(La Porte, IN) - Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel in La Porte is celebrating 65 years in business, and as a result, the funeral home has been issued a certificate of recognition and congratulations from Indiana Lieutenant Governor, Suzanne Crouch.

 

Keszei was also recently recognized by the Indiana Funeral Directors Association for holding a Funeral Director License for 40 years.

 

“It’s a team effort, I’ve been blessed to surround myself with great and caring people. The La Porte Community has been absolutely wonderful to be a part of,” he said.   

 

The Essling Funeral Home was founded in 1958 by Vincent and Ellen Essling. The original location of the funeral home was 1218 Michigan Avenue in La Porte.

 

In 1969 a new facility was built adjacent to the original funeral home to better serve a growing number of patrons, and was the first in LaPorte County to be built specifically as a funeral home.

 

The funeral home office is now located in the original building.

After Vincent and Ellen’s son, Mark, died in 2014, the Essling family was determined to find a funeral director to carry-on the family tradition. That same year, the funeral home was sold to Frank L. Keszei. Ever since, he said his aim has been holding true to the standards set by the founders in 1958. 

 

Mayor Tom Dermody and State Representative Jim Pressel were part of the recognition ceremonies.