Kenneth M. Conn, 67, of LaPorte, IN, passed away unexpectedly at 10:21 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2019, in his home.

He was born Oct. 31, 1951, in Fort Leonard Wood, MO, to Perry K. and Irene A. (Stock) Conn.

Kenneth retired as a Correctional Officer from the Indiana Department of Correction, Westville Correctional Facility, after 15 years of service.  He loved his cats, Chloe and Jinks, was an avid Chicago Cubs and White Sox fan and enjoyed fishing.

On April 22, 1989, in Lebanon, MO, he married Diana (Calton) Conn, who preceded him in death on Feb. 24, 2012.

Also preceding him in death were his parents.

Surviving are two sisters, Patricia Faherty of Holts Summit, MO, and Carmen E. Eagle of Saint Charles, MO; one brother, Walter (Kathy) Conn of Lebanon, MO; aunt and uncle, Abbas and Rosel Fatemi of Oster Ode, Germany; three stepchildren, Michael Sacks, Jeff Sacks and Tina Benavidez; and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.

A memorial gathering celebrating his life will be held from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 31, at Lakeview Funeral Home and Crematory, LaPorte. Burial will take place at a family cemetery in Lebanon, MO, to join his wife, Diana, at a later date.

A special thank you to John and Julie Miller for providing the handcrafted headstone.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the LaPorte County Small Animal Shelter, 2855 W. Ind. 2, LaPorte, IN 46350; or Michiana Humane Society, 722 Hwy. 212, Michigan City, IN 46360.

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

Sue Dykstra was 70 years old and was born on April 3, 1949, in Hindman, KY, to the late Augusta Mosley and Rosco Messer. She passed away Aug. 28, 2019.

Sue was an accomplished pool player and reached state and national levels. She held a passion for fishing, watching fishing shows throughout the winter months.

She is survived by her husband of 40 years, Remmelt Dykstra.

She is also survived by her brothers, James (Linda) Messer of Albion, IN, Marvin Messer of LaPorte, IN; H. Wayne Messer of Rolling Prairie, IN, and Paul (Debbie) Smith of Rolling Prairie; sisters, Shelia (Larry) Taylor of Mulberry, FL, and Rhonda Messer of Sturgis, MI; sister-in-law Faye Dykstra Wenzel of LaPorte; 18 nieces and nephews; and several grand nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, John S. Ritchie; brothers, T.J. Messer and Jeffrey Messer; and sister, Christine Begley.

Cremation will take place. Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, LaPorte, is handling arrangements.

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

Ronald M. Granzo, 78, of Michigan City, IN, passed away peacefully at 11:15 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2019, at Aperion Care Arbors, Michigan City.

He was born May 12, 1941, in Chicago, IL, to Arthur and Estell (Pickford) Granzo.

Ronald was a truck driver for Sprague Device, Michigan City, for 13 years. He formerly owned and operated a truck driving business; his dog training business, Canine Protectors; and his riding stables, Michiana Riding Stables, Michigan City/Michiana Shores.

On Oct. 30, 1959, in Michigan City, he married Judith R. (Machacek) Granzo, who preceded him in death Sept. 12, 2018.

Also preceding him in death were his parents; one daughter, Dawn Rose Granzo; twin brother, Donald Granzo; and brother, Larry Granzo.

Surviving are two daughters, Debra Lee Granzo of South Bend, IN, and Diane Marie Croghan-Novak of Vancouver, WA; one son, Chuck Richie of Sauk City, WI; and one grandson, Trevor “TC” Carl Novak.

Cremation will take place. There will be no service. 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 Ronald M. Granzo.

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

Tom Kouttoulas, 60, of LaPorte, IN, passed away unexpectedly Saturday, Aug. 31, 2019, in his home.

He was born Dec. 29, 1958, in Gary, IN, to the late Greg and Mary (Doumis) Kouttoulas.

