Obituaries

June 25, 1946 to June 11, 2020

WINAMAC - Harold Orville Rife, 73, of Camby, passed away Thursday, June 11, following a short battle with lung cancer.

The oldest of seven children, he was born June 25, 1946 in Rochester, to the late Orville L. and Lucille Mae Goble Rife. He graduated from Star City High School in 1964 and earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Purdue University in 1970.

He is survived by:
Jennifer (Greg Whipple) Rife, Camby, Daughter
David (Kate) Rife, Indianapolis, Son
Derek (Kristie Kennedy) Rife, Indianapolis, Son
Grandchildren: Austin Rife, Chandler Rife, Cole Rife, Hope Rife, Lucy Rife, Karlie Dulworth, and Kassidy Kennedy.
Gertrude “Gert” Stout Rife, Winamac, Second Mom
Don (Jean) Rife, Winamac, Brother
John (Julie) Rife, Gonzales, LA, Brother
Carol (Mick) Hoffman, Winamac, Sister
Randy (Jill) Rife, Logansport, Brother
Sam (Connie) Rife, Winamac, Brother
Naomi (Joe) Murphy, Winamac, Sister
Several Nieces and Nephews
Elnora Jordon, Winamac, Aunt
Shirley Beckner, Winamac, Aunt
Many Cousins
Brenda Rose Jagnandan, Indianapolis, Former Spouse

Preceded in death by:
Andrea Nicole Rife, Infant Granddaughter

Mr. Rife had a distinguished career with Crane Naval Surface Warfare Center Base in Crane, IN and retired in 1995. Following retirement, he earned a master’s degree in electrical engineering from Purdue University and went on to teach electrical engineering technology at IUPUI and ITT Technical Institute. He was the founder and board president of Lean Problem Solving Academy, a non-profit that taught soft skills for the workplace. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge. He enjoyed genealogy, playing golf, and being outside. He lived an active life but never missed an opportunity to sit and have a good cup of coffee. He was a loving father, grandfather, son, and brother. He loved family gatherings, especially cookouts (you could always count on him to bring the veggie tray). He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m., Friday, June 19, at the First Baptist Church in Francesville. The funeral service will be at 10 a.m., Saturday, June 20, at the church with Pastor Dennis Gutwein officiating. A recording of the funeral service will be uploaded to the funeral home website and Facebook page. Burial will be at Paul’s Chapel Cemetery in Winamac.

Memorial donations may be made to First Baptist Church in Francesville, or Paul’s Chapel Cemetery in Winamac.

Online tributes may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.