Obituaries

Shirley M. Beckner

December 30, 1934 to June 6, 2025

WINAMAC - Shirley M. Beckner, 90, of Winamac, passed away Friday, June 6, at her home.

She was born Dec. 30, 1934 in Winamac to the late Burvie and Dorothy [White] Rife. She married Virgil E. Beckner on July 12, 1952, in Winamac. He passed away July 13, 2010.

She is survived by:
Terry L. (Denise) Beckner, Winamac, Son
Pam L. Allen, Winamac, Daughter
Jamie L. Beckner, Granddaughter
Jeremy L. Beckner, Grandson
Trinity T. (Andrew Snowberger) Allen, Granddaughter
Zach V. Ziegler, Grandson
Great-Grandchildren: Micheal J. (Juliana) Beckner, Marissa J. Iverson,  and Jayden L. Beckner.
Many Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
Orville L. Rife, Brother
Gerald L. Rife, Brother
Elnora L. Jordan, Sister
Junior B. Rife, Brother
Calvin E. Rife, Brother

Mrs. Beckner worked in the office at Russell’s Old Trading Post and mowed the Winamac Cemetery for years. She was a member of the First Christian Church in Winamac, Tippecanoe Twirlers Square Dance Club, and TOPS. She enjoyed square dancing, completing puzzles, camping, and spending time with her family.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m., Thursday, June 12, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. The funeral service will be at 10 a.m., Friday, June 13, at the funeral home with Pastor Stephen Sundquist officiating. Burial will be at Winamac Cemetery (McKinley Addition) in Winamac.

Memorial donations may be made to Pulaski Animal Center or First Christian Church or Winamac Volunteer Fire Department.

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

 

Mark J. Hoffman

September 4, 1970 to June 5, 2025

WINAMAC - Mark J. Hoffman, 54, of Winamac, passed away Thursday, June 5.

He was born Sept. 4, 1970 in Logansport, to Michael D. “Mick” and Mardell A. [Stoll] Hoffman. He graduated from West Central High School in 1989. He graduated in 1993 from the Indiana University School of Music in Bloomington. In 2001, he graduated from the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy in Plainfield. He married Krista L. Conley on Aug. 10, 1990, at Teaberry Hill Estates Church in Medaryville. She survives.

 
Mark Hoffman

He is also survived by:
Mardell (Bill) Retschlag, Mother
Michael (Carol) Hoffman, Father
Tonya Sage, Sister
Mike (Angela) Hoffman, Brother
Randy (Joey) Retschlag, Brother
Lisa Allen, Sister
Elmer and Sandy Conley, In-Laws
Wendy (Jere) Masters, Sister-in-law
Samantha (Travis) Clary, Sister-in-law
Kayla McDaniel, Niece
Kyleigh (Broderick) Schmidt, Niece
Zachary Sage, Nephew
Megan (Jordan) Gluff, Niece
Noah Linder, Nephew
Jessica (Isaiah) Wilson, Niece
Gage Linder, Nephew
Marena Fleury, Niece
Collin Retschlag, Nephew
Steven (Salena) Masters, Nephew
Mesha (Eli) Owens, Niece
Emma Shepperd, Niece
Mayleigh Shepperd, Niece
Jensen Clary, Nephew
Chuck and Erin Morehead, Friends
Cameron Morehead, Nephew
Clark Morehead, Nephew

Mr. Hoffman served 21 years as a police officer and received many accolades throughout his career. In 2020, he retired from the Winamac Police Department as chief of police. He was a longtime member of the FOP #123 in Monticello. He owned and operated Jubilee Sound for 35 years. He installed professional sound systems at numerous area music careers. He volunteered his time and talent to the music and drama programs at the Winamac and West Central high schools. He also was a longtime contributor to the Francesville Fall Festival and Moe Fest. He was a devoted member of Teaberry Hill Estates Church where he played the mandolin, Dobro, acoustic guitar, steel guitar and bass guitar. He also ran the sound system and taught a music class. He had a strong conviction to serve the Lord and give of his talents to others. He enjoyed camping, snow skiing, snowboarding, and mountain biking. He also enjoyed riding his motorcycles. He participated in competitive shooting (pistol and rifle) and archery events. He was a member of the Outkast Paintball Team and spent a lot of time at Fort Knox Paintball. Mark and Krista enjoyed vacation cruises with friends and family. He made friends everywhere he went in life. He was a humble and quiet man who left a lasting impression on the community. Mark will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

The funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Wednesday, June 11, at Teaberry Hill Estates Church in Medaryville, with Pastor Elmer Conley officiating. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, June 10, at the church; and one hour prior to services Wednesday. Burial will be at Bethlehem Cemetery in Medaryville.

Memorial donations may be made to the funeral home to assist the family with final expenses.

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

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.

 

Kermit E. Parcel

January 31, 1929 to June 1, 2025

WINAMAC - Kermit E. “Buck” Parcel, 96, of Winamac, passed away Sunday, June 1, at his home.

He was born Jan. 31, 1929 in Star City, to the late Cecil and Eva (Miller) Parcel. He graduated from Star City High School in 1947. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1951-54. He married Elizabeth A. “Betty” Widup on April 26, 1951. She died Nov. 30, 2015.

 
Buck Parcel

He is survived by:
Denise Parcel, Winamac, Daughter
Mark Parcel, Winamac, Son
James Widup, Brother-in-law
Many Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
Darwin “Doc” (Barb) Parcel, Brother
Gerald (Anna) Parcel, Brother
Darl Dean (Betty) Parcel, Brother

Mr. Parcel worked as a tractor mechanic at the local Case dealer for many years. He also held jobs at Eaton’s, Galbreath’s and Winamac Elevator. At age 91, he retired from NAPA in Winamac. He and his wife enjoyed many special friendships with local couples. They were married for 64 years before she passed away. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Winamac, and the Winamac American Legion Post #71. On June 11, 2016, he received his Quilt of Valor. He enjoyed golfing and woodworking. He was an avid Chicago Cubs and IU basketball.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Friday, June 6, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac, The funeral service will follow at 1 p.m. (June 6), at the funeral home with Pastor Kim Powell officiating. Burial will be at Winamac Cemetery (McKinley Addition) in Winamac.

Memorial donations may be made to Toys for Tots.

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

 

Carl B. Smith

March 7, 1944 to June 1, 2025

WINAMAC - Carl B. Smith, 81, a lifelong farmer from Monterey, passed away peacefully Sunday, June 1, at his home. All of his crops were in and now he will be checking the pivots from Heaven.

He was born March 7, 1944 in Rochester, to the late Bernard H. and Sarah E. [Wagoner] Smith. He grew up in rural Monterey and graduated from Monterey High School in 1962 where he was an officer in the local FFA chapter. He was proud to be a farmer and took over operations with his brother while in high school. After graduation, he served in the Army National Guard for six years. On Dec. 7, 1968, he married Doris E. Hinderlider, at the First Christian Church in Winamac. The couple shared 56 years of life together. She survives.

 
Carl Smith

He is also survived by:
Karen (Jack) Jones, Winamac, Daughter
Kathy (Brian) Roberts, Monterey, Daughter
Karla (Paul) Vincent, Hilton Head Island, SC, Daughter
Grandchildren: Ashley (Ben) Floreancig, Chelsey (Cody) Brink, Hailey (Devin Kistler) Jones, Ashley (Quenten) Easter, Kyle (Dakota) Garland, Alivia (Eric Russell) Roberts, Brett (Sam Vaught) Roberts, Katie (Stone) Dalton, Arabella Vincent, Elias Vincent, and Maddox Vincent.
11 Great-Grandchildren: Cecilia, Christopher, Beau, Madelyn, Noah, Beckham, Grant, Van, Adeline, Aiden, and Guinevere.
Bill (Bev) Smith, Monterey, Brother
Sam Smith, Monterey, Brother
Morris (Val) Hinderlider, Brother-in-law
Jack (Doris Ann) Hinderlider, Brother-in-law
Sue (Gene) Lincoln, Sister-in-law
Deloris (John) Locke, Sister-in-law
Garry Hinderlider, Brother-in-law
Many Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
Kristina Elaine Smith, Daughter
Alice Smith, Sister
John and Mary [Morrison] Hinderlider, In-Laws
Bill Hinderlider, Brother-in-law and Best Friend
Twanette (Sam) Densmore, Sister-in-law
Myrna (Garrett) Posthuma, Sister-in-law

