Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, LaPorte, is handling the arrangements for Stanley J. Plis, 90, of LaPorte, Indiana, passed away Wednesday, November 15, 2017.

Stanley was born April 21, 1927, in Rakszawa, Poland, to Joseph and Julia (Pelz) Plis.

Stanley was a Staff Sergeant in the United States Army, a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and VFW Post 1130, and retired from the Stelrema Corporation in Knox, Indiana.

On April 23, 1949, he married Dolores Larson, who preceded him in death on July 25, 1996.

He is survived by a daughter, Donna (Mark) Bracken of Mill Creek, Indiana; a son, Timothy (Marilyn Ivey) Plis of Rolling Prairie, Indiana; five grandchildren, Jeff Plis, Michael Plis, Steve Plis, Joey Plis and Mark Bracken; five great-grandchildren, Joslyn Bracken, Fischer Bracken, Evolett Bracken, Kacie Plis and Olivia Plis; a sister, Jean (Larry) Gresser of LaPorte; and one brother, Hank (Peggy) Plis of LaPorte. He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Michael; and a brother, Walter Plis.

Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Tuesday, November 21, at Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, LaPorte, where a parish rosary will be recited at 4:30 p.m. A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, November 22, at the funeral home with Reverend Ian Williams officiating.  Burial will follow in Patton Cemetery, LaPorte, with Military Honors.     

Memorial contributions may be made to VFW Post 1130, 181 McClung Rd., LaPorte, IN 46350; or Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 201 Bach St., LaPorte, IN 46350.

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

Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, LaPorte, is handling the arrangements for Robert Gagle, 96, of LaPorte, who passed away on Wednesday, November 15, 2017, at Brentwood at LaPorte. 

Robert was born in Portland, IN, on June 19, 1921, to Arthur E. and Edith (Haltermon) Gagle. 

Robert received his BA of Science from TriState College in Angola, Indiana, and he also attended Vincennes University. Robert served honorably in the U.S. Army during World War II, in the Corps of Engineers. He was a founding member of the Center Township Volunteer Fire Department, and also a member of the Val Vista Resort, Casa Grande, Arizona. Robert was a former Vestryman and Warden at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church of LaPorte. An Engineer Trainee at Princeton University, he worked as a civil engineer for 34 years with the Indiana Highway Department and retired in 1988.

He was married to Ruth C. (Burk) Gagle, who preceded him in death. 

Surviving are his beloved children, Katryna (Bill) of Michigan City, IN, Michael (Linda) of Lafayette, IN, Stacey (Ruth) of LaPorte, Reid (Genene) of St. Paul, MN, and Burk (Jane) of Camarillo, CA; 5 grandchildren; and 6 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and 2 brothers.

Cremation has taken place with Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, LaPorte. A Celebration of Life Graveside Service will be held at Buena Vista Cemetery in Randolph County, IN.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, D.C. 20090-6011; Harbor Light Hospice, 800 Roosevelt Rd., Bldg. C, Suite 206, Glen Ellyn IL 60137; or Hilarity for Charity, which raises funds to provide respite support for caregiver families impacted by dementia, at hilarityforcharity.org.

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 Joan (Conjalka) Wozniak, 91, of Rolling Prairie, Indiana, who passed away in her home Friday, November 17, 2017. 

She was born May 17, 1926, in Rolling Prairie to Louis Conjalka and Sophie Joan (Urbanick) Conjalka.

Joan retired as a Realtor and office manager for Wozniak Plumbing and Heating. She graduated from Rolling Prairie High School and attended the Art Institute of Chicago. Joan was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and the Red Hat Ladies, and a past President of the PNA Club.

Joan is the beloved wife of James W. Wozniak, whom she married on June 14, 1947.  She leaves behind her husband, James; children, Terry Wozniak of New York, NY, and Dennis (Mary) Wozniak of Rolling Prairie; grandchildren, Leah (Daniel) Anderson of Atlanta, GA, Paul (Tina) Wozniak of Zanesville, OH, and Lana (Patrick) Wooden of Indianapolis; and great-grandchildren, Daniel, Joshua, Leo and James Anderson, and Katherine and Brianna Wooden.  

She was preceded in death by 10 brothers and sisters. 

