Marilyn “Jean” Fain, 78, of LaPorte, IN, passed away peacefully at her home on Friday, Aug. 16, 2019.

She was born Aug. 8, 1941, in Leiters Ford, IN, to O.C. Harold and Mary Magdalene (Davis) Hartle.

Jean worked as an office manager at Wampler’s for many years.  She was a member of First Church of God and was a former member of the Pleasant Township Advisory Board. She enjoyed participating in a women’s bowling league for over 30 years.

On Jan. 15, 1972, in Door Village, IN, she married Wendell H. Fain, who survives.

Also surviving are her children, Debra (Brian) Sauers of LaPorte, Delynn (Tom) Ervin of Fox Lake, WI, and Curtis (Kimi) Fain of Rolling Prairie, IN; grandchildren, Brienne (Jeff) Robertson of Hudsonville, MI, Lauren Sauers of LaPorte, Alexis Fain of Golden, CO, Amelia Sauers of LaPorte, Mariah Fain of Rolling Prairie, Jack (Devlin) Ervin of Pensacola, FL, Kerigan Hundt of Rolling Prairie, and Zachary Fain of Rolling Prairie; great-grandchildren, Cole, Elena and Leah; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; son, Mark Nalepka; sisters, Connie Dunlap and Beverly Osborn; and brother, Gerald “Bud” Hartle.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 21, at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, LaPorte, with Pastor Jeff Zigler officiating.  Burial will follow at Salem Heights Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 20, and from 10 a.m. until the service Wednesday.

Memorial donations may be made to First Church of God, 2020 E. Lincolnway, LaPorte, IN 46350, or to the donor’s choice.

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

Patricia Ann Mulligan, 80, passed away Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019, in Sandwich, IL, after suffering with dementia.

She was born Oct. 8, 1938, in LaPorte, IN, to Stephen and Lorraine (Kuta) Piasecki. She was raised in LaPorte and graduated from LPHS in 1956. She married John C. Mulligan on Aug. 9, 1958, and then moved to Rock Island, IL. It was there that her two children were born. John’s job moved them to Rockford in the early 1960s and then to rural Sugar Grove, IL. Patricia lived in several communities in the Fox Valley area for the next 40 years.

Patricia was born a rebel in her time. She was driven to work outside the home and be a part of the larger community. She started as Youth Director of the YWCA in Rockford and then in Aurora, IL. She worked together with the YMCA, in the late 1960s and early 1970s to create outreach programs such as the popular summer van program. She later worked for Waubonsee Community College as Director of Community Education. Pat was a pioneer in organizing and working to create social programs in the Aurora area, including Mutual Ground, Area Agency on Aging and many others.

In her later years, Pat fulfilled her dreams of having her house in the woods near Grand Junction, MI, and living as an artist. She had used her graphic arts skills all through her life but found ways of making money selling her fanciful paper dolls, greeting cards and painting murals.

She is survived by her children, Victoria Mulligan of Imperial Beach, CA, and Paul (Dawn) Mulligan of Yorkville, IL; her grandchildren, Terra McConnell, Kyle (Diana) and Alex (Katie) Mulligan; two great-grandchildren, Tiffany and Jason McConnell; her sisters, Rita Clem and Rosalie (Bob) Weisser; and nieces and nephew, Debi, Stephanie and Greg Weisser.

Patricia was preceded in death by her parents, Stephen and Lorraine Piasecki; her former husband, John Charles Mulligan; and her brother-in-law, Allan Clem.

Memorials may be directed to Mutual Ground, 418 Oak Ave., Aurora, IL 60506.

A Celebration of Patricia’s Life will be held from 2 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24, at Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, LaPorte.

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

George Andrew Johnson, 94, of LaPorte, IN, passed away Monday, Aug. 12, 2019, at Golden Living Center, LaPorte.

He was born in Michigan City, IN, on July 26, 1925, to George and Celeste (Cashbaugh) Johnson. He proudly served in the U.S. Air Force. George was a self-employed carpenter/builder all of his life. He was a member of St. John’s Church. He loved bowling, walking his dogs, fishing, and trying golf.

