(La Porte, IN) - A former longtime school teacher from La Porte has passed away.  Ron Clindaniel was also a former member of the La Porte County Council.

La Porte County Commissioner Rich Mrozinski says it was Clindaniel who encouraged him to get involved in public service close to 15 years ago when there was an open seat on the La Porte County Council.  Mrozinski ran for the seat and was elected then leaned on Clindaniel for help along the way.

“He always had very good advice. He was also very neutral as far as politics go. He was concerned about what was best for the county.  I really appreciated having him as a mentor.  He was one of the nicest men I ever met in my life,” he said.

Mrozinski said Clindaniel was also one of his high school teachers and later his daughter had him as a teacher.  Clindaniel, who also was a driver’s education instructor for decades, was 85.