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, November 24, at Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, LaPorte, where a parish vigil service will be held at 4:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday, November 25, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, LaPorte, with burial to follow in Pine Lake Cemetery, LaPorte. Family and friends may gather at 9 a.m. Saturday in the funeral home. 

Memorial contributions may be made to 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.

Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, LaPorte, is handling the arrangements for Eula Mae Bundy (Bunch), 91, of LaPorte, Indiana, passed away Monday, November 20, 2017.

She was born February 25, 1926, in Corbin, Kentucky, to Grover and Elizabeth (Philpott) Bundy.

Eula was a homemaker and a member of Faith Baptist Church. She previously resided at Hamilton Grove Assisted Living in New Carlisle, Indiana, and most recently at Miller Merry Manor in LaPorte. Her smile and kindness warmed many hearts and brought a ripple effect of joy to not only her family, but to the lives she touched.

Eula married Evan J. Bunch on July 18, 1944, in London, Kentucky. He preceded her in death on February 5, 2005.

Eula is survived by her children, Patsy (Max) Watson of Lehigh Acres, Florida, Janice (Dave) Levenhagen, Rhonda (Joe) Wagner, Michael Bunch, Charles (Nancy) Bunch, Gary (Denise) Bunch, Terry (Jonnie) Bunch, and Jeffrey (Susan) Bunch; 13 grandchildren, Michelle (Thom) Kirby of Grafton, Ohio, Ryan Higley of Westfield, Indiana, Joseph Wagner, Karyssa Wagner (Chris Throgmorton), Robbie Bunch (June Gamblin), Dawn (Pat) Drangmeister, Becky Kirkham of Indianapolis, Aaron Bunch, Kellie Bunch (Lucas Bealor), Anthony Bunch, Bethany (Jace) Heimbach, Amber Dietz, and Lisa Watson; 15 great-grandchildren; eight great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews, but locally, she held a special place in her heart for Rondal (Linda) Chance.

Eula was preceded in death by her parents, six sisters and three brothers.

Visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m. Friday, November 24, at Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, LaPorte, where a funeral service will begin at 11 a.m. Friday. Burial will follow in Kingsbury Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in memory of Eula Bundy (Bunch) may be made to Dunes Hospice, 4711 Valparaiso Ave., Valparaiso, IN 46383; or LaPorte PAX Center, 605 Washington St., LaPorte, IN 46350.

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

Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, LaPorte, is handling the arrangements for Brittany Rachelle Christine Redding, 32, of LaPorte, Indiana, who went home to be with her Heavenly Father Sunday, November 19, 2017. 

Brittany was born September 10, 1985, in Fort Worth, Texas, to Stacie (Johnson) Kremp and Ray Dean Redding. 

Brittany was a server at Enzo’s Restaurant in LaPorte.

Brittany leaves behind her children, Gibson Tyler and Londyn Grace Pravecek; a brother, Blake Redding of LaPorte; parents, Michael and Stacie Kremp of LaPorte; maternal grandmother, B.J. (James Francis) Barber of Weatherford, Texas; maternal grandfather, Terry Johnson of Azle, Texas; paternal grandmother, Margaret M. LeRoy of LaPorte; and paternal grandfather, Dr. Stanley (Donna) Kremp of Kerrville, Texas. She is also survived by her great-grandmother, Edna Lois Barber; aunts and uncles, Hollie (Fred) Rose, Julie Johnson, Jake Johnson, Matthew Kremp, Jennifer (Cyril Oake) Brown, and Great Aunt Lois (Jack) Riley; and numerous cousins.

A memorial service will be held at noon Saturday, November 25, at the First Church of God, LaPorte, with Pastor Jeff Zigler officiating. Family and friends may visit from 11 a.m. to noon Saturday at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Pravecek Education Fund, c/o Centier Bank, 73 Pine Lake Ave., LaPorte, IN 46350. 

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

I was born in Chicago, IL, to Ernest Kwiecinski and Wanda Tuzik Kwiecinski, both deceased. I was the middle child, the oldest being my brother, Richard (Adrienne) Kwiecinski, and my younger sister, DarcyLyn (Garry) Phillips.

I attended St. Joseph Catholic Grade School and High School, where I received 12 years of religious instruction which has sustained me throughout my life.

