Daniel Lee Balich, 63, of LaPorte, died unexpectedly at 6:05 p.m. Friday, June 19, 2015, at IU Health LaPorte Hospital.

He was born Dec. 17, 1951, in Chicago to Steve and Rose Marie (LaVoie) Balich.

Daniel had studied the art of Tae Kwon Do for 30 years, mastering the six degree black belt and earning the honoring title of “Master Dan.” Master Dan was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church of Oak Lawn, IL, LaPorte Area Lake Association, Michigan City Rifle Club, and NRA. Master Dan enjoyed boating and golfing, and loved his family very much.

On Oct. 30, 1971, in Alsip, IL, he married Cathy (Holdren) Balich, who survives.

Also surviving are three children, Daniel (Michelle) Balich of Lemont, IL, and Michael (Samantha) Balich and Stephanie (Larry) Dubbs, both of La Porte; two sisters, Cindy (Frank) Sands of Pittsburgh, PA, and Sandi (John) Ewald of Lemont, IL; two brothers, Stevie Balich of Homer Glen, IL, and Ronnie (Maureen) Balich of Worth, IL; and seven grandchildren, Daniel, Samuel, Vincent, Alana, Angelica, Jacob, and Isabella.

A funeral celebrating his life will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 23, at Lakeview Funeral Home and Crematory, LaPorte, with Pastor Evan Lash officiating. Visitation will be held Monday, June 22, from 4 to 8 p.m. and Tuesday from 10 a.m. until the service. Burial will take place at Pine Lake Cemetery, LaPorte.

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

Larry LaMont Hewitt, 79, of Westville, IN, died peacefully at 8:15 a.m. Sunday, June 21, 2015, at Avalon Springs, Valparaiso, IN.

He was born Nov. 18, 1935, in Sioux City, IA, to George W. and Lois (Swisher) Hewitt.

Larry retired from NIPSCO after more than 30 years of service as a supervisor. He had volunteered for the CASA Program in Valparaiso and also as a county constable in Chesterton, IN.  Larry enjoyed watching the History Channel. He will be dearly missed.

On June 15, 1979, in Valparaiso, he married Barbara (Neulieb) Hewitt, who survives.

Also surviving are his children, Alan (Pam) Hewitt of Chesterton, Dale Hewitt of Valparaiso, Mark (Bobbie) Flotow of LaPorte, Kelly (Brian) Palmer and Karen (Mark) O’Brien, both of Michigan City, IN, Stacie (Matt) Baird of Texas, and Michelle (John) Steffen of Valparaiso; 17 grandchildren; and one great-grandson.

Preceding him in death were his parents; one sister, Janice Hewitt; one grandson, Kyle Flotow; one granddaughter, Brandy Hewitt; and his Uncle Marvin Swisher, whom he considered a brother.

A funeral celebrating his life will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, June 25, at Lakeview Funeral Home and Crematory, LaPorte, with Dr. Lance Hilberg officiating. Visitation will be held Wednesday, June 24, from 4 to 8 p.m. and Thursday from 1 p.m. until the service.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675 in memory of Larry LaMont Hewitt.

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

Mr. Eldon Lee Coons, 87, of LaPorte, died suddenly Saturday, June 20, 2015, at 4:16 p.m. at Franciscan St. Anthony Health, Michigan City, IN.

He was born Aug. 4, 1927, in Terre Haute, IN, to Christopher Columbus Coons and Ethel (Birkholder) Coons.

Mr. Coons proudly served his country in The United States Navy during World War II. He worked for various companies in Michigan City, including Blocksom and Company, and retired from Criterion Catalyst (American Cyanamid) in 1989. He also owned Karwick Quick Wash, Coons Television Repair Store and Karwick 34 Circus Flavors. Throughout his life, he enjoyed taking classes at Purdue University North Central. Eldon had always been heavily involved in the community. He was a member for more than 50 years, and past governor, of Michigan City Moose Family Center 980. He was a proud member of the Ritual Team and held several offices, and was a member of American Legion Post 37. He was an avid boater all of his life and was an instructor for boat safety courses through the United States Power Squadron. He thoroughly enjoyed playing golf at local golf courses and played in the Moose Golf League. He was a member of the LaPorte YMCA Silver Sneakers Club for the last five years. Mr. Coons was a man of many talents who could accomplish anything he put his mind to. As the patriarch, he will be forever missed by his family and all who knew him.

