Bruce Walter Ludwig, 76, of LaPorte, IN, passed away Saturday, Dec. 29, 2018, at Miller Health and Rehabilitation, and heaven received one heck of a good man.

Bruce was born in LaPorte, IN, on May 9, 1942, to Bolsar F. and Mary L. (Decker) Ludwig.

Bruce was a retired sales representative for Kemp’s Office City.  He was a U.S. Army veteran who proudly served his country in Vietnam. He was a member of the VFW, American Legion and the NRA. He loved God and his country. Bruce enjoyed fishing, golfing and hunting, but most of all spending time with his family and friends.

On April 16, 1964, in LaPorte, IN, he married Diane Fisher, who survives. Also surviving are his beloved children, Jack (Jill) Ludwig of South Bend, IN, and Heather (Jim) Starkweather of Lafayette, IN; 5 grandchildren, Keith (Laura) Ludwig of LaPorte, Neil (Alicia) Ludwig of LaPorte, Nicolette Ludwig of LaPorte, and Kelsey and Bryce Starkweather of Lafayette; 3 great-grandchildren, Sophia, Macy and Scarlett Ludwig; and brother, Jay Ludwig of San Francisco, CA.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at 1 p.m. (CT) Friday, Jan. 4, 2019, at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, LaPorte, IN. Full military honors will be presented. A time of visitation will be held from 11 a.m. (CT) until the service Friday at the funeral home. Cremation has taken place.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Vision of Hope, 5652 Mercy Way, Lafayette, IN 47905; or Trinity Lutheran Church, 907 Michigan Ave., LaPorte, IN 46350.

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

Debra J. Piotrowski, 45, of LaPorte, IN, passed away on Sunday, Dec. 30, 2018, at LaPorte Hospital.

Debra was born in LaPorte on Sept. 25, 1973, to James E. and  Lois J. (Smigelski) Sales.

Debra graduated from nursing school with distinction. She enjoyed going on vacation and she loved to cook.

On Aug. 16, 1997, she married James Piotrowski, who survives. Also surviving are her beloved children, Bryce J.L. Piotrowski of LaPorte, Cameron J. Piotrowski of LaPorte and Griffin A. Piotrowski of LaPorte; grandson, Gabriel W.J. Cook; her fur baby, Sophia; brothers, Albert L. (Julie) Sales of Kingwood, TX, and Ed A. (Jamie) Sales; sister, Becky (Chris) A. Smith; and several nieces, nephews, and other loving family members.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at  11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 7, 2019, at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, LaPorte, with Pastor Roger Ash officiating. A time of visitation will be held at the funeral home from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 6, 2019, and from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Monday, Jan. 7. Burial will take place following the service at Westville Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the American Heart Association at www.heart.org.

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

Shirley Wozniak, 74, of Michigan City, IN, passed away Thursday, Jan. 3, 2019, at her home.

She was born in Michigan City on Aug. 27, 1944, to James Sr. and Lois (Shepperson) East.

Shirley was a member of the Night Stalkers Family.

On Dec. 26, 1997, she married Donald Lee Wozniak, who preceded her in death.

Surviving are her beloved children, Suzanna (Terrance) Ekstrom of Michigan City, Keith Allen Yearicks Sr. of Michigan City, Lowell (Ridglea) Callahan Jr. of Texas, Paul Thomas Yearicks Jr. of Texas, and Sheila Nelson of Tennessee.

She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Henry (Red) East Sr.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 7, at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, LaPorte. A time of visitation will be held Monday from 4 p.m. until the service at the funeral home. Cremation will follow the service.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family c/o Suzanna Ekstrom, 2900 Monroe St., LaPorte, IN 46350.

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

Kenneth Leroy Baker, 92, of LaPorte, IN, passed away Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2018, at Oak Woods Manor.

Kenneth was born in Medaryville, IN, on Oct. 16, 1926, to Elmer J. and Jessie I. Rayburn Baker.