Surviving are his two siblings, George (Sandy) Kouttoulas and Gina Barthel, both of LaPorte; one aunt, Clara Hadjis of Las Vegas, NV; and two cousins, Jim and Tom Hadjis, both of Las Vegas.

His parents preceded him in death.

Cremation will take place. A private family service will be held. Lakeview Funeral Home & Crematory, LaPorte, is handling arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Fried’s Cat Shelter, 509 Ind.  212, Michigan City, IN 46350, and/or Independent Cat Society, P.O. Box 735, Westville, IN 46391, in memory of Tom Kouttoulas.

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

Lawrence “Tony” Anthony Homan Jr., 31, of South Bend, IN, passed away unexpectedly at 8:25 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 31, 2019, in LaPorte, IN.

He was born Sept. 9, 1987, in Merrillville, IN, to Lawrence Anthony Homan Sr. and Rhonda Marie (Ebert) Knox.

Tony attended school in Westville, IN. He worked as a skilled carpenter for 15 years. Tony currently was working at Cavanaugh Construction for four years. He loved building and was very proud of his skill in construction. Tony was an avid Colts fan and coached his son’s Little League team, South East Little League. He enjoyed the time he spent with his family and children, camping, hiking and fishing. Tony loved spending relaxing evenings with his fiancé, Ashley, at their home. He also enjoyed outdoor adventures and dirt biking. Tony had no fear in the world. He had a bright personality and he will be dearly missed.

Surviving are his mother, Rhonda (Jeffrey Mussman) Knox of LaPorte; fiancé, Ashley Kopriva of South Bend; three children, Cayden, Landyn and Kinsley Homan, all of South Bend; one sister, Erica (Jerremy) Wheeler of Columbia City, IN; two brothers, Brian (Christina) Homan of Westville and Bradley Homan of Hobart, IN; one niece, Madison Looney; five nephews, Braxton Homan, Jackson Gilbert, Trevor Wheeler, Ayden Homan and Zayne Homan; parents-in-law, Dana and Robert Gillespie of Osceola, IN; parents-in-law, William and Suzanne Kopriva of Mishawaka; sister-in-law, Casey Kopriva of Mishawaka, IN; brother-in-law, Anthony Kopriva of South Bend; and his beloved dog, Roxy Roco.

Preceding him in death were his father and maternal grandparents, William Ebert and Delores Miller.

A memorial service celebrating his life will be held at noon CST Saturday, Sept. 7, at Lakeview Funeral Home & Crematory, LaPorte. Visitation will be Saturday from 10 a.m. CST until the service.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family c/o Lakeview Funeral Home & Crematory, 247 W. Johnson Rd., LaPorte, IN 46350.

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

Mark Brian Tibbs, 59, of LaPorte, IN, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2019, at Lakeland Hospital, St. Joseph, MI.

He was born Nov. 18, 1959, in South Bend, IN, to Virgil and Dorothy (Wellinski) Tibbs.

In 1980, Mark joined the National Guard, where he was a Combat Engineer.  He retired as an E7 SFC after 20 years of faithfully serving his country. Mark was an industrial maintenance/machinist.  His favorite pastimes included watching M*A*S*H, History Channel, Andy Griffith and John Wayne western movies; camping, and dog sitting his grand dogs.  Mark loved history and classic rock music. He enjoyed his daily phone calls with his beloved cousin, Peggy. Mark’s favorite color was camouflage.

Surviving are his children, Lisa (Matt) Wiltfong of LaPorte, Felicia (Jeremy) Morton of Rolling Prairie, IN, and Melissa Kneifel of New Carlisle, IN; 13 grandchildren; 1 great-granddaughter, Sophia; siblings, Frank (Betty) Tibbs of Tennessee and Vicki (Joe) Mikalajunas of Maryland; 6 nieces; 1 nephew, and 5 grand dogs.

