Robert Frederick Sensow, 78, of La Porte, Ind., passed away Friday, Feb. 19, 2021, at his home surrounded by his family.
He was born Feb. 26, 1942, in La Porte to Fred C. and Bernice Gertrude (Vardaman) Sensow.
Robert retired from NIPSCO as a CDL instructor and formerly worked with Pullman Standard Railroad, served as Chief of Police with the Long Beach Police Department, and was an officer with the La Porte County Sheriff’s Department. He and his wife owned Plain & Fancy Antiques on Johnson Road, where Bob fulfilled the role of “Plain.” He was a loyal longtime member of First United Methodist Church of La Porte, Blue Knights Motorcycle Club and La Porte County Sheriff’s Mounted Posse. He was a 4-H Horse and Pony Leader for over 20 years, was a committee member of La Porte County Pioneer Land, and belonged to the Northwest Indiana Carriage and Sleigh Association, Equestrian Saddle Club and NIPSCO Retirees Club. He was a 1960 graduate of Union Mills High School in Union Mills, Ind.
Bob enjoyed spending time on his beloved family farm in Union Mills. He was known by his friends and loved ones for his witty and unique humor. His booming voice will be remembered by many as the announcer at 4-H Horse & Pony events at the La Porte County Fair for many years. He was sometimes known as “Buggy Bob” because of his interest in horsedrawn buggies and sleighs. As the organizer of the horse-drawn sleigh rallies in LaPorte, he was often seen in his top hat and red scarf. He enjoyed spending time around the dining room table playing dominos with his grandchildren – games which often became quite competitive and lively.
On May 16, 1964, Robert married Loralee Aldendorf, who survives with their children, Robert “Kip” (Wendy) Sensow of Union Mills, Lora Lee-Ann (James A. “Andy”) Edwards of Aledo, Tex., and Amanda Charlotte (Benjamin) Tonagel of La Porte; grandchildren, Jeffrey Vervynckt, Cassidy Sensow, Kobe Robert Sensow, Lyla Edwards, Charlie Tonagel, Gray Edwards, Sawyer Tonagel, Brooks Frederick Tonagel, and Greta Tonagel; sister, Margaret Childress of La Porte; and his dog, Penny Girl.
He was preceded in death by siblings Karen Sue Sensow and Richard Sensow.
Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 23, at Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, La Porte. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 24, at First United Methodist Church, La Porte, where visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until the service. Pastor Bob Vale will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church, 1225 Michigan Ave., La Porte, Ind. 46350; or the La Porte County Small Animal Shelter, 2855 W. Ind. 2, La Porte, Ind. 46350.
Messages of condolence may be posted below.