Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, LaPorte, is handling the arrangements for Dorothy F. Sutor, 88, of LaPorte, Indiana, who passed away Friday, March 9, 2018.

Dorothy was born in LaPorte to Joseph M. and Helen (Laski) Niewiadomski.

On June 25, 1949, Dorothy married John C. Sutor, who preceded her in death on November 18, 1981.

Dorothy was employed by Whirlpool for 36 years, retiring as Staff Secretary. She was a lifelong member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and sang as a member of St. Cecilia Choir for many years. She was a past member of the Polish Falcons, PRCU, PNA and Elks, and enjoyed gardening, golf, bowling and dancing. 

She is survived by a son, James J. (Beth A.) Sutor of Greenwood, Indiana; grandchildren, LeeAnn Murat, Sarah (Chris) Hale and James R. Sutor; great-grandchildren, Brandon Sutor, Damion Murat, Wyatt Hale, Cecilia Hale and Daphne Hale; a sister, Lorraine “Lorry” Gurnicz; and nieces and nephews, Dan (Nan) Gurnicz, Darrin (Kris) Gurnicz, Jeff (Vanessa) Niewiadomski and Jennifer (Scott) Hebble.

A brother, Richard Niewiadomski, preceded her in death in 1969. 

Visitation will be 4-7 p.m. Tuesday, March 13, at Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, LaPorte. A Parish Rosary will be recited at 6 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 14, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, LaPorte, with Rev. Ian Williams officiating.  Family and friends may gather at 9 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Pine Lake Cemetery, LaPorte.

Memorial contributions may be made to Sacred Heart Catholic Parish, 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 Mary L. Konieczny, 87, of LaPorte, Indiana, who passed away Tuesday, March 13, 2018.

Mary was born June 21, 1930, in Michigan City, Indiana, to Chester and Agnes (Foldenhauer) Tamlin.

On September 24, 1949, in LaPorte, Mary married Stephen J. Konieczny, who preceded her in death on June 8, 2014.

While raising her six children Mary held many jobs, the last of which was at Pizza Hut where she was lovingly known as Pizza Hut Mary.

Mary was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and the Altar and Rosary Society, served as a Eucharistic minister and volunteered at the food pantry. She also belonged to Polish Roman Catholic Union, Merry Moderns Home Extension Club and Polish Falcons, and was a Boy Scout Den Mother, a Blue Ribbon cake decorator at the 4-H fair, and an avid Precious Moments collector.

Mary is survived by her children, Barbara (Robin) Wine of LaPorte, Sally (Mike Kahn) Konieczny of LaPorte, Paul (Dawn) Konieczny of LaPorte, Ann Konieczny of LaPorte, and John (Alison) Konieczny of Big Rapids, Michigan; six grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; brothers, John Tamlin of Florida and George Tamlin of LaPorte; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Stephen; son, Mark; grandson, Kristopher Wine; sister, Helen; and two brothers, Fred and Don Tamlin.

Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Friday, March 16, 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. Saturday, March 17, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, LaPorte. Cremation has taken place. Burial will be at a later date in St. Joseph Cemetery, LaPorte.

Memorial contributions may be made to Sacred Heart Church Food Pantry, 130 Bach St., LaPorte, IN 46350; or Salvation Army Soup Kitchen, 3240 Monroe 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 Francis “Frank” M. Kosco, 87, of Walkerton, Indiana, who passed away Tuesday, March 13, 2018.  

Frank was born June 26, 1930, in Chicago to Andrew and Anna (Szaniszlo) Kosco. He retired from AT&T in March of 1984.  He was also employed with the County of LaPorte in maintenance and served as a LaPorte County Reserve officer for many years. 

On August 15, 1970, Frank married Barbara Kopischke, who survives along with their children, Michael Kosco of Indiana, Mark (Paula) Kosco of North Aurora, Illinois, Matthew (Linda) Kosco of Munster, Indiana, Mitchell Kosco of Ft. Myers, Florida, Scott (Krissy) Kosco of Munster, Indiana, Karen Kranz of Middletown, Wisconsin, Tim (Cindy) Kranz of Blue Springs, Missouri,  and Diana (Bert) Lindstrom of Mokena, Illinois; 14 grandchildren; 4 great grandchildren; and a sister, Carol (Robert) Parise of Illinois.

Sons Jim Kranz and Mike Kranz and a brother, Andrew Kosco, all preceded him in death.

