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ObituariesJoan M. BendelJanuary 24, 1944 to April 21, 2025
WINAMAC - Joan M. Bendel, 81, of Winamac passed away Monday, April 21, at Woodbridge Health Campus in Logansport. She was born Jan. 24, 1944. Visitation will be from 3 p.m. until the time of the funeral service at 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 23, at Rans Funeral Home, Winamac Chapel. A full obituary will soon follow.
Nancy S. RifeJune 29, 1954 to April 21, 2025 WINAMAC - Nancy S. Rife, 70, of Winamac passed away Monday, April 21, at home, surrounded by family and friends. Born June, 29 1954 at the U.S. Naval Hospital in San Diego, she was the daughter of the late Carl Alberts Jr. and Shirley Alberts (Schroeder). She graduated from Parkview-Methodist School of Nursing in 1975. She married Robert Rife on May 21, 1983, and moved to Winamac. He preceded her in death.
Survivors include: She was also preceded in death by mother- and father-in-law JB and Gloria Rife, mother-in-law Joyce Rife and sister- and brother-in-law, Elizabeth and Dale Hiatt. Mrs. Rife dedicated her life to caring for others, and spent the first eight years of her nursing career at Elkhart General Hospital. After her marriage, she continued her calling at Pulaski Memorial Hospital. Over the next 41 years, she became a cornerstone of the hospital, retiring in 2024 after a long and passionate career. Her greatest love was for her two children, Hillary and Adam. As a mother, she poured her heart into raising them with tenderness, patience and unconditional love and support. Whether cheering them on in their pursuits, guiding them through life’s challenges, or simply being present in the everyday, her love and devotion to her children knew no bounds. A devoted member of St. Peter's Catholic Church in Winamac, she lived her faith through kindness, generosity, and unwavering devotion to those around her. She was an avid fan of Notre Dame women’s basketball and was a frequent face at their games. She also found joy in traveling with friends, making trips to the movies, relaxing with a good book, anything Vera Bradley, and all things related to Christmas. Her life was one of care, love, selflessness and unwavering strength. She touched countless lives and will be deeply missed by all who had the blessing of knowing her. Visitation will be from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., Thursday, April 24, at Rans Funeral Homes & Crematory, Winamac Chapel, 110 N. Sally Dr., Winamac. A rosary service will be at 4 p.m., Thursday, at the funeral home. A mass of Christian burial will be at 10 a.m., Friday, April 25, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Winamac. Burial will be at Winamac Cemetery Mckinley Addition. Memorial donations may be made to the St. Vincent House at www.give.stvincent.org. Mrs. Rife’s online guestbook is available, and condolences may be shared with the family at www.ransfuneralhomes.com.
Paul E. Smith Jr.February 28, 1961 to April 17, 2025 WINAMAC - Paul Edward “Doc” Smith Jr., 64, of Rochester, passed away Thursday, April 17, at his home. He was born Feb. 28, 1961 in Logansport. He grew up in Monterey, and graduated mid-term from Culver Community High School in 1979. He joined the U.S. Marine Corps and proudly served his country for four years. He married Alma Omecnol on Oct. 14, 2007, at New Life Church in Rochester. She survives.
He is also survived by: Preceded in death by: Mr. Smith worked as a delivery driver for Dean Foods in Rochester until it closed in 2015. After retirement, he enjoyed spending time with his family and sharing his love for collectibles with his daughters and grandsons. He was an avid fan of Batman, Godzilla, and Jackie Chan. He loved his family and his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, April 23, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Thursday, April 24, at the funeral home. Burial will be at Riverside Memorial Cemetery in Monterey. The American Legion will conduct military graveside services. Memorial donations may be made to the family c/o Alma Smith. Online tributes may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com.
James M. DowlingSeptember 10, 1947 to April 14, 2025 WINAMAC - James M. “Jim” Dowling, 77, of Winamac (formerly of Hopkinsville, KY), passed away peacefully Monday, April 14, at Pulaski Health Care Center in Winamac. He was born Sept. 10, 1947 to the late Dennis and Irene (Bixler) Dowling in Adrian, MI and was raised in Jasper, MI. While in college at Purdue University, he joined the U.S. Navy and served in country during the Vietnam War. After his service, he returned to Purdue and earned a bachelor’s degree in 1977. He married Edna Self who preceded him in death. He is survived by: Preceded in death by: Home for Mr. Dowling and his wife was in Hopkinsville where he worked at White Hydraulics for several years. He enjoyed the company of many meaningful friends in Hopkinsville and Fairview, KY. The family wishes to thank Judy Jackson, Stuart Zieman, Dan Lauffer and Howard Jones for their special and supportive relationships with Jim. Additionally, the family thanks the staff of Pulaski Health Care Center for the tender care of Jim over the past two years. A graveside service will be at 11:30 a.m. (10:30 a.m. CT) Tuesday, April 22, at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, IL. Military honors will be conducted by the U.S. Navy. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to a local American Legion or VFW. Online condolences may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.
