James Joseph Riedl, 72, passed away on Saturday, August 5, 2017.

James was born November 20, 1944, in Buffalo, New York, to Joseph J. and Violet C. (Szczek) Riedl.

He leaves behind two daughters, Rachel Ellen Riedl of Chicago, Illinois, and Andrea Karich of Carrie, Illinois; one son, Keith James Riedl of Walkerton, Indiana; and two grandchildren, Billy Riedl and Allen Marcus Riedl.

James served in the United States Army and was a member of the Auto Workers Union Local 701 in Burr Ridge, Illinois.

Visitation will be from 3-4 p.m. Sunday, August 13, with Military Honors at 4 p.m. 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.

Clara Mae Roseman, 88, of Decatur, Indiana, and formerly of LaPorte, Indiana, passed away Tuesday, August 8, 2017.

Clara was born February 22, 1929, in Starke County, Indiana, to Raymond and Irene (Saine) Dye.

Clara retired from American Rubber as a machine operator. She was a former member of Tracy United Methodist Church and First United Methodist Church of Orlando, Florida.

On April 24, 1953, in North Judson, Indiana, she married Dale T. “Rosie” Roseman, who preceded her in death on September 6, 2005.

She is survived by two daughters, Jayne Bates of Orlando and Debra (Chris) Yeaney of LaPorte; one son, Jeffrey (Susan) Roseman of Decatur, Indiana; four grandsons, Kenneth (Mary) Bates, Matthew Yeaney, Andrew Yeaney and Ryan Depoister; and a very special extended family.

Clara was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; one son, Dennis D. Roseman; one son-in-law, David L. Bates; and her sister, Lorraine.

A Celebration of Life will be Saturday, August 12, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. with a service shortly before 1 p.m. at Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, LaPorte.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Boy Scouts of America, Great Southwest Council, at aplacetogive.scouting.org to benefit future generations with priceless “life-achieving knowledge,” including, especially, her own great-grandson Caleb’s lifelong achievements!  A zip code search for 81301 on the site would benefit Caleb’s troop directly.

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

Dale A. Will, 80, of LaPorte, passed away Tuesday, August  8, 2017, at IU Health LaPorte Hospital. 

He was born in Herington, KS, on February 3, 1937, to Albert and Lydia (Strauss) Will.

Dale was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church and a former 6th grade teacher and choir director at St. John’s Lutheran School. He loved woodworking, gardening, fishing, music, and playing and teaching piano. Throughout his career he worked as a principal, teacher and organist.

On July 24, 1960, he married Marlene Will, who survives in LaPorte. Also surviving are his beloved children, Michele (Steve) Ailes of Plainfield, IN, Stephanie (Joel) Boesche of Waco, TX, Kimberly (Michael) Woolard of Danville, IN, and Denise (Robert) Mahon of Clemson, S.C.; 15 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; brother, Paul (Judy) Will of Albuquerque, NM; and sister, Dorothy (John) Fredrickson of Marion, KS.

He was preceded in death by his parents, 4 brothers, and 3 sisters.

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

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, August 12, at St. John’s Lutheran Church with Pastor Ronald Brauer officiating. A time of visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. Friday, August 11, at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center and from 10 a.m. until the service at the church on Saturday. 

Memorial contributions may be directed to St. John’s Lutheran Church and School, 111 Kingsbury Ave., LaPorte, IN 46350.

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

Donald Lee Williamson, 90, of LaPorte, Indiana, passed away Thursday, August 17, 2017.

Donald was born March 8, 1927, in LaPorte to Lee Ray and Gertrude (Gorecky) Williamson.

Donald served in the United States Navy and attended LaPorte Missionary Church.  He retired as a truck driver with Tucker Freight, formerly Clemons Trucking.

On April 19, 1947, in LaPorte, Donald married Beverly Lee Deardurff, who preceded him in death on October 6, 2011.

Donald leaves behind five daughters, Deborah Lane of Grand Prairie, Texas, Karen (Steven) Curtis of Valparaiso, Indiana, Victoria (David) Clark of LaPorte, Indiana, Christine Uribe of Santa Ana, California, and Penny Williamson of Orange, California; seven grandchildren, Carrie, Meagan, Justin, Kaylee, Derek, Cassie, and Kylee; and one great-grandchild, Gisele.