When I was 16, my parents bought a summer home at Hudson Lake, IN, which is where I met the boy who was to become my husband, Jack DeGroote (John). I was blessed with 52 years of marriage to this wonderful man and during those years we had 3 children.

Our first born, Tammy (Tamara Marie), taught me what the joy of motherhood was all about. She is the wife of Dan Christman. Our second child, Butch (John Michael), taught me the joys of raising a son. He is the husband of Carrie. Our third child was another girl, Jaclyn Michele Cox Stafford, who has been estranged for many years. I love her and have dearly missed her all these years.

I have 13 grandchildren with one preceding me in death. Matthew Chance was raised by us for 16 years of his 19 years on earth and was a joy. The others are Randy Newman, Heather Palmer, Alex Newman, Tiara DeGroote, Zach (Sara) Christman, Andrew Cox, Marcus Cox, Michael (Hope) DeGroote, Kennedie Bellegante, Ally DeGroote, Elexas Cox Camp, and Ashlyn Bellegante.

God topped my joy on earth by blessing me with five great-grandchildren. The joy of seeing my extended family grow surpassed all my expectations. Spending time with Layla, Emma, Liliana, Sandy and Alex showed me joy beyond belief.

I would not have traded my life on earth for anything. It was absolutely perfect.

Was I lucky? You bet.

Written by Sharon (Kwiecinski) DeGroote

Sharon died of a sudden illness. Her viewing will be from 2-8 p.m. Sunday, November 26, at Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, LaPorte. A Rosary will be said at 3 p.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Monday, November 27, at St. John Kanty Catholic Church, Rolling Prairie, IN, with Rev. Michael Heimer officiating. Interment at St. John Kanty Catholic Cemetery, Rolling Prairie. Luncheon at St. John Kanty Parish Hall following the burial.   

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. John Kanty Catholic Church, 7012 N 600 E, Rolling Prairie, IN 46371.

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

Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, LaPorte, is handling arrangements for Christine Ann Fabian Schroeder, 61, of Union Mills, Indiana, who passed away Tuesday, November 21, 2017. 

She was born October 5, 1956, in Gary, Indiana, to John and Wilhelmina Fabian, both preceding her in death. Also preceding her in death was a brother, Joseph Fabian; sister, Janice (Anthony) Radinsky; and nephews, Lawrence Radinsky and Paul Fabian.

Chris graduated from Lew Wallace High School in Gary in 1974 and attended Purdue University in West Lafayette and PNC in Westville. Chris worked for 23 years as an office manager.  She was involved for 20 years as a worker accountant and chairman of the Mill Pond Festival.  She was a 20-year member of the Starlight bowling league. She was an avid Chicago Bears and White Sox fan. 

On June 26, 1976, she married Thomas Schroeder, who passed away on September 22, 1999. 

She is survived by sons, Steven (Amber) Schroeder and Marc (Julie) Schroeder; grandsons, Shane, Seth, Sage and Nolan, and a granddaughter, Hadley. Chris’ grandbabies were the joy of her life, along with her adored dogs.

A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday, November 25, at Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, LaPorte, where family and friends may visit from 2-4 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to any pet rescue or 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.

Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, LaPorte, is handling the arrangements for Janice Comeaux, who passed with grace on November 21, 2017, at 10:27 p.m. with her family at her side.

She was born June 24, 1934.

On October 3, 1953, in LaPorte, Indiana, she married her loving husband, Everette Max Comeaux Sr., who preceded her in death on November 14, 2004.

Surviving are her cherished children, daughter Michelle (Brandon) Pudlo, son Everette Max Jr. (Diona) Comeaux, daughter, Melissa (Robert Jr.) Hubert, and daughter, Megan (Randy) Ozdyck; six grandchildren, Jessica Pudlo, Nicholas Pudlo, Sarah Comeaux, Zachary Comeaux, Robert Hubert, and Logan Ozdyck; as well as many many friends and relatives. She was preceded in death by sisters, Nonie, Isabel and Florence, and brother, Leo DeWolf. 

This family and her role as mother and grandmother (aka Gummy) was the most important thing to her. This is where she drew her strength and left her legacy. Being with her family was what Janice enjoyed most of all.

