Charles "Charlie" Lee Friend

Charles “Charlie” Lee Friend passed away on October 23, 2024 in Sebring, Florida.

He was born on December 30, 1933 in La Porte Indiana to Harry and Elnora Friend.

Charlie was a major part of the La Porte community where he lived for the majority of his life. He was the proud owner of Friend’s Foodliner and most days you would find him behind the butcher counter where he built lifelong friends. Charlie was a people person and always had a smile and a story. After selling the store he became a salesman for Farm Bureau Insurance where he touched the lives of even more people.

Charlie had a great social life and was active in the La Porte Elks where he was the Exalted Ruler (P.E.R.), Beechwood Golf Course Men’s Club, L.P.H.S. Booster Club and volunteered for Meals on Wheels.

He moved from La Porte to Sebring, Florida in 2009 where he made many friends in the Golf Hammock Men’s Club. Charlie loved sports but especially the Cubs, Tennessee Vols Chicago Bears and La Porte High School athletics  He was a great competitor on the golf course and you could find him and his wife Lorraine battling in Gin Rummy every morning without fail.

He was a family man and so proud of his kids and grandkids. His huge heart and huge personality will be missed by many.

Charlie leaves behind his best friend and wife Lorraine Walker Miller Friend, He also leaves behind his stepsons Gary Miller (step daughter Pam Reed) Mike Miller (Debbie). His beloved grandchildren Zach Ball (Jessica), Cassie Johnson (Derek), Caitlin Westphal (Devin), Haleigh Miller, Michaela Miller and seven great grandchildren; daughter-in -law, Carolyn Friend;sisters-in-law, Loretta Collins Walton (Tom), Kay Collins Fisher, and Debbie Collins; brother-in-law, Ron Collins; and many loving nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Norma Collins Friend; his son James Friend (Carolyn),his daughter, Karen Melnick (Sam);  stepson, Guy Miller; brothers, Harold (Bus) Friend, Bob Friend (Jane), Dick Friend (Norma); sisters and brothers-in-law, Maredith Collins Hartwig, Dick Collins (Mavis), and Bob Collins; and one niece.

Charlie’s friends and family deeply loved him, will miss him and celebrate his life well lived. A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, November 26, 2024 at Bethany Lutheran Church, La Porte, IN 46350. Visitation 10-11AM with a Memorial Service 11AM.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel in La Porte, Indiana.

To light a virtual candle, share a story of Charlie’s life or leave a message of comfort for his family, please visit esslingfuneralhome.com.

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