Obituaries

Joseph C. Hathaway

October 2, 1927 to June 5, 2015

FORT WAYNE - Joseph (Joe) C. Hathaway, 87, passed away Friday, June 5, at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne.

He was born in Winamac, to the late Verl C. and Dica E. (nee Ale) Hathaway on Oct. 2, 1927. He married Marjorie R. Harvey on July 15, 1950. She survives.

He is also survived by sons Keith N. Hathaway (Wanda), Kent D. Hathaway (Heidi), Kurt L. Hathaway (Teresa), and a daughter Kathy J. Buesching (Dennis). He is also survived by nine grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and two sisters. He was preceded in death by two sisters Lucille Newton and Betty Witzke.

Mr. Hathaway served in the U.S. Navy during World War II in the capacity as an F1EM. He received an associate electrical engineering degree from Purdue University after the fulfillment of his naval duties. He worked for the General Electric Company for approximately 18 years, and various other locations throughout northeast Indiana from Decatur to the Essex Corporation in Columbia City. His last place of employment was at Metallurgical Processing in Fort Wayne,where he subsequently retired.

Mr. Hathaway was a devoted family man who held and cared for each one of them dearly in his arms and his heart. Most especially, he cared for the love of his life, his bride of 64 years. He was extremely patient, kind, and a veritable source of education, knowledge, and instruction. He was a man that many family and friends looked to for strength, support, and a warmth that transcended his entire life.

Visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, at the Klaehn, Fahl, and Melton Funeral Home located on 420 W. Wayne St. in Fort Wayne. The funeral service will begin at 11 a.m., Thursday, June 11, at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 917 W. Jefferson Blvd., with visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial will be at Concordia Gardens Cemetery immediately following the service, which is located at 5300 Lake Avenue in Fort Wayne.

In lieu of flowers, preferred memorials are to Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 917 W. Jefferson Blvd., Fort Wayne, Indiana, 46802.

Harry E. Cords

August 13, 1930 to June 8, 2015

WINAMAC - Harry E. Cords, 84, Lafayette, formerly of Winamac, passed away at 4:30 p.m., Monday, June 8, at St. Anthony Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, Lafayette.

He was born Aug. 13, 1930 in Remington, to the late William and Minnie Kruger Cords. He married Charlotte Spenner in North Judson, Ion Sept. 1, 1951. They were married for 63 years. She survives.

Also surviving are: 
Rochelle (John) Gerulski, Avon, Daughter 
Jerry Cords, Cicero, Son 
Grandchildren 
  Kevin (Michelle) Lee, Pendleton 
  Nathan (Rhonda) Lee, Fortville 
  Craig Gerulski, San Diego 
  Lauren Gerulski, Avon 
Great-Grandchildren 
  Arrik & Alexis Lee, Pendleton 
  Kalina Lee, Fortville
Howard (Judy)Cords, Medaryville, Brother 
Merl Cords, Medaryville, Brother 
Leona Utterback, Francesville, Sister 
Irene Walter, Albuquerque, NM, Sister 
Darlene Clidinst, Indianapolis, Sister-in-law 
Several Nieces & Nephews

Preceded in death by: 
Sharon Lee Daughter

Mr. Cords received B.S. and M.A. degrees from Ball State University in 1952 and 1954. He received an E.D.S. from Butler University in 1957. He taught math and science at Crown Point, Battle Ground, and Winamac schools. He was a former principal and superintendent of Eastern Pulaski School Corporation, superintendent of the Caston Educational Center, and superintendent of the Southeastern School Corporation. After retirement in 1988, he served as interim superintendent at nine different school corporations.

Mr. Cords was a member of IAPSS, AASA, ICEA and the School Board Association. He served as the administrative assistant of the Indiana State Teachers Retirement Fund for two years. He was a past-president and former Lt. Governor of the Kiwanis Club. He served on the cancer board, county health board, Woodlawn Center and ARC. He headed the Pulaski County Reorganization Committee. 

Mr.Cords was also a member of St. James Lutheran Church in Lafayette. He was a former Sunday School teacher, usher, and chairman of the board at St. Luke Lutheran Church, Winamac.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 12 noon Thursday, at Frain Mortuary, Winamac. The funeral service will follow at 12 noon, (Thursday, June 11), at the funeral home, with Pastor David French officiating. Burial will be at McKinley Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Winamac. 

Memorial donations may be given to the family to purchase a bench in memory of Mr. Cords to be placed on Eastern Pulaski Community School grounds.. 

Nancy A. Jendraszkiewicz

November 15, 1961 to May 16, 2015

DYER - Nancy Anne Jendraszkiewicz, nee Knight, 53, of Medaryville, passed away Saturday, May 16, at her residence.

She was born Nov. 15, 1961. She married Gerard "Jerry" Jendraszkiewicz who preceded her in death.

Survivors include siblings Norbert (Bonnie) Knight, Kathleen Barlog, Mary Cantrell, Peggy Goolsby and Patricia DeGroot; sister-in-law Karen (David) Fritts; and many nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews and cousins. She was particularly close to nephews Andrew Barlog and Sean Cantrell. She was the daughter-in-law of Audrey and the late Leo Jendraszkiewicz.

A memorial visitation will be from 2 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, May 27, at Smits Funeral Home, 2121 Pleasant Springs Lane (Rt.30 & Pleasant Springs Lane), Dyer. A memorial mass will be at 10 a.m., Thursday, May 28, at St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church, 500 Northgate Dr,. Dyer, with Rev. Charles Niblick officiating.

Memorial donations may be made to  P.A.W.S.(paws.org). For further information please contact 219-322-7300.  

Karl Master Sr.

