Obituaries

Ethel Stepp

January 2, 1926 to July 28, 2014

MEDARYVILLE - Ethel Stepp, 88, of Wheatfield, died at 5:42 p.m., Monday, July 28, at VNA Hospice Center, Valparaiso.

She was born Jan. 2, 1926, in Lynch, KY to the late Rev. Chalmer and Magnolia Keith Howard. On April 3, 1946, she married Ernest Aaron Stepp in Winamac.. He passed away April 18, 2012.

Survivors include:

Karen Stepp, Wheatfield, Daughter
Karolyn Fyda, Wheatfield, Daughter
Pamela Nabors, Rensselaer, Daughter
Ernest Anthony (Christine) Stepp, Royal Palm Beach, FL, Son
David (Sandra) Stepp, Terre Haute, Son
9 Grandchildren
15 Great Grandchildren
4 Great-Great Grandchildren
Juanita (Don) Chappel, Springboro, OH, Sister
Burl (Mary) Howard, Springboro, OH, Brother
Buford (Evelyn) Howard, Somerset, KY, Brother
Several Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
Helen (Charles) Delph, Sister
Bobby (Juanita) Howard, Brother
Earl Stephens, Brother-in-law

Mrs. Stepp and her husband were founding members of the Teaberry Hill Estate Church in Medaryville. She was an active member of the Ladies Club. She was a very devoted Christian woman. She enjoyed sewing, crocheting, gardening, and cooking. She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She will be dearly missed by her family and friends.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m., Friday, at Teaberry Hill Estates Church, Medaryville. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Saturday  (Aug, 2), at church, with Rev. Elmer Conley officiating. Burial will be at Highland Cemetery, North Judson.

Memorial donations may be given to Teaberry Hill Estates Church. 

Theresa J. Von Tobel

May 11, 1916 to July 23, 2014

FRANCESVILLE - Theresa J. Von Tobel, 98, of Francesville, passed away at 7:15 p.m., Wednesday, July 23. She had been living at Avalon Springs Health Campus in Valparaiso since January. Prior to that, she had resided at Parkview Haven Retirement Home in Francesville. 

She was born May 11, 1916 in Eureka, IL to the late Chris and Barbara Pelsy Wuethrich. She married Paul J. Von Tobel II on Feb. 6, 1937 in Francesville. They enjoyed 63 years of marriage before he preceded her in death on Oct. 18, 1999. 

Survivors include: 

Bonita J. (Duane) Swing, Vero Beach, FL, Daughter 
Paul J. (Candace) Von Tobel III, Valparaiso, Son 
Twyla Mae (Chad) Bigony, Jasper, GA, Daughter 
John Mark (Lorraine) Von Tobel, Valparaiso, Son 
Grandchildren: Rick (Linda) Swing, Scott (Amy) Swing, Kelly (Kirby) Carswell, Michele (Lisandro) Montenegro, Paul J. (Jenni) Von Tobel IV, Peter (Heather) Von Tobel, Christina (Ron) Vane, Cindy (Chris) McDaniel, Kayla Von Tobel and Kara Von Tobel. 
19 Great Grandchildren 
Glendoris (Lester) Huber, Francesville, Sister 
Genevieve (Edward) Shambach, Elgin, IL, Sister 
Willis (Marjean) Wuethrich, Las Vegas, NV Brother 
Robert (Phyllis) Wuethrich, Francesville, Brother 
Chris Lee (Ruth) Wuethrich, Francesville, Brother 
Barbara Wuethrich, Francesville, Sister-in-law 
Nola Wuethrich, Francesville, Sister-in-law 
Rita Von Tobel, West Lafayette, Sister-in-law 
Many Nieces and Nephews 

Preceded in death by: 
Kurt Swing, Grandson 
David Bigony, Grandson 
David Wuethrich, Brother 
Richard Wuethrich, Brother 
Barbara Ellen Wuethrich, Sister 
Mildred Huber, Sister 
Wilma Stewart, Sister 
Velda Overmyer, Sister 
Elizabeth Shambach, Sister 

Mrs. Von Tobel and her husband had a great interest in the foreign mission field and had traveled to many different countries visiting and supporting missionary work. Her passion throughout her life both at home and abroad is best explained through her love for Christ and the promise from scripture that..."all who receive Him, to those who believe in His name, He gave the right to become children of God." (John 1:12)

Mrs. Von Tobel loved her family very much. She was very committed to her children and grandchildren. She also counted it a great privelege to have been from a large family; the eldest of 13 siblings. She was a witness for Christ, always willing to share Scripture and Bible stories with her family, friends, and neighbors. She was an avid reader and had read the entire Bible many times. Throughout her life, she was very faithful to attend church and loved hearing the Word of God preached. She will be dearly missed by those who knew and loved her.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m., Sunday, at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel, Francesville. The funeral service will be at 10 a.m., Monday (July 21), at the funeral home with Pastor Robert Nienhuis officiating. Burial will be at Roseland Cemetery, Francesville.

