Joseph S. Plis

Joseph S. Plis, 88, of La Porte, Indiana, passed away Tuesday, October 2, 2018.

Joseph was born July 2, 1930, in La Porte, Indiana to the late Stanley and Frances Mary (Dolembo) Plis.  He was affectionately known as “Juju” all his life.

Joe graduated from La Porte High School and Butler University, where he played football, after which he went on to play two years of semi-pro ball.  He served in the U.S. Army during 1954-1956.  Later in his career he was President of Anchor Savings & Loan Association in La Porte.

He was a long-time member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, and was President of the Parish Council when the new church was built 50 years ago.  He belonged for many years to the Polish Roman Catholic Union (PRCU), and the Polish National Alliance (PNA).  Joe played on numerous baseball and fast pitch softball teams for more than 40 years, until he was 64, and enjoyed painting cars, pictures and murals as hobbies.  Family was very important to him, as was love of country.

Joe is survived by two daughters, Margo (Matt) Bowen of Michiana Shores, Indiana and Marty (Andy Card) Hankins of Fishers, Indiana; two sons, Mark Plis of Tijeras, New Mexico and Matt (Mary Lynne) Plis of Glendale, Arizona; seven grandchildren; Ben and Abe Plis, Montana Kliphan, Morgan Schwarz, Taylor Bowen and Max and Mason Hankins; and one sister, Vangie Kuhn of Long Beach, Indiana. He was preceded in death by two sisters, Marilyn Lemberis and Jeanne Kuhn. 

Visitation will be from 12-1 p.m. on Saturday, October 6, 2018 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 130 Bach Street, La Porte, Indiana followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 1:00 p.m. Reverend William O’Toole will officiate.  Burial will follow in Pine Lake Cemetery.  Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, 1117 Indiana Avenue, La Porte, Indiana is in charge of arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to Sacred Heart Catholic Church in La Porte, www.facebook.com/SacredHeartLaPorte/.

Please share prayers, condolences and memories with the family at Essling Funeral Home.com.

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