Mildred “Millie” Ann Richey, 75, of LaPorte, died Saturday, July 25, 2015, at Golden Living Center in LaPorte.

She was born in Michigan on Jan. 30, 1940, to Myron “Ronnie” and Virginia Truhler.

Mildred loved to take walks, roller skate and scrapbooking. She worked as a waitress for many years and as an import-export secretary.

Surviving are her beloved children, Bruce (Darla) Richey of Seymour, TN, Mike Richey of Union Mills, IN, Paul Richey of LaPorte, and Diane Richey of LaPorte; brother, George (Linda) Truhler of Walkerton, IN; and grandchildren, Brandi, Aaron, Brooke, Olivia and Allyson.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 3 p.m. CDT Tuesday, July 28, at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, LaPorte, with Rev. Jeff Zigler officiating. Visitation will be Tuesday from 1 p.m. CDT until the service. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery in Walkerton.

Memorial contributions may be directed to AseraCare Hospice, PO Box 1068 (332 W. U.S. 30, Suite E), Valparaiso, IN 46385.

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

Larry Wayne McVey, 72, of Lake Station, IN, died peacefully on Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2016, in his home.

He was born Oct. 30, 1944, in Mount Pleasant, Iowa, to Lester and Wilma (Boyer) McVey.

Larry worked as a draftsman for 40 years. He was an active member of Faith Fellowship Church of God of LaPorte and Aglow International. Larry enjoyed reading, working on his home computer and helping others.

On May 16, 1981, in Michigan City, IN, he married the love of his life, Carol McVey, who survives.

Also surviving are his mother, Wilma McVey of Fairfield, IA; two brothers, Randall McVey of Fairfield and Brian McVey of Iowa City, IA; aunt, Irene Steagers of Fairfield; and many brothers and sisters in Christ.

His father and several aunts and uncles preceded him in death.

A memorial service celebrating his life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, at Faith Fellowship Church of God, LaPorte. Lakeview Funeral Home and Crematory, LaPorte, is handling arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Faith Fellowship Church of God, 410 Plain St., LaPorte, IN 46350; or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

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

Wanda V. Macalka, 94, entered into eternal peace on Thursday, Dec. 15, 2016.  

She was born July 4, 1922, in South Bend, IN, to Walter and Jadwiga (Winnicki) Baczkiewicz.  

Wanda retired after 25 years of service as a supervisor with Coddington Garment Company in LaPorte, and was the owner of Silk Magic By Wanda. She also made wedding cakes. Wanda was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, the Altar Rosary Society and the Sacred Heart Prayer shawl ministry, and served as a Eucharistic Minister. She was also a member of Polish Falcons Nest 564, where she was a chaplain; was a 50-year Legion of Honor member, belonged to the Polish National Alliance, and volunteered for Meals on Wheels, Red Cross and LaPorte Hospital Auxiliary.

On April 3, 1948, in LaPorte, Wanda married Benjamin J. Macalka, who preceded her in death Sept. 30, 2008.

She was also preceded in death by her parents; sister, Stephanie Lindorf; and brothers, Steven and William Baczkiewicz.

Wanda leaves many loving memories to be cherished by her daughters, Dorothy Macalka of LaPorte and Valerie (James) Young of LaPorte; son, Joseph (Karen) Macalka of LaPorte; grandsons, David (Allison) Macalka and Timothy (Ambica) Macalka; great-grandchildren, Hannah, Kyle, Jacek and Benjn; brother, Casimir Baczkiewicz of LaPorte; and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 19, at Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, LaPorte, where a Parish Rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 20, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, LaPorte, with Rev. Ian J. Williams officiating. Family and friends may gather at 9 a.m. in the funeral home on Tuesday.

Memorial contributions may be made to VNA Hospice, the Building Fund at Sacred Heart Parish, or Meals on Wheels.

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

Zula M. Flickinger, 93, of LaPorte, died Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2016, at Brentwood in LaPorte.

