All Obituaries

Barbara S. Friedman, 86, formerly of LaPorte, Indiana, peacefully passed away at NorthShore Glenbrook Hospital, Glenview, Illinois on Monday, December 6, 2021 while in hospice, which allowed her to be able to visit with family members in the final days of her life.  She leaves behind a lasting legacy as a loving mother and grandmother, a devoted attorney for her clients, and a history of charitable good works in the community she loved.  Her husband, retired federal bankruptcy...

Kyle J. Blanchard, 18, of Rolling Prairie, passed away on Sunday, December 5, 2021 at IU Health University Hospital, with his family by his side. Kyle was born on June 30, 2003 in La Porte, IN, to Ronald LeRoy and Karen Lynn (Waltz) Blanchard.  Kyle is survived by his mother, Karen Blanchard; siblings, Cody (Mariah) Oxender, Jon (Grace) Blanchard, Amanda (Jordan) Cooper, Kevin Blanchard, and Austin Blanchard; nieces, Kennedy and Elaina; grandparents, Kenneth and Roxanne Waltz, Susan...

Rose Miracle, 68, passed away on Sunday, December 5, 2021 at her home. Rose was born on October 11, 1953 in Chicago, IL, to James and Lenora Finazzo. On July 27, 1973 in Valparaiso, IN, she married Thomas, who preceded her in death on June 12, 2006.  Surviving Rose are her sons, Andrew Miracle of Valparaiso, Robert Miracle of Mineral, VA, Lucas Miracle of Valparaiso, and Tom Miracle of Valparaiso; and niece, Lenora Fisher of Valparaiso. Rose owned her own business, Miracle's...

Michael James Swim, 70, passed away on Sunday, December 5, 2021 at Franciscan Health, Michigan City. Michael was born on December 31, 1950 in Michigan City, to Howard and Eleanor (Denow) Swim. On September 3, 1975 in Michigan City, Indiana, he married Cindy Wimmer, who survives.  Also surviving are his sister Sue (Doug) Handlen of Michigan City; foster child, Shauna Markland of Michigan City; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. He was preceded in...

Kernie William Hayman, 78, of Union Mills, passed away on Saturday, December 4, 2021 at his home. Kernie was born on December 6, 1942 in Owen County, IN, to William and Martine (Westerfield) Hayman.  On August 26, 1961 in Owensboro, KY, he married Patricia Ann Keown, who preceded him in death on October 5, 2021.  Surviving Kernie are his daughters, Angela Fritz and Lisa (Mike) Ludlow of Union Mills, granddaughters, Sarah (Ben) Williams of Knox and Dallas (Shawn Dupree) Nowell of...

Vicki Darlene Dean, 69, passed away peacefully at 7:55 a.m. on Wednesday, December 1, 2021 at Franciscan Health, Michigan City, with her girls by her side. She was born on December 13, 1951 in Warren, OH, to Raymond and Dorothy (Beard) Swartzfager. Surviving Vicki are her daughters, Nicole (Martin) Dean-Hernandez and Jesica (Josh) Watson; 5 grandchildren, Troy, Shayla, Martin Jr., Bobby and Mikey; 1 great-grandson, Manolo; and sister, Gwendolyn "Nanny" Swartzfager. She was...

John A. Hartz, 75, of La Porte, passed away on Wednesday, December 1, 2021 at his home. John was born on December 26, 1945, in La Porte, IN, to Carl Kenneth and Isabelle M.(Moser) Hartz.  On February 14, 1996 in Knox, IN, he married Diann E. Bradley, who survives.  Also surviving are his daughters, Angel Hartz and Amy Hartz, both of La Porte; stepdaughter, Robin (Donald Sr.) Hughes of La Porte; stepson, Randy (Janeen) Messer of La Porte; 7 grandchildren, Jagger and Desney...

Bruce David Engle, 73, passed away on Monday, November 29, 2021 at Northwest Health - Porter. Bruce was born on August 2, 1948 in Benton Harbor, MI, to Victor and Lucille (Dobbs) Engle. On September 25, 1971 at St. John's Lutheran Church, La Porte, IN, he married Nancy Neuendorf who survives.  Also surviving are his children, Sarah (Eric) Biddinger of Rochester, IN and Brian (Jess) Engle of Hanover, IL; 3 grandchildren, Bryton, Avery, and Lily; sister, Karel (John) Dreessen of...

Denah A. Childress, 69, of Rolling Prairie, passed away on Sunday, November 28, 2021. Denah was born on July 4, 1952 in La Porte, IN, to Fred and Garnet (Meyers) Simar.  On May 8, 1971 in La Porte, IN, she married Bradley Michael, who survives.  Also surviving are her sons, Mark (Wendy) Childress of La Porte, Michael (Jennifer) Childress of La Porte, and Adam Childress of La Porte; 6 grandchildren, Kimberly (Steffen) Morseau of South Bend, Jordan Childress of La Porte, Kira and...

Hirian Clifford Wiltfong, 66, of Indianapolis, IN, passed away at Community Heart and Vascular Hospital on Saturday, November 27, 2021. Hirian was born on May 5, 1955 in LaPorte, IN, to Hiawathia Merle and Mildred Ava (Sutton) Wiltfong.   He was preceded in death by both his parents and brother-in-law, John Otto.  Surviving Hirian are his daughter, Jennifer (Wiltfong) Gidcomb of Fayetteville, TN; 4 grandsons, Trenton, Nicholas, Brayden, and Jackson; siblings, Vanasa Otto of...