Obituaries

Woodrow W. Skillen

February 5, 1919 to January 21, 2015

WINAMAC - Woodrow W. “Tom” Skillen, 95, of Peru, formerly of Star City, passed away at 2:55 a.m., Wednesday, Jan. 21, at Blair Ridge Health Campus in Peru.

He was born Feb. 5, 1919, in Thornhope, to the late Willard and Lillian Kochel Skillen. He married Genny Teske on Oct. 18, 1941 in Winamac She survives.

Survivors include:

Genevieve Teske Skillen, Peru, Wife
Sharon K. ( John) Sayers, Bringhurst, Daughter
Darl D. (Diane) Skillen, Peru, Son
Natalie (John) Pettit, Grandaughter
Stephanie (Scott) Harris, Granddaughter
Emily Pettit, Granddaughter
Karen (Ryan) Baker, Granddaughter
Mike Skillen, Grandson
Nick Skillen, Grandson
7 Great-grandchildren

Preceded in death by:
Marie Skillen, Sister
Jennie Jack, Sister
Joseph Skillen, Brother
William Skillen, Brother

Mr. Skillen and his wife farmed in the Star City area most of their lives. He also worked as a welder for Herd Seeder in Logansport. He also had worked for the Indiana State Highway Dept and the Pulaski County Farm Bureau. He was a member of the Star City United Methodist Church and the New Life Methodist Church in Mexico, IN. The couple moved to Peru, in 2005. He enjoyed IU basketball, driving his tractor and bowling. He enjoyed spending time with his family.

Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m., Saturday, at Frain Mortuary, Winamac. The funeral service will be at 1 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 25, at the funeral home with Pastor Sam Polito officiating. Burial will be at McKinley Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Winamac.

Memorial donations may be given to New Life Methodist Church in Mexico, IN or Star City United Methodist Church.

Michael J. Rausch

January 18, 1949 to January 17, 2015

WINAMAC - Dr. Michael Joseph Rausch, 65, of Winamac, died at 9:37 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 17, at Pulaski Memorial Hospital, Winamac.

He was born Jan. 18, 1949 in Logansport, to the late Wilbert H. and Madelyn Marie Holbrook Rausch. He married Pamela D. Deafenbaugh on Sept. 8, 1984 in South Bend. She survives. 

Also surviving are: 
Zachary Alexander Rausch, Winamac, Son 
Noah Hunter Rausch, Colorado Springs, CO, Son 
Stephen (Barbara) Rausch, Winamac, Brother 
Paul Rausch, Winamac, Brother 
Theresa (Robert) Krohn, Sheridan, Sister 
Patricia (Randel) Holliday, Winamac, Sister 
Monica (David) DeSabatine, Winamac, Sister 
Loretta "Lori" (Leon Morales) Rausch, Winamac, Sister 
Elizabeth "Betty" (Larry) Allen, Winamac, Sister 
Rebecca (Greg) Vanderheyden, South Bend, Sister-in-law 
Many Nieces, Nephews, Aunts, Uncles and Cousins 

Preceded in death by:  
William A. Rausch, Brother 
Jack D. Deafenbaugh, Father-in-law 
Patricia Crooks Deafenbaugh, Mother-in-law 

Dr. Rausch graduated from Monterey High School in 1967. He attended Purdue University where he received his bachelor's degree and later his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 1975. He began his professional career working for Dr. Bruce Hostrawser at the Animal Hospital of South Bend and later purchased the practice. He and his family moved to Winamac in 1989, where he operated a house call service before establishing the Winamac Pet Med Center. In 2005, he retired due to health issues and the practice was later purchased by Dr. Richard Davis.

Dr. Rausch appreciated being able to return to his hometown, to work and live. He was a member of the Indiana Veterinary Medical Association, National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association (NMLRA), National Rifle Association, Purdue Alumni Association, and National Wild Turkey Federation. He was a former Kiwanian in South Bend and a former Winamac town councilman. He served several years on the Pulaski County Board of Health. He was a true outdoorsman and conservationist. At a young age, he developed a love for the land while working on the family farm. In his youth, he attained a passion for hunting, fishing, and trapping; a gift he would get from his father, share with his brothers and friends, and pass on to his sons. 

Dr. Rausch enjoyed visiting, telling stories, and spending time with family and friends, whether it be starting the day over a pot of coffee at Vicky's, catching up with cousins and family at reunions, or discussing and admiring antique firearms at the NMLRA's shoots in Friendship, IN.He shared a connection with his clients, especially when talking about their pets, so much so that his staff often had to remind him to "wrap it up" for his next appointment. He was a loving husband and father. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Visitation will be from 3 to 8 p.m., Friday, at Frain Mortuary,Winamac; and one hour prior to services Saturday at the funeral home. the funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 24, at the funeral home with Rev. Matt Landry officiating. Burial will be at Mt. Zion-Franklin Township Cemetery, Winamac.

Memorial donations may be made in memory of Michael J. Rausch to: National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association 1 of 1000 Program, Pulaski County Community Foundation Wildlife Conservation and Education Fund, or to one of the following animal rescue organizations: Alicia Smidler Fund c/o Christine Smith, Pulaski Animal Center, or Humane Society. 

Phyllis Boehning

March 17, 1937 to January 9, 2015

LAFAYETTE - Phyllis Albrecht Boehning, 77, passed away Friday, Jan. 9.

She was born March 17, 1937 to the late Philip and Louise Gutwein Albrecht in Francesville. She was married for 58 years to Richard Boehning, who survives.

