Ruth Winifred Stombaugh, 91, of Rolling Prairie, IN, died peacefully at home Thursday, April 6, 2017.

She was born Jan. 23, 1926, in Rolling Prairie to Merle and Rachel (Bennitt) Nickerson. 

Ruth lived in California for a number of years before returning to Indiana with her family. She worked at American Home Foods for 12 years and was a “lifetime babysitter,” having the patience of a saint. She was known for her great cooking and baking. Ruth enjoyed the times she had with her friends and family.

On Aug. 29, 1945, at the parsonage of Olive Chapel in New Carlisle, IN, she married Raymond M. Stombaugh Jr., who preceded her in death Nov. 17, 2005.

She was also preceded in death by her parents; sister, Eloise Williamson; and brother, Robert Nickerson.

Surviving are her beloved children, Patty Ross of  Dowagiac, MI, and Douglas (Janine) of Rolling Prairie; six grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; brother, Richard Nickerson; and numerous nieces and nephews.

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

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Center for Hospice Care Hospice House, 111 Sunnybrook Ct., South Bend, IN 46637.

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

Vivian S. Schweizer, 85, of Union Mills, IN, died peacefully at 6:15 a.m. Sunday, April 2, 2017, at Golden Living Center Fountainview Terrace, LaPorte.

She was born July 18, 1931, in Sparta, IL, to Lyman and Sylvia (Bauerman) Killgrove.

On May 21, 1949, in Sparta, she married James A. Schweizer Sr., who survives.

Also surviving are her three children, Shirley, James Jr. and Dale Schweizer.

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

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

Betty Jean Zimmerman, 78, of Union Mills, IN, died Friday, April 7, 2017, at LaPorte Hospital.

She was born June 16, 1938, in Rensselaer, IN, to Ray and Alma (Myers) Louderback.

Betty enjoyed watching her grandchildren’s baseball games. She loved the company of her dogs. Betty especially loved her grand- and great-grandchildren.

On Dec. 27, 1958, she married Paul Zimmerman, who preceded her in death.

Her parents also preceded her in death.

Surviving are her beloved children, Raymond Zimmerman of Union Mills, Peggy Zimmerman of Elkhart, IN, and Roy (Jennifer) Zimmerman of Union Mills; three grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10 a.m. CDT Tuesday, April 11, at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, LaPorte. Visitation will be held Monday, April 10, from 4 to 7 p.m. CDT and Tuesday from 9 am CDT until the service. Burial will follow at Union Mills Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to Bethel Presbyterian Church, 110 Hamilton St., Union Mills, IN 46382.

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

Rose Mary Shei, 90, of Hanna, IN, died Thursday, April 6, 2017.

She was born May 7, 1926, in San Pierre, IN, to William and Florence (Demarah) Mills.

Rose Mary worked at First Merchants National Bank as Branch Manager for 30 years. She loved family gatherings and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a member of Sacred Heart Church in Wanatah, IN.

On Nov. 27, 1944, she married Harold Les Shei, who survives.

Rose Mary is also survived by one daughter, Mary Beth Harness; two sons, John (Connie) Shei and Jim (Sherry) Shei; six grandchildren, Jason (Janice) Shei, Jenifer (Randy) Filo, Nathan Shei, Casi (Brian) Garner, Kristen Barrett, and Allison (Chris) Weaver; 14 great-grandchildren; and one sister, Clara Bell Marks.

She was preceded in death by one sister, Juanita Sacks, and three brothers, Donald Mills, Noel Mills and Norman Mills.

Visitation will be from 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday, April 9, at Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, LaPorte. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10 a.m. Monday, April 10, at Sacred Heart Church, 204 N. Ohio St., Wanatah.

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

Lynda Christensen, 63, of Michigan City, IN, died peacefully at 9:21 p.m. Thursday, April 6, 2017, at Golden Living Center Fountainview Terrace, LaPorte.

She was born Feb. 10, 1954, in Green Bay, WI, to Jerry and Gladys (DeFrancis) Christensen.

Lynda worked as money cage cashier for Blue Chip Casino, Michigan City, for many years. She attended St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Otis, IN. Lynda was an avid reader and enjoyed painting, collecting angels and bowling. Lynda had a small personality with a big heart.

