Suzanne M. Holdeman, 83, of LaPorte, IN, passed away Sunday, Aug. 11, 2019, surrounded by her family.

She was born June 21, 1936, in Ambazac, Haute Vienne, France, to Max and Marie Gabrielle (Lafitte) Dusser.

Suzanne was a Registered Nurse, having worked at LaPorte Hospital for 18 years, and a member of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Walkerton, IN.

On June 30, 1959, Suzanne married Stephen H. Holdeman Sr. in Bordeaux, France. He preceded her in death on June 1, 2013.

Suzanne is survived by a daughter, Sheila Howe of LaPorte; two sons, Colonel Stephen H. Holdeman Jr. of Madison, AL, and Patrick James Holdeman of South Bend, IN; nine grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; three brothers; and two sisters.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; a daughter, Christine Holdeman; two brothers; and a sister.

A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. CST Saturday, Aug. 17, at Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, LaPorte. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. CST Friday, Aug, 16, at the funeral home. Family and friends may also visit from 9 to 10 a.m. CST Saturday prior to the service. Pastor Bob Vale will officiate. Burial will follow in New Paris Cemetery, New Paris, IN. Cremation has taken place.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 6931 Arlington Rd., Bethesda, MD 20814.

Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP as well as at www.esslingfuneralhome.com.

Elder Leigh Morris will lead the worship services at The Presbyterian Church of LaPorte on Sunday, Aug. 18. The sermon “One Man’s Family” will explore the changing role of the church in the evolution of modern family life. 

The Cross Connections service begins at 9 a.m. and the traditional service begins at 11 a,m. 

The church is located at 307 Kingsbury Ave. in LaPorte. Child care is available and visitors are embraced. 

Dean Heise (left) holds his dedication plaque along with current parks Director Mark Schreiber. Mayor Mark Krentz is at right.

Dean talks to the crowd as Mark listens.

WNLP story and photos by Bob Wellinski

The winding road through Kesling Park now officially has a name: Dean Heise Parkway. 

After a dedication ceremony Friday night, Aug. 9, 2019, the road the shoots east off of A Street into Kesling Park now bears the name of the man who was instrumental in developing the park.

LaPorte Mayor Mark Krentz bestowed the honor during a joint dedication ceremony with the re-opening of Fort La Play Porte before a couple hundred guests, including several of Heise’s family members. 

“It’s an honor for me to take part in this dedication for Dean Heise tonight. I’ve seen him do the work over many years,” said Mayor Krentz. Among other mayors, Heise served during the administration of the late Carl Krentz, Mark’s father. “His heart and soul has been in it all the way and it is with a great deal of honor that I am able to dedicate the Dean Heise Parkway this evening.” 

Heise served with the LaPorte City Park Department for 41 years, including over 30 years as superintendent. He retired in 2014 as director of the Civic Auditorium.

“When I signed on with the city back in ’73, I never imagined that this would be happening to me. It’s such a wonderful thing,” said Heise, pausing when he became choked up with emotions. “Nobody ever expected it; obviously I didn’t.”

Mark Schreiber, current parks superintendent, said, “The naming of Dean Heise Parkway is really something we’ve thought about for a number of years, a way to honor Dean for his years of service to the park department. It seemed like the perfect thing to do. You drive through here and these are a lot of Dean’s crowning achievements. The ball diamonds, tennis courts, Fort La Play Porte. It really pleases us to do this as a department.” 

Schreiber referred to Kesling Park as a Chamber of Commerce park because of its importance in drawing families and businesses. 

Heise jokingly hinted at his age when he commented that he and some of his pals can remember when Kesling Park wasn’t on the map. 

“We did this park in the mid to late ‘70’s and completed it in the early ‘80’s. Most of the generations of LaPorte don’t know it wasn’t here at some point,” Heise pointed out.

“It’s become such a tremendous recreational package for LaPorte with something for everyone. That’s the way it was designed when we started meeting with the Kesling family. It’s become a treasure for LaPorte. It’s a representation of our community in almost every way — not to mention it’s surrounded by our school corporation with their athletic facilities,” said Heise. “I’m so proud of Kesling Park and I’m so proud that we’ve seen this thing from start to finish — and of course, it’s never over.”

A humbled Heise told the crowd he owed his success to the people in his life.

“One thing that made this all possible is the support groups that I’ve had for years, including the number one support group that I have is standing right behind me, especially my wife, Sharon,  who’s been my bride for 48 years, along with my daughters, Julie, Leslie and Kristine and 9 grandchildren,” Heise confessed.

“My wife and my daughters have had to listen to my nonsense when I came home from work. They’re all going to heaven because they’ve lived their life in hell with me.”

But it was work and dedication Heise and his other “family” achieved that led to many of LaPorte’s “crown jewels,” including creation of Kesling Park and improvements to the Stone Lake beach house, Civic Auditorium and to neighborhood parks through a $2 million bond.

That other family included the five mayors he worked under, the city council members and the LaPorte City Park Board.

“It’s a special time,” Heise reiterated as he closed with words of wisdom. “One of the basic things that I learned in life a long time ago is to say thank you — I appreciate it a lot.”

WNLP story and photos by Bob Wellinski (story below photos)

“Just listen — you hear those squeals and laughter? That’s what it’s all about.”

The squeals and laughter to which LaPorte City Park and Recreation Department Superintendent Mark Schreiber referred were the “real reviews” kids were giving the newly renovated Fort La Play Porte as they played at its official reopening Friday evening, Aug. 9, 2019.

“I’ve heard a lot of rave reviews from the parents, I’ve heard and read a lot of cool things on social media, but … the squeals and laughter. The kids just love it,” Schreiber told a crowd of a few hundred.

Twenty years after Reuben Everson, Dom Liberatore and a small group rallied the town to build the original Fort La Play Porte, a steering committee led a group of volunteers and donors to update, enlarge and renovate the community’s beloved playland.

The steering committee consisted of Julie Pitman, Lindsey Cooper, Paul Vincent, Brett Binversie, Brian Larson, Michelle Shirk, Pam Carroll, and Cindy Bercham.

“It was 20 years ago the first community build took place and it was quite a community effort. We wanted to try and replicate that and I think we’re pretty pleased with the results,” said Schreiber of the playland located in the southernmost part of the 90-acre Kesling Park.

Schreiber expressed his gratitude toward all the donors and volunteers who contributed to the success of the project. Many businesses, agencies and community services sent groups to help as well.

He especially thanked the hundreds of volunteers who came out rain or shine to share their talents.

Cooper said they had volunteers with various skill levels who contributed to the “patchwork of the overall project.”

“Everyone was vital in the process of building Fort La Play Porte. We were grateful for every person who walked through those gates,” Cooper said. “There was no such thing as a little task.”

What many would consider simple tasks such as staining, sanding or the repetitive job of routing the edges of all the boards to make them safe, helped move the project along.

One of the volunteers, Greg Konieczny, was in 7th grade during the 1999 build and recalled soaping screws. He was also part of the Kesling News Team that came out to shoot video of people working. This time he was putting tension on the zipline, assisting with the concrete pours and created the bench just inside the playland. 

“It’s got a different meaning; my son, James, gets to use it. It’s rewarding someone is enjoying your hard work,” said Konieczny.

LaPorte Mayor Mark Krentz also worked on the original build.

“I have to say it was really an honor for me to see this because I participated 20 years ago when this build happened. It was an honor to be part of that then and I can’t tell you how much more of an honor it is to be the mayor of our city and to see the city come together — the volunteers, the donations, the steering committee — everyone coming together to make something so fun and beautiful for our city. So thank you to all of you. This is a great day for the city of LaPorte,” Krentz said.

Unlike the 1999 build in which the project finished in the 6-day goal, this year didn’t go as planned, no thanks to Mother Nature. 

“When I came out to help work on the park this year, it was raining — which is the way it was most of the time — but everyone worked so hard,” Krentz recalled.

Because it rained 3 of the 6 days (with one of those days being a monsoon, according to Schreiber), only 65-70% of the project was completed at the end of the 6th day.

Schreiber and Cooper both said the team was at a loss as what to do.

“This group looked at each other and said, ‘Now what?’” admitted Schreiber.

The contractor left town to his next build and volunteers were scheduled for just the one week.

“But we did it. We did it with the help of many dedicated volunteers. They were here during the day, evening and weekends and slowly but steadily everything that needed to happen on this beautiful playground happened — and the day it was finished, I think we all cried a little but we were thrilled,” Schreiber said.

He believes a little divine intervention played a part.

“The weeks after the build week, that was miraculous. I can’t say it was anything short of miraculous. We had a 65-70% completed playground and no real idea of how we were going to cross the finish line. And we said, we are just going to have to bite it off chunk by chunk. And that’s what we did.

“We want to obviously thank our very many volunteers. They really are superstars,” Schreiber stressed. He also applauded the extra effort of his staff at the park department.

Cooper agreed.

“It was a family-like environment out there,” she noted. Even in horrible weather.

She recalled on rainy day they had 50-60 volunteers scheduled but organizers didn’t expect anyone to show up. “We actually had 30 people show up and the weather was horrible — it was miserable — there were people huddled up under the shelters staining and they had a good time. We weren’t expecting anybody to come and work, but they did and they enjoyed it.”

Now that it’s open, what does the steering committee think of the results?

“We were just so excited to see the fresh look of Fort La Play Porte with a more open view,” said Cooper. “With plastic replacing most of the wood, it’s safer, will last longer and is very colorful.”

Michelle Shirk stated, “It’s exceeded my expectations. It’s the best of both worlds; it combines the traditional with a total new look that people can be excited about.”

Beth Lehker, who was enjoying the new playland with her great-niece and great-nephew, said it’s parent friendly thanks to the more open view. 

“I think it’s awesome. I like the younger toddler section, the zipline and the activities for the older kids so they don’t feel it’s such a baby place,” Lehker noted. “It’s safe. It’s a great improvement with lots of space. Thank you, everyone who worked on it; it’s greatly appreciated.”

Teri Hajek, who was on the 1999 build committee, said, “We’re delighted and happy that they created this new Fort La Play Porte. It’s updated and what we needed.”

Lois Everson, widow of Reuben, said the renovated playland looks great.

Savannah Lawson, 9, loves the zipline and “how it swings down and pushes you back.” She also enjoys the new monkey bars and the many other activities.

Haylee Kmiec, 12, said he likes the new park. “I like it because there’s a zipline and a lot of new spinning rides. When I walked through the first time, I didn’t know where to begin. I didn’t know where to start. I was amazed at all the changes.”

7-year-old Liam Hammock’s favorite ride was the new merry-go-round. “I like going fast,” he admitted. Liam’s shy 3-year-old sister said her favorite part of the park is the new slide. 

“It was a challenging project, but very rewarding,” Schreiber said. “The reward was in the relationships and friendships that were made with the community out here working side by side, and then obviously the great reward is coming out here and seeing the kids enjoy it. I’ll never forget, and I hope the people here never forget that either,” said Schreiber.

Julie Pitman spoke of how Fort La Play Porte has taken on many names by children who have visited the park: “The Fort,” “Wooden Park,” “The Cool Playground” and even “LaPorte La Play Fort,” to name a few. It’s  because families get out and enjoy it, therefore “building a lore around it.” She added that volunteers will do the same by recalling their time there and possibly thinking of Fort La Play Porte as “The place I learned to countersink a lag bolt,” “the place where the mud destroyed my favorite boots,” or “the place where you saw hundreds of people from your community working together toward a common goal.”

“It’s been fun turning it over to the kids. And now it belongs to them,” said Cooper.

Compiled by Mary Hedge, LaPorte County Public Library

Aug. 13, 1919 — The prediction is made that there will be trans-Atlantic airplane service with one stop at the Azores within three years. The trip will be made in 48 hours from England.

Aug. 13, 1969 — A proposed plan calls for a mall on Franklin Street between Fifth and Ninth streets in Michigan City with grass, drinking fountains and rest areas. No traffic would be allowed in the mall.

Aug. 13, 1994 — The government says a quarter million rayon skirts made in India are highly flammable and must not be worn. A stop to all their sales has been ordered.

Aug. 13, 2009 — The LaPorte Fire Department has a new Fire Safety House, a camper that puts kids in the thick of a simulated house fire.

Mary E. Waak, 76, of LaPorte, IN, passed away Saturday, July  20, 2019, at her home.

She was born in Washington, D.C., on March 28, 1943, to William and Florence (Lacey) Fary.

Mary was a Quality Control Inspector for 25 years at Gateway Industries. She was a member of Women of the Moose Lodge 492. Mary enjoyed gardening and reading.

On Aug. 16, 1958, in Dillon, SC, she married Jack Waak, who passed April 27, 2019.

Surviving are her children,  Judy (Steven) Waak-Pearce of Rolling Prairie, IN, Jack Waak Jr. of LaPorte and Ray Waak of Dothan, AL; 3 grandchildren, Chad (Sarah) Waak of Rolling Prairie, Ryan (Breanna) Waak of Mishawaka, IN, and Chelsea Waak of Michigan City, IN; 3 great-grandchildren; siblings, Sonny (Helen) Fary of Lynchburg, VA, Robert (Ann) Fary of Gloucester, VA, and Millie (Bruce) Jaeger of Annapolis, MD; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; beloved husband; brother, William Fary; and sister, Florence Mullins.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at noon Saturday, Aug. 17, at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, LaPorte, with Pastor Roger Ash officiating. Visitation will be held at the funeral home Saturday from 10 a.m. until the service. Cremation has taken place. A private interment will take place at Patton Cemetery, LaPorte.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Moose Charities, 155 S. International Drive, Mooseheart, IL  60539, noting “Mary Waak Memorial-Mooseheart” or “Mary Waak Memorial-Moosehaven” in memo line.

Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP as well as at www.cutlercares.com.

Pine Lake Bait has relocated to 1714 A St. in LaPorte. The shop provides all of your fishing needs from live bait and tackle to much more. Stop in daily from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. or call 219-575-7216.

Reins of Life photo

Reins of Life will host a volunteer training session on Thursday, Aug 15. Attendees will learn about therapeutic horseback riding; how to groom, tack and lead horses; and how to help riders during therapeutic riding lessons. Volunteers offer riders confidence, friendship, guidance and encouragement, AND they get to work with horses!

This is just the beginning, though. Reins of Life volunteers help with events, horse schooling, mini-visits, nuzzles and snuggles program, vaulting and driving, veteran programs, and school programs. And, yes, barn work, too! Reins of Life riders and volunteers come from all over the Duneland area.

Training will be at the Reins of Life barn at 9375 W 300 N, Michigan City, from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Volunteers must be at least 13 years old. Please wear close-toed shoes!

To sign up for this fun-filled training please call or text Marilyn at 219-877-7719.

Information provided

The 9th annual Fellowship Fest will take place Aug. 16, 17 and 18 at Pioneer Land at the LaPorte County Fairgrounds. The free festival encourages, blesses, and grows the surrounding community and local churches with hope, healing, and restoration. The schedule is below; check Fellowship Fest of LaPorte County on Facebook to get updates on the worship bands that will be performing.

Friday, 5 to 9 p.m.

4 bands
Sloppy Joes will be served

Saturday, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Pancake Breakfast, 7 to 10 a.m. (free)
Leave it at the Cross 5K Walk/Run at 8 a.m. Registration starts at 7 a.m. $15 entrance fee, which includes a T-shirt and a handmade wooden cross.
Blessing of The Bikes 10 a.m. with a ride around LaPorte’s lakes to follow. Bring your motorcycle. Free.
Silent Auction, noon to 5 p.m. with over 100 items
Chili Cook-Off at noon. Enter a pot of chili at 11. Top 3 entries will win a trophy and a $35 dinner for 2 at a local restaurant.
Kung Fu /Karate Demo at 2 p.m. with 4 black belt instructors
Sauerkraut and sausage served at 6 p.m. in memory of brother Ron Altman.

Sunday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Church Service in the barn, 10 a.m., with lunch to follow
Free drawing at 12:30 p.m. for many items. Only one ticket per person. The last 2 items drawn will be photography services at the winner’s event and a Discovery Flight with Eagle Aircraft at Porter County Airport in Valparaiso.

Kids games, blow-up slide, petting zoo, horse-drawn wagon rides, school backpack giveaway, food all day, chili cook-off, Michiana clowns, cotton candy, popcorn, charity booths, prayer booth, and 13 bands on stage!
You can bring a date or the family to this awesome festival!

Visit www.fellowshipfest.org for photos and information or text Mike Altman at 219-851-2383.

Compiled by Mary Hedge, LaPorte County Public Library

Aug. 14, 1919 — The LaPorte Realty Board announces that the record for the sale of houses in two weeks was broken. Out of 21 listings, 18 deals were consummated.

Aug. 14, 1969 — Maurice Levine, president of the LaPorte Downtown Development Corporation, says a new shopping center in the downtown area is needed.

Aug. 14, 1994 — To bring all buildings in the LaPorte School Corp. up to ADA standards, the cost could exceed $3 million.

Aug. 14, 2009 — Two people smash their way into a Rolling Prairie gas station store. Surveillance footage shows them loading cigarettes into a bag and leaving. There are no leads at this point.

Middle of the Road Band

Come out and enjoy Wednesday evening with one of northwest Indiana’s best-loved bands for almost 40 years. Middle of the Road Band will take the stage at the Dennis F. Smith Amphitheater in Fox Park, preceded by the great LaPorte High School Marching Band, as part of Arts in the Park. Then on Thursday, the versatile band Gato will play.

Both concerts are free and begin at 7 p.m. (On Wednesday the LPHS band starts at 6 p.m.) Come early to enjoy refreshments and more.

Middle of the Road is a huge local favorite, playing rock and pop.

Gato plays country, rock, blues and reggae. The group blends down-home soul with modern flair.

For more information, visit https://artsintheparklaporte.com.

This vintage 1934 AP photo shows desperado John Dillinger (wearing vest) looking quite chummy with prosecutor Robert Estill at the Crown Point jailhouse.

By Fern Eddy Schultz, La Porte County Historian

Before it was Dick’s Bar (currently) and Governor’s Palace gift shop (shown here), this handsome building was the Peoples Savings and Trust Bank. (Photo provided)

Most will not know much if anything about the crime in La Porte County in 1926. However, with all of the recent publicity about the exhumation of the body of noted bank robber John Dillinger, it brings back memories of a crime in La Porte that was attributed by many to this noted individual.
This event occurred at the Peoples Savings and Trust Bank at 912 Lincoln Way (later housing the Governor’s Palace and since 1995, the home of Dick’s Bar). Some of the local people who were employed by that bank at the time of the event were Donald L. Collins, then a teller and later retired as president of First National Bank and Trust Co., cashier Harry Keller, teller George Petering and bookkeepers Winifred Hastings and Alice Fick.

The day to remember is Nov. 26, 1926. It was a Friday. It was announced in the local newspaper that the 1920s were the “first of two postwar binges that brought money to the average worker as production increased and the banks had a store of cash.” This was also a time when John Dillinger had risen to be one of history’s “classic” hoodlums.

It was about 11 a.m. when the individual assumed to be Dillinger and four cohorts entered Peoples Savings and Trust Bank in the heart of downtown La Porte. They waved their guns and ordered employees to lie down on the floor and cashier Harry Keller to unlock the safe. One of the robbers blew out a glass window.

The information reported that it didn’t require the bandits more than five minutes to clean the cash off the counter, pick and choose out of the vault, and head for the getaway car parked on Lincoln Way. Everything happened so suddenly that no one tailed the escaping bandits. At the time, bank employees figured the loss was about $30,000 in cash and another $60,000 in negotiable bonds, old liberty bonds.

La Porte County Historian Fern Eddy Schultz

For years, the Peoples Bank robbery was ranked as a record cash “haul” for an Indiana bank robbery, “but the big money era erased that record.” Just a day before the anniversary date of La Porte’s bank robbery, in 1973, one of American Fletcher National’s branches in Indianapolis was hit by several well-armed gunmen and the loss exceeded $230,000.

For years after the La Porte robbery, rumor tried to tie the famed or infamous John Dillinger to the Peoples robbery. But the unsolved robbery was partially solved in 1975 when an 88-year old Joplin, Missouri, man, who claimed he figured in the La Porte robbery, gave an “interview confession” with WLS-TV in Chicago. Ted Hartzell, who was a Herald-Argus reporter at that time, followed up with an interview of John Harvey Bailey, who told about his days as a “professional” bank robber and the successful heist of cash in La Porte. Bailey served three decades in prison for his way of life. He was quoted as saying, “This wasn’t my bunch. It was Charley Fitzgerald’s bunch, but we got away with it.”

According to records, Dillinger was serving time in the Indiana Reformatory on Nov. 12, 1926, and authorities insisted he was in the Reformatory on the day of the La Porte robbery. He was sentenced to the Reformatory on Sept. 15, 1924, and remained there until transferred to the Michigan City Indiana State Prison on July 16, 1928. He was released from prison on parole May 23, 1933, and according to published information, went on a “rip-roaring crime spree” at that time.
It was reported that the La Porte bank closed as a result of the robbery and the Depression.

As for Dillinger, he was shot and killed by FBI agents on July 22, 1934, in front of the Biograph Theater in Chicago. The feds were reportedly tipped off by an informant, “the lady in red,” who was accompanying Dillinger.

FERN EDDY SCHULTZ is official Historian of La Porte County.

George Allesee Jr., 97, of LaPorte, IN, passed away Monday, Aug. 12, 2019, in his home surrounded by family.

George was born March 18, 1922, to George and Florence Allesee, LaPorte. He was the oldest of four siblings, Margie (deceased, age 6), Dick (deceased, July 2019), Bob (MI), and Tom (FL).  His dad, George Allesee Sr., was Physical Director at the YMCA and his mom was active at LaPorte First Baptist Church and WLOI radio station.

George enlisted as a cadet in the Army Air Corps and received his wings May 23, 1944.  Nineteen day later on June 11, he married Josephine “Jo” Pate, LaPorte. He then shipped out to Naples, Italy, where he served as a C47 Troop Carrier Pilot in World War II.  George retired from service in 1947 as a Captain, Army Air Corps.

On the GI Bill, George received his MA degree in education at Indiana University, Bloomington.  He taught history, geography,  and political science at LaPorte High School and substitute taught well into his 70s, where he was fondly referred to as “Mr. Chips.”  He also developed Intramural Basketball at LPHS as Athletic Director and was the first to introduce girls to the program. Allesee Park is named after his dad.

George and Jo had three children, George Allesee III (deceased, 1964), David and Nancy. Son, David, and wife, Shirley, live in Wisconsin.  Daughter, Nancy, and husband, John Richmond, live in California. George was blessed with two granddaughters, Sara Jo (Jon Klepp) and Maria Ann (Dwayne Sweeney), and five great-grandchildren, Paiton, Addison, Hana, Stella and Simon, with a baby girl on the way. George also had numerous nieces and nephews, who always enjoyed hearing his life stories.

George and Jo shared 67 years together until her passing Feb. 13, 2011.  They were avid IU basketball and Slicer fans.  They also loved to dance at their over 40s dance club. George loved the great outdoors and was often seen walking the streets of LaPorte tracking his distances. He would say “I’m going to walk around the world.”  Of all their wonderful experiences and memories on life’s journey, what they treasured most were faith and family. Their beautiful legacy will live on.

Special thanks to the community, agencies, friends, neighbors, and family who made his final chapter full of love, dignity and honor.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Aug. 19, at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, LaPorte, with Pastor Allen Wright officiating. Burial, with Military Honors, will follow at Pine Lake Cemetery, LaPorte. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until the service Monday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to VNA Hospice, 501 Marquette St., Valparaiso, IN 46383; or to LPHS Athletic Dept., 602 F St., LaPorte, IN 46350.

Messages of condolences may be posted below on WNLP as well as at www.cutlercares.com.

Lora-Lee Snyder, 86, of Walkerton, IN, entered into eternal rest on Saturday, Aug. 10, 2019, at her home with her children at her side.

She was born in Chicago, IL, on Sept. 22, 1932, to Albert Frederick II and Elly Jean (Lunde) Nyland.

Lora-Lee was a homemaker. She had a strong faith and was an active member of Bethany Lutheran Church for the past 20 years. In her younger years, she taught preschool Sunday school for over 20 years at St. John’s Lutheran Church. Lora-Lee enjoyed attending her Monday and Thursday ladies’ Bible studies, as well as her monthly senior luncheons with her church family. She also enjoyed participating in Christian women’s luncheons and a Christian book club. Lora-Lee was a member of the Monday night ladies’ study, know as the “Bible Babes.” In addition to her church activities, she loved spending time with her family and friends, watching NASCAR, reading, shopping, and playing cards.

On Nov.r 15, 1952, in Chicago, she married Henry Snyder, who preceded her in death.

Surviving are her children, Dawn Cauffman of LaPorte, IN, Henry (Martha) Snyder of LaPorte, Robert (Terri) Snyder of LaPorte, Edward (Beth) Snyder of Fish Lake, Denise (Mike) Doig of Fish Lake, Debbie (Rodd) Bell of Mill Creek, IN, Andy (Denise) Snyder of Rolling Prairie, IN, Dorene (Paul) Lloyd of Mill Creek, and Diane (Rich) Cruz of Fish Lake; daughter-in-law, Jeanne Snyder of Milwaukee, WI; 23 grandchildren, Michelle (Reefe) Wilson, Kristin (Kurt) Flierl, Shaun (Amy) Snyder, Racheal (Damian) Turner, Symone (Joe) Hetzel, Luke (Nicole) Snyder, Hannah (Nolan) Weeks, James Snyder, Ashley (Ryan) Knoll, Libby (Tabor) Wilson, Kim Snyder, Joshua (Nikki) Snyder, Jonah (Erin) Snyder, Ian (Jimmy) Doig, Sam Doig, Nicole (Tom) Agorichas, Stephanie (Matt) Krueger, Sabrina (Brian) Crail, Caleb Bell, Lauryn Snyder, Paul (Heather) Lloyd, Abigail Lloyd, and Mary Lloyd; 35 great-grandchildren; sister, Norma (Charles) Kesling of Las Vegas, NV; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sons, Stephen and Richard “Duke” Snyder; son-in-law, Doug Cauffman; and brother, Albert F. Nyland III.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 24, at Bethany Lutheran Church, 102 G St., LaPorte, with Pastor Dennis Meyer officiating. Visitation will be at the church Saturday from 9 a.m. until the service. Cremation has taken place with Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, LaPorte. Interment will take place at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be directed to The Center for Hospice Care, Hospice Foundation, 501 Comfort Place, Mishawaka, IN 46545-5234; or Bethany Lutheran Memorial Fund, 102 G St., LaPorte, IN 46350.

Compiled by Mary Hedge, LaPorte County Public Library

Aug. 15, 1919 — A farm residence near Rolling Prairie was looted while the owners were in LaPorte. The thieves ransacked the whole house and took diamonds, watches and revolvers.

Aug. 15, 1969 — Six hundred troops fly from England to Belfast, Northern Ireland, to end four days of rioting between Protestants and Roman Catholics.

Aug. 15, 1994 — There are critics aplenty in the name switch of Hoosier Dome to RCA Dome.

Aug. 15, 2009 — Approximately 65,000 fair tickets were sold, an estimated 10-12 percent increase over last year. The weather was pleasant this year.

Press release and image provided

Indianapolis-based Flaherty & Collins Properties has announced that The Strand, a $35 million mixed-use development, will start construction in September 2019.

The City of LaPorte Redevelopment Commission selected Flaherty & Collins Properties last year to build a 200-unit multifamily development in the heart of the city’s NewPorte Landing redevelopment project.

“The City of LaPorte is very excited to be partnering with Flaherty & Collins through this development,” said Mayor Mark Krentz. “Flaherty & Collins Properties has a long history of success with projects such as this and we really appreciate that they have chosen to invest in our community.”

The Strand will consist of three buildings totaling approximately 200 new living units and 5,000 square feet of retail space.

The development will occur along the shores of Clear Lake and will provide many unique amenities such as a resort-style pool with wet deck, outdoor courtyard featuring a fire pit and grilling station, a pet wash and bark park, fitness center with Fitness OnDemand technology, and bike storage and repair. Apartments will feature granite countertops, tile backsplashes in kitchen area, and stainless steel appliances.

“We are looking forward to starting The Strand,” said Julie Collier, vice president of development and lead project developer for Flaherty & Collins Properties. “The city has been a great partner in this project, and we believe The Strand will be a vital component for helping the city realize its vision for NewPorte Landing, while giving new residents an exciting living destination that energizes the Clear Lake area.”

The development represents a capital investment of approximately $35 million. The LaPorte Redevelopment Commission is supporting the project with Tax Increment Financing.

“We have no doubt The Strand will be a game-changing project for LaPorte,” said Bert Cook, executive director of the LaPorte Economic Advancement Partnership. “There is a desperate need for this type of housing in our market and we know current residents, and potential new residents, will be excited to call this development home.”

The project should be completed by the third quarter of 2021.

WNLP photos by Bob Wellinski

Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2019, marked the start of a new era for students in grades 5-8 in LaPorte Community Schools. The new Kesling campus — which includes Kesling Intermediate School (grades 5 and 6) and LaPorte Middle School (grades 7 and 8) — officially opened. Although there are still a few things left to do, students, teachers and staff began the new year in a new building on the west side and a renovated building on the east, this all on the site of the former Kesling Middle School off 18th Street. Students from Boston Middle School, along with 5th graders, now attend the Kesling campus. The Boston building, originally a LaPorte High School site, now houses administrative offices.