Fr. Robert William Hunt departed this life on April 30, 2017. He was Christ’s faithful and loving servant who touched many thousands of hearts and lives through his very popular Parish Mission and Retreat Ministry, which extended over more than 35 years. “Mission for Today” was his hallmark achievement -– a message of Love, Life and Hope. His sermons were always relevant and laced with a sharp, timely sense of humor.

Fr. Hunt was born in St Louis, MO, on Aug. 29, 1928. He studied and was ordained for the priesthood in the Society of the Precious Blood on May 15, 1955.

As an honored member of the National Professional Speakers Association, with the distinction of a Certified Speaking Professional, Fr. Hunt delivered countless motivational talks to companies large and small across the US and Canada. In addition to his public ministry, Fr. Hunt was a very effective counselor, assisting clients in finding resolutions to difficult personal and spiritual issues. After retiring from his preaching ministry, he assisted at Holy Cross Catholic Church, Orlando, FL. The parish benefited greatly from his gifts. A favorite pastime was golf and lunch with his buddies. When his health began to fail, Fr. Hunt was invited and moved to LaPorte, IN, to spend the rest of his days with his dear friends, who offered and provided their love and care. There will surely be legions of the faithful departed who will welcome him to Paradise and thank him for his role in leading them to Christ. He will continue to live in the hearts of those whose lives he touched.

Our lives have been blessed because of Fr. Bob and will not be the same without him. May he rest in the Peace of the Risen Lord.

Fr. Bob is survived by his very dear friend, Margaret (Maggie) LeRoy and her family, and his cousins, William O’Keefe and Dr. Jerome Wagner. He was predeceased by his loving mother, Alice.

A scholarship has been established in Fr. Hunt’s name by an anonymous donor for www.youthathletes.org.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 3, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, LaPorte. Evening prayers will begin at 6:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, May 4, at the church, where morning prayers will begin at 9:30 a.m. Rev. Robert F. Kurber, Presider; Rev. Ian J. Williams, Rev. Jaime Perea, and Rev. William F. O’Toole, Concelebrants. Father’s body is being donated to medical science.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be sent to St. Joseph’s Indian School, P.O. Box 326, Chamberlain, SD 57326, 1-800-341-2235, www.stjo.org/dreams; or St. Joseph’s Church for the St. Joseph Mariachi Band, 109 C St., LaPorte, IN 46350.

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

Mary Ann Vrlich, 89, of LaPorte, was called to join her family and friends in her eternal resting place with the Lord on Friday, May 5, 2017.

She was born May 12, 1927, in Gary, IN, to Matthew and Mary (Petkovich) Vrlich.

Mary Ann worked at U.S. Steel as an executive secretary and for the Diocese of Gary. She also was an organist at St. Joseph Catholic Church and was involved in every aspect of parish life. As an assistant to Monsignor John  C. Witte, she worked at Holy Angels (Gary), Ct. Cyril & Methodius (North Judson), and St. Joseph (LaPorte) parishes, just to name a few. After retiring, Mary Ann enjoyed reading, gardening, cheering on the Notre Dame football team, and watching wildlife around her home. She was a reverent Catholic who believed in the power of the Eucharist. Her deep love for Family, Friends and Faith were everything to her.

Mary Ann is survived by her sister, Sylvia Wilk, and her nephews and nieces: Mark Vrlich, June (James) Gormley, Jimmy (Linda) Towers, LuAnn (Patrick) Huffmaster, Gina Wilk, Steve Wilk, and Diane (Dean) Ott. She is also survived by several special great-nieces and great-nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; siblings, Violet (James) Towers, Frank Wilk Sr., Albert (June) Vrlich and Karl Vrlich; and her nephews, Craig Vrlich, Matthew Wilk and Frank Wilk Jr.

Visitation will be Wednesday, May 10, from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, LaPorte. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Wednesday at St. Joseph Catholic Church, LaPorte. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, LaPorte.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorial contributions to the St. Vincent DePaul Society at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 109 C St., LaPorte, IN 46350.

