Peter R. Vitkus

Peter R. Vitkus passed away on Thursday, July 5, 2018 in Westfield, IN.

Peter was born on April 4, 1925 in DeKalb, IL.  He was a child of Lithuanian immigrants and overcame many hardships growing up. His father was a disabled veteran and his mother took in borders to help the family make ends meet.  Pete served in the National Guard and at work rose up from the ranks of the shoe department of JcPenneys to upper management and purchasing departments for the company.  He had a quick acerbic wit and a brilliant mathematical mind.  He worked hard and it paid off with regular promotions within the company.  He became the treasurer of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Carrol, Iowa and served on the Board of Trustees and Elders as well as many other capacities within his church.  He loved daily Bible reading and his daily devotions.  He regularly attended Bible class and often had very engaging questions. Pete was dedicated to his family and friends and often extended help to them without ever taking credit.

Life brought challenges to Pete with the death of his son Charlie, then in 2015 he lost his daughter Sue to cancer, and his wife Evelyn not long after that.  He and Dan remained steady throughout these losses and faced the rest of his life with a sturdy and upright faith.  He will be deeply missed by his son, Dan; son-in-law, Dennis; grandchildren, Rebecca (and Robert), Aaron (and Cassie); and great-granddaughter, Hannah; as well as numerous family members around the Midwest.

Pastor Dennis Meyer will lead a Celebration of Life Service on Monday, July 9, 2018 at 2 pm (CDT) at Bethany Lutheran Church, 102 G Street, La Porte, IN with visitation two hours prior to the service.  Burial will follow at Carmel Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Bethany Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, Crossroads Lutheran Church of Carmel, Indiana, or the donor's choice.

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