He was preceded by his parents, Virgil and Dorothy Tibbs; brother, James Tibbs; and niece, Jennifer.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 7, at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, LaPorte, with Pastor Roger Ash officiating. Burial with Full Military Honors will follow at Pine Lake Cemetery, LaPorte. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 6, and from 10 a.m. until the service Saturday.

Memorial donations may be made to the American Legion Skwiat Post, 451 Homeless Veterans Program, 121 Skwiat Legion Ave., Michigan City, IN 46360.

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

Ted E. Keller, 89, of LaPorte, IN, passed away Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2019.

He was born Feb. 26, 1930, in LaPorte to the late George and Mary (Lizak) Keller.

Ted attended LaPorte High School and Union #1485 Building Trades School and was a carpenter. He was employed by Oscar C. Knoll and Sons for 18 years. Then he and his wife owned and operated the Bottle Shop and Ted’s Package Liquor (Bottle Shop Two), and Keller’s Hand Car Wash and Detail Shop with his son. Ted was a charter member of Maple City Lions, where he served as treasurer, and a member of St. Peter Catholic Church, where he was an usher, money counter, and on the funeral dinner committee. He served his country in the United States Army in the Engineering Corps during the Korean War. He never said no to helping friends or neighbors with projects and he enjoyed traveling to Arizona and California. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

On Sept. 15, 1956, in LaPorte, Ted married Dolores F. (Schmidt), who survives.

Ted is also survived by three daughters, Karen (Scott) Prosser of LaPorte, Gail (Bruce) Tilling of LaPorte, and Nancy Felix of Mesa, AZ; two sons, David (Debra) Keller of LaPorte and Todd Keller of LaPorte; three grandchildren, Jessica Lofberg, Joshua (Emily) Tilling and Nicholas (Sarah) Tilling; four great-granddaughters, Autym, Joyce, Alice and Evelyn; and a sister, Irene Maury of Simpsonville, SC.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Edward and Stanley Keller; and a son-in-law, Martin Felix.

Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 8, at Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, LaPorte. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Monday, Sept. 9, at St. Peter Catholic Church in LaPorte. Reverend Ian Williams will officiate. Family and friends may gather at 9 a.m. Monday in the funeral home. Burial will follow in Pine Lake Cemetery, LaPorte, with Military Honors.

Memorial contributions may be made to Scipio Township Volunteer Fire Department, 1105 W. 250 S, LaPorte, IN 46350; or Heart to Heart Hospice, 402 Wall St., Valparaiso, IN 46383.

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

Betty June Hormann, 93, of New Carlisle, IN, passed away peacefully at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2019, at Hamilton Grove, New Carlisle.

She was born Oct. 22, 1925, in Fort Wayne, IN, to Donald and Thelma (Smith) Clem.

Betty was a former member of North Park Community Church, Fort Wayne, IN.

Betty had a heart as big as the sky, and it was filled with love for her husband of 70 years, her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and her family and friends. She made sure everyone knew how much they meant to her. She lived by her strong Christian faith and spread the gospel of Jesus whenever she could. She always seemed to know when her loved ones were hurting and would reach out to “see how you were doing” whenever they needed it most. She rescued a multitude of cats and birds (mostly robins and all named “Peeps”) over her years, and for as long as her body let her, she fed squirrels, birds and any other animal that lived outside her windows. Her family will miss her dearly, but we know that she was greeted in heaven by Vic, Jean and so many friends and family who preceded her and whom she held dear to her heart. She is looking over all of us from her seat in the clouds, surrounded by the animals she cared for, holding hands with Vic and shining her love upon us all.

On May 15, 1948, in New Haven, IN, she married Victor Henry Hormann, who preceded her in death March 14, 2019.

Also preceding her in death were her parents; her daughter, Carol Jean Smith; and three brothers, Donald Clem III, Victor Lynn Clem and Devon Clem.