He married the love of his life, Betty (Biddle) Coons, on Jan. 3, 1948, in Michigan City. She survives in LaPorte.

Also surviving are one son, Gerald (Karen) Coons of Orangeburg, SC; two daughters, Gale Coons-Sheeler of Michigan City and Cheryl (Garry) Sacks of Estero, FL; 12 grandchildren, Adam (Lori) Sheeler of Ladson, SC, Christopher (Shanna) Coons of Summerville, SC, Geoffrey (Jennifer) Coons of Baltimore, MD, Abby (Mark) Papendieck of Austin, TX, Megan (CJ) Johnson of Greer, SC, Isaac (Kari) Sacks of Michigan City, Crystal Coons (Josh) of Cope, SC, Steven Sacks of Michigan City, Brandi Coons of Orangeburg, SC, Andrew Sacks of Michigan City, Charlotte Kirby of Ashland City, TN, and Christina Sheeler of Jeffersonville, IN; 17 great-grandchildren; one sister, Evelyn (Louis) Peterson of Lynwood, IL; and a plethora of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister and three brothers.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, June 25, at Queen of All Saints Catholic Church, Michigan City, with Rev. Kevin Huber officiating. Visitation will be at Ott/Haverstock Funeral Chapel, Michigan City, on Wednesday, June 24, from 3 to 5 p.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m., and on Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. A Moose memorial service will be conducted at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday by Moose Family Center 980 at the funeral chapel. A prayer service will be conducted at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral chapel. Burial will follow the Mass at Greenwood Cemetery, Michigan City.

Contributions may be made to Queen of all Saints Catholic Church, 606 S. Woodland Ave., Michigan City, IN 46360.

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

Carol A. Wade, 78, of Cary, IL, died June 14, 2015.

She was born Oct. 25, 1936, in LaPorte to Harold and Stella Spears.

Carol served our country in the United States Air Force.

She is survived by her children, Rhea Wade, Kimberly (Robert) Evans, Michael (Cynthia) Wade and Michelle (Robert) Motz; her grandchildren, Sydney, McKenzie, Danielle, Lisa, Matthew, Brandon, Tyler, Joshua, Jacob, and Cooper; her siblings, John Spears, Shirley Parker, Betty Siefker and Robert (Alice) Spears; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; son, Robert Wade; and brother, Harold Spears.

Visitation will be held at Kahle-Moore Funeral Home, Cary, IL, on Thursday, June 18, from 5 to 8 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of one’s choice.

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

Fred W. Schlundt, 66, of LaPorte, died Saturday, June 20, 2015, at Kindred Hospital of Northern Indiana in Mishawaka, IN.

He was born Oct. 20, 1948, in LaPorte to Russell and Betty (Harder) Schlundt.

Fred was a self-employed salesman. He was a member of Door Village United Methodist Church. Fred enjoyed antiques and going to auctions, and loved NASCAR. Fred loved going to his grandchildren’s ball games and helping and supporting his grandchildren through the 4-H program. He loved spending time with his family and grandchildren.

On Aug. 29, 1970, in LaPorte, he married Vickie (Krueger) Schlundt, who survives.

He is also survived by mother, Betty Schlundt of LaPorte; son, Gregory (Tammy) Schlundt of LaPorte; two daughters, Jamie Schlundt of New Carlisle, IN, and Candace (Gary) Kautz of LaPorte; seven grandchildren, Jacob McVay, Bryce Perry, Ariel Schlundt, Zoey Kautz, Savannah Eslick, Garrett (Sarah) Kautz, and Mallory Kautz; one sister, Lynn (Kevin) Rafferty of New Carlisle; and one brother, Paul (Marge) Schlundt of Valparaiso, IN.

Fred was preceded in death by his father.