Memorial donations may be given to Gideon's International or Liberty Bible Church. 

Stella L. Baker

March 13, 1920 to July 20, 2014

WINAMAC - Stella Lee Baker, 94, Winamac, passed away at 4:40 a.m., Sunday, July 20, at Pulaski Health Care Center, Winamac.

She was born March 13, 1920, in Breathitt Co., KY, to the late Clifford and Lulu Mullins Watkins. She married John Douglas Baker on Jan. 29, 1938, in Magoffin County, KY. He passed away Oct. 7, 1990.

Survivors include:

Bill Baker, Truth or Consequences, NM, Son
Alonzo (Beverly) Baker, Seymour, TN, Son
Paul (Kathy) Baker, Knoxville, TN, Son
Brenda (Tim) Brown , Maryville, TN, Daughter
27 Grandchildren
4 Step Grandchildren
Many Great and Great-great grandchildren
James (May) Watkins, Burlington, MI, Brother
Lila Shidler, Argos, Sister
Angeline (Howard) Goble, Elizabethtown, KY, Sister
Phyllis (Jerry) Day, Elizabethtown, KY, Sister
Ellie Heyden, Salyersville, KY, Sister
Shirley (Washington) Miller, Homer, MI, Sister
Roxie (Ham) Trusty, Coldwater, MI, Sister
Alonzo Baker, Seymour, TN

Preceded in death by:
Ernest Bailey, Son
Daisey May Baker, Daughter
Jeanette Baker Bailey, Daughter
William Lincoln Baker, Grandson
Gwendolyn Baker, Granddaughter
Gregory Baker, Grandson
Harold D. Johnston, Jr., Grandson

Mrs. Baker was a member of the Eagle's Auxillary #2580 for 60 years. She and her husband originally came to Indiana to work at the Kingsbury Ordinance Plant during World War II and the Korean Conflict. Her job was to measure gun powder in detonators the size of a button. She was employed as a certified nursing assistant at Pulaski Memorial Hospital for many years. She loved to sew and quilt. She also enjoyed blue grass music. She enjoyed visiting with her friends a the local McDonald's.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, at Frain Mortuary, Winamac. The funeral service will be at 11 a,m., Wednesday (July 23), at the funeral home with Rev. David Webb officiating. Burial will be in McKinley Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Winamac.

Memorial donations may be given to the Pulaski Health Care Center activities fund.  

Joseph L. Kaluzny

February 25, 1922 to July 19, 2014

MEDARYVILLE - Joseph L. Kaluzny, 92, Medaryville (formerly of Chicago), passed away at 8:10 a.m., Saturday, July 19, at his residence.

He was born Feb. 25, 1922 in Chicago to the late Lawrence and Valeria Slanczewski Kaluzny. On May 25, 1946, he married Josephine M. Krupowicz in Chicago. She survives. 

Also surviving are: 
Lawrence J. (Marcia) Kaluzny, Yorkville, IL, Son 
David P. (Gwen) Kaluzny, Memphis, TN, Son 
Catherine T. McWilliams, Lexington, TN, Daughter 
Judith A. (James) Ksenak, Valparaiso, Daughter 
Joyce M. (Mark) Walus, Ft. Wayne, Daughter 
Grandchildren: Jason (Sharon) Kaluzny, Sarah (Jeff) Greene, Adam Kaluzny, Katie (Shaeffer) Steward, Jeff McWilliams, Joel McWilliams, Jason McWilliams, Brent (Nicole) Ksenak, Curtis Ksenak, Emily Walus, and Benjamin Walus. 
Great-grandchildren: Justin Kaluzny, Krysta Kaluzny, Vincent Kaluzny, Brayden Kaluzny, Sophie Greene,  Jillian Kate Steward, Brayden McWilliams, Breaun McWilliams, Bryce McWilliams, Ashley Ksenak, and Caleb Ksena. 
Several Nieces and Nephews 

Preceded in death by: 
Thomas McWilliams, Son-in-law 
Jenny McWilliams, Granddaughter 
John Kaluzny, Brother 
Margaret Krupowicz, Sister 

Mr. Kaluzny served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was a member of St. Henry’s Catholic Church in Medaryville and a former member of the Knights of Columbus in Chicago. He was a talented artist. He enjoyed making model airplanes and bowling. He and his wife moved to Medaryville 17 years ago and enjoyed spending time with their friends at the West Side Senior Center. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He will be dearly missed. 

