Betty Romayne Savenko, 88, of LaPorte, died peacefully at 1:15 a.m. Saturday, April 15, 2017, at Miller’s Merry Manor, LaPorte.

She was born Jan. 18, 1929, in Plymouth, IN, to Frank and Nellie (Heater) Gaede.

Betty was a graduate of Knox High School. During her lifetime she held many secretarial positions. Betty was also a devoted housewife and loving grandparent. She was very interested in sports and an avid fan of the Chicago White Sox, Bears and Blackhawks. Betty enjoyed playing golf and was a member of the Beechwood Ladies 18 Holers.

On May 30, 1963, in LaPorte, she married Raymond G. Savenko, who survives.

Also surviving are her daughter, Kathleen Ann (Bruce) Eskridge; five grandsons, David (Ashley), Tracey (Ashley), Brian, Michael and Joshua (Stephanie); and 18 great-grandchildren and one on the way.

Preceding her in death were her parents; grandparents; one brother, Frank; three sisters, Margie, Winnie and Shirley; one son-in-law, Bruce; and one son, John Raymond.

A memorial service celebrating her life will be held at 6 p.m. Friday, April 21, at Lakeview Funeral Home and Crematory, LaPorte, with Pastor Joel Klimkewicz officiating. Visitation will be Friday from 4 to 6 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the American Lung Association, 115 W. Washington St., Suite 1180, Indianapolis, IN 46204, in memory of Betty Romayne Savenko.

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

After a long battle with cancer, Dennis Paul Hill, 73, of LaPorte, died peacefully Saturday, April 15, 2017, at home in his sleep during the early morning hours of his and Laura’s 45th anniversary.

He was born Aug. 5, 1943, in LaPorte to Woodrow and Dorothy Irene (Sult) Hill.

Dennis served his country honorably in the U.S. Army. In the 1970s he worked as a time clerk and later became a business owner, having owned two businesses. He was a longtime member of Faith Baptist Church. Dennis loved traveling with his wife and spending time with his children and grandchildren.

On April 15, 1972, in Knox, IN, he married Laura Johnson, who survives.  

Also surviving are his beloved children, Jeff (Lisa Moore) Hill of LaPorte and Denise (Ryan Stewart) Woods of LaPorte; grandchildren, Parker Hill of LaPorte and Tayler Woods, Emily Woods and Brock Stewart; brother, Tom (Edy) Hill of Lawton, OK; brother-in-law, Sheryl “Skip” Shipe of Mason, OH; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Janice Shipe.

A Celebration of Life Service with full Military Honors will be held at  6 p.m. Thursday, April 20, at Faith Baptist Church with Pastor Eddy Heavner officiating. Visitation will be Thursday from 4 p.m. until the service.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Faith Baptist Church, 933 S. Nursery Rd., LaPorte, IN 46350; or the American Cancer Society, 130 Red Coach Dr., Mishawaka, IN 46545.

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

Mrs. Garnet G. Schreiber, 80, of LaPorte, died Monday, April 17, 2017, at her home.

She was born April 20, 1936, in LaPorte to John J. and Mildred E. (Piper) McVay.

Garnet was a member of First Christian Church of Rolling Prairie, IN. She was an avid gardener and canned her own produce for years. She enjoyed puzzles, reading and sewing quilts.

On June 19, 1954, in LaPorte, she married Frank G. Schreiber, who preceded her in death March 2, 2005.

She was also preceded in death by her parents; two great-grandchildren; three sisters, Evelyn Upp, June McVay and Geraldine McVay; and brother, John McVay.

She is survived by two sons, Frank (Lee) Schreiber of LaPorte and Michael (Juli) Schreiber of South Bend, IN; two daughters, Joyce (Dennis) Collins of Rolling Prairie and Lori (George) Tucker of LaPorte; 10 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends at Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, LaPorte, on Thursday, April 20, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. A life celebration will be held Thursday at 1 p.m. at the funeral home with Rev. Ransom Ebersole officiating. Burial will take place at Patton Cemetery, LaPorte, at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to First Christian Church, 113 W. Michigan St., Rolling Prairie, IN 46371; or the donor’s choice.

