Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, LaPorte, is handling the arrangements for Arlene Mender, 81, of LaPorte, who passed away Sunday, July 15, 2018, at her home.

Arlene was born May 27, 1937, in Chicago to Clarence and Marie (Horich) Oberg.

On August 28, 1958, she married Louis J. Mender, who preceded her in death on November 23, 2014.

Arlene leaves behind two daughters, Cheryl (Andy) VanWaardenburg of LaPorte and Laurie (Jim) Day of LaPorte; a son, Thomas (Kari) Mender of LaPorte; nine grandchildren, Ryan, Kristina, Cody, Heidi, Sarah, Victoria, Matthew, Erin, and Max; five great-grandchildren, Ele, Brier, Hudson, Ryker and Easton; and a sister, Cheryl (Gary) Kinnett of Roseburg, Oregon. A brother, Donald Oberg preceded her in death.

There will be no services. 

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.

Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, LaPorte, is handling the arrangements for Mary Jane Rosenberg, 82, of LaPorte, Indiana, who passed away Tuesday, July 17, 2018.

Jane was born October 1, 1935, in Washington, Indiana, to Donald Eugene and Margaret Louise (Sinnott) Grannan.

Jane was a homemaker and a member of St. Peter Catholic Church.

On June 23, 1956, in South Bend, Indiana, Jane married John “Jack” Rosenberg, who preceded her in death on September 2, 2011.  

Jane is survived by two daughters, Jackie Swaim of Zionsville, Indiana, and Lori Osborne of Brownsburg, Indiana; three grandsons, Scott Osborne, Jeremy Osborne and Christopher Swaim; a granddaughter, Megan Swaim; and a sister, Nancy (Robert) Egierski of Granger, Indiana.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Jack; two brothers, Donald R. and John S. Grannan; and son-in-law, Jeff Osborne.

Visitation will be held from 3-7 p.m. Sunday, July 22, at Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, LaPorte, where a Parish Vigil will be held at 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, July 23, at St. Peter Catholic Church in LaPorte with Reverend Ian Williams officiating. Family and friends may gather at 9 a.m. Monday in the funeral home.  

Memorial contributions may be made to 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.

Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, LaPorte, is handling the arrangements for Jackie L. Kray, 71, of Rolling Prairie, Indiana, who passed away Monday, July 23, 2018.

Jackie was born January 21, 1947, in LaPorte, Indiana, to Leonard and Betty (Reiter) Marker.

On April 27, 1968, Jackie married Dennis Kray, who survives.

Jackie was a member of LaPorte Polish Falcon Nest 564, and she attended LaPorte Missionary Church. Jackie also volunteered for Meals on Wheels, then became an employee in administration.

Jackie leaves behind her husband, Dennis; a son, Brian (Rebecca) Kray of New Carlisle, Indiana; three granddaughters, Deanna Kray, Kiersten (Chris) Lucas and Caitlyn Witkamp; a great-grandson, Brody; a brother, Bob Marker; several nieces and nephews; and several great-nieces and great-nephews. Jackie was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Jeffrey Kray; a brother, Richard Marker; and a sister, Kay Hynek.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 28, at LaPorte Missionary Church, 104 E. 18th St. Pastor Carl Galloway will officiate. Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, LaPorte, is in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Meals on Wheels, 620 Boston St., Suite 12, LaPorte, IN 46350; or LaPorte Missionary Church, Building Fund, 104 E. 18th St., LaPorte, IN 46350; or Center for Hospice, 501 Comfort Place, Mishawaka, IN 46545.

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

Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, LaPorte, is handling the arrangements for Joan A. Kowalczyk, 86, of LaPorte, Indiana, who passed away with her loving family by her side on Saturday, July 28, 2018.  

She was born May 16, 1932, in LaPorte to James and Rose (Dudak) Jasinowski.

Joan had been employed with Berkel U.S. Slicing Company in LaPorte, then later as the catalogue supervisor with the LaPorte J.C. Penney for many years. She was an avid reader and gardener and enjoyed working out with the exercise group at St. John’s. Joan was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, where she was Director of Religious Education for many years, and was a member of PRCU Club.

On Jan. 29, 1955, Joan married Richard T. Kowalczyk, who survives with their children, Alicia (James) Barnhart of LaPorte, Thomas (Paul Stearns) Kowalczyk of Oakland, California, David (Barbara McConnell) Kowalczyk of Crown Point, Indiana, and Marti (Mark) Coffey of Shelbyville, Indiana; and grandchildren, Nikolas (Amber and Michael) Barnhart and Lauren Barnhart, and Craig and Emily Coffey; and several nieces and nephews including Sister Carmen Gillick and family friend, Bozena Raic.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents; stepmother, Margaret Jasinowski; brothers, John Kozlowski and Stanley and Ted Jasinowski; and sisters, Ann Swift, Adeline Serafin, Helen Bernacchi, Kay Gillick and Harriet Swanson.

Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Friday, August 3, 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 held at 10 a.m. Saturday, August 4, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Reverend Ian Williams officiating. Burial will follow in Pine Lake Cemetery, LaPorte. Cremation has taken place.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Food Pantry at Sacred Heart Parish, 130 Bach St., LaPorte, IN 46350.

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

Jack L. Beck, 83, of LaPorte, passed away Thursday, Aug. 2, 2018. Arrangements are pending with Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, LaPorte.

Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, LaPorte, is handling the arrangements for Robert “Bob” Charles Cooper, 75, of Union Mills, who passed away Sunday, Aug. 5, 2018, at his home.

Bob was born in South Bend, IN, on April 25, 1943, to Max Robert and Marcia O. (Hendrickson) Cooper.

On March 26, 1976, in Mishawaka, IN, he married Karen Kammrath, who survives in Union Mills. 

Also surviving are his sons, Beau (Misty) Cooper of Oakdale, MN, and Zane (Lauren) Cooper of Plymouth, IN; daughters, Mackenzie (Derek) Wire of Indianapolis, IN, and Chelsea (George) Leedle of Antioch, IL; grandchildren, Tanner, Harper and Dawson Leedle, Birkley Cooper, Abram Cooper, and Finnegan Wire; brothers, Tom (Ann) Cooper of South Bend, IN, and Michael (Karen) Cooper of South Bend, IN; and sister, Tami (Fred) Vest of Greenwood, IN.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a granddaughter, Gillian KC Cooper.

Bob graduated from John Adams High School in South Bend. He worked for Torrington as a welder, and Rotec Plastics constructing nuclear waste containers. He loved St. George Island, FL, and all animals, especially dogs. He was a member of the Lions Club in Union Mills and a lifetime member of the NRA. He enjoyed cleaning and repairing guns, loading ammunition, working with his wife helping special-needs children, NASCAR, and sports. Most of all he loved spending time with his grandchildren.

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. Thursday, Aug. 16, at the funeral home. A time of visitation will be held at the funeral home Wednesday, Aug. 15, from 4-7 p.m. (CT) and Thursday from 10 a.m. until the service.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Marshall County Relay for Life, or ASNCI-Camp Circle of Friends.

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 Frona M. Day, 85, of LaPorte, Indiana, who passed away Thursday, August 9, 2018.

Frona was born December 20, 1932, in LaPorte, Indiana, to Lorenzo and Jennie (Rear) Wood.

On June 28, 1975, Frona married Thomas L. Day, who preceded her in death on August 30, 2003.

Frona was a Managing Supervisor at American Metal during her 28 years. She also served as a Union Steward, Delegate, and President for Indiana Carpenters Union. She also worked at Charlie’s for 15 years.

Frona leaves behind a daughter, Christine A. (Mike) Rosenbaum of LaPorte, Indiana; two sons, David (Marie) Young of Lee Summit, Missouri, and Dennis (Dian) Young of Okeechobee, Florida; five grandchildren, Nicholas (Lynne) Rosenbaum, Sara (Rocky) Buchta, Shawna Young, Elaine Young, and Tracy Young; four great-grandchildren, Angelina, Dylan, Holland and Mazzy; a sister, Dorothy (Jack) Renfro of LaPorte, Indiana; and several nieces and nephews.

Frona was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Thomas; a grandson, Tommy Young; a sister, Agnes Frame; and five brothers, Charles, Walter, Warren, William and her twin, Robert “Ben” Wood.

Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Sunday, August 12, at Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, LaPorte. A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, August 13, at the funeral home. Pastor Bob Denney will officiate.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Door Village Church, 3502 W. Joliet Rd., LaPorte, IN 46350; or New Day Foundation, PO Box 13, LaPorte, IN 46352-0013.

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

Lakeview Funeral Home and Crematory, LaPorte, is handling the arrangements for Stanley R. Pulaski, 89, of LaPorte, who passed away peacefully at 8:30 p.m. Friday, August 10, 2018, in his home surrounded by his family.

He was born August 9, 1929, in Chicago, IL, to Felix and Adela (Malenski) Pulaski.

Stanley retired in 2009 as a general manager from Industrial Maintenance Welding and Machining, Kingsbury, after 31 years of service. He began his career in the steel industry as a scarfer for Kensington Steel, Chicago, IL. As a gun enthusiast, Stanley was also a co-owner of Chuck’s Gun Shop, Dolton, IL, for more than 10 years. In 1972, he moved to LaPorte to work at Portec, Kingsbury, until he joined IMW. Stanley enjoyed life to the fullest. He was an outdoorsman who enjoyed deer and duck hunting, fishing, mushroom hunting and golfing. Stanley deeply loved his family.

On January 29, 1949, in Chicago, IL, he married the love of his life, Ellen (Ellis) Pulaski, who preceded him in death January 11, 2017. Together they were blessed to have shared over 67 years of marriage.

Also preceding him in death were his parents, one brother and four sisters.

Surviving are his children, Ted (Karen) Pulaski of LaPorte, Phyllis (Tom) Kukla of LaPorte, Chet (Janene) Pulaski of LaPorte and Casmir (Deena) Pulaski of LaPorte; 11 grandchildren, Sarah (Andy) Archer, Tara (Eric) Froedge, Danyelle (Billy Arnett) Gumz, Cameron Pulaski, Zach Kukla, Jake Kukla, Nathaniel Kennedy, Casimir Pulaski, Zoey Pulaski, Gabriel Pulaski, and Sophia Pulaski; and four great-grandchildren, Campbell, Grey, Ellie and Leo.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, August 16, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, LaPorte, with Rev. Ian Williams officiating. Visitation and viewing will be from 4–8 p.m. Wednesday, August 15, and from 9–10:30 a.m. Thursday, August 16, at Lakeview Funeral Home and Crematory, LaPorte. A Rosary will be held at 8 p.m. Wednesday, August 15, at the funeral home. Burial will be in Pine Lake Cemetery, LaPorte, immediately following services.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 201 Bach St., LaPorte, IN 46350, in memory of Stanley R. Pulaski.

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

Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, LaPorte, is handling the arrangements for Mary Alice Briggs, 94, of LaPorte, Indiana, who passed away Friday, August 10, 2018.

Mary was born April 7, 1924, in Casey, Illinois, to Ralph and Nora (Biggs) Fain.

On December 28, 1940, Mary married Maurice Briggs, who preceded her in death on November 21, 2006.

Mary was a homemaker, an avid gardener and an orchardist. She was a member of LaPorte First Church of God, Pinola Grange and Farm Bureau.

Mary leaves behind four granddaughters, Cheri Clark, Kimberly Maesch, Rebecca Conner and Julia Sinclair; a grandson, Jeffery Briggs; a sister, Pearl Beasley of Charleston, Illinois; brothers, Wendell (Jean) Fain of LaPorte and Joe (Sharon) Fain of Mill Creek, Indiana; and many dear nieces, nephews, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Maurice; two sons, Melvin and Dewey Briggs; a grandson, Brian Briggs; a sister, Audrey Briggs; and a brother, Bud Fain. 

Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, August 15, at Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, LaPorte. A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, August 16, at First Church of God, LaPorte, with Reverend Jeff Zigler officiating. Burial will follow in Pine Lake Cemetery, LaPorte. 

Memorial contributions may be made to First Church of God, 2020 E. Lincolnway, 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 Casimira Caroline Gniadek, 91, of LaPorte, Indiana, who passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Saturday, August 11, 2018.  

She was born August 2, 1927, in LaPorte, Indiana, to John and Mary (Gawron) Kukla.  

Caroline retired from Al’s supermarket after 40 years as a cashier. She was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, the Altar Rosary Society, and the PNA.  She loved people and always had a kind word about everyone; well, usually it was a kind word.

On May 8, 1948, Caroline married John C. Gniadek, who preceded her in death on May 1, 2010.  

She is survived by her daughters, Barbara (Tom) Bush of LaPorte and Kathryn (Jim, deceased) Daniels of LaPorte; grandchildren, Jamie (Brian) Dunham, Julie (Matt) Buckley, Andy (Tara) Bush and Ryan (Lindsey) Bush; great-grandchildren, Nikki (Colton), Hannah, Emma, SaVanna, Ashden, Kate, Gabby, Drew, Lilly, Ellis, Sophia, Claire, Jack, Mira, and Ivy; and one great-great-grandson, Orson. All her grandchildren lovingly called her Busie.

Caroline was preceded in death by her parents; husband; brothers, Chester, Ted, Stanley and Mike Kukla; and a sister, Helen Varro. 

Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Friday, August 17, 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 held at 10 a.m. Saturday, August 18, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, LaPorte. Family and friends may gather at 9 a.m. Saturday in the funeral home. Burial will be in Pine Lake Cemetery, LaPorte.

Memorial contributions may be made to Sacred Heart Parish, the Sacred Heart Food Pantry, 201 Bach St., LaPorte, IN 46350; or Meyer’s Mile at Hailmann School, 1001 Ohio St., LaPorte, IN 46350.

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

Bobbe Lee (Brownsey) Gull died July 22, 2018, in Columbia, Missouri, following an extended illness.  

Bobbe was born February 18, 1935, to Everett and Mildred (Jones) Brownsey of LaPorte, Indiana. She grew up on the shores of Stone Lake and graduated from LaPorte High School in 1953. After graduating she moved to Chicago, where she studied at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. She was first employed by American Airlines but left to take a job at Playboy Enterprises, where she facilitated the magazine’s transition to computer-based operations. Bobbe ultimately became Manager of Systems Design for Hugh M. Hefner Publishing. It was during this time she met her future husband, Gary James Gull of Chicago, and they were married on January 20, 1962. Bobbe and Gary created and operated several Chicago bars and restaurants in the 1960s and ’70s, including Geja’s Wine Bar, the Mushroom, T.H. Pardiggle’s Pub, the Squash Blossom restaurant and Hoots discotheque.  

Bobbe applied her artistic skills to many fields in addition to her painting, including interior design, advertising and visual marketing. She redesigned the old Trophy Room restaurant at the Michigan City Holiday Inn, later achieving the position of General Manager of the hotel. She worked creatively for Levine’s department store in LaPorte and was art director for Marquette Mall in Michigan City. Bobbe was active with the Area Artists Association and volunteered at the Michigan City (now Lubeznik) Community Center for the Arts for many years.

Shortly after returning to LaPorte in 1977, she created all of the interior design and artwork for the Tangerine restaurant, which she and Gary opened with her cousin David Jones of LaPorte and his wife Nancy. Her inspirations for the stunning transformation of the old Carlbeck Hotel on Michigan Avenue were “the golden age of ocean liners” and the magnificent whooping cranes that could be found in northern Indiana in years past.

Bobbe loved to travel. During their 56-year marriage she and Gary explored numerous locations in Europe, the Middle East, Canada, Mexico, India, Africa, and southeast Asia. After retirement they lived in Chicago and Las Vegas.

Bobbe was preceded in death by her parents, Everett and Mildred.  She is survived by her husband Gary of Columbia, MO; daughter Tamara of Columbia, MO; son Darius of Denver, CO; sister Margo Caylor of Tucson, AZ; and stepmother Mildred Brownsey of Tucson, AZ.  

Memorial contributions may be made to the Lubeznik Community Center for the Arts, 101 W. Second St., Michigan City IN 46360, or the Alzheimer’s Association. Bobbe will be privately inurned at Pine Lake Cemetery, LaPorte, at a later date.

A private memorial gathering will be held in Michigan City on Sunday, August 26, 2018. Persons wishing to attend may email garyjgull@gmail.com.

Memorial Funeral Home, West Columbia, MO, handled the arrangements.

Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP.

Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, LaPorte, is handling the arrangements for Thomas Joseph Szawara, 82, of LaPorte, who passed away peacefully on August 14, 2018, in his home.

Tom (known by most as “TJ”) was born April 15, 1936, in LaPorte to Thomas and Helen (Williams) Szawara, who preceded him in death. He is survived by Eugenia (Saliwonczyk) Szawara of LaPorte, whom he married on June 16, 1956. TJ is also survived by daughter, Connie Szawara of LaPorte; son, Thomas Szawara of LaPorte; and daughter, Debra Suzie (Brad) Malwin of Michigan City; brother, Ted (Joyce) Szawara of LaPorte; sister, Dr. Jill Szawara of Geneseo, New York; and granddaughters, Amy Malwin and Erin Malwin of Michigan City, whom he adored.

TJ graduated from LaPorte High School and was extremely athletic in his younger years, winning a baseball scholarship to college in Michigan. He also spent some college time in Kentucky, after which he played Fast Pitch Softball locally for many years. TJ remained an avid sports fan; the Chicago White Sox and Notre Dame were his beloved teams. He often took his family to White Sox spring training games in Florida and then later in Arizona. Traveling with his identical twin granddaughters delighted him, as did hosting large family pool parties where he taught his granddaughters how to swim. He never missed their softball games or swim meets, where he was said to be the loudest voice in the crowd, and he spent time with them whenever he could.

TJ retired from Midwest Steel, a division of National Steel, and devoted much of his time after retirement as director of RSVP/ Catholic Family Charities for LaPorte and Starke counties, managing social works projects, such as building wheelchair ramps for citizens who need them. Family and service to community were his passions and he especially doted on his granddaughters. He read constantly, and was never to be found at home without a book in his hands.

Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Sunday, August 19, at Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, LaPorte. A Parish Rosary will be recited at 4 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Monday, August 20, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, LaPorte. Family and friends may gather at 9 a.m. in the funeral home on Monday. Reverend Ian Williams will officiate.  Burial will follow in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, LaPorte.

Memorial contributions may be made in his name to Catholic Charities, Diocese of Gary (https://www.catholic-charities.org).

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

Elizabeth Ann Bernel, 67, of Findlay, Ohio, passed away Friday, August 17, 2018, of complications from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).

She was born August 1, 1951, in Richmond, Va., to Miriam S. and J. Allen Bernel, who preceded her in death. Also preceding her in death was a sister, Lynda L. Bernel Kudlicka.

Survivors include her life partner, Michael Winkler of Findlay, Ohio; brother, Jeffrey A. (Kathryn) Bernel of Granger, Ind., and formerly of LaPorte; nephew, Nicholas J. Bernel of Washington, D.C.; and niece, Laurel L. Bernel of Los Angeles, Cal.

Liz graduated high school from the Buffalo Seminary, Buffalo, N.Y., and from the University of Wyoming with a BS degree in zoology. She also received a master’s degree in education from Buffalo State Teachers College, Buffalo, N.Y., as well as a master’s degree in telecommunication from University of Colorado, Boulder, Colo.

She was an operations training manager, Level 3 communication, in Denver, Co., prior to her death. She had previously worked as a zoologist for the Buffalo Zoological Gardens and also taught high school biology in Denver.

Liz was a woman of many interests, high intellect and extraordinary talents. She began her work years as a teacher and a zoologist. Over time, she brought her skills as an educator to the role of instructional designer and operations training manager for Level 3 Technologies in Colorado. She showed incredible tenacity and determination by working at Level 3 communication until just a few months before her death.

At home, Liz flowed with creative energy. As a knitter, she created garments of great complexity and beauty. She also made high quality soaps, body creams, home cleansers and facial products. She constantly experimented with new methods and the best natural ingredients. She shared her love for her skill by teaching friends how to knit and make soaps.