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Thursday, at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel, Medaryville. A funeral mass will follow at 1 p.m. (Thursday, July 24), at St. Henry's Catholic Church, Medaryville, with Rev. Leroy Kinnaman officiating. The American Legion will conduct Military Honors immediately following services. Entombment will be at Graceland Cemetery, Valparaiso.

Memorial donations may be given to West Side Senior Center. 

Sylvia L. Doll

August 3, 1926 to July 17, 2014

FRANCESVILLE - Sylvia Lenore Doll, 87, of Francesville, passed away at 8:15 a.m., Thursday, July 17, at Parkview Haven Retirement Home in Francesville.

She was born Aug. 3, 1926 in Rensselaer, to the late Ludwig and Georgia Lena Ringen Kruger. On Oct. 9, 1949, she married Frederick Doll. He died Aug. 28, 1990. 

Survivors include: Larry (Linda) Doll, Winamac, Son 
Connie (Ed) Myshak, Lafayette, Daughter 
Roger (LeAnn) Doll, Ft. Wayne, Son 
Gayle Doll, Lafayette, Daughter 
Angela (Brendan) Foley, Edgewater, MD, Daughter

Grandchildren: Jennifer (Jeff) Housinger, Veronica Doll, Adam (Jamie) Myshak, Alex (Carly) Myshak, Stephanie (Jon) Wilder, Courtney Doll, Stuart Snodgrass, Rachel (Chris) Thompson, Ethan Snodgrass, and Brendan Foley.

Great-Grandchildren: Jacob Housinger, Justin Housinger, Makayla Myshak, Natalie Myshak, Christian Wilder and Lena Wilder.

Several Nieces and Nephews 
Betty Doll, Francesville, Sister-in-law 
Janet Kruger, Francesville, Sister-in-law 

Preceded in death by: 
Evelyn Sims, Sister 
Kenneth Kruger, Brother 

Mrs. Doll graduated from Francesville High School in 1944 and received her registered nursing degree from St. Elizabeth School of Nursing in 1948. She went on to receive her bachelor of science degree from St. Francis College. Over the years, she worked as a nurse at Jasper County Hospital, Parkview Haven Retirement Home, and West Central schools. In her later years, she worked at the Francesville Library. She was a lifelong member of the St. James Salem United Church of Christ and the Ladies Guild. She was a member of Happy Homemakers Home-Ec Club and the Daughters of the American Revolution. 

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m., Saturday, at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel, Francesville. The funeral service will be  at 1 p.m., Sunday (July 20), at the funeral home with Rev. Judith Doll officiating. Burial will be at St. James Salem Cemetery, Francesville.

Memorial donations may be given to St. James Salem United Church of Christ or Parkview Haven Retirement Home. 

Ralph W. Fritz

February 28, 1928 to July 7, 2014

SYLVANIA, OHIO – Ralph Waldo Fritz, 91, formerly of Knox and Winamac, passed away Monday, July 7, in Sylvania, Ohio where he had resided the past two years.

He was born Nov. 2, 1922 in rural Winamac, the son of E. Mark and Hazel Charlotte Scott Fritz. He married Marilyn Tiffany Capper on Dec. 8, 1946. They later divorced. He then married Irene Marie Talsma in 1970. She died Sept. 11, 2012.

Surviving are children Mark S. (Deb) Fritz of Indianapolis, Mac C. (Lesa) Fritz of Arizona, Matthew C. (Maryann) Fritz of Indiana, Cathleen S. (Mary) Fritz of Michigan; and Peter (K.K.) Fritz of Indianapolis. He is also survived by step-children: Dawn Beckering of South Carolina, Elaine (Dennis) Boxdorfer of Ohio, and Carole Fey of MIchigan. In addition, he leaves behind 24 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

He was preceded in death by daughter Connie K. Fritz Dust, grandson Ralph Nicholas "Nick" Fritz, brothers R. Marshall Fritz and John M. Fritz, and sister Mary Charlotte Dilts.

After graduating from high school at age 16, Mr. Fritz attended DePauw University on a full scholarship to study journalism. After his junior year he returned home to farm with his brother, John, and they raised purebred Duroc hogs. In 1960, he left farming and joined Farm Bureau Insurance, moving to Knox. He spent 29 years as Northwest Indiana regional sales manager. After retiring from Farm Bureau, he lived in Fort Myers, Fla., Holland, Mich. and Sylvania, Ohio.

He liked the outdoors, especially hunting and camping. He also enjoyed spending time with his children, coaching a championship Little League team and supporting his sons in Boy Scouts. He also loved to golf and was proud to score a hole in one. He and his wife were club champions at Bass Lake Country Club near Knox and at Bay Beach Golf Course in Fort Myers Beach.

A private family memorial service will be held at a later date.

Memorials may be made to Ducks Unlimited, the Humane Society or the La Salle Council of the Boy Scouts of America.