Obituaries

Donald F. LaPorte, 65, of Elkhart, passed away Tuesday, January 19, 2021 at Memorial Hospital, South Bend. Don was born March 22, 1955 in Chicago, IL to Donald R. and Albina C. (Karkula) LaPorte. On October 30, 1976 in Chicago he married Stella Jean Loaiza, who survives along with their children: Lisa N. LaPorte, Shelly L. LaPorte and Frank J. LaPorte all of Elkhart; four grandchildren: Donavon, Julian, Analise and Samantha; his siblings: Debra Snyder, Kenny (Carleene) LaPorte and Diane...

Samuel Jerome Whitener, age 61, of Elkhart he went home to be with the Lord on January 17, 2021 at Elkhart General Hospital. Sam was born on January 7, 1960 in Elkhart to Howard and Veretta. Sam worked in production for several years until his healthy started to fail him. He loved spending time with his family and friends. He never missed the chance to talk to his nieces and nephews. Sam was survived by his sisters, Angelic Whitener, Amanda James and Angel Bowen; his brother Chance James;...

Carol K. Gregg, age 81, of South Bend formerly of Middlebury, passed away on January 15, 2021 at Briarcliff health and Rehabilitation in South Bend, IN. Carol was born on December 6, 1939 in Wakarusa, Indiana to Wilbur and Choice Pippenger. She married Don Gregg on August 6, 1955 in LaGrange, IN and he preceded her in death on May 12, 1984. Carol worked for Middlebury School Corporation. After graduation from college, Carol worked as an electronics engineer for Eaton Controls. She was a...

Robin Lynn Jolgren, age 68, of Elkhart passed away on Thursday, January 14, 2021 at Elkhart General Hospital. Robin was born on February 18, 1952 in Battle Creek, Michigan to Gordon and Joan Crase. She married her high school sweetheart, Vern Jolgren, at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Elkhart on August 18, 1972. Robin worked for over 15 years at Beardsley Elementary School as a Learning Disability Resource Teacher.  She invested her heart and soul into her students, working...

Wayne E. Newton, age 89, of Elkhart passed away on January 13, 2021. Wayne was born on October 22, 1931 in Elkhart to William And Margaret Newton. He married Nola Smith in Hinckley, Ohio. Wayne was one of the founders of Citizens Northern Bank in Elkhart. He was a Corporate Pilot of CP (Coleman Pickrell) Products, the owner of VanTruk, INC in Ft Myers, FL., he was the courier for Edison National Bank in Ft. Myers, FL. He was a member of the US Coast Guard Auxiliary in Ft. Myers, FL and most...

Betty Jane Kissinger Engle Johnson, age 93, of Elkhart passed away on Tuesday, January 12, 2021 at her home surrounded by her family. Betty was born on November 4, 1927 in Culver, IN to Charles Fleet and Carrie Kissinger. She married Gerald L. Engle, he preceded her in death on April 24, 1990, she later married Gerald A. Johnson, he preceded her in death on December 7, 2016. Betty was the owner of Fountain of Beauty Hair Salon on Bower Street in Elkhart. She was a member of Adamsville Road...

William Marohn, age 84, of Elkhart was born on March 25, 1936 in South Bend, Indiana to William and Elizabeth (Dall) Marohn. Bill graduated from South Bend Central High School in 1954.He then pursued his education at Ball State University where he graduated with honors from Ball State University’s Teacher College in 1958 with a B.S degree in history and business. Bill took on leadership roles as a class officer, a Blue Key member and was involved in Student Center activities. He was...

Leora M. Martin, age 100, made her Heavenly journey on Monday, January 11, 2021.  Leora was born on June 13,1920 in Elkhart, with her twin sister, Delora, to Carlton E. and Ruth N. Rowe.  She married George D. Bowers on May 18,1941, the father of her children.  She later married Bruce L. Martin on August 12, 1989.   Leora’s life revolved around her love for the Lord.  After attending Grace United Methodist Church as a child and adult, she followed her faith...

Jacqueline Lou Jobe, 93, of Elkhart, passed away Tuesday January 5, 2021 at Memorial Hospital, South Bend. Jackie was born in Battle Creek, Michigan on November 23, 1927 to Bert and Charlotte (Hagerman) Riley. Surviving are her daughters, Cindy Armstrong, Susanne (Mike) Byrne and Sally (Phil) Shupe, six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Due to the ongoing medical crisis all services will be held at a later date. Jackie will be interred in Volina Cemetery in Marcellus,...

HOMER ALLEN SCHENK, AGE 83, OF ELKHART PASSED AWAY ON TUESDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2020 AT HIS HOME SURROUNDED BY FAMILY. HOMER WAS BORN ON MAY 14, 1937 IN ELKHART TO CLARENCE  HENRY AND LEONOA MAE SCHENK. HOMER MARRIED MARGARET “PEGGY’ JOAN LILLY ON JUNE 7, 1958 HOMER IS SURVIVED BY HIS CHILDREN; HEIDI EASH, TIM (LESLIE) SCHENK, RONDA BRYANT AND  HEATHER (TOM) MILLER, HIS GRANDCHILDEN;  AUDREY, DANIEL, HANNAH, LAUREN, CHRIS, ANDY, ALEX, DEREK, SHAUN, TREVOR, DEREK,...