Owen Lempke, 72, of Mill Creek, Indiana, died at 4:55 a.m. on Monday, July, 3, 2006 at his home.
A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 8, at the LaPorte First United Methodist Church with Rev. Doug Hadley officiating. Visitation will be held on Friday from 4:00-8:00 p.m. at Cutler Funeral Home and on Saturday at the church from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will be in Oak Grove Cemetery where full military rites will be conducted.
Owen was born November 10, 1933, in Mill Creek, Indiana to the late Vernon Ruben and Frances Emily (Ruff) Lempke. On August 9, 1953, in LaPorte he married Elizabeth Ann "Betty" Lange, who survives.
Survivors also include son Steve (Carol) Lempke of Aurora, IN; daughter Lisa (Taylor) Jackson of Mill Creek; grandchildren Sarah and Laura Lempke and Amanda and Aaron Johnson; brother Dr. Lloyd Lempke of Indianapolis; and sisters Janet Barb of Indianapolis, Jean Caddy and Sharon Daniels of LaPorte, Irene Slaughter of Charlestown, IN and Ruth Judson of Kansas City, MO.
Owen was a farmer and a toolmaker. He was known in the area as a craftsman of hardwood toys. He was also a former LaPorte School Bus Driver.
He was a U.S. Army Veteran of the Korean War. He was a member of the International VFW, a member and past finance officer of Fish Lake American Legion Post 400, and a 20-year member of the Mill Creek Lions Club, serving as treasurer for 11 years. He had served two terms as president of the NW Indiana Pork Producers and he was a former member of the Whirling Promenades Square Dancers.
He was also a member of the LaPorte First United Methodist Church. Memorials may be made to the Donor's Choice.
Death: July 5, 2006