Also surviving are her children, Vince (wife Arlette) of Silverthorne, CO; Anita Fine (husband Bob) of St. Petersburg, FL; Jennifer Dimmitt (husband Mike) of Lafayette; Beverly Hamersly (husband Scott) of Indianapolis and Stuart (wife Ann) of Lafayette; her grandchildren Eric Boehning (wife Mandy), Derek Hensley, April Hensley, Zachary Fine, Ansley Fine, Grace Anne Dimmitt, Sarah Beth Dimmitt, Anthony Dimmitt, Sean Dimmitt, Patrick Dimmitt, Victoria Hamersly, Jackson Hamersly, Nicholas Hamersly, Kennedy Boehning, Grant Boehning, Ellanor Boehning, Harrison Boehning; and her brothers, Roger Albrecht (wife Marilyn) and Gary Albrecht (wife Jane). 

She is preceded in death by her brothers, Louis Albrecht and Jim Albrecht; and her grandson Greg Boehning.

Mrs. Boehning was raised in the Apostolic Christian Church of Francesville that began her lifelong Christian journey with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She was a member of the Sanibel Community Church (Sanibel, FL) and Covenant Church (West Lafayette) along with her husband. She was a giving and dedicated member of the philanthropic organizations of PEO and Tri Kappa in which she valued her longtime friends and the commitment of serving others in the community through those groups. Additionally, she was a wonderful, fair, and compassionate public servant to the City of Lafayette serving four consecutive terms on the city council from 1984-1999, one of those years serving as the council's president. She loved to spend time with her 18 grandchildren and took great enjoyment in their many varied accomplishments. There was nothing that brought her more pride and joy than watching her own 5 children raising their families. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend to all that knew her; and a firm belief in God gave her strength and peace in her final days.

A visitation will be held Friday, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Soller-Baker Lafayette Chapel, 400 Twyckenham Blvd., Lafayette. A memorial service officiated by David Henderson at Covenant Church, 211 Knox Drive, West Lafayette, will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 17. A memorial service will be held at Sanibel Community Church in Sanibel, FL at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to a favorite charity.

Donald H. Berger

December 3, 1956 to January 14, 2015

MISHAWAKA - Donald Harold Berger, 58, Granger, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 14, in Hospice House, South Bend.

He was born Dec. 3, 1956, in Winamac, to Donald Franklin Berger and Norma L. (Smith) Shidler. On May 18, 1993, at Willow Creek United Methodist Church, Mishawaka, he married Virginia E. Ginter. She survives.

Also surviving are his mother, Norma Shidler of Winamac; children, Eric (Skye) Berger of Whitestown, Ashley Berger of Columbia, SC, and Shelby Berger of Granger; five grandchildren, Saraye, Autumn, A'song, Sabastian and Elijah; and a sister, Janet Paltz of Owasso, OK.

He was preceded in death by his father, Donald, and his stepfather, Jack Shidler.

Mr. Berger worked for Chikol of Granger. He was a kind, loving father, husband and grandfather. A Purdue University graduate, he loved being involved in all of his children and grandchildren's activities, and will be missed by all who knew him.

Visitation is Sunday, from 2 to 6 p.m. in the Hahn Funeral Home, 505 W. 8th St., Mishawaka. The funeral service will be Monday, Jan. 19 at 2 p.m. at the funeral home, with Pastor Dan Puckett of Granger Community Church officiating. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery, Mishawaka.

Memorial donations may be made to the Hospice Foundation, Supporting Center for Hospice Care: South Bend-Elkhart-Plymouth, 501 Comfort Place, Mishawaka, IN 46545.

Richard Kruger

December 3, 1950 to January 15, 2015

FRANCESVILLE - Richard A. "Rick" Kruger, 64, of Winamac, died Thursday, Jan. 15, at his residence.

He was born Dec. 3, 1950 to Devon and Louise Shepherd Kruger. He married Paula Maria Pope Henderson on Nov. 15, 2002. She died June 9, 2013.

Survivors include:
Devon (Phyllis) Kruger, Francesville, Father
Christy Kruger, Crown Point, Daughter
Andy (Julie) Kruger, Westfield, Son
Jordan Kolish, Grandson
Hadley Kruger, Granddaughter
Tanner Kruger, Grandson
Mallory Kruger, Granddaughter
Clay Kruger, Grandson

Preceded in death by:
Louise Shepherd Kruger, Mother

Mr. Kruger graduated from Francesville High School in 1969. He worked alongside his father as a mechanic for Diamond Trucking. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and watching movies.

A private family memorial service will be held in the spring.

Memorial donations may be made to Francesville First Christian Church.

Cremation arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel, Francesville.

Eugene W. Stoller

January 17, 1925 to January 12, 2015

CHESTERTON - Eugene W. Stoller, 89, of Francesville, passed away Monday, Jan. 12.

He was born Jan. 17, 1925 in LaCrosse, to Eli and Lura (Jacobs) Stoller. 

He is survived by his brother, Duane Stoller of Valparaiso, two nieces, five nephews and fourteen great nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Loren Stoller. 

Mr. Stoller was a lifelong resident of the LaCrosse area and attended the Apostolic Christian Church. He graduated from Bradley University. He was a U.S. Army, World War II Veteran, serving in the 29th Division of the 9th infantry. He was awarded three bronze stars, participated in the battle and the fall of Brest in France and marched through Belgium and Holland into Germany.  He was a self-employed farmer, a teacher and an editor and a member of the Wanatah American Legion, Post 403. He loved outdoor sports, hunting, fishing, trapping and enjoyed boxing.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, from 9 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 11 a.m. (Saturday, Jan. 17), at the Apostolic Christian Church, 119 Vermont St., LaCrosse. Tom Troxel will officiate. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery in LaCrosse.

Memorial donations may be made to the Wanatah American Legion, Post 403, 203 N. Washington Street, Wanatah, IN 46390.

Arrangements are being handled by Edmonds & Evans Funeral Home, Chesterton.