Surviving are her two sisters, Carole Christensen of Littleton, CO, and Kay Fiaavae of Loveland, CO; two brothers, Gary (Lois) Christensen of Sevierville, TN, and Alan Christensen of Mishawaka, IN; and nine nieces and nephews, Jacob Fiaavae, Teresa (Greg) Kempfer, Jessica (Scott) Pharr, Natalie (Zachary) Martin, Jared Christensen, Tania (Mark) Saucier, Cyndi (Mike) Watts, John (Wendy) Lawson, and Travis (Blanca) Christensen.

Her parents preceded her in death.

A memorial service celebrating her life will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, April 11, at Lakeview Funeral Home and Crematory, LaPorte, with Rev. James Meade officiating. Visitation will be Tuesday from noon until the service. Burial will take place at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, Otis, IN.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the American Heart Association, 3816 Paysphere Circle, Chicago, IL 60674; or American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 15829, Arlington, VA 22215, in memory of Lynda Marie Christensen.

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

Marilyn Louise Berglund, 85, of LaPorte, died Wednesday, April  5, 2017, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

She was born June 1, 1931, in Duluth, MN, to Harry Daniel and Hildur Marie (Fahrman) Engstrom. 

Marilyn was the owner of Berglund Research, whose motto was “Your Opinion Counts.” If you were ever interviewed for a political survey or to test a product, it was probably by her company.

She is survived by her beloved daughters, Julianne Berglund and Belinda (James) Wright; and her two grandchildren, Miles and Melaina Wright.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents and three brothers, Roy Kenneth (Ethelwynn) Engstrom, Bill (Muriel) Engstrom and Harry Eldon (Peggy) Engstrom.

A private family gathering will take place in Minnesota.

Memorial contributions may be made in  memory of Marilyn L. Berglund and directed to The Alzheimer’s Association, PO Box 96011, Washington, D.C. 20090-6011, or online at www.alz.org

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

Alicia Marie Huston, 89, of LaPorte, died Monday, April 3, 2017, at her home.

She was born May 20, 1927, in Coloma, MI, to Frank Richard and Alice Marie (Ryan) Stoe.

Alicia enjoyed playing bingo, especially B10 & I24 – BINGO! She also liked couponing, watching “Judge Judy” on TV, and shopping at Walmart. Alicia loved her recipes.

On Dec. 24, 1949, in Lawrenceburg, IN, she married Robert William Huston Sr., who preceded her in death on May 23, 2014.

She was also preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Royetta Whitlock; grandson, Mark Pullins; son-in-law, Jimmy Young; and siblings, Johnny, Buddy and Isabel Stoe.

Surviving are her beloved children, Alice M. (Floyd) Pullins of Benton Harbor, MI, Susan M. Young of Coloma, MI, Robert Huston Jr. of LaPorte, Frank Huston of Colton, CA, and Richard (Tammy) Huston of Coeur d’Alene, ID; 17 grandchildren; 36 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 15, at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, LaPorte, with Chaplain Annette Freese officiating. Visitation will be Saturday from noon to 1 p.m. Cremation has taken place.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the LaPorte County Small Animal Shelter, 2855 W. Ind. 2, LaPorte, IN 46350.

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

Dennis C. Thomas, 81, of LaPorte, died Sunday, April 9, 2017, at Memorial Hospital in South Bend, IN.

He was born Feb. 29, 1936, in LaPorte to Chester M. and Emma Viola (Boniface) Thomas.

Dennis retired in 2000 as a professional truck driver. He also worked as an officer at the LaPorte Police Department for 9 years. He attended the Church of the Nazarene and enjoyed gardening and taking care of his yard. He was a huge fan of IU basketball, the Green Bay Packers and the Chicago White Sox.

On Dec. 13, 1958, in Union Mills, IN, he married Judith A. (Helt) Thomas, who survives in LaPorte.

He is also survived by his daughter, Kelly (Jim) Sims of Union Mills; son, Jody (Patricia) Thomas of Fort Wayne, IN; five grandchildren, Jennifer (Eric) Bidlack of Sebring, FL, Demi Thomas of Fort Wayne, Emily Thomas of Fort Wayne, Trever Thoms of Fort Wayne, and Joshua Sims of Union Mills; step-grandson, Michael Sims of Hamlet, IN; and two great-grandchildren, Emma Bidlack and Ryan Payton, both of Sebring, FL.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Arvin Thomas, and sister, Emma McEnterfer.

The family will receive friends at Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, LaPorte, on Wednesday, April 12, from 10 a.m. to noon. A life celebration will be held at noon Wednesday at the funeral home with Rev. Dan McDonald officiating. Interment will follow at Kingsbury Cemetery, Kingsbury, IN.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family of Dennis Thomas.

