Obituaries

Richard W. Kruzick

December 31, 1946 to December 10, 2019

WINAMAC - Richard Wayne “Dick” Kruzick , 72, Winamac, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 10.

He was born Dec. 31, 1946 in Northville, Mich. to the late Hubert Paul and Marguerite Maxine Swanson Kruzick. The family then moved to Winamac, where Dick graduated from Winamac High School in 1964. He studied business at Ball State University for one year, followed by a second year at the University of Hawaii.

He is survived by his wife, Tari; his son, Robert (Kimberly) Kruzick of Michigan; his daughter, Ericka (John) Crist of Winamac; his five grandsons; and his brothers, Larry (Trude) Kruzick of Florida, David (Mary) Kelton of Virginia, Tom (Mary) Kruzick of Florida and Kent (Diane) Kruzick of Winamac; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Mr. Kruzick enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in August of 1966, and married Theresa Jane “Tari” Roth on April 1, 1967, while he was on leave. They were stationed briefly at Chanute Air Force Base (Illinois), followed by Edwards Air Force Base (California), where he studied Spanish, hoping to be sent to Spain. Instead, he was deployed to Vietnam, where he served a one-year tour, and then ended his military service at Dover Air Force Base (Delaware), where son, Robert was born. He was honorably discharged in August of 1970. The couple returned to Indiana, and he resumed his studies at Ball State University, and earned his bachelor of science degree in 1973. The day after graduation, their daughter, Ericka was born.

Mr. Kruzick was a dedicated and loyal employee, serving Galbreath, Inc. in Winamac for 38 years. He also worked with his brother, Kent at Bobko, Inc., at the Knox and Michigan City locations. He loved computer work and was always willing and able to help others with technology. He retired on his 65th birthday in 2011, and the couple moved to The Villages, Florida, for a short time, where he enjoyed pickleball, golf cart rides and walks with Tari. Dick was diagnosed with Multiple Systems Atrophy (MSA) on Feb. 14, 2013, and the couple returned to Winamac. During his courageous battle with MSA, his God-given calmness and sense of contentment served him well. He enjoyed old movies, bird watching, stories of the grandkids, and visits from his faithful family and friends.

He was a huge fan of the Chicago Cubs, enjoying many games with his family and friends over the years at Wrigley Field and from the comfort of his home. One of the greatest nights of his life was watching the Cubs win the World Series Title in 2016. He was extremely proud of his five grandsons, each holding a special place in his heart: Ryan Kruzick, Goshen, a 2017 graduate of the University of Kentucky and Dylan Kruzick, who attends Northridge High School in Middlebury; Jonah Crist, Winamac, who attends Purdue University Northwest; and Matthew Crist and Martin Crist, who attend Winamac Community High School. He was a member of Bethel Bible Church, and he loved studying Revelations. His favorite Bible verse is “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all things will be added to you.”  Matthew 6:33 (NAS)

In accordance with his wishes, cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 3 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 15, at  Bethel Bible Church in Winamac, with Pastor Joe Mollet of Dunes Hospice officiating.  The American Legion and VFW will provide military honors. Friends may visit with the family from 1 p.m. until the time of services.

In Mr. Kruzick’s memory, and in lieu of flowers, please direct any memorial donations to the Wounded Warrior Project. www.woundedwarriorproject.com

Online condolences may be offered in the guestbook at www.frainmortuary.com.

Geraldine Rose

August 2, 1934 to December 8, 2019

WINAMAC - Geraldine "Jerry" Rose, 85, of Winamac, passed away at 4:45 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 8, at Hickory Creek.

She was born Aug. 2, 1934 in East Chicago, to the late Michael and Stephine "Stella" Wolak Fredel. She graduated from Winamac High School in 1952. On April 18, 1953, she married Rudolph "Rudy" Rose, Jr. at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Winamac. He survives.