The family will receive friends at Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, LaPorte, on Thursday, June 25, from 4 to 8 p.m. and Friday, June 26, from 10 to 11 a.m. A life celebration will be held Friday at 11 a.m. at the funeral home with Deacon Farley Mullins officiating. Interment will follow at Kingsbury Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Family of Fred W. Schlundt.

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

Gloria Ann Maples, 70, of South Bend, IN, died peacefully at 6:43 p.m. Sunday, June 7, 2015, at Hospice Franciscan Communities in Michigan City, IN.

She was born Jan. 29, 1945, in LaPorte, to Anthony and Stella (Gabrunas) Yozman.

Gloria worked as a secretary for the State of Indiana Department of Child Services in St. Joseph County for over 40 years, and catering for Notre Dame for 25 years.

Surviving are two brothers, Charles (Louise) Yozman and Jim (Sharon) Yozman, both of LaPorte; special niece, Cathy (Randy) Richardson; and several nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death were her parents and one sister, Mary Salisbury.

Private services will be held per her request. Burial has taken place in Pine Lake Cemetery, LaPorte. Lakeview Funeral Home and Crematory, LaPorte, handled arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice Franciscan Communities, 1225 E. Coolspring Ave., Suite 1E, Michigan City, IN 46360, and American Breast Cancer Foundation, 10400 Little Patuxent Parkway, Suite 480, Columbia, MD 21044.

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

Karen Mae Dolph, 75, of Michigan City, IN, died peacefully at 12:04 a.m. Saturday, June 20, 2015, at Hospice Franciscan Communities in Michigan City.

She was born Sept. 26, 1939, in Michigan City to Arthur and Susie (Krueger) Menke.

Karen found joy in her life through her husband, children and grandchildren.

On June 24, 1958, in Hernando, Mississippi, she married Leroy Dolph, who survives.

Also surviving are three daughters, Donna (Leon Young) Dolph of Lakewood, CO, and Dawn (Shannon) West and Rhonda (Joe) Novak, both of LaPorte; four sons, Mark (Marion) and Thomas (Lisa) Dolph, both of Michigan City, and Ron and Robert Dolph, both of LaPorte; 16 grandchildren, Mark Dolph Jr., Brett, Kailynn, Thomas, Kristen, Leighton, Nicholas, and Hayden Dolph, Gabrielle, Ethan, Olivia, and Preston West, Shelby Young, Joe Novak Jr., Zachary, and Lorelei Novak; and four great-grandchildren, Hayley, Malakai, Damien and Anthony Dolph.

Preceding her in death were her parents and two sisters, Ruth Butler and Dorothy Will.

Private family services will be held. Lakeview Funeral Home and Crematory, LaPorte, is handling arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice Franciscan Communities, 1225 E. Coolspring Ave., Suite 1E, Michigan City, IN 46360.

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

Charles Edward Hines, 66, of LaPorte, died Sunday, June 21, 2015.

He was born Sept. 21, 1948, in LaPorte to Charles and Dolores (Zandanel) Hines.

Charles had worked as a machinist. He was a member of the New Buffalo Rod and Gun Club in Michigan.

Charles leaves behind a sister, Judith McWilliams; a brother-in-law, Randy Hurley; and several nieces and nephews.

Cremation has taken place.  Essling Funeral Home-Frank L. Keszei, funeral director, LaPorte, is handling arrangements.

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

Carol Ann Thompson, 64, of Las Vegas, Nevada, died Monday, June 8, 2015, at Southern Hills Hospital Medical Center in Las Vegas.

She was born Feb. 4, 1951, in LaPorte to Henry and Juanita (Houston) Hallberg.

Carol was a loving mother, friend and caregiver to all. She was an avid reader and writer, and enjoyed collecting unicorns. Carol was a nurse who gave all she could to her patients.

On Sept. 21, 1990, she married John Thompson, who survives.

She is also survived by her son, Thomas S. (Jo) Anderson of Fort Wayne, IN; two daughters, Victoria (Nick) Peracki of Wheeler, IN, and Jessica Thompson of Las Vegas; three grandchildren, Toni, Damian and Dakota; two brothers, Charlie (Nancy) Hallberg of Milwaukee, WI, and Tom (Laurie) Hallberg of Syracuse, IN; and two sisters, Cindy Hallberg of Indianapolis and Beth Knief of Valparaiso, IN.