She was also a fantastic cook. Every holiday her home was full of friends; for “the girls,” she hosted an annual Christmas Tea. Liz enjoyed good food, good wine, good scotch and good company.

For several years she served as president of the Columbine Dachshund Club in Denver. She was a careful and conscientious breeder of standard, smooth-coat dachshunds, specializing in the black and tan color variety. Liz loved her dogs and over the years bred three grand champions.

As her disease progressed and her last dog crossed the rainbow bridge, Liz shifted her love to her two Japanese Bobtail cats, Yuki and Yama. During the last year of her life they were a great source of joy and humor. Yama sensed the nearness of Liz’s passing in the last month of her life and was constantly by Liz’s side. She loved to watch the songbirds visiting the feeders and birdbath placed outside her window.

Liz’s great love, Mike, was by her side since her diagnosis. He did not flinch or falter in the last difficult weeks. He was her strength and was by her side as she breathed her last in this world. Mike is an example to all of the power of love to overcome, to strengthen and to endure.

Liz’s generosity, her love, and her kindness glow warmly today in the hearts of her friends and family. They rejoice that she is no longer chained to her body but is now free in her spirit, forever loved and loving, forever in the presence of God.

Per Liz’s request, there is no visitation. A memorial service will take place at a later date.

Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP.

Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, LaPorte, is handling the arrangements for Lawrence “Larry” W. Ray, 86, of North Liberty, IN, who passed away on Saturday, August 18, 2018, at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Larry was born on July 17, 1932, in Dearborn, MI, to Curtis William and Thelma (George) Ray.

On December 19, 1953, in LaPorte, IN, he married Sherry Kay Jones, who preceded him in death in 2014.  

Surviving are his beloved children, Kay M. (John) Zakes of Mill Creek, IN, Catherine (Douglas) Seymour of LaPorte, and Cortney L. Ray of LaPorte; four granddaughters, Kelly (Larry) Hawkins, Jillian Shelton, Julie (Justin) Bannwart and Courtney Lynn Ray; six great-grandchildren, Isabelle Hawkins, Kathlene Hawkins, Cole Shelton, Layke Bannwart, Lyla Bannwart, and Chase Shelton; brothers, Norman Ray of LaPorte, Raymond (Brenda) Ray of Riverdale, GA, and Richard (Marleen) Ray of North Port, FL; several nieces and nephews; and special neighbor and caregiver, Treva Lawson.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Melvin Ray; grandson-in-law, John Shelton; and in-laws, Elvis and Justine Jones.

Larry was an independent truck driver for over 60 years and was a former school bus driver. He was a charter member of Mill Creek Lions Club and Rumely Allis-Chalmers LaPorte Heritage Center, a member of Mill Creek Baptist Church, Sunday Farmers, Rumely Antique Tractor Collectors, Pioneer Village at the Indiana State Fair, and I.H.C.C. Chapter 33.

In his younger years, Larry enjoyed water skiing, snowmobile racing and camping. He was very active at the Pioneer Village at the Indiana State Fair.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11 a.m. (CT) Thursday, August 23, at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center with Dave Peery officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery. A time of visitation will be held from 4-8 p.m. (CT) Wednesday, August 22, and from 10 a.m. (CT) until the service Thursday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Rumely Allis-Chalmers LaPorte Heritage Center, PO Box 206, LaPorte, IN 46352; or Oak Grove Cemetery, c/o Carolyn A. Hunt, 190 Katie Lane, LaPorte, IN 46350.

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

Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, LaPorte, is handling the arrangements for Jeremiah W. “Jerry” Burke of LaPorte, Indiana, who passed away Wednesday, August 22, 2018.  

Jerry was born May 21, 1923, in Norwood, MA, to Jeremiah and Julia (Doherty) Burke. 

On November 22, 1952, in Norwood, MA, Jerry married Lillian P. Kozak, who preceded him in death on January 25, 1990. On May 23, 1992, in LaPorte, IN, Jerry married Agnes J. Lazarek, who preceded him in death on March 2, 2009.

In 1952, while working for Plimpton Press, Jerry was transferred from Norwood to LaPorte and lived here ever since. After 30 years with Plimpton and its subsequent closing, Jerry began with Whirlpool Corporation, where he retired after 15 years.

