Wilbur L. Eggert, 90, of LaPorte, IN, passed away Saturday, Dec. 8, 2018, at Golden Living Center-Fountainview Terrace in LaPorte.

He was born Nov. 1, 1928, in LaPorte, the son of Lewis Eggert and Laura (Hacker) Eggert.

Wilbur was a self-employed farmer for 60 years. He served in the United States Army from 1951-1952. Wilbur was a former LaPorte County 4-H leader and a member of the Farm Bureau. He enjoyed doing puzzles, playing card games, dancing, and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

On Feb. 12, 1955, in LaPorte, he married Mary Huge Eggert, who survives in LaPorte.

He is also survived by his four sons, Raymond (Laura) Eggert of Mill Creek, IN, Ronald (Cindy) Eggert of LaPorte, Randall (Alynn) Eggert of LaPorte and Roger (Narcine) Eggert of LaPorte; 10 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; brother, Lewis Eggert of Mill Creek, IN; and sister-in-law, Maxine Eggert of LaPorte.

Wilbur was preceded in death by both his parents; three sisters, Katherine Small, Louise Mrozinski and Betty Routt; and a brother, Norman Eggert.

The family will receive friends at Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, LaPorte, on Friday, Dec. 14, from 4-7 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 15, from 10-11 a.m. A life celebration will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, Dec. 15, at 11 a.m. with Pastor Robert Vale officiating. Interment will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery, Mill Creek, IN.

Memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church, 1225 Michigan Ave., LaPorte, IN 46350.

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

Kevin C. Hupertz, 59, of LaPorte, IN, passed away unexpectedly at 9:15 a.m. Friday, Dec. 7, 2018, at his home.

He was born Nov. 20, 1959, in Chicago, IL, to Robert and Karen Lee (Gorgol) Costello.

Kevin and his family relocated from Chicago to Hobart, IN. A future move placed him in LaPorte with his mother and stepfather, Jilles Hofman, where Kevin finished his high school education and established himself as a resident. He worked in Elkhart at Challenger Wreckers for about five years as painting foreman. He also worked at Nova and at the Town Crier in LaPorte for several years. The Town Crier is where Kevin’s passion for the printing business began. Kevin owned and operated Mailboxes and More for many years here in town. The “More” included his printing services. He donated much time to the music program and sports teams of LaPorte High School with their printing and lettering needs.

Kevin was very active in community volunteerism, which included roles as Commodore of the LaPorte Yacht Club and President of LaPorte Jaycees. His favorite thing to participate in was the Deserving Children’s Shopping event presented by the Jaycees. He absolutely loved to be at and on the beach. He enjoyed the music of Jimmy Buffett and James Taylor. His bright smile and enthusiasm for life will be truly missed by all.

Kevin leaves behind his lovely bride, Marilyn J. (Schlundt) of Michigan City, whom he married on Oct. 16, 1999.

Also surviving are his father, Jilles “Joe” Hofman of LaPorte; aunts and uncles, Lynn (John) Hofman of Hommonssa, FL, Gail Schmaus of Island Lake, IL, Robert Gorgol of Florida, Janet (Floyd) Cochran of Chesterton, IN, Jeri S. Hofman of Michigan City, IN, Mickey (Don) Fjerstad of Chesterton, IN, and John Hupertz of Michigan City, IN; his best friends, Tony and Chris Curtis of LaPorte; and his Yorkie children, Mya, Diamond and Chaz.

Preceding him in death were his adoptive father, Richard Hupertz; mother, Karen Lee Hofman; grandparents, Frank and Gladys Hupertz and Charles and Stella Gorgol; brother, Wayne Eric Hupertz; cousin, Michael Schmaus; and uncles, Charles P., Edward and Charles E. Gorgol.

A memorial service celebrating his life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 15, at Lakeview Funeral Home and Crematory, LaPorte, with Pastor Bill Fine officiating. Visitation and viewing will be from 10 a.m. until the service Saturday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions in Kevin’s name may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association, 50 E. 91st St. #100, Indianapolis, IN 46240; or to the LaPorte Jaycees at www.laportejaycees.org.

