Wilbur Frederick Dadlow

Wilbur Frederick Dadlow, 92, of La Porte, passed away on Thursday, January 6, 2022, at his home.

Wilbur was born on September 17, 1929 in La Porte, IN, to Frederick J. and Edith Marie (Ehmke) Dadlow.

On October 7, 1950 in St. John's Lutheran Church, La Porte, he married Leota Thompson, who survives.  Also surviving are his son, Gregory (Carolyn) Alan Dadlow; 3 grandchildren, Melissa Bennett, Jennifer (Ryan) Lowery, and Stephanie (Will) Fischer; 6 great-grandchildren, Jacob Bennett, Connor Bennett, Jett Lowery, Penelope Fischer, Hunter Fischer, and Juliette Fischer; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded by his parents; daughter, Teresa Marie Bluhm; sister, Shirley L. Manus; and stepsister, Evelyn Dadlow.

Wilbur retired from Allis Chalmers in 1983 after 35 years of service as an Engineering Change Analyst in the Materials Control department.  He won several awards for his cost saving measures and has service pins for all those years.  Wilbur was a funeral assistant for Haverstock Funeral Home for 20 years and was owner/operator of Odie's Hotdog concession stand from 1983 to 2004.  Odie's I Hotdog stand was stationary behind the old Streiter's building.  Odie's II Hotdog stand was a staple at many weekend auctions, the La Porte County Fair, and other craft events.

Wilbur was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church.  He volunteered for 20 years at the La Porte County Fair in the Treasurer's office and Ticket Booth.  Wilbur has served in every office on the board from Secretary, Treasurer, Sexton, and President at Door Village Cemetery Association for many years.  He took great pride in maintaining the beautiful grounds and balancing the books "to the penny".

Wilbur could often be found working outside with his wife in their beautiful yard.  He was an avid gardener.  Wilbur and Leota also enjoyed going out for dinner together, taking drives around the lakes, and dancing the nights away as part of the Over 40's Club.

Wilbur and Leota loved to travel to Las Vegas to visit friends and family.  They also enjoyed cruises and were able to take the cruise of a lifetime around Hawaii.  For over 20 years, they enjoyed being snowbirds in Arcadia, Florida, where they enjoyed their second home.  They were especially fond of the Big Tree Resort activities and meeting up with their friends from all around the country, having fun in the Casinos and driving to the Gulf Coast to relax on the Florida beaches.  While they enjoyed Florida, they always came home to spend time with their children and grandchildren.  They both took great love and pride in their growing family.

Through all the great joys and sorrows, Wilbur and Leota were always together.  They supported each other's interests and were never far.  It was said that if one were to go before the other, it wouldn't matter since their hearts will always be one.

A  Private Celebration of Life Service will be held at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center.  Burial will follow at Door Village Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to the family c/o Greg Dadlow, 2900 Monroe Street, La Porte, IN  46350 or to the donor's choice.

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