Herman "Richard" Jonushaitis, 90, of La Porte, Indiana, passed away Thursday, February 8th, 2024, at Brickyard Care Center-La Porte.
Herman Richard Jonushaitis was born June 15th, 1933, in La Porte, IN to Mike and Anna (Nauseda: Jonushaitis, both are deceased. Herman was proceeded in death by his 4 brothers Otto (Lillian) Jonushaitis; Ewald (Ann) Jonushaitis: Alvin Jonushaitis; Albert (Darlene) Jonushaitis; 2 sisters Emma (John) Juan; and Violet (Jack) Henricks.
Herman known as "Richard" graduated from the Kingsbury School in 1951. He attended Valparaiso University before moving to Washington DC where he worked for the FBI.
On August 20th, 1955, he married Ada Mae West. They have three daughters Michele Ann (Dewey-D) Briggs of La Porte; Valerie Robinson West of La Porte; and Stacy (Patrick) Graves who resides in St. Joseph, MI.; three granddaughters Falon Robinson; Mariah (Andrew) Clements; and Skylor (Brandon) Prater. Also surviving is Godson Brandon Kukla; and a great-granddaughter Layla Mae Prater.
Richard was a lifelong member of the St. John's Lutheran Church of La Porte where he served on the school board. Richard was drafted into the USS Navy in 1955. He traveled the northern Atlantic on the Flag Ship USS North Hampton. After being discharged Richard returned to La Porte and worked at Allis Chalmers. He also was an instructor of construction and taught Construction Trades at the Westville Correctional Center until retirement. Richard built his first house at 400 South while still in high school from houses torn down to build KOP. While in high school Richard was an outstanding basketball and baseball player. Richard was a devoted family man enjoying all the activities of his daughters and granddaughters known to never miss a game. He was a major Cubs and Bears fan. Gone are the stories of plowing the farm fields with a plow and horse, herding cattle along 400 S (Travis Road) allowing them to graze. Walking or hitchhiking to and from the old St. John's Lutheran School during his attendance in grades 7 & 8 for confirmation. He enjoyed fishing, crossword puzzles, and Word search. But his favorite was "Overwatch". And he loved Christmas since this was a special time for spending time with the family, he loved making him the perfect father and grandfather.
Arrangements are being entrusted to Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 602 Maple Ave., LaPorte, IN where the family will receive friends on Thursday, February 15th from 10 am until service time at 12 noon. A life celebration will be held at 12 noon, at the funeral home with Pastor Ron Brauer officiating. Interment will follow at the St. John's Lutheran Cemetery.
Online condolences may be made at www.haverstockfuneralhome.com.