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

Marcia E. Jacobs, 70, of Michigan City, IN, passed away peacefully Sunday, Dec. 9, 2018, at 10 a.m. with her beloved daughter, Laurie, by her side in Michigan City.

She was born July 7, 1948, in South Bend, IN, to Lancelot and Evelyn Dekker.

Marcia was a faithful member of Emmanuel Baptist Temple in Michigan City. She was a member of the Michiana Gem and Mineral Society. Marcia loved sewing, crocheting and canning. She enjoyed visiting Blue Chip Casino and playing the slot machines. Marcia loved her cats and dearly loved spending time with her grandsons. She was kind, giving, generous and wholehearted. Marcia will be remembered for her compassion and her infamous saying, “Sounds like a plan.”

On Nov. 20, 1995, in Michigan City, IN, she married Stanley Jacobs Sr., who preceded her in death Feb. 18, 2017.

Also preceding her in death were her mother, Evelyn Dekker; one brother, David Dekker; and two grandchildren, Nelson Eugene Bolka and Jessica Michelle Bolka.

Surviving are her father, Dad “Lance” Dekker of Villa Park, IL; two daughters, Laurie (Robert Storey) Bolka of Michigan City, IN, and Wendy (Chris) Clark of Houston, TX; three grandchildren, Braxton Bolka, Jakob Clark and Heather Jacobs; and three great-grandchildren, Eli, Terry and Millie.

A memorial service celebrating her life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 15, at Emmanuel Baptist Temple, 820 East Wood Rd., Michigan City, with Pastor Dallas Wingo officiating. Lakeview Funeral Home and Crematory, LaPorte, is handling arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Foundation For Women’s Cancer, 230 W. Monroe St., Suite 710, Chicago, IL 60606-4902, for endometrial cancer in memory of Marcia E. Jacobs.

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

Mae Lonie Tubbs-Cooper, 75, of Indianapolis, IN, and formerly of LaPorte, departed this life on Nov. 30, 2018, at St. Vincent Hospice Care, Indianapolis. Our Father saw that Mae was painfully tired, and He knew the time had come to call her to her heavenly home; to have rest and peace. The Lord gave her eternal rest with her loving family by her side.

Mae was born in Marion, AL, on Nov. 11, 1943, to Alonzo and Nettie Bell Peoples-Tubbs. She and her family moved to Lawley, AL, when she was very young, then to Burstall, AL, where she attended Carver Junior High School and Dunbar High School. In latter years they moved to Kingsford Heights, IN. Mae lived there for many years and moved to LaPorte after she got married.

Mae was an excellent cook and a caregiver to many children who were homeless over the years. She willingly shared with others who were less fortunate, although she had seven children of her own. Mae cooked large dinners and barbecued on holidays/birthdays to invite her family and friends to her feast. She was ambitious, loved her children/family, was very outgoing, a great dancer, had many devoted friends, and loved fishing, camping and all kinds of music.

Mae Lonie Tubbs-Cooper leaves to cherish her precious memories seven children: Cynthia (Virgil) Smith, Wanda Tubbs-Ashford, Timothy A. Cooper, Deanna Cooper-O’Brien, Terrance A. Cooper, Tania Taylor, and Joe L. Cooper Jr.; two sisters: Bobbie L. Tubbs-Luckett and Frances Shaw-Smith; and 14 grandchildren, Anthony Morris, Ayana Tubbs, Latonya Tubbs, Virgil Smith, Brittany Smith, Tierra Taylor, Karina Ashford, Angelina Cooper, Alexandra Cooper, Brandon Hawkins, Brienna O’Brien, Emerson Cooper, Sidney Cooper and Astoria Cooper. Mae also had 20 great-grandchildren and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.

Preceding Mae in transition were her father, mother, a brother, a grandson, an aunt, and her grandparents.

Her Celebration of Life will take place Saturday, Dec 8, at 2:30 p.m. at Haverstock Funeral Home, LaPorte, IN. Visitation will start at 1 p.m. and be held until time of service at 2:30 p.m. Pastor Margaret Hunt will be officiating. Interment will follow at Pine Lake Cemetery, LaPorte.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123.