Besides his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Richard, Melvin and Arthur Williamson.

Cremation has taken place. Services will be announced at a later date. Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, LaPorte, is in charge of arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made 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.esslingfuneralhome.com.

Shirley A. Ritter, 88, of Union Mills, Indiana, passed away Monday, August 21, 2017.

Shirley was born March 23, 1929, in South Bend, Indiana, to James F. and Ruth (Freese) Bottorff.

Shirley retired from L&G Truck Stop as a bookkeeper and was a member of Vale Church of Christ in Valparaiso, Indiana. She also enjoyed watching “The Price is Right” and “Wheel of Fortune,” reading the Bible, doing word searches and puzzles, and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

On May 5, 1951, in South Bend she married Lyle Ritter, who preceded her in death on July 15, 2011.

Shirley leaves behind two daughters, Debra Ritter of Union Mills and Donna (Kim) Sokolosky of Fort Cobb, Oklahoma; seven grandchildren, Wendy (Chuck) Peterman, Shelly Pemberton, Katelyn Sokolosky, Kelly Sokolosky, Jodie Ritter, Kylee (James) Bowen, and Ashly (Larry) Remkus; 14 great-grandchildren, Aiden, Alyssa, and Austin Peterman, Bryston and Evelyn Ruth Pemberton, Savanna, Colton, Mallory and Macie Ritter, Emilee and Lukeas Bowen, and Layla, Garrett and Anthony Remkus; and sister-in-law Pearl Bottorff.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Lyle; son, Terry Ritter; granddaughter, Casey Ritter; and brother, Ed Bottorff.

Visitation will be Saturday, August 26, from 10-11 a.m. at Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, LaPorte, Indiana. A funeral service will be held Saturday, August 26, at 11 a.m. at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family or to the charity of the donor’s choice.

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

Allen Samuel “Sam” Mounce, 68, of LaPorte, IN, passed away on Tuesday, August 22, 2017.

Sam was born in LaPorte on November 15, 1948, to Alvin Lloyd and Elaine Ellen (Soda) Mounce. 

Sam was a U.S. Army veteran and a lifelong member of the VFW. He worked for various car dealerships and repair shops as a machinist and customizer of cars and hot rods. He owned M&M Enterprises. Sam was a member of Great Lakers Car Club and the Corvette Club. He enjoyed drag racing and customizing vintage automobiles and hot rods. He also loved going to vintage car shows and cruises. 

Surviving are his siblings, Lloyd M. (Shirley) Mounce of LaPorte, Gail I. Holmes of LaPorte and Penny L. Cottingham of Lincoln, NE; half sisters, Maureen (Charles) Tuter of Chesterton, IN, and Lynn Marie Mounce of Chicago; significant other, Vicki Mantel and her son, Jake Mantel; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Alvin L. Mounce and Elaine E. Mounce; half brother, Steven Mounce; and half sister, Paula Jones.

A graveside service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 29, at Kingsbury Cemetery with Rev. Kit Billings officiating. Cremation has taken place with Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, LaPorte.

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

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

Elizabeth Karen Wagner, 76, of South Haven, Michigan, formerly of LaPorte, Indiana, passed away Saturday, August 26, 2017, at her home. 

Elizabeth was born September 16, 1940, in Frankfort, Indiana, to Floyd G. and Beulah E. (Mendenhall) Bougher. 

She retired from American Home Foods in LaPorte. Elizabeth had been a member of First Baptist Church of LaPorte and the Odd Fellows and Rebekah’s. She was currently a member of Gospel Tabernacle Baptist Church in Covert, Michigan.   

On December 20, 1969, Elizabeth married Nate Edwin Wagner, who preceded her in death on April 15, 2000. 

Elizabeth leaves behind to cherish her memory a daughter, Kimberley (Rudy) Ruiz of South Haven, Michigan; three grandchildren, Amanda, Samantha, and Nichole Wagner; three great-grandchildren, Evan Wagner, Dorwin Arnold and Rayen Burrows; and a brother, Wilbur Bougher of LaPorte. 