Michael SchwartzApril 2, 1959 to April 14, 2025 WINAMAC - Michael “Whistle” Schwartz, 66 of Winamac passed away at 3:31 a.m., Monday, April 14, at I.U. Health Arnett Hospital in Lafayette. Born April 2, 1959 in Chicago, he was the son of the late Bernard and Phyllis (Bartgen) Schwartz.
Survivors include: He was preceded in death by: Mr. Schwartz was a farmhand, handy man and a jack-of-all-trades. He never liked to be in the spotlight. He was a man of few words, but his one-liners will never be forgotten. His nieces and nephews were never called by their real names, he had goofy nicknames for all of them. He was a member of the Winamac Eagles #2580 and enjoyed helping others, farming and spending time on the river. He never missed a bonfire, and he knew he never needed an invitation to join one. At family get-togethers, he was there one minute, and the next minute he had ventured off to somewhere else. He had a free spirit and lived life on his own terms. He will be sadly missed by his family and friends, and all who knew him. A celebration of life service will be from 2 to 6 p.m., Sunday, April 27, at the Winamac Eagles #2580. Memorial donations may be made to the Winamac Eagles #2580 to be used for the Angel Tree, for the love that Whistle had for children. His online guestbook is available, and condolences may be shared with the family Arrangements have been entrusted to Rans Funeral Homes.
Thomas J. RothAugust 2, 1950 to April 11, 2025 WINAMAC - Thomas Joe Roth, 74, of Star City passed away unexpectedly Friday, April 11. He was born Aug. 2, 1950 in Winamac to the late Howard William and Mildred Opal (Bonnell) Roth. He was a lifelong member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pulaski, and went to school in Pulaski through the eighth grade. He graduated from Winamac Community High School in 1968. He was a 10-year member of Pulaski County 4-H and was crowned Achievement King in 1969. He attended Purdue University for two years and made many friends while there. He married June Ellen Thompson, whom he met in high school, on Aug. 14, 1971, at the St. Joseph Church. In 2021, they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with a surprise party hosted by their four children. She survives.
He is also survived by: Preceded in death by: Mr. Roth was a lifelong farmer, who was well-known and respected by all. He enjoyed working on the farm, especially with his cows. Throughout his life, he was employed by Powers Bros. Mowing Crew, Moyer Grain, Sohigro and Gary Hanson Electric. Most notably, he worked at Farm Bureau Co-Op, a career that spanned 35 years (from 1981 to 2016). He was a very hard worker and instilled in his children that same work ethic, as well as the value of education. In his youth, he was active with the Pulaski County Young Democrats. Later in life, he served as a voice of reason and restraint during his time as a Pulaski County Councilman. Most recently, he was serving as precinct chairperson for Indian Creek Township. He was a former 4-H Leader for the Indian Creek Livewires. He coached his kids in youth baseball and soccer. He had previously served on the Pulaski County Fair Board and the Pulaski-White Rural Telephone Cooperative Board. He was a member of the Holy Name Society for many years. He was a charter member and past president of the Star City Lion’s Club. Tom was always willing to lend a helping hand whenever needed. He lived life to the fullest. He always planted a large garden and shared his produce with family and friends. He enjoyed watching the Chicago White Sox and was an avid Purdue football and basketball fan, as well as a Winamac Warrior fan. He enjoyed camping and spending time with his family. Most of all, he was a loving and devoted husband and father and loved being a “Papaw.” A Lions memorial service will be at 2 p.m., Tuesday, April 15, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac, followed by a scriptural wake service. Visitation will be from 3 to 8 p.m., (Tuesday, April 15), at the funeral home. A funeral mass will be at 10 a.m., Wednesday, April 16, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pulaski, with Rev. Dennis Faker officiating. Burial will be at Buck Cemetery in Thornhope. Memorial donations may be made to Star City Lions Club. Online tributes may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com.
Birtie F. Barcus NowakAugust 2, 1938 to April 8, 2025 WINAMAC - Birtie F. Barcus Nowak, 86, of Culver, passed away Tuesday, April 8, at her home. She was born Aug. 2, 1938 in Carter, KY to the late Clifton P. and Nora M. (Blevins) Reeder. In 2011, she married Kenneth J. Nowak. He survives. She is also survived by: Preceded in death by: Mrs. Nowak was a realtor for many years and then worked at Leer Corporation in Bourbon, until it closed in 2002. Online tributes may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.
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