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

John F. Ott, 76, formerly of Michigan City, IN, passed away Nov. 10, 2018, at Northwest Community Hospital, Arlington Heights, IL, after a lengthy illness.

John was born Feb. 20, 1942, in Michigan City to Florence (Weiler) and Philip Ott.

Prior to attending college full time, John served as a police officer with the Chicago Police Department. He graduated from Loyola University in 1967 with a degree in Business Administration and retired as a Commodity Broker with the Chicago Board of Trade.

He was the husband of the late Mary Jo (Devine) Ott, father of Jori (Phil) Greybill and Steven (Reina) Ott, and grandfather to Owen and Savannah Greybill. He is survived by sisters Mary Helen (late Jack) Kellems and Kathryn (Robert) Bellamy.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Philip and Florence Ott, and by his sister and caretaker, Margaret Ann (late Raymond) Sassetti.

Hoy D. Howard Jr., 65, of LaPorte, IN, passed away Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2018, at Memorial Hospital in South Bend, IN.

He was born April 28, 1953, in Knox, IN, the son of Hoy Howard Sr. and Josephine (Collins) Born.

Hoy retired from Bruce Built Construction as a carpenter. He loved woodworking and spending quality time with his family and friends.

On Aug. 30, 1980, in LaPorte, he married Lenore (Shaw) Howard, who survives in LaPorte.

He is also survived by his three sons, Adam (Emily) Howard of Mill Creek, IN, Scott (Dianna) Howard of Culver, IN, and Thomas (Ann) Howard of Winamac, IN; daughter, Ashley (Bobby) Bom of Hamlet, IN; sister, Glenda (Ronald) Warner of Knox, IN; six grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

Hoy was preceded in death by his brother, Darrell Howard; stepfather, Raymond Born; sister, Donna Howard; and brother-in-law, Clyde Howard.

A life celebration will be held at Seventh Day Adventist Church, 1480 Boyd Blvd., LaPorte, on Saturday, Dec. 8, from 5 to 7 p.m. Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, LaPorte, is handling arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Lung Association, 115 W. Washington St., Suite 1180, South Indianapolis, IN 46204.

Online condolences may be made at www.haverstockfuneralhome.com.

Jean Greybar, 91, of LaPorte, IN, passed away peacefully at 8:05 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, at Brentwood Assisted Living Home in LaPorte.

She was born July 17, 1927, in Herrin, IL, to David Pinkston and Myrtle (Rigsby) Pinkston. Jean married Fred Greybar II on May 1, 1948, in Chicago.

Jean spent her childhood in Herrin, moving with her family to Chicago in 1942. She graduated from Hyde Park High School in Chicago in 1944. While in high school, Jean “forged” her work permit before she was 16 to work in factories during World War II. Following high school, Jean entered the currency exchange business, working at several locations in the Chicago Loop. Jean also started her own women’s and children’s clothing store and entered the real estate business.

Jean and Fred fulfilled a longtime dream of moving to the Western United States, relocating to Albuquerque in 1972 when she obtained the position of Administrator of Operations for Great Western Cities Land Development Corporation. This proved to be a fabulous time in their lives both professionally and personally, enjoying the ‘land of enchantment’ and developing a deep appreciation for Southwestern culture. Fred’s family was primarily located in Fort Collins, CO, where they spent a great deal of time together over the years.

In Jean’s post-retirement years she became an independent jewelry wholesaler, traveling throughout the country. Besides her work, she loved her role as wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, daughter, homemaker, volunteer, neighbor, and good friend.

Jean loved piano music, Native American art, theater, the companionship and entertainment of animals (particularly German shepherds and Miss Daisy the cat), traveling with friends and family, and beautiful gardens. She loved meeting people from all walks of life and cultures. She was a competitive spirit, lifelong learner and avid bingo player.

Jean welcomed many into her home over the years with kindness and warmth. She was always ready to lend a hand and be of service to others. She was well thought of, appreciated for her kind and gentle spirit, and frequently sought out for her wisdom and advice. She was much loved and will be greatly missed.