Surviving are her two daughters, Cindy (Ric) Kok and Julie (Steve) Getz; one brother, Robert (Joan) Clem; four grandchildren, Carissa Kniola, Kelly Morris, Tiffany Lawrence and Michael Farren; five great-grandchildren, Kailyn Morris, Nyima Kniola, Kai Kniola, Reigan Farren and Miles Farren; two sisters-in-law, Maxine Hively and Lydia Clem; and one brother-in-law, Robert (Beverly) Hormann.

A funeral celebrating her life will be held at 11 a.m. EST Thursday, Sept. 12, at the Odd Fellows Cemetery Chapel, 1109 Hartzell Rd., New Haven, IN, with Pastor Heath Lisenby officiating. Burial will follow the service at the cemetery. Lakeview Funeral Home & Crematory, LaPorte, is handling arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Woodburn Christian Children’s Home, 24902 Notestine Rd., Woodburn, IN 46797; and/or to the Doris Day Animal League, P.O. Box 96084, Washington, D.C. 20090-6084.

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

Joyce Lynn Wright, 61, of Michigan City, IN, passed away peacefully at 3:38 a.m. Monday, Sept. 2, 2019, at Franciscan Health Hospital, Michigan City.

Joyce was a produce stocker at Al’s Supermarket, Michigan City, for 15 years. She was a lifetime member of The Wall Gang and former member of the Michigan City Fish and Game Club. Joyce was a very talented marksman and archer. She enjoyed hunting and fishing with her husband. Joyce proved herself to be better at fishing and hunting, showing her husband up. She loved joyrides in the country, cookouts and camping with family and friends.

On July 29, 1995, in Michigan City, she married Amos “Dwayne” Wright, who survives.

Also surviving are her two children, Jessica Hernandez of Valparaiso, IN, and Blanca (Jody) Flowers of Chicago, IL; four sisters, Cindy (Tom) Bowers of Peru, IN, Laura (Dana) Gillis of Wisconsin, Jacquelyn (James) Hollahan of Michigan City and Katherine (Leroy) Buckley of Oglesby, IL; three brothers, Raymond (Debbie) Tilden of Michigan City, Miles (Onita) Tilden of Peru, IN, and Jack (Renee) Tilden of Portland, OR; and two grandchildren, Primo Hernandez and Alandra Starks.

Preceding her in death were her parents; two sisters, Valerie Hernandez and Sylvia Tilden; and her beloved dog, Bubby.

Cremation will take place. A celebration of her life will be held from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28, at Westville United Methodist Church, 154 W. Main St., Westville, IN. Lakeview Funeral Home & Crematory, La Porte, (219) 362-3100 is handling arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family c/o Lakeview Funeral Home, 247 W. Johnson Rd., La Porte, IN 46350.

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

Gladys E. Buckow, 98, of La Porte, IN, passed away Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019, at Golden Living Center-Fountainview, La Porte.

She was born March 10, 1921, in La Porte to Fred and Carrie (Gropp) Buckow.

Gladys graduated from La Porte High School in 1939. She worked at AP Andrew Bank, La Porte, as a bookkeeper until her retirement in 1959.  She also held a Civil Service position at Kingsbury Ordnance Plant. In 1959, Gladys accepted a secretarial position with NIPSCO, where she retired in 1989. Gladys was a lifetime member of St. Paul United Church of Christ, where she taught Sunday School, sang in the choir, and was a  member of the Women’s Guild.  She was also a member of USW Local 13796.

Surviving are her niece, Connie (Robert) Burdine of La Porte; nephews, Douglas (Susanna) Ebeck of Lancaster, CA, and Kenton (Jennifer) Ebeck of Cleveland, TN; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

She was preceded by her parents and sister, Viola Ebeck.

A Graveside Service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 13, at Pine Lake Cemetery with Pastor Roger Ash officiating.

Memorial donations may be made to the donor’s choice.

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

John Ray Beauchamp, 74, passed away Thursday, Sept. 5, 2019, at Fountainview Terrace, La Porte.