Kenneth was a graduate of Purdue University, a retired dairy farmer, DHIA Supervisor and Pioneer sales rep. Kenneth was an accomplished pencil artist and a World War II Army Veteran. He was a member of Door Village United Methodist Church, Lions Club, Land of Lakes Art Alliance, Farm Bureau, Sunday Farmers, LaPorte Row Crop Food Producers, Rumely Allis-Chalmers Heritage Center, Michiana Antique Auto Club, Pioneer Cemetery Commission, and many local and state historical organizations. He was a strong supporter of activities to enhance his community. He was honored to be named a State of Indiana Sagamore of the Wabash. Kenneth was an avid LaPorte Slicer, Purdue, and Chicago Bears fan.

On Sept. 7, 1952, in Wheeler, IN, he married Sarah “Sally” Baker, who preceded him in death in 2005.

Surviving are his beloved children, Karen (Jim) Deutsch of Marshall, MO, Linda (Gordie) Heinold of Cincinnati, OH, Keith (Laurel) Baker of LaPorte, Terry (Cynthia) Baker of LaPorte, and Donna (Shane) Yoder of Mishawaka, IN; 12 grandchildren; and 9 great-grandchildren.

He was also preceded in death by his brother, Don Baker.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m. (CT) Saturday, Jan. 12, 2019, at Door Village United Methodist Church with Pastor Larry D. Owen officiating. Military Honors will be conducted during the memorial service. A time of visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. (CT) until the time of the service at the church Saturday, January 12. Cremation has taken place with Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, LaPorte.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Heifer International, 1 World Avenue, Little Rock, AR  72202.  Heifer International is working with communities to end world hunger and poverty.

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

Linda Ilene Thurston, 75, of Rolling Prairie, IN, passed away peacefully Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2019, at 7:20 p.m. at home.

She was born June 18, 1943, in Burna, KY, to Marion O. and Edith Mae (Swinford) Lemon.

Linda retired from LaPorte County Sanitary Landfill, Michigan City, after 12 years of service and owned and operated E.T. World Antiques on Johnson Road, LaPorte, IN. Linda enjoyed crocheting.

In 1975, she married the love of her life, Ernest Leroy Thurston, who preceded her in death May 4, 2002.

Also preceding her in death were her parents; seven brothers, Ralph, Carlos, Marion, Charles, Lyman, James, and Marice Lemon; one sister, Eliva Riddle; and one stepson, Greg Thurston.

Surviving are two daughters, Annette (Pam Smith) Zona of Rolling Prairie and Pamela (Ralph) Harmon of LaPorte; one stepdaughter, Pamela Durr of LaPorte; two sisters, Phyllis Weber of Indianapolis and Velda Henson of Ledbetter, KY; three brothers, Larry “Sidney” (Cathy) Lemon of LaPorte, Rudy (Cathie) Lemon of Union City, IN, and Harold (Betty) Lemon of Kolconda, IL; three grandchildren, Adam (Sara) Harmon, Shaun (Megan) Harmon and Rachel (Michael) Gayle; one step-grandchild, Jeremy Thurston; five great-grandchildren; and her beloved dog, Sandy Jo.

A funeral celebrating her life will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 8, at Lakeview Funeral Home and Crematory, LaPorte, with Chaplain Anne Mitchell of Harbor Light Hospice officiating. Visitation and viewing will be Tuesday at the funeral home from 11 a.m. until the service. Burial will be in Patton Cemetery, LaPorte, following the service.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Harbor Light Hospice, 1820 E. Day Rd., Mishawaka, IN 46545. Please include your name with the donation in memory of Linda Ilene Thurston.

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

Virginia Irene Crim, 73, of Union Mills, IN, passed away peacefully at her home on Friday, Jan. 4, 2019.

Virginia was born in Pecos, TX, on June 4, 1945, to Charles Thomas and Irene (Westbrook) Nichols.