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

Paul Oliver, 68, of LaPorte, died Friday, May 5, 2017, at Franciscan Communities Hospice.

He was born Oct. 16, 1948, in Rensselaer, IN, to Charles and Dora  (Fairchild) Oliver.

Paul loved the Chicago Cubs and Bears. He enjoyed playing games on the computer and liked old cars.

On June 20, 1981, in LaPorte, he married Beverly Snyder, who survives.

Also surviving are his beloved daughter, Teresa (Ryan) Griffin of Kouts, IN; stepchildren, Tammy Ippolito of Joliet, IL, Lisa Bono of Westville, IN, Blaine (Jen) Snyder of New Carlisle, IN, Dennis Snyder of North Carolina, and Todd (Yevette) Snyder of Rolling Prairie, IN; grandchildren, Kyle Oliver, Curtis, Paige, Connor, and Owen Griffin; step-grandchildren, Andrew (Liz) Snyder, Adam (Jackie) Snyder, Jessica (Eric) Snyder, Jackie (Robert) Lantero, Ben Hall, Steven Hall, and Jessica Hall; nine step-great-grandchildren; and sister, Carolyn (Bruce) Shepherd of Wheatfield, IN.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, May 12, at  Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, LaPorte, with Pastor Rodney Nielsen officiating. Visitation will be Thursday, May 11, from 4 to 7 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m. until the service.

Memorial contributions may be directed to AA/YANA Service Club, 1621 Roberts St., LaPorte, IN 46350.

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

Alfred “Al” A. Lenard, 90, of LaPorte, died Sunday, May 7, 2017.

He was born Aug. 28, 1926, in LaPorte to Frank and Helen (Cziakowski) Lenard.

Alfred owned and operated Lenard’s Bar for many years. He was a member of St. Peter Catholic Church and Sacred Heart Catholic Church in LaPorte, American Legion, and VFW. He served his country in the Army during World War II, in the Pacific. Al enjoyed hunting, fishing, mushroom hunting, gardening, walking in Kesling Park at 5 a.m. every day after he retired, watching western movies, and socializing while he shopped the local grocery stores. He was also fond of the Cubs, especially during the 2016 championship season.

On June 26, 1948, in LaPorte, Al married Anne M. Cashmer, who preceded him in death on May 15, 2006.

He was also preceded in death by his parents; sister, Bernice Starzyk; and brothers, Stanley and Harry Lenard.

Alfred is survived by three sons, Richard (Janice) Lenard of LaPorte, Garry (Kathy) Lenard of LaPorte and David Lenard of Englewood, FL; and six grandchildren, Jennifer, Alan, Katie, Jordan, Joey, and Nikki.

Visitation will be at Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, LaPorte, on Friday, May 12, from 4 to 8 p.m., where a parish Rosary will be recited at 6 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, May 13, at 10 a.m. at St. Peter Catholic Church, LaPorte. Family and friends may gather at the funeral home one hour prior to the Mass on Saturday.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Miller’s Merry Manor, 3520 Monroe St., LaPorte, IN 46350; St. Peter Catholic Church, 1101 Michigan Ave., LaPorte, IN 46350; or Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 201 Bach St., LaPorte, IN 46350.

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

Robert W. Weiler, 80, of LaPorte, died Tuesday, May 9, 2017, at Franciscan Communities Hospice in Michigan City, IN.

He was born Dec. 12, 1936, in LaPorte to Warren and Anne (Klesch) Weiler.

Robert retired after 20 years of service as a LaPorte City fireman. While working at the fire department, he also worked at Fenker’s Finer Furniture in LaPorte. After retirement he worked at Howmet Corp. for 15 years. He was a LaPorte High School graduate. He enjoyed golfing, camping, city sports, softball, basketball, the Chicago Cubs, and spending time with family and friends.

On Jan. 28, 1961, in LaPorte, he married Linda Faye (Clark) Weiler, who preceded him in death Oct. 6, 2002.

