William E. "Bill" Loper, 70, of Rochester, went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Saturday. He was surrounded by his family. William Eugene was born to Robert Carlton Loper and Selema Mildred (King) Loper in Valparaiso. He grew up in Chesterton, where he attended Chesterton High School. He married Karen Pendley on Jan. 1, 1960. They had four children and later divorced. He married Cynthia Ault on Aug. 24, 1985, in Rochester, and gained two more daughters. A crane operator, Bill built pipelines for NIPSCO and later worked in the NIPSCO plant at Royal Center. After retiring in 1996 with 37 years of service, he worked at the local County Post store and later as a bus driver for Rochester Community Schools and then a custodian for North Miami Schools. He also drove a bus for Life Care Center. Bill dedicated time to Rochester Little and Senior leagues and 4-H Horse and Pony Club with his children and grandchildren. He was a Past Worshipful Master in the F & AM Masonic Lodge No. 70 of Rochester, and a member of the Shriner's Horse Patrol. He also belonged to Eastern Woodland Carvers, Converse. Bill attended and was a member of First Baptist Church, Rochester. In addition to serving in various ministries in the church, his worship there inspired him to draw others close to Jesus through Emmaus Walk retreats and church camp. Bill is survived by his wife, Cindy, at home; his children, Ginger (Loper) Reed and husband Bob, Tariesa (Loper) Vendola, all of Rochester, Matthew Loper and wife Lyn, Fulton, Kari (Loper) Felda and husband Jim, Kewanna, Rhonda (Wiegand) Johnson and husband Brian, and Lauren (Wiegand) Jefferies and husband Dan, all of Rochester. He is also survived by 16 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; two brothers, Robert Loper, Warsaw, and Richard Loper, Cromwell; and close cousin, Gloria Vance of Mississippi. He was preceded in death by his parents and one grandson. Friends are invited to join Bill's family in celebrating his life during an 11 a.m. service Wednesday at First Baptist Church, 1000 Main St., Rochester. Dr. Mark Spencer will officiate. Visitation will be 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Good Family Funeral Home, 1200 W. 18th St., Rochester, and one hour prior to the service Wednesday at the church. Burial will be at the IOOF Cemetery, Rochester.