Frank was a member of St. Anthony de Padua Catholic Church and its men’s club, and Knights of Columbus St. Michael Council 1542 in LaPorte. He served his country as a United States Marine. 

Visitation will be from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday, March 16, at Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, LaPorte. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 2 p.m. Friday, March 16, at St. Anthony de Padua Catholic Church in (Fish Lake), Walkerton, Indiana. 

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Anthony de Padua Parish, 7732 IN. 4, Walkerton, IN 46574; or Great Lakes Caring Hospice Foundation, 900 Cooper St., Jackson, MI 49202.

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 Agnes R. Hannon, 91, of LaPorte, Indiana, who passed away Tuesday, March 13, 2018.

Agnes’s family would like to extend their appreciation to the staff at Miller’s Health and Rehabilitation and Dunes Hospice for their loving care. 

Agnes was born August 11, 1926, in Porter County, Indiana, to Frank and Rose (Pilarski) Yagelski.

On June 7, 1947, in Otis, Indiana, Agnes married John E. Hannon, who preceded her in death on October 15, 2016.

Agnes did food demonstration work at local supermarkets and was mostly noted as a bridal consultant for the former Olga’s Dress Shop in LaPorte. She was formerly involved as an instructor for St. Peter Religious Education Program as well as the high school retreats, and was a past Eucharistic minister to nursing home patients. She loved to crochet, macramé, play cards and watch the Chicago Cubs. A special thank you to her caregiver, Roni Allen. She dearly loved her family and looked forward to their visits. She loved and lived for her family, all 50 of them!

Agnes is survived by her daughters, Jacqueline (Alan) Niedziejko of LaPorte, Indiana, Patricia (Greg) Shearer of Plymouth, Indiana, Kelly (Dante) Davis of Carmel, Indiana, and Michelle (Gary) Travis of LaPorte, Indiana; sons, Michael (Sally) Hannon of LaPorte, Indiana, and John (Judy) Hannon Jr. of LaPorte, Indiana; 11 grandchildren, Tony and Steven Niedziejko, Alicia Paegel, Melanie Hannon, Kim Jesch, Dr. Nicole Roberson, Cory Hannon, Johna Snyder, Gina Lekarczyk, Darcy Davis, and Brandon Travis; step-grandchild, Michael Travis; several great-grandchildren; sisters, Lucille Elliott of Westville, Indiana, and Leona Mazuchowski of Michigan City, Indiana; and sister-in-law, Rosemary Yagelski of Bradenton, Florida.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; three sisters, Mary Rohlof, Harriet Witek and Theresa Herod; and four brothers, Alex, Joseph, Victor and Matthew Yagelski.

Visitation will be from 4-6 p.m. Sunday, March 18, at Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, LaPorte, where a parish rosary will be recited at 4 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Monday, March 19, at St. Peter Catholic Church, LaPorte. Burial will follow in Pine Lake Cemetery, LaPorte. Family and friends may gather at 9 a.m. Monday at the funeral home.

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

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 Pauline Scott, 75, of LaPorte, Indiana, who passed away Thursday, March 22, 2018.

Pauline was a homemaker and a member of First Pentecostal Church in LaPorte.

She is survived by her husband, Jim; three daughters, Carol Ann (James) Eddy of LaPorte, Barbara Sue (Ruben) Klein of LaPorte and Cheryl Lynn Shepherd of Trail Creek, IN; eight grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 9-11 a.m. Monday, March 26, at Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, LaPorte. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday at the funeral home following the visitation. Pastor Richard Hoffman will officiate. Burial will follow in Salem Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to First Pentecostal Church, 1930 Boyd Blvd., 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 Marlene Jane Schoning, 85, of LaPorte, Indiana, who passed away March 23, 2018.

Marlene was born February 11, 1933, in Robinson, North Dakota, to Carl and Alice (Goodman) Klatt.

On October 17, 1949, in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, she married Henry C. Schoning, who preceded her in death.

Marlene was a homemaker and a member of First Church of God.

She is survived by her daughter, Alice (Randall) Cunningham of LaPorte, Indiana; son, Donald (Lois) Schoning of Bremen, Indiana; five grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and several great-nieces and great-nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Henry; three sisters and two brothers.

Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, March 28, at Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, LaPorte. A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, March 29, at the funeral home. Family and friends may gather at 9 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Pastor Jeff Zigler will officiate. Burial will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 130 Red Coach Drive, Mishawaka, IN 46545; or the Arthritis Foundation, 1355 Peachtree St. NE, Suite 600, Atlanta, GA 30309.