Robert was also preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Amy Renee Weiler; and brother, Gordon Weiler.

He is survived by his son, Darren Wayne Weiler of Los Angeles, CA; daughter, Beth Anne (Tom Forsyth) Weiler of Fort Wayne, IN; two grandsons, Matthew (Kelli) Smith of Indianapolis and Joshua Smith of LaPorte; sister, Sherry Camacho of Florida; brother-in-law, David (Shurla) Clark of St. Augustine, FL; Weiler nieces and nephews of South Bend, IN; Shaughnessy nieces, nephews and brother-in-law of Texas; and other extended family.

The family will receive friends at Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, LaPorte, on Thursday, May 11, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday, May 12, from 1 to 2 p.m. A life celebration will be held Friday at 2 p.m. at the funeral home with Rev. Michael Johnson officiating. Interment will be at Pine Lake Cemetery, LaPorte.

Memorial contributions may be made to Franciscan Community Hospice, 301 W. Homer St., Michigan City, IN 46360.

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

Gloria Augusta Rieck, 92, of LaPorte, and formerly of Venice, FL, died Tuesday, May 9, 2017.  

She was born Aug. 17, 1924, in Detroit, MI, the loving daughter of Herman G. and Jennie (Pollaschek) Behr.

Gloria was a devoted wife and a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She loved reading, drawing, painting and ceramics, and was a natural decorator. Gloria loved irises, violets and orchids, and could grow vegetable gardens anywhere! She was a lifelong member of the Lutheran Church and a devout Christian. Throughout her lifetime, she traveled to many countries. Gloria was a volunteer for Stephens Ministries, and a facilitator for Marriage Encounter. She loved walking the beach in Florida and collecting shark’s teeth and shells.

On May 22, 1944, she married David H. Rieck, who preceded her in death June 30, 1991.

Gloria leaves loving memories to be cherished by her daughters, Judie (Jim) Dermody of LaPorte, Pamela (Wayne Mills) Johnson of Winter Haven, FL; son, Richard (Karen) Rieck of Mundelein, IL; grandchildren, Jay (Danielle) Johnson, Jeff (Margaret) Johnson, Shawn (Maor) Starr Ben-Shitrit, Deena (Marc) Traina, Matt (Katy) Dermody, Todd (Brooke) Dermody, Sarah Dermody, Kelsey Rieck, David Rieck, and Kevin Rieck; and eight great-grandchildren.

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

Memorial contributions may be made to VNA Hospice, 501 Marquette St., Valparaiso, IN 46383.

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

Mrs. Joyce J. Martin, 75, of Poinciana, FL, died Thursday, May 11, 2017, at Poinciana Medical Center in Kissimmee, FL.

She was born May 27, 1941, in Gary, IN, to David W. and Edna B. (Blankley) Huston.

Before retirement, Joyce was an auditor for Household Mortgage Services, where she worked for 13 years. She was a member of First Christian Church of Michigan City, Michigan City Moose Lodge 980, Jaycees, and the American Motorcycle Association.

On Jan. 1, 1960, in Biloxi, MI, she married Donald E. Martin Sr., who survives.

She is also survived by her daughter, Denise (Al) Olsen; son, Dennis (Karen) Martin; adopted daughter, Rhonda Hunter; four grandchildren, Christopher D. Martin, Michelle L. Niegos, Kristen Randazzo and Steven Shelton; and eight great-grandchildren.

Joyce was preceded in death by her parents and son, Donald Martin Jr.

The family will receive friends at Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, LaPorte, on Sunday, May 21, from 2 to 5 p.m. and Monday, May 22, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. A life celebration will be held Monday at 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home with Rev. Jeff Zigler officiating. Interment will follow at Patton Cemetery, LaPorte.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 130 Redcoach, Mishawaka, IN 46545.

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

Clarence Hill, 90, of LaPorte, died at his home in Lexington, KY, on May 10, 2017. He was surrounded by his friends, family and caregivers. He was truly loved by all who knew him.