Carol was preceded in death by her parents.

The family will receive friends at Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, LaPorte, on Sunday, June 28, from 2 to 4 p.m. A life celebration will be held Sunday at 4 p.m. at the funeral home with Pastor David Banning officiating. Burial of ashes will follow at Pine Lake Cemetery, LaPorte.

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

David Roger Ingram, 71, of LaPorte, died Tuesday, June 23, 2015, at IU Health LaPorte Hospital.

He was born Jan. 26, 1944, in LaPorte to David G. and Olive M. (Wright) Ingram.

David was a graduate of LaPorte High School, Class of 1962. Shortly after graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, serving in Germany and Libya. He retired from New York Blower after 35 years.

He is survived by his loving companion of 31 years, Shelia Kolar of LaPorte; two daughters, Wendy Ingram and Rosemary Alexander, both of Tennessee; four grandchildren, Seth, Trew, Rayne and Claudia Rose; one sister, Mary H. (Jim Madison) Keehn of LaPorte; and one brother, Thomas A. Ingram of LaPorte.

David was preceded in death by his parents.

David requested that there be no visitation or services. Cremation will take place. A private family graveside service will be held at a later date. Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, LaPorte, is handling arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 11454, Alexandria, VA 22312; 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.haverstockfuneralhome.com.

Jesse “Bud” Lee Kraus, 78, of LaPorte, died Tuesday, June 23, 2015, at Hospice Franciscan Communities in Michigan City, IN.

He was born July 22, 1936, to Albert and Vera (Frazer) Kraus.

Jesse “Bud” had worked for Michiana Industries, McDonald’s on the toll road and Walmart. He was a member of Church of Christ in Michigan City. He enjoyed John Wayne, gardening and landscaping, and watching wrestling on TV. He enjoyed taking things apart and putting things back together. He enjoyed watching the Chicago Cubs and St. Louis Cardinals. Jesse also enjoyed raccoon hunting.

On Oct. 28, 1988, in LaPorte, he married Cary Mae (Gardner) Kraus, who survives.

He is also survived by his three sons, Casimer (Teresa) Gazarkiewicz of Goshen, IN, Steven (Cindy) Gazarkiewicz of LaPorte and John (Deborah) Gazarkiewicz of Kingsford Heights, IN; daughter, Judith Logothetis of LaPorte; six grandchildren, Holly, Wade, Paul, Eric, Sara, and Jessica; five great-grandchildren; and one sister, Linda Ferguson of LaPorte.

Jesse “Bud” was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Marilee White and Avera Libner; and one brother, Larry Kraus.

The family will receive friends at Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, LaPorte, on Saturday, June 27, from 10 a.m. to noon. A life celebration will be held at noon Saturday at the funeral home with Rev. Jim Ferguson officiating. Interment will follow at Pine Lake Cemetery, LaPorte.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Family of Jesse “Bud” Lee Kraus.

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

Robert “Bob” Dale Harris, 62, of Fish Lake, IN, died Wednesday, June 24, 2015, at his home.

He was born June 21, 1953, in Sacramento, CA, to Norman and Barbara (Metzger) Harris.

Bob was an Air Force veteran of Vietnam. He served as a volunteer fireman for Kingsford Union Fire Department. Bob had a passion for firearms, NRA, fishing, boating, and vacationing in Florida. He was a lover of animals and many would say he was a dog whisperer. Bob had retired from Roll Coater (Precoat) in Kingsbury, IN.

On May 3, 1980, in LaPorte, he married Debbie Clanton, who survives.

Also surviving are his beloved children, Chase (Dawn) Robowski of LaPorte, Felissa (David Ashcraft) Craft of Mill Creek, IN; six grandchildren, Nick Foster, Payten Craft, BrookeLynn and Rylie Robowski, and Austin and Luke Ashcraft; sister, Lori Croy of Granger, IN; and his dogs, Rusty and Coco.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Mariann Harris.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, June 28, at First Church of God, LaPorte, with Pastor Jeff Zigler officiating. Visitation will be held Sunday at the church from 1 p.m. until the service. A fellowship meal will be held following the service. A cremation committal has taken place with Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, LaPorte.

