Bernard B. Lootens, 89, Michigan City, Indiana, died Friday, June 17, 2016, in Michigan City from injuries suffered in an automobile accident.
Bernie was born in South Bend, Indiana on August 23, 1926, to Bernard A. Lootens and Magdalena Claeys Lootens. After graduating from South Bend Central High School in 1944, he joined the U.S. Navy where he participated in the V-12 Navy College Training Program, attending college at V-12 programs at Berea College and Central Michigan University. Following his Navy service, he graduated from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, in 1947. Bernie received his Masters in History from Indiana University, Bloomington, where he met and married Barbara Meyer in 1949. They enjoyed 59 years together, ending with Barbara’s death in 2008.
Bernie and Barbara began their teaching careers together in 1950, with stops in Indianapolis, Arcadia, and Pendleton, Indiana, interrupted by Bernie’s service in the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict, where he was stationed in Ft. Meade, Maryland, in the Counterintelligence Corps. Their teaching careers took Bernie and Barbara to Michigan City, where Bernie taught history at Elston High School from 1954 to 1971 and at Rogers High School from its opening in 1971 until his retirement in 1986. He also taught history at Purdue North Central (now Purdue Northwest) for over 30 years, both before and after his retirement from the Michigan City Area Schools. Bernie was a teacher who changed lives. A legendary storyteller who demanded the best of himself and his students, Bernie brought history alive for generations of students, helping them understand the world and inspiring them to achieve and exceed ambitious life goals.
Inquisitive, sociable, and fun-loving, Bernie had many passions in addition to his family and his profession, including tennis, travel, reading, writing, poetry, the company of good friends, and his beloved Chicago Cubs. He was active in the Michigan City community, including service on the Library Board, the Community Arts Council, and the Sinai Temple Sunday Evening Forum board. He remained vibrant and active until his very last day. He was blessed to share three joyful years with his wife Lynne Dingman Kaser Lootens, who survives. Bernie is also survived by daughter Tricia Lootens (partner JoEllen Childers) of Athens, Georgia, son Jim Lootens (wife Sara) of Indianapolis, cherished granddaughters Katie, Anne, and Amy Lootens, brother Donald Lootens (wife Carmen), and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents and sister Elaine.
A cremation committal has taken place with Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, La Porte, Indiana. Interment has taken place at Crown Hill Cemetery, Indianapolis, IN. A celebration of Bernie’s life will be held from 2 - 5 PM, Saturday, July 23, 2016 at the Dworkin Student Activity Center, Purdue University Northwest, Westville Campus, 1401 S U.S. 421, Westville, IN. A reception and visitation will begin at 2:00 PM, and beginning at 4:00 PM, family and friends will be invited to share their memories of Bernie. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Purdue Foundation for the Barbara and Bernie Lootens Scholarship, Purdue University Northwest, 1401 S. U.S. 421, Westville, IN 46391.
Condolences may be shared with the family on www.cutlerfuneralhome.com.