George J. Mares, Jr., 74, of La Porte, Ind., passed away Monday, June 14, 2021.
He was born April 19, 1947, in Oak Park, Ill., to George J. Mares, Sr., and Rosemary A. Petrick.
George served his country as a United States Marine; held a bachelor’s degree from The American University of Washington, D.C.; was a member of The Knights of Columbus St. Michael Council 1542 in La Porte, where he served as a Past Grand Knight, Past Faithful Navigator, and former District Deputy; The St. John Paul II 4th Degree Assembly 3646 Knights of Columbus; American Legion Post 83 in La Porte; PRCU in La Porte; and La Porte Yacht Club. He was a past board member of the Pine Lake Conservancy and a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and choir in La Porte. He was very active at Mater Christi Catholic Church in North Riverside, Ill., prior to moving to La Porte. George was operating the Charles Mares hardware store in New Carlisle. He had also worked with his father in the hardware business and sold insurance.
On March 21, 1970, George married Ann Habegger, who survives with their children, Deborah (Alan) Lee of Knoxville, Tenn., George J. (Jennifer) Mares III of Schaumburg, Ill., Joseph Ivan Mares of LaGrange, Ill., and Paulette R. Mares of La Porte; grandchildren, Thomas R. Scully, Joshua J. Scully, Madeline K. Mares, Samantha R. Mares, and Jonathan P. Mansfield; and brother, Paul J. (Anthony J. Britz) Mares of Maryville, Tenn.
Visitation will be from 3 to 7 p.m. Thursday, June 17, at Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, La Porte. A combined Parish and Knights of Columbus Rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Friday, June 18, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, La Porte, with Rev. Ian Williams officiating. Burial will follow at Pine Lake Cemetery, La Porte. Family and friends may gather at 9 a.m. in the funeral home Friday prior to the Mass.
Memorial contributions may be made to Gibault Children’s Services, 6401 S. U.S. 41, Terre Haute, Ind. 47802-9917; or St. Joseph Catholic Church, 109 C St., La Porte, Ind. 46350.
Messages of condolence may be posted below.