On July 17, 1948, he married Lois Marie Reed, who preceded him in death.

Surviving are his children, Keith Johnson of Elkhart, IN, Mark Johnson of Valparaiso, IN, Kent Johnson of Valparaiso, and Kara Phillips of LaPorte; 4 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and all siblings, Jeanette, Celeste “Ruth,” Dick and Lois Rae.

Cremation has taken place with Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, LaPorte. A graveside service with Military Honors will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 31, at St. John’s Cemetery, corner of A Street and 10th Street, LaPorte.

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

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

Timothy John Kolar, 63, of New Carlisle, IN, passed away Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2019.

He was born June 7, 1956, in LaPorte, IN, to George E. and Winifred R. (Dreiner) Kolar.

Timothy was a Union Electrician with IBEW local 153 in South Bend, IN, having worked at Koontz Wagner in South Bend and I/N Tek & I/N Kote in New Carlisle. He graduated from Purdue University in 1978. He taught catechism at St. Joseph Catholic Church and helped with many projects at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in South Bend.  Tim helped anyone he could. He boarded horses and gave free lessons to many.

On July 22, 1978, in Galien, MI, Timothy married Susan Shields, who preceded him in death on Jan. 8, 1993. He was also preceded by his father.

Timothy is survived by daughters, Kathryn Tapper of Mishawaka, IN, and Tracy Kolar of Milwaukee, WI; sons, Timothy Kolar of Michigan City, IN, and Chris Kolar of South Bend; grandchildren, Jade and James Tapper and soon-expected grandson, Tim Kolar; sisters, Joan M. (Robert) Pisto of Comox, British Columbia, Canada, and Lynn A. Kolar of LaPorte; and brothers, David J. Kolar of LaPorte, Michael D. (Helen) Kolar of Naperville, IL, and Jan E. (Judy) Kolar of Scranton, IA.

Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. CST Sunday, Aug. 25, at Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, LaPorte. A Rosary will be recited at 4 p.m. CST. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. CST Monday, Aug, 26, at St. Stanislaus Kostka Catholic Church, 55756 Tulip Rd., New Carlisle. Reverend Paul McCarthy will officiate. Burial will follow in Pine Lake Cemetery, LaPorte.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Margaret’s House, 117 N. Lafayette Blvd, South Bend, IN 46601, or 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.

Willard Thatcher, 61, passed away Thursday, Aug. 15, 2019, at Memorial Hospital of South Bend, IN.

He was born Sept. 7, 1957, in Valparaiso, IN, to Arthur and Lillie (Wilson) Thatcher.

Willard was in maintenance for more than 20 years with the Michigan City Housing Authority. He enjoyed music, especially playing drums.  Most importantly Willard enjoyed time with his family.

On Aug. 21, 1976, in Michigan City, IN, he married Lois Jarrell, who preceded him in death on July 19, 2013.

Surviving are his children, Denise (Terry) Thompson of Michigan City, Keith Thatcher of  Union Mills, IN, Lorena (Jack) Beauchamp of Hamlet, IN, Lois (Arthur) Noveroske of LaPorte, IN, and Willard (Kathleen) Thatcher of LaPorte; 14 grandchildren, Emily (Dalton) Taylor, Dakota Beauchamp, Kaitlyn Thompson, Austin Beauchamp, Akiah Thatcher, Montana Beauchamp, Tionna Weding, Krysten Thompson, Sierra Beauchamp, Shane Thatcher, Dustin Noveroske, Jersey Thatcher, Krisyonna Thatcher, and Kyle Noveroske; siblings, Sharon (Dave) Livingston of Mishawaka, IN, Ralph Copner of Naco, AZ, Richard (E. Rose) Copner of LaPorte, Marion (Melissa) Thatcher of Medaryville, IN, and Arnett (Ben) Kellogg of Union Mills; sisters-in-law, Susan Copner of Hinesville, GA, Rose Kruger of Medaryville, and Denise Thatcher of Michigan City; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and brothers, Louis Copner, Arthur Thatcher and Clifford Thatcher.

