Obituaries
Martin Torgerson
March 11, 1938 to September 20, 2024
WINAMAC - Martin “Torg” Torgerson, 86, passed away Friday morning, Sept. 20, at home surrounded by family, in Banner Elk, NC.
He was born March 11, 1938 in Winamac, to William and Lucile (Long) Torgerson. He graduated in 1956 from Winamac High School. He continued his education at Indiana State University where he earned bachelor’s and masters’ degrees in English. He married Carol Sue Russell on May 29, 1965 at the First Christian Church in Logansport. They were blessed with 59 years of marriage. She survives.
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| Martin Torgerson |
Also surviving are his daughter Anne Torgerson of Los Angeles, son William and wife Megan of Banner Elk, NC, and sister Katherine Fritz of Clearwater, FL, as well as several nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death were his parents, brothers Tom, David, Andrew, Jason, and his sister Nancy Matthews.
Mr. Torgerson was a retired teacher, having taught literature, grammar, speech, journalism, and writing throughout Loganland. He also was a varsity basketball coach and athletic director at Caston. He coached girls and boys basketball at many levels, girls’ golf, and also baseball. After retirement from teaching at Winamac Community High School, he taught writing at Indiana University Kokomo. For recreation, he loved to play golf and hunt for morel mushrooms. He enjoyed spending time with his family. Known as “Paw Paw” to his granddaughters, he especially liked to watch them play basketball.
Mr. Torgerson navigated Parkinson’s disease for several decades and credited his own positive outlook the result of his faith, the loving care of his family, and the inspiring work of the actor Michael J. Fox who also has Parkinson’s.
Memorial donations may be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. Click here to link to the foundation website to donate. eCards from the foundation may be sent to his wife at her email address: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Physical cards may be sent to 165 Leighway LN, Banner Elk, NC 28604.
As per his request, Mr. Torgerson will be cremated and buried at Winamac Cemetery (McKinley Addition) in Winamac, during a private ceremony.
Local arrangements were entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.
Russell G. Antrim
March 8, 1956 to September 19, 2024
ROYAL CENTER - Russell G. “Rusty” (aka Rooster) Antrim, 68, of Bass Lake, formerly of Winamac, passed away at 5:08 a.m., Thursday, Sept. 19, at I.U. Hospital in Indianapolis.
He was born March 8, 1956 in La Porte to the late Russell D. and Donna Leach Antrim. At the young age of 12, he met Chris Dommer. They became sweethearts throughout their school years, and on March 29, 1976, they were married. She survives.
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| Rusty Antrim |
Survivors also include sons, Henry D. (Krystal) Antrim of Valparaiso and Russell D. (Kassie) Antrim of Royal Center; brothers Jeff (Pam) Antrim of Kentland, Kevin (Kim) Antrim of Rochester; his sister Sheila Wilson of Warsaw, as well as his sisters-in-law Connie Haschel and Cheryl Fox; brother-in-law Curt Dommer; and grandchildren Henry, Rusty, Brody, Kamdyn, Chandler, Xavier, Kaleb, Chanisty, Xavia, Tobias, Peyton, Kalista, Tokora and Paisley.
He is preceded in death his brother Johnny Antrim, his brothers-in-law Fred Wilson, Rick Haschel and Jim Fox; and his sister-in-law Mary Antrim.
Soon after his marriage, Mr. Antrim enlisted in the U.S. Army, leading the couple to relocate from Winamac to Fort Hood, Texas, where he served with dedication for three years. During their time in Texas, they welcomed their first son, Henry. Upon completing his military service, the couple returned to Winamac, where they were blessed with their second son, Russell. Eventually they purchased Chris’s family property, creating a home that became a gathering place for friends and family alike. For decades, their home was the heart of countless celebrations, with the Antrims hosting family holidays and special occasions, always making everyone feel welcome. After spending nearly 15 summers camping at Bass Lake, the Antrims made the decision in 2019 to sell the family property and retire to the lake full-time. Bass Lake was their happy place, filled with close friends. It became the backdrop for many family get-togethers, and “Rooster” was in his element - surrounded by loved ones, boating, camping, playing cards, and most of all, celebrating life.