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

Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, LaPorte, is handling the arrangements for Lily Mae Krueger, 93, of Mill Creek, Indiana, who passed away Monday, March 26, 2018, at Hamilton Grove, New Carlisle, Indiana.

She was born December 19, 1924, in LaPorte, Indiana, the daughter of Vernice Seitz and Mabel (Renfro) Seitz.

Lily was a 50-year member of the LaPorte County Home Extension Club. She was a member of Sauktown Church of Christ. She enjoyed visiting with her family and friends. She loved to read and keeping up with politics. She loved this country and was very patriotic. During World War II she was a “Rosie the Riveter” — she and her sister, Mary Jane, worked in LaPorte building airplane wings. She always made sure that the family members who served in the service had decorated graves on Memorial Day. Lily loved to bake, and a specialty was cinnamon rolls. She was a wonderful mother and grandmother. Her favorite holiday was Christmas. She loved to decorate the house with all her ornaments that had been collected over the years.

The family would like to give a huge thanks to all the caregivers who helped take care of her needs. This would include the staff at LaPorte Hospital and the wonderful staff at Hamilton Grove, where she spent the last couple of months.

On March 28, 1942, in LaPorte, Indiana, she married Gordon E. Krueger, who preceded her in death October 1, 2010.

She is survived by her two daughters, Donna (Ronald ) Norris of Mill Creek, IN, and Dawn (Clay Turner) Krueger of New Carlisle, IN; son, David (Karen) Krueger of Rolling Prairie, IN; brother, William (Virginia) Seitz of LaPorte, IN; two sisters, Carol Sanderson of LaPorte, IN, and Janet (John Delbert) Fowler-Sult of Mill Creek, IN; 10 grandchildren, Ginger (Charles) Spencer of Rolling Prairie, IN, Cindy (Roy) Deutscher of Rolling Prairie, IN, Cathy (David) Keen of LaPorte, IN, Christopher Norris of LaPorte, IN, Jacquelyn (Matthew) Lehman of LaPorte, IN, Daniel (Cami) Krueger of Mill Creek, IN, Megan Countryman of New Carlisle, IN, Keith (Danielle) Countryman of Rolling Prairie, IN, Matthew Countryman of LaPorte, IN, and Brian (Carlyn) Countryman of South Bend, IN; 24 great-grandchildren; and 25 great-great-grandchildren.

Lily was preceded in death by both her parents; sister, Mary Jane Magley; sister, Doris Major; and two brothers-in-law, Elmer Magley and Donald Major.

The family will receive friends at Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, LaPorte, on Wednesday, March 28, from 4-7 p.m. CST, and Thursday, March 29, from 10 to 11 a.m. CST. A life celebration will be held at the funeral home Thursday March 29, at 11 a.m. CST with Pastor George Bond officiating. Interment will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery, Mill Creek, Indiana.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Sauktown Church of Christ building fund, 8751 E 150 N, Mill Creek, IN 46365; or to the Kankakee Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 214, Rolling Prairie, IN 46371.

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

Paula S. Renner, 65, of LaPorte, Indiana, passed away Monday morning, March 26, 2018, at LaPorte Hospital after a brief battle against stage 4 breast cancer.

Paula was born July 2, 1952, in South Bend, Indiana, the daughter of the late Robert and Dorothy (Koziatek) Schultz.  

She was a graduate of Elston High School, Michigan City, and Purdue North Central School of Nursing. She was the cancer tumor registrar at LaPorte Hospital for many years. The love of her profession and dedication to future knowledge for a cure led her to donate her body to the Anatomical Gift Association of Illinois.

Paula is survived by her husband, David; daughters, Andrea (Joe) Renner-Miller and Chas Hightower; granddaughter, Ella Miller; grandsons, Tyler Smith, Seth Moore and Kendall Moore; and great-grandson, Bryton Glick.

Paula loved her family beyond measure and was very proud of them. She spent many conversations talking about her family to others, but she particularly loved being a Busia. She attended every sports, choir, band, and puppet performance by her grandchildren. Her favorite item of clothing was a shirt that said “They Call Me Busia.”

Paula was a woman of strong faith. She read from her Bible and devotions daily. She attended church regularly until her illness made it impossible. Paula was a constant fixture at church events and could often be found in the kitchen helping. She was a part of the women’s group that took several trips together and met on Wednesdays for study. She loved her Sisters in Christ and her whole church family.

