Obituaries

December 1, 1934 to March 25, 2024

WINAMAC - Anne “Anna” Elizabeth (Franko) Breyfogle, 89,  passed away Monday, March 25, at Brookside Inn, Castle Rock, CO, surrounded by her loving family and care team. She was previously a long-time resident of both Hobart and Winamac.

Anna Breyfogle

She was born Dec. 1, 1934, in Gary, to Theresa (Hanich) and Joseph Franko, the fifth of six siblings. She married Dwayne ‘Whitey’ Breyfogle on Dec. 27, 1951. He preceded her in death.

She is survived by three of her children, Allan (wife Sharon, deceased) Breyfogle, Patricia, and Susan ‘Tutti’ (husband Alan) Tollackson; 12 of her grandchildren, Shannon, Seth, Adriane, Stephen John Jr., Meredith Kristin, Tracy, Shane, Ryan, Sarah, Skye, Zebediah, and Aleah. She is also survived by numerous great-grandchildren, a great-great-grandchild, her brother James Franko, and many other extended family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her sons Steven and Bruce, grandson Bradley, and siblings Paul, Joseph, William Franko and Theresa Carpenter.

Mrs. Breyfogle and her husband traveled the U.S. early in their marriage while he served in the U.S. Army, but returned to Indiana to establish their family. She was a devoted caregiver to her own five children, as well as many of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved the many lakes and hearty farmland of Indiana, so she remained there for most of her life. As an avid fisherwoman and wonderful cook, she took such pleasure in having a house full of family and friends enjoying her grilled bluegill, sweet corn-on-the-cob, and marshmallow salad. She relocated out West years ago so that her care could be shared by her youngest daughter Susan and her husband in Wyoming, and her oldest granddaughter, Shannon Seales, her husband Dean and children Jackson, Avery and Libby, in Colorado. She grew to love drives in the Rocky Mountains, spending time with the many ranch animals and pets, and cheering at kids’ sporting events. Anne’s door was always open, and so was her heart. Whether it was the neighbors stopping in for a chat, family returning to live in the house, or children needing to be cared for, she thrived in the chaos of a busy home filled with laughter and love. She also loved to sing and was blessed with a beautiful, calming voice. She could often be found with a child on her lap, reciting one of her favorite hymns or folk songs. Her way of making others feel special was truly a gift received by all who knew and loved her.