A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held Saturday, Aug. 31, beginning at 2 p.m. at Willard’s home. Cremation has taken place with Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, LaPorte.

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

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

William “Ben” Otwinowski, 86, of LaPorte, IN, passed away Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2019.

He was born Oct. 7, 1932, in Poland to the late John and Helen Otwinowski.

Ben worked at New York Blower and was a self-employed tailor.  He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, having deep faith, and loved to attend church. He devoted his whole life to his family. Ben served in the Army in Poland before coming to America in 1963.

On Sept. 26, 1955, Ben married Helena Wilczewska, who preceded him in death on April 12, 2016. He was also preceded in death by sons, George Otwinowski on Oct. 30, 2007, and Richard Otwinowski on Jan. 29, 2012.

He is survived by a son, Mark (Michaelanne) Otwinowski of LaPorte; two daughters-in-law, Shelly Otwinowski of LaPorte and Melinda Otwinowski of Hartford City, IN; seven grandchildren, Michael (Rachel), Steven, Benjamin, Lindsay, Andrew, Matt, and Nicholas Otwinowski; and four great-grandchildren, Luke, Owen, Addison and William Otwinowski.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 23, 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. Saturday, Aug. 24, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, LaPorte. Family and friends may gather at the funeral home at 9 a.m. Saturday prior to the Mass.  Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, LaPorte.

Memorial contributions may be made to Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 201 Bach St., LaPorte, IN 46350.

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

Lloyd John Nelson, 88, lifetime resident of LaPorte, IN, passed away peacefully at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2019, at Brentwood of LaPorte.

He was born Sept. 12, 1930, in LaPorte to Lawrence and Henrietta (Troy) Nelson.

Lloyd honorably served his country in the United States Army from February 1952 to January 1954. He retired in 1992 after 35 years as a general contractor for his family business, Nelson Company, LaPorte. Lloyd formerly drove TransPorte for the City of LaPorte and was a former member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, LaPorte.

On Aug. 12, 1950, in LaPorte, he married Gladys (Miller) Nelson, who survives.

Also surviving are two sons, Douglas (Barb) Nelson of Venice, FL, and Steven (Kathy) Nelson of LaPorte; five grandchildren, Michael (Amanda) Nelson, Alyssa (Steve) Staley, Joshua (Andrea) Nelson, Jonna (Greg) Foos and Audra (Brian) Hart; 16 great-grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter on the way.

Preceding him in death were his parents and three sisters, Bernett Dawson, Joan Hoffman and Shirley Hartsburg.

A private memorial service will be held. Burial will take place at Swan Lake Memorial Gardens, Michigan City, IN. Lakeview Funeral Home & Crematory, LaPorte, is handling arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Dunes Hospice, 4711 Evans Ave., Valparaiso, IN 46383, and/or the donor’s choice in memory of Lloyd John Nelson.

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

Ronald C. “Ron” VanDePutte, 55, of Hamlet, IN, passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, Aug, 20, 2019.

He was born Aug. 3, 1964, in South Bend, IN, to Walter and Emma (Kilburn) VanDePutte.

Ron was a journeyman glazer in the DC91 Union. He was a member of Fish Lake American Legion Post 400, where he served as First Vice Commander, and the Forty and Eight Society. He served his country in the U.S. Navy as a Seabee.

On July 4, 2003, Ronald married Cindy S. Schieber, who survives.

He is also survived by stepchildren, Nicole Hahaj of Kingsford Heights, IN, A.J. Hahaj of South Bend and Brandon (Jess) Hahaj of Athol, ID; brothers, Don (Maureen) VanDePutte of Temperance, MI, and Ken (Jan) VanDePutte of Culver, IN; and an uncle, William Kilburn of Walkerton, IN.

Cremation has taken place. Burial will be at 11 a.m. CST Friday, Aug. 30, in Burr Oak Cemetery, Culver, IN. Military Honors will be held at 6 p.m. CST Friday, Aug. 30, at Fish Lake American Legion Post 400, 302 Lakeside Dr., Walkerton, IN, followed by a celebration of Ron’s life. Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, LaPorte, is handling arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, Midwest Affiliate, Dept. 77-3968, Chicago, IL 60678-3968.

