George J. Mares Jr., 74, of La Porte, Indiana passed away Monday, June 14, 2021.

 

George was born on April 19, 1947, in Oak Park, Illinois to the late George J. Mares Sr. and Rosemary A. Petrick.

 

On March 21, 1970, George married Ann Habegger who survives with their children, Deborah (Alan) Lee of Knoxville, Tennessee, George J. (Jennifer) Mares III of Schaumburg, Illinois, Joseph Ivan Mares of LaGrange, Illinois, Paulette R. Mares of La Porte; grandchildren, Thomas R. Scully, Joshua J. Scully, Madeline K. Mares, Samantha R. Mares, and Jonathan P. Mansfield; and a brother, Paul J. (Anthony J. Britz) Mares of Maryville, Tennessee.

 

George served his country as a United States Marine, held a bachelor’s degree from The American University of Washington D.C., was a member of the Knights of Columbus, St. Michael Council #1542 in La Porte, where he served as a Past Grand Knight, Past Faithful Navigator, and former District Deputy, The St. John Paul II 4th Degree Assembly 3646 Knights of Columbus, the American Legion Post 83 in La Porte, the PRCU in La Porte, the La Porte Yacht Club, a past board member of the Pine Lake Conservancy, and a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and choir in La Porte. He was very active at Mater Christi Catholic Church in North Riverside, Illinois prior to moving to La Porte. George was operating the Charles Mares hardware store in New Carlisle.  He had also worked with his father in the hardware business and sold insurance.  

Visitation will be from 3-7 p.m. Thursday, June 17, 2021, at Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, 1117 Indiana Avenue, La Porte, Indiana. A combined Parish and Knights of Columbus Rosary will be recited at 7 p.m.

 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Friday, June 18, 2021, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in La Porte. Reverend Ian Williams will officiate. Burial will follow at Pine Lake Cemetery.  Family and friends may gather at 9:00 a.m. in the funeral home on Friday prior to the Mass. 

 

Memorial contributions may be made to Gibault Children's Services, 6401 S. US HWY 41, Terre Haute, Indiana 47802-9917 or St. Joseph Catholic Church, 109 C. Street, La Porte, Indiana 46350.

Please share prayers, condolences, and memories with the family at EsslingFuneralHome.com