Cloyce Lyman Sempsrott, 96, of LaPorte, Indiana, died at 1:40 P.M. Friday, August 15, 2008 at LaPorte Hospital after a lengthy illness.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 1:00 P.M. Tuesday, August 19, 2008 at Cutler Funeral Home. There will be a time of visitation with the family on Monday, August 18, 2008 from 4-8 P.M. and on Tuesday from 11 A.M. until the time of service at the Funeral Home. A Masonic Memorial Service will be held at 7 P.M. Monday at the Cutler Funeral Home. Interment will be at the Door Village Cemetery.
Mr. Sempsrott was born November 1, 1911 in Willow Hill, IL, first born son of Frederick and Ovie Jo (McCain) Sempsrott. Both preceded him in death. On March 20, 1932 in Robinson, IL., he married Bernice Marie Crail, who preceded him in death on November 1, 1997.
Survivors include a Daughter: Judith (Bart) Ridley of LaPorte, IN; a Granddaughter, Sarah Marie Ridley, Mishawaka, IN; a Sister, Niola Behling, Marion, IL, and two Brothers, Victor (Virginia) Sempsrott, Mattoon, IL, and Harold (Correne) Sempsrott, Lebanon, TN. He was preceded in death by his Son, David Sempsrott; and two Brothers, Byrl and Virgil Sempsrott; and one Sister, Freda (Forrest) Price.
After moving with his wife to LaPorte in 1944, Mr. Sempsrott worked as a machinist and tool and die maker for over 50 years. Although he worked for several companies during this time; his primary place of employment was Howmett Corporation in LaPorte.
In addition to tool and die work, he also maintained a small farm, and took great pride in his beautiful gardens, the variety of animals he kept as pets, and his extraordinary skills as a carpenter and mechanic.
Mr. Sempsrott continued to work as a volunteer for many community organizations after his retirement in 1982. He was a member of the First Christian Church, where he served as a deacon for over 30 years; LaPorte Masonic Lodge, of which he had been a member for 60 years and a lifetime member of the NRA. He was an excellent bowler with a high average. He continued bowling on a team until 4 years ago. He loved fishing in LaPorte and on Lake Michigan.
He enjoyed a variety of music and in his younger days, played ukulele, guitar and organ. During his long, productive life, Mr. Sempsrott was a very generous, kind man who touched the hearts and minds of hundreds of people. He was regarded as a true, loyal friend to all and a loving, supportive husband, father, brother and grandfather to his family. He is one of the last of the Great Generation and he will be truly missed by his family and friends. May he rest in peace.
Donations in his memory, may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 50 E 91st ST. STE 100, Indianapolis, IN 46209-4830 or the Salvation Army, 209 State Street, LaPorte, IN 46350.
Friends may leave condolences at www.cutlerfuneral.com.