William Handtke

William "Bill" Handtke February 10, 1942-December 3, 2015 William H. Handtke, 73, La Porte, Indiana passed away peacefully on December 3, 2015, at home with his sisters by his side after battling COPD for several years. Bill was born in La Porte, Indiana on February 10, 1942 to Herman August and Sadie Marie (Hacker) Handtke. He graduated from Rolling Prairie High School, Class of 1961. Bill retired from Millburn Peat as a truck driver and heavy equipment operator. His work life also included construction laborer, grain harvester, woodworker, furniture restorer and auto restorer - he was truly a "Jack of All Trades." He had a quick wit about him and was fun to be around. Bill's greatest achievement was building and showing custom street rods, the last of which won "Best Paint" and "Best Engine" awards and ultimately the "Best of Show" award. These were proud moments in Bill's life. He was a NASCAR fan and enjoyed watching and learning different restorations techniques from the various car shows on television. William is survived by two daughters, Sheri Lynn and Dawn Marie with several grandchildren; two sisters, Marilyn Carol Sawyer of La Porte and Kathleen Ann Wichman of Kalamazoo, Michigan; one niece, Kristie Ann Wichman and great niece, Harley Morgan Davis of Kalamazoo; his cousins, Dorothy E. Levandoski, La Porte, Dianne (Allen) Hope, Ronald (Sharon) Hootman, Fort Wayne, Indiana, and Nancy (Timothy) Henthorn of Mishawaka, Indiana. Besides his family, Bill is survived by his closest friends-John, Roy and Judy, Bill and Martha, and Jimmy. Bill was preceded in death by his parents and niece, Merri Lynn Wichmanan and a cousin Richard E. Tarnow. Bill had a unique way of communicating with and getting along with his pets, the last of which is "Festus," his handsome, loving, lap cat. Bill was a former member of St. John's Lutheran Church. The family extends special thanks to Rev. Ronald A. Brauer, the Emergency Department staff and third floor nursing staff at IU Health La Porte Hospital, and the Center of Hospice Care of South Bend for their loving care extended to Bill during his illness. Arrangements are being handled by Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services. Cremation has taken place; and in accordance with Bill's wishes, there will be no visitation or funeral service. A private graveside service will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church Stained Glass Restoration Fund. Condolences and memories are gladly accepted at www.haverstockfuneralhome.com To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of William "Bill" Handtke please visit our Sympathy Store.