He was born March 5, 1945, to Vernon and Esther (Borton) Beauchamp.

John was a fork lift driver for many years.  He was a member of an area fishing club.

Surviving are his children, Jack (Lorena) Beauchamp of Hamlet, IN, and Karen (Patrick) Sneed of Fort Wayne, IN; 9 grandchildren, Dakota, Austin, Montana and Sierra Beauchamp of Hamlet, Stephanie (Tom) Sieczko and Kari (Richard) Copeland of South Bend, IN, and Jordan, Mackenzie and Kendra Sneed of Fort Wayne; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Vernon “Bud” S. Beauchamp, Edna May Washburn, Norma L. Beauchamp, Opal I. Beauchamp, Herald William “Bill” Beauchamp, Ruth E. Beauchamp, Joseph R. Beauchamp, and Mary G. Beauchamp.

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

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family c/o Jack Beauchamp, 2900 Monroe St., La Porte, IN 46350.

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

Rosemary A. DeWolf, 92, of La Porte, IN, passed away peacefully at her home on Monday, Sept. 9, 2019.

She was born July 2, 1927, in La Porte to Leo and Elizabeth (Wagner) Minich.

Rosemary was employed as Deputy Clerk Treasurer for the City of La Porte Clerk Treasurer’s Office. She graduated in 1945 from Kingsbury High School and the former Reese School of Business. She was a member of St. Peter Catholic Church, where she enjoyed singing in the choir and was a member of Ladies Circle.

Rosemary cherished time spent with her grandchildren, family and friends.

On Sept. 29, 1951, in La Porte, she married William E. DeWolf, who preceded her in death on Dec. 29, 2012.

Rosemary leaves behind two sons, Christopher M. (Bonnie) DeWolf and James W. DeWolf, both of La Porte; grandchildren, Angela (Samuel) King and Annette (Chase) Schletzer; four great-grandchildren, William John, Florence, Branch and Dawson; a sister, Sister Helen Minich of St. Francis Convent, Mishawaka, IN; and a brother, Thomas Minich of La Porte.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband William; and siblings, Mary and Virginia Biegel, Helen Wandell, and Leonard, Richard, Robert and Andrew Minich.

Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 12, at Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, La Porte. A Parish Rosary will be recited at 6:15 p.m. Thursday. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 13, at St. Peter Catholic Church in La Porte. Family and friends may gather at 9 a.m. Friday in the funeral home. Reverend Ian Williams will officiate.  Burial will follow in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, La Porte.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Peter Catholic Church, 1110 Monroe St., La Porte, IN 46350.

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

Rodger “Papu” L. Parker, 75, of Walkerton, IN, passed away Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019, at Memorial Hospital, South Bend, IN.

He was born in South Bend on Oct. 20, 1943, to Ledger and Vera (Metz) Parker.

Rodger was self-employed in property management. He enjoyed cooking and gardening.  Rodger enjoyed flowers and  loved caring for animals.

On Feb. 28, 1967, in Mishawaka, IN, he married Patricia Miller, who survives.

Also surviving are his children, Kimberly Parker of Michigan City, IN, and James Parker of La Porte, IN; granddaughter, Chelsey Kamleiter of Rochester, IN; sister, Jan (John) Kolberg of Mishawaka; 2 dogs, Tessa and Bear; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a few brothers and sisters.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21, at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, La Porte, with Pastor Roger Ash officiating. Visitation will be held  from 2 p.m. until the service at the funeral home. Cremation has taken place; interment will take place at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family c/o Patricia Parker, 2900 Monroe St., La Porte, IN 46350.

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

Charles “Charley” E. Culp, 76, of La Porte, IN, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2019, at La Porte Hospital.

He was born in Elkhart, IN, on Aug. 9, 1943, to Frederick Giggy and June E. (McElwee). He was later adopted by Charles Culp, who preceded him in death.

