peter Catholic Church, but could often be found attending Mass at all the Catholic churches in LaPorte. Jean was committed to helping others and was involved in many community organizations, such as Swanson Center and Council of Aging. She was a life member of VFW Post 1130 Ladies Auxiliary, American Legion Post 83 Auxiliary and Polish Falcons.

Jean will be greatly missed by all who knew her. She touched many lives through her tireless commitment to helping others.

On Aug. 11, 1962, she married her beloved husband of 53 years, Ray Chlupacek, who survives.

Jean is also survived by her sister, Joan (Joe) Wisniewski; brother, Joe (Patty) Janas; brother-in-law, Allen (Marilyn) Chlupacek; and sisters-in-law, Joanne (Paul) Janisch and Monica (David) Ellis.

Jean has a large, caring, extended family, which includes many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and a daughter, Jean Marie.

Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP.