James E. Pliske, 89, of Michigan City, passed away October 15, 2008 at 2:20 a.m. in Life Care Center of Michigan City.

He was born May 20, 1919 in Chesterton the son of Walter and Veronica (Demorski) Pliske, both of whom preceded him in death.

On October 9, 1943, in Michigan City, he married Ruth A. Foldenauer, who preceded him in death December 11, 1991.

He is survived by two daughters, Ann (Russell) Klosinski of LaPorte and Darlene (Richard) Henderson of Westville; one son, David (Linda) Pliske of LaPorte; 12 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren; two brothers, John Pliske of Porter and Thomas Pliske of Chesterton; special family friend, Libby Smith of Three Oaks, Mich. and his Yorkie, Fritz.

He was also preceded in death by a son, Ralph W. Pliske on September 25, 2008; four brothers, Clem, Alex, Walter and Herman Pliske; two sisters, Eleanor Shooter and Laurie Brandt.

James was a US Army Veteran of WWII. He worked as a shipping clerk for Arno Tape for 21 years until his retirement in 1980. He also worked as a carpenter at Pliske Construction for many years. He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, where he was an usher for over 60 years. He also was a memner of St. Mary’s Holy Name Society and the 2600 Club. He was Past Grand Knight of the Michigan City Knights of Columbus, and a member of the John Franklin Miller American Legion Post 37, and VFW Post 2536. He was well known by many in Michigan City for riding his John Deere from his Ohio Street home to the mall area.

Mass of Christian Burial, Rev. James McGrogan officiating, will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, October 18 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Entombment will follow in Swan Lake Memorial Gardens, with full military honors provided by John Franklin American Legion Post #37 and VFW Post #2536.

Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. Friday and from 8:30-9:30 a.m. Saturday at Ott/Haverstock Funeral Chapel. A wake service will be conducted Friday at 5:30 p.m. in the funeral chapel.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 411 W. 11th St., Michigan City, IN 46360 or Marquette Foundation, 306 W. 10th St., Michigan City, IN 46360.

To sign a guestbook and leave condolences online visit www.otthaverstock.com

Posted 10/16/2008