She was born Oct. 18, 1923, in Crawford County, Arkansas, to Claude Richard and Nona Louise (Dotson) Williams.

Zula was a Department Head of the civil division for the LaPorte County Sheriff’s Office; she retired in 1988. She was a member of First Baptist Church and the Ladies Democratic Club. She served on the LaPorte County Police Merit Board as secretary and then as a member of the commission.

On Nov. 2, 1957, in Alma, Arkansas, she married Wilbur Flickinger, who preceded her in death in 2005.  

She was also preceded in death by her parents and sister, Janet Sue Birkholz.

Surviving are her brother-in-law, Hank Birkholz of LaPorte; nieces and nephews, Gay Lyn (Tom Behny) Birkholz, Michael (Debra) Birkholz and David (Martha) Birkholz; and several other loving family members.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 21, at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, LaPorte, with Pastor Roger Ash officiating. Visitation will be Wednesday from 9 a.m. until the service. Interment will take place following the service at Pine Lake Cemetery, LaPorte.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Dunes Hospice, 4711 Evans Ave., Valparaiso, IN 46383.

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

Peggy Przybylinski, 97, of LaPorte, died Thursday, Dec. 15, 2016, at Millers Merry Manor in New Carlisle, IN.

She was born May 4, 1919, in London, England, to William and Alice (Fisher) Whitlam.

Peggy owned Desmond School of Dance. She worked as Manager for Diane Shop, and she also worked for Newman’s in Michigan City. She was a former member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Michigan City, and member of Fairhaven Baptist Church. She performed with ENSA (Entertainments National Service Organization) during World War II.

On April 19, 1947, at St. Mary’s in Michigan City, she married Aloysius Przybylinski, who preceded her in death.  

She was also preceded in death by her twin infant daughters, Mary and Josephine; parents; sisters, Doris and Daphne; and brothers, Stanley, Ronald and Douglas.

Surviving are her beloved children, Michael (Lynn) Przybylinski of LaPorte and Michele (Tim) Krentz of Texas; grandchildren, Terri Przybylinski, Laurie Schible, Steve Krentz, Brian Krentz, Sheri Stuart, and Angie Aquino; and great-grandchildren, Taylor Shoffner, Gavin and Sophie Schible, Rachel and Jacob Krentz, Megan, Katelyn, and Tim Stuart, and Lilly and Ben Aquino.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at a later time. A cremation committal has taken place with Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, LaPorte.

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

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

Bruce Russell Eskridge, 67, of LaPorte, died unexpectedly at 5:11 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11, 2016, at LaPorte Hospital.

He was born March 13, 1949, in LaPorte to Edwin James and Imogene Nadeen (McKeehn) Eskridge.

Bruce was a member of LaPorte Seventh-day Adventist Church, and had worked as a caster for Howmet, LaPorte, for 32 years. Bruce was the lead singer in a classic rock and country band, The Jackson Band. He enjoyed music, classic cars, riding his motorcycle, and taking trips to Washington, D.C. Bruce loved his grandbabies; they were his life.

On June 14, 1969, in LaPorte, he married Kathleen “Kathy” (Savenko) Eskridge, who survives.

Also surviving are his five children, David (Ashley), Tracy (Ashley), Brian and Michael Eskridge, all of LaPorte, and Joshua (Stephanie) Eskridge of Hixson, TN; two brothers, Edwin (Tammy) and Lonny (Laura) Eskridge, both of LaPorte; 18 grandchildren, Steven, Morgan, Jake, Samantha, Alexandria, Jillian, Zane, Pamela, Jimmy, Echo, Damon, Sarah, Faith, Zachariah, Parker, Lailani, Ezekiel, and Lilly; one grandchild on the way; nieces, Jamie and Kelly; nephew, Eric; and extended family members of David Jenkins.

His parents preceded him in death.

Cremation will take place. 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 directed to Kathy Eskridge.

