Obituaries

James N. Shank

August 3, 1937 to August 17, 2024

WINAMAC - James Newton “Jim” Shank Sr., 87, of Winamac, passed away Saturday, Aug. 17, at his home.

He was born on Aug. 3, 1937 in Winamac to the late J. Kermit and Rose M. [Nicolas] Shank. He was a lifelong member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church where he also attended grade school. He graduated from Winamac High School in 1955 and served in the U.S. Army Reserves. On Oct. 8, 1960, he married Carol Jean Woods at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Winamac. She survives.

Jim Shank Sr.

He is survived by:
Kim (Terry) Kline, Winamac, Daughter
James Shank Jr., Winamac, Son
Jerry Shank, Lafayette, Son
Danielle (Michael) Alexander, Granddaughter
Justin (Lauren) Kline, Grandson
Great-Grandchildren: Karsynn Alexander, Brenya Alexander, Lindy Alexander, Brooks Kline, Charlotte Kline, and Wells Kline.
Mary Baker, Winamac, Sister
John Shank, Tucson, AZ, Brother
Maxine Engel, Knox, Sister-in-law
Several Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
Karen Shank, Daughter-in-law
Thomas Shank, Brother
Nicolas Shank, Brother
Elizabeth Shank, Sister

In 1985, Mr. Shank and his wife began a small business known as Memories Captured. He retired in 1999 from a successful career in manufacturing and continued operating Memories Captured until 2021. He cemented his legacy in the lives of local graduating students by making countless senior videos and helped families commemorate a variety of occasions in the form of slides, videos and DVDs.

A graveside service will be at 2 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 24, at St. Peter’s Cemetery in Winamac. The American Legion and VFW will conduct military graveside services. Burial will follow at the cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Peter’s Catholic Church Building Fund.

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

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.

Connie J. Howard Bailey

February 25, 1952 to August 16, 2024

WINAMAC - Connie Jean (Howard) Bailey, 72, of Hamlet, passed peacefully Friday, Aug. 16, two weeks after suffering severe head injuries and medical complications following a home invasion and brutal attack.

Connie Bailey

She was born Feb. 25, 1952 in LaPorte to the late Thomas and Ardella Paulsen of Bass Lake. She grew up on a farm in San Pierre, and attended North Judson-San Pierre High School (class of 1970).

She is survived by her husband Hank Bailey who was also injured in the assault and stepdaughter Rosie Bailey of Hamlet. Other family members are son Thomas (Ann) Howard of Winamac, son Scott (Diana) Howard of Culver, sister Beverly (Marc) Santicola of Pittsburgh, Pa., and brother-in-law Buddy (Arlene) Bailey of Butler. She had five grandchildren, Samantha, Marisa, and Tolsen Howard of Culver, MacKenzie (Nic) Richter of Rochester, Brant (Serena) Howard of Winamac and three great-grandchildren, Abel, Lucy, and Harrison. 

Mrs. Bailey will be remembered for her selfless giving, acts of kindness, strong work ethic, and devotion to family. She worked for Del Monte Foods in Plymouth and retired from MPI Products in Knox after 24 years of employment. She was currently serving as an elected member of the Hamlet town council.

A celebration of life will take place from 5 to 7 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 20, at the Heartland Church in Winamac. A prayer service will follow from 7 to 7:30 pm.

Memorial donations may be made to Michiana Crime Stoppers to support future crime prevention work. Michiana Crime Stoppers, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. The reward money paid out leading to the arrest of felons in our community is through fund raising efforts, and donations from concerned citizens and businesses. The family asks for help to make the community a safer place to live and work. Donate online to pay by credit card or send a check to Michiana Crime Stoppers, 701 W. Sample St., South Bend, IN 46601.

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

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.

Herbert E. Johns

October 3, 1947 to August 12, 2024

WINAMAC - Herbert Edward “Ed” Johns, 76, of Winamac, passed away Monday, Aug. 12, at his home.

He was born Oct. 3, 1947 in Marion, IL to the late Loren Lee and Edna May [Walker] Johns. He served in the U.S. Merchant Marines during the Vietnam War. On Sept. 22, 2015, he married Lugina Maria “Gina” Ricchio. She passed away Feb. 25, 2017.

He is survived by:
Jason Scott Johns, Son
Anthony Ricchio, Step-Son
James Ricchio, Step-Son
Jewel Ricchio, Step-Daughter
Edna Johns, Sister
Raymond Johns, Brother
Cindy Palmer, Sister-in-Law
Nieces: Janey, Patty, Kathy, Sandy, Tiffany, Erica, and Tori.
Robby, Nephew

Preceded in death by:
Lucy Fout, Sister
Loren Lawrence Johns, Brother
Paul Fann, Half-Brother
Arbel Fann, Half-Brother
Laura May Gallagher, Half-Sister

Mr. Johns spent his 30-year career working as a firefighter at LTV Steel. He enjoyed grabbing coffee at Chiro Coffee, going out to eat at Cruiser’s and visiting with friends. He loved his cat, Bella, who was a faithful companion. He will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 24, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. A memorial service will follow at 11 a.m. (Aug. 24), at the funeral home. The American Legion and VFW will conduct military honors at the funeral home. A private scattering of cremated remains will take place at the Tippecanoe River in Winamac.

Memorial donations may be made to First Baptist Church in Winamac.

