Laurie Frank Swartz

Laurie Frank Swartz passed away on March 6, 2018.

Born May 24, 1936 in Newport, Wash., he was the second child and only son of Francis and Helen Swartz and brother to sisters Yolanda and Teresa.

Laurie grew up in the Cusick and Usk areas of Washington State. After a brief time at Washington State University in Pullman, he joined the U.S. Army. Most of his military career was spent at Fort Lewis, Wash.

He then went on to study culinary arts at Clark College in Vancouver, Wash. He spent time working at the Timberline Lodge at Mt. Hood, Ore., and at the Circle S Ranch in Wyoming.

It was at the Circle S that he first met the family of Tony Hulman. That introduction brought him to the state of Indiana and a career which started at the Terre Haute House and then as manager of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Motel where he spent more than 16 years. He then went on to manage the Gallery Restaurant at Prestwick in Plainfield.

Everyone who knew Laurie enjoyed his skills in the kitchen. When interviewed by an Indianapolis newspaper, he credited his love of cooking to his mother, Helen. She kept that article safely tucked away -- in her Betty Crocker cookbook.

Laurie was also one of the original lot owners at Heritage Lake where he lived for more than 40 years. Having inherited his mother Helen's green thumb, his yard and plants always flourished. His creativity helped him win several times in the boat parade at Heritage Lake. He was the perfect host and entertained family and friends through the years at the lake.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Francis and Helen Swartz, and sister, Teresa Swartz.

He is survived by his sister, Yolanda Hoeper; nephew, Paul Hoeper; nieces, Katrina Toole and Cristina McHugh; great-nephews, Thomas Hoeper and John McHugh; great-nieces, Samantha Hoeper and Anna McHugh; as well as extended family, Janice and David Oeth, Michael Oeth, Bobby Oeth and Betsy (Oeth) Enerson; and his business partner, Bob Woehrle.

Laurie's graveside memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 28 at 11 a.m. in Danville, Ind., at the Danville South Cemetery on Cross Street.

Baker Funeral Home, Danville, is in charge of the arrangements.

Online condolences may be made at www.bakerfuneralservice.com.