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

Shirley Ann Schweizer, 67, of LaPorte, died at 2:37 a.m. Wednesday, April 12, 2017, at Franciscan St. Anthony Hospital, Michigan City, IN.

She was born July 3, 1949, in Sparta, IL, to James A. and Vivian (Killgrove) Schweizer.

Surviving are her two daughters, Heidi Schweizer and Lisa Boone; father, James Schweizer Sr.; two brothers, Jim and Dale Schweizer; and one grandson, Brian Boone.

Preceding her in death was her mother, Vivian Schweizer, who died April 2, 2017.

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

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

Tom Taylor, 81, of LaPorte, died Wednesday, April 12, 2017, at LaPorte Hospital.  

He was born Aug. 16, 1935, in Lebanon, MO, to Harold and Kathryn (Johnson) Taylor.

Tom graduated from Twelve Mile High School and Manchester College, earned an MA from Ball State University and an MS from Indiana University. He worked as a teacher and counselor in the LaPorte Community School Corporation. A member of the LaPorte Presbyterian Church, where he was an Elder, Tom was also active in both the Boy Scouts of America and the Order of the Arrow. Tom was a member of the LaPorte Hospital Association, Indiana State Teachers Association and American Federation of Teachers; treasurer of the LaPorte County Retired Teachers Association, and a member of the Northern Indiana Modelers Association.

Tom entered the U.S. Army in 1957 and served in the Indiana National Guard, rising to the rank of Captain before leaving the service in 1971.  He was also a graduate of the Indiana Military Academy.

A diehard Chicago Bears fan, Tom also enjoyed following the Chicago Cubs and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team. He also attended as many of the activities of his grandsons and granddaughters as he could. An avid reader of American history, he also enjoyed spending time fishing on Lake Michigan on board the family’s boat, Boatre Dame.   

On Sept. 8, 1957, he married Carol Cissne, who survives in LaPorte.

Also surviving are his son, Michael (Colleen) Taylor of Lafayette, IN; grandchildren, Kaela Crozier (Charles) of West Lafayette, IN, Joseph (Carla) of Greenwood, IN, and Thomas (Beth) of Platteville, WI; great-grandchildren, Wyatt Crozier, Hayden Taylor, Alex Hill, Alivia Hill, and David Hill; and brothers, Max (Sandra) of Gaffney, SC, and Jack of Texarkana, TX.  

In addition to his parents, Tom was preceded in death by daughter, Susan K. Taylor, in 2011.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, LaPorte, on Tuesday, April 18, at 11 a.m. with Pastor Sally Wicks officiating. Visitation will take place Monday, April 17, from 4 to 7 p.m. and Tuesday from 10 to 11 a.m. Interment will take place following the service at Pine Lake Cemetery, LaPorte.

Memorial contributions may be made to LaPorte County Small Animal Shelter, 2855 W. Ind. 2, LaPorte, IN 46350; LaPorte Presbyterian Church, 307 Kingsbury Ave., LaPorte, IN 46350; or Healthcare Foundation of LaPorte, 323 Pine Lake Ave., LaPorte, IN 46350.

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

Mrs. Francisca Munoz, 83, of LaPorte, died Tuesday, April 11, 2017, at her home.

She was born June 4, 1933, in Monterrey, Mexico, to Gumisindo Cabariles and Natividad (Morales) Cabariles.

Francisca was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in LaPorte.

On Jan. 19, 1948, in Texas, she married Alberto Munoz Sr., who preceded her in death July 2, 2001.

Francisca was also preceded in death by her parents, three brothers and three sisters.

She is survived by her five sons, Alberto Munoz Jr. of LaPorte, Javier Munoz of Texas, Mario Munoz of Florida, Jose A. Munoz of Florida and Carlos Munoz of Lafayette, IN; six daughters, Guadalupe Munoz of LaPorte, Gloria Saldivar of Ossian, IN, Rosa Rangel of LaPorte, Norma Munoz of LaPorte, Angelica Munoz of LaPorte, and Patricia Perez of LaPorte; 36 grandchildren; 60 great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends at Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, LaPorte, on Friday, April 14, from 4 to 8 p.m. and Saturday, April 15, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. A Prayer Service will be held Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home with Rev. Jamie Perea officiating. Interment will follow at Pine Lake Cemetery, LaPorte.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family of Francisca Munoz.

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

Kaye D. Armstrong-Lotter, 66, of LaPorte, died peacefully Thursday, April 13, 2017, at LaPorte Hospital.

