Marian Elizabeth (Hartz) Lehker

Marian Elizabeth Lehker May 7, 1926 – October 28, 2025 Marian Elizabeth Lehker, 99, of Avon, Indiana, and formerly of La Porte, Indiana, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 28, 2025.

She was born May 7, 1926, in Adeline, Illinois, to George E. and Julia E. (Nichols) Hartz. On July 8, 1950, in Bertha, Minnesota, Marian was united in marriage to the love of her life, Charles E. Lehker, who preceded her in death on December 26, 2008.

Marian retired from Whirlpool after 19 years of dedicated service as a secretary. A woman of faith and music, she was a devoted member of First United Methodist Church, where she joyfully sang in the chancel choir, served on the administrative and trustee boards, and contributed her time as secretary of the United Methodist Women. Together with her husband, she faithfully co-supervised the Jr High Sunday School for ten years. Music was one of Marian’s greatest joys. She was a proud 20-year member of the Riverbend Chorus of South Bend Sweet Adelines International and also sang with the La Porte Sweet Adelines Chorus. Her creativity and curiosity shone through her involvement with the La Porte Camera and Travel Club, and she shared her talents with the La Porte Little Theatre as well.

Marian will be lovingly remembered by her daughter, Elizabeth “Beth” A. (Ron) Hilton of Greensburg, Indiana; her son, Michael T. (Rita) Lehker of Herrin, Illinois; grandsons, Brent and Kevin Lehker and Zachary and Zane Hilton; granddaughters, Megan Elizabeth Lehker and Raina Gummert; great-grandchildren, Bailey Jork Lehker Straub, Holloway Hayes Hilton, Wesley Wilde Hilton, Zeke, Taylor and Tori Gummert; great great granddaughters, Mars and Valentine Straub; and sisters, Jan Handy of Culver, Indiana and Doris Cooper of Hickory, North Carolina.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Charles; a son, David Charles Lehker; brothers, Glen, La Vern, and George Hartz; and sisters, Ruth Brown and Hermia Wilson.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, 1117 Indiana Avenue, La Porte, Indiana.

A Memorial service will be announced at a later date and will be held at the La Porte First United Methodist Church.

Memorial contributions may be made in Marian’s honor to First United Methodist Church, 1225 Michigan Avenue, La Porte, Indiana 46350.

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