Virginia retired as an Inspector at Anderson in Michigan City, IN.  She attended Calvary Baptist Church. Virginia enjoyed sewing, knitting, crocheting and painting.  She also loved singing and dancing. Virginia was a fabulous cook and was known for giving the best hugs.

On July 10, 1965, in Crown Point, IN, she married John William Crim, who survives. Also surviving are her beloved children, James (Kim) of Lowell, IN, Teresa (John) Parker of Lake Station, IN, Mark (Michelle) Crim of Hebron, IN, and Max ( Mary) Crim of Crown Point, IN; 10 grandchildren, Mark, Nicholas, Jaccob, Nathan, Renee, Ashton, Everett, Brooke, Hannah, and Olivia; 4 great-grandchildren; sister, Nancy Moffett of Florida; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Thomas Nichols.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 6 p.m. (CT) Tuesday, Jan. 8, at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, LaPorte, with Pastor Tim Schryer officiating. A time of visitation will be held at the funeral home Tuesday from 4 p.m. (CT) until the service.  Cremation will take place following the service.

Memorial contributions may be directed to VNA Hospice of Valparaiso, 501 Marquette St., Valparaiso, IN 46383.

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

Kathleen Ann Miller, 60, of LaPorte, IN, passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday, Jan. 6, 2019.

She was born March 28, 1958, in LaPorte to Walter Thomas and Betty Jane (Young) Miller.

Kathleen held a Class 4 Wastewater Operator’s License and was the Lab Manager of a nationally accredited Wastewater Lab. She was active in softball women’s and co-ed leagues and enjoyed the Chicago Cubs. She also enjoyed canoeing and traveling with her boys and friends. Kathleen always loved a good sale when she shopped.

Surviving are her beloved sons, Benjamin Janatik of Michigan City, IN, and Franklin Janatik of LaPorte; mother, Betty Miller of LaPorte; sister, Sue Rydzinski of South Bend, IN; brothers, Terry Miller of LaPorte, Tim Miller of LaPorte, Todd Miller of Long Beach, CA, and Jeff Miller of LaPorte; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by the father of her children, Dan Janatik; her father, Walter Miller; brother, Thomas Miller; paternal grandparents, Walter G. and Marie (Biddle) Miller; and maternal grandparents, Roy D. and Mildred (Ritter) Young.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 1 p.m. (CST) Wednesday, Jan. 9, at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, LaPorte. A time of visitation will be held Wednesday from 11 a.m. (CST) until the service at the funeral home. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, Otis, IN.

Memorial donations may be made to Dunes Hospice, 4711 Evans Ave., Valparaiso, IN 46383; or the American Cancer Society, 130 Red Coach Dr., Mishawaka, IN 46545.

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

Thomas Leroy Flitter, formerly of LaPorte, IN, died at the age of 75 on Jan. 1, 2019, at his Manitou Springs, CO, home after a battle with pancreatic cancer.  

He was born Sept. 22, 1943, to Joseph A. Flitter and Edna Erma (Schoof) Flitter. Tom was the youngest of 11 children.

He married Roselyn Ann Goff on Oct. 24, 1964. They were married 35 years and had two children, Jeffery Alan Flitter and Tambra Lynn Flitter, and seven grandchildren, Cassandra Rinkle, Camden Rinkle, Kaitlin Campbell, Nathan Egelske, Joseph Flitter, Thomas Flitter, and Olivia Flitter.

Thomas graduated in 1962 from Rolling Prairie High School and went on to Purdue University, where he studied Industrial Engineering. While in college, he worked summers for his oldest brother at Allied Engineering and Fabrication. While working there he learned to weld and built the iron stair rail that can still be seen in the old Levine’s Boston Store in downtown LaPorte. In 1966 he went to work in the test lab at New York Blower Company. While working there, he also worked in the Marketing Department, setting up trade shows. He also helped set up and was Assistant Manager of the first plastics division plant. In 1972 he became tired of sitting behind a desk and went to work for Supreme Plumbing and Heating, where he earned his Journeyman Plumber’s License. He later worked for LaPorte County government as its Building Engineer, and as Service Manager for Dye Plumbing and Heating, where he earned his Plumbing Contractor’s license. In 1992 he opened Flitter Plumbing and Heating with his son, Jeff.