Jean is survived by her son, Fred (Linda) Greybar III of LaPorte, IN; and her sister, Donna (John) Flowers of Calumet City, IL. Also surviving are her grandchildren, Shannon (Douglas) Greybar-Milliken, Stefanie Greybar and Sthele Greybar; as well as her great-grandson, Roman Milliken; her brothers-in-law Robert Greybar and Raymond Greybar; and many nieces and nephews.

Jean was preceded in death by her husband on Nov. 8, 1987. She was also preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Virginia Loeb of Scottsdale, AZ, and brother, David Pinkston Jr. of El Toro, CA.

The family would like to express special gratitude to Brentwood of LaPorte, Alicks Home Medical Equipment, her trusted friends and caretakers (Anastasia, Janice and Rose), and Dunes Hospice.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at 4 p.m. (CST) on Friday, Dec. 14, at Cutler Funeral Home, LaPorte. Visitation with the family will begin at 2 p.m. (CST) with light appetizers. A reception with heavy appetizers will follow the service in the chapel of the funeral home. A video of the memorial service will be available. Friends and family who are unable to attend the memorial may email grandson Sthele at sthele03@yahoo.com to request the link to a recording.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in honor of Jean may be made to Semper Fi Fund (https://semperfifund.org) or Reigning Cat and Dogs Rescue (www.reigningcatanddogsrescue.org).

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

Wilbur L. Eggert, 90, of LaPorte, IN, passed away Saturday, Dec. 8, 2018, at Golden Living Center-Fountainview Terrace in LaPorte.

He was born Nov. 1, 1928, in LaPorte, the son of Lewis Eggert and Laura (Hacker) Eggert.

Wilbur was a self-employed farmer for 60 years. He served in the United States Army from 1951-1952. Wilbur was a former LaPorte County 4-H leader and a member of the Farm Bureau. He enjoyed doing puzzles, playing card games, dancing, and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

On Feb. 12, 1955, in LaPorte, he married Mary Huge Eggert, who survives in LaPorte.

He is also survived by his four sons, Raymond (Laura) Eggert of Mill Creek, IN, Ronald (Cindy) Eggert of LaPorte, Randall (Alynn) Eggert of LaPorte and Roger (Narcine) Eggert of LaPorte; 10 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; brother, Lewis Eggert of Mill Creek, IN; and sister-in-law, Maxine Eggert of LaPorte.

Wilbur was preceded in death by both his parents; three sisters, Katherine Small, Louise Mrozinski and Betty Routt; and a brother, Norman Eggert.

The family will receive friends at Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, LaPorte, on Friday, Dec. 14, from 4-7 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 15, from 10-11 a.m. A life celebration will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, Dec. 15, at 11 a.m. with Pastor Robert Vale officiating. Interment will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery, Mill Creek, IN.

Memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church, 1225 Michigan Ave., LaPorte, IN 46350.

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

Kevin C. Hupertz, 59, of LaPorte, IN, passed away unexpectedly at 9:15 a.m. Friday, Dec. 7, 2018, at his home.

He was born Nov. 20, 1959, in Chicago, IL, to Robert and Karen Lee (Gorgol) Costello.

Kevin and his family relocated from Chicago to Hobart, IN. A future move placed him in LaPorte with his mother and stepfather, Jilles Hofman, where Kevin finished his high school education and established himself as a resident. He worked in Elkhart at Challenger Wreckers for about five years as painting foreman. He also worked at Nova and at the Town Crier in LaPorte for several years. The Town Crier is where Kevin’s passion for the printing business began. Kevin owned and operated Mailboxes and More for many years here in town. The “More” included his printing services. He donated much time to the music program and sports teams of LaPorte High School with their printing and lettering needs.

Kevin was very active in community volunteerism, which included roles as Commodore of the LaPorte Yacht Club and President of LaPorte Jaycees. His favorite thing to participate in was the Deserving Children’s Shopping event presented by the Jaycees. He absolutely loved to be at and on the beach. He enjoyed the music of Jimmy Buffett and James Taylor. His bright smile and enthusiasm for life will be truly missed by all.

