Obituaries

Norma J. Eichelberger

January 2, 1933 to April 27, 2017

WINAMAC - Norma Jean Eichelberger, 84, of Winamac, passed away at 8:03 a.m., Thursday, April 27, at her residence.

She was born Jan. 2, 1933 in Gary, to the late Sam and Elizabeth "Betty" Sauer Davis.

She is survived by: 
Charles (Darlene) Eichelberger, Hobart, Son 
James (Fay) Eichelberger, Oostburg, WI, Son 
Lori (Milton) Perry, Newark, OH, Daughter 
Erin (Rick) Quinn, Wheatfield, IN, Daughter 
Susan (Bill) Luethke, Valparaiso, whom Norma considered as a daughter. 
13 Grandchildren 
20 Great-Grandchildren 
5 Great-Great-Grandchildren

Preceded in death by: 
2 infant twin daughters Beth and Julie

Mrs. Eichelberger had worked as a text book manager at Valparaiso University for many years. Sheenjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and other loved ones. She also enjoyed camping at Broken Arrow Campground and other sites. She moved to Winamac in 2003. She enjoyed and appreciated her many neighbors for their friendship and assistance.

To honor her request, cremation will take place. No services will be scheduled.

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

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary, Winamac. 

Alice M. Piepenburg

January 5, 1927 - April 15, 2017

CULVER - Alice M. Hammerberg Piepenburg, 90, of Monterey, passed away Saturday, April 15, in Winamac.

Born in Chicago in 1927, she was a graduate of Von Steuben High School, on the northwest side of Chicago. She and her husband Martin married in 1946 and raised their family of three sons and a daughter in suburban Palatine, Ill., then retired to Monterey over 20 years ago, where they were members of the Monterey United Methodist Church.

She is survived by her sons Karl, of Oakford, Ill.; Kurt (Sarah), of Boerne, Texas; and Kris, of Palatine, Ill.; granddaughters Holly and Lorna Piepenburg, of Oakford, Ill.; Jillian Piepenburg, of Boerne, Texas; Jayne Piepenburg, of Boston; Cale (Brian) Patton, of Chicago; grandson David Shell, of Palatine, Ill.; great-grandson Beowulf Patton, of Chicago; and great-granddaughters Hannah and Marlee Shell, of Palatine.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Martin O. Piepenburg; her daughter, Karen E. Piepenburg; her parents, LeRoy and Mary Hammerberg; and her brothers, Robert K. Hammerberg and Norman E. Hammerberg.

Mrs. Piepenburg is remembered for her personal strength, her compassion, her good nature, her dedication to her friends and family, and her passion for music.

A graveside service will be at 2 p.m., Friday, April 21, at the Riverside Memorial Cemetery, Monterey.  

Evelyn J. Werner

April 27, 1929 to April 25, 2017

WINAMAC - Evelyn Jane Werner 87, of Winamac, passed away at 5:22 a.m., Tuesday, April 25, at the Pulaski Health Care Center, Winamac.

She was born April 27, 1929 in Logansport, to the late Ernest and Carrie Martin Strauch of Walton. On May 29, 1949, she married Richard Eugene Werner at the St. James Lutheran Church, Logansport. He survives.

She is survived by: 
Carol (Leonard) Short, Winamac, Daughter 
Steven (Nancy) Werner, Lafayette, Son 
Stanley Werner, Waynesboro, VA, Son 
Cheryl Stout, Kewanna, Daughter 
Christine (Rod) Ringen, Francesville, Daughter 
Norman Strauch, Logansport, Brother 
Paul (Eleanor) Strauch, Kokomo, Brother 
13 Grandchildren: Michelle (Tim) Bowyer, Lenny Short, Jacob Short, Natalie Shidler, Joe (Gena) Werner, Andrew Werner, Kirsten Whan, Brent (Carrie) Whan, Ashley (Casey) Bradburn, Austin Risner, Jordan (Lisa) Burton, Nicole Burton, and Abbriel Ringen.
28 great grandchildren 
Several Nieces and nephews

She was preceded by: 
Clarence and Margaret Werner, Mother- and Father-in-law 
Arma Jean Strauch, Sister-in-law 
Madolynne Werner, Sister-in-law 
Robert Werner, Brother-in-law 
Jeff Shidler, Grandson-in-law 
Susie Strauch Cable, Niece

Mrs. Werner graduated from Washington Township High School in 1947. She lived with her parents on their family farm until she married. She worked at Richardson's Cleaners and at the Pharos Tribune in Logansport following her graduation. She met her husband, Richard, at the Rural Youth Club in Logansport. Together they shared nearly 68 years. After her marriage she worked at the Pulaski County courthouse until they had children. The Werners purchased the Tony Moose farm in 1957. There they raised five children, worked and farmed. Mrs. Werner went to work at Singer/Eaton Controls in Winamac where she was employed for 21 years until her retirement. 

Mrs. Werner was a member of the St. Luke Lutheran Church in Winamac and belonged to the Ladies Guild of the church. She enjoyed helping with special church activities and Vacation Bible School. She loved her family dearly and enjoyed cooking for their many holiday family dinners. She cherished time spent playing with and caring for her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She also enjoyed camping and observing wildlife with her family on frequent family camping trips. The Werners spent their retirement winter months in the Ft. Myers/Bonita Springs, Florida area for over 15 years with their snowbird friends.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m., Friday April 28, at Frain Mortuary, Winamac; and one hour prior to services at the church Tuesday. The funeral service will be at 2 p.m.,Saturday, April 29, at St. Luke Lutheran Church, Winamac, with Pastor Tom Woodley officiating. Burial will be at McKinley Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Winamac.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Luke Lutheran Church.

