Catherine "Louise" (Rongey) Grieger

Catherine "Louise" Grieger, age 97, of La Porte, Indiana died May 24, 2022, at 1:30 a.m. at her home.

Born July 16, 1924, in St. Louis Missouri, she was the daughter of the late Elbert and Amelia (Grindstaff) Rongey.  She graduated from Doniphan High School in 1942.  After graduation, Louise went to St. Louis to work as there were no jobs in Doniphan because of WWII starting December 7, 1941.  Louise worked for Amathorp Corporation, which made parts for torpedoes used for submarines and destroyers.  Louise's job was the final inspector of the detonating fuse, which made the entire torpedo explode.  She worked there until October 1944.  On November 1, 1944, Louise joined the Marines.  After boot camp she was stationed in Washington D.C. at Arlington Cemetery, where she was a clerk/typist in the record section.  Her job was to locate the records of a missing or killed in action Marine.  These records would be turned over to someone who would notify the next of kin.  D.C. is where Louise met her loving husband of 68-years, Arthur Melvin Grieger, who preceded her in death.  Louise and Arthur married January 26, 1947.

Louise lived most of her life in La Porte, Indiana. She and her husband owned and operated a farm. Cooking was a big part of her life.  During planting and harvesting season, about four months, she would take meals to the fields twice a day to feed a hot meal to her family and the farm workers. She enjoyed cooking for family and friends.

Louise was a very loving and caring mother to three children: Daughter Janice Rongey-White, granddaughter Allie DeManuele, great grandchildren, Jaylynn, Aubrey and Wyatt; Son Bruce and wife Becky, grandchildren Sarah Barry, Myriah (Damian) Sweeney, great grandchildren Jackson Barry, Colin and Grant Sweeney; and Son Brian and wife Kathie, grandchildren Chad, Trevor (Laura), Nolan, and great grandson Logan.  She is also survived by sister Margaret Reeves of  Florida and many loving nieces and nephews.  Preceding Louise in death are her infant son Glen Dale; son-in-law Raymond White; brothers Charles Rongey and Harold Rongey; and sisters Ruth Evans and Mary Lou Johnson.

Louise was a member of First Baptist Church in La Porte. For 31 years Louise was able to spend winters in Texas, where she would enjoy painting ceramics.  She was awarded a trophy for being the “eye” lady.  Everyone would come to her to paint eyes on their ceramic projects.  She also enjoyed playing golf, square dancing, and playing and hosting card games.  Louise was blessed to be able to make and spend time with many friends from all over the country.

Louise generously donated her body to the Anatomical Education Program at Indiana University School of Medicine.  This gift will contribute significantly to the advancement of health science education in the state of Indiana.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at a later date at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center.

Donations in Louise's memory may be made to Dunes Hospice, 4711 Evans Ave, Valparaiso, IN 46383; Honor Flight Chicago, 9701 W. Higgins Rd., Suite 310, Rosemont, IL 60018; or Anatomical Education Program, 635 Barnhill Drive, Room MS 5035, Indianapolis, IN 46202.

Condolences may be shared online at www.cutlercares.com.