John “Jack” Paul Bitterle, 78 of La Porte, Indiana, passed away Saturday, July 25th, 2026, after a 19 year battle with Pulmonary Fibrosis-defying all medical timelines and blessing our family with 15 extra years.
He was born on November 13, 1947, in Detroit, Michigan, to the late Jack Leroy Bitterle and Marilyn (Snook) Bitterle, both of whom preceded him in death.
On March 1, 1968, Jack married the only love of his life Linda (Lockwood) Bitterle, who survives with their children, Brandon Bitterle of Michigan City and Elizabeth (Jeff) Downs of La Porte; grandchildren, Troy Bitterle, Anthony “Tyler” (Mehal) Bowen and Ashlyn Bowen; and siblings, Tom (Diane) Bitterle of Pickney, MI, Beth (Michael) McCarthy of Bozeman, MT, Laurie (Michael) Limbers of Howell, MI and Jim Bitterle of Northville, MI and sister-in-law Jean Kelly of Baton Rouge, LA.
Jack graduated from Western Michigan University in 1970 with a degree in secondary education and business. He taught for three years at Lincoln Elementary and Notre Dame of Michigan City. He went on to work at Dwyer and Sullair in Industrial Refrigeration sales until 1991, when he founded, owned and operated Mid-States Refrigeration for over 30 years.
Jack had an amazing love of family and an undying love and affection for Linda with whom he shared 60 years of his life. He had a witty personality that never failed to make you laugh and it carried on, even through his toughest days. He was the epitome of a warrior. There was not an ounce of quit in his bones with relentless courage and strength that he poured on those he loved and helped them feel loved and safe even in his final days.
He loved boating on Lake Michigan, fishing and cruising the Michigan coastline with family and friends. His love of nature and trees was evident. He was particularly fond of pine trees as they stayed green year-round and planted them wherever he could find space. He shared his love of drawing and painting with his granddaughter and spent many of his younger years riding his horse Toby in rodeo fashion.
Not to be overlooked was his anticipation of the 5 O’clock straight Gin Martini followed by a good episode of Wheel of Fortune. In honor of his legacy, we raise our glasses to a life well lived, a fight well fought and a rest well-earned.
Visitation will be held from 4-7 pm on Tuesday, August 11th at Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, 1117 Indiana Ave, La Porte, Indiana.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 am Wednesday, August 12th at Holy Family Parish, Sacred Heart Church, 201 Bach St, La Porte, Indiana.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, Fishtown Preservation Society or Holy Family Parish of La Porte.
Family and friends are invited to light a virtual candle, share a cherished memory or leave a message of comfort for Jack’s family by visiting esslingfuneralhome.com.
