David James Wilmeth, 78, of La Porte, Indiana passed away Wednesday, February 17, 2021. David was born November 19, 1942 in La Porte to the late Martin & Betty (Dunafon) Wilmeth. David was an Iron Worker with the Iron Workers Local Union 395. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. He was an avid poker player, playing with his poker buddies every Saturday night. David was a Notre Dame, and Chicago Bears, Bulls and Blackhawks fan, as well as the Peyton Manning Indianapolis Colts fan. David loved to travel and took Evelyn on many adventures, including Italy, Greece, Croatia, Turkey, Australia, Alaska, Hawaii and Mexico. He loved family get-togethers, cook outs and volleyball,...

Phyllis J. Lapczynski, 73, of La Porte, Indiana passed away Friday, January 15, 2021. Phyllis was born June 19, 1947 in St. Petersburg, Florida to the late Phillip and Violet (Smisek) Schneider. On October 22, 1966 Phyllis married Arthur Lapczynski who survives. They had a loving 54 years of Marriage. Phyllis worked as a hairdresser for 45 years. Phyllis owned and operated four salons in Michigan City and Rolling Prairie. She also was an educator for the Nioxin Hair and Skin campaign for 3 years from 1998-2000, and a Mary Kay consultant. She was a member of St. Joseph Association, LeMans Academy, St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, and the President of Hairdresser Organization. She...

John M. "Jack" De Groote, 77, of Hudson Lake, Indiana passed away Monday, December 28, 2020. Jack was born on November 29, 1943 to, Andrew and Isabella (Riffel) DeGroote. Jack was a truck driver having worked for Federal Express for 15 years retiring in 1988. He then went on to work for Eagle Global Logistics for many years. He was a member of St. John Kanty Catholic Church where he served as an Usher and helped with maintenance and many projects at the Parish. Jack served his country in the United States Navy, was a member of the American Legion, and served on the Hudson Township Advisory board for many years. Jack gifted a one-acre land parcel to the Indiana DNR for the new Hudson Lake...

Donald E. Baugher, Jr, 76, of La Porte, Indiana passed away Monday, December 21, 2020. He was born on December 5, 1944, in Warsaw, Indiana to Donald Sr. and Carol (Blackford) Baugher. Don is survived by his wife, Angela; their children, Robin Smith of New Carlisle, Aaron Baugher of Willits, California; grandchildren, Skye & Ella Smith, Nivek Holloway, Olivia, Athelea, and Rain Tobar; and brothers, Calvin (Kathy) Baugher of Warsaw, Indiana, and Randy (Laura) Baugher of Rochester, Indiana. In 1963 Don graduated from Warsaw Community High School. After graduating he joined the U.S. Air force. He was stationed at Fort Campbell, Ky where he was an air traffic controller. He then was...

LaVicie Mae Weaver Runkle went to her eternal home with the Lord and Savior on November 17, 2020. LaVicie was born September 30, 1935 in Wabash Co Indiana to Arthur and Cleo Weaver. She graduated from Urbana High School near Wabash Indiana in 1954. She married Dean Runkle August 1956 and they enjoyed 57 years together. Dean preceded her in death August 2013. They had one daughter Karen (Craig) Snyder of Monument, Colorado; and two grandchildren, Matthew Snyder of Flagstaff, Arizona, and Brooke (Davin) Duke of Colorado Springs, Colorado. She is survived by one sister, Lois (Bill) Rettig of Wabash, Indiana. Donna Weaver Unger Harstine preceded her in death June 2007. LaVicie...

William J. Veatch, 92, of La Porte, Indiana passed away Saturday, November 7, 2020. He was born on May 23, 1928, in Carroll County, Indiana to the late Willard Veatch and Audrey (Bowen) Proud. William graduated from La Porte High School. He retired from Kingsley Furniture and was employed with them before and after his military service in the United States Army during the Korean War. He went to auctions for over 45 years. He was a bowler for 15 years. On June 20, 1953, William married Harlene Cook who survives. He is also survived by his children, Cindy Hignite of La Porte, Robert (Cindy) Veatch, Rodger (Linda) Veatch, and Randall (Debbie) Veatch all of La Porte; nine grandchildren; 10...

Carol L. Knowlton, 82, a lifetime resident of La Porte, Indiana passed away Saturday, October 31, 2020. She was born on December 27, 1937 in La Porte to Walter and Eleanor (Keleher) Stroh. She was a graduate of La Porte High School, attended St. Anthony's School of Nursing in Chicago, and Reese School of Business in La Porte. She was a former employee of Whirlpool, Scott Foresman & Company, and retired from Rieth-Riley Construction Company after 25 years. She was a member of St. Peter Catholic Church and the funeral committee. She enjoyed reading, doing her yardwork, (when living in the country), and spending time on lake Michigan. Surviving is a daughter, Kim Rice, husband, Michael;...