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

Mr. David L. Snow, 87, of LaPorte, died Saturday, April 15, 2017, at Advocate Christ Medical Center.

He was born Feb. 17, 1928, in Marion, IN, to Erna D. and Eula (Imler) Snow.

David retired in 1988 from the Maintenance Department at NIPSCO after 38 years of service. He was a lifelong member and past state president of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, most recently a member in the Plymouth area.

On June 6, 1948, in LaPorte, he married Barbara Miller, who preceded him in death Aug. 23, 1995. On Dec. 1, 1997, in Elizabethtown, KY, he married Kay F. (Travis) Snow, who survives.

He is also survived by three sons, Edwin (Sharon) Snow of LaPorte, Richard (Marjorie) Snow of Lafayette, IN, and Donald (Susan) Snow of LaPorte; two stepsons, Glenn E. Oman Jr. of LaPorte and Geoffrey Sellers of LaPorte; six grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; sister, Lily Johnson of Trenton, MO; and brother, Robert Snow of Normal, IL.

David was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Barbara Miller; daughter-in-law, Sharon Snow; three sisters, Mary Flash, Fern Stevens and Edna Stricler; two brothers, Edwin E. Snow and Allen Snow; and stepson, Gregory A. Oman.

The family will receive friends at Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, LaPorte, on Friday, April 21, from 6 to 8 p.m. with an Eagle Service at 7:30 p.m.; and on Saturday, April 22, from 9 to 10 a.m. A life celebration will be held Saturday at 10 a.m. at the funeral home with Rev. Dennis Meyer officiating. Interment will follow at Patton Cemetery, LaPorte.

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

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

Terry Lee Hensell, 70, of LaPorte, died peacefully Sunday, April 16, 2017, at LaPorte Hospital. He fought a long, hard battle against cancer for the last 13 months.

He was born Nov. 6, 1946, in LaPorte to Glen Harold Hensell and Betty (Day) Hensell Hill.

Terry did many things in his life. He worked landscaping, plot books and TSO, owned Car Wash Emporium and finished at Four Winds Casino as a security guard until his retirement in 2011. He was always known to be well dressed and his hair perfectly styled. Terry loved his toys, from his cars to his pontoon boat. He would be excited for the weather to break in the spring because this meant it was time to go fishing. Terry loved eating his fried bass and morels during that time.

Surviving are his fiancée, Jeanne Dickey; daughter, Kristin (Justin) Sams; grandchildren, Kaylee, Keegan and Mackinzie Sams, all of LaPorte; siblings, Ricki (Joan) Hensell, Randy (Judy) Hensell and Pam (Terry) Callahan, all of LaPorte, and Robert (Kathy) Hensell of Koontz Lake, IN; his special aunt and uncle, Laura and Robert Day; aunt, Shirley Hibner; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and stepfather, Lester Hill.

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.

A special thank you to Dr. Kang, Melissa Garwood and Lisa on the 4th floor for providing exceptional care during our time of grief. Each one of them went above and beyond to ensure comfort for Terry and his family. We cannot thank them enough for this last week.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Jeanne Dickey.

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

Blaine Gamble has seen his last Notre Dame game. He succumbed April 17, 2017.

He was born in Mishawaka, IN, on May 3, 1921, to Lorenzo B. and Anna Jewel Gamble, who preceded him in death.

He had one sister, Eileen Albini of Northbrook, IL, and was preceded in death by a brother, Warren Gamble.

He is survived by his wife, Doris C. (Cutler), whom he married on Aug. 25, 1951, in Millidore, Wisconsin. He has one daughter, Shirley Jean (Milo) Borden of Martin, Tennessee, and a grandson, Matthew Daniel.

Blaine initially became involved with drum and bugle corps when he was 8 years old by becoming mascot for the Mishawaka American Legion Post 161 Drum Corps. As an eighth grader at Battell School, he was named drum major of the Mishawaka High School Band. He designed the letter formations and drilled that unit. He also served as drum major during his high school years.