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

Michael “Mike” Robert Pastewski, 59, of LaPorte, IN, formerly of Burnham, IL, passed away peacefully at 8:15 p.m. Monday, Aug. 19, 2019, in his home.

He was born March 31, 1960, in Chicago, IL, to Robert and Margaret (Cadle) Pastewski.

Mike was a fork lift driver for Atkore International, formerly Allied Tube and Conduit, Harvey, IL, for 38 years. He enjoyed watching NASCAR racing, attending drag races and working on his friends’ stock cars. He also enjoyed woodworking, building, working outdoors, having bonfires and setting off fireworks and explosions. His favorite holiday was the 4th of July. Mike was motivated to lend a helping hand to whomever needed it. Mike volunteered at the Heston Steam Museum, helping stock them with their supply of wood to fuel the trains by cutting trees and splitting logs for other people. He was known to many as “Moe” and to his family as “Grandpa Moe.”

Surviving are his mother, Margaret Pastewski of LaPorte; significant other, Gerry Bowman of LaPorte; two children, Lt. Nicholas (Mie) Pastewski of Aiea, HI, and Lisa Westling of Tinley Park, IL; one sister, Debbie (Bill) Koche of LaPorte; two grandchildren, Bryanna and Jacob; one niece, Anne Schmitt of LaPorte; one nephew, Kenny Koche of LaPorte; one great-nephew, Kayden Schmitt; numerous friends; and his beloved dog, Cape.

His father preceded him in death.

Cremation will take place. A graveside service celebrating his life will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 1, at Carmel Cemetery, LaPorte. Burial will follow the service at the cemetery. Lakeview Funeral Home & Crematory, LaPorte, is handling arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the LaPorte County Small Animal Shelter, 2855 W. Ind. 2, LaPorte, IN 46350, in memory of Mike Pastewski.

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

Doran Ray Boudreau, 73, of Michigan City, IN, passed away peacefully at 7:27 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 22, 2019. at Franciscan Health Hospital, Michigan City.

He was born April 16, 1946, in LaPorte, IN, to George and Irene (Pomranke) Boudreau.

Doran honorably served his country in the United States Army. He was formerly a guitarist for a band that played Beatles classics. Doran worked for Weil-McLain as a maintenance foreman for almost 33 years. He was a member of the United Church of God, Munster; American Legion, Michigan City; VFW, LaPorte; and Izaak Walton Gun Club. He was a farmer at heart and loved his John Deere equipment.

On Aug. 21, 1982, in Michigan City, he married Nora Lee (Halfacre) Boudreau, who survives.

Also surviving are one brother, Douglas Boudreau of Westville, IN; two children, Tim (Phyllis) Riley of Newark, AR, and Charlotte (Randy) Hess of Chesterton, IN; four grandchildren, Starla (Matt) Fagerstrom, Matthew (Ann) Nash, Michael Nash and Jennifer (Eugenio) Martinez; nine great-grandchildren; aunt, Charlotte Solberg of Michigan City; and several extended family members.

Preceding him in death were his parents; one son, Gary Riley; and several aunts and uncles.

A funeral celebrating his life will be held at 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 26, at Lakeview Funeral Home & Crematory, LaPorte, with Pastor Shawn Cortelyou officiating. Visitation and viewing will be held from 4 p.m. until the service Monday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the United Church of God, International Association, P.O. Box 541027, Cincinnati, OH 45254-1027; and/or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, in memory of Doran Ray Boudreau.

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

Elizabeth Sardon, 67, of Long Beach, IN, passed away Monday, Aug. 26, 2019, at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Chicago, IL.

She was born July 10, 1952, in Camiling, Tarlac Philippines, to Major Zoilo and Victorina (Espino) Caolboy.

Elizabeth received her Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from St. Luke’s College of Nursing. She managed her husband Dr. Danny Sardon’s surgical practice. Elizabeth was a member of Notre Dame Catholic Church, Michigan City, IN, and of Couples for Christ.

