Portage Community Historical Society (Indiana)

08/20/2026

The Clock Repair Workshop at the Portage Community Historical Society museum has been cancelled .

08/14/2026

Our event for the clock and watch repair is postponed until next Saturday Aug 22, 1-4
Reason No Power

08/06/2026

08/03/2026

Valeria Roll Roach, 90 passed away peacefully at home on July 31, 2026, with family by her side. She was so beloved and will be greatly missed.

Val was born on February 19, 1936, in Burt, North Dakota, to Eleanora and Lawrence Roll. She was one of five children who grew up on the family farm, later teaching in a rural one-room school. She met Fredrick Roach when he visited the family farm with his Army buddy, Val’s brother Gene. Val and Fred were married on November 17, 1956, and moved to Portage, Indiana, where they settled in for 68 years of marriage, raising four daughters and one son.

Val led a busy life as a mother and community volunteer when her children were in school, working as an aid, PTA treasurer, and treasurer for the music program. She also provided childcare in her home and taught preschool for 16 years, starting at age 58. She enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren, friends and attending church services and events that fostered her strong faith in the Catholic church. She also remained a community volunteer until she passed, serving as president and treasurer of the Portage Community Historical Society.

The world will miss Val’s bright light. She was kind and generous, wise and welcoming, and cared for all of her fellow humans.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 68 years, Fred Roach; her parents; two brothers and one sister.

She is survived by her five children, Beth (Jim) Franzen, Julie (George) Fonseca, Lisa (Dan) Knoll, Danial (Julie Eisele) Roach, and Amy (Ed Cosgrove) Roach; 10 grandchildren; 25 great grandchildren; and her brother, George. She is also survived by many extended family members.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Val’s name may be made to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul at Nativity of Our Savior Church.

Visitation for Val will be held Friday, August 7, 2026, from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm at Rees Funeral Home, Olson Chapel, 5341 Central Ave. Portage. Mass of Christian Burial will take place Saturday, August 8, 2026, at 11:00 am directly at Nativity of Our Savior Catholic Church, 2949 Willowcreek Road, Portage. She will be laid to rest at McCool Cemetery. For more information, please call (219) 762-3013. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.reesfuneralhomes.com.

And just at the moment when someone at my side says: “There, she is gone!” there are other eyes watching her coming, and other voices ready to take up the glad shout: “Here she comes!” -Henry Van D**e

08/03/2026

10 Years Ago
August 2016 Newsletter
August 2016
Senior Day

Senior Day at the Porter County Fair Wednesday July 27 at 12:30 pm Our president, Val Roach, was nominated by Sue Lynch (Portage City Council) and a member of our historical society as one of the Most Honored Senior Citizens in Porter County. Val received a corsage, a certificate and a gift card.

Portage Life

This week’s Life in the Spotlight is a North Dakota native. However, she moved to the area in 1957 with her husband who came to work as a machinist apprentice and she has certainly found her niche in the Portage community in the years since. Valeria Roach is President of the Portage Community Historical Society, and a woman well deserving of her time in the spotlight.

07/27/2026

We will be hosting the Peace Pipe Clock and Watch Repair Club.
Bring in your non-working clocks and watches to be repaired at no cost.
Saturday, August 15, 2026
1:00 - 3:00 pm
Alton Goin Barn Museum
Countryside Historical Park
5250 E. US Highway 6, Portage, Indiana

07/25/2026

It’s Saturday! The Museum is open from 1:00-4:00.
Come see us there!

07/11/2026

The next Cruise Night at Haven Hollow Park is just two weeks away!
Mark your calendars for Thursday, July 23, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. to come on out to show off your vehicle - new or old - or take a gander at some pretty cool cars.
It's free for both participants and onlookers.

07/11/2026

Are you facing food insecurity and need help feeding yourself or your family?
The Portage Township Food Pantry helps hundreds of families and individuals to put essential food on their tables.
The next Portage Township Food Pantry distribution will be held from 10 a.m. to Noon. Thursday, July 2 at the pantry, 3590 Willowcreek Road (adjacent to the North Porter County Government Center south of U.S. 6).
In addition to food, the pantry will also be distributing baby diapers, baby wipes and sanitary napkins. This is made possible through a partnership with the Portage Township Trustee office and the Porter County Health Department.
Those in need of assistance must contact the Portage Township Trustee’s office at 219-762-1623 to apply for a referral to the food pantry. There are documents required to verify residency and income.

07/11/2026

1969 and 1970’s cars for well below $3000.