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

Megan Michelle Lynch, 22, of LaPorte, died unexpectedly at 6:28 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 15, 2016, in her home.

She was born June 6, 1994, in LaPorte to Thomas and Martha (Mitchell) Lynch.

Megan participated in Pop Warner Cheerleading and her love for music and dance continued. She was full of character and enjoyed making others laugh. Megan had a passion for creative arts and poetry. She loved being an aunt to all her nieces and nephews. Megan loved unconditionally, without judgment, and lived her life by the motto of “Never look down on anybody unless you’re helping them up.”

Surviving are her father, Thomas (Kelli) Lynch of LaPorte; her mother, Martha Lynch of Texarkana, TX; two sisters, Margo (Brandon) Lynch of LaPorte and Yvonne Alfaro of LaPorte; four brothers, Kenneth (Alexis) Valente of Texas, Chad (Wendy) Lynch of LaPorte, Johnny (Olga) Valente of Texas and Manuel Alfaro of LaPorte; grandfather, Guy Sullivan of Kentucky; two aunts, Paula (Phil) Bryant of West Virginia and Donna (Randy) Lynch of LaPorte; uncle, John Lynch of LaPorte; six nieces, Rylee, Gracie, Azlinn, Hailey, Aubree, and Gemma, all of LaPorte; three nephews, Logan, Mavrik and Brantley, all of LaPorte; and cousins, Caitlyn (Chuck) Gunter and Cory (Elizabeth) Bryant, both of West Virginia, and Amber Malstaff and Tim Malstaff, both of LaPorte.

Preceding her in death were her maternal grandmother, Marilyn Mitchell; paternal grandparents, Paul and Phyllis Lynch; and friend, Brandon Kollar.

Visitation will be Tuesday, Dec. 20, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Lakeview Funeral Home and Crematory, LaPorte. Per request of the family there will be no service held.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family c/o Lakeview Funeral Home and Crematory, 247 W. Johnson Rd., LaPorte, IN 46350.

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

Virginia Jean Parrett, 87, of LaPorte, beloved wife and mother, departed this life peacefully Thursday, Dec. 15, 2016, in her home.

She was born Nov. 10, 1929, in Chicago to Frank and Rosemary (Dombrowski) Gwadz.

Virginia graduated from Fenger High School in 1947. She remained independent and was proud to be 87 years old. She was better known as Grandma Gin Gin, Aunt Gin Gin, and Virgi. Virginia grew up on the south side of Chicago and started her career in the medical field as a phlebotomist. She retired from LaPorte Hospital after 19 years of dedicated service. She aspired to be the best in her field of phlebotomy and was very proud of her accomplishments. Her family meant the most to her and she was passionate about knitting, quilting, gardening and baking. She was an avid Green Bay Packers fan.

On July 23, 1949, she married Raymond Axel Johnson, who preceded her in death in 1958 after suffering a critical injury at work.

In 1960, she married Mr. Robert Davis, who also preceded her in death. She relocated to LaPorte in 1969 with Robert and her two children.

In 1978, she married Mr. Don Parrett, who also preceded her in death in 1982 after a chronic illness.

She is survived and loved by her daughter, Patricia Ann (Mike) Adams of LaPorte; son, Ray A. (Cindy) Johnson of LaPorte; sister, Rosemary Ficek of Chicago; son-in-law, Scott Adrian; four grandchildren, Sarah Adrian, Jennifer Adrian, Nicholas R. Johnson and Katie L. (Matthew) Johnson Humphries; two great-grandchildren, Nicholas R. and Andrew S. Humphries, both of Texas; many nephews; and her favorite niece, Judy Ficek of Montana.

She will be dearly missed but her memories will live on in her children, grandchildren, family and friends.

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

Memorial contributions may be directed to St. Joseph Catholic Church, 109 C St., LaPorte, IN 46350, in memory of Virginia Jean Parrett.

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

Jadwiga Kulbacka, 59, of LaPorte, died unexpectedly Friday, Dec. 16, 2016, in her home.