Her parents; sisters, Vera Arion, Mabel Schultz, Delores Colwell and Sharon Sirovy; and brothers, Wayne and Keith Bougher, all preceded her in death. 

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. CDT Friday, September 1, at Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, LaPorte. A funeral service will follow the visitation at 1 p.m. CDT at the funeral home with Pastor Henry Allen of Gospel Tabernacle Baptist Church, Covert, Michigan, officiating.  Burial will be in Patton Cemetery, LaPorte.

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

Frankie Edna Maglio, 87, of LaPorte, died peacefully at 3:05 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 31, 2017, in her home.

She was born December 18, 1929, in Fairston, KY, to Roland and Anne (Tankiesly) Harkleroad.

Frankie lovingly cared for her family as their “domestic engineer,” and loved being the neighborhood babysitter. She also worked as a seamstress for several local clothing stores, friends and family members for many years. Frankie was a longtime member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church and St. Monica’s Circle. She enjoyed working in her garden, tending to her flowers while barefoot and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her favorite color was purple.

On January 19, 1946, she married the love of her life, William Joseph Maglio, who preceded her in death on April 25, 2013.

Also preceding her in death were five brothers, R.C., Harry, David, Jonah and William; and one son, Christopher Maglio.

Surviving are four children, Rowland Maglio of Stuart, FL, William Maglio and Christine Maglio, both of LaPorte and Kathleen Maglio Tallmadge of Clearwater Beach, FL; one sister, Jesse (Mrs. Arthur) Ondrus of New Buffalo, MI; nine grandchildren, Andrea and Joni Maglio, Michael (Chera) Maglio, Jedidiah (Julie) Joseph, Brandi Glanders, Sarah (Dr. Christopher) Bearden, and Shefik, Tyler and Natassia Tallmadge; eight great-grandchildren, Henry Cort, Dayln Maglio, Caden and Chloe Spencer, Jude and Dale Bearden, Payton and Sophie Joseph; special caretakers and her nieces, Mary Kloss and Jackie Emerich; and lifelong friend, Deana Murray. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews whom she held dear.

A funeral celebrating her life will be held at 12 noon Monday, September 11, at Lakeview Funeral Home and Crematory, LaPorte. Visitation and viewing will be from 10 a.m. until the service at the funeral home. Burial will be in Swan Lake Memorial Gardens, Michigan City, IN.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the LaPorte County Small Animal Shelter, 2855 W. Ind. 2, LaPorte, IN 46350, in memory of Frankie Maglio.

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

Paul Edward DePoy, 88, passed away peacefully Tuesday, September 5, 2017.

Paul was born September 7, 1928, in St. Joseph County, Indiana, to George and Laura Lucille (Hooten) DePoy.

Paul was a driver his entire life, beginning his career as a truck driver for Scholl Dairy after graduating from high school in 1947. He spent 37 years driving for B&P Motor Express. He was a member of St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in Three Oaks, Michigan, graduated from Rolling Prairie High School in 1947, and was a U.S. Army veteran, having served in the Korean War peacekeeping force in Germany. Paul was also a member of Rolling Prairie Lions Club, Rolling Prairie AMVETS Post 911, Meals on Wheels, and Kankakee Township Volunteer Fire Department, with over 50 years of service.

On February 20, 1954, in LaPorte, Indiana, Paul married Mary Lou Miller, who preceded him in death on March 26, 2000.  On June 25, 2003, in Three Oaks, Michigan, he married Geraldine (Ellenwine) Mrozinski DePoy, who survives.

Besides his wife, Geraldine, he leaves behind two daughters, Jan (John) Thode of LaPorte and Karen (Doug) Edison of South Bend, Indiana; four grandchildren, Renee (Shane Coursel) Thode, Ryan Thode, Laura Edison and Andrew Edison; three stepsons, Larry (Deb) Mrozinski of Kouts, Indiana, Tom (Rita) Mrozinski of Rolling Prairie, and John (Lori) Mrozinski of New Carlisle, Indiana; one stepsister, Mary Hildebrand Jones of South Bend; three great-grandchildren; 11 step-grandchildren, 11 step-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife; three sisters, Mary Anne DePoy, Margaret DePoy Conrad and Ruth DePoy Kelley; three brothers, James, Richard and Donald DePoy; and one stepson, Mark Mrozinski.