He was born Nov. 15, 1926, to Elizabeth Meyers and John Hill.

In 1943, at the age of 17, he joined the U.S. Navy and was a lifetime member of the Indiana VFW. He met his first wife, Louise Hill, in Missouri and they had three children together. After they went their separate ways he met and married Maria Hill, with whom he shared many wonderful years together enjoying life, friends and family. He was an avid golfer and even won the Pool League Championship with his friends on the Falcons team. Clarence lived life to its fullest and had a Southern charm and genteelness that made us all smile. He loved to worship God and read his Bible every day. He loved to sing and had a great voice and could dance with the grace of a pro. He was well loved and respected in his community and will be missed by all of us.

Clarence is survived by his son, David Hill of Endeavor, WI; his daughter, Teresa (Aaron) Cook; his stepson, Richard (Debbie) Banas of Lexington, KY; five grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and his very dear friends, Helen Howard of Lexington, KY, and John Bush of LaPorte.

Clarence was preceded in death by his wife, Maria Hill; sisters, Sarah and Rose; half- sisters, Mary and Janet and Leela Crowley; his niece, Rose Zorn; and his son, Danny Hill.

A graveside service will be held at Pine Lake Cemetery, LaPorte, at 12:30 p.m. Saturday, May 20. 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.

Glen Rucker, 90, of LaPorte, died Monday, May 15, 2017, at Miller’s Health and Rehabilitation in LaPorte surrounded by his family. 

He was born Aug. 16, 1926, in LaPorte to John and Sophie (Jankowski) Rucker and was a lifelong LaPortean.  

Glen was a talented athlete, graduating from LaPorte High School in 1944 after competing in the ISHAA Basketball Championship.  He later attended Valparaiso University.  He served his country in the Navy during World War II.  He was a member of PNA, Union Mills Conservation Club, past president of La Porte Old Timers Association and a frequent visitor to Ye Olde Pipe Shoppe. Glen retired from the U.S. Postal Service in 1988 and enjoyed his retirement fully.

Glen was an ardent LaPorte Slicer fan and loved to participate in and watch live sports of all kinds. He loved to fish and hunt and was known for his generosity and good humor. He always had a smile on his face and a joke and a sucker to share.  

On May 28, 1949, Glen married Jacqueline (Severs) and together they celebrated 44 years of marriage before her passing in 1993.

Surviving are his seven children, Rebecca (Tom) Stupeck, Marcia (Dave) Shannon, Lisa (Matt) Bennett, Janet (Les) Robertson, Jeff (Mary) Rucker, Merry Rucker, and Gina (Tim) Teets; nine grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and one brother, Franklin.  

A celebration of Glen’s life will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, May 26, with a prayer at 7 p.m., at Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, LaPorte. 

Memorial contributions in Glen’s memory may be made to the LaPorte High School Athletic Department, 602 F St., LaPorte, IN 46350.

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

Amber Lynn Malstaff, 32, of LaPorte, died unexpectedly at 9:54 a.m. Sunday, May 14, 2017, at Porter Regional Hospital, Valparaiso, IN.

She was born Sept. 7, 1984, in LaPorte to Terry and Donna (Lynch) Malstaff.

Amber attended Trinity Lutheran Church, LaPorte. She enjoyed camping with family and friends. She especially enjoyed being with her children and family. Amber had a kind heart that will be greatly missed.

Surviving are her mother, Donna (Randy Pravecek) Lynch of LaPorte; her father, Terry (Kim Bunce) Malstaff of LaPorte; two children, Keith Keehn and Donavan Malstaff, both of LaPorte; stepfather, Jack Ganschow of LaPorte; brother, Tim Malstaff of LaPorte; paternal grandparents, Gerald and Janet Malstaff of LaPorte; three uncles, Tom (Kelli) Lynch, John Lynch and Mark (Peggy) Malstaff, all of LaPorte; aunt, Paula (Phil) Bryant of West Virginia; and several cousins.