Visitation will be held at LaPorte First Church of God, 2020 E. Lincolnway, LaPorte, on Wednesday, March 28, at 3 p.m. A memorial service will follow at the church at 4 p.m. with Pastor Roger Ash officiating.

Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, LaPorte, is handling arrangements for the donation of her body.

Supporting her love of her faith, family and profession, memorial contributions may be made to LaPorte First Church of God Puppet Ministry, 2020 E. Lincolnway, LaPorte, IN 46350; or the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org.

The family encourages everyone — woman and man — to do regular self screenings for breast cancer. If you find a lump, please do not put off getting it checked by a doctor.

Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, LaPorte, is handling the arrangements for Rita M. (Czanderna) Waldrop, 67, of LaPorte, Indiana, formerly of Las Vegas, who passed away Tuesday, March 27, 2018.

Rita was born September 25, 1950, in LaPorte to Joseph John and Rose Irene (Boone) Czanderna.

She had been employed with Centurylink for 34 years as a Level 4 Engineering Clerk. Rita was a member of St. Peter Catholic Church in LaPorte. She graduated from LaPorte High School in 1968 and attended business college. She loved movies and was a very kind and generous person.

The family would like to thank Great Lakes Hospice for their special care.

On April 29, 1972, Rita married Richard L. Waldrop, who preceded her in death on May 8, 2013.

She leaves behind her sisters, Susan (Harry) Weliver of LaPorte, Sylvia Henry of LaPorte and Lisa (Larry) Johns of LaPorte; brothers, Michael (Kay) Czanderna of LaPorte, Patrick Czanderna of Greenville, Michigan, and Joseph (Kathi) Czanderna of Overland Park, Kansas; several nieces and nephews; and her beloved dog, Tootsie Rose.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Jeff Czanderna, and a niece, Kari Waldrop.

Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Monday, April 2, at Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, LaPorte. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Tuesday, April 3, at St. Peter Catholic Church, LaPorte. Burial will follow in Pine Lake Cemetery, LaPorte. Cremation has taken place.

Memorial contributions may be made to the LaPorte County Small Animal Shelter, 2855 W. Ind. 2, LaPorte, IN 46350; or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

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

Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, LaPorte, is handling the arrangements for Jane Ann Smith, 87, who passed away at home on Thursday, March 29, 2018.

Jane was born March 31, 1930, in Stamford, CT, to Dr. Frank and Muriel Fisher. 

She graduated from Pascagoula High School, Mississippi, in 1949. Jane graduated from Mississippi State College for Women (MSCW) with a bachelor’s degree in education and went on to teach math at LaPorte Junior High School. In her younger years, Jane was an active member of Tri Kappa, her library club, the 4-H extension homemakers’ club, and the Red Hats.  She taught Sunday school for the First Christian Church of Rolling Prairie. She enjoyed winters in Florida, knitting, reading, playing bridge, and gardening. Jane also enjoyed her days at Hudson Lake, especially on the pontoon boat.

On May 4, 1958, she married Robert J. Smith at the Presbyterian Church in LaPorte.

Jane is survived by her husband, Robert; 2 sons, Robert J. (Sarah) Smith Jr. and Thomas K. (Terilynn) Smith; and 4 grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Calleigh, Kristen and Tommilyn. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; beloved son, Timothy Smith; and brother, George Fisher.

Visitation will be held Monday, April 2, from 4 to 8 p.m. CT, and Tuesday, April 3, from 10 to 11 a.m. CT at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, LaPorte. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11 a.m. CT Tuesday, April 3, at the funeral home. Burial will follow at New Carlisle Cemetery.

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

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 Anne Todd, 97, of LaPorte, who went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Sunday, April 1, 2018, in LaPorte, IN.

She was born July 1, 1920, in Stickney, IL, to Clarence and Henrietta (Niemeyer) Bulthuis and grew up on a farm on Wolf Road in LaGrange, IL. She had lived in LaPorte since 1960.

On Oct. 1, 1943, at Western Springs Christian Reformed Church in Western Springs, IL, she married Mark Todd, who preceded her in death on Nov. 17, 1993.