September 21, 1919 to May 22, 2015

CULVER - Karl Master Sr., 95, of Monterey, passed away at 10:05 p.m., Friday, May 22, at Miller's Merry Manor in Culver.

He was born Sept. 21, 1919, to the late Edward C. and Ida (Appler) Master. He married June L. Wolfram on Feb. 24, 1939. She preceded him in death.

Survivors include: two sons Karl E. (Rose) Master Jr. of Monterey and Kerry E. (Tammy) Master of Choctaw, Okla.; four daughters; Judith L. Rinehart of Sun Lakes, Ariz., Danya L. Master of Queen Creek, Ariz., Darla R. (Jeff) Ditmire of Rochester, and Kenda R. (Dean) Rice of Chandler, Ariz.; 14 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren, and 18 great-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by two sisters: Alberta Wilcockson and M. Jean Rensberger.

He was preceded in death by four brothers, Philip, Rudolph "Rudy," John and Martin "Jack" Master; four sisters, Wilma Kelsey, Dorothy Langenbahn, Martha Master and Pauline Good.

Mr. Master served in the U.S. Navy during World War II as a Radioman 3rd class on the U.S.S. HILO. He was a member of the Monterey Fire Department for 70 years. He was also a member of the Collins Tasch American Legion Post 399 and a member of the Monterey Lions Club. He was a building contractor for many years before giving it up to work for the U.S. Postal Service. He will be remembered by the many homes he built, his many charity services and his beautiful cabinet making and woodworking skills. His work can be found in his church and many homes throughout the area.

After retirement, he and June spent many winters in Sun Lakes, Ariz., where he enjoyed playing golf, hiking the beautiful Arizona trails, and a Sunday here and there at the race track. He occasionally slipped away to Vegas. His biggest loves were hunting and fishing, working in his shop, playing golf - and always a good card game! In their younger years, he and June square danced and were on bowling and ball teams. He was totally devoted to his church and his family. He was an awesome father and truly loved by his children. He worked hard to give them a childhood that they cherish.

Visitation will be from 9:30 to 11 a.m., Saturday, June 6, with services immediately following at St. Mary of the Lake Catholic Church, Culver. Burial will be at St. Anne's Cemetery, Monterey.

The family expresses their deepest gratitude to the staff at Miller's Merry Manor who catered to his every whim and made his stay there as comfortable as possible.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Mary of the Lake Catholic Church at 124 College Ave., Culver, IN 46511.

The Odom Funeral Home in Culver is in charge of arrangements.

Elmer J. Bucher

October 9, 1926 to May 28, 2015

RENSSELAER - Elmer Jay Bucher, 88, of Rensselaer passed away at his home, surrounded by his family, on Thursday, May 28.

He was born Oct. 9, 1926 in LaCrosse, the son of the late Albert J. and Marie (Stortz) Bucher. On Dec. 30, 1951, he married Betty "Peg" Marti who preceded him in death on July 5, 1983.

Surviving are his daughters, Linda (John) Hodel of Roanoke, IL, Mary (Mark) Huber of Bloomington, IL, Rebecca Barnes of Lafayette, and Elaine (Jeff) Sanders of Rensselaer; one son, James Bucher of Ft. Wayne; 9 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and a brother, Ken (Carol) Bucher of Valparaiso.

He was preceded in death by his daughter Nancy, one grandchild, one great-grandchild and 12 siblings.

Mr. Bucher was raised in LaCrosse where he graduated from LaCrosse High School with the Class of 1943. He was a retired farmer who was commonly referred to as "The Sandman" as he sold and delivered sand to many people over the years. He enjoyed working with wood and especially enjoyed making wooden stools, loved to play Scrabble and to attend activities at the Senior Citizen's Center.

For seven years Mr. Bucher served as the administrator at Parkview Haven in Francesville. He was a member of the Apostolic Christian Church of Francesville, and was a past board member of Timber Ridge Apostolic Christian Home for the Handicapped. He was a Habitat for Humanity volunteer for many years, a member of the Jasper County Hospital Auxiliary and most recently received training to be a Hospice Volunteer.

Friends will be received at the Jackson Funeral Chapel of Rensselaer Sunday, from 1 until 5 p.m. CDT. Funeral services will be held at the Apostolic Christian Church in Francesville on Monday, June 1, at 10 a.m. EDT. Burial will follow at Roseland Cemetery, Francesville.

Memorial donatons may be made to the Jasper County Hospital Home Healthcare and Hospice or the Timber Ridge Apostolic Christian Home for the Handicapped.

Share memories and condolences at www.jacksonfuneral.com

Fr. Ronald Schiml

January 15, 1930 to May 24, 2015

WINAMAC - Word has been received of the death of Fr. Ronald Schiml, C.PP.S., 85, at 11 p.m. Sunday, May 24, at St. Charles Center, Carthagena, Ohio, where he made his home.

Fr. Schiml was born in Dayton on Jan. 15, 1930, to Terence and Olga (Trentman) Schiml. He entered the Society in 1943 and was ordained on June 11, 1955.

From 1993 to 2013, Fr. Schiml served as pastor of St. Joseph Church in Pulaski (Star City). In July 2013, he retired to St. Charles Center, Carthagena, Ohio.

His survivors include a sister, Lois Ann Schiml, Dayton; a sister-in-law, Camilla Schiml, Dayton; six nieces and nephews and numerous great-nieces and great-nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother, Terence Schiml, Jr.

Calling hours at St. Charles will be from 1 to 5 p.m., and 7 to 9 p.m., Wednesday, with a prayer service at 7 p.m. A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 2 p.m., Thursday, May 28, at St. Charles. Fr. Larry Hemmelgarn, C.PP.S., will preside. Burial will follow in the Community cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to the Missionaries of the Precious Blood, Cincinnati Province.