She was born Aug. 20, 1957, in Jozefowo, Poland, to Józef and Zofia (Chmielewska) Niedzwiecki.

Jadwiga was a faithful, devout Catholic and a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, LaPorte, and the Radjo Maryja. She enjoyed cooking, watching soap operas and gardening, and she especially loved to spoil her grandson.

In November of 1977, she married Marian Kulbacki, who survives.

Also surviving are her son, Marcin Kulbacki of LaPorte, and grandson, Alexander Kulbacki.

Her parents preceded her in death.

A Funeral Mass celebrating her life will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 21, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, LaPorte, with Rev. Ian Williams officiating. Visitation will be at Lakeview Funeral Home and Crematory, LaPorte, on Tuesday, Dec. 20, from 5 to 8 p.m., and at the church Wednesday from 10 a.m. until the Mass. A private burial will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the family.

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

Eugene Allen “Gene” Smith, 93, of New Carlisle, IN, died Dec. 15, 2016, at Hamilton Grove Communities in New Carlisle.  

Gene was born in 1923 in Longton, KS, to Herbert and Eva Smith.  

A survivor of the Great Depression, Gene was a veteran of the U.S. Army, having served in World War II.  He attended Indiana University before earning his degree at Michigan State University.  

In 1948 he married Suzette Halbert in Sylvania, Ohio, where he began a banking career and raised a family. They moved to LaPorte in 1975. Mr. Smith was active in the community and was President of the LaPorte County Public Library from 1980-1989. Gene worked at First National Bank of LaPorte and retired as Senior Vice President in 1990. After an enjoyable retirement in Fairfield Glade, TN, the Smiths returned to Indiana for medical reasons.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Jon Kirk Smith; wife, Suzette; and son-in-law, David Stebel.

He is survived by his 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 Wemyss, Bradley Stebel and Clayton Kinas; and two great-grandchildren, Milo and Asher Wemyss.

There will be no visitation. A private family burial will take place at a later date in Toledo Memorial Park, Sylvania, OH. Cremation has taken place with Haverstock Funeral Home, LaPorte.

Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP.

Hugh Lee “Roy” Hamlin, 81, of Michigan City, IN, died Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2016, at St. Anthony Memorial Health Center, Michigan City. 

He was born March 4, 1935, in Pisgah Forest, NC, to Cleophus and Ethel  (Barnes) Hamlin. 

Roy served honorably as a U.S. Marine in the Korean War. He was a member of the Jaycees and the Baptist Brotherhood. Roy served as a Church Deacon and enjoyed golfing.

On Aug. 16, 1958, he married Rosita Teixeira, who survives. 

Also surviving are his beloved son, Gordon (LaDonna) Hamlin of Shelbyville, IN; granddaughter, Gabrielle Hamlin; and sister, Mattie Whitmire of Brevard, NC.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Edwin Hamlin; sisters, Pearl Hamlin and Anna Lou Gevedon; and half brother, Carl Hamlin.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held privately with family. A cremation committal has taken place with Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, LaPorte. 

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

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

Mrs. Opal Mae Lowery, 87, of Michigan City, IN, and formerly of LaPorte, died Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2016, at St. Anthony Memorial Hospital in Michigan City.

She was born Oct. 3, 1929.

On Feb. 5, 1946, in LaPorte, she married Will T. Lowery, who preceded her in death.

Opal was also preceded in death by her parents; son, James; three brothers and three sisters.

She is survived by two sons, David Lowery and Jerry (Debra) Lowery; daughter-in-law, Opal I. Lowery; eight grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; two sisters; and one brother.

The family will receive friends at Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, LaPorte, on Thursday, Dec. 22, from noon to 1 p.m. A life celebration will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home with Rev. John A. Haferkamp officiating. Interment will follow at Patton Cemetery, LaPorte.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org or the American Heart Association at www.heart.org.

