Obituaries

Kay Louella (Smoker-Satoski) Baumgartner

Kay Louella (Smoker-Satoski) Baumgartner, 82 of La Porte, Indiana passed away Friday, September 20, 2024. Kay was born on March 4, 1942, in Hanna, Indiana to the late Woodrow and Katherine (Steele) Smoker.

Kay married James A. Satoski who preceded her in death in 1965. Following James’ death Kay married William T Baumgartner who preceded her in death on April 4, 1993.

Surviving are children, Jacquelyne Trefcer of Apopka, Florida; Matthew (Marla) Satoski of Orlando, Florida; Rhee Ann Baumgartner of Ada, Michigan; Anthony (Myra) Satoski of Plymouth, Indiana; Deborah Greenway of Melbourne Beach Florida; Julie (Richard) Mann of Kaufman, Texas; William E (Jacqueline) Baumgartner of Valparaiso, Indiana; Jeffrey (Tonya) Satoski of Warsaw, Indiana; and Laurie Satoski of Indianapolis, Indiana; 22 grandchildren; 54 great-grandchildren; 5 great-great-grandchildren and 2 special grand dogs.

Kay was preceded in death by siblings, Ronald Smoker and Judith Beck.

Kay was a member of Beachwood Women’s Golf League, Holy Family Parish St. Joseph Church, and Friends of the Symphony. She spent countless hours volunteering at St Joseph’s Vincent de Paul Annex with some dear friends.  Kay made a positive impact on many lives. She was always thinking of others and offering solutions for everything. She loved unconditionally and was there to help anyone that came into her life. She was very active which kept her young and mobile.  She loved her yard and gardens to be perfectly manicured with an abundance of flowering peonies each year.  One of her favorite places to spend time was at the family cottage on Fish Lake, wanting to share it with family and friends.  She’s had a love of golf for years, her golfing family was a very important part of her life and together they created many great memories and friendships that will be cherished for years to come.

She loved Jesus and was a great example of his love and compassion which showed by the way she loved the people around her. Volumes could be written about the love and generosity that was in her heart and actions. There will be an enormous space in our hearts.

Visitation will be held from 4-7 PM Thursday, September 26, 2024, at Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, 1117 Indiana Avenue, La Porte, Indiana, where a Parish Rosary will be recited at 7 PM.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 AM on Friday, September 27, 2024, at Holy Family Parish, St. Joseph Church, 109 C. Street, La Porte, Indiana.  Family and friends may gather at 10 AM on Friday in the Funeral Home before the Mass.  Burial will follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in La Porte.

Memorial contributions may be made to St Vincent DePaul Society and Worthy Women's Recovery Home.

To light a virtual candle, share a story of Kay’s life, or leave a message of comfort for her family, please visit esslingfuneralhome.com.

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