Visitation will be 3-7 p.m. Thursday, September 7, with a Kankakee Township Firefighter Service will be held at 6 p.m. and a vigil service at 6:30 p.m., at Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, LaPorte. A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, September 8, at the funeral home. Burial will immediately follow in Patton Cemetery, LaPorte.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Rolling Prairie Lions Club, PO Box 576, Rolling Prairie, IN 46371; Rolling Prairie AmVets Post 911, PO Box 273, Rolling Prairie, IN 46371; or Kankakee Township Volunteer Fire Department, 3 W. Michigan St., Rolling Prairie, IN 46371.

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

Gail A. Kugler, 57, of LaPorte, passed away unexpectedly at 10 a.m. Saturday, September 9, 2017, in Noblesville, IN.

She was born February 19, 1960, in LaPorte to Warren K. and Constance (Wilson) Wollert.

Gail worked at Blue Chip Casino, Michigan City; owned and operated Furry Friends Grooming, LaPorte; and worked as a veterinarian assistant. Gail loved all animals, especially her furry kids, Payton and Shiva. She was a Girl Scout Leader for Troop #221 for many years and truly loved the members and their families. Above all, Gail loved spending time with her children and enjoyed camping, shopping and Christmas trees.

On March 17, 1990, in LaPorte, she married the love of her life, Karl A. Kugler, who survives.

Also surviving are her parents, Warren and Constance Wollert of Indianapolis; two daughters, Jacquelyn C. Wilson of LaPorte and Jennifer L. Kugler of Indianapolis; one brother, Douglas B. Wollert of LaPorte; one niece; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Preceding her in death were her paternal and maternal grandparents and one uncle, Robert L. Wilson.

A funeral celebrating her life will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, September 15, at Lakeview Funeral Home and Crematory, LaPorte, with Rev. Ian Williams officiating. Visitation and viewing will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, September 14, and from 10 a.m. until the service Friday, September 15, at the funeral home. Burial will be in Pine Lake Cemetery, LaPorte.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 15829, Arlington, VA 22215; and to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation at www.jdrf.org.

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

Ivin “Skip” Clarence Lant, 78, of LaPorte, Indiana, passed away Friday, September 15, 2017.

Ivin was born April 9, 1939, in South Bend, Indiana, to Ivin D. and Helen (McMackin) Lant.

He was an operating engineer with Union Local 150 in the steel mills. Ivin was a United States Marine Corps Veteran, a Star Righters Square Dancer for over 25 years, member of Moose Lodge 980 in Michigan City, and a former Mason.  He loved eagles and had an extensive collection.

On October 15, 1994, he married LaVerne Wandrey, who survives.

Ivin is also survived by a son, David Ivin Lant of Michigan City, Indiana; one daughter, Christie Lant, DDS, of Michigan City; a stepdaughter, Stephanie Lant of LaPorte; three grandchildren, Alyssa Lant, Alex Lant and Justin McSurley; two great-grandchildren, Braiyden and Levi Lant; and one sister, Mary (Arkie) Pisello of LaPorte. 

He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Nancy Madares. 

The family would like to thank his special caretakers, Hans and Jeanne Tanzer.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday, September 18, at Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, LaPorte. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, September 19, at the funeral home, where family and friends may visit one hour prior to the funeral. Burial will follow in Pine Lake Cemetery, LaPorte.

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

Messages of prayer, condolence, and memories with the family may be posted below on WNLP as well as at www.esslingfuneralhome.com.

Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, is handling the arrangements for Jeffrey H. Roseman, 58, of Decatur, Indiana, formerly of LaPorte, Indiana, who passed away Friday, September 15, 2017.

Jeffrey was born December 18, 1958, in Knox, Indiana, to Dale “Rosie” and Clara (Dye) Roseman.

On July 17, 1993, Jeffrey married Susan Kunze, who survives.

He is also survived by his (step) son, Ryan Depoister; two sisters, Jayne Bates and Deby (Chris) Yeaney; and many special, supportive and loving extended family members.