Victor Edward Gumz Jr., 78, of Mill Creek, Indiana passed away Tuesday, October 13, 2020. Victor was born March 23, 1942, in Gary, Indiana to the late Victor Sr. and Lillian (Kanak) Gumz. In September of 1960, Victor married Mary Anne Dan who survives. Victor served his county in the United States Army. He retired as a manager at the Cook Nuclear Plant. He was the coordinator for the trades at Ivy Tech in South Bend and was on the Horse and Pony Committee for 10 years at the La Porte 4-H Fair. He loved his little dog Lilly "Tud Ball". Victor is survived by his beloved wife, Mary Anne; children, Victor E. Gumz III of New Carlisle, Indiana, Lisa Gumz (David) of Mill Creek, Indiana; four...

Joan M. Tschida, 90, of La Porte, Indiana passed away Tuesday, October 6, 2020. Joan was born August 30, 1930, in La Porte, Indiana to the late John and Katheryna (Andruchow) Dobszewicz. On November 26, 1955, in South Bend, Indiana Joan married George L. Tschida who preceded her in death on June 20, 2005. Joan retired in 1998 as head cook at La Porte High School. She was very active in her church volunteering wherever she was needed and serving on several committees throughout her lifetime. She was an avid reader and loved spending time with her family. She was a kind and generous person who would help anyone however she could. Joan is survived by a son, George (Tammy) Tschida of La...

Barbara "Bobbi" A. MacMillan-Walker, 73 of La Porte, Indiana passed away Saturday, July 11, 2020. Bobbi was born March 1, 1947 in La Porte to Harold and Katherine (Szawara) Salzer. Visitation 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, July 15, 2020 at Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home Essling Chapel, 1117 Indiana Avenue, La Porte, Indiana. Mass of Christian Burial 10 a.m. Thursday, July 16, 2020 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in La Porte. Burial will follow at Pine Lake Cemetery. Please share prayers, condolences, and memories with the family at Essling Funeral Home.com.

Jerrold (Jerry) H. Roth, age 82, passed away peacefully at his home July 3, 2020 surrounded by his beloved family. Jerry was born August 15, 1937 to the late Henry Roth and Ada (MacCarver) Roth in Eureka, IL, and lived his adult life in South Bend, and La Porte, IN. On November 5, 1960 in La Porte, IN, Jerry married Martha Darst who survives him, along with their two daughters, Michelle Roth Arriaga and husband Tanis of Osceola, IN and Deborah Roth of South Bend, IN. Jerry was a devoted grandfather, full of love and humor. He passed on his values and supported the endeavors of each of his nine grandchildren, Justin, Jimmy, Yadira, Jennifer, Eduardo, Zuri, Tanis Jr., Aylin, and Alexis and...

Kenneth J. Kalicki, 83, of South Bend, Indiana passed away Thursday, May 21, 2020. Kenneth was born June 26, 1936 in South Bend, Indiana to the late Joseph and Lottie (Nowicki) Kalicki. On April 21, 2001 Kenneth married Esther Sroda who survives along with a son, Randall (Leann) Kalicki of Colorado; four grandchildren, Randi and Bobby Kalicki, Stephanie Howe and Sarah Boyless; ten great-grandchildren; and a sister, Barbara Badur of South Bend, Indiana. He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Robin Mullins; and his first wife, Winifred June (Tackett) Kalicki. Ken retired from Citigroup, (the former Associates Corporation), in South Bend after 48 years as a supervisor in...

Paulette M. Nelson, 96, of La Porte, Indiana passed away Wednesday, February 12, 2020. Born in South Bend February 3,1924 to John and Sophia (Harrington) Peyton. She spent her younger years growing up in Valley City, ND where she graduated valedictorian from St. Catherine's High School and was the captain of her basketball team. Paulette was a homemaker and worked for many years at Raco Inc. in South Bend. On July 29, 1944, in Little Rock, Arkansas, Paulette married Robert R. Nelson who preceded her in death on January 24, 2002. Paulette is survived by her children, Marjorie Ann (Barry Railton) Nelson, Kevin (Trish) Nelson, Robert (Mary) Nelson Jr. all of La Porte, Mary Jane (John) Liming...

Sally J. Nelson, 70, of Petaluma, California, formerly of La Porte, Indiana passed away Sunday, December 22, 2019. Sally was born February 9, 1949 in South Bend, Indiana to Robert R. Nelson Sr. and Paulette (Peyton) Nelson. Sally graduated from Purdue University and she was a Real Estate broker in California. Sally is survived by her mother, Paulette Nelson of La Porte; two sisters, Jane (John) Liming of Liberty, Indiana and Marjorie Nelson of La Porte, Indiana; two brothers, Kevin (Trish) Nelson of La Porte, Indiana and Robert (Mary) Nelson Jr. of La Porte, Indiana; and nieces and nephews, Jennifer Evans, Josie Gawlowski, Rachel Nelson, Nicole Nelson, Anna Nelson, Rachel Sanborn, Shannon...