Kevin leaves behind his lovely bride, Marilyn J. (Schlundt) of Michigan City, whom he married on Oct. 16, 1999.

Also surviving are his father, Jilles “Joe” Hofman of LaPorte; aunts and uncles, Lynn (John) Hofman of Hommonssa, FL, Gail Schmaus of Island Lake, IL, Robert Gorgol of Florida, Janet (Floyd) Cochran of Chesterton, IN, Jeri S. Hofman of Michigan City, IN, Mickey (Don) Fjerstad of Chesterton, IN, and John Hupertz of Michigan City, IN; his best friends, Tony and Chris Curtis of LaPorte; and his Yorkie children, Mya, Diamond and Chaz.

Preceding him in death were his adoptive father, Richard Hupertz; mother, Karen Lee Hofman; grandparents, Frank and Gladys Hupertz and Charles and Stella Gorgol; brother, Wayne Eric Hupertz; cousin, Michael Schmaus; and uncles, Charles P., Edward and Charles E. Gorgol.

A memorial service celebrating his life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 15, at Lakeview Funeral Home and Crematory, LaPorte, with Pastor Bill Fine officiating. Visitation and viewing will be from 10 a.m. until the service Saturday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions in Kevin’s name may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association, 50 E. 91st St. #100, Indianapolis, IN 46240; or to the LaPorte Jaycees at www.laportejaycees.org.

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

Marcia E. Jacobs, 70, of Michigan City, IN, passed away peacefully Sunday, Dec. 9, 2018, at 10 a.m. with her beloved daughter, Laurie, by her side in Michigan City.

She was born July 7, 1948, in South Bend, IN, to Lancelot and Evelyn Dekker.

Marcia was a faithful member of Emmanuel Baptist Temple in Michigan City. She was a member of the Michiana Gem and Mineral Society. Marcia loved sewing, crocheting and canning. She enjoyed visiting Blue Chip Casino and playing the slot machines. Marcia loved her cats and dearly loved spending time with her grandsons. She was kind, giving, generous and wholehearted. Marcia will be remembered for her compassion and her infamous saying, “Sounds like a plan.”

On Nov. 20, 1995, in Michigan City, IN, she married Stanley Jacobs Sr., who preceded her in death Feb. 18, 2017.

Also preceding her in death were her mother, Evelyn Dekker; one brother, David Dekker; and two grandchildren, Nelson Eugene Bolka and Jessica Michelle Bolka.

Surviving are her father, Dad “Lance” Dekker of Villa Park, IL; two daughters, Laurie (Robert Storey) Bolka of Michigan City, IN, and Wendy (Chris) Clark of Houston, TX; three grandchildren, Braxton Bolka, Jakob Clark and Heather Jacobs; and three great-grandchildren, Eli, Terry and Millie.

A memorial service celebrating her life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 15, at Emmanuel Baptist Temple, 820 East Wood Rd., Michigan City, with Pastor Dallas Wingo officiating. Lakeview Funeral Home and Crematory, LaPorte, is handling arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Foundation For Women’s Cancer, 230 W. Monroe St., Suite 710, Chicago, IL 60606-4902, for endometrial cancer in memory of Marcia E. Jacobs.

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

Carolyn Gail Richards, 92, of LaPorte, IN, passed away Thursday,  Dec. 6, 2018.

Carolyn was born Aug. 12, 1926, in Antigo, WI, to Paul and Blanche (Jewell) Dawley.

On Oct. 10, 1946, in St. Paul, MN,, Carolyn married Richard J. Richards, who preceded her in death on Jan. 31, 1998.

Carolyn was a member of Agape Christian Church. She loved participating in bowling, downhill skiing, cross country skiing, snow shoeing, tennis, and playing horseshoes.  She loved animals, bird watching, being outdoors, nature, and her family. She was a lifelong fan of the Green Bay Packers.