Vivian “Carol” Ann Lee, 86, of LaPorte, died Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2016, in Eden Prairie, Minnesota.

She was born May 15, 1930, in Bridgeport, CT, to Harry W. and Rose (Ditchka) Lukachik. 

Carol was a member of First United Methodist Church in LaPorte. 

Surviving are her beloved daughter, Jamie (Tom) Thorfinnson of Eden Prairie, MN; two granddaughters, Ashley (Chris) and Alexis (Mike); and two great-grandchildren, Rory and Teddy. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; her daughter, Carol Brianne Lee; and her sister and four brothers.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Graveside Service will be held at 11 a.m. EST Thursday, Dec. 29, at McKinley Memorial Gardens Cemetery, 600 W. Main St., Winamac, IN. Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, LaPorte, is handling arrangements. A cremation committal has taken place.

Memorial contributions may be directed to The Salvation Army, 3240 Monroe St., LaPorte, IN 46350; or First United Methodist Church, 1225 Michigan Ave., LaPorte, IN 46350.                                

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

Donald Moldenhauer, 71, of Westville, IN, died peacefully at 7:30 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2016, at Aperion Care – The Arbors, Michigan City, IN.

He was born March 20, 1945, in Michigan City to Randall W. and Eva Catherine (Volk) Moldenhauer.

Donald honorably served his country in the United States Army. He retired from Bethlehem Steel after a long and dedicated career. Donald graduated from Marquette (St. Mary’s) Catholic High School in 1963. He was very jovial, loving and kind hearted with an impeccable sense of humor. He was a devout Notre Dame football and IU basketball fan. He had a profound passion for literature and loved his pet cat, Trouble. Donald was a wonderful husband, father and friend who will be truly missed by all.

On Sept. 27, 1969, in Michigan City, he married Joan Kay (Kolobuchowski) Moldenhauer, who preceded him in death on June 5, 2015.

His parents also preceded him in death.

Surviving are his children, Amy Konz of Michigan City and Sean Moldenhauer of Westville; sister, Jane (George) McRae of Bridgman, MI; brother, Richard (Robbie) Moldenhauer of Bloomington, IN; sisters-in-law, Judy (Richard) Gatz of Rolling Prairie, IN, and Dianne Herbig of Omaha, NE; adopted son, Patrick Downey of Merrillville, IN; nephew, Andrew Herbig of Ralston, NE; nieces, Jill Tiffany of Scottsdale, AZ, and Michelle McRae of St. Joseph, MI; godchild, Sherry Farmer of Ellettsville, IN; and cousin and special minister, Linda Middleton of Michigan City.

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

Memorial contributions may be directed to Harbor Light Hospice, 1229 Arrowhead Court, Crown Point, IN 46307, in memory of Donald Moldenhauer.

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

Doris Jean Major was born Sept. 25, 1932, in LaPorte to Vernice “Pete” and Mabel (Renfro) Seitz. She died Dec. 22, 2016, in LaPorte.

Doris lived in LaPorte until she was 10, then the Seitz family moved to Mill Creek, IN, where she lived for more than 60 years.  

Doris graduated from Mill Creek High School and was a homemaker. Later, she worked for many years at the LaPorte County Assessor’s Office until her retirement.  She was a homemaker, seamstress and excellent cook.  She was an avid shopper who loved to find a bargain.  She made beautiful paintings of ships, animals and scenery. Doris loved to dress up and prepare for long evenings out with her husband, sometimes going square dancing, but always having fun. She loved to travel and enjoyed seeing all 50 of the United States and much of Western Europe. She was an American and proud of it.  She was always interested in politics and what was going on in the world. After retirement, Doris lived in Bartow, FL, for 10 years before returning to her roots to live at Hamilton Grove in New Carlisle, IN, and Brentwood in LaPorte. She became a member of First United Methodist Church of LaPorte, where she had married Donald, and was always proud of her membership there. She loved flowers and grew tulips and begonias. No one was a stranger to her. She was outgoing and made friends easily, but it was her family that she loved the most.