She was born July 7, 1950, in South Bend, IN, to Rolland and Norma (McFadden) Kinch.

Kaye enjoyed playing the lottery, puzzles, fishing, watching game shows, and attending races at the South Bend Motor Speedway. She was an avid Colts and Notre Dame fan. Kaye truly loved spending time with her children and grandchildren and they enjoyed playing board games together.

On Sept. 22, 1995, in LaPorte, she married Daniel F. Lotter, who survives.

Also surviving are one son, Steve (Sheila) Armstrong Jr. of Fargo, ND; three daughters, Sherry (Gordon) McKinley of Rolling Prairie, IN, Kimberly Bodmer of Plymouth, IN, and Sharon (Steve) Patten of Grimes, IA; two brothers, John Kinch of Louisiana and Timothy Kinch of Michigan; two sisters, Patricia Lawson of South Bend and Bonnie Eldridge of Virginia; 13 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; former in-laws, Seldon and Martha Armstrong; and several brothers and sisters-in-law.

Preceding her in death were her parents; two sisters, Linda Kidwell and Susan Cannon; and three brothers, Joseph, Louis and Robert “Link” Kinch.

A funeral celebrating her life will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 18, at Lakeview Funeral Home and Crematory, LaPorte, with Rev. Paul Nesta officiating. Visitation will be Monday, April 17, from 5 to 7 p.m., and Tuesday from 10 a.m. until the service. Burial will take place at Sauktown Cemetery, Union Mills, IN.

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.

Betty Jane Hahn, 90, of LaPorte, died Thursday, April 13, 2017, at Brentwood in LaPorte.

She was born May 25, 1926, in LaPorte to Carl A. and Florence (Tillman) Johnson.

Betty graduated from LaPorte High School and received a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from Indiana University. She was a registered nurse for over 40 years, retiring from LaPorte Hospital. Betty was a member of Bethany Lutheran Church. She enjoyed playing bridge, traveling and especially her family.

Surviving are her beloved children, Craig (Ruth Bocher) Hahn of Wauwatosa, WI, Mark (Kay) Hahn of Rockford, MI, Brad Hahn of LaPorte and Sandi (Murray) Russell of Orlando, FL; five grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; siblings, Dorothy Jennings of Cincinnati, OH, Ann McDermott of LaPorte and John Johnson of Florida; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and three brothers, Robert, Carl and Richard Johnson.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at 4 p.m. Tuesday, April 18, at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, LaPorte, with Pastor Dennis Meyer officiating. Visitation will be Tuesday from 3 p.m. until the service. Cremation has taken place.

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.

Gregory R. Mannia, 93, of LaPorte, died Thursday, April 13, 2017, at home surrounded by his family.

He was born June 20, 1923, in LaPorte to William and Katherine (Stackowski) Mannia.

Gregory was a Machinist and Carpenter and had worked at Allis-Chalmers in LaPorte. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, Falcons, PRCU and VFW. He served his country in the Air Force.

On May 14, 1949, he married Eleanor A. Witka, who survives.

Gregory is also survived by four daughters, Carol Mannia of Valparaiso, IN, Mary (Peter) Nielsen of LaPorte, Janet Hatton of North Judson, IN, and Margaret (Larry) Garrett of LaPorte; one son, Gregory (Donna) Mannia of Fort Wayne, IN; six grandchildren, Nicholas Strohl, Shara Hatton, Nicole, Scott and Tony Mannia, and Ashley Nielsen; and one great-grandchild, Penelopi Mannia.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters and three brothers.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday, April 17, at Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, LaPorte. A Rosary will be recited at 4:30 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Tuesday, April 18, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, LaPorte, with Rev. Ian Williams officiating. Burial will follow in Pine Lake Cemetery, LaPorte, with military honors. Family and friends may gather at 9 a.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

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

Mary Sue Evans, 56, of LaPorte, died Thursday, April 13, 2017, at Fountainview Terrace in LaPorte. 

She was born June 15, 1960, in LaPorte to Dan Laurel and Arlene Mary Wallis (Johnson). 

Mary worked as a waitress.  She enjoyed spending time with family and friends, playing cards and dice games.  Mary loved family cookouts and camping, and was very devoted to her family. 

Surviving are her beloved children, James Brinsfield of LaPorte and Natasha and Keone Evans, both of Kauai, HI; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; four sisters, Anna Wallis of Michigan City, IN, Laura Howard of Westville, IN, Brenda Lawrence of Norman, OK, and Julie (Tony) Lindquist of LaPorte; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father, Dan Wallis Sr.; mother, Arlene Staniszewski; and brother, Dan Wallis Jr.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, April 21, at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, LaPorte, with Rev. Mike Johnson officiating. Visitation will be Friday from 10 a.m. until the service. Cremation has taken place.