She is also survived by:
Susan (Darwin) Knebel, Winamac, Daughter
Jeff (Emily) Rose, Lexington, NC, Son
Laurie (Dewain) Davis, Winamac, Daughter
Matt (Trisha) Knebel, Grandson
Eric (Jennifer) Knebel, Grandson
Jordan Rose, Grandson
Justin Rose, Grandson
Brittany (Steven) Larson, Granddaughter
Brandon (Shelby) Davis, Grandson
6 Great-Grandchildren
James "Jimmy" Fredel, Winamac, Brother
Joanne Fredel, Logansport, Sister-in-law
Charles "Charlie" Rose, Winamac, Brother-in-law
James "Jim" (Bertha) Rose, North Judson, Brother-in-law
Edward "Ed" Rose, Frankfort, Brother-in-law
Several Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
Richard Fredel, Brother
Lucinda "Cindy" Fredel, Sister-in-law
Bernice Rose, Sister-in-law
Shirley Rose, Sister-in-law

Mrs. Rose was a lifelong member of St. Peter's Catholic Church. She loved lunching and visiting with her dear friends. She was a proud homemaker, always keeping a spotless home. She was a fantastic cook and baker. She enjoyed hosting, especially during the holidays. She and her husband enjoyed traveling in the motor home and square dancing. Most of all of, she loved her family very much, especially spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Although she is gone, her love will live on in all of us.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m., Friday, Dec. 13, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. A scriptural wake service will be at 7 p.m., Friday, at the funeral home. A funeral mass will be at 10 a.m., Saturday Dec., 14, at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Winamac, with Rev. Leroy Kinnaman officiating. Burial will be at St. Peter's Cemetery, Winamac.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Peter's Catholic Church or Hickory
Creek.

Online condolences may be offered in the guestbook at www.frainmortuary.com.

Alvina M. Risner

December 23, 1933 to December 6, 2019

MEDARYVILLE - Alvina Mae Risner, 85, of Medaryville, passed away peacefully, with her family by her side, at 11:29 p.m., Friday, Dec. 6, at Parkview Regional Hospital in Ft. Wayne.

She was born Dec. 23, 1933 in Francesville, to the late Orval and Leona Roth Hunter. She graduated from San Pierre High School in 1952. She married Henry J. "Hank" Risner on Oct. 16, 1954 St. John's United Church of Christ. He survives.

She is also survived by:
Gale (Deb) Risner, Lafayette, Son
Dennis (Theresa) Risner, Francesville, Son
Nancy (Bud) Blackburn, Idaville, Daughter
John Risner, Lafayette, Son
Peggy (Darren) Godsey, Williams, Daughter
Randy Risner, Grandson
Angie (Billie) Pattengale, Granddaughter
April (Jason) Pattee, Granddaughter
Heather (Brett) Ricketts, Granddaughter
Amanda (Joshua) Rinehart, Granddaughter
Andrea (Joshua) Richmond, Granddaughter
Danielle Blackburn, Granddaughter
Jacob Blackburn, Grandson
Madison Risner, Granddaughter
Clay Risner, Grandson
Lynnsie (Pat) Greene, Granddaughter
Danae Godsey, Granddaughter
Cori Bower, Granddaughter
Terry Godsey, Grandson
Casi Bower, Granddaughter
17 Great-Grandchildren
Luella (Edward) Bartman, Crawfordsville, Sister
Norma Jean (Earl) Clark, Argos, Sister-in-law
Ralph (Sue) Risner, North Judson, Brother-in-law
Marlene Risner, Rensselaer, Sister-in-law
Several Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
Edward Risner, Brother-in-law

Mrs. Risner was a lifelong member of St. John's United Church of Christ in Medaryville. She was a member of the Medaryville American Legion Auxiliary. Alvina was a Den Mother for Cub Scout Pack #3152. She and her husband owned and operated Hank's Standard Service Station in Medaryville for over 30 years. She was the first woman licensed in the State of Indiana to conduct safety inspections for motor vehicles. She also drove a school bus for West Central School for many years. She was an extraordinary woman who had many talents. She enjoyed cooking, baking, canning, antiquing, crafting and remodeling. She also enjoyed the outdoors, especially, fishing, camping and gardening. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She will be dearly missed but her inspiration will live on in all of us.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 10, at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Medaryville. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Wednesday, Dec. 11, at the Medaryville Assembly of God Church with Pastor Thomas Dewlen officiating. Burial will be at St. John's Cemetery in Medaryville.

Memorial donations may be made to St. John's United Church of Christ or Medaryville Assembly of God Church.

Online condolences may be offered in the guestbook at www.frainmortuary.com.

Joan Ellis Kroft

June 21, 1935 to December 7, 2019

MEDARYVILLE - Joan Ellis Kroft, 84, of Medaryville, passed away Saturday, Dec. 7, at the Pulaski Health Care Center in Winamac.