On May 9, 1953, she married Donald Henry Major and was married for 63 years; he recently preceded her in death.

Doris is survived by her sisters, Lily Mae Krueger (Gordon) and Janet Fowler-Sult (Delbert), both of Mill Creek, and Carol Sanderson (David) of LaPorte; brother, William (Virginia) Seitz of LaPorte. One sister, Mary Jane Magley (Elmer), preceded her in death. She is also survived by her son, Douglas of New Carlisle, and her daughter, Diane of Plant City, FL; grandsons, Chase Martin of Indianapolis and Shane Martin of Mill Creek; granddaughter, Gina Major of Michigan City, IN; and great-grandchildren, Chase Martin Jr. and Timothy Martin of Orlando, FL, and Deborah and Rachel Martin of Indianapolis.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 29, at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, LaPorte. Visitation will be Wednesday, Dec. 28, from 4 to 8 p.m., and Thursday from 9 a.m. until the service. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery.

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

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

Janice G. Logman, 77, of LaPorte, died Friday, Dec. 23, 2016, at Fountainview Terrace Golden Living Center, LaPorte.

She was born April 8, 1939, in Elkhart, IN, to James and Nellie (Evans) Fowler.

Janice was a receptionist at Fast Eddie’s for 16 years. She was a member of Church of Christ.

On May 7, 1960, in Elkhart, IN, she married Dale G. Logman, who preceded her in death on June 9, 1973.

She was also preceded in death by her parents and her companion, Benny Jackson.

Surviving are her beloved daughters, Tonya (John) Fry of Crumstown, IN, Terrina Logman of Valparaiso, IN, and Tondrina (Joe Bragg) Sanders of LaPorte; four grandchildren, Mindy Lambright, Slade Fry, Lexxie Baugh and Drake Sanders; four great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 28, at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, LaPorte. Visitation will be Tuesday, Dec. 27, from 4 to 8 p.m. and Wednesday from 10 a.m. until the service. Burial will follow the service at Patton Cemetery, LaPorte.

Memorial donations may be made 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.

Phyllis Sue Parks, 84, of LaPorte, died Saturday, Dec. 24, 2016, at Brentwood Assisted Living in LaPorte.

She was born July 30, 1932, in Reynolds, IN, to Clemont and Mildred (Snetcher) Cearing.

On Dec. 22, 1951, in  Reynolds, IN, she married Fred Parks, who preceded her in death on June 11, 2015.

She was also preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Helen VonTobel and Betty Zarse; brothers, Clyde, Paul, Wayne and Floyd Cearing; and grandson, Brandon Parks.

Surviving are her beloved children, Debra (Michael) Purcell, Nancy (Harlan) Wiltfong and Robert (Patricia) Parks; five grandchildren, Shonna (Troy) Platz, Jillianne (Justin) Stratton, Allison (Joshua) Murphy, Meagan (Leo) Spence, and Tara (Tony) Lemus; 12 great-grandchildren, Cynee, Trenton, Ashton, Cadence, Aubrey, Noah, Logan, Olivia, Miley, Jordan, Gabe, and Sammy; siblings; brother, Bob Cearing of Reynolds, IN; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at noon Friday, Dec. 30, at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, LaPorte, with Rev. Jeff Zigler officiating. Visitation will be Friday from 10 a.m. until the service. Burial will follow the service at Pine Lake Cemetery, LaPorte.

Memorial donations may be made to Dunes Hospice, 4711 Evans Ave., Valparaiso, IN 46383; American Alzheimer’s Association, 50 E. 91st St., Ste. 100, Indianapolis, IN 46209-4830; or Brentwood Memory Care, 2002 Andrew Ave., LaPorte, IN 46350.

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

Robert H. Bachman, 55, of LaPorte, died Sunday, Dec. 25, 2016, at Regency Hospital, Portage, IN.