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

Darlene J. Starr

May 26, 1944 to April 21, 2017

WINAMAC - Darlene J. Starr, 72, of Winamac, passed away at 9:50 p.m., Friday, April 21, at St. Elizabeth East, Lafayette.

She was born May 26, 1944 in East St. Louis, IL to the late Charles and Arvella Hoffmann. On Oct. 11, 1961, she married her high school sweetheart, William "Bill" Starr in Centerville, IL. He survives.

Also surviving are: 
Billy Starr, Winamac, Son 
Tracy Starr, Rensselaer, ISon 
Dana Marie Starr, Elkhart, Daughter 
Darren (Myra) Starr, Winamac, Son 
13 Grandchildren 
21 Great Grandchildren 
Gary (Mary) Hoffmann, Fairmont City, IL, Brother 
Larry (Theresa) Hoffmann, Quincy, IL, Brother 
Terry Hoffmann, Medaryville, Brother 
Rodger Hoffmann, Winamac, Brother 
Norman Hoffmann, Medaryville, Brother 
Paul (Shirley) Hoffman, Winamac, Half Brother 
Martha Kopka, Kansas City, MO, Half Sister 
Marlene (Dale) Parsons, Collinsville, Sister-in-law 
Richard (Lee) Starr, Swansea, IL, Brother-in-law 
Several Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by: 
Frank and Josephine Starr, In-Laws 
Jeffery Starr, Son 
Crystal Starr, Daughter-in-law 
Brandon Starr, Grandson 
Charles Hoffman, Brother 
Ernie Kopka, Brother-in-law

Mrs. Starr was a member of St. Luke Lutheran Church, Winamac. She had worked as a waitress for many years at Matilda's and Colonial Inn in Winamac. She enjoyed playing BINGO and going to the casino boat. She also enjoyed collecting angels. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and sister. She will be sadly missed by those who knew and loved her.

Visitation will be from 2 to 8 p.m., Monday, April 24, at Frain Mortuary, Winamac; and one hour prior to services at the church Tuesday. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Tuesday, April 25, at St. Luke Lutheran Church, Winamac, with Pastor Tom Woodley officiating. Burial will be at Mt. Zion-Franklin Township Cemetery, Winamac.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Luke Lutheran Church.

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

Claudine Childers

April 4, 1937 to April 19, 2017

FRANCESVILLE - Claudine Childers, 80, of Francesville (formerly of Medaryville), passed away at 10:15 a.m., Wednesday, April 19, at Franciscan Health, Lafayette.

She was born April 4, 1937 in Elmrock, Ky. to the late Coet and Hattie Messer Dobson. On Aug. 6, 1955, She married Thomas J. "TJ" Childers in Ohio. He preceded her in death on Jan. 22, 1994.

She is survived by: 
Sheila (Jim) Buczek, Medaryville, Daughter 
Erica (Jeff) Mandsager, Fishers, Granddaughter 
Derek Buczek, Medaryville, Grandson 
Hayden Mandsager, Great Granddaughter 
Brooks Mandsager, Great Grandson 
William "Bill" (Diane) Dobson, Bradenton, FL, Brother 
Gladys (Larry) Stonebraker, Brookston, Sister 
Alice Dobson, Rensselaer, Sister-in-law 
Cecil Williams, Rensselaer, Brother-in-law 
Delores Jean Dobson, Winamac, Sister-in-law 
Adna Dobson, Monticello, Sister-in-law 
Robert "Bob" Stortz, Wolcott, Friend

Preceded in death: 
John C. Dobson, Brother 
Erma J. Williams, Sister 
James G. "Jim" Dobson, Brother 
Imogene Bell, Sister 
Hobart Dobson, Brother

Mrs. Childers was a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend. She had a strong work ethic and enjoyed caring for others. She had worked as a hairdresser for over 45 years and was the owner of the Hair Hut in Francesville where she faithfully served her customers. In her early years, she had worked at the Medaryville Garment Factory. She enjoyed hosting gatherings, shopping, traveling and spending time with her family. She will be dearly missed.

Visitation will be from 2 to 6 p.m., Sunday, April 23, at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel, Francesville. The funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m., Monday, April 24, at the funeral home with Thurman Ritchie officiating. Burial will be at White Post Cemetery, Medaryville.

Memorial donations may be made to the West Central Educational Foundation to establish a Cosmetology School Scholarship in memory of Claudine Childers.

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

Hope A. Siebenhaar

November 17, 2016 to April 11, 2017

KEWANNA - Hope Ann Siebenhaar, 4 months, of Winamac passed away peacefully at 3:07 a.m., Tuesday, April 11, at South Bend Memorial Hospital, surrounded by her family.

Born Nov. 17, 2016 at Winamac, she was the daughter of Matthew S. and Megan Allman Siebenhaar.

Survivors include her parents of Winamac, maternal grandmother, Erica Allman of Winamac, maternal step grandfather, Billy Day of Winamac, maternal great grandparents, Eric and Joyce Allman of Peru, paternal grandmother, Michelle Siebenhaar of Knox, paternal grandfather, Stuart Siebenhaar of Winamac, and paternal great grandmother, Martha Bradley of Knox.  She is also survived by several aunts, uncles and cousins.

She was preceded in death by maternal great grandmother, Mary Ann Allman, paternal great grandmother, Luella Ann Shideler, paternal great grandfather, Frank Kenneth Shideler and uncles, Tadom Joe Day and Johnathan Stuart Siebenhaar.

A celebration of Hope’s life will be at 2 p.m., Friday, April 14, at Harrison-Metzger & Rans Funeral Home, Kewanna Chapel. Visitation will be from 12 Noon until the time of service. Burial will be at Pleasant Hill Cemetery at Lake Bruce.

Sign the online guest book or leave condolence for the Siebenhaar family at www.ransfuneralhomes.com