Blaine served in the Pacific Theater during World War II and was a member of New Carlisle Post 274 American Legion and Rolling Prairie Post 9423 Veterans of Foreign Wars. He received his undergraduate degree from Milton College in Wisconsin and earned his Master’s at the University of Notre Dame. He continued to play an active role in drum and bugle corps, directing as well as playing in several units. His efforts won him a nomination into the All American Drum and Bugle Corps. He was also a member of the All American Judges Association. He was inducted into the Drum Majors Hall of Fame in ceremonies at Notre Dame.

Blaine worked at football and basketball games at Notre Dame, spending 30 years in Section 31, where he served as Senior Captain. This was the student section, so a sophomore explained to him why the student body chanted “Rudy” during that famous game.

He began his teaching career at Palmyra, Wisconsin, High School, where he coached basketball. An attractive beginning teacher rode the fan bus to all the away games, which convinced him he wanted her for his wife. After five years at Palmyra, the couple moved to Lakeville, Indiana. It was there they were joined by a daughter. Four years later he moved to New Carlisle, Indiana, where he taught History and Economics. He was active in coaching throughout his career and produced two state champions in track. Palmyra won a tri-state meet, the prestigious La Crosse Peacock Relays. New Carlisle won the Goshen Relays and established meet records in two events. As New Prairie Cross Country Coach, Blaine inaugurated the New Prairie Invitational and incorporated the Agony Hill as part of the course.

Blaine served as a member of the Board of Directors of Teachers Credit Union and was a member of the New Carlisle Lions Club, serving one year as President. He was also named a Melvin Jones Fellow by Lions International. He wrote sports copy for the Mishawaka Enterprise and Janesville Gazette and began writing part time for the LaPorte Herald-Argus in 1960 so he could get his students’ athletic accomplishments in the paper. Upon retirement from teaching, he worked full time for the Herald-Argus. It wasn’t until his grandson was born that he realized why so many grandparents welcomed him to games.

After his stroke, which created Doris as his primary caregiver, Blaine realized how fortunate he was that she rode that fan bus. In 2012 he and Doris moved to Martin, Tennessee, where he was able to see his grandson graduate from college. He also became a member of the Skyhawk Club.

A funeral service will be held Friday, April 21, at 1 p.m. at First United Methodist Church in Martin with Rev. Randy Cooper officiating. Burial will follow in East Side Cemetery, Martin, with Military Honors. Visitation will be Friday at the church from noon until the service. Murphy Funeral Home, Martin, is handling arrangements.

Memorials may be made to the University of Notre Dame, the University of Tennessee Martin, or New Carlisle United Methodist Church.

Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP as well as at www.murphyfuneralhome.net.

Mae J. Dunning, 82, of Knox, IN, died Thursday, April 20, 2017, surrounded by her family.

She was born Nov. 30, 1934, in Hackleburg, Alabama, to Aufa and Mona (Frederick) Hudson.

Mae was a Senior Regent of Moose Lodge 492 in LaPorte. She loved spending time with her friends and family.

On Sept. 2, 1950, in Roseland, IN, she married William Dunning, who survives.

She is also survived by four sons, Douglas (Connie) Dunning, Danny (Regina) Dunning, Dean (Lori) Dunning and David (Tammy) Dunning; daughter, Debbie (Bob) Doane; eight grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

Mae was preceded in death by her parents, one grandchild and one great-grandchild.

The family will receive friends at Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, LaPorte, on Friday, April 21, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. A life celebration will be held Friday at 1 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Swan Lake Memorial Gardens, Michigan City, IN.

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

Robert Earl Swanson, 74, of LaPorte, died Friday, April 21, 2017, at Franciscan St. Anthony Health in Michigan City, IN.

Robert was the son of the late Earl William and Leona Mary (Cernek) Swanson. He was born Aug. 10, 1942, in LaPorte.  

Robert retired from Roll Coater in LaPorte after many years of service. He served his country in the United States Army and was a member of American Legion Post 83 in LaPorte. He formerly belonged to Beechwood Men’s Club.

