(La Porte County, IN) - La Porte County has suffered a significant loss from the passing of Dick Reel.

 

The retired Purdue Extension agent was considered the father of Pioneer Land at the fairgrounds. Reel was a driving force behind its creation over 25 -years ago and its growth into a popular attraction.

 

Reel was also one of many volunteers dressed in Pioneer clothing when Pioneer Land was open during the fair and other special events such as Christmas at Pioneer Land.

 

Lois Clark, a longtime volunteer at the fair, said she considered Reel a brother in many ways.

 

“He had just a passion about that village and also about the one at the state fair. Anything he was involved with it was 150,000 percent or nothing,” Clark said.

Word about the death of Dick Reel began circulating throughout La Porte County and on social media last night.

 

We’ll pass along more details as they become available.