Memorial contributions may be directed to JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation), 26 Broadway, 14th Floor, New York, NY 10004.

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

Kevin L. Smith, 54, of Rolling Prairie, IN, died Wednesday, June 24, 2015, at IU Health LaPorte Hospital.

He was born May 30, 1961, in Kendallville, IN, to Bernard and Shirley (Dukes) Smith.

Kevin worked in maintenance for New Prairie Schools. He loved to fix things and was very dedicated to his work. He was a very loving, kind and compassionate person. Kevin loved being Papa to his granddaughter, Aubrey.

On Oct. 24, 1992, in South Milford, IN, he married Krista (Tracey) Smith, who survives.

He is also survived by his mother, Shirley Smith of Kendallville; son, Jason (Samantha) Smith of Nashville, TN; daughter, Desiree (Joshua) Deutscher of Rolling Prairie; grandchild, Aubrey Hardesty; two brothers, Major Gary (Pat) Smith and Craig (Julie) Smith, both of Kendallville; two nieces, Cailynn Smith and Jenna Smith; and two nephews, Nicholas Smith, Eric Smith.

Kevin was preceded in death by his father, Bernard Smith, and one nephew, Matt Smith.

The family will receive friends at Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, LaPorte, on Monday, June 29, from 4 to 8 p.m. and Tuesday, June 30, from 10 to 11 a.m. A life celebration will be held Tuesday at 11 a.m. at the funeral home with Pastor Eric Smith officiating. Cremation will take place.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Papa’s Fund, a college fund for his grandchild, at 1st Source Bank.

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

Lisa D. Scalf, 42, of LaPorte, died Monday, June 22, 2015, at her home.

She was born June 30, 1972, in LaPorte to Henry G. Scalf and Carol A. (Towle) Greenlaw.

Lisa loved NASCAR racing and animals. Most of all, she loved her family.

She is survived by her mother, Carol A. Greenlaw of LaPorte, and two sisters, Amy Schwartz and Amanda Greenlaw.

Lisa was preceded in death by her father; grandparents, Harold F. and Irma Towle; and grandparents, Samuel and Delorah Scalf.

There will be no visitation or services. Cremation will take place. Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, LaPorte, is handling arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Family of Lisa D. Scalf.

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

Mrs. Lucille Shaver, 94, formerly of LaPorte, died Friday, June 26, 2015, at 5:55 a.m. at Woodland Terrace Assisted Living Center, Bridgman, MI.

She was born Oct. 30, 1920, in Billings, MO, to Otto Reinhold Theodor Wieck and Emile Pauline (Kruger) Wieck, and lived in LaPorte most of her adult life.

Lucille moved to Indiana from Missouri to work at the Kingsbury Ordnance Plant during World War II, and met her husband LeRoy in LaPorte. Lucille had been active in LaPorte Chapter 280 Order of Eastern Star and St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, and was a Republican committeewoman who helped with voter registration for many years. She enjoyed playing bingo, going out to eat, sewing, and being a good mother and wife.

On June 15, 1946, in LaPorte, she married LeRoy Shaver, who preceded her in death April 5, 1991.

Lucille was also preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Louise Bluebaum; and her brother, Arthur Wieck, who were all residents of Billings, MO.

Survivors include her son, George E. Shaver, and his wife Carol Ann of Bridgman, MI, and two grandchildren, Caroline and Edward.

The funeral will be Tuesday, June 30, at 1 p.m. at Essling Funeral Home-Frank L. Keszei, funeral director, LaPorte, with Rev. Chris Noffke officiating. Visitation will be held Tuesday from 11 a.m. until the service.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice at Home, 4025 Health Park Lane, St. Joseph, MI 49027, or Zion United Church of Christ, P.O. Box 10, Baroda, MI 49101.

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

Vera L. Arion, 92, of LaPorte, died peacefully at 1 a.m. Friday, June 26, 2015, at Golden Living Center Fountainview Terrace in LaPorte.