Preceding her in death were her maternal grandparents, Paul and Phyllis Lynch, and two cousins, Megan Lynch and Nicole Masterson.

A private family service will be held. Lakeview Funeral Home and Crematory, LaPorte, is handling arrangements.

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

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

Gregory Robert Campbell, 65, of LaPorte, formerly of Walkerton, IN, died peacefully at 7:10 p.m. Saturday, May 13, 2017, in his home.

He was born Sept. 22, 1951, in LaPorte to Robert and Twilo (Brantley) Campbell.

Greg was a 1969 John Glenn High School graduate. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Entomology from Purdue University, graduating in 1973. Greg was a member of Pi Chi Omega, Union Mills Lions Club, and past President of Union Mills Conservation Club. Greg was a lifetime member and twice president of Indiana Pest Management Association, where he was inducted into the Hall of Fame. He was past Chairman of Purdue Pest Management Conference for 15-plus years, and was involved in the Indiana Pesticide Review Board for 10 years. Greg owned and operated Hatfield Pest Control for 35 years, a small family business established in 1944. He enjoyed motor sports, fishing, riding his motorcycle, listening to the Blues, talking about bugs, and his favorite sports team, Da Bears. Greg especially enjoyed time spent with his grandchildren and children.

Surviving are his mother, Twilo Campbell of Walkerton; three children, Josh (Alisha) Campbell of Union Mills, Carrie Campbell of LaPorte and Cale Brown of Union Mills, IN; three sisters, Sue (Kenneth) Klinedinst of North Liberty, IN, Cindy Gillies of Free Union, VA, and Bobbi Jo Campbell of Walkerton; brother, Douglas (Susan Atwell) Campbell of LaPorte; three grandchildren, Xaidyn Campbell and A.J. and Owen Brown; beloved dog, Loki; and several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death were his father, Robert Campbell, and wife, Diana Wurster.

A memorial service celebrating his life will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 23, at Union Mills Conservation Club, 100 Mill Pond Rd., Union Mills, with Annette Freese officiating. Visitation will be held from 3 p.m. until the service Tuesday at the conservation club. Lakeview Funeral Home and Crematory, LaPorte, is handling arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to Union Mills Conservation Club, 100 Mill Pond Rd., Union Mills, Indiana 46382, in memory of Gregory Robert Campbell.

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

Patricia A.H. Parr, 83, of Rolling Prairie, IN, died Saturday, May 20, 2017, at her home.

She was born Oct. 24, 1933, in Terre Haute, IN, to John and Philomena (Bochhold) Hellmann.

Patricia was employed by the Indiana Department of Workforce Development for 22 years, in Marion, Michigan City and Lafayette, IN. She loved spending time with her family, reading, and gardening flowers.

Patricia married John Hutcheson on Aug. 23, 1955, and had four boys: John (Tammy) Hutcheson of Rolling Prairie, Gregory (Tammi) Hutcheson of Mount Olive, MI, Mark (Michelle) Hutcheson of Rolling Prairie and James Hutcheson of Alexandria, IN; three granddaughters, and five grandsons. Patricia then married Maurice Parr on Dec. 23, 1988, and became a stepmother to Mary Jo (Mitch) Hamman, James (Kathleen) Parr, Brian Parr, Lucy (Ken) Jones, Beth (Scott) Chandler, Angelina (Chad) Houston, Patricia (Mark) Elsner, and Gretchen (Vincent) Sissler; and 19 step-grandchildren. Patricia was a sibling to John, Louis, Lenus, Ray, Jerome, Frank, Patrick, Gilbert, Leo, Rosemary, Helen, Catherine, Henrietta, and Mary Joan.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1 p.m. CST Saturday, May 27, at her residence, 4892 E. Scholl Rd., Rolling Prairie. Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, LaPorte, is handling arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123.

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

Mr. James “Jim” Blint, 87, of LaPorte, died Sunday, May 21, 2017, at Franciscan Communities Hospice in Michigan City, IN.

He was born Aug. 27, 1929, in Chicago to Ernest C. and Gladys (Tiarks) Blint.

