Robert Edward Burns, the son of Robert L. and Dorothy H. Burns, was born on October 27, 1935 in Utica, New York and passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, January 16. He lived in eight states before moving to La Porte in 1960 after graduating from Blackburn College and the University of Illinois and completing service in the United States Army. He is survived by his wife, Jean, of 61 years, his son Christopher (Cynthia) Burns of Jacksonville, Florida, their three children, Casey, and...

Michael David McGuire, 70, of Rolling Prairie, Indiana passed away Sunday, January 20, 2019. Michael was born October 29, 1948 in La Porte, Indiana to William C. and Marilee (Boyce) McGuire. Michael was employed with the Indiana State Highway Department as a land acquisitionist, with over 30 years of service.  He served his country in the United States Army in Vietnam as an infantryman and was a life member of VFW in Rolling Prairie. Michael leaves behind two sons, Patrick McGuire of...

  Thelma Louise Pataluch, 96, of La Porte, Indiana passed away Sunday, December 23, 2018. Thelma was born November 26, 1922 in La Porte, Indiana to Alvin and Beulah (Baker) Pontius. On March 9, 1946 in La Porte, Indiana Thelma married Stanley J. Pataluch who preceded her in death on September 4, 1968. Thelma retired after 39 years of service from Whirlpool Corporation working as the Parcel Post Rater.  She graduated from La Porte High School in 1941 and was a member of the...

Lewis Ridenour, 72, of La Porte, Indiana passed away Sunday, December 2, 2018. Lewis was born September 23, 1946 in Fort Wayne, Indiana to the late Paul and Juanita (Leeth) Ridenour. Lewis has been married to Elizabeth (Smith) for 50 years.  Lewis graduated from Ball State University in 1968.  He taught German from 1968-1970.  He served in the United States Air Force from 1970-1974.  When he came home from the Air Force, he was a bank officer and credit union manager...

Dorothy V. Levandoski, 93, of La Porte, Indiana passed away Saturday, December 29, 2018. Dorothy was born June 26, 1925 in Gary, Indiana to Herman and Hedwig “Hattie” (Steinberg) Bode. On August 28, 1948 Dorothy married Edward Levandoski who preceded her in death on August 13, 2001. Dorothy was a homemaker, a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, the Circle Eight, Ladies Auxiliary, Altar Guild, Willing Servants, and the St. John Thrift Shop.  She also volunteered at...

Scott A. Smith, 40, of La Porte, Indiana passed away unexpectedly Friday, December 28, 2018. Scott was born June 17, 1978 in La Porte, Indiana to Lyle Smith and Linda (Biehl) Smith. Scott was formerly employed as a machinist and in the office at New York Blower.  He was trained in Jujitsu before losing his eyesight four years ago.  He was a diehard Minnesota Vikings and Chicago Cubs fan and loved to fish. Scott leaves behind two sons, Carter and Camron Smith of Wanatah, Indiana;...

Thomas M. Hootman, 91, of La Porte, Indiana passed away Monday, December 24, 2018.  He was born February 3, 1927 in East Lansing, Michigan to Millard and Ruth (Mann) Hootman.  Thomas retired as a Technical Engineer with the Chicago Journeymen Plumbers Local Union 130 UA.  He served his country in the United States Navy during WWII and graduated from La Porte High School in 1945. On August 10, 1973, Thomas married Sharon Perschke who survives with their children, Mary Ann...

James F. Weiss, 94, of La Porte, Indiana passed away Thursday, December 20, 2018. James was born March 22, 1924 in La Porte, Indiana to Frederick and Frances (Lewandowski) Weiss. On May 25, 1946 in La Porte, Indiana James married Beverly L. Olson who preceded him in death on July 8, 2012. James leaves behind two daughters, Linda (Bill) Wobio of Clermont, Florida and Jan Weiss of Mishawaka, Indiana; four grandchildren, Tom Wobio, Kelly Wobio, Emily (Jason) Weaver, and Blair Whorwell; two...

Chester R. Smith, 90, of La Porte, Indiana passed away Tuesday, December 25, 2018. Chester was born February 25, 1928 in Benton County, Indiana to Dean Alvin and Myrtle R. (Chaffin) Smith. In Montmorenci, Indiana Chester married Norma Joann Lemming who preceded him in death on March 1, 2017. Chester retired in 1980 from Millburn Peat Company as a Field Supervisor for 15 years.  He also served his country in the United States Army. Chester is survived by two daughters, Terri (David)...

Carolyn Gail Richards, 92, of La Porte, Indiana passed away Thursday, December 6, 2018. Carolyn was born August 12, 1926 in Antigo, Wisconsin to Paul and Blanche (Jewell) Dawley. On October 10, 1946 in St. Paul, Minnesota, Carolyn married Richard J. Richards who preceded her in death on January 31, 1998. Carolyn was a member of Agape Christian Church.  She loved participating her bowling, downhill skiing, cross country skiing, snow shoeing, tennis, and playing horseshoes.  She...