She was born April 17, 1923, in Frankfort, IN, to Floyd G. and Beulah E. (Mendenhall) Bougher.

Vera was a past president of Rose Rebekah Lodge 408 and was a member of Kingsbury Baptist Church, the fraternal benefit society Woodmen of the World, and VFW Ladies Auxiliary of LaPorte. She had served as a troop leader for 4-H. Vera was an excellent cook, especially cooking up her famous beef and noodles. She enjoyed flowers, birds, needlepoint, bowling, making afghans for her great-grandchildren, and traveling with her husband and lodges. Vera was a loving grandmother and great-grandmother.

On May 3, 1941, in Frankfort, IN, she married Donald W. Arion, who preceded her in death Jan. 25, 1994.

Also preceding her in death were her parents; three sisters, Delores Colwell, Sharon Sirovy and Mable Schultz; brother, Wayne Bougher; infant brother, Donald Keith Bougher; granddaughter, Kimmie Rubeck; and brother-in-law, Nate Wagner.

Surviving are two children, Donna (Carl) Hoder and William “Bill” (Laurie) Arion; sister, Karen (Nate) Wagner; brother, Wilber E. (Sharon) Bougher; four grandchildren, Michelle (Steve) Williams, Karol (Keith) Organ, Johnny R. (Elizabeth) Arion and Kevin “Mike” Rubeck; six great-grandchildren, Kody Organ, Angela, Jessica and Olivia Williams, Meghen Younce and Austin Arion; and four step-grandchildren, Linda (John) Goodman, Kristen Kubit and Robert and Carl Hoder.

A funeral celebrating her life will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 1, at Lakeview Funeral Home and Crematory, LaPorte, with Pastor James Bouslog officiating. Visitation will be Wednesday from 9 a.m. until the service. Burial will be in Kingsbury Cemetery following the service.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the American Cancer Society, 130 Red Coach Dr., Mishawaka, IN 46545, and to AseraCare Hospice, 808 Vale Park Rd., Ste. 200, Valparaiso, IN 46383.

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

Margaret T. Dittmar, 96, of LaPorte, passed into her heavenly home on Thursday, June 25, 2015, at LaPorte Hospital, leaving a legacy of love to her adoring family.

She was born Margaret Trussa in 1919, the fourth of eight children born to parents of Slovak descent, Andrew and Mary Trussa, in Homestead, Pennsylvania.

Growing up in Gary, Margaret attended Horace Mann High School and received an associate degree from Blackburn College. During the time she was working at the steel mills in 1947, she was introduced to a handsome, red-haired man on a blind date. She later accepted Marshall W. Dittmar’s proposal of matrimony and they married Aug. 12, 1950. The couple lived briefly in Lafayette, five years in Fish Lake, and for the past 58 years in Galena Township.

During her working years, Margaret was a substitute teacher in both the LaPorte and New Prairie school systems, as well as doing clerical work at several businesses in the area.

Both Margaret’s and Marshall’s passion was travel and with Margaret coordinating the itineraries, the couple traveled to all 50 states and six of the seven continents, either by “Space-A” through Marshall’s military connections, by commercial air travel, or even by freighter ship.

Besides traveling, Margaret also enjoyed cooking and baking, especially the Slovak recipes learned from her own mother; reading; playing pinochle with Marshall and neighbor friends; listening to classical music; mushroom hunting; gardening; fishing; and doting on her family members. She was always adopting an orphaned or injured bird or animal and nursing it back to health. It wasn’t uncommon to find an egg incubating in her warm oven! She respected and sympathized with the thoughts of others and was known for her gentle and giving spirit. Strangers were quickly welcomed into the fold and made into family.

Besides her husband of 64 years, Marshall Dittmar, age 100, Margaret is survived by two daughters, Marcy Dailey (Michael) of Rolling Prairie, IN, and Trudy Hardcastle (Bruce) of Stafford, VA; nine grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

Preceding her in death were her son, Jonathan Alan Dittmar, three brothers and four sisters.