Jim was the owner and operator of Blint Equipment Inc. in LaPorte. He was a new-car dealer for Jeep & Fiat in LaPorte. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, having served in Germany shortly after the end of World War II. He was past president of the Rolling Prairie Lions Club and past president of LaPorte Rotary Club. He was the box office manager at the LaPorte Little Theatre for many years. He served on the board of the LaPorte Chapter of the American Red Cross. Jim was the charter president of the LaPorte Chapter of People to People International and a member of the Michiana Antique Auto Club and the 190 SL Mercedes Auto Club. He was a former member of the VFW of LaPorte. Jim enjoyed his collection of antique cars, traveling and dancing.

On June 18, 1960, in Rolling Prairie, IN, he married Joyce M. (Sweder) Blint, who survives.

He is also survived by his two daughters, Jill (Kim Kozlowski) Leuthardt of LaPorte and Pam Sudlow of Albuquerque, NM; grandson, Ben Williams of LaPorte; sister-in-law, Eloise Blint of Michigan City; and many nieces and nephews.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, and three brothers, Ernie Blint, Gordon Blint and Don Blint.

A private family service and interment will be held at Lambs Chapel Cemetery, LaPorte, on Thursday, May 25, with Pastor Debbie K. Beason officiating. Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, LaPorte, is handling arrangements.

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

Bobbi Sue Wagoner-Nowell, 53, of LaPorte, died peacefully at 7:04 a.m. Monday, May 22, 2017, at Hospice Franciscan Communities, Michigan City, IN.

She was born July 18, 1963, in LaPorte to Robert Curtis and Mary Etta (Cockerham) Wagoner.

Bobbi was employed with Al’s Supermarket for 17 years. She enjoyed cooking, gardening and traveling.

On Sept. 28, 2002, at Tracy United Methodist Church, Hamlet, IN, she married Donnie Nowell, who preceded her in death.

Surviving are her parents, Robert and Mary Wagoner of LaPorte; significant other, Derek Lockridge of LaPorte; two sisters, Cathy (David) Buss and Tammy (Ed) Eskridge, both of LaPorte; close friend, Cathi Miller-Saliwanchik; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

A celebration of Bobbi’s life will be held at 4 p.m. Friday, June 2, at Door Prairie Adventist Church, LaPorte, with Pastor Joel officiating. Lakeview Funeral Home and Crematory, LaPorte, is handling arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Door Prairie Adventist Church, 1480 Boyd Blvd., LaPorte, IN, 46350, in memory of Bobbi Sue Wagoner-Nowell.

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

Daniel A. Vitale Jr., 64, of LaPorte, died Sunday, May 28, 2017.

He was born Aug. 30, 1952, in LaPorte to Daniel A. Sr. and Carol Vitale.

In 2015 Daniel retired from Federal Mogul in South Bend.  He served in the United States Navy.

In October 1994, he married Lisa Bishop, who survives.

Also surviving are five daughters, Madeline Hanson of Nebraska, Vanessa (Bill) Baros of Clearwater, FL, Kristin Vitale of LaPorte, Randi (Ryan) Duensing of LaPorte and Danielle Vitale of LaPorte; nine grandchildren; his mother, Carol; five sisters, Tammy (Mark) Frame of LaPorte, Alice (Chuck) Vitale of LaPorte, Marsha Lamb of Tennessee, Pam (Kenny) McCarty of Hanna, IN, and Jeana Kane of Valparaiso, IN; and one brother, Bob (Liz) Vitale of New Jersey.

Daniel was preceded in death by his father and one brother, Jimmy Vitale.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, June 1, at Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, LaPorte.

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

Mrs. Catherine M. Atherton, 51, of Rolling Prairie, Indiana, passed away Monday, May 29, 2017, at her home. She was born June 26, 1965, in South Bend, Indiana.