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

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

Marlete Kiff, 78, of LaPorte, died Wednesday, April 12, 2017, at Brentwood in LaPorte.

She was born Sept. 25, 1938, in Indianapolis to Marion S.A. and Mary Louise (McClure) Campbell.

Marlete attended Hanover College, where she was affiliated with Alpha Delta Pi Sorority. She later attended and graduated from Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff with a Master’s Degree in Education.

Marlete worked as a teacher in the LaPorte Community Schools for over 30 years. She was very social and enjoyed going out to dinner with lifelong friends, including her neighbors and bridge and poker groups.  She loved visiting her family in Chicago, trying new restaurants and going to the theater. Marlete treasured annual trips to Siesta Key, Florida, and was able to fulfill her dreams of traveling to both Europe and Alaska. Her grandchildren provided much joy and entertainment and she considered them a true blessing.

Marlete was active with many organizations. She served on the First Trust Credit Union Supervisory Committee, Friends of the Symphony, and was a member of The Presbyterian Church of LaPorte.

On Aug. 13, 1960, she married Hobart “Hobey” M. Kiff, who preceded her in death on March 11, 2001.  

She was also preceded in death by her parents.

Surviving are her beloved son, Brent (Stacy) Kiff of Chicago; sister, Jeannette (Lewis) Campbell Green of Scottsdale, AZ; and two grandchildren, Maxwell and Ava. Also surviving are one brother-in-law, Doug (Janis) Kiff, and one sister-in-law, Sharon Kirkham, both of LaPorte; and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends.

Marlete’s immediate family is forever grateful to friends and relatives who provided tender loving care and moral support without fail throughout the years.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Gathering will be held from 2 to 4:30 p.m. Friday, April 21, at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, LaPorte. Cremation has taken place and a private interment will take place at the Columbarium at Pine Lake Cemetery, LaPorte, at a later date.  

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to The Presbyterian Church of LaPorte, 307 Kingsbury Ave., LaPorte, IN  46350.

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

Corey Mel Lombard, 48, died Thursday, April 13, 2017, in a one-car accident.

He was born Jan. 4, 1969, in Michigan City, IN, to Lloyd and Pennie (Jagodka) Lombard.

Corey lived life large. He embraced new interests with passion, whether it be politics, U.S. history, Lombard family genealogy, Marvel Hero comic books and movies, or advocating the benefits of union labor membership. Corey was a meticulous carpenter who was a proud member of Carpenters Local 1485, LaPorte. He will be remembered for his booming voice and he will bring smiles to our faces when we share with each other his many escapades.

He is survived by his parents; his brother, Christopher (Heather) Lombard of Michigan City; nephew, Dakota Lombard of Michigan City; aunts, Patricia Dean of Indio, CA, and Mary Lombard of Michigan City; uncles, Wayman (Arlene) Lombard of Boca Raton, FL, and Donald (Dorothy) Lombard of Luther, OK; and many cousins. He also leaves behind his very close friend, Desirae Moisan, and the two chihuahuas they share, Emma and Spike; and a wide circle of friends of all ages.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Melvin and Anne Jagodka and V.B. and Viola Lombard; aunts, Joyce Moisan and Jacque Lombard; and uncles, Ron Lombard and Donald Dean.

The family will receive friends from 3 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 19, at Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, LaPorte. A remembrance will follow at 6 p.m. at the funeral home. Friends are cordially invited to share in refreshments at Carpenters Hall, 1104 6th St., LaPorte, immediately after the remembrance service.

His cremated remains will be buried with those of his maternal grandparents and great grandparents at Patton Cemetery, LaPorte, at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to the LaPorte County Small Animal Shelter, 2852 W. Ind. 2, LaPorte, IN 46350, or the family.

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

Donald J. Stephani, 88, of LaPorte, died Saturday, April 15, 2017, at 1 a.m. at LaPorte Hospital with his family at his side.

He was born Dec. 4, 1928, to Herman and Grace (Heath) Stephani.

Don proudly served for four years as a military police officer in the United States Army. Following his service to our country, he returned to LaPorte and started his own business as a plastering contractor, where he worked for over 50 years and often reminisced about his love for his work. After retiring from plastering, Don was a shuttle driver at LaPorte Hospital for 10 years, recently retiring in April 2016.