Charley was a truck driver for many years. He retired from the state highway department after 26 years of service. Charley enjoyed fishing and bowling.

On Nov. 18, 1972, in Salem Heights, IN, he married Jeanne Foster, who survives.

Also surviving are his children, Ned (Karen) Giggy of La Porte, Lynn Watkins of Shelbyville, IN, Pam (John) Williams of Kingsford Heights, IN, Carla (Steven) Williams of Union City, MI, Wayne (Rhonda) Giggy of La Porte, and Carl Culp of La Porte; 22 grandchildren; 42 great-grandchildren; mother, June Sherland of Goshen, IN; brother, James Culp of Goshen; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father and 2 daughters, Catherine Fort and Jeannellen Mullins.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28, at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, La Porte, with Pastor Bob Vale officiating. Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. until the service at the funeral home. Cremation has taken place; tnterment will take place at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family c/o Jeanne Culp, 2900 Monroe St., La Porte, IN 46350.

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

Margaret A. Miller, 88, of La Porte, IN, passed away Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2019.

She was born May 7, 1931, in La Porte to Clarence and Jesse (Bear) Schroeder.

Margaret was a member of St. Joseph Parish. She worked professionally in the accounting field after raising her children. She enjoyed IU basketball, Notre Dame football and the Chicago Cubs and could be found cheering them on throughout their respective seasons. Margaret’s family was the center of life. Her kindness, generosity, and endless love and support will be cherished for many generations to come.

On May 30, 1952, in La Porte, Margaret married Harry L. Miller, who preceded her in death on April 21, 2000. They shared a long, loving marital relationship for 48 years.

Margaret is survived by seven daughters, Constance (Gordon) Walker of Fort Wayne, IN, Cathlene (Randall) Mumma of La Porte, Deborah (Jack) Kahn of Michigan City, IN, Cynthia (Milt) Cooper of North Liberty, IN, Mary (Duane) Tyler of Elgin, IL, Andrea (David) Jeffers of South Bend, IN, and Sandra Miller of La Porte; one son, William (Yvonne) Miller of Indianapolis, IN; grandchildren, Brendan (Kara) Walker, Jessie (Matt) Millhouse, Margaret (Adam) Caulfield, Melissa Tyler, Wade (Brittany) Tyler, Scott Mumma, Sarah Mumma, Ryan Keim, Anna Kozor, Gabrielle Jeffers, William Jeffers, and Harrison Jeffers; three great-grandchildren, Isabel Millhouse, August Caulfield and Bailey Caulfield; and one brother, William Schroeder.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and a granddaughter, Amanda Keim.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 14, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, La Porte. Reverend Ian Williams will officiate. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, La Porte. Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, La Porte, is handling arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Dunes Hospice, 4711 Evans Ave., Valparaiso, IN 46383.

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

Margaret “Sue” Briskey, 81, of La Porte, IN, passed away Thursday, Sept. 12, 2019.

She was born Feb. 6, 1938, in Harriman, TN, to the late Velma Testament.

Margaret was a member of Landmark Baptist Church in La Porte and loved music and singing.

On Sept. 8, 1984, in La Porte, Margaret married Leo J. Briskey, who preceded her in death on Sept. 12, 1989.

Margaret is survived by daughters, Rhonda McKinney of La Porte and Lisa (Chad) Miller of Kokomo, IN; stepchildren, Michael and Tim Briskey and Jane Beaver; and dozens and dozens of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by a stepdaughter, Donna McCarty.

A celebration of Margaret’s life will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28, at Landmark Baptist Church, 1604 First St., La Porte. Pastor Brandon Martin will officiate. Private burial will take place in Pine Lake Cemetery, La Porte. Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, La Porte, is handling arrangements.

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

Edward L. Borkowski Sr., 86, of La Porte, IN, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2019, at La Porte Hospital.

He was born May 31, 1933, in South Bend, IN, the son of and Gus and Mary (Roblewski).

