Laurence L. DeKoker, of Chesterton, passed away Wednesday, March 7, 2007 at St. Anthony Memorial Health Center, Michigan City. He was 81.

He was born Nov. 7, 1925 in Chicago, the son of Laurence and Beaulah Mae (Frank) DeKoker, both of whom preceded him in death.

On Sept. 18, 1949 at E.U.B. Church-Porter United Methodist Church, he married Jeannette E. Ton, who survives in Chesterton.

He is also survived by two sons, Dan (Suzi) DeKoker, of San Diego, Calif. and Dennis DeKoker, of Porter; a daughter, Marijo (Kevin) Novinger, of Michigan City; six grandchildren, Leslie DeKoker, Amanda (Tim) Martin, Chris (Jenn) Kane, Sarah DeKoker, Jim (Courtney) DeKoker, Jesi (David) Potirus; a great-granddaughter, Marley DeKoker and two sisters, Gladys Oberlin, of Porter and Emily Simmons, of Beverly Hills, Calif.

Larry was a member of the 1st United Methodist Church of Chesterton, where he had taught Sunday School, served as an usher, and was a member of the United Methodist Mens Club, and Youth Group Leader. He was retired from the Chesterton Post Office where he was a letter carrier with 30 years service. He was owner of L.L. DeKoker Landscaping for 30 years.

He was a member of the Mid-West Sundowners and a member of the experimental Aircraft Association. He and his cousin Floyd Frank, while members of EAA, built and flew an aircraft with a Volkswagon engine, called the “Volksplane”.

He served in the U.S. Army Air Corps. He was Commander of the Civil Air Patrol and was leader of Boy Scout Troop #29. Larry played a part in building Camp To-Pe-Ne-Bee in LaPorte County.

Funeral services, Pastor Terry C. Rhine officiating, will be at 11 a.m. Monday, March 12 at the First United Methodist Church, Chesterton. Interment will be at Chesterton Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 2-6 p.m. Sunday, at White-Love Funeral Home, 525 S. 2nd St., Chesterton.

Memorials may be given to the Boy Scouts of America, or to the First United Methodist Church of Chesterton Jr. and Sr. Methodist Youth Fellowship.

Posted 3/9/2007