Anne was a faithful member of the former First Reformed Church in Three Oaks, MI, where she served as chairperson of the women’s guild, was a Sunday school teacher and served in many other capacities. For 46 years, she found much fulfillment serving as a volunteer with the LaPorte Hospital Auxiliary, working up until the day she broke her hip three years ago. Hospitality was her strong point and she was always prepared to open her home to impromptu guests. Every Saturday she would bake a cake “just in case” the opportunity arose to ask someone over. She and Mark raised their children to love the Lord and they, in turn, have raised their children the same. “One generation shall praise your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts.” Psalms 145:4.

Surviving are her five children: Carolyn (George) Bosman of Elmhurst, IL; Robert (Mary) Todd of Three Oaks, MI; Marcia Wolff of Rolling Prairie, IN; Susan (Tim) Herwaldt of Holt, MI; and Glen (Kathy) Todd of LaPorte; 18 grandchildren: Shari LeGrand, Barb Stoll, David Bosman, Kristi VanderWal, Joy Steffen, Dan Todd, Marisa McAllister, Kyla Tanksley, Jena Stroud, Matt Herwaldt, Lynne Lawton, Erin Lewandowski, Marcy Hall, and Andrew, Angela, Aimee, Allison and Austin Todd; 36 great-grandchildren; three sisters, Florence Stoub of Chicago, Jeannette (Louis) Van Dyke of Elmhurst, IL, and Harriet Neitzel of Oak Lawn, IL; many loving nieces and nephews, and many, many friends.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; three sisters, Grace Niemeyer, Pearl Bulthuis and Angeline Bulthuis; and one brother, Clarence Bulthuis.

The family would like to thank the personnel at Miller Health and Rehabilitation, LaPorte, who have provided care for her for the last two years, and to Dunes Hospice. “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.” Psalm 116:15

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11 a.m. CT on Saturday, April 7, at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, LaPorte. A private burial will take place at Posey Chapel prior to the service. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 4-8 p.m. CT on Friday, April 6, and from 10 a.m. CT until the service on Saturday.

Memorial contributions may be made to the LaPorte Hospital Auxiliary, PO Box 250, LaPorte, IN 46352.

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 Roberta Satoski, 74, of Angola, IN, and formerly of LaPorte, who passed away Friday, April 6, 2018.

She was born October 5, 1943, to Thomas and Clara (Oster) Satoski.

Roberta is survived by a sister, Janice Mayes of Florida; a brother, Thomas (Cindi) Satoski of LaPorte; her aunt, Dorothea Ryan; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Private services and burial in Pine Lake Cemetery, LaPorte, will take place. 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.

Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, LaPorte, is handling the arrangements for Gerald Dean Daniel Banks, 76, of Valparaiso, Indiana, who passed away Tuesday, April 10, 2018.  

He was born July 19, 1941, in Chicago Heights, Illinois, to Paul Henry and Gladys Amanda (Pauling) Banks. 

Gerald is survived by his sister, Diane J. Noe of LaPorte, Indiana, and several nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Paul Monty Banks. 

Gerald served his country in the United States Army.  He was a gentle soul.  There is joy in the homecoming between Gerald, his parents and brother now that they are all together again. 

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

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

Moeller Funeral Home, Valparaiso, is handling the arrangements for James Wyman Howell, 93, of Wanatah, Indiana, who died at home on Thursday, April 12, 2018.

He was born to Wyman Blaine and Lovella (Spangler) Howell on May 31, 1924, at the family farm home in Clinton Township, near Wanatah.

James married Norma Lee Cites in 1946. She preceded him in death on May 8, 2012. He knew she was the one for him when they started dating as teenagers.

In high school, James was an outstanding basketball player and graduated from Clinton High School in 1942. He attended 1 year of college at Purdue University, playing on the freshman basketball team.  In the summer of 1943 he enlisted in the Navy and was trained to fly PBY amphibious planes. He was stationed in the Philippines at the end of World War II. After being honorably discharged from the Navy in 1946, he attended Valparaiso University and earned a Bachelor of Science degree with majors in mathematics and science in 1950. He obtained his Master’s Degree from Purdue University in 1963. From 1950–1958, he had 1-2-year teaching positions at the LaPorte County high schools of LaCrosse, Hanna, Union Mills, Rolling Prairie, and Clinton Township. He spent the last 30 years of his career at Westville High School teaching high school math, retiring in 1988. Early in his career he coached basketball, baseball, volleyball and track. At Westville High School he sponsored the Mathematics Club for 22 years. As the Junior Class sponsor for six years, he supervised the construction of elaborate decorations for the proms held in the school gymnasium. In 1952 and 1953 he worked at Kingsbury Ordnance Plant at night while still teaching by day. Most summers he was employed as a carpenter. He salvaged materials from many barns, houses and sheds, which he used for building home additions (his own and his children’s). He was Scoutmaster of Boy Scouts Troop 33 in Wanatah from 1960–1965 and 1969-1974. He loved children, especially babies. He ran a truck farm, specializing in watermelons, cantaloupe and sweet corn. He was known to pull the occasional prank as a school boy and adult.