Robert leaves behind his daughter, Tracy Swanson of LaPorte; son, Scott (Crystal) Swanson of Benton Harbor, MI; three step-grandchildren; five step-great-grandchildren; and sisters and brother, Shirley Ann Lhotka of LaPorte, Judith Kay Ford and Carol Lee (James) Miller of New Port Richey, FL, David Arnold Swanson of LaPorte and Becky Sue Blake of LaPorte.  

A son, William Edwin Swanson, and a sister, Nancy Joan Werts, preceded him in death.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 25, at Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, LaPorte. A funeral services will be held Wednesday, April 26, at 11 a.m. at the funeral home, where family and friends may visit one hour prior to the funeral.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

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

Virginia Belle Belzowski, 92, of Kingsbury, IN, died Friday, April 21, 2017, at Franciscan St. Anthony Hospice in Michigan City, IN.

She was born June 12, 1924, in Cass, IN, to Elmer and Kate (Goodman) Bledsoe.

Virginia was a secretary-clerk with Kingsbury School for 16 years. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Kingsbury and a 1942 Union High School graduate. Virginia enjoyed cooking, reading, and watching the Chicago Bears, but most of all she loved spending time with her family and going out to eat. She was loved greatly and forever and will be missed.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Thaddeus (Ted); her parents; her son, Steven Belzowski; great-grandsons, Cohen and Brody Pavey; sisters, Dolores Ashcraft and Doris Reynolds; and brother, James Bledsoe.

Virginia leaves many loving memories to be cherished by her sons, Tom (Reggie) Belzowski of LaPorte and Jim (Earlene) Belzowski of LaPorte; daughter-in-law, Michele Belzowski of LaPorte; grandchildren, Sara (John) Horvath, Janice (Mike) Lombardo, Keith (Holly) Belzowski, Cassie (Byron) Pavey, and Derek Belzowski; great-grandchildren, Jude and Jonah Belzowski, Harrison, Maxwell and Crosby Horvath, Brandon, Hayden and Aubrey Pavey, and Gavin Belzowski; and two special nieces, Vicki Stahl and Sue Deckard and families.

Visitation will be Thursday, April 27, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, LaPorte. A funeral service will begin Thursday at 2 p.m. with Pastor Tim Williams officiating.  Burial will take place in Kingsbury Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the LaPorte County Public Library, (Bookmobile), 904 Indiana Ave., LaPorte, IN 46350; or First Baptist Church of Kingsbury, 4988 S. Range Rd., LaPorte, IN 46350.

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

Frederick W. Bowers, 96, of LaPorte, died Wednesday, April 19, 2017.

He was born Feb. 5, 1921, in LaPorte to Edward and Anna (Genieser) Bowers.

Frederick was a machinist in the Experimental Department at Allis-Chalmers and a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the United States Army. Fred loved flying his Cessna 182 airplane.

Celebrating his life and memories are an extended family in the U.S. and Germany, many local friends, and especially his “coffee club.”

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Friday, April 28, at St Joseph Catholic Church, LaPorte. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, LaPorte. Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, LaPorte, is handling arrangements.

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.esslingfuneralhome.com.

Cassandra Dawn Wilhelm, 31, of LaPorte, died Monday, April 17, 2017, at her home.

She was born June 5, 1985, in LaPorte to James Joseph and Robin (Wilhelm) Benkowich.

Cassandra enjoyed painting, coloring and doing pottery.

Surviving are her mother, Robin Benkowich of LaPorte; her beloved children, Emily D. Waldo of Michigan City, IN, and Trenton Wurster of Indianapolis; three sisters, Patricia Benkowich of Hanna, IN, Becky Lee Benkowich of Florida and Nancy Rose Benkowich of Florida; brother, David Benkowich II of Hanna; and her fiancé, Earl Thomas Hough of LaPorte.

She was preceded in death by her 5-week-old daughter, Abbigail, and grandparents, Edward and Carol Wilhelm.

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

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

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

Linda K. Tibbs, 68, of LaPorte, died Monday, April 24, 2017, at LaPorte Hospital.

She was born Jan. 23, 1949, in LaPorte to Russell and Marie Warner.

