Bernard "Ben" Patla

Bernard "Benny" Patla  

August 2, 1933-December 8, 2023

Bernard Patla, 90, of Walkerton, Indiana, passed away Friday December 8, 2023 at his home, surrounded by his family.

 He was born August 2, 1933 in Jackson, Michigan, the son of Joseph J. Patla and Sophie (Francey) Patla.

Benny graduated from Jackson High School in MI in 1951 and joined the United States Army, serving in WWII. He came to La Porte in the summers to work on his cousin's farm and moved back to La Porte after he finished his service time.  On May 24, 1958, in Walkerton, IN, Benny married the love of his life, Fay Tener, at St. Patrick’s Church. They lived in La Porte for two years and in 1961, built their home in Walkerton. Benny worked as a Master Diesel Mechanic 18 years for Shamrock Ford in South Bend before retiring with Chas. Levy Circulating Co. in 2006. Over the course of his life, Benny liked farming his fields of corn and enjoyed racing his own stock car. He was a big NASCAR fan - Mark Martin was his favorite. He loved watching Michigan football on TV and because his granddaughter was a water girl for the IU football team, he watched their games, hoping for a peek of her running on the field. After retirement, you could see him riding his lawn mower and mowing all the neighbors’ lawns. His family, though, was most precious to him. He was a big family guy who loved going to grandparents’ day at school and just spending quality time with his loved ones, who will miss him dearly.

Benny is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Fay; three daughters, Sherry K. Flitter of La Porte, IN, Mary (Rob Jr.) Nelson of La Porte, IN, Peggy (Bill) Day of Fish Lake, IN; eight grandchildren, Christopher (Tiffany), Malinda (Keith), Cassandra (Jimmy), Rachel (Jason), Nicole, Sara (Iain), Anna, Sydney; eight great-grandchildren, Haley, Faith, Vinny, Landen, David, Isabella, Roger, Jamison and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Roger Patla; brothers, Stanley, Leo and Harry Patla; sisters, Ann Ksiazkiewicz, Sophie Lozier, Maggie Sipes, Helen Mohamed; grandchild, Emily.

Arrangements are being entrusted to Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 602 Maple Ave., LaPorte, IN where the family will receive friends for a viewing on Friday, December 15, 2023 from 10:00-12:00 noon central time. A funeral service will follow at noon Friday at the funeral home, with Pastor Bob Vale officiating. Interment will take place at the Woodlawn Cemetery, Walkerton, IN.

Memorial contributions may be made in Benny's name to the Shriners Children's Hospital, 2211 N. Oak Park Ave., Chicago, IL 60707.

Online condolences may be made at www.haverstockfuneralhome.com.