Jerry was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. He was a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, having served from 1942-1945 during World War II, serving 18 months in the South Pacific. He was a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus, St. Michael Council 1542, the Elks, LaPorte VFW, and the American Legion. He was also a member of the Whirlpool retirement club.

Jerry was proud of his Irish heritage. His parents immigrated to the United States from Ireland in 1912.  He was an avid sports fan whose two favorites were the game of golf, along with cheering for the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame.

Jerry is survived by two sons, Jeremiah (Eileen) Burke of LaPorte and Christopher (Tina) Burke of Germantown, TN; four stepdaughters, Paula Kubica of Kenosha, WI, Marcia (Dean) Krueger of LaPorte, Michaeleen (Mike) Eklund of Mercer, WI, and Kathleen (Tom) Luetkmeyer of Chicago; four grandchildren, Jenna Burke, Jeremiah Burke, Brandon Burke and Brian Burke; many step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren; a brother, William Burke of Clearwater, FL; and many nieces and nephews, and cousins in the east. 

He was preceded in death by both of his wives; one son, David Burke; three sisters, Ann, Evelyn and Jane; and one stepdaughter, Gabriel Frazier.

Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. Sunday, August 26, 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. Monday, August 27, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in LaPorte.  Family and friends may gather at 9 a.m. Monday in the funeral home. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, LaPorte.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church or the St. Vincent De Paul Society, 109 C Street, LaPorte, IN 46350, or the Gibault School for Boys, 601 S. U.S. 41, Terre Haute, IN 47802.

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

Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, LaPorte, is handling the arrangements for Patricia J. Schroeder, 82, of LaPorte, Indiana, who passed away Friday, August 24, 2018.  

She was born June 4, 1936, in LaPorte, Indiana, to Michael and Marie (Quigley) Cuff.  

Patricia was employed with the LaPorte County Treasurer’s Office and then served as the Treasurer. She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. She enjoyed traveling with her husband to out-of-town Notre Dame football games, including Honolulu, Seattle, San Francisco, Phoenix, San Antonio, Dallas, and Boston.   

On June 13, 1959, Patricia married William Schroeder. Surviving with her husband William are their children, Douglas (Cynthia) Schroeder of St. Louis, Missouri, Linda (Steven) Boller of Carmel, Indiana, and Lisa (David) Braid of LaPorte; and grandchildren, Catherine, Margaret, Robert and Sophia.  

She was preceded in death by sisters, Katheryn Marquardt, Mary Jane Cuff, Ethel Mae Koeppen and Theresa Pieszchala; and brothers, Robert and Richard Cuff.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Friday, August 31, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in LaPorte with Reverend Ian Williams officiating. A private family viewing will be held at 8:30 a.m. Friday in Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, LaPorte. Cremation will follow with burial of ashes in St. Joseph Cemetery, LaPorte.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Center for Hospice Care, 111 Sunnybrook Ct., South Bend, IN 46637, or the Women’s Care Center, 512 Maple Ave., 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 Cheryl Cowgill, 65, of LaPorte, Indiana, who passed away Wednesday, September 5, 2018, at 10:34 p.m. with her children by her side.

Cheryl was born February 24, 1953, in Michigan City, Indiana, to Howard and Betty (Hattabaugh) Cowgill.

Cheryl worked for House of Fara and was a CNA for many years. In 1998 Cheryl’s dream of going to Israel came true.  She did a 10-day holy tour and walked the footsteps of Jesus. Cheryl will be remembered for her quiet demeanor, dry sense of humor, and her ability to never overstay her welcome at a family event, something her family loved to tease her about. Cheryl courageously donated her body to Indiana University. She said if she can help one person, it would give her death meaning. She also felt this was her way to finally attend college, to be a teacher and help people. 

Cheryl was preceded in death by her father; a sister, Julie Crick; and a niece, Carissa Crick. 