Thomas moved to Colorado Springs in 2001, where he met Gloria Eggert; they were married June 19, 2004. He retired in 2007 from Fountain Valley School; he enjoyed keeping busy with their rental properties and quiet afternoons relaxing with his dog, Helios, on his deck overlooking Pike’s Peak.

Memorial contributions may be made to the donor’s choice of any Pancreatic Cancer Foundation.

Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP.

Linda Lee Stevens, 69, of South Bend, IN, passed away Monday, Jan. 7, 2019, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, South Bend.

Linda was born in LaPorte, IN, on Jan. 3, 1950, to Fred and Elizabeth (Renfro) Gregory.

On  April 18, 1975, in LaPorte, she married Richard Stevens, who preceded her in death.

Surviving are her beloved children, Angela Stevens of South Bend, Jeff Stevens of South Bend and Jamie (Craig) Bargholz of LaPorte; six grandchildren, Autumn, Krystel, Scottie, Dustin, Bailey, and A.J.; great-granddaughter, Oaklynn; brother, Dennis Gregory of Cornelia, GA; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and sister, Elizabeth Weaver.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at  6 p.m. (CT) Monday, Jan. 14, at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, LaPorte. A time of visitation will take place Monday from 4 p.m. (CT) until the service at the funeral home. Burial will take place at Arlington National Cemetery alongside her husband, Richard, at a later date.  Cremation has taken place.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Epilepsy Foundation, 8301 Professional Place W #230, Landover, MD 20785.

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

Richard Neal Loomis, 87, of LaPorte, IN, passed away Thursday, Jan. 10, 2019, at Brentwood in LaPorte.

He was born in rural LaPorte County, IN, on Aug. 29, 1931, to Vern and Aldean (Link) Loomis.

Richard served honorably in the U.S. Army. He worked for Joy Manufacturing for many years before retiring from Roll Coater. He enjoyed gardening and was a lifetime member of the American Legion.

Richard married Betty (Dadlow) Loomis, who survives in LaPorte. Also surviving are his beloved children, Neal Loomis of North Judson, IN, and Ned Loomis of Valparaiso, IN; and grandchildren, Shayla Brown of Wanatah, IN, Cory Busse of Winamac, IN, and Ashly Fifield of Valparaiso.

He was preceded in death by his parents and 1 sister.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 13, at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, LaPorte, with Pastor Ronald Brauer officiating. A time of visitation will take place from noon until the service Sunday at the funeral home.

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

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

Sharen Mae Smith, 69, of Chesterton, IN, passed away peacefully on Friday evening, Jan. 4, 2019. at VNA Hospice Homecare, Valparaiso, IN.

She was born Jan. 19, 1949, in LaPorte, IN, to Robert Hill and Charlotte Emma (Hood) Smith, both of whom preceded her in death.

Sharen was a lab technician for 10 years. She also worked at McGill Manufacturing Inc., Valparaiso, where she retired after 30 years of service. Sharen enjoyed hunting, fishing, traveling and passing on knowledge to the next generations, even if said knowledge fell on deaf ears at the time. Reflection seemed to show she was right most of the time. To her, family was the most important thing.

Sharen is survived by her son, Robert Todd Smith; one brother, Robert Hill (Susan) Smith III; three sisters, Karen (Dan) Massey, Martha M. (Ken) Heyse and Dora L. Smith; six nephews; five nieces; 12 great-nieces; six great-nephews; and five great-great-nieces/nephews.