On Sept. 11, 1976, in Red Bank, NJ, at St. James Church, she married Danny Sardon, who survives.

Also surviving are two children, Cherisse (Kelly) Sardon Garrity of Minneapolis and Brian (Meghan Mulcahy) Sardon of River Forest, IL; two sisters, Myrna Guillermo of Tarlac, Philippines, and Carolyn (Ferdinand) Tinio of Cliffside Park, NJ; one brother, Ramon (Melba) Caolboy of Tarlac, Philippines; brothers-in-law, Rey (Cynthia) Sardon of LaPorte, IN, Hernan (Stephany) Sardon of Michigan City and Rene Sardon of San Diego, CA; nephew, Marco (Amber) Tinio of Chicago, IL; six grandchildren, Maya, Sebastian, Malia, Maci, Bennett, and Owen; and great-nephew and niece, Liam and Colette.

Preceding her in death were her parents; one sister, Dianalyn Caolboy; father-in-law, Alejo Sardon; mother-in-law, Felicisima Sardon; sisters-in-law, Corazon Sardon and Juliet Caolboy; and brother-in-law, Julio Angelito Guillermo.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 31, at Notre Dame Catholic Church, 1005 Moore Rd., Michigan City, with Father Selvaraj Selladurai officiating. Visitation and viewing will be held from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 30, at Lakeview Funeral Home & Crematory, LaPorte. Visitation and viewing will also be held at Notre Dame Catholic Church from 10 a.m. until the service Saturday. A prayer service will be held at 7 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Entombment will take place at Swan Lake Memorial Gardens, Michigan City.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family for Couples for Christ, in memory of Elizabeth Sardon.

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

Eugene LeRoy Shurte, 87 of Wanatah, IN, passed away Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2019. 

He was born Nov. 20, 1931, in Wanatah to John and Grace (Schlundt) Shurte. 

Gene graduated from Wanatah High School in 1949 and proudly served in the United States Army.  He worked hard as a farmer on the Shurte family farm until the late 1970s, and later made his career as the LaPorte County Highway Superintendent for 30 years.  Gene was an avid sports fan and a captivating storyteller. He especially enjoyed cheering on and encouraging his daughters and grandchildren in their many sports and activities.  Gene was a loving husband and father who gave selflessly to his beloved community in a plethora of ways.

Gene was a member of Hanna Methodist Church, a lifetime member and 4-Term Commander of Wanatah Legion Post 403, was involved in the Wanatah Parks Board, Wanatah Public Library Board, Cass Township School Board, Cass Township Advisory Board, Wanatah Chamber of Commerce, LaPorte County Convention and Visitors Bureau, Michiana Auto Club, Masonic Lodge 192 of Westville 33rd Degree, Scottish Rite, and Orak Shrine.  Gene was the founder and creator of the Wanatah Scarecrow Festival and managed the event for 20 years.  He served passionately as the LaPorte County Fair General Manager and Director for 10 years. Gene received the Circle of Corydon award from Governor Holcomb for his years of volunteer work, and was recently presented with the Centennial and Sesquicentennial Hoosier Homestead Award from the State of Indiana.

On Aug. 24, 1957, in South Bend, IN, Gene married Elaine Sacks, who survives along with their daughters: Jeanine (Kirk) Hockney of Zionsville, IN, Susan Martin of Wanatah, Sheryl (Barry) Johnson of Valparaiso, IN, Barbara (Jim Gold) Shurte of Corpus Christi, TX, and Alissa (Mike) Clemons of Wanatah; grandchildren: Ashley and Keegan Hockney, Brian (Andrea) Shurte, Mark and Alayna Johnson, and Alex and Max Clemons; and great-grandchildren: Luke and Lily Shurte. 

He was preceded in death by his parents and son-in-law, Gene Martin.