She was an avid Elvis fan, and enjoyed playing cards with her dear friends. Her sense of humor and wit were enjoyed by all who met her. Always loving and giving selflessly, she knew no stranger. Janice loved to cook for her family and was especially great at baking. Her fudge and cream puffs were famous with all who knew her. Her home was always the gathering spot for her children’s friends and she was a second mom to many, as demonstrated by the many stories shared with the family of memories that are cherished. She always made everyone feel welcome and deeply loved.

Janice gave so much, and asked for so little in return. Her children are so thankful for her always being there for them, her teaching, listening, helping, forgiving, loving, and always, always paving the way for them.

Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Monday, November 27, at Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, LaPorte. A memorial service will begin at 7 p.m. at the funeral home following visitation. Reverend Kevin Huber will officiate.  Private burial services will be in Swan Lake Cemetery, Michigan City, Indiana.

Memorial contributions may be made to any hospice organization.

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

Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, LaPorte, is handling the arrangements for Vernon R. “Randy” Hurley, 72, of LaPorte, Indiana, who passed away Thursday, November 23, 2017.

Randy was born August 17, 1945, in LaPorte.         

On August 27, 1966, in LaPorte, he married Patricia J. “Jennifer” Hines, who preceded him in death on November 29, 2012.

Randy served his country in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War. Randy was a photographer for the base newspaper and had the honor of accompanying President Nixon whenever he visited the base. He took photos for the encyclopedias Britannica and Colliers and graduated from the American Academy of Art in Chicago. He also worked for 25 years in pest control and then as an insurance agent with National Association of the Self-Employed.

He is survived by a daughter, Christa (Mark) Lazarz of LaPorte; a son, Eric (Tia) Hurley of LaPorte; a grandson, Jonah Lazarz; and a granddaughter, Maggie Hurley.

Randy was preceded in death by his parents, Lucille and Jonah P. Harkleroad.

Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Tuesday, November 28, at Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, LaPorte. A funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, November 29, at the funeral home with Dr. Rod Nielsen officiating.

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

Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, LaPorte, is handling the arrangements for Delphine H. Williams, 91, of LaPorte, Indiana, who passed away Thursday, November 23, 2017.

Delphine was born August 14, 1926, in Michigan City, Indiana, to Stanley and Wanda (Ludwig) Hanish, who preceded her in death.

Delphine was the co-owner of the Del-Ray Inn tavern in LaPorte and was loved by so many. She was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in LaPorte, Unit 157 Polish War Mothers, VFW, American Legion and DAV, and bowled in the Senior Bowling League at Casey’s. She was also an avid bingo goer and card player.

She married Glenn E. Moore, who preceded her in death. Then on April 20, 1968, in Michigan City, she married Raymond R. Williams, who survives.

Besides her husband, Delphine leaves behind two stepsons, Glen Garry (Pat) Moore of Weeki Wachee, Florida, and Jeff Williams of Michigan City; a stepdaughter, Julie Williams of Michigan City; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; first husband, Glenn E. Moore; two sisters; and three brothers.

Visitation will be from 1-2 p.m. Wednesday, November 29, at Sacred Heart Church, LaPorte. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the church after the visitation.

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

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

Alberto, better known as Al to family and friends, was born to Rosa Cordova and Geronimo Leyva, both of whom preceded him in death. 

Alberto is survived by his wife of 20 years, Carol Marine Leyva; a son, Alberto Jr.; daughter, Lisa (Rob) Hagnerg; stepsons, Jerry (Tonya) Yaw and Christopher (Kaysie) Yaw; eight grandchildren, Joseph, Alyssa, Kaylie, Alec, Christen, Dylan, Nathanaul, and Abigail; and a great-grandson, Isaiah. He was loved by many brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.   

Alberto retired from Teledyne and Millers Merry Manor in Plymouth, Indiana.  He was a Notary Public, tax preparer, and a Spanish translator. 

Alberto was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend who will be greatly missed. 

A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, November 29, at the Salvation Army on Franklin Street in Michigan City, Indiana.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, in LaPorte, Indiana.

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

Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, LaPorte, is handling the arrangements for Richard W. “Dick” Reed, 92, of LaPorte, Indiana, who passed away Saturday, November 25, 2017.

Dick was born February 1, 1925, in LaPorte to Clifford and Augusta (Stayback) Reed.