Patricia Ann "Pat" Kuta, 78, passed away Sat., Dec. 14, 2019. Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Wed. Dec. 18, 2019 at Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, 1117 Indiana Avenue, La Porte, Indiana. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Thurs., Dec. 19, 2019 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 201 Bach Street, La Porte, Indiana. Family and friends may gather from 9-9:45 a.m. in the funeral home before the Mass. Reverend Ian Williams will officiate. To view Pat's full obituary visit Essling Funeral Home.com.

Lisa Marie Tuszynski, 59, of Mill Creek, Indiana passed away Wednesday, November 20, 2019 at her home with her loving family by her side. She was diagnosed in September with Cholangiocarcinoma a rare bile duct cancer. Lisa was born on July 9, 1960 in LaPorte, Ind. to the late Barbara C. Kuta-Durnal and the late Steve Dopieralski. On June 25, 1983 Lisa married her high school sweetheart, Mark Tuszynski who survives along with sons, Nathan T. (Ashley) Tuszynski of Mishawaka, Indiana and Ryan Tuszynski of Mill Creek, Indiana; her daughter, Alicia (Devin) Thomas of Indianapolis, Indiana; three grandchildren, Maelee Tuszynski, Daxon and Willow Thomas; a sister, Lora (Michael) Roberts of Parker,...

Helen O'Malley July 21, 1928- December 9, 2019 South Bend- Helen O'Malley, 91 of South Bend died Monday, December 9 at Dujarie House, Holy Cross Village, Notre Dame, Indiana. Helen Louise (Connors) O'Malley was born on July 21, 1928, to John W. and Julia (Quinlan) Connors in South Boston. Although she and her family moved to Worcester, Massachusetts when she was 7 years old, she remained a proud "Bostonian" her entire life. After graduating from St. Peter's High School, she went to nursing school and received her RN degree from St. Vincent's Hospital in Worcester. On February 27, 1954, she married John F. (Jack) O'Malley, who was her paperboy and neighborhood friend when she was a...

Maxine Vera (Jamieson) Spenner, 88, of La Porte, Indiana passed away Sunday, October 27, 2019. Visitation will be from 9-11:30 a.m. C.S.T. Friday, November 1, 2019 at Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, 1117 Indiana Avenue, La Porte, Indiana. Funeral services will follow at 11:30 a.m. C.S.T. in the funeral home. Pastor Bob Denney will officiate. Burial will follow in Door Village Cemetery. Please share prayers, condolences, and memories with the family at Essling Funeral Home.com. Memorial contributions may be made to the The New Day Foundation, P.O. Box 13, La Porte, Indiana 46352-0013 or The Columbus Indiana Children's Choir, 4600 Sunset Avenue, Indianapolis, Indiana 46208.

Rex Alan Eckert, 63, of Walkerton, Indiana passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, October 19, 2019. Rex was born June 9, 1956 in South Bend, Indiana to the late Robert Theodore and Marjorie Ruth (Citizen) Eckert. Rex graduated from New Prairie High School in 1975. He was an Industrial Insulator with the International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators Union, local 75 and served as a financial secretary for the Union. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He died while serving others which was one of his greatest joys. Rex was a devoted family man. He loved his family with all his heart. He knew how to fix anything and helped countless individuals with...

Mary Ellen McPolin, 102 of Manteno, Illinois passed away September 17, 2019, residing in Miller Rehabilitation Center, Kankakee, Illinois. Mary Ellen was born April 17, 1917 in Chicago, Illinois to loving parents, John Ryan and Bridget (Reilly) Ryan Matthews. Stepfather, Peter Matthews. Mary Ellen was predeceased by husbands John Murray in 1943 and Owen McPolin in 1983; siblings, Sister Johnita Ryan, R.S.M., Rose Dudones, Peter and Thomas Matthews. Mary Ellen is mourned and remembered by her daughter, Marge (Lee) Prendergast; grandmother of three and great grandmother of seven. Mass of Christian Burial 11 a.m. Monday, September 23, 2019, St. John Kanty Catholic Church. Visitation 9...

Ronald C. "Ron" VanDePutte, 55, of Hamlet, Indiana passed away unexpectedly, Tuesday, August 20, 2019. Ron was born August 3, 1964 in South Bend, Indiana to Walter and Emma (Kilburn) VanDePutte. On July 4, 2003, Ronald married Cindy S. Schieber who survives. He is also survived by stepchildren, Nicole Hahaj of Kingsford Heights, Indiana, A.J. Hahaj of South Bend, Indiana and Brandon (Jess) Hahaj of Athol, Idaho; brothers, Don (Maureen) VanDePutte of Temperance, Michigan and Ken (Jan) VanDePutte of Culver, Indiana; and an uncle, William Kilburn of Walkerton, Indiana. Ron was a Journeyman Glazer in the DC91 Union. He was a member of the Fish Lake American Legion Post 400 where he served...