She was born June 21, 1935 in Crown Point. She was a 1953 graduate of Boone Grove High School. On Sept. 24, 1954, she married Ray H. Kroft in Boone Grove. He preceded her in death on May 24, 2011.

She is survived by:
Karen (Ben, Jr.) Smolek, San Pierre, Daughter
Janis Potter, Sapulpa, OK, Daughter
Marcia (Greg) Schoeneck, Valparaiso, Daughter
Jon Smolek, Grandson
Craig Smolek, Grandson
Riann Hendrickson, Granddaughter
Matt (Kristan) Ahlemeier, Grandson
Amanda (Brian) Wilson, Granddaughter
Geoffrey Schoeneck, Grandson
10 Great-Grandchildren
2 Great-Great-Grandchildren

Preceded in death by:
Glenn and Sarah Douglas Ellis, Parents

Mrs. Kroft was a member of St. John's United Church of Christ in Medaryville. She worked as a deputy treasurer in Pulaski County for several years. She formerly served on the Pulaski County Public Library Board and sang with the Pulaski County Chorus for many years. She was a proud homemaker and enjoyed cooking, baking, gardening and canning. She also enjoyed reading as well as playing cards and BINGO. She loved her family, supported her husband on the farm and enjoyed attending her grandchildren's activities. She will be sadly missed.

Visitation will be from 12 noon to 2 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 11, at St. John's United Church of Christ in Medaryville. The funeral service will follow at 2 p.m., Wednesday at the church Pastors Nelda Seger and Bill McNabney officiating. Burial will be at St. John's Cemetery in Medaryville.

Memorial donations may be made to St. John's United Church of Christ.

Online condolences may be offered in the guestbook at www.frainmortuary.com.

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

Robert L. Carpenter

October 28, 1936 to December 4, 2019

FRANCESVILLE - Robert L. "Bob" Carpenter, 83, of Francesville, passed away at 2:34 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 4, at his home.

He was born Oct. 28, 1936 in North Judson, to the late Lloyd and Annetta Cawby Carpenter. He was a 1954 graduate of Medaryville High School. After high school, at the age of 17, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps. He was honorably discharged in 1957. He married Rita Lowry at the Francesville First Christian Church on Oct. 3, 1959. She survives.

He is also survived by:
Darian Carpenter, Seattle, WA, Son
Brad (Lynette) Carpenter, Francesville, Son
Chance Carpenter, Grandson
Cody Carpenter, Grandson
Kelsey Carpenter, Granddaughter
Several Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
Marlene (Raymond) Dornhecker, Sister

Mr. Carpenter was a lifelong farmer in Pulaski County. He served as a director of the Pulaski County Farm Bureau Co-Op for 20 years. He also served on the board of directors for People's State Bank for 17 years. He was a member of St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Medaryville. He enjoyed fishing, especially at "the pond" and on family vacations in Minnesota. He was a Purdue basketball fan. He loved his family and will be dearly missed.

Private family services will be held at a later date.

Online condolences may be offered in the guestbook at www.frainmortuary.com.

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

Herman R. Hayes

April 28, 1942 to November 30, 2019

WINAMAC - Herman Rogers Hayes, 77, of Winamac (formerly of North Judson), died Saturday morning Nov. 30, at his home.

He was born April 28, 1942 in Knox, to the late Fred O. and Maude L. Scott Hayes. He married Ruth P. Rowe on Oct. 11, 1965, in Colorado Springs, CO. She survives.

Also surviving are two sons, Roger of Semmes, AL and James of North Judson; one daughter, Valerie (Craig) Jones of Winamac; 11 grandchildren, including a very special grandson, Thomas Clemons of Semmes, AL; and 21 great-grandchildren, including two very special ones, Willow and Zayla.

He was preceded in death by one sister, Freda Reading; and six brothers, Russell, Eddie, Richard, Fred, Jim and Floyd.

Mr. Hayes retired after 40 years from Casting Services of LaPorte. He served in the U.S. Army from 1963-1970 during the Vietnam War. He was a collector of belt buckles and enjoyed mowing yards. He always helped others and will be sadly missed.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 4, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. The funeral service will follow at 2 p.m., Wednesday, at the funeral with Pastor Mark Pilger officiating. Burial will be at Oak Grove Cemetery in LaCrosse. The American Legion will conduct military graveside services.

Memorial donations may be made to the funeral home to assist the family with funeral expenses, or to the First Baptist Church of Winamac.

Online condolences may be offered in the guestbook at www.frainmortuary.com.