Mr. Russell Schlundt

Mr. Russell F. Schlundt, 85, of La Porte, Indiana, passed away peacefully at his home at 7 pm Friday. He was born January 16, 1927 in La Porte, Indiana, the son of Fred Schlundt and Johanna (Werner) Schlundt. On March 6, 1948, in Kingsbury, IN, he married Betty Louise (Harder) Schlundt who survives. Russ was an entrepreneur at heart who along with his wife, Betty of 64 years, lived life to its fullest, along with family and friends in both work and play. He did not shy away from hard work and always believed that you could become successful if you worked hard. Russ lived by the mottos that you didn't have to wear a tie to gain respect and the world doesn't owe you a living. His business ventures started by working for Studebaker in South Bend, leasing a Marathon Service Station when service stations actually had service, then buying and operating Schlundt Food and Gas (which included a grocery store, service station, and trailer park) for 6 years in Kingsford Heights. Russ and Betty then moved to Florida only to return shortly thereafter to start his 35 year business as Russ Schlundt Supply. He provided wholesale auto parts to most local service stations, farmers, and trucking companies. Along the way, Russ's hobbies included raising Shetland ponies, working around the farms and raising cattle. He ventured into hog production for a short time and co-owned an alfalfa and cattle ranch in Dyer, Nevada. He enjoyed going to the La Porte County Fair and visiting with family and friends in the Beef Barn. He made sure over the last 55 years that 4-H beef calves were there for the kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids. Believing that if you worked hard all week, you deserved a night out. It was not unusual to find Russ and Betty dancing the night away at one of the local dances. They were active in the Over 40's Dance Club. Russ proudly volunteered and entered the Navy at the age of 17 during WWII and was honorably discharged as a United States Navy Electricians Mate 3rd Class. He was a member of several civic organizations through his life, including VFW Post #9423 of Rolling Prairie, American Legion of Kingsford Heights, and the Loyal Order of the Moose Lodge 492 of La Porte. He is also survived by his 2 sons - Fred (Vickie) Schlundt of La Porte, IN; Paul (Marge) Schlundt of Valparaiso, IN; daughter - Lynn (Kevin) Rafferty of New Carlisle, IN; 8 Grandchildren - Candi (Gary) Kautz, Jamie Schlundt, Greg (Tammy) Schlundt, Kassie (Ryan) Biggerstaff, Kory Biggerstaff, Kelly (Brock) Luther, Tracy and Michael Schlundt; 8 Great Grandchildren - Garrett, Mallory, and Zoey Kautz, Jacob McVay, Bryce Perry and Savannah Eslick, Ariel Schlundt, and Emmett McIntyre. Russell was preceded in death by his parents and 3 brothers, Howard, Harold, and Norman Schlundt. Arrangements are being handled by Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 602 Maple Ave., La Porte, IN where the family will receive friends Tuesday, November 27, 2012 2:00 pm - 8:00 pm & Wednesday, November 28, 2012 10:00 am until time of service. The La Porte Moose Lodge will conduct a service Tuesday at 7:00 pm. A life celebration will be held at Haverstock Funeral Home, Inc., Wednesday November 28, 2012 at 11:00 am with Rev. Victor Frohne officiating. Interment will follow at the Kingsbury Cemetery, Kingsbury, Indiana where the Rolling Prairie VFW will conduct military honors. Memorial contributions may be made to the Loyal Order of the Moose Lodge 492, 925 Boyd Blvd, LaPorte, IN 46350-4420, VFW of Rolling Prairie Post #9423 Bryon Road Rolling Prairie, IN 46371, La Porte County 4H Beef Committee, or the American Legion of Kingsford Heights, 500 Grayton Rd, Kingsford Heights, IN 46346. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Mr. Russell F. Schlundt please visit our Sympathy Store.