Edward was a member of the PRCU Club. He loved riding around in his dune buggy, listening to polka music and socializing. Special thoughts to Annie Peters, a very special friend. 

He is survived by his four sons, Ed (Linda) Borkowski Jr., David (Denise) Borkowski, Keven Borkowski and Derek (Cassandra) Borkowski; daughter, Karen (Gary) Spencer; two brothers, Art Borkowski and Rich Borkowski; sister, Josie; 22 grandchildren, Tonya Borkowski, Mark Borkowski, Andrea Williams, Dustin Williams, Alicia Williams, Shannon Manso, Amanda Lidgard, Tiffany Pinkerington, Chad Lawson, Ashley Hopkins, Alexis Borkowski, Keven Borkowski Jr., Autumn Hernandez (Borkowski), Brad West, Jason West, Hunter Swistek, Riley Swistek, Ciera McMahon, Marissa Swistek, Stella Rae Borkowski, Justin Mashione, and Travis Hatchel; and 27 great-grandchildren.

Edward  was preceded in death by his wife, Gail (Skinner); a daughter, Karla; 2 brothers, Ray and June; a sister, Helen; and a grandchild, Erica West.

The family will host a gathering Monday, Sept. 16, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, La Porte. 

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

Dorothy H. Spreeman, 91, of La Porte, IN, passed away Thursday, Sept. 5, 2019, at Miller’s Health and Rehabilitation in La Porte.

She was born Sept. 3, 1928, in Oak Park, IL, the daughter of Henry L Bultman and Helen E. (Wagner) Bultman.

On July 16, 1949, in Chicago, IL, she married Virgil M  Spreeman, who preceded her in death March 17, 1989.

She is survived by her two sons, Steve (Susan) Spreeman of Plainfield, IL, and Russell (Janet) Spreeman of La Porte; sister-in-law, Louise Bultman of Des Plaines, IL; 4 grandchildren, Brian, Jonathan, Keri and Carson Spreeman; and 7 great-grandchildren, T.J. Deherrera and Sara, Nikolas, Benjamin, William, Emma Grace, and Maddie Spreeman. 

Dorothy was preceded in death by her daughter, Marilyn Spreeman, and brother, George Bultman.

A life celebration was held at St. John’s Lutheran Church on Wednesday, Sept. 11, at 10:30 a.m. with Pastor Ron Brauer officiating. Interment followed at St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery, La Porte. Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, La Porte, is handling arrangements.

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

Lori Lynn James, born Oct. 22, 1965, left this world on Sept. 12, 2019, to live in eternity with her heavenly Father.

She was born to Robert L. James and Laureen K. James.

Lori attended Indian Trail Elementary School and graduated from La Porte High School in 1983.  She attended PNC for two years. Lori moved to Northridge, CA, where she attended Cal State and was a preschool teacher at Pine Crest Elementary School. She moved back to La Porte in 1994 and worked at Aero Metals for 10 years. Lori was a member of Calvary Baptist Church, where she enjoyed calling members to see if there were any needs she could pray for.

Lori was preceded in death by her daughter, Ashleigh; her father; her two sisters, Rhonda and Shelley; her niece, Elizabeth; her paternal grandparents, Merl and Gladys James; and her maternal grandparents, Murray and Margaret Peery.

She is survived by her mother, Laureen; her brother, Michael; nephews, Stephen and Corey James; niece, Jasmine James; the delights of her life, great-nephews Damion and Aiden James; and her loving aunts, uncles and cousins.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 18, at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, La Porte, with her Uncle David Peery presiding. Visitation will be held Wednesday from 1 p.m. until the service at the funeral home. Cremation will take place following the service.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Muscular Dystrophy Association, 314 W. Catalpa Drive, Suite F, Mishawaka, IN 46545; or the American Diabetes Association, PO Box 15829, Arlington, VA  22215.

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