In 1968, Portage was finally incorporated as a city. And ever since, Ed Gottschling has been involved in one way or another.
“When I came here, there were very few new buildings,” said Gottschling, a former City Councilman (from 1995-2011) who has been a member of several boards, commissions and organizations over the last half century. “Since then, business has increased immensely. We have Ameriplex and a variety of types of business.”
Originally appointed to the city’s police commission by Mayor Art Olsen in 1968, the entire list of Gottschling’s accomplishments would be too lengthy to include in one article. Ever since he was a Northwest Indiana youngster growing up in Gary and attending St. John’s Lutheran Elementary School and later Tolleston High School, Gottschling has been finding ways to make his community, and region, better.
But before he could begin finding solutions in Portage, he was making an impact on the world stage. Gottschling is a World War II veteran, having served in the Coast Guard (which was then part of the Navy) in the Asiatic Pacific from January 1945 to May 1946.
But he says that had little to do with inspiring him to be community-minded.
“It didn’t have much to do with it,” he said. “I wasn’t in there long enough so it didn’t really shape me at all. It did, however, give me the initiative to get ahead in the world and do something better.”
He is, though, involved with many veteran organizations like the VFW and American Legion Post 260 in Portage. As a member of the Saxton Lounge since 1943, Gottsching has served in every capacity in that organization, including three separate stints as president.
He’s also been the president of the Portage AARP chapter, police commander, and served on every standing committee in the city. He’s held leadership positions with the Porter County Liquor Board, Porter County Solid Waste District and Porter County Aging and Community Service Corporation.
“I love the city of Portage,” Gottschling said. “I just wanted to make a contribution to the city and help out in any way I could.”
On top of all that, Gottschling is a citizen member of the Greater Portage Chamber of Commerce, and in November 2014, was named by the Chamber as one of “Northwest Indiana’s Most Distinguished Citizens.”
“I was overcome by it,” he said. “I didn’t even know I was being considered, it blew my mind.”
Gottschling, who worked for Illinois Bell for 33 years including 27 as communications manager in Chicago and Northwest Indiana, was previously honored by the city in 2012 when Mayor James Snyder (the sixth Mayor he’s worked) presented him with the key to the city.
“He (Snyder) knew I was active and took an interest in the city and was willing to help out on whatever had to be done to move the city forward,” Gottschling said. “It was quite an honor and shows what I think of the city. I love the city.”
Gottschling has two successful children, both of whom graduated from Portage High School. Dr. Daniel Gottschling is a cellular biologist at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle, having recently received a cancer research scientist award for molecular biology. His daughter, Dr. Laura Buthod, is a pediatrician practicing in McHenry County, Illinois.
“They are both doing well - so I have no worries,” Gottschling said.
Their success is at least somewhat a result of the ever-improving Portage school system.
“The biggest change over the years has been our school system,” Gottschling said. “It is one of the best in Porter County and in the state. It’s rated as an ‘A’ - so that’s a great accomplishment.”
At 87, Gottschling’s contributions aren’t done yet, though. He is currently a member of the five-person Board of Public Works and says he would like to remain in a non-elected capacity with the city for as long as he can.
Him being active is not limited to civic work, however. Gottschling works out at the Portage Township YMCA five days a week and participates in three bowling leagues.
“I want to stay active,” he said. “As much as I can, for as long as I can.”