Gaelen Paul Lehker

Gaelen Paul Lehker, 82, of La Porte, Indiana passed away on Sunday, September 10, 2023. Gaelen was born January 28, 1941, in La Porte, Indiana to Paul Lehker and Esther Rosenaue. 

Gaelen graduated from La Porte High School. He retired from Indiana Bell after 31 years of service. He worked at La Porte Savings Bank where he met his bride Beth. He held other part time jobs as well. 

He served with pride in the U.S. Army from 1963-1969. He was a member of the La Porte Amature Radio Club for 15 years. His Amature radio call sign is NX9GG. He was a 4-H member for five years. Later in life he enjoyed 18 years in the La Porte 4-H Horse and Pony Club with his sister, three children, niece and nephew.

He married Beth Ann Hartman on September 29, 2001. They enjoyed antiquing, weekend getaways, and spending time with their children, grandchildren, and “fur” babies.

Gaelen is survived by his two daughters, Rebekah Lehker of La Porte, Rachel Van Warmer of Valparaiso; two sons, Nicholas Peters of Lafayette and Jason Peters of Walkerton; grandchildren, Kimberly & Ashleigh Bolze of Grovertown, Lucas, Ethan, & Annabel Peters of Lafayette, Emmett & Quentin Peters of Walkerton, Patric Lehker of La Porte; a great grandson, Stetson Smith of Grovertown; a niece, Stephanie Smith of La Porte, and a nephew, David Gililand of Portage, Michigan. He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Mark Lehker, and a sister, Lynne Giliand. 

Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. Friday, September 15, 2023, at Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, 1117 Indiana Avenue, La Porte, Indiana. 

A graveside service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, September 16, 2023, at Hanna Cemetery, 1400 S. West Road, Hanna Indiana.

Memorial contributions may be made to Dunes Hospice, 4711 Evans Avenue, Valparaiso, Indiana 46383, or the New Day Foundation, P.O. Box 13, La Porte, Indiana 46352.

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

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