I lost my Dad last Saturday, it has been a very trying week. He found out 3 weeks ago that he had acute leukemia, having previously had bone/ bladder cancer. Up to a week before he died he was doing anything he wanted. He will be missed greatly.


Edward P. Hitze






Edward P. Hitze, 82, of Lafayette, died at his residence Saturday evening, February 1, 2014. He was born in Lafayette February 15, 1931, the son of the late Edward L. and Genevieve A. Kessen Hitze, and was a 1949 graduate of Lafayette Jefferson High School. Edward served in the U.S. Army from 1951 until 1953, being stationed in Ft. Eustis, VA. and Beorblingen, Germany in the Signal Corps. He married Lorraine T. Senesac at Sacred Heart Church in Fowler, IN. August 28, 1954, and she survives. While in high school, Edward worked as an usher at the Luna Theatre. He later was employed at the Charles L. Snyder Chrysler-Plymouth garage from 1949 until 1959, when he started employment with Eli Lilly & Co., retiring in 1985 as a supervisor in the purification department. Edward was very active in midget auto racing all his life, as a mechanic, pit steward, car owner and restoring vintage race cars. In 1950, he worked part time in the Joey Chitwood Auto Daredevil show. He set up for several years at vintage car shows and racing memorabilia meets, dealing in race parts and race collectables. He was on the selection committee of the National Midget Hall of Fame, and at one time was a member of USAC, CORA, and other midget racing organizations, plus the National Indy “500” Collectors Club, Winchester Old Timers Club and others. Edward was a life member of St. Lawrence Catholic Church and for over 20 years was a volunteer at the Catholic Schools Garage Sales. Surviving with his wife are 12 sons, Edward F. (wife Lynn), David (wife Dianna),Larry (wife Midge),Glen (wife Donna), Steve, A.J. (wife Debbie), Eric (wife Fawneil), Brian, Warren (wife Laurie), Neil (wife Kim), Matt (wife Michelle) Hitze, all of Lafayette and Kurt Hitze of Greenwood, IN., one daughter, Gail Wasmer (husband Kevin) of Springfield, IL. and a sister, Frances Clifton (husband David) of Vichy, MO. Also surviving are 23 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a sister, Phyllis Lane. Friends may call at the Hahn-Groeber Funeral Home, 1104 Columbia St. from 5 until 8 PM Tuesday, with the Rosary at 4:45 PM Tuesday. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Lawrence Catholic Church 10:30 AM Wednesday, Fr. Daniel Gartland officiating with the interment following at St. Boniface Cemetery with military rites by American Legion Post 11. If friends desire, memorials may be made to the St. Lawrence School Expansion Fund. Memories and condolences may be left at www.hahngroeberfunerallhome.com.

 

My deepest condolences to you and your family Larry during these difficult times. Remember him by all the great times you had with him.

 

our deepest condolences to you and your family, jim

 

So sorry to hear this Larry.


Our condolences and prayers.

 

Larry,

You and your family have my deepest sympathies.

 

Larry, My Condolences for you loss. You and your family are in our prayers.

 

So sorry to hear Larry. I'll keep you and your family in my thoughts.

 

I'm so sorry to hear Larry. R.I.P

 

Larry
So sorry to hear of your fathers death
My condolence to you and all the loved ones he has left behind

 

So sorry to hear of your loss. He and your family are in my prayers.

 

Larry,

my folks are long gone and I wish you all the best.

Sorry for your loss, sir.

 

Larry, I have no idea what you are going through since I was age 7 when I lost my father, but my sympathies are with you just the same.
From reading the obit, it seems he lived a full and rewarding life.

 

Larry - I send condolences as well. Twelve sons and one daughter - Wow. I send comforting thoughts for all of your family.

Alicia

 

Larry: So sorry to hear of your loss...My Dad and Mother have long since passed...My condolence to your family...R.I.P. Carl and Betty

 

Larry so sorry for your loss. Our prayers and thoughts go out to you and your family. It was a blessing that he lived such a full life and was active so long. God bless you all.

 

Sorry to hear about your loss .........Prayers for you all.....

 

Sorry for your loss. I will keep your family in my prayers.

 

Sorry to hear about that, Larry.

Praying for you and your family during this time.

 

So sorry to hear about your father. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family!

 

By the time I was 37, both of my parents were gone. I know only too well what this is like - my deepest sympathies to you.

My sister is not doing well, and I am not myself over it - her time is limited and she's only 58. So Larry, I honestly can feel for you at this time.
I really can.