Besides her parents, preceding in death was one brother, Carl John (Ardis) Kleekner.

A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held from 1-5 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019 at Eagles Lodge, 805 Elm St., Valparaiso, IN. Lakeview Funeral Home and Crematory, LaPorte, is handling arrangements.

In lieu of flowers please direct memorial contributions to Robert Todd Smith.

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

Grant William Breseke, 76, of LaPorte, IN, passed away Saturday, Jan. 12, 2019, at LaPorte Hospital.

He was born Jan. 24, 1942.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia; 2 daughters, Christine (Ray) Byers and Angela Bunchek; and 3 grandchildren.

A private family service will be held at a later date.

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

Walter Evans, 73, of Michigan City, IN, passed away unexpectedly Monday, Jan. 7, 2019, at 1:49 p.m. in his home.

He was born Feb. 5, 1945, in Pineville, KY, to Henry and Eva Evans.

Walter was a laborer at Weil-McLain until his retirement. He was a member of the Fish and Game Club.

Surviving are three children, Daniel (Loretta) Evans, Jimmy (Kelli) Evans and Tim (Michelle) Partin; two sisters, Pauline and Violia; and several grandchildren.

Preceding him in death were his parents, four brothers and two sisters. Walter has now joined his partner in crime, his best friend, Clayton “James” Evans.

A Celebration of Life gathering will be held from 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 26, at American Legion Post 37, 756 Highway 20, Michigan City.  Lakeview Funeral Home and Crematory, LaPorte, is handling arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family.

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

Barbara Evans, 71, of Michigan City, IN, passed away unexpectedly Monday, Jan. 7, 2019, at 1:49 p.m. in her home.

She was born Aug. 6, 1947, in Fort Wayne, IN.

Barbara was a baker at Hearthside Foods until her retirement.  She was a member of the Fish and Game Club.

Surviving are two children, Daniel (Loretta) Evans and Jimmy (Kelli) Evans, and several grandchildren.

Her parents preceded her in death.

A Celebration of Life gathering will be held from 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 26, at American Legion Post 37, 756 Highway 20, Michigan City. Lakeview Funeral Home and Crematory, LaPorte, is handling arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family.

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

Mollie N. Germek, 72, of New Carlisle, IN, passed away Sunday, Jan. 13, 2019, at Memorial Hospital of South Bend.

Mollie was born in Hammond, IN, on April 9, 1946, to Nicholas and Agnes (Mikan) Bargy.

Mollie owned her own business. She enjoyed painting, games, cards and cooking. Mollie loved spending time with her friends and family. She never met a stranger.

On April 22, 1990, in Highland, IN, she married George Germek Jr., who preceded her in death.

Surviving are her beloved children, Michele (Craig Jankowski) Farmer of Mishawaka, IN, and Colleen Dumelle of Chesterton, IN; 5 grandchildren, Christina (Michael) Lake of Granger, IN, Andrew (Lisa) Farmer of Crown Point, IN, Stephanie Farmer of Mishawaka, and David and Allison Dumelle of Chesterton; 3 great-grandchildren, Ashton Lake of Granger and Aiden and Mason Farmer of Crown Point; sister, Collette (Rich) Masny of Schererville, IN; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and sister, Chrys Bartzis.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at 6 p.m. (CT) Friday, Jan. 18, at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, LaPorte, IN, with Pastor Roger Ash officiating. A time of visitation will be held from 3 p.m. (CT) until the service Friday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to The Art Studio at Logan Industries, 3621 Boland Drive, South Bend, IN 46628.

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

Robert Edward Burns, the son of Robert L. and Dorothy H. Burns, was born on Oct. 27, 1935, in Utica, New York, and passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, January 16, 2019. He lived in eight states before moving to LaPorte in 1960 after graduating from Blackburn College and the University of Illinois and completing service in the United States Army.