Mr. Smith was a proud supporter of local businesses and his community. He served many years on the Fulton County REMC Board of Directors. He was a founding member of Chapter 33 of the Red Power Roundup. He was also a member of the Northern Indiana Power from the Past and helped start the annual Toy Show. He enjoyed spending time with his Power Show family. He was an avid collector of farm toys and antique tractors/equipment, as well as an assortment of other “treasures.” He was a loving and devoted husband, dad, grandpa and great-grandpa. He cherished time spent with his family, especially pontoon rides with them at Lake Bruce. He loved taking the kids for ice cream and a cruise around the lake in the ’69 Chevy Impala Convertible. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m., Friday, June 6, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. The funeral service will be at 10 a.m., Saturday, June 7, at the funeral home with Rev. Jeff Herron officiating. Burial will be at Winamac Cemetery (Dilts Addition) in Winamac. The VFW and American Legion will conduct military graveside services.

Memorial donations may be made to ACRE Fund at the Community Foundation of Pulaski County (supports local Food Pantries and FFA Chapters) or Northern Indiana Power from the Past.

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

 

Dolores M. Miller

May 25, 1937 to May 30, 2025

MEDARYVILLE - Dolores Marie “Dee” Miller, 88, of Medaryville, passed away Friday, May 30, at Parkview Haven Retirement Home in Francesville.

She was born May 25, 1937 in Whiting, to Harold E. and Twilla Lavon (Small) Woodard. She grew up in Hamlet, and moved to Medaryville when she was around 10 years old. She married Eligah Joseph in 1952 and they were blessed with three children (Terry, Debra, and Tina). She later married Robert E. “Bob” Miller on Dec. 31, 1987 in Medaryville, welcoming his sons to the family (Rick and Jerry).

 
Dee Miller

She is survived by:
Terry Lee (Pam) Joseph, Messina, NY, Son
Debra Lyn (Mike) Ward, Medaryville, Daughter
Tina Marie (Mark) Bailey, Medaryville, Daughter
Grandchildren: Rebecca DeVries, Clinton (Clarissa) Joseph, Kim (Randy) Jackson, Casey (Jon) Robbins, Mitch Bailey, and Jami (Kenny) Schatte.
16 Great-Grandchildren
1 Great-Great-Grandson
Krystal Woodard, Medaryville, Sister-in-law
Lavon (Sidney) Dulin, Medaryville, Niece
Tammy (Doug) Mason, Monon, Niece
Brad Elston, Medaryville, Nephew-in-law
Eligah Joseph, First Husband

Preceded in death by:
Harold Woodard, Father
Twilla Woodard Wireman, Mother
Ashland Wireman, Step-Father
Robert Miller, Second Husband
Ernest Woodard, Brother
Viola Woodard, Sister
Brenda Elston, Niece

Mrs. Miller attended school through the eigth-grade and worked hard her entire life as a laborer. Dolores was proud to have worked at the Medaryville Garment Factory, Schumacher’s, and Monon Trailer.

In their retirement years, Dee and Bob enjoyed traveling the country in their motorhome. Bob passed away on November 18, 2015. Dolores was a member of the Medaryville Assembly of God Church and cherished the fellowship with her friends there. She was faithful to read her Bible every day and held fasts to God’s word. Dolores enjoyed crocheting, quilting, cooking, and baking. She also enjoyed doing puzzles as well. Dolores was fond her cat, Midnight, who she raised from a kitten. She was also generous to the neighborhood cats. Most of all, Dolores loved her loved her family very much and will be deeply missed. The family wishes to thank the staff of Parkview Haven for their tender and loving care of Dolores.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, June 4, at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Medaryville. The funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, June 5, at the funeral home with Pastor Tom Dewlen officiating. Burial will be at Goodway Cemetery in Medaryville.

