Walter Kegebein Sr.

Mr. Walter Lee Kegebein Sr. of LaPorte, Indiana passed into eternal life on May 24, 2008. He was born in LaPorte, Indiana to Clifford and Elsie Martensen Kegebein on August 24, 1929. He lived in Plymouth until moving to the Rolling Prairie area in 1945. He was a member of the Rolling Prairie High School class of 1947. He served two years in the United States Army, and was stationed in San Antonio, Texas. Walter Married his High School Sweetheart, Clara Louise Lewis, in October 7, 1950. The couple resided in the Rolling Prairie and LaPorte Communities throughout their wonderful 57 years of marriage. They were blessed with three children, Thomas Lee, deceased, 1962, Barbara Joyce, and Walter Lee Jr. Walter was known throughout LaPorte and St. Joseph counties for his homebuilding company, Kegebein Construction. He began the company in 1957. His company was responsible for more than 300 residential and commercial new builds and many renovations throughout the two counties. Walter was the builder and developer of Westwood Place and Westwood Oaks Sub-Divisions. He was a charter member and Past President of LaPorte County Home Builders Association as well as a local and state director. He also served on the LaPorte County Board of Health. During the time Walter resided in Rolling Prairie he was an active member of the Rolling Prairie Christian Church. Upon moving to LaPorte he became a member of the St. John's Lutheran Church and served on the board of Trustees. Walter greatly enjoyed anytime he could b e outdoors, gardening, landscaping and golfing. Walter was passionate about anything he did in life. He dearly loved God, his family, and the great friends and neighbors he accumulated throughout his life. He was especially appreciative of these wonderful people and their many acts of kindness and prayers throughout his battle with illness since August 2005. Surviving members of Walter's family are, his wife Clara Louise Kegebein of LaPorte, his daughter, Barbara Robert Riehle of Phoenix, Arizona, His Son Walter Lee Donna Kegebein Jr., of White Lake, Michigan, his six grandchildren, Kipp, Summer, Mykaela Riehle, and Taylor, Stefan, Kyra Kegebein, Walter is also survived by his brother Kenneth Kegebein, of LaPorte, IN, his sister Joanne Bill Meyers, of New Carlisle, IN, and sister in-law Mary McCormick, of New Carlisle, IN, he is preceded in death by his Parents and his sister, Shirley Bowers. Visitation will be at Haverstock Funeral Home 602 Maple Ave. LaPorte, IN, from 2:00 to 8:00 PM Wednesday May 28, 2008 and also from 9:00 AM Thursday May 29, 2008 until 11:00 AM, at the St. John Lutheran Church 111 Kingsbury Ave. LaPorte, IN 46350. Funeral Service will be at 11:00 AM Thursday May 29, 2008 at the St. John Lutheran Church, with Rev. Ronald Brauer officiating. Memorial Contributions may be made to the St. John Lutheran Church 111 Kingsbury Ave. LaPorte, IN 46350 To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Walter Lee Kegebein Sr. please visit our Sympathy Store.