James was a devoted and loving father who always supported his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. For him, home was the best place to be. He also had a special place in his heart for many of the students he had taught and coached.

He is survived by 6 children: Diane (Ted) Woolever, Timothy (Linda) Howell, James D. (Bonnie) Howell, Amy (Gary) DeSmet, Jonathon (Margaret) Howell, and Nathan (Irene) Howell; grandchildren: Chad Howell, Matthew Mertz, Rachael Marks, Eric Woolever, McKenzie Ballou, Cory Clarke, Troy Webb, Nicole Ballou, Alison Moore, Adrienne DeSmet, David DeSmet, Jaime Howell, Wyman Blaine Howell, and Hannah Howell; and 18 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings: Vivian Teeter, Robert Howell, Helen Garab and Marian Hock.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, April 17, at Wanatah Funeral Chapel, 309 N. Main St., Wanatah, from 4 to 7 p.m. A funeral will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 18, at LaCrosse Christian Church, 504 S. Washington St., LaCrosse, Minister David Buche will officiate, with additional visitation starting at 10 a.m. Burial will follow at Westville Cemetery.  

Memorial donations may be made to VNA Hospice of Northwest Indiana, 501 Marquette St., Valparaiso, IN 46383; or Boy Scouts of America at www.scouting.org.

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

Charlotte C. Baugh, born in Chicago on August 31, 1940, passed away on March 8, 2018, at Hope Hospice Center in Cape Coral, Florida.  

She lived in Union Mills, Indiana, with her life partner, Sonny Wright, and they wintered in Florida.  

Charlotte loved traveling and playing cards.  

She leaves behind 2 sons, David (April) Kowalski of Illinois and Todd (Cathy) Kowalski of Montana. She leaves sisters, Donna Jensen of Florida, Jacqueline (Joel) Cox and Karen Brousseau of Illinois, and Lenore Southworth of Oklahoma; and brothers, Raymond (Jan) Jensen of Michigan, Leonard (Vicky) Fitch of Illinois and Byron Fitch of California. She also leaves 3 grandchildren, Jacob, Cassie and Seth Kowalski, and one great-granddaughter, Heather Kowalski, all of Illinois, and many nieces and nephews.

Her parents and a brother, Richard Jensen, preceded her in death.  

No services will be held for Charlotte but donations may be made toward lung cancer research at the American Cancer Society website, www.cancer.org.

Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, LaPorte, is handling the arrangements for Eldon Ray Zeese, 80, formerly of LaPorte, Indiana, who passed away Friday, April 27, 2018.

Eldon was born January 24, 1938, in LaPorte to Earl and Fannie (Fritz) Zeese.

On October 18, 1958, in LaPorte, Eldon married Barbara Harenzo, who survives.

Eldon was a barber and owned Eldon’s Barber Shop in Downers Grove, Illinois, for 58 years. He also served in the Army Reserves.

Eldon is survived by his wife, Barbara; a brother, Ed (Doris) Zeese of LaPorte; a nephew, Barry (Candy) Zeese of Arizona; and a brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Stanley and Georgette Harenzo of Lexington, North Carolina.

A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, May 1, at Pine Lake Cemetery. LaPorte, with Pastor Bob Vale 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 Marlene Ann (Larson) Wallace, 80, of LaPorte, Indiana, who passed away at home peacefully with her family by her side Thursday, May 3, 2018.

Marlene was born December 15, 1937, to Harold Charles Larson and Lucille Katherine (Ribordy) Larson-York. After her father passed away in 1951, her mother married Charles York in 1956. Marlene spent her lifetime in LaPorte and was a member of St. Peter Catholic Church, the Madonna Circle, the Red Hat Society, and Four Seasons Garden Club.