The Lord has taken home a precious soul that will be greatly missed, leaving so many loved ones behind. She loved spending time with all her children and grandson. Cooking meals to share with her family came straight from her heart. She loved spending time in the garden planting and harvesting, being outdoors, camping, canoeing, mushroom hunting, and gathering firewood; those activities always made her happy and put that wonderful smile on her face that we all loved to see.

She was employed with the Toast Hotel Group for 5 years. She was a member of Rolling Prairie VFW Auxiliary.

She is survived by her husband, Douglas Atherton; two daughters, Christina (Nick Soder) Atherton of Rolling Prairie and Malinda (Chkuhmoen Topash) Atherton of Rolling Prairie; two sons, Matthew Atherton of Rolling Prairie and James Atherton of New Carlisle, IN; grandson, Lee Atherton of New Carlisle; two sisters and six brothers; and many nieces and nephews.

Catherine was preceded in death by her father, James Spriggs, and grandparents, Edwin and Vivian Teeter.

The family will receive friends at Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, LaPorte, on Saturday, June 3, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. A life celebration will be held Saturday at 1 p.m. at the funeral home with Donald Bayne officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to the to the family of Catherine Atherton.

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

Nancy J. Kindig, 76, of LaPorte, Indiana, passed away Monday, June 5, 2017. 

She was born July 11, 1940, to Emery and Alta (Arndt) Kindig.

Nancy retired as a supervisor form Foamex in LaPorte. She loved spending time at Four Winds. 

Surviving are her sisters, Juanita Curless of LaPorte and Cleo Bach of Illinois; and brothers, Gerald Kindig of Michigan City and Robert Kindig of LaPorte. 

Nancy was preceded in death by sisters, Sharon Greelaw, Betty Lou Kindig, Norma Kindig and June Wintek; and brothers, Charles, Gordon, Warren and James Kindig. 

Visitation for Nancy will be from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Thursday, June 8, at Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, LaPorte. A funeral service will follow the visitation at 11 a.m. Burial will be in Kingsbury Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Miller’s Merry Manor, 220 E. Dunn Rd., New Carlisle, IN 46552.

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

Nancy Fara, 77, of LaPorte, passed away Sunday, June 11, 2017, at Settlers Place in LaPorte.

Nancy was born March 5, 1940, in Hazard, KY, to Astor and Anita (Hurt) Francis.

Nancy was an active member of Countryside Christian Church, where she loved working in the nursery for many years. In later years she and her husband Tom were members of LaPorte Missionary Church. She also served at the PAC Center.

In 1976 she married Tom Fara, who preceded her in death.

She was also preceded in death by her parents; sister, Serena Barenthin; brother, Wes Francis; and sons, Dustin, Bobby, Scott and Tim.

Surviving are her beloved children, Mark (Karen) Martin of LaPorte and Dorothea (Dan) Fara of LaPorte; sister, Linda (Terry) Brainerd of LaPorte; brother, Jay Francis of California; and many loving grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Cremation has taken place with Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, LaPorte. At Nancy’s request a private graveside service will be held at Pine Lake Cemetery, LaPorte.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the PAC Center, 209 State St., LaPorte, IN 46350.

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

Walter J. Miller, 90, died Tuesday, June 13, 2017.

He was born March 29, 1927, in LaPorte, Indiana, to Donald and Laura (Wiltd) Miller, who preceded him in death.

Walter worked at Allis-Chalmers as an assembler and formerly worked at Plimpton Press in LaPorte. He was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II, and a member of St. Peter Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, and LaPorte High School Football Hall of Fame. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and gardening.

On June 5, 1954, in LaPorte, Walter married Patricia M. Pekofske, who survives.

He also leaves behind a son, Jon P. Miller of LaPorte, and several nieces and nephews.

Walter was preceded in death by his parents; son, Jason L. Miller; and brother, Richard A. Miller.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Tuesday, June 20, at St. Peter Catholic Church, LaPorte. Burial will follow in Pine Lake Cemetery, LaPorte. Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, LaPorte, is handling arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Peter Catholic Church, 1104 Monroe St., LaPorte, IN 46350.

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