Joan P. Leinbach, 86, of La Porte, passed away peacefully on November 30, 2020 at home surrounded by her family.

 

She was born November 13, 1934, in La Porte to Willard and Margaret (Oberem) Nichols.

Joan retired from the La Porte Community School Corporation after 30 years as a devoted and caring second-grade teacher. She graduated from Ball State University and Indiana University, South Bend.  Joan enjoyed her Bunco club and Lincoln Elementary School retired teachers’ group, and for many years volunteered at the La Porte Hospital gift shop, Door Village Harvest Festival and La Porte County Pioneerland. She was a member of Bethany Lutheran Church in La Porte.

 

Joan is survived by her children, Matt (Mary Lynne) Plis of Glendale, Arizona, Mark Plis of Tijeras, New Mexico, Margo (Matt) Bowen of Michiana Shores, Indiana, Marti (Andy Card) Hankins of Fishers, Indiana; grandchildren, Ben and Abe Plis, Montana Kliphan, Morgan Schwarz, Taylor Bowen, and Max and Mason Hankins; a great-grandson, Jaden Schwarz; and a sister, Betty Bunce of Freeport, Florida. Joan was preceded in death by husband Dr. Earl R. Leinbach, and siblings Richard Nichols, Jeanette Gaekle, and Willard Nichols, Jr.  She was previously married to the late Joseph S. Plis of La Porte.

 

Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. Sunday, December 6, 2020, at Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, 1117 Indiana Avenue, La Porte, Indiana 46350.  Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Monday, December 7, 2020, at Bethany Lutheran Church, 102 G. Street, La Porte, Indiana 46350, where family and friends may visit one hour prior to the services. Burial will be in Fletcher Cemetery, Hamlet, Indiana.

 

Due to Covid-19 all attending are required to wear a mask.

 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to either the Lincoln Elementary School Library, 402 Harrison Street, La Porte, Indiana, 46350, or The Bethany Foundation, 102 G. Street, La Porte, Indiana 46350.  Contributions will be accepted at the funeral service, or they may be mailed directly.

 

Please share prayers, condolences, and memories with the family at Essling Funeral Home.com.