John “Jack” Louis Miller, age 82, of LaPorte passed away on Saturday, October 29, 2016 at IU Health La Porte Hospital.
He was born in La Porte, IN, on All Saints Day, November 1, 1933 to Leo and Helen (Norten) Miller.
On April 6, 1957 in La Porte, IN, he married Bobette (Strieter) Miller, who survives. Also surviving are his children Catherine (Scott) Saliwanchik, Chris Miller, and Carolyn (Brian) Garwood; grandchildren Amber Marie MacDonald and Hunter Scott Saliwanchik all of La Porte, IN; and brothers Jim (Marilyn) Miller of CO and David (Beverly) Miller of AK.He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother.
Jack or “Black Jack” as he was best known was a man of many skills and well traveled. There wasn’t an engine he couldn’t fix or a tool that he didn’t own. He worked for his entire lifetime starting at Allis Chalmers in La Porte where his father had worked. Through Allis Chalmers, he was a lead engineer in the development of the Ontos tank, holding special US Marine Corp Security privileges and access. He traveled the country and overseas, working for companies such as US Steel, A-C Compressor, Dresser- Rand, and Ford Motorworks as well as similar corporations as an invaluable consultant on compressors and engineering. During these years of travel for work, he was able to take his wife and children on wonderfully memorable vacations. Black Jack was a fast friend to those that he knew and worked with and while continuing consulting work, he also started his own beloved business in the late 1960’s with TRC - better known as The Tool Rental. He found value in and treasured every item he collected and made wonderful community friends and partners in his years of business ownership. In recent years, he found a connection with Bethany Lutheran Church through Pastor Dennis Meyer and enjoyed visiting for communion and prayer. He loved his family and many pets over the years and while we mourn his passing we celebrate that on this All Saints Day he has celebrated his birthday in Heaven.
Cremation has taken place with Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, La Porte.
A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 pm on Friday, November 4, 2016 at Bethany Lutheran Church Family Life Center on the main level. Burial will take place at a later time. Family will receive friends at the church on Friday from 11 am until the time of service.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center. Memorial contributions may be directed to Bethany Lutheran Church, 102 G St., La Porte, IN 46350 or to the Attention of the Family at the same church address.
Condolences may be shared with the family on www.cutlerfuneralhome.com.