Stephen Leliter, 75, of La Porte, passed away peacefully at home at 8:05 a.m., Friday, September 12, 2025, surrounded by his family.
He was born March 5, 1950, in La Porte to W. George and Marianna (Kemp) Leliter and was a lifelong resident of his hometown.
On January 19, 1974, he married Kathleen (Wadman) in Niles, Illinois, who survives. This year, they celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary. Although they had no children, they shared their home and their love with seven beloved Boston Terriers over the years.
Steve is a 1968 graduate of La Porte High School, where he was a member of the 1967 La Porte High State Champion Baseball team.
A 1972 graduate of Indiana University, Bloomington, Steve majored in elementary education and started his career at Crichfield Elementary School in La Porte. He continued his education, receiving his Master's Degree at Purdue University Northwest in 1977.
Steve taught for 38 years, all in the 5th grade, until he retired in 2010. Twelve of those 38 years, he taught side by side with his wife, Kathy, sharing the 5th-grade curriculum with two different classes. Steve was more than a teacher to the students of Crichfield; he also coached both boys' and girls' Basketball and Track teams. Steve was known as a teacher with great stories, a heart for his kids, and a fun personality. Steve received the “Most Influential Teacher” selection by six different students who were in the top 10% of their graduating high school class.
Steve was an avid White Sox fan since a young child, when his father would take him on the South Shore to Comiskey Park. As a loyal Indiana University alumnus, he followed his Hoosiers emphatically through countless football and basketball seasons. Besides being the best fan ever, he was also an active sportsman himself. He enjoyed bowling, softball, and horseshoes in his younger years.
Steve is survived by his brothers-in-law, Timothy (Linda) Wadman, Robert (Rita) Wadman, and Kenneth (Theresa) Wadman; sisters-in-law, Jacqueline (Michael) Klancnik, Patricia Bartodziej, Rosie Bontrager, and Barbara (John) Farella; and 18 nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his Uncle Vernon and Aunt Mary (Walsh) Kemp; and his cousin, William (Sue) Kemp.
Visitation will be held beginning at 11:00 a.m. and concluding with a celebration of his life at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at Lakeview Funeral Home and Crematory, 247 W. Johnson Rd., La Porte, Indiana, (219)362-3100. A private family burial will take place later that day at Union Mills Cemetery.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.LakeviewFHC.com.
