On Monday, June 5th, 2023, Madeleine “Lana” Lotter passed away peacefully in her sleep at the age of 97.
Lana is survived by her daughter Jan Moore, and sons Thomas (Sue) and Edward (Sherri) Lotter; grandchildren Adrian, Martin (Kristiana) Moore, Jason (Elizabeth), Nick (Anna), Aaron (Jessica), Steve (Sarah) Lotter, Michelle (Kevin) Patterson, Andrea (David) Hunter, Joslyn (Zach) Mowen, Mackenzie (Austin) Hazelwood, Jordan (Kristina) Meissner; great-grandchildren Ivy, Amadeo, Esmond, Nona, Morrie, Cooper, Amaya, Marley, Morgan, Pierce, and Penny. Lana was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years Edward Lotter; parents Alphonse and Bertha (Michiels) Wauters; daughter Laurie Lotter and brother Andrew Wauters.
Lana was born to Alphonse and Bertha (Michiels) Wauters on January 9th, 1926, a birth date she was proud to later share with her granddaughter Michelle. Lana was born and raised in Mishawaka, IN. After graduating high school, she went on to earn her nursing degree from St. Joseph’s Hospital in South Bend in 1947. She practiced nursing for three years until marrying Edward Lotter Sr., moving to La Porte and starting their family. Together they raised four children, Jan, Tom, Ed, and Laurie.
Lana and Ed shared many special moments during their 58 years of marriage. Lana loved to reminisce of the square dancing they did together with the Maple City 8 for so many years, and she loved to show off all the puzzles they completed and framed. But Lana was most proud of her four children.
She was a homemaker in the truest sense, a high calling that is deserving of the utmost respect. She was meticulous about her appearance, though her beauty radiated far beyond her external makeup. She maintained her home in an equally pristine manner, but more importantly, she cultivated a special feeling in her home where everyone felt loved, safe, cared for, and welcomed. She combined this passion for her family with her crafting talent and simply made things beautiful for all to enjoy, handmade from her heart, from the amazing clothing she sewed including bridesmaids’ dresses, suits, uniforms; the famous dishrags, afghans and rugs she crocheted; needlepoint pictures and puzzles that she turned into wall art with which she decorated her home; to the delicious food she prepared to nourish her family. Her pie crust was the best, and she was known for baking her pear pies, which she made from the pear tree in the backyard. Her chili and cheesecake were outstanding, and she could always be counted on to bring deviled eggs, crunchy potatoes, and calico beans to any gathering. Her grandchildren always looked forward to visits at grandma’s house, not only for her yummy food but for the cozy and playful atmosphere she created. It was always fun at grandma’s house, whether for an impromptu lunch date or a weekend at Pine Lake or for a holiday gathering. Lana especially loved the holidays. She would have her home beautifully decorated, and she thoroughly enjoyed having her family over to celebrate. She prepared months ahead making gifts for everyone, and she shared a Black Friday shopping tradition with her daughter Laurie. She was always so eager to watch her children and grandchildren open their gifts, and those smiles brought her so much joy.
Lana lived a life full of service to all those she loved and even to others she encountered along the way. She was very much involved with her church group from the First Christian Church in La Porte. Lana was mom to not only her birth children, but while her children were involved with the Drum and Bugle Corp. she was known as the “Drum Corp Mom.” She would follow the buses and attend every single show, making and mending their uniforms whenever needed. She was so very proud of all four of her children. And while she never had a driver’s license or drove a car in all her 97 years, she found a way to travel to see them everywhere they may be, even up until a week before her passing when she attended her son Eddie’s concert at the park as her last big hurrah. It caused her some worry, as she didn’t want to burden anyone, but she was never a bother.
Speaking of worry, it’s no secret that Lana was a worrier. Boy did she worry. She worried about so many things, but it’s only because she cared so much. Lana took care of people not because she had to but because her heart was full of so much love, and she wanted to ensure that everyone and everything would be okay. And everything was okay because of her. She was so special to so many people. Everybody loved Lana. Mention her name and you’re sure to bring about smiles and warm feelings. She rejected no one and loved without ceasing. And, in turn, our love for her is never ending. She will live on in our memories and hearts eternally. May she rest peacefully in heaven.
Arrangements are being entrusted to Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 602 Maple Avenue, La Porte, IN where the family will receive friends Monday, June 12th, 2023 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. A Celebration of Life Service will follow at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Kitt, La Porte New Church officiating. Cremation will take place.
Memorial contributions may be made in Madeleine Lotter’s honor to the charity of your choice.
Online condolences may be made at www.haverstockfuneralhome.com.