Memorial donations may be made to Medaryville Assembly of God Church or the Pulaski Animal Center.

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

 

Cynthia S. Schultz

June 28, 1950 to May 26, 2025

WINAMAC - Cynthia Sue “Cindy” Schultz, 74, of Winamac, passed away unexpectedly Monday, May 26.

She was born June 28, 1950 at Carneal’s Hospital in Winamac to the late Orval and Betty (Marquis) Burgess. She graduated from Winamac High School in 1968. On June 21, 1969, she married Michael “Mike” Schultz (aka “Mr. Right”) at the Star City Church of Christ. He survives.

 
Cindy Schultz

She is also survived by:
Kristine “Kris” (Steve) Christensen, Winamac, Daughter
Brian (Vicki) Schultz, Concord, NC, Son
Kari (Neil) Hamilton, Winamac, Daughter
Grandchildren: Lyndsay Christensen, Bradley (Amber) Christensen, Allie (Tyler) Milkey, Genevieve Schultz, Lyle Hamilton and Addyson Hamilton.
Dan (Julie) Burgess, Winamac, Brother
Doug (Patricia) Schultz, Granger, Brother-in-law
Peggy (Gary) Yeary, Asheboro, NC, Sister-in-law
Darlene Fritz, Winamac, Sister-in-law
Bill (Becky) Nice, Michigan, Brother-in-law
Bob (Janet) Nice, Carmel, Brother-in-law
Many Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
Frederick Schultz, Father-in-law
Dorothy (Fritz) Schultz Nice, Mother-in-law
Jake Nice, Step-Father-in-law
Tim (Becky) Schultz, Brother-in-law

Mrs. Schultz worked as an instructional assistant at Eastern Pulaski Elementary School for 35 years. Over the years, she touched the lives of countless students. She was proud to have earned an associate’s degree in early childhood development later in life. In addition to her career at the school, she was a certified naturalist at Tippecanoe River State Park for six years. She was a member of Bethel Bible Church in Winamac. She taught Sunday school and VBS for several years, was an active member of the church quilting ministry, and enjoyed the fellowship of life group gatherings. She enjoyed sewing, quilting, gardening, canning, cooking, and baking. She was the rescuer of many cats, dogs and other animals through the years. She enjoyed visiting state and national parks across the country. Simply put, she appreciated all of God’s creation. Most of all, she loved her family, especially her grandchildren. Cindy will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m., Friday, May 30, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. The funeral service will be at 10 a.m., Saturday, May 31, at the funeral home with Pastors Matt Dodd and Thomas Hopewell officiating. Private burial will be at Star City West Cemetery in Star City.

Memorial donations may be made to Friends of the Tippecanoe River State Park or Gideon’s International. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

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

 

Anton Bortkiewicz

April 8, 1938 to May 26, 2025

MEDARYVILLE - Anton “Tony” Bortkiewicz, 87, of Medaryville, passed away Monday, May 26, at Parkview Haven Retirement Home in Francesville.

He was born April 8, 1938 in Chicago, to the late Herman and Stella “Stephanie” (Kawalec) Bortkiewicz.

He is survived by:
Rachelle R. Bortkiewicz, Niece
Brian J. Bortkiewicz, Nephew
Bruce Bortkiewicz, Nephew
Margie Bortkiewicz, Sister-in-law

Preceded in death by:
Renee (Richard) Knapp, Sister
Frank J. (Barbara) Bortkiewicz, Brother
Jerry J. Bortkiewicz, Brother
Sean Allman, Nephew

Mr. Bortkiewicz was a lifelong farmer.

Private burial will be at St. Henry Cemetery in Medaryville.

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

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Medaryville.