Marlene graduated from LaPorte High School in 1956; she was involved in many clubs and activities, including being nominated Homecoming Queen and voted most popular by her classmates. After graduation, she worked in the dental office of Dr. A.J. Chidalek and worked at LaPorte Hospital. Later, she provided child day care in her home. Most recently, she was the co-owner with her husband and president of Parcel Port on Michigan Avenue in LaPorte.

Marlene married Jerry Dean Wallace on October 15, 1961, at St. Peter Parish in LaPorte and together had six children, Mary Elizabeth (William) Power of LaPorte, Joanna Marie (Michael) Connors of Beverly Shores, Indiana, John Paul (Karen Nichols) Wallace of East Lansing, Michigan, Peter John (Kelye Martin) Wallace of Syracuse, Indiana, Timothy John (Kirsten Oswalt) Wallace of Indianapolis, Indiana, and Margaret Mary Wallace-McDonald of Valparaiso, Indiana; and grandchildren, Broc Power, Marlee Power, Theresa Connors, Christopher Wallace, Danyl Wallace Brown, Erin Wallace Curry, Dylan Wallace, Anna Wallace, Jack Wallace, and Thomas McDonald. She is also survived by a brother, Ronald Charles (Elena) Larson of LaPorte, Indiana; and sisters, Sandra Larson Jonas of LaPorte, Indiana, Karon Lee (John) Little of Carrollton, Texas, and Sharon Lee Parker of Empire, Alabama. She was preceded in death by her parents, stepfather, and a nephew, Larry Jonas.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 8, at Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, LaPorte, where a parish rosary will be recited at 4 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 9, at St. Peter Catholic Church, LaPorte. Family and friends may gather at 9 a.m. Wednesday in the funeral home. Burial will be in Pine Lake Cemetery, LaPorte.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Peter Catholic Church, 1101 Michigan Ave., LaPorte, IN 46350; Dunes Hospice, 4711 Evans Ave., Valparaiso, IN 46383; or the Salvation Army, 3240 Monroe 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 William G. Berby Jr., 90, of LaPorte, Indiana, who passed away Monday, May 7, 2018. 

He was born May 3, 1928, in Racine, Wisconsin, to William G. Berby Sr. and Leone Miller.

William retired as a sales manager for Western Publishing Company in 1989. He was a member of Elks Lodge 432, Masonic Lodge 857, Racine Yacht Club, and LaPorte Jaycees, and served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War from 1952–1956.

On February 16, 1952, William married Patricia Evenburg, who survives with their children, Julie (Berby) Konowitz of Seal Beach, California, Mike (Barb) Berby of LaPorte, Indiana, and Jane (David) Berby-Todd of Carmel, Indiana; grandchildren, Emily (Adam) Howard and Kaitlin Todd; and brother, David Berby of Racine, Wisconsin. A brother, Ronald Berby, preceded him in death.

Visitation will be from 10 am to noon Saturday, May 12, at Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, LaPorte. A memorial service will follow at noon with Pastor Bob Vale officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Smile Train, 41 Madison Ave., 28th Floor, New York, NY 10010; or the Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675-8517.

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 John Yates, 67, of LaPorte, Indiana, who passed away Friday, May 18, 2018.

John was born April 8, 1951, to H. Marvin and Sylvia (Jasinowski) Yates.

On September 22, 1973, he married Karen Fallis, who survives.

John is also survived by a daughter, Melissa (T.J.) Beckwith of Westfield, Indiana; a son, Christopher (Laura) Yates of Noblesville, Indiana; and four grandchildren, Allison Beckwith, Colten, Gage and Noelle Yates.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Susan A. Yates.

John was the owner of LaPorte Sporting Goods, his family-owned business for 54 years. He graduated from LaPorte High School and Ball State University, where he was a member of Delta Tau Delta. He was a former member of LaPorte City Park Foundation, LaPorte Jaycees, LaPorte Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, LaPorte YMCA Board of Directors and Trustee, LaPorte County Extension Board, Christian Business Men’s Association, Kiwanis, First Source Bank Advisory Board, and St. Peter Catholic Church, where he served as a president of the parish council and was a lector and eucharistic minister. 

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 22, at Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, LaPorte. A Parish Rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 23, at St. Peter Catholic Church, LaPorte. Family and friends may gather at 9 a.m. Wednesday in the funeral home. Reverend Ian Williams will officiate.

Memorial contributions may be made to the LaPorte YMCA, 901 Michigan Ave., LaPorte, IN 46350; or St. Peter Catholic Church, 1110 Monroe St., LaPorte, IN 46350.

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