Jeff grew up loving sports and played high school baseball for his famed LaPorte Slicers and Coach Schreiber. He was even blessed to enjoy being part of the 1975-76 State Championship Team. Jeff attended Purdue University for a while, studying engineering, until he ultimately ended up using the learned science and physics to venture toward careers that included car hauling and ultimately his own water treatment business, Aqua Ion Plus Technologies. Economic changes a decade ago led Jeff back to his love of hauling new cars and sightseeing America.

Jeff also love the art of music and was a self-taught drummer, with lots of his practice time playing the “air drums” while driving, much to the delight of his wife who didn’t have to endure as many practice hours at home.

Jeff was an energetic, beautiful soul and a very devoted family man. His love at home included not only quality family time, but time spent with his special canines, “Angels of Joy & Smiles,” Toby, Boscue, Neiko and Keyonei!

Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Tuesday, September 26, at Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, LaPorte. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, September 27, at the funeral home. Family and friends may visit one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at Pine Lake Cemetery, LaPorte, where his mother, Clara Roseman, will be interred also.

In lieu of flowers you may make a contribution in Jeff’s honor to a Shriners Children’s Hospital of your choice; Cancer Services of NE Indiana, 6316 Mutual Drive, Fort Wayne, IN 46825; or by helping the less fortunate with donations to your local homeless shelters or soup kitchens. He cared a lot about the less fortunate, knowing how blessed we were!

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

Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, is handling the arrangements for William A. DelMagorie, 88, of LaPorte, Indiana, who passed away Thursday, September 21, 2017.

William was born July 3, 1929, in Chicago to William and Yolanda (Ghilarducci) DelMagorie.

He retired from the former Howmet in LaPorte as an engineer. William was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in LaPorte, where he was an usher; the Knights of Columbus, St. Michael Council #1542; and VFW #1130. He served in the Army during the Korean War, attended Purdue North Central, and graduated in 1948 from Austin High School in Chicago. He loved to travel, was an avid bowler and golfer, and loved walking his dog, Moses. 

In 1971, William married Doris L. Pierce, who survives with her children, Diana D. (Dale) Juergensen of LaPorte, Daniel (Judy) Warkentien of Lebanon, Indiana, David (Vicky) Warkentien of Mishawaka, Indiana, and Darin (Beth) Warkentien of LaPorte; nine grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and nieces, Jacqueline (Evart) Carpenter, Janice (Tom) Knoll and Shelly (John) Crum. 

He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Lillian Tonsoni and Corrinne Ciucci.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday, September 24, at Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, LaPorte. A parish rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. Sunday. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, September 25, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, LaPorte. Family and friends may gather at 9 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial with military honors will follow in Patton Cemetery, LaPorte.  

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church or Sacred Heart Catholic Church in LaPorte. 

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

Marta Carol Lott, 66, of LaPorte, Indiana, passed away Saturday, September 23, 2017.  

Marta was born February 4, 1951, in LaPorte to John R. Sr. and Joyce Carol (Pence) Allen.  

She retired from the treasurer’s office in LaPorte after many years of service. Marta was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in LaPorte, and the PRCU, where she was an officer. She volunteered at LaPorte Hospital, and graduated in 1969 from Westerville South High School in Westerville, Ohio.

On January 9, 1993, Marta married Norm Lott, who survives.  

Also surviving is her stepmother, Dolores Allen of Fish Lake, Indiana; children, Hollie Nedza of LaPorte, Bret Lott of Anderson, Indiana, Amber (Mark) Chapman of Columbus, Ohio, Aric Balser of LaPorte, and Aaron (Cheri) Balser of Clarksville, Tennessee; five grandchildren, Shey Balser, Austin McClain, Michael Balser, Silas Nedza and Nolan Nedza; sisters, Vicki (Ed) Smith of Chesapeake, Virginia, and Tammy Heaps of Fish Lake, Indiana; brothers, John (Mary) Allen Jr. of Fish Lake, Indiana, Bruce (Dianne) Allen of LaPorte and Guy (Christine) Allen of Fish Lake, Indiana; several nieces and nephews; and special friends, Chris and Larry Reese of Columbus, Ohio.

