Edward Joseph LaRocque, 68 of Valparaiso, IN, formerly of Kankakee, IL, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, September 13, 2023. He was born November 29, 1954, in Kankakee, IL to Royal and Josephine (Bender) LaRocque. Ed graduated from Eastridge High School in Kankakee, and proudly served in the United States Army, where he was stationed in Germany. He later made his career with the United States Postal Service in Kankakee. Ed loved gardening, fishing, hiking, bowling, traveling, and playing cards, especially euchre and pinochle. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
On August 20, 1988, in Kankakee, Ed married Mary (Ziemer) Wood, who survives, along with stepdaughters: Nikki Wood and Jeannette (Andrew) Thomas; grandchildren: Damien Thomas, Chloe Thomas, and Xavier Pittman; and brother, Anthony LaRocque. He was preceded in death by his parents; and sisters: Julie Burge and Karen McClancy.
A visitation will be held on Friday, September 22, 2023, from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. at Moeller Funeral Home, 104 Roosevelt Road, Valparaiso, IN, with a funeral service beginning at 4:00 p.m. As a voracious reader and an avid gardener, donations in lieu of flowers are being requested to support the Rotary Library Garden. Contributions can be made online at bit.ly/PCPLSDONATE or mailed to the Porter County Public Library System at 103 Jefferson Street, Valparaiso, IN 46383: Attention Edward LaRocque Memorial.
GUESTBOOK
I’m so sorry to hear about Ed. I have many great memories of him from family gatherings at “the farm” on Sundays back when we were kids. Another memorable time is when Ed and Gregg (cousin) came to visit us (Haarer’s) right before he went into the military. He was a wonderful, caring person with a great personality! -Nancy (Haarer) Smith
I’m so sorry to hear of Ed’s passing. We pretty much all grew up together as cousins at the “farm” where our grandparents lived in summer. So many happy times there. My favorite memory of him is driving from Md to Illinois with Ed & another cousin, Gregg listening to DEEP PURPLE “BURN”. He was a great guy with a good sense of humor & will be sorely missed. Love to all of you- Diane Allhands (Haarer). -Diane Allhands
My sincere condolences! I have very fond memories of spending time with my cousin when we were kids. Ed was a fun guy! He was also a military veteran having spent time in the Army. I remember picking him up at the bus station in Baltimore and taking him down to his base in VA before he deployed to Germany. I am so sorry that he is gone. I will always remember his self-deprecating unassuming personality, with a great laugh. He will be missed! My heart goes out to Mary, his wife. My thoughts are with her. -Catherine (Haarer) Dewey-Roby
Sorry to hear of Ed’s passing. May you find peace in the memories of happy times shared. -Carol (Haarer) Palmberg