Carolyn is survived by her twin sister, Carol (Dawley) Guenther; five daughters, Jacqueline Hardesty of LaPorte, IN, Susan Richards of Woodstock, IL, Kathy (Hugh) Tonagel of LaPorte, IN, Carol Richards of LaPorte, IN, and Jewell (Brian) Pahl of Winona Lake, IN; two sons, Paul (Kathy) Richards of LaPorte, IN, and Thomas Richards of Bass Lake, IN; 24 grandchildren; 45 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Betty Zittel and Jewell Byrne; son-in-law, Rolland Hardesty; and daughter-in-law, Judith (Allen) Richards.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Agape Christian Church, 1601 I St., LaPorte, on Thursday, Dec. 20, at 11 a.m. The church will open at 10:30 a.m. Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, LaPorte, is handling arrangements.

Carolyn has requested that memorial contributions be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Society, Northern Indiana Chapter, 7301 Georgetown Rd., Indianapolis, IN 46268; or the LaPorte County Small Animal Shelter, 2855 W. State Road 2, LaPorte, IN 46350; or Dunes Hospice, 4711 Evans Ave., Valparaiso, IN 46383.

The family wishes to express their gratitude to Dunes Hospice for their compassionate, loving care of their mother during her final week of life.

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

Mrs. Dorothy L. Roberts, 94, of Kingsford Heights, IN, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2018.

Dorothy was the daughter of the late Harvey and Lomaska (Phillips) Denney.

She was born in Tyler, Texas, on Sept. 24, 1924, and lived here since 1949.

Dorothy retired from Howmet after 27 years of service as a finisher. She was a member of the Howmet Retiree Group.

On July 31, 1943, Dorothy married Darrell Waldrop, who preceded her in death in August of 1971 in LaPorte, IN. On May 8, 1979, Dorothy married Max Roberts, who preceded her in death on Aug. 6, 1996, in LaPorte. She was also preceded in death by two sons, Darold and Douglas Waldrop; three sisters; and three brothers.

Dorothy is survived by a son, Don (Judy) Waldrop of LaPorte, IN; three grandchildren, Eric (Julie), Scott (Melody) and Heather; six great-grandchildren, Breyanna, Ethan, Joshua, Jacob, James, and Jude; one great-great-granddaughter, Riley; many nieces and nephews; and special friends, Lois, Betty, Lareene, Jim, and Frances.

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

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.

Doris M. Banks, 81, of Hamlet, IN, passed away peacefully surrounded by family Sunday, Dec. 9, 2018, at her residence in Hamlet.

She was born May 1, 1937, in Mill Creek, IN, to the late William Howard and Minnie Ilene (Wolff) Shaffer.

Doris was a true pillar of the community. She was a 1955 graduate of LaPorte Union Township High School. She was a lifelong LaPorte County resident who enjoyed playing golf and bunco with her colleagues. She really liked to travel to visit with friends and always made it a point to see them. Her career was spent driving a school bus for both LaPorte High School and Kingsford Heights Community School. Spending time with her great-grandchildren made her the happiest, and her family will miss her sparkling personality and the memories she created with them.

On April 6, 1957, she married Dona Carl Banks in Kingsford Heights, IN. He passed away on June 29, 2017.

Surviving are her wonderful daughter, Dawn “Punky” (John) Niezgodski; one grandson, Adam (Kayla) Banks of Door Village, IN; and three great-grandchildren, Noah, Parker and Owen Banks.

A funeral celebrating her life will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 13, at Lakeview Funeral Home and Crematory, LaPorte, with Pastor James Bouslog officiating. Visitation and viewing will be held from 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 12, and from 9 a.m. until the service Thursday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Tracy Cemetery in Hamlet, IN, following the funeral service.

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

Harold F. “Rosie” Rosenow, 88, of LaPorte, IN, passed away Monday, Dec. 10, 2018.

Rosie was born Feb. 21, 1930, in LaPorte to the late Harry and Dora (Diesslin) Rosenow.

On June 11, 1960, in LaPorte, Rosie married Judie Zellers, who preceded him in death on June 30, 2018.