Dick graduated from LaPorte High School in 1943. He served his country in World War II in the United States Army as a Staff Sergeant from 1943-1946. He worked at Allis-Chalmers for 10 years.  Then in 1960 he became a police officer with the LaPorte City Police Department as Patrolman, Sergeant, Captain and then Chief until 1980. He then became a civil process server with the LaPorte County Sheriff’s Department from 1986-2009.

Dick was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and the Parish Council, and head of security for church festivals. He was a member of the FOP, Indiana Chiefs of Police Association, Indiana Sheriff’s Association, VFW, and LaPorte Old Timers Baseball Association.

On October 21, 1950, Dick married Jenny Burek, who survives. His legacy also includes his sons, David Reed of LaPorte, Michael Reed (1960-2010), and Daniel (Julie) Reed of LaPorte; grandchildren, Bo and Megan Reed; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his son, Michael; brother, John Reed; and sisters, Margaret Dreske and Florence Smeester.

Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. Thursday, November 30, at Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, LaPorte, where a parish rosary will be prayed at 4 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Friday, December 1, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, LaPorte. Family and friends may gather at 8:30 a.m. Friday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Pine Lake Cemetery, LaPorte.

Memorial contributions may be made to Sacred Heart Parish, 201 Bach St., LaPorte, IN 46350; or Dunes Hospice, 4711 Evans Ave., Valparaiso, IN 46383.

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

Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, LaPorte, is handling the arrangements for Daniel “Dan” John Tarnow, 72, of LaPorte, IN, who passed away Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2017, at his home surrounded by his loving family.  

He was born in LaPorte on September 22, 1945 to John Winchell Tarnow and Leona Mae (Knapp) Zimmerman.

Dan was a welder, having owned and operated Danta Welding for 36 years. He was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church. He enjoyed playing cards and his annual fishing trips to Canada. Dan loved his grandsons with all his heart.

On March 19, 1966, in LaPorte, he married Linda Clark, who survives. Also surviving are 2 grandsons, Daniel Tarnow II and Dwight Tarnow, both of LaPorte; siblings, Judy (Jim) Neuman of St. Joseph, MI, Keith (Penny) Zimmerman of Richmond, VA, and Christine Lorber of Ft. Lauderdale, FL; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and son, John Norris Tarnow.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, December 4, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, LaPorte, with Pastor Ronald Brauer officiating. A time of visitation will be held from 2-5 p.m. Sunday, December 3, at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, and Monday from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Interment will take place at St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery following the service.

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

Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, LaPorte, is handling the arrangements for Mary Eleanor Ingole, 84, of Granger, IN, formerly of LaPorte, IN, who passed away Friday, December 1, 2017, at Memorial Hospital in South Bend.

Mary was born April 6, 1933, in LaPorte to Jess and Ada (Stanage) Galloway.

Mary was a member of VFW Auxiliary Post 1130 in LaPorte and retired from Fountainview Nursing Home in LaPorte. She attended Granger Community Church and loved to watch Bill O’Reilly, Fox News and President Trump.

On December 9, 1950, she married Melvin Ingole, who preceded her in death.

Surviving are her beloved children, Douglas Ingole of LaPorte, Deborah Fristoe of Granger, Dawn (Andrew) Blevins of Granger, Derek (Vanessa) Ingole of Lakeville, IN, and Deren Ingole of Lakeville, IN; 6 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; brother, Richard Galloway of LaPorte; sister, Nancy Bush of Friendship, WI; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded by her parents; daughter, Diane Pullins; son, Daniel Ingole; and 9 siblings.

A time of gathering will be held from 4-6 p.m. CST on Wednesday, December 6, at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, LaPorte. Cremation has taken place.

Memorial donations in her name may be directed to Riley Children’s Hospital, 705 Riley Hospital Dr., Indianapolis, IN 46202.

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 George E. “Scoop” Wick, 61, of LaPorte, Indiana, who passed away peacefully at home with his loving wife at his side on Monday, December 4, 2017.

George was born March 8, 1956, in Chicago Heights, Illinois, to George E. Sr. and Lauretta (Walsh) Wick.

He retired from NRP Jones in April of 2017. George enjoyed golf and bowling, and loved being outdoors.

On February 14, 1981, he married Debbie Colburn, who survives.