Visitation for Margaret will take place Tuesday, June 30, at Haverstock Funeral Home, LaPorte, beginning at3 p.m., with Pastor Jay Loucks leading a memorial service at 4:30 p.m. Burial will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Margaret’s honor be directed to Food for the Poor Inc., 6401 Lyons Rd., PO Box 979005, Coconut Creek, FL 33097-9005; Good Shepherd Food Pantry, 6006 Fail Rd., LaPorte, IN 46350; or the charity of your choice.

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

Mrs. Patricia J. Garrison, 62, of LaPorte, died Friday, June 26, 2015, at IU Health LaPorte Hospital.

She was born Aug. 1, 1952, in LaPorte to Winston Ellis and Merle (Glass) Ellis.

Patricia worked for Howmet Corp. for over 37 years. She was a loving mother, wife and sister; she cared deeply for her entire family. She loved to work in the yard and to travel, and she was an excellent cook.

On Aug. 7, 1982, in Las Vegas, NV, she married Gregory Garrison, who survives.

She is also survived by her two sons, Richard (Cynthia) Garrison of LaPorte and Michael Garrison of New Buffalo, MI; two grandchildren, Margaret Garrison and Benjamin Garrison; brother, Robert Ellis of Atlanta, GA; mother-in-law, Joanne Garrison of New Buffalo; and many cousins.

Patricia was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Edward Ellis; and father-in-law, Floyd Garrison.

The family will receive friends at Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, LaPorte, on Wednesday, July 1, from 9 to 11 a.m. A life celebration will be held Wednesday at 11 a.m. at the funeral home with Pastor Ann Dill officiating.

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

Lonnie Gene Garner, 57, of LaPorte, died Saturday, June 27, 2015, at his home.

He was born Feb. 24, 1958, in LaPorte to Alfred T. and June Mildred (Euler) Garner.

Lonnie worked in maintenance for 19 years at Kingsley Furniture and at various area banks. He was an all-around handyman who cared for elderly friends and neighbors.

Surviving are his beloved children, Lacie (Will) Griffin, Lonnie J. Garner and Ronnie Ray Garner, all of LaPorte; two brothers, Allen (Jeana) Blake and Larry Blake; girlfriend, Tracy Naragon and her children, William Walker, Sheena Kabowski and Randall Kabowski, all of LaPorte; and five grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, July 2, at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, LaPorte. Visitation will be Thursday from noon until the service. A cremation committal has taken place.

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

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

James “Jim” Edward Surgeon (James Petrie), 65, of LaPorte, died Sunday, June 28, 2015, at his home following a 4 1/2-year battle with colon cancer.

He was born Aug. 21, 1949, in Galveston, TX, to Robert D. Surgeon and Norma J. Decker.

Jim was a 1968 LaPorte High School graduate. He served in the U.S. Army from September 1968 to December 1970; he was a proud Vietnam veteran helicopter pilot and received the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal, and a Purple Heart. Jim retired from Connors Automotive on Nov. 29, 2011. He loved his God, family, country and he especially loved his grandchildren. Jim enjoyed golfing, reading, shooting pool, and Sunday dinners with his family. He always looked forward to the annual trip with his Vietnam friends, Dan (Eileen) Peterson of Henderson, NV, Joe (Linn) Fisher of California and Bruce (Carol) Mitchell of Marks, MS. Jim was a member of the Polish Falcons and Hamlet Golf Course.

On April 11, 1981, in LaPorte, he married Marilyn Kay Rigler, who survives.

Also surviving are his beloved children, James R. (Wendy) Surgeon of Fish Lake, IN, and Daniel B. of Syracuse, IN; grandchildren, Paige Surgeon and Drake Surgeon; sister, Patty (Gary) Kondek; stepmother, Marcia Surgeon; and stepsister, Mary Jo (Chuck) Dadlow.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Michael Petrie; sister, Janice Hiscox; and stepsister, Lucille Boes.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, July 3, at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, LaPorte, with Pastor Curtis Southwood officiating. Visitation will be held Thursday, July 2, from 5 to 8 p.m. and Friday from 10 a.m. until the service. Burial will follow the service at Kingsbury Cemetery, Kingsbury, IN, with full military honors.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to IU Health LaPorte Cancer Foundation, 1007 Lincolnway, LaPorte, IN 46350.

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