William “Bill” Dean Feikes, 88, of La Porte, Ind., passed on Saturday, May 2, 2020 surrounded by his loving family in his home.
He was born in La Porte, Ind. on July 9, 1931 to Anton and Vera (Martin) Feikes. He attended La Porte High School and graduated in 1949. He went to South Bend Business college before serving in the United States Army in the 1st graduating class in Honolulu, Hawaii and completed tours in Korea and Japan.
After his service, he attended Ball State University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Social Studies and math. Upon graduation, he began teaching in Monticello. After one year there, he took a position at La Porte High School in 1958. During this period, he received a master’s degree in math from Purdue University and attended Notre Dame on a National Science Foundation grant.
Bill taught math for 19 years at La Porte High School and started the honors math program before retiring in 1978. After his retirement from teaching, he focused on his company, Feikes Construction.
Bill built homes and businesses across La Porte County, including Regency Place Condos, Sagamore Center and Condominiums and Roselawn Apartments. He was a member of the Builders Association of La Porte County since 1970 and served as the President of the La Porte Builder’s Association in 1977 and 1987. He retired in 2004 and continued to build with his sons and grandsons in his free time. He was a dedicated member of Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church and served as an usher for over 50 years.
Bill was kind, generous and fair. He was known for his wit and innovative ideas. He enjoyed reading and watching the Chicago Cubs, Chicago Bears, and Notre Dame football. He and his wife liked going to the concerts in the park every summer. He enjoyed traveling, mostly west, and was especially in awe of the California Redwoods. Some of his favorite travels were on Big C trips, particularly Ireland. He never missed a game, concert, birthday, graduation or celebration for his grandchildren and loved having them around.
While attending Ball State, Bill met his wife Jean (Lawson) and they married on December 29, 1954 at St. Augustine Church in Rensselaer, Ind. He is survived by his wife Jean, and their children, Dave (Julie) of La Porte; Ralph (Cindy) of Richardson, Texas; Mike (Connie) of Seattle, Wash.; Mitch (Karyl) of La Porte; Anne (Chuck) Savino of Allen, Texas; Amy Feikes of La Porte; Cyndi Feikes of La Porte; and Sue (Doug) Sander of Clover, S.C. He is also survived by his grandchildren Jamie McKeever, Mike Feikes, Katie (Bart) Connor, Andrew Feikes, Aaron Feikes, Betsy (Richard) Brooks, Emily Feikes, Kristin (Lorenzo) Quintanilla, Josh Feikes, Julie Feikes, Jared Feikes, William Feikes, Allison Feikes, Abby Feikes, Katie (Scott) Post, Ryan Savino, Angela Feikes-Mofield, Bill Feikes-Mofield, Charlie Feikes-Mofield, Ellen Feikes-Mofield, Cory (Lauren) Mofield, Tom Mofield, Brayden Anderson, Chloe Sander, and Anthony Sander; along with 13 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother and sister-in-law, Ed and Mary Feikes of New Carlisle, Ind.
A private Mass of Christian Burial was held at Saint Joseph Catholic Church in La Porte, Ind. and visitation was held for the family. He is buried in Saint Joseph Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel in La Porte.
A Celebration of Life will be held from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday, July 11, 2021, at Fox Park in La Porte. A memorial service will begin at 3 p.m. during the Celebration of Life. Reverend Nate Edquist will officiate.
In lieu of flowers please make contributions to the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul of La Porte: 109 C St, La Porte, IN 46350; Saint Joseph’s Church: 109 C St, La Porte, IN 46350; or a charity of your choice.
Please share prayers, condolences, and memories with the family at Essling Funeral Home.com.
