Edith “Edie” Dufel, 91, was born April 21, 1927, in Schenectady, New York, to Albert and Olive (Sickler) Dufel. She passed peacefully at 11:20 p.m., Sunday, November 18, 2018 to her heavenly home in the presence of loving family at Settler’s Place, La Porte, IN. Edie was a spitfire.
She had a perpetual smile and huge caring heart. She loved sports and had the adventure of playing tennis with Andrea Jaeger against Bobby Riggs in a Pro-Am match. She was equally proud of her golfing… Read More » prowess and two holes in one.
She had a flair for creativity. Honing her sewing skills tailoring uniforms for soldiers during World War II, she never missed a chance to pass along a handmade gift. Members of the family experienced hats made from Styrofoam cups, as well as, beautifully crocheted sweaters and afghans.
She loved music, joyfully singing in the church choir, but she also played a mean kazoo for her grandkids. Married four times, Edie first lived in South Holland, IL with husband, Dr. Gerard Gnade, whom she divorced. She moved to Crete, Il and married Philip Rosenblum, who preceded her in death in 1977.
Her third husband was an unmentionable man who moved her to New Buffalo, Michigan and proceeded to “take her to the cleaners”. In 1990, Edie settled in Apopka, FL, where she married John Manning, who passed away in 2012. For the final six years of her life, she lived in La Porte County under the watchful eye of her daughter and son-in-law, as well as, her treasured caregiver and sweet friend, Judy Satkoski.
Edie is survived by her loving children, Carol Gnade of Salt Lake City, UT, Diane (Robert) Valentine of Rolling Prairie, IN, Dr. Gail Gnade of Knoxville, TN, Gary (Kim) Gnade of Frankfort, IL and beloved stepson, David (Donna) Rosenblum of Peoria, AZ; nine grandchildren; and twenty-one great grandchildren. Edie is preceded in death by her daughter, Wendy Ann Gnade, whose disappearance and murder in 1969/70 have never been solved; and her beautiful granddaughter, DeAnne Schmidt in 2015. One of Edie’s greatest gifts was her faith.
She had no fear in life or death because of her love for the Lord. She was an example of positive grit and incredible grace in the best and worst of circumstances. This example of love, and her infectious smile will be her legacy.
Her sparkle will be sorely missed. Private services will be held at a later date. Lakeview Funeral Home and Crematory, 247 W. Johnson Rd.
, La Porte (219) 362-3100 is caring for the arrangements. Please send condolences to the family at www. LakeviewFHC.com.
Memorial contributions may be made to Be The Match at bethematch.org and to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America at alzfdn.org in memory of Edith “Edie” Dufel.
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