Mr. Antrim worked for The Braun Corporation for over 45 years before retiring in 2021. He was a member of several community organizations, including the V.F.W., American Legion, F.O.E., and the Moose Lodge. Those who knew him will remember him for his boundless generosity and his quiet acts of kindness. He found great joy in helping others, always in the background, never seeking recognition. His compassion and warmth left a lasting impact on everyone fortunate enough to cross his path. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
A celebration of life service will be held at a later date.
Mr. Antrim’s online guestbook is available, and condolences may be shared with the family at www.ransfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Rans Funeral Homes, Royal Center.
Brenda S. Craig
January 1, 1948 to September 18, 2024
WINAMAC - Brenda Sue Craig, 76, of Winamac passed away peacefully Wednesday, Sept. 18, at IU Health Arnett Hospital in Lafayette.
She was born Jan. 1, 1948 in Jaywye, MO to the late Earl E. and Wanda B. [Cross] White. In 1964, the family moved to Winamac. The following year, Brenda graduated from Winamac High School and went to work as a telephone operator at United Telephone Co. in Winamac. In 1975, she married Brent W. “Bill” Craig. He passed away in 2003.
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| Brenda Craig |
She is survived by:
Blake W. (Jill) Craig, Wakefield, NE, Son
Brooke S. (Samuel) Pérez, Delphi, Daughter
4 Grandchildren: Zoe, Henry, William, and Griselda.
3 Great-Grandchildren: Noemi, Jazmin, and Jayden.
3 Step-Children: Colleen, Dee Dee, and Brent.
6 Step-Grandchildren: Nicole, Lyndsi, Sarah, Brittany, Jessika, and Lorien.
Several Step-Great-Grandchildren
Shirley (Joe) Decker, Winamac, Sister
Alice Creasy, Winamac, Sister
Patricia “Sandy” Terry, Winamac, Sister
Carolyn (Stan) Johnson, Talma, Sister
Numerous Nieces and Nephews
Preceded in death by:
Baby White, Infant Twin Brother
Bob Creasy, Brother-in-law
Mrs. Craig was employed for many years at Eaton Controls until its closure. She had a larger-than-life personality and brought joy to all who knew her. She loved her family dearly and was affectionately known as “Grandma Badger” to her grandchildren. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.
Visitation will be from 12 noon to 2 p.m., Monday, Sept. 23, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. The funeral service will follow at 2 p.m. (Sept. 23), at the funeral home with Pastor Jill Craig officiating. Burial will be at Mt. Zion-Franklin Twp. Cemetery in Winamac.
Memorial donations may be made to Winamac Town Park.
Online tributes may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com.
Sharon A. Wendt
September 7, 1945 to September 17, 2024
WINAMAC - Sharon A. Wendt, 79, of Rochester, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 17, in Mishawaka.
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| Sharon Wendt |
She was born Sept. 7, 1945, in Francesville to the late Russell and Mabel Freeman Fisher. She married Paul Wendt on Oct. 30, 1965 in Francesville. He died Jan. 31, 2014.
She is survived by:
Donald L. Wendt, Rochester, Son
Janora K. (Brian) Jacobs, Rochester, Daughter
Ronald (Gay-Ellen) Fisher, Charlotte, NC, Brother
Preceded in death by:
6 Brothers and Sisters
Mrs. Wendt worked as a driver for Pulaski Human Services for several years. She had also worked in a factory and for a nursing home. She enjoyed playing with her dogs and doing crossword puzzles. She also enjoyed watching family-oriented TV shows. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.
A graveside service will be at 12 noon, Friday, Sept, 20, at Bowman White Post Cemetery in Medaryville. Burial will follow at the cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Online tributes may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.
David G. Doty Sr.
September 11, 1944 to September 16, 2024
WINAMAC - David Gordon “Red” Doty Sr., 80, of Monterey, passed away Monday, Sept. 16, at Northwest Health Porter Hospital in Valparaiso.
He was born Sept. 11, 1944 in Logansport, to the late William and Ruth [Hunter] Doty. On June 12, 1971, he married Mary Elizabeth Heater at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pulaski. She survives.