A visitation will be held Friday, Aug. 30, from 2:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Wanatah Funeral Chapel, 309 N. Main St., Wanatah. A Celebration of Life will begin Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home, with burial to follow at Hanna Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Unity Foundation of LaPorte County, 422 Franklin St., Suite C, Michigan City, IN 46360. Donations will be distributed to local charitable organizations.

Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP as well as at http://www.angelcrestinc.com/wanatah_funeral_chapel.html

Today the state of the world has been left a gentler place to live in because of the life of Reverend Dr. Richard Gerald Blair, born May 31, 1943.

Richard has left this world gracefully with profound and lasting legacies in the hearts of his wife, Diana (Davis) Blair, and his precious children, Cherri (Michael) Blair-Drayton, Angela (Dan) Drake, Jacqueline Hart, and Maurice Forrest (Jill) Blair. He has left his legacy and love in the hearts of his 13 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Richard leaves behind three beloved sisters, Maureen Swope, Pam (Dale) Hughes and Sue (Dave) Conley, and one brother, Maurice (Bev) Blair. He was preceded in death by his mother, Geraldine Victoria Blair, and his father, Maurice Forrest Blair.

Richard earned his Doctorate in Theology from Andersonville Theological Seminary. He had a prison ministry and a nursing home ministry. Richard was a youth group leader and pastored Denham Baptist Church, First Baptist Church in Michigan City, IN, and Segundo Bautista (Second Baptist) Church in East Chicago, IN. He retired briefly before creating a non-profit ministry “RG Blair Ministries CWA”. His non-profit helped homeless shelters, food pantries, college students, missionaries, bill assistance, groceries to assist families, and provisions for the LaPorte County Home residents. The list is vast and goes on and on.

His passions and pursuits were cooking, writing a family cookbook, quilting, reading and collecting books, and writing sermons, poetry, and a commentary on the Book of Matthew. He was race car driver in his youth. Richard researched extensive Blair genealogy and had a bike ministry. He was a runner, running annual 5K and 10K races, Kent’s Run, YMCA, First Fridays, and Sunflower Fair runs. Richard enjoyed nature photography, canned tomatoes and special jalapeños. He was a craftsman and woodworker. He loved camping, fishing and trips to South Haven and Valparaiso Barnes and Noble. Richard enjoyed eating at Ricochet Tacos and Mucho Mas.

Rest in divine peace and sit at the table of sages in heaven and reap your rewards. Richard was a committed and devoted man to his family and friends. Well done, good and faithful servant. Rest in divine peace and enjoy your time with Jesus. We are sure you are helping to prepare rooms in heaven for the rest of your family.

There will be a public viewing from 1 to 3 p.m. (CT) Saturday, Aug. 31, at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, LaPorte. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 3 p.m. (CT) Saturday at the funeral home with graveside services to follow at Olive Chapel Cemetery in New Carlisle, IN.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations may be made to Operation Smile, 3641 Faculty Blvd., Virginia Beach, VA 23453.

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

Patricia A. Hamilton, 72, passed away Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2019, at LaPorte Hospital.

She was born June 6, 1947, in Illinois to William and Margaret (Dolohery) Hamilton.

Patricia was a housekeeper for many years at Blue Chip Casino.  She enjoyed watching HGTV, listening to Coast To Coast, and sharing memories of her childhood. Patricia dearly loved her cat, Herbie.

Surviving are her children, Brian (Jerilyn) Favia of LaPorte, IN, Renee Collins of Galien, MI, and Phillip (Susan) Favia of LaPorte; 10 grandchildren, Ashley (Jeff) Briggs of LaPorte, Tyler Surma of LaPorte, Allyssa Collins of LaPorte, Bailey Collins of LaPorte, Devyn Favia of Milwaukee, WI, Madilyn Favia of LaPorte, Xander Favia of LaPorte, Kendra Hooper of LaPorte, Cody Favia of LaPorte, and Caitlin Favia of LaPorte; several great-grandchildren; sisters, Mary (Ron) Mace and Juanita Hamilton, both of LaPorte; special cat, Herbie; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Nancy Hamilton.

Cremation has taken place with Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, LaPorte.  A private family service will take place at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be directed 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.cutlerfuneral.com.