Jeffrey Steven Rempala

It is with great sadness that the family of Jeffrey Steven Rempala share the news of his passing on Saturday, April 15, 2023.

Jeff was born in LaPorte, Indiana, a city he grew to love, on February 22, 1944, to Stanley B. Rempala and Mary Snyder Rempala.  He grew up in LaPorte and spent his summers playing ball with his brother, Pat, and their friends, and was always dragging little Lynn with them.  Jeff was a tenacious player on the LaPorte High school football team and while in the Army.  He played baseball for Purdue Calumet all the while working a full-time job at NYC/RR and carrying a full college schedule.  He was a life-long Notre Dame football fan and a railroad enthusiast.

Jeff married Judith Martin Olsen on a snowy day on January 26, 1966, while they were both students at Purdue.  It was love at first sight and it lasted for the next 55 years.  Their rural Lafayette home was filled with 4 kids and many rescue dogs and cats.  Outside, there was a tree house in the big oak tree, and in the shade of the tree, were the horses and ponies that Judy dreamed of as a girl and Jeff bought for her.

Jeff and Judy taught for 30 years in the Frankfort, IN school system so, roughly Jeff had over 3,500 students.  In addition, he coached football at Frankfort Senior High School and Wainwright Middle School.  Also, he volunteered to coach Laramie Township girls’ softball (Jenny & Erin) and boys baseball (Dan) for years.

Jeff and Judy loved to travel and camp with the kids.  They visited many State and National parks.  Across the Atlantic, they especially loved Norway with its steep railroads and Hawaii’s beaches and turquoise water.  Jeff was always ready to go.

About 2 ½ years ago, the couple moved to Indianapolis where Jeff became ill.  After a year of chemotherapy, he spent his time at home where Jenny (RN), friends, neighbors, and Judy gave him gentle loving care.  Jeff leaves behind his wife of 55 years Judith, his daughters Jennifer (Plainfield) and Erin (San Diego) and his son Daniel (Honolulu, HI), brothers Patrick (Sybil) (South Bend, IN) and Christopher (Ohio), his sisters Lynn (Rick) Christerson (Port Charlotte, FL), Andrea (Ohio) and granddaughter Lindsey.

Jeff faced his illness bravely without complaint.  He had a great sense of humor throughout his life.  His students respected him.  He was loved.  He asks in lieu of flowers each of us do something kind for someone today or tomorrow and think of him.

“Are those tears in your eyes?  Don’t cry for me Judy, I’m OK”.