Memorial contributions may be made to the National MS Society, P.O. Box 4527, New York, NY 10163.

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

Connie Lou Kramer, 85, of LaPorte, Indiana, passed away Sunday, September 24, 2017. 

She was born August 25, 1932, in Kendallville, Indiana, to Harold and Hazel (Iler) Aumsbaugh. 

On May 31, 1952, in LaPorte, Connie married Kenneth Leo Kramer, who preceded her in death on April 18, 2015.  She was a farmer’s wife, helping her husband with the family farm. 

Connie leaves behind her son, Bruce (Joan) Kramer of LaPorte; two grandsons, Corey (Amanda) Kramer and Adam (Abbie) Kramer; and great-grandchildren, Mackenzie Ann Kramer, Leo Kenneth Kramer, Crew Michael Kramer, and Kellan Anderson Kramer.

Her sisters, Donna Cripe and Bonnie Johnson, preceded her in death.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, September 28, 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. Friday, September 29, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, LaPorte, with burial to follow in Carmel Cemetery. Family and friends may gather at 9 a.m. Friday at the funeral home. 

Memorial contributions may be made to Golden Living Center, 1900 Andrew Ave., LaPorte, IN 46350; or 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.

Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center is handling the arrangements for Elaine Elizabeth Dunifon, 94, of LaPorte, who passed away Friday, September 22, 2017, in Naperville, IL. 

Elaine was born in LaPorte, IN, on October 18, 1922, to Carl John and Elizabeth Lindewald.

In her earlier years, Elaine was employed as an administrative assistant at both NIPSCO and Kessler’s Furniture.  She liked to travel with her husband internationally, play bridge and solve crossword puzzles.  She graduated second in the LaPorte High School Class of 1940. Elaine maintained a sharp wit and knowledge of current world affairs until her illness prevented her just a month before she died. She always valued the time she spent with her family.

On August 31, 1952, she married Robert P. Dunifon, who preceded her in death.

Surviving are her beloved children, Diane (David) Long of Naperville, IL, and Gary (Linda) Dunifon of Columbus, OH; grandchildren, Meagan Bannon of Naperville, Laura Bannon of Wichita, KS, Scott (Molly) Dunifon of Columbus, and Lindsey Dunifon of Columbus; step-grandchildren, Peter and Taylor Rushton of Columbus, Elliott (Ashley) Long of Jacksonville, FL, and Ethan Long of Naperville; as well as great-grandson, Decker Dunifon.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, three brothers, a sister, and grandson, Jeffrey Bannon.

A time of visitation will be held Thursday, Sept. 28, from 10 to 11 a.m. at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, LaPorte. A service will follow at 11 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home with Rev. Ronald Brauer officiating. Interment will take place following the service at Pine Lake Cemetery, LaPorte.

Memorial contributions may be directed to St. John’s Lutheran Church, 111 Kingsbury Ave., LaPorte, IN 46350.

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

Lakeview Funeral Home and Crematory is handling the arrangements for Gerald “Jerry” Popejoy, 91, of LaPorte, who died peacefully Sunday, September 24, 2017, at LaPorte Hospital.

He was born December 6, 1925, in Lockport, Indiana, to Paul and Jewel (Smith) Popejoy.

Jerry honorably served his country in the United States Navy from 1943 to 1946. He was an Automotive Salesman for Kar Products for 25 years, a member of The Presbyterian Church of LaPorte and a member of American Legion Post 83, LaPorte.

On August 12, 1949, in Holland, Michigan, he married Isla Ruth (Dozeman) Popejoy, who preceded him in death February 23, 2015.

Also preceding him in death were his parents and one son, Michael Scott Popejoy, who preceded him in death August 18, 2012.

Surviving are one daughter, Michelle Lynn (Greg) Gardner of LaPorte; five grandchildren, Sarah and Kylie Popejoy, Jennifer (Chris) Gardner-Lyden, Emily (Dan) Hersom and Jonathan Gardner; and seven great-grandchildren, Ruthie, Lucille, Carson, and Carley Lyden, Emma and Madelyn Hersom, and Olivia Popejoy Dugan.

