Carrol Vertrees

Carrol Vertrees age 92 of Hobart, formerly of Merrillville passed away June 9, 2014 with his family by his side. Carrol was born March 3, 1922 in Elnora, IN. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Hobart Indiana where he was still an active member of the choir. Congregation members in Hobart and his previous church in Merrillville remember his beautiful tenor voice carrying the solo in “O Holy Night” each Christmas. He is most well known in the region for his work as a columnist at the Post Tribune. His first job in newspaper was for the Glen Park Herald. He was later hired by the Post-Tribune where he worked for over 35 years, beginning as a reporter and ending his career as a member of the editorial staff and columnist. He continued to write a weekly column well after retirement for the Post Tribune and Odon Journal, completing his last column only one week ago. He attended Elnora High School, where he played basketball for the Elnora Owls. He was a graduate of Indiana Central College (now the University of Indianapolis) and of the Indiana University school of Journalism where he earned his Master’s Degree. He was also a World War II veteran having served his country overseas in the European Theater. He was an active member of his church and community giving of himself over the years to organizations such as the Boy Scouts, Little League, community boards and in support of his alma mater the University of Indianapolis. He also taught Journalism part time at Indiana University Northwest and Valparaiso University. Carrol loved gardening, golfing and singing. He was preceded in death by his parents Damon and Mary (Cunningham) Vertrees and a brother Leo (Clara) Vertrees. Carrol is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years Martha ( nee Dennis) Vertrees; his loving children Vicki Ward, Jonathan (Mara) Vertrees, Frederick Vertrees, and Rebecca (Dennis) Owen. He has six cherished grandchildren: Marisa, Annabelle, Eli, Savannah, Emily and Lauren and two great-grandchildren. Visitation on Friday June 13, 2014 at The Burns Funeral Home, 701 East 7th St, Hobart, from 5 – 8 PM with a Prayer service at 7:30. Celebration of Life Service in his memory to be held Saturday, at 10:30 AM at First United Methodist Church, 654 E. 4th St. Hobart, IN. Officiated by Reverend Rebecca L. Smith. For further information please call Savich & Semplinski Funeral Directors at Burns Funeral Home (219) 769-0044.In lieu of flowers the family would like donations to the Ronald McDonald House or Charity of their choice.

Carrol Vertrees

March 3, 2014 - June 9, 2014