Mr. Harold Maerz

Mr. Harold "Smokey" L. Maerz , 87, of LaPorte, Indiana, died Sunday, November 11, 2012 at Indiana University Health La Porte Hospital in La Porte, IN. He was born August 11, 1925 in La Porte, Indiana, the son of Edward H. Maerz and Gladys I. (Barnes) Maerz. Harold had worked for 39 1/2 years and retired from Allis-Chalmers. He was a veteran and P.O.W. of the US Army 94th Infantry during WW II. He was a life member of the Disabled American Veterans. Harold loved to bowl, enjoyed fishing, hunting, playing cards, and was a very active crafter. He was a diehard Cubs fan. On May 11, 1946, in LaPorte, IN, he married Dewana M. (Jackson) Maerz who preceded him in death September 15, 2003. He is survived by his 4 daughters - Sandy (Jim) Galinowski of Michigan City, IN, Pat (Glenn) Siddall of Michigan City, IN, Jeanne (John) Bennitt of La Porte, IN, Diana Henriott of Cleveland, OH; son - James (Dona) Maerz of Michigan City, IN; 12 grandchildren - Jennifer Williams, Amy Maerz, Shelley Caldwell, Ryan Maerz, Michael Siddall, Tony Bennitt, Greg and Jeff Galinowski, Tim, Alisha and Ric Henriott, Becky Grish; and 20 great grandchildren. Harold was preceded in death by his parents, wife, son, Michael, three sisters, and one brother. Arrangements are being handled by Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 602 Maple Ave., LaPorte, IN where the family will receive friends Wednesday, November 14, 2012 from 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm & 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm. The VFW Post #2536 of Michigan City will conduct a walk through at 7:00 pm. Visitation will also be held on Thursday, November 15, 2012, from 12:00 pm, until time of service. A life celebration will be held at Haverstock Funeral Home, Inc., Thursday November 15, 2012, at 2:00 pm with Pastor Jo Ellyn Chadwick officiating. Interment will follow at the Heckman Cemetery, LaPorte, Indiana, where the VFW Post #2536 of Michigan City will conduct a military service. Memorial contributions may be made to the Disabled American Veteran, 2301 Ohio Street, Michigan City, IN 46360. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Mr. Harold "Smokey" Maerz please visit our Sympathy Store.