WILLIAM EARL BABER, age 66, of Portage, passed away Thursday, March 1, 2012 at Porter Hospital, Portage Campus. Earl had been a longtime Northwest Indiana resident and was a US Army Veteran serving during the Vietnam War. He was retired from Venture Stores and also worked at Frank's Nursery & Crafts. Earl enjoyed golfing and was an avid Chicago Bears fan.
Earl is survived by his wife, Arlene, 6 children: Monica Mathews of Hammond, Bill (Diana) Baber of Dekalb, IL, Brenda (Ben) DeFreeuw of South Bend, IN, Stephannie (Dan) Gerkewicz of North Aurora, IL, Jennifer Baber-Russell of Peoria, AZ and Eric Baber of Portage, 12 grandchildren, 2 brothers, Joe Baber of Iowa and Victor (Sheri) Baber of East Moline, IL, several nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by his sister, Karen.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, March 6 2012 at 4:00 pm at Rees Funeral Home, Brady Chapel, 3781 Central Avenue, Lake Station with Rev. Gary S. Nagy officiating. Cremation will follow the service. Visitation will be also be Tuesday from 1-4 PM at Rees Funeral Home, Brady Chapel, 219-962-1606 or online www.reesfuneralhomes.com.