Earl "Jack" Morthland

EARL "JACK" MORTHLAND VALPARAISO, IN
Earl "Jack" Morthland, age 88, longtime resident and well respected member of the Porter County community, passed away Thursday, October 2, 2008 at VNA Hospice Center in Valparaiso, IN. Mr. Morthland was born at home in Valparaiso, IN on January 5, 1920 to William and Faye Dillingham Morthland (His father was Porter County Surveyor for 50 years and Morthland Drive is named after him). Preceding him in death besides his parents are his sister, Marie and husband, Floyd Biggs; and sister-in-law, Roberta Gassoway Morthland. Jack is survived by his loving wife, Anna Pope Morthland, whom he married at the Pope homeplace on a lawn filled with beautiful flowers 67 years ago on June 1, 1941. Also surviving are: his daughter, Jill Simpson and husband Roy Buchanan of Veedersburg, IN; son and daughter-in-law, Doug and Sueky Morthland of Valparaiso, IN; grandchildren: Raymie and Ken Postema of Marshall, MI; Scott and Milli Ormiston of Germany; J.T. and Heather Wells of Valparaiso, IN; and Andrew Wells of Mosier, OR. Grandpa Jack also leaves behind great-grandchildren: Kelsey Postema, Shasa Ormiston, Jacob and Emmy Wells, and Cole Wells. Also left to mourn his passing is his brother, Bill and wife, Hazel Morthland of Brazil, IN; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Ervin and Dorothy Pope of Chesterton, IN; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Mr. Morthland graduated from Liberty Township Schools in 1938. He then went into farming with his brother-in-law, Ervin Pope, for 14 years. At age 41, he graduated from Purdue University where he received his Master's Degree plus 40 hours and taught science at Liberty Middle School for 25 years becoming the head of his department. While teaching the youth of the community, he demanded respect and hard work from each student that passed through his classroom door. In the years after retirement, Jack enjoyed seeing his former students and hearing about the accomplishments they had made in their lives. Jack was a hard working man who believed in an honest day's work for an honest day's pay. He was a man that could be trusted with a handshake. He instilled great qualities in his children. Jack enjoyed fishing, playing cards, going on trips, visiting with friends and neighbors, and watching sports on television. Anna, also an avid sports fan, and he had quite a time when Indiana University played basketball against Purdue University since they were on opposing sides of the fence. Whoops and hollers and friendly bantering could be heard throughout the home on these basketball nights. From 1943-1945, Jack was stationed in Manchester, England during WWII. As he was on board a ship heading to Japan, a message came over the loudspeaker announcing, "This ship is being rerouted back to the United States of America. The war is over!" Jack said there was deafening yells, cheers, applause and celebrating. Jack continued to keep in touch with his Army buddies from the 15th Port Headquarters. Until just a few years ago, the group would meet once a year to reunite. Mr. Morthland was a volunteer to the Liberty Fire Department in his younger days, belonged to the Liberty Farm Bureau Organization, member of ISTA, volunteer tax preparer at the library, and a member of the Liberty Bible Church. Funeral services will be held Monday, October 6, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. at the White-Love Funeral Home, 525 S. 2nd Street, Chesterton, IN. Interment to follow at Chesterton Cemetery. The family will receive friends Sunday, October 5, 2008 from 2:00-6:00 p.m. at the White-Love Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to VNA Hospice Center, 501 Marquette Street, Valparaiso, IN 46383.