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.