Richard J. Minich

Richard J. Minich, 94, of La Porte, Indiana entered into eternal peace, Sunday, February 5, 2017.  He was born October 12, 1922 in La Porte, Indiana to Leo and Elizabeth (Wagner) Minich.  He retired from Allis Chalmers after 40 years, from Bortz Farm Store after 10 years, and Bernacchi Greenhouse after 5 years. 
Richard is survived by his wife Jacqueline M. Cwiklin whom he wed on October 1, 1949, in Elmwood Park, Illinois. Richard and Jacqueline recently celebrated 67 years of marriage. Surviving are daughters, Kathleen (Jerry) Yoder of Fort Wayne, Indiana, Suzanne (Randy) Hornstein of Greenwood, Indiana; a son, Timothy Minich of La Porte, Indiana; seven grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; sisters, Rosemary DeWolf of La Porte, and Sister Helen Minich of Mishawaka, Indiana; and a brother, Thomas Minich of La Porte, Indiana. 
Richard was preceded by his parents; a son, Michael Minich; sisters, Mary Biegel, Virginia Biegel, and Helen Wandell; and brothers, Andrew, Robert, and Leonard Minich. 
Richard was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, St. Michael Council #1542, Senior Bowling League, Over Forty Club, The Battle of the Bulge Organization, and the Hubner - Swanson VFW Post #1130.
He served in the United States Army during W.W.II., as a Private First Class with the Headquarters & Service Company 49th Engineer Combat Battalion, having fought in D-Day, The Battle of the Bulge, Crossing the Rhine River, and the Battle of Berlin.  He received four Bronze Stars.
Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Thursday, February 9, 2017, at Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, 1117 Indiana Avenue, La Porte, Indiana, where a Parish rosary will be recited at 7 p.m.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Friday, February 10, 2017, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in La Porte with burial to follow in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. Family and friends may gather at 9 a.m. Friday in the funeral home. 
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church or March of Dimes – Lafayette, IN
Please share memories and condolences with the family at Essling Funeral Home.com.

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