Cheryl is survived by her mother, Betty Cowgill; her son, Jeffery (Tracey) Cummins; her daughter, Candace Lindsley; four grandchildren, Colby and Brayden Cummins, Zachary (Destiny) Jared and Sydney Jared; two great-grandchildren; three brothers, Michael (Donna) Cowgill, Howard Cowgill and Kevin (Ivy) Cowgill; sister-in-law, Mary Keenan; brother-in-law, Rick Crick; and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday, September 9, at Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, LaPorte, followed by a Memorial Service at 2 p.m. with Pastor Jeff Zigler officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to Anatomical Education Program, 635 Barnhill Drive, Room MS 5035, Indianapolis, IN 46202.

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 Schultz Jr., 89, of Hamlet, Indiana, formerly of North Liberty, Indiana, who passed away at home on Tuesday, September 4, 2018.

John was born in Michigan City, Indiana, on December 3, 1928, to John and Lillian (Gropp) Schultz.

John grew up in Michigan City, graduating from Elston High School in 1946. He joined the United States Navy as a seaman in June 1946. In 1948, after his term of service in the Navy, he was employed by Northern Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO), as a gas and electric serviceman.

He met and married his wife of 52 years, Betty Lee (Martin) Schultz, on October 15, 1955, in Michigan City, Indiana, who preceded him in death on February 17, 2008.  His sister, Violet Schroeder, and brother, Robert Schultz, also preceded him in death.

In 1960 through his work with NIPSCO, John was transferred to North Liberty as the gas and electric serviceman for the communities of North Liberty, Walkerton, Mill Creek and Koontz Lake. He retired after 40 years of service. Everyone in the community knew him well and when there was a problem they would call John. He would often help them with other problems in and around their homes. John had the dangerous job as first responder for NIPSCO during severe storms and when electric lines were down. In his 20s, John and his brother Bob built and raced speed boats on various lakes near Michigan City.

One of John’s hobbies was working with wood. He could build just about anything. John carved figurines, made birdhouses, shelving units, utility carts and many other useful and sometimes whimsical items. If something was broke, John could fix it! He loved the outdoors and taking care of his yard and he was an avid reader of history, especially war history. He could amazingly recall names and dates for a myriad of subjects. John and Betty and their young children traveled by camper all over the United States and parts of Canada. They often traveled along with several other families.

John was a Freemason at North Liberty Lodge 266, spent 21 years as a Volunteer Firefighter on the North Liberty Fire Department, and was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, North Liberty, for 58 years.

John had a gentle and kind soul, always giving and helping those in need.  His children, grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews will miss him dearly.

John is survived by four children: a son, Brian W. Schultz, and three daughters, Linda (Randy) Heidrich, Janet (Dennis) Reese and Carol Schultz; four grandsons, David (Liz) Schultz, Kyle (Angela) Reese, Bryant (Joana) Reese and Martin Schultz; and seven great-grandchildren.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date. Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, LaPorte, is handling the arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church, 24955 Riley Rd., North Liberty, IN 46554; or Center for Hospice Care, 111 Sunnybrook Court, South Bend, IN 46637.

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 Melody M. Jackson, 46, of LaPorte, Indiana, who passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by family on Thursday, September 6, 2018.

Melody was born April 14, 1972, in Gary, Indiana, to John and Judy (Frencl) McDaniel. She was the owner of the KarMel Coffee Shop in LaPorte and a former telephone operator with GTE. Melody loved her family dearly, including her beloved dog, “Bean.” She loved the beach, movies, and listening to Kenny Chesney music. She always put others first before herself and was known for her big, beautiful smile and the love for life.

On March 9, 1993, Melody married Karl Jackson, who survives with their children, Samantha, Kaitlyn and Karlie Jackson; her mother and stepfather, Judy and Ron Hamilton of Hanna; brothers, John (Erica) McDaniel, Joe (Patti Jo) Hamilton and Ron (Marisa) Hamilton Jr.; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded by her grandparents, Lola and Charles Frencl.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, September 11, at Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, LaPorte. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, September 12, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in LaPorte. Family and friends may gather at 9 a.m. Wednesday in the funeral home. Cremation will follow.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Melody Jackson Medical Fund c/o 1st Source Bank, 2044 W. Ind. 2, LaPorte, IN 46350.

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