Ron Clindaniel

Ron Clindaniel, 85, of La Porte, passed away on Monday, May 31, 2021 in South Bend after a brief hospitalization.

Ron was born in October, 1935 in Walkerton, IN, to Harold and Nella (Wisler) Clindaniel. He graduated from Union Mills High School in 1954, where he played baseball, basketball, and ran track. He was coached there by the legendary Park Sanders. After high school he served in the U.S. Army in Germany, where he played Division level basketball and traveled across Germany entertaining the troops.

Ron received his Education degree from Ball State University and his Masters degree from Notre Dame University. He taught at Rolling Prairie, South Central, New Prairie and ended his 38-year teaching career in 1999 at La Porte High School as a Guidance Counselor.  He had the honor of being inducted into the LPHS Norman J. Hubner Athletic Hall of Fame in 2018 for starting the Girls Basketball program.  He also was elected to serve on the La Porte County Council from 1995-2003.

Ron’s life was people-centered. He thrived on building relationships and investing in the lives of others. He was a devoted husband, father, relative and friend of many. To his wife and children, he would say often that he loved them with his whole heart and soul. His actions backed up his words.

In January of 1955, in LaCrosse, IN (before leaving for Germany), he married Carol Schoon, who survives.  Also surviving are his children, Steven (Karen) Clindaniel of Venice, FL and Jayne (Richard) Wachsmann of Valparaiso; 6 grandsons: Jonathan Clindaniel, Andrew Wachsmann, Artur Wachsmann, Misha Wachsmann, Jordan Wachsmann, and Nick Wachsmann; as well as several nieces and nephews. He was preceded  in death by his parents and brother, Harold “Bub” Clindaniel.

A time of visitation will be held from 3 - 6 p.m. on Sunday, June 6, 2021 at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center and from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Monday at the church.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, June 7, 2021 at La Porte Missionary Church with Pastor Carl Galloway officiating.  Burial will follow at Door Village Cemetery.

Ron's family requests that anyone attending the visitation and/or service please wear a mask.

Memorial donations may be made to La Porte Missionary Church, 104 E. 18th St., La Porte, IN  46350 or the Union Mills Conservation Club, 100 Mill Pond Road, Union Mills, IN  46382.

Condolences may be shared with the family on www.cutlercares.com.