He was born Feb. 4, 1961, in LaPorte to Harold R. and Shirley M. (Handtke) Bachman. 

Robert worked for 30 years as a Lathe Operator at Industrial Pattern Works. He loved watching baseball, and coaching his beloved son. He loved his dog, Morgan, and his Jeep. Robert bowled in leagues earlier in his life.

Surviving are his mother, Shirley Bachman of LaPorte; son, Robert (Robbie) Bachman Jr. of LaPorte; sisters, Sherrie (Tim) Jones of LaPorte, Stephanie (Ben) Ameling of Rolling Prairie, IN, and Sally (Fred) Bergman of Valparaiso, IN; five nephews, Mike Johnson, Trevor Hammons, Craig Ameling, Philip J. Paxson and Mason Paxson; and two nieces, Natasha Paxson Walters and Karissa Ameling.

He was preceded in death by his father, Harold, and his grandparents.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 30, at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, LaPorte. Visitation will be Friday from 4 p.m. until the service. A cremation committal has taken place.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Juvenile Diabetes Association, JDRF, 26 Broadway, 14th Floor, New York, NY 10004.

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

Emerson E. “Sam” Wilson, 87, of LaPorte, died Sunday, Dec. 25, 2016, at LaPorte Hospital.

He was born April 22, 1929, in Robinson, IL, to Jacob Alva and Ruby May (Higgins) Wilson.

Sam was a retired truck driver and charter tour bus driver. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, having served during World War II, and was a member of the American Legion of Kingsford Heights, IN. He loved to watch the activities at the LaPorte Airport.

On Aug. 25, 1962, in LaPorte, he married Kay (Hall) Wilson, who survives.

He is also survived by his two daughters, Ginny (Jeff Dailey) Dickson and Loretta (Dan Klonaski) Wilson; son, Tom A. Wilson; four grandchildren, Tami (Stephan Jr.) Nedza, Jennifer (Joe) Layman, Olivia Wilson and Madeline Wilson; two great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; three sisters, Edna Montgomery, Esther Fear and Eleanor Reynolds; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his grandson, Kenneth Dickson Jr., four sisters and one brother.

The family will receive friends at Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, LaPorte, on Wednesday, Dec. 28, from 4 to 6 p.m. A life celebration will be held Wednesday at 6 p.m. at the funeral home with Rev. Dan McDonald officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family of Emerson Sam Wilson.

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

Mr. Walter E. Wawok, 79, of LaPorte, died Sunday, Dec. 25, 2016, at Franciscan Communities Hospice in Michigan City, IN.

He was born Dec. 31, 1936, in LaPorte to Stephen and Rose (Medzak) Wawok.

Walter retired from New York Blower after many years of service. He loved fishing and working on cars. He was an avid video gamer and loved his weekly pizza dates with his children and grandchildren.

He is survived by his three daughters, Elizabeth (Kenneth) Tanksley, Penny Harde and Brenda (Shawn) Horton; son, Walter A. (DeeDee) Wawok; 13 grandchildren, Christine Griffin, Amy Bruemmer, Nicholas Korepanow, Sara Korepanow, Alexa Jones, Rebecca Wawok, Steven (Megan) Beach, Ian Beach, Ashly Harde, Taylor (Kyle) Sass, Jessica (Craig) Williams, Daniel Kinsella, and Caleb (Rochelle) Kinsella; 15 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Stanley Wawok and Casmier Wawok; and three sisters, Irene Wawok, Helen Macher and Sophia Zook.

Walter was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Joseph Wawok, Emanuel Wawok and Edward Wawok; and sister, Jeanette Wawok.

The family will receive friends at Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, LaPorte, on Tuesday, Dec. 27, from 4 to 8 p.m. and Wednesday, Dec. 28, from 9 to 10 a.m. A life celebration will be held Wednesday at 10 a.m. at the funeral home with Pastor Jeff Hines officiating. Interment will follow at Pine Lake Cemetery, LaPorte.

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