Don will be remembered for his love of family and his passion for helping others.

On Jan. 10, 1959, in LaPorte, he married Jane (Griffin) Stephani, his wife for 58 years, who survives.

Also surviving are his daughter, Debi (Matt) Baughman; son, Doug (Dawn) Stephani; grandsons, Andy (Alisha) Baughman and Drake Stephani; granddaughters, Diane Stephani and Emily Baughman-Keson; great-granddaughters, Opehlia and Beatta Baughman; and great-grandsons, Griffin and Grant Keson. Also surviving are his sister, Laura (Dan) Wroblewski, and brother, Kenneth Stephani.

He was preceded in death by his parents and daughter, Deidre Stephani, who died at the age of 19 on July 7, 1977.

The family will receive friends at Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, LaPorte, on Tuesday, April 18, from 4 to 7 p.m. and Wednesday, April 19, from 10 to 11 a.m. A life celebration will be held Wednesday at 11 a.m. at the funeral home with Pastor Robert Vale officiating. Interment will follow at Pine Lake Cemetery, LaPorte.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Healthcare Foundation of LaPorte, 323 Pine Lake Ave., LaPorte, IN 46350.

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

Warren J. McCullough, 93, of LaPorte, died April 14, 2017, at Fountainview Terrace in LaPorte.

He was born July 2, 1923, to Bertha (Pankowski) and Shirley Mitchell. He was later adopted by Clifford McCullough.

Warren attended Union Township School. He entered the United States Navy in 1942. While serving, he achieved the rank of Gunner’s Mate Second Class with the Underwater Demolition Team No. 5. Due to his heroic service, Warren was awarded the Naval Bronze Star.

Warren was a soft-spoken, gentle man, but was always quick to crack a joke with a twinkle in his eye and a smile on his face. He worked for Modine Manufacturing (lovingly known as Little Beaver) for 42 ½ years, retiring in 1985. He could repair everything and anything. Warren was a lifelong member of the American Legion. He was also a member of the VFW, Order of the Moose, and Freemasons. He was a diehard Chicago Cubs fan.

On July 11, 1945, in Fort Pierce, FL, he married Jennie S. Koltowski, who preceded him in death.

Warren was also preceded in death by his parents and son, Fred McCullough, all of LaPorte.

He is survived by his daughter, Sandie McCullough, and daughter-in-law, Carol McCullough, of LaPorte; two granddaughters, Michele (Chad) Crawford of Granger, IN, and Amanda Clark of LaPorte; and four great-grandchildren, Alexis, Blake, Elizabeth and Abigail.

A private memorial will take place at a later date. Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, LaPorte, is handling arrangements.

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

June Alice Downs died peacefully at her home Tuesday, April 11, 2017. She was born, lived her entire life, and passed away in one of three houses on the same parcel of land in Coolspring Township.

June was born June 4, 1932, to Frank and Nettie Mawesky Swirski.

June graduated from St. Mary’s High School in 1948, two years early. At the time, she had a scholarship offer to go to nursing school but her parents felt she was too young to leave home. So at 16, June became a telephone operator for Indiana Bell. She held many jobs while raising her family, but her dream was finally realized in 1981 when she received her R.N. from Purdue and later her Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from Valparaiso University. June worked at both St. Anthony and Memorial hospitals, as well as home health care. Until the age of 80 she still took care of friends and neighbors, checking blood pressures and medicines daily and getting them to medical appointments in Michigan City and Chicago.

Grandchildren were June’s greatest passion. June and her husband Jim both felt it was their most important role in life to make every grandchild feel very secure, special and loved. June enjoyed dancing and playing cards. She was a master baker. She was a wonderful listener and she loved to laugh. Many hearts are saddened with her passing.

On June 17, 1950, she married James Downs, who preceded her in death Feb. 15, 2014.

Surviving June are six children: Kathi (Ron) Dean, Bonnie (Dallas) Dowden, Jerry (Sue) Downs, Tina (Walt) Nichols, Marybeth (Robert) Wright, and Matthew Downs. A son, Michael, and a daughter, Debbie, are deceased. June had three siblings, Frank (Donna) Swirski, Mary (Ted) Stanczak and Agnes (Ed) Scezniak, who are also deceased. June is also survived by 15 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

A time of remembrance will be held Tuesday, April 18, at St. Mary’s Church in Otis, IN, from 9 to 11 a.m. A memorial Mass celebrating her life will be held at 11 a.m. at the church. Root Funeral Home, Michigan City, is handling arrangements.

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