Harold Lotter, 83, of LaPorte, died Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2016, at VNA Hospice Center in Valparaiso, IN.
He was born at home on Taylor Street in Fort Wayne, IN, on Dec. 30, 1932, to Ernest and Una (Caulk) Lotter.
At an early age, Harold moved to Walkerton, IN, and then later moved to 600 East in Mill Creek, IN, where he attended Oak Grove Elementary School and established lifelong friendships. He graduated from Rolling Prairie High School with the Class of 1951.
Harold worked for Allis-Chalmers, Austenal, New York Blower and Bonnie Bakery. He was a well-known area handyman who could repair just about anything. Later in life he grew strawberries and vegetables, which he sold to the community. He was lovingly known as “The Strawberry Man.”
On Aug. 30, 1952, he married Elsie Culvahouse, who survives.
Also surviving are his son, Robert H. (Grace) Lotter of Columbia City, IN; daughters, Lorrie M. Audette of LaPorte and Lisa M. (Charles) Rogers of Plainfield, IN; 11 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and sister, Wilma Koeppen of Wooster, OH.
He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Rebecca K. Barber; brothers, Lee and Coy Lotter; and sisters, Thelma Fritzen and Norma Jean Tarnow.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 31, at LaPorte Missionary Church. Visitation will be at the church Saturday from 10 a.m. until the service. Burial will follow the service at Oak Grove Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the family c/o Bob Lotter, 2900 Monroe St., LaPorte, IN 46350.
Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP as well as at www.cutlerfuneralhome.com.