Bruce Lee Hartlerode

Bruce Lee Hartlerode PORTAGE, IN - Bruce Lee Hartlerode, age 61, of Portage, IN, passed away on Saturday, September 2, 2017 after fighting a very brave, courageous and humble battle with cancer. He was born on April 14, 1956 in Hammond, IN to Walter and Grace (Schwingendorf) Hartlerode. Bruce is survived by "His girl", his wife of over 22 years, Barbara (Rio) Hartlerode; siblings: Rev. Richard (Gale) Hartlerode of Woodruff, WI, Walter "Skip" (Donna) Hartlerode of Macomb, MI, Karen neé Hartlerode (Jerry) Robey of Munster, IN; in-laws: Patricia neé Rio (Marvin) Jones of Valparaiso, James (Georganne) Rio of New Lennox, IL, Robert (Mary) Rio of Palm Coast, FL, Vince (Jennifer) Rio of Mt. Greenwood, Chicago, IL, Tom Rio of Westminster, MD; nieces and nephews: Christlynn (Bjorn) Sundet, Jeffrey Hartlerode, Dr. Andrea neé Hartlerode (Chris) Kraszewski, Gayle neé Robey (Kris) Herrbach, Brian (Stephanie) Robey, Michael (Morgan) Jordan, Maureen Jordan, Jimmy Rio Jr., Andrew Rio, Sean Rio, Vinny Rio Jr., Matthew (Dana) Rio, Michael (Nicole) Rio, Paul (Katie) Rio, Kristine neé Rio (Jason) Maldonado; close friends: Deacon Dennis (Janet) Guernsey, Nelson (Valerie) Laviena and many extended family members, close friends and co-workers. He was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents, Grandpa Hartlerode and Grandma Jackson; aunt and uncle, Orville and Blanche Schwingendorf. Bruce worked at US Steel for more than 38 years as a Steelworker/Dispatcher in the garage at the Gary Works plant, and loved all his mill brothers. He loved his wife, Barbara with all his heart and his dog, Maggie. Bruce was an avid bowler, in 1985 he won the Hammond Times bowling tournament. He was also a die-hard Green Bay Packers and Chicago Cubs fan. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, September 9, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at Nativity of Our Savior Catholic Church, 2949 Willowcreek Rd., Portage, IN , with Father Andrew Corona officiating. Burial to follow at Heritage Cemetery, Portage, IN. Visitation will be held on Friday, September 8, 2017 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with wake service to be held at 7:00 p.m. at EDMONDS & EVANS FUNERAL HOME, PORTAGE CHAPEL, 6941 Central Ave., Portage, IN 46368 and on Saturday, September 9, 2017 from 9:00 a.m. until the time of Mass at 10:00 a.m. at Nativity of Our Savior Catholic Church. Online condolences to the family may be made at www.ee-fh.com