Michiana community members give condolences to Rep. Jackie Walorski at visitation

GRANGER, Ind. (WNDU) - Many people here in Michiana remembered Congresswoman Jackie Walorski on Wednesday at her visitation.

Walorski, two of her staffers, and a Nappanee woman were killed in a crash in Elkhart County last week.

Walorski’s casket arrived Wednesday morning at Granger Community Church, where the visitation was being held.

The public event began at 12 p.m. and ended at 7 p.m. The line outside the church ran about 100 people long at varying times during the service. However, the chapel was more than big enough to accommodate everyone with a 2,000 person limit.

Walorski’s closed casket had a folded flag with her portrait on top. Many community members in attendance gave their condolences.

“It’s obviously a sad occasion, but there’s just so much positivity in there on Jackie’s life and who she was. She worked with Democrats and Republicans, and it didn’t matter what political party you were; she cared about you. I think that was probably one of the biggest themes I heard from talking to everybody in there,” said former WNDU Chief Meteorologist Mike Hoffman.

“It’s been a difficult week since we learned of Jackie’s death and, you know, congress is like a family. I mean we are close, the Indiana Delegation is very close, in a bipartisan way...You know, when Jackie Walorski was in the room, you knew she was in the room,” said Congressman Larry Bucshon (R-IN).

“She was such a fine lady and a Christian, just a devout Christian and a good role model. I’m a former teacher and we need more role models like Jackie,” said Victoria Foster of Sturgis, Michigan.

A funeral service will be held for Walorski at Granger Community Church on Thursday, Aug. 11, at 11 a.m. The funeral and burial are both open to the public. For more details, click here.

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