He is survived by his wife, Jean, of 61 years; his son, Christopher (Cynthia) Burns of Jacksonville, Florida, and their three children, Casey, and twins Chelsea and Celeste; his daughter, Ellen (Drew) Talbott and their three sons Matthew (Melissa), Nicholas (Alexandra), and Adam.

Bob had great love for and took great pride in both his children and grandchildren. His friends and family will remember him as a kind, loving, gracious, positive husband, parent, grandparent, and friend. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Judith and brothers-in-law, Jack and Jerry Eisenbarth.

He began teaching in the LaPorte Community School Corporation in the fall of 1960 and enjoyed a forty-year career as a junior and senior high teacher of Social Studies, English and Driver Education. He retired in 2000. For a number of years he coached junior high athletic teams and officiated a variety of athletic events.

Both before and after his retirement he was an enthusiastic volunteer and tutor and played an active role in church and community organizations. He volunteered at the Kalamazoo Aviation History Museum and at LaPorte Hospital, and served as a mentor at Handley Elementary School. He was a volunteer at the LaPorte County Historical Society Museum and served on the LaPorte County Historical Society Board of Directors, was a member of the LaPorte County Public Library Board for sixteen years, was a board member and officer of the Friends of the Library, and was a member of the LaPorte Hospital Auxiliary.

Bob loved listening to music, reading, traveling, rooting for the Cubs (since 1945), gardening, attending grandchildren’s activities, enjoying Chicago and Stratford theater and local cultural activities, and being an active member of the community. Since 1960 he had been a faithful member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in LaPorte, serving as warden and vestryman, usher, and community meal volunteer.

A funeral services will be held Saturday, January 26, at 11 a.m. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 1000 Michigan Ave. LaPorte. The family will welcome visitors at the church prior to the service from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, LaPorte, is handling arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to St. Paul’s or to the charity of the donor’s choice.

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

Patricia “Pat” Ann Unger (Krachinski), 71, gained admission into life’s after party at 1 a.m. Dec. 26, 2018, after a brief illness.

Her determined spirit came as no surprise to any of her family who remain behind to keep her memory shining bright: John “Jack” Krachinski (ex-husband) and Jason Krachinski (son) of Michigan City, IN; Johnna Krachinski-Artley (daughter) and Amelia and Jack Artley (grandchildren) of Camp Hill, PA; Rebecca “Becky” L. and Bob Werner (sister, brother-in-law) of Union Mills, IN; William “Bill” Unger Jr. (brother) of LaPorte, IN; and Robert “Bob” G. and Pearl Unger (brother, sister-in-law) of Mooresville, IN.

Pat was born to William Unger Sr. and Billie (Ott) Unger in LaPorte, IN, where she spent her childhood and later attended LaPorte High School. After graduation, she married and had two children. Having a love for children, Pat became Mother of Superior Street to the neighborhood kids in Michigan City, IN, where she was known for providing her home as the favorite meeting place, a hideout and cookie factory (infamous for her buckeyes and Christmas cookies). Her super powers went beyond the kitchen when she’d be called upon to create award-winning Halloween costumes. When she needed to unwind, she often spent time with her friends cross-country skiing and golfing. Pat’s feisty spirit invigorated any occasion. Gregarious, fun-loving and quick with a laugh, Pat’s smile lit up the room as she entertained neighbors, nieces and nephews, friends and family. She never met a stranger and loved having a good time over a soda or beer.

A luncheon to toast Pat is scheduled: All are invited to share in the celebration of Pat’s life on Saturday, Jan. 26, 2019, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the VFW (Post 1130) in LaPorte, IN, located at 181 McClung Rd. (46350).

Flowers may be sent to the VFW the morning of the lunch celebration. Alternatively, financial donations in her honor to a charity favoring her love for animals, Michiana Humane Society in Michigan City (https://michianahumanesociety.org), would be most welcomed. Please come with stories of joy and laughter about Pat that would make her smile.

Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP.