September 3, 2010

Obituaries

  1. Dennis “Ripper” Barger, 1949-2010

    Dennis Barger   Dennis “Ripper” Barger Sr., 61, of LaPorte, died Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2010, in his home.

       He was born June 22, 1949, in Harriman, TN, to Floyd Harrison and Carrie Lee McKinney Barger.

       Dennis was a U.S. Army veteran, having served in Vietnam and Korea in the Ist Cavalry. He had worked at the Indiana State Prison for 34 1/2 years as a guard and transport officer. He was a life member of Disabled American Veterans 23 and VFW 1130, was sergeant at arms for American Legion Post 83, and also belonged to the Howard County Vietnam Veterans Association, Polish Falcons, Legion Riders, 40&8, Moose Lodge, PRCU, Wednesday Pool League, and Thursday Senior Pool League of the American Legion. He was a Cubs, Michigan, Denver Broncos and Jimmy Johnson No. 48 fan. He will be missed by his dogs; Kari, Rowdy, Peaches and Ginger Snap.

       He was married to Carol Welch in LaPorte on June 16, 1973; she survives.

       Also surviving are two sons, Dennis E. Barger Jr. of LaPorte and Mike (Amy) Barger of Michigan City, IN; five grandchildren, Austin A. Barger of LaPorte, Dennis E. Barger III and Owen F. Barger of Michigan City, and A.J. and Kyle Caddo of Michigan City; three sisters, Brenda (Dennis) Metcalf of LaPorte, Elizabeth (Sam) Sellers of Hawkinsville, GA, and Mary (Jeff) Gifford of Westville, IN; one brother, Steve W. Barger Sr. of Clearwater, FL; and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

       He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Robert Barger and son Christopher Lee Barger.

       A Celebration of Life Veteran’s Memorial Service will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 7, at VFW 1130, 181 McClung Rd., LaPorte. Flag Presentation Honors will be conducted during the service with a meal to follow. Cutler Funeral Home, LaPorte, is handling arrangements.

       Contributions may be made to the Family of Dennis Barger c/o Cutler Funeral Home, 2900 Monroe St., LaPorte, IN 46350.

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

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  2. Howard Keller, 1923-2010

    Howard Keller   Howard J. Keller, 87, of Michigan City, IN, died Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2010, at his home.

       He was born Aug. 16, 1923, in Mill Creek, IN, the son of Daniel W. and Mary G. (Byerley) Keller.

       Howard worked for Teledyne Casting Service for 29 years, retiring in 1985. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army during World War II. He was a former member, past commander and life member of VFW Post 2536, and was awarded as Veteran of the Year by VFW Ladies Auxiliary 2536. He was also a former member of American Legion Post 451, Moose Lodge 980, FOP 75, Blue Lodge 83 F&AM, and Orak Shrine, all of Michigan City, and Scottish Rite of South Bend, IN. He marched in many parades wtih the Orak Oriental Band. Howard was a longtime member of the Michigan City Honor Guard. He enjoyed bowling, golf and gardening.

       On Sept. 24, 1949, in LaPorte, he married Maxine English, who preceded him in death on Feb. 28, 1970. On July 1, 1972, in Michigan City, he married Luella Timm Keller, who survives.

       He is also survived by his two daughters, Diana (Harold) Eschenbrenner of Foristell, MO, and Debra (Jim) Ford of Meridian, MS; stepson Barry (Kathryn) Timm of Brownsburg, IN; eight grandchildren, Scott Eschenbrenner of O’Fallon, MO, Todd (Sarah) Eschenbrenner of St. Croix, Virgin Islands, Jon Eschenbrenner of Creve Coeur, MO, Adam (Tamara) Timm of Jupiter, FL, Brian (Megan) Timm of Avon, IN, Allison Timm of Indianapolis, Kristen Timm of Knoxville, TN, and Misty (Rob) McGraw of Meridian, MS; six great-grandchildren, Jordan and Keller Eschenbrenner of St. Croix, Virgin Islands; Donovan Timm of Jupiter, FL, Addison Timm of Avon, IN, Kaden Timm of Avon, and Taylor Hollingsworth of Meridian, MS; two sisters, Alliene Renz of Rolling Prairie, IN, and Dorothy Hope of Charlotte, NC; and several nieces and nephews.

       Howard was preceded in death by his parents; four sisters, Rose Kellogg, Barbara Ratliff, Helen Lewallen and Aletha Shipton; and five brothers, Gerald Keller, Leon Keller, Ray Keller, Herschel Keller and Omer Keller.

       The family will receive friends on Friday, Sept. 3, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Haverstock Funeral Home, LaPorte. A private family service will be held Saturday, Sept. 4, at the funeral home with Rev. Robert Raschka officiating. A military service will be conducted by VFW Post 2536 and American Legion Post 451 Honor Guard of Michigan City at 7:30 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Interment will follow in Pine Lake Cemetery, LaPorte.

       Memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Children’s Hospital, 2211 N. Oak Park Ave., Chicago, IL 60607; or to the donor’s choice.

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

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  3. Michael “Skully” Lindsey, 1952-2010

       Michael “Skully” Lindsey, 58, of LaPorte, died peacefully at 3:37 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2010, at LaPorte Hospital.

       He was born July 2, 1952, in LaPorte to James “Pete” Cambron and Myrtle Lindsey.

       Mr. Lindsey had owned and operated Mike’s Lock & Key since 1994. He began playing drums when he was 17 years old and volunteered at benefits with his band, “State Street Blues Band.” He also performed at benefits and county homes with the “Born Again Blues Band.” Mike’s musical gift will be missed by all who performed with him and those he performed for.

       On April 4, 1970, in LaPorte, he married Judy Barnsdale-Hutchinson Lindsey, who survives.

       Also surviving are his daughter, Nicole (Brian) Johnson of Hudson Lake, IN; three grandchildren, Ashley, Wendy and Brianna; brother, Myron (Sue) Lindsey of South Bend, IN; three half-sisters, Terry, Tina and Jody; and three half-brothers, Jim, Frank and Gerrel.

       He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.

       Funeral services will be held at noon on Saturday, Sept. 4, at Lakeview Funeral Home and Crematory, LaPorte, with John Hutchinson officiating. Visitation will be Saturday from 10 a.m. until the service at the funeral home. Cremation will take place following services.

       Memorial contributions may be made to the family c/o Lakeview Funeral Home and Crematory, 247 W. Johnson Rd., LaPorte, IN 46350.

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

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