He is also survived by:
Patty (Jay) Sullivan, Winamac, Daughter
Rich (Davon) Doty, Winamac, Son
David (April) Doty Jr., Rensselaer, Son
Melvon (Jen) Doty, Monterey, Son
Charles Doty, Plymouth, Son
21 Grandchildren
Many Great-Grandchildren
Nancy (Jim) Allen, Sister
Several Nieces and Nephews
Preceded in death by:
Michael Nuss, Grandson
Michael (Betty) Doty, Brother
Mr. Doty was fondly known as “Red” to co-workers throughout his life. He worked at Winamac Steel for 30 years until the company closed. He also worked for Walters Disposal and Key Waste for several years. He retired from INDOT in 2003. He enjoyed playing BINGO and playing the Hoosier Lottery. Years ago, he was an avid bowler. He was a true outdoorsman who loved hunting and fishing. Most of all, he was a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He will be dearly missed.
The family will host a celebration of life event from 12 noon to 3 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 28, at the pavilion at the Winamac Town Park.
Memorial donations may be made to the family.
Online tributes may be offered at www.frianmortuary.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.
James D. Fritz
May 6, 1934 to September 15, 2024
ROYAL CENTER - James D. Fritz, 90, of Winamac passed away at 1:30 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 15, at Hickory Creek of Winamac.
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| James Fritz |
Born May 6, 1934 in Winamac, he was the son of the late Burley and Lydia Lucretia (Sparks) Fritz. He was a 1953 Winamac High School graduate and a U.S. Army veteran. On July 18, 1959 he married Darlene Nice. She survives.
Survivors also include children Pamela (Mike) Richard of Quincy, Ill., Donald (Stacie) Fritz of Star City, Thomas (Lynn) Fritz of Nashville and Richard (Shantell) Fritz of Mulberry; and brother Ralph (Charlene) Fritz of Winamac. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by great-grandson Owen Abbot.
Mr. Fritz retired in 1998 from the First National Bank of Monterey. He was also formerly employed at First Union Bank and Key Bank. He was a member of the Kewanna Church of Christ and a former member of Star City Church of Christ. He enjoyed collecting Native American artifacts, paint-by-numbers, jewelry making and painting gourds. He was a very artistic person.
A private family celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Memorial donations can be made to the Kewanna Church of Christ Missions.
Mr. Fritz’s online guestbook is available, and condolences may be shared with the family at www.ransfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Rans Funeral Homes, Royal Center.
Glen A. Zellers
January 13, 1954 to September 12, 2024
WINAMAC - Glen A. Zellers, 70, of Winamac, passed away unexpectedly Thursday, Sept. 12, at his home.
He was born Jan. 13, 1954 in Winamac to the late Alvin B. and Emma E. [Sahloff] Zellers. He was a graduate of Winamac Community High School. He married Kathy A. Nicolas on June 10, 1978, in Winamac. She survives.
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| Glen Zellers |
He is also survived by:
Amanda K. (Brian) Kistler, Winamac, Daughter
Beth A. (Benjamin) Christian, Noblesville, Daughter
Clay J. Kistler, Grandson
Caleb N. Kistler, Grandson
Lilli A. Christian, Granddaughter
Bertha A. Kelsey, South Bend, Sister
Wendy J. Zellers, Winamac, Sister-in-law
Denise (Terry) Beckner, Winamac, Sister-in-law
Jim (Maria) Nicolas, Winamac, Brother-in-law
Joetta (Dusten) Burns, Winamac, Sister-in-law
JC (Josh) Bradley, Winamac, Sister-in-law
Jeff (Kelly) Johnson, Cypress, TX Brother-in-law
Rex (Paige) Johnson, Conroe, TX Brother-in-law
Craig (Kristy) Johnson, Conroe, TX Brother-in-law
Many Nieces and Nephews and Families
Preceded in death by:
Alvin H. Zellers, Brother
Ben E. (Celia) Zellers, Brother
Emma Lou Nielsen, Sister
Nancy K. Johnson, Mother-in-law
Joseph J. Nicolas, Father-in-law
Mr. Zellers was a lifelong member of the St. Luke Lutheran Church. He worked many years at Galbreath’s and the Pulaski County Public Library before retiring. He loved his family very much, especially his grandchildren.
Visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m., Sunday, Sept.15, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. The funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m., Monday, Sept. 16, at St. Luke Lutheran Church in Winamac with Pastor Tom Woodley officiating. Burial will be at Winamac Cemetery (McKinley Addition) in Winamac.
Memorial donations may be made to Winamac Boy Scout Troop #229 or St. Luke Lutheran Church Sunday School Fund.
Online tributes may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com.
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