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

Roy R. Wireman

September 8, 1951 to August 9, 2024

MEDARYVILLE - Roy Roger Wireman, 72, of Medaryville, passed away Friday, Aug. 9, at Franciscan Health Hospital in Crown Point.

He was born Sept. 8, 1951 in Rensselaer, to the late Chester and Minnie Wireman. On Sept. 18, 1999, he married Faye “Dee Dee” Rowe in Medaryville. She passed away Oct. 24, 2016.

He is survived by:
Melita (Bob) McClain, Daughter
Mona Lisa Chambers, Daughter
Billy (Tracy) Clemons, Son
Roy Roger Wireman Jr., Son
Wendy (David) Wireman, Daughter
Toby Wireman, Son
Numerous Grandchildren and Great-Grandchildren
Troy (Mable) Wireman, Brother
Shirley (Delmer) Grigsby, Sister
Charlotte (John) Conley, Sister
Lisa Howard, Sister
Tammy Howard, Sister
Brenda Bailey, Sister
Many Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
Ruth Frinkel, Sister

Mr. Wireman was well-known to many as “dad.” He will be sadly missed.

Private burial will be at Goodway Cemetery in Medaryville.

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

Ronald A. Powers

March 28, 1935 to August 8, 2024

WINAMAC - Ronald Arthur Powers, 89, passed away Thursday, Aug. 8.

He was born March 28, 1935 to Albert and Hazel (Zellers) Powers. He was the 10^th of 11 children who were raised in Pulaski County. He attended Catholic grade school and often recalled being one of the only boys in his grade. He graduated high school in 1951 and continued work on the family farm until he was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1958 where he served in France until 1960. 

Ron Powers

Prior to being drafted, he had been visiting with his good friend Joe Wegner, and it was on a summer day in 1957 that he met the love of his life, Joe’s cousin Judith (Wegner). After four years of dating (two long distance while he was overseas in the army), they were married June 25, 1960 at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Chicago. Together they raised six children, enjoyed spending time with their so-loved grandchildren and were fortunate enough to celebrate 51 years of marriage before Judy’s passing in 2011. 

He was well-known, involved and respected in his community. He was proud of his work with the Knights of Columbus where he served as Grand Knight and implemented the successful Bingo program. He believed in supporting local businesses and undoubtedly enjoyed his fair share of Dairy Queen! He spent many, many years helping with the Pulaski County 4–H Fair, served as a member of the Pulaski County Council for two terms and sponsored endless Denham Agri-Center baseball and softball teams in North Judson through the years. But he never lived his life for the accolades or recognition. In fact, it was always quite the opposite. He was known for his quiet, but kind demeanor and good heart.  He always looked for the good in everyone and was intentional in treating everyone with fairness.  

Faith, family and farming were what brought Mr. Powers the most joy in his life. He was a member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church through adulthood and enjoyed Notre Dame Mass on television during Covid. Raising their children as North Judson Bluejays, and then watching a few of their grandchildren go through the same school system years later, Ron and Judy spent countless hours at Liberty Field for football games and track meets, the gym for endless basketball and volleyball games and cheerleading sessions, games at the softball and baseball diamonds and finally cheering on their swimmers at the North Judson pool. They were avid Bluejay supporters to say the least.

His life as a farmer, trucker and owner in the grain and fertilizer business defined him as a man. Since the age of at least 9 or 10, from what he could recall, he has always strived to be a hardworking, honest and good person. His legacy will definitely live on through all of the lives he touched in so many generations of families in his community and neighboring communities who had the pleasure of working beside and knowing him through the years. Friends of his through his lifetime have often shared they will remain inspired by his work ethic and his determination, as well as his encouragement to others to always work toward being a good person. His life was a testament to what practicing good faith and being honest is all about. 

Mr. Powers shared his peace in his thoughts of reuniting with his wife Judy, daughter, Sharon and son, Steve, his granddaughters Ashlyn and Alyssa, as well as his siblings and parents and in-laws who passed before him.

There will be no services at his request, however it would be appreciated if notes/cards recalling special memories of Ron could be emailed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or sent to Ron Powers Family, 205 Main St., PO Box 123, St. Joseph, MI 49085. Online tributes may also be offered at www.frainmortuary.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.

Donald B. Day

February 16, 1985 to August 8, 2024

WINAMAC - Donald Bryce Day, 39, of Denham, passed away Thursday, Aug. 8, at his home.

He was born Feb. 16, 1985 in Winamac, to Kevin W. and Peggy J. [Minix] Day.

Bryce Day

He is survived by:
Brycen, Son
Bryleigh, Daughter
Isaac, Son
Kevin and Peggy Day, Denham, Parents
Candace (Mason) Burdette, Kouts, Sister
Cara (Kane) Hurlburt, Winamac, Sister
Corey Day, Nephew
Taylor (Sam) Day, Niece
Jaslyn Burdette, Niece
Blake Burdette, Niece
Ashton Pier, Nephew
Kamdyn Hurlburt, Nephew
Roweyn Day, Great Nephew
Isaac Woosley, Great Nephew
Several Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins

Preceded in death by:
Isabella, Infant Daughter
Brandon W. (Loretta) Day, Brother
Julian Hurlburt, Infant Nephew

Mr. Day enjoyed fishing, especially with his family. He had a contagious sense of humor and will be sadly missed by his family and friends.

A private service will be held at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. A private burial will be at Denham Cemetery in Denham.

Memorial donations may be made to family c/o Kevin Day.

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