Linda worked as a Jailer for the LaPorte County Sheriff’s Office. She loved Notre Dame football. She enjoyed riding her scooter.

Surviving are her beloved son, Tim (Kristine) Tibbs of Kingsbury, IN; granddaughter, Chloiee Tibbs of LaPorte; nephews, Greg (Sallie) Warner of LaPorte and Billy Tibbs of North Manchester, IN; and niece, Gina Boone of LaPorte.

She was preceded in death by her parents; special companion, Charles Wright; sister, Diane Tibbs; and brother, Douglas Warner.

Cremation has taken place with Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, LaPorte.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Catherine Kasper Home, PO Box 1, Donaldson, IN 46513.

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

Robert “Bob” E. Wanmer Sr., 73, of LaPorte, died peacefully at 1:34 a.m. Monday, April 24, 2017, at LaPorte Hospital.

He was born Aug. 5, 1943, in LaPorte to Robert R. and Ethel (Schoff) Wanmer.

Bob worked as a machinist at Industrial Pattern Works, LaPorte, for 37 years. He attended Calvary Baptist Church, LaPorte. Bob had a great sense of humor, a bright personality, and enjoyed making people laugh. He loved spending time with his family, playing cards with friends, and attending festivals with his family. After his retirement, he especially enjoyed doing various outdoor activities with his son, Rick.

On June 5, 1965, in South Bend, IN, he married the love of his life, Gladys (Herman) Wanmer, who survives.

Also surviving are four children, Bob (Bobbi) Wanmer of Westville, IN, and Randy Wanmer, Rick Wanmer and Georganna Novak, all of LaPorte; two sisters, Ila Jean (Robert) Proud and Becky Wanmer, both of LaPorte; eight grandchildren, Laura (Tom), Brittany, Sydney (Neil), Joseph, Je’an, Destiny, Zachary, and Madison; four great-grandchildren, Aiden, Dylan, Emma and Katniss; and two great-grandchildren on the way, Brady and Judith.

Preceding him in death were his parents; one sister, Lois Smith; and daughter-in-law, Sally Wanmer.

A funeral celebrating his life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 29, at Lakeview Funeral Home and Crematory, LaPorte, with Pastor Tim Schryer officiating. Visitation will be Friday, April 28, from 5 to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. until the service. Burial will take place at Patton Cemetery, LaPorte.

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

David Harner, 47, of LaPorte, died unexpectedly at 8:23 a.m. Wednesday, April 26, 2017, in his home.

He was born Jan. 11, 1970.  

A memorial service celebrating his life will be held at 5 p.m. Saturday, April 29, at Lakeview Funeral Home and Crematory, LaPorte, with Pastor David Adams officiating. Visitation will be Saturday from 4 p.m. until the service.

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.

Raymond “Ray” E. Peterson, 78, of Rolling Prairie, IN, died peacefully at 9:15 p.m. Saturday, April 22, 2017, at LaPorte Hospital.

He was born March 26, 1939, in LaPorte to Gunnerd and Julia (Anderson) Peterson.

Ray honorably served his country in the United States Marine Corps. He was a retired mechanic. Ray was very close with his children and grandchildren and loved spending his time with them. He also enjoyed gardening and the outdoors.

Surviving are two sons, Shawn and Scott Peterson of Rolling Prairie; sister, Jane (Forrest) Kantner of Mentone, IN; two brothers, Arthur Peterson of Greenwood, WI, and Carl Peterson of Texas; two grandchildren, Triston and Troy Peterson; and several nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death were his parents; three sisters, Florence Piper, Esther Piotrowicz and Selma Tarnow; and three brothers, Adolph, George and James Peterson.

A funeral celebrating his life will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, May 2, at Lakeview Funeral Home and Crematory, LaPorte, with Pastor James Bouslog officiating. Visitation will be Tuesday from 11 a.m. until the service. Burial will be in Rolling Prairie Cemetery following the service.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Shawn Peterson c/o Lakeview Funeral Home and Crematory, 247 W. Johnson Rd., LaPorte, IN 46350 in memory of Raymond E. Peterson.

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

Shirley A. Swift, 81, of LaPorte, died unexpectedly Thursday, April 25, 2017.