Rosie graduated from LaPorte High School in 1947. He then studied at Acme Institute of Technology in South Bend and also at Purdue North Central. He was a draftsman at Clark Equipment and also worked at Allis-Chalmers, Gardex, Hilltop Tavern, Brown Trailer, Budd Company, Whirlpool, Plat Book Company, and Maple City Car Wash. Rosie was a member of LaPorte First United Methodist Church, where he was the longest serving usher and a building superintendent. He was a Staff Sergeant in the United States Army during the Korean War, a lifetime member of American Legion Post 83, and of  VFW Post 1130, Ancient & Accepted Scottish Rite, a 50-year member of Excelsior Masonic Lodge 41 F&AM, a blood donor, Troop Committee member of Boy Scouts of America Troop 396, Charter Member of the LaPorte Ski Club, Pine Lake Cemetery Board member, and a former member of Phi Delta Kappa Fraternity. After Rosie returned from Korea in 1953, he never missed a Fourth of July parade.

Rosie leaves behind a son, Ronald Rosenow of Yorktown, IN; two daughters, Kari (Jim) Gazdick and Shari (John) Presnell, both of LaPorte; and five grandchildren, Abby, Ashley, Nick, Joey, and John John.

Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 13, at Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, LaPorte, with a Masonic service at 7 p.m. A funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Friday, Dec. 14, in the funeral home. Family and friends may visit an hour before the service at the funeral home. Pastor Bob Vale will officiate. Burial will follow with Military Honors in Pine Lake Cemetery, LaPorte.

Memorial contributions may be made to LaPorte First United Methodist Church, 1225 Michigan Ave., LaPorte, IN 46350; or The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Indiana Chapter, 9075 N. Meridian St., Suite 150, Indianapolis, IN 46260.

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

Lewis Ridenour, 72, of LaPorte, IN, passed away Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018.

He was born Sept. 23, 1946, in Fort Wayne, IN, to the late Paul and Juanita (Leeth) Ridenour.

Lewis has been married to Elizabeth (Smith) for 50 years.

Lewis graduated from Ball State University in 1968.  He taught German from 1968-1970.  He served in the United States Air Force from 1970-1974.  When he came home from the Air Force, he was a bank officer and credit union manager from 1975-2012.  He also was a member of LaPorte Zoning Board, the Fire Merit Commission, Past President of the Downtown Redevelopment Commission, Past President of Kiwanis, Habitat for Humanity, and Indiana Credit Union League.

Lewis loved history and collected items from The Spanish American War, World War I and World War II.  He also enjoyed reading, model building, playing war games, board games, and role-playing games.  He was a musician and loved jazz and listening to Jethro Tull. He also was famous for his homemade liqueurs.

Lewis is survived by his wife, Elizabeth; a son, Paul Ridenour of Providence, Rhode Island; a daughter, Anne (Evan) Karn of Carmel, IN; two grandchildren, Annalisa and Jack Karn; and two cousins, Judy White and Barbara Grignol.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and a sister Lois Ridenour.

A Celebration of Life will be from 1-4 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 3, 2019, at Best Western Plus, 444 Pine Lake Ave., LaPorte. Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, LaPorte, is handling arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Habitat for Humanity at habitat.org or Polycystic Kidney Foundation, 1001 E 101st Terrace, Suite 220, Kansas City, MO 64131; or Kiwanis Club of LaPorte, P.O. Box 75, LaPorte, IN 46352.

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

Marjorie F. Bishop, 94, of LaPorte, IN, passed away Friday, Dec. 14, 2018.

She was born Oct. 14, 1924, in Chicago to the late Jack and Ada (Anderson) Frenier.

On Sept. 20, 1947, Marjorie married Robert B. Bishop, who preceded her in death on Jan. 5, 1996.

Marjorie had been employed in the office of Allis-Chalmers and at the LaPorte County Assessor’s office, and retired from Farm Bureau Insurance in the claims department. She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church.

Marjorie leaves behind a daughter, Karen Noll of LaPorte; grandchildren, Chris (Lisa) Noll, Matt (Jennifer) Noll and Alana Valadez; and a great-granddaughter, Kinsley Noll.

She was preceded in death by a daughter, Barbara Valadez.

Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 19,at Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, LaPorte, where a funeral service will be held at 7 p.m. Private burial will be in Pine Lake Cemetery, LaPorte.

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.