A memorial service celebrating his life will be held at 6 p.m. Monday, October 2, at Lakeview Funeral Home and Crematory, LaPorte. Visitation will be Monday from 3 p.m. until the service at the funeral home.

A private family burial will be held in Pine Lake Cemetery, LaPorte, at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123; and/or the Alzheimer’s Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, D.C. 20090 in memory of Gerald “Jerry” Popejoy.

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

Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center is handling the arrangements for Mary Ellen McCain, 84, of LaPorte, who passed away on Monday, September 25, 2017, at Brentwood Assisted Living Center.

Mary Ellen was born April 24, 1933, in LaPorte to Ralph and Lois (Johnson) Conry.

Mary Ellen graduated from LaPorte High School in 1951. She then acquired a Bachelor’s Degree in secondary education from Earlham College in 1955 and a Master’s Degree in guidance and counseling in 1965 from the University of Notre Dame. She taught at Stillwell High School and was a teacher and counselor at Boston and Kesling middle schools. She was a member of First United Methodist Church, LaPorte, where she served on the Board of Trustees, Building Committee, Worship Committee and Social Committee, and also sang in the Chancel Choir and played the hand bells. Mary Ellen She was a member of AAUW and the Ruth Andrew Coffeen Poetry Club; past president of the LaPorte Service League, where she acted in 25 plays; and served on the LaPorte Hospital Board of Directors and the LaPorte Hospital Foundation Board of Directors, including as Chairperson and Life Member. She was past president of the Epworth Forest Choir School Board of Directors and Friends of the Symphony, and a founder of Holiday at the POPS. She sang with Sounds of Hope in Europe for two years and traveled for one year with the bell choir to Europe.

On August 28, 1955, at First United Methodist Church in LaPorte, she married David McCain, who preceded her in death on April 19, 2016.

Her parents also preceded her in death.

Surviving are her beloved children, Kathleen McCain of Topanga, CA, Deborah (Keith) Forfia of Akron, OH, and Susan McCain of Hermosa Beach, CA; three grandchildren, Mary, Michael and Steven (Kasey) Forfia; one great-grandson, Tucker Forfia; David’s siblings, Malinda (Janice Webster) McCain of Chelsea, MI, John (Gail) McCain of Perrysburg, OH, and Tom (Mindy) McCain of Indianapolis; and beloved nieces and nephews. 

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, October 1, at First United Methodist Church, LaPorte. Cubs attire is welcome. A time of visitation will be held Saturday, September 30, at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, LaPorte, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m., and on Sunday at the church one hour prior to the service. A private family graveside service will take place at Pine Lake Cemetery, LaPorte.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to First United Methodist Church, 1229 Michigan Ave., LaPorte, IN 46350; Healthcare Foundation of LaPorte, 323 Pine Lake Ave., LaPorte, IN 46350; or the charity of the donor’s choice.

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

Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, LaPorte, is handling the arrangements for Barbara Jean “Bobbi” Bugg, 82, died peacefully September 27, 2017, at home. 

She was born December 12, 1934, in Metropolis, Illinois, daughter of Lester David and Stella Pearl (Holcomb) James.

Bobbi worked all her life and retired from Whirlpool in 1997. She thoroughly enjoyed spending time with her family and her little dog, Bandit. She was a proud mother and insisted on every holiday and family occasion to be in her home, where she worked tirelessly to provide and make each family member’s favorite dish. In her spare time, she knitted beautiful afghans and watched and laughed as her children fought over who would get to keep it. Bobbi’s laughter and sense of humor were a beautiful part of who she was.  She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.

On October 20, 1957, in Brazil, Indiana, she married her sweetheart, J.B. Bugg, who survives.

Bobbi was the youngest of four children: Mary Helen Childress, Francis Lee Birchfield and Lester David James Jr. Family was a focal point of Bobbi’s life. She was the mother of four children: Karleen Jared, Ronald Lee (Mary) Bugg, Jay Dean Bugg and Jeremy Charles Bugg.

Bobbi was preceded in death by her parents, Lester and Pearl; her sister, Mary Helen; and her brother, Jr.

A gathering for Bobbi will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, October 4, 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.