She was born April 17, 1936, in Columbus, IN, to Eleanor (Keleher) and Walter Stroh.

Shirley was a cashier with A&P for 20 years. She then worked at LaPorte Hospital for 19 years in the dietary department. She was a life member of St. Peter Catholic Church, where she volunteered on the funeral committee, and a formal member of T.O.P.S. Shirley was an active, vibrant person with a warm hello and happy smile for anyone she met. She loved to walk, bake and work in her garden. She adored her grandchildren and greatly loved going to Lake Michigan. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Shirley leaves behind to cherish her memory a daughter, Wanda (Troy) Schaffer of St. Joseph, MI; a son, Eric Swift of Williamston, MI; grandchildren, Freedom and Ava Lee Schaffer, and Brogan Swift; a sister, Carol Knowlton of LaPorte; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Her parents and a sister, Judy Tobar, preceded her in death.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 2, 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. Wednesday, May 3, at St. Peter Catholic Church, LaPorte. Family and friends may gather at 9 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Burial will follow the Mass at Pine Lake Cemetery, LaPorte.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Peter Catholic Church, 1101 Michigan Ave., LaPorte, IN 46350; or Michiana Humane Society, 722 Ind. 212, Michigan City, IN 46360.

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

Jose Luis Martinez, 48, of LaPorte, died peacefully Friday, April 28, 2017, at his home.

He was born Aug. 7, 1968, in Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico, to Martin and Reyna Avendaño (Ortiz) Martinez.

Jose worked as a welder. He enjoyed woodworking, soccer and spending time with his brother.

On June 30, 2006 in Markham, IL, he married Maria Alejandra Castro, who survives.  

Also surviving are his beloved children, Natalia Martinez, Celeste Segura and Maximiliano Hernandez, all of LaPorte; his mother, Reyna Avendaño of Mexico; brother, Juan Martinez of LaPorte; and uncle, Estevon Avendaño of LaPorte.

He was preceded in death by his father, Martin Martinez; grandmother, Librada Ortiz Lozano; and grandfather, Manuel Avendaño Hernandez.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, May 2, at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, LaPorte. Visitation will be Monday, May 1, from 4 to 8 p.m. and Tuesday from 9 a.m. until the service. Cremation will follow the service.

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

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

Donna M. Eiler, 92, of LaPorte, died Saturday, April 29, 2017, at Fountainview Terrace in LaPorte.

She was born Nov. 27, 1924, in Mill Creek, IN, to Dorsey and Elsie (Miller) Keller.

Donna and her husband owned and operated Chuck and Donna’s West End Confectionary in LaPorte for 30 years. She enjoyed gardening, cooking, attending church, doing word search puzzles and watching birds, especially cardinals. Donna absolutely thrived around people — whether she was working, homemaking, hosting parties, or spending time with her loving friends and family.

On May 27, 1946, in LaPorte, she married Charles “Chuck” John Eiler, who preceded her in death on Oct. 9, 1987.  

She was also preceded in death by her parents; six children, Rex Eiler, James “Jim” Eiler, Jerald “Jerry” Eiler, Jeff Eiler Sr., Jay Lynn Eiler, and Janet Marie Eiler; and two grandchildren, Charles John Eiler III and Thomas Hajostek.

Surviving are her beloved children, Dianna Jean Price of LaPorte and Charles John Eiler II of Florence, SC; eight grandchildren, Ryan (Kelli) Price, Jeff (Shay) Eiler Jr., Michael Eiler, Matthew (Sue) Price, Jamie Magner, Tim Eiler, Nick (Tia) Eiler, and Becky (John) Klawiowski; 22 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; daughters-in-law, Betty Eiler of LaPorte and Alyn-Soo Eiler of Bloomington, IN; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 3, at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, LaPorte, with Pastor Jack Balon officiating. Visitation will be Wednesday from 10 a.m. until the service. Burial will follow the service at Oak Grove Cemetery, LaPorte.

Memorial donations may be made to Riley Hospital for Children at IU Hospital, 705 Riley Hospital Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46202.

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