Also surviving are a daughter, Mandy (Brian) McCoy; a grandson, Ethan; four nieces, Suzanne, Lori, Denise and Jocelyn; a nephew, Brian; and several great-nieces and great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Joan Eliyas; and a brother, Robert Wick.

Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Thursday, December 7, at Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, LaPorte. A funeral service will be held at 12:30 p.m. Friday, December 8, at the funeral home.  Family and friends may visit from 11:30-12:30 p.m. at the funeral home before the service. Reverend Daniel E. McDonald is officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to the LaPorte County Small Animal Shelter, 2855 W. Ind. 2, 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 www.esslingfuneralhome.com.

Edward Henry Sabie transitioned to his heavenly home on November 22, 2017, at the age of 73 in Palm Springs, California. He died due to ongoing cardiac health issues.

Born September 22, 1944, in LaPorte, Indiana, to Norman and Helen Sabie, he was the fourth of six children.

Ed experienced many careers in his life, but the one he enjoyed the most and spoke of often was being a police officer in LaPorte, IN. After moving to California in 1975, he held management careers in restaurants and retail throughout southern California. His retirement was spent doing woodworking and volunteering at Desert Regional Medical Center, where he served as a Chaplain for the past 5 years. He also volunteered at the hospital with Mended Hearts, an organization that supports those who are having heart issues with visitations and education from those who already have had similar experiences. He is also remembered as an avid NASCAR fan and car enthusiast.

Ed is survived by his wife, Ellen Sabie; his children, Kelly Sabie and Paul Sabie from his first marriage to Karen Sabie of LaPorte, and son Kyle (Mandi) Sabie of St. Louis, MO, from his marriage with Ellen. He leaves behind grandchildren Jessie Norris, Ian Watson, Ryan Sabie, Grant Sabie and Logan Sabie, as well as great-grandchildren Aubree Watson, Bradley Norris and Zackary Preston. His siblings had gathered for a family Thanksgiving reunion that Ed had requested but didn’t get to attend due to his passing. They are his sister Norma Sabie of LaPorte; brothers Don Sabie and Sherman Sabie of Cherokee Village, AR; Chris Sabie of Memphis, TN; and Robert Sabie of LaPorte. Uncle Ed leaves many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews who loved him.

A memorial service will be held Tuesday, December 12, at Desert Chapel, 630 Sunrise Way, Palm Springs, CA, at 4 p.m. California time. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to the local chapter of Mended Hearts for use towards scholarships for nurses who work with cardiac patients. One of his favorite days was when those scholarships were awarded. Send donations to: Mended Hearts, Chapter 281, c/o Rosanna Langley, 30356 Ave. Juarez, Cathedral City, CA 92234.

Ed’s infectious smile and outgoing spirit left him with many friends, acquaintances, stories and experiences throughout his life. The family is looking forward to hearing all the great stories and memories of Ed and are asking that those stories and memories be memorialized by emailing them to: EdwardSabieMemorialMessages@gmail.com.

Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, LaPorte, is handling the arrangements for Sally L. Croff, 76, of Kingsford Heights, Indiana, who passed away Thursday, December 14, 2017.

She was born November 5, 1941, in Detroit, Michigan, to Stanley and Della (Wanmer) Croff.

Sally had worked as a police officer in North Liberty, Indiana, and as an LPN at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in South Bend and Halifax Hospital in Daytona Beach, Florida.

She leaves behind to cherish her memory her children, Lester M. West Jr. of Kingsford Heights, Carol (Scott) Fick of New Smyrna Beach, Florida, and Robert M. (Valerie) West of LaPorte; eight grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild on the way; and brothers, Stanley Croff Jr. of Sommerset, Kentucky, and Billy Croff of Burnside, Kentucky.  She was a foster mom to over 30 children.

Sally was preceded in death by her parents; a daughter, Connie Bratcher in 2014; and a granddaughter, Isabella Fick.

Visitation will be from 3-7 p.m. Sunday, December 17, at Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, LaPorte. A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, December 18, at the funeral home with Pastor Ricky Bray officiating. Burial will follow in Patton Cemetery, LaPorte.

Memorial contributions may be made to Chandra Carey c/o Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, 1117 Indiana Ave., LaPorte, IN 46350.

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