Obituaries

James O. Hahn

November 23, 1940 to March 2, 2024

WINAMAC - James Oliver ”Jim” Hahn, 83, of Culver (formerly of Crete, IL and DeMotte), passed away Saturday, March 2, at the Center for Hospice Care in Mishawaka, following a hard-fought battle with pulmonary fibrosis.

He was born Nov. 23, 1940 in Chicago Heights, IL to the late Elmer Arnold and Marie Catherine [Gunther] Hahn. He was a 1958 graduate of Bloom Township High School in Chicago Heights. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1959 and served three years of active duty in the U. S. Army Signal Corps. He was transferred to the U.S. Army Reserve, and after faithfully serving his country, he received an honorable discharge on May 20, 1968. On Sept. 14, 1963, he married Charlotte Ann “Shotsie” Grimes, in Steger, IL. She survives.

Jim Hahn

He is also survived by:
Timothy (Jeanne) Hahn, Cary, NC, Son
Jeff Hahn, Durham, NC, Grandson
Dylan Hahn, Durham, NC, Grandson
Judith Hahn, Lisle, IL, Sister
William Hahn, Park Forest, IL, Brother
Several Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
Tom Hahn, Brother

It was during Mr. Hahn’s time in the Signal Corps that he learned the trade of information technology which would become his life’s work. He had a distinguished 33-year career at NIPSCO and retired as the director of information technology. He was a longtime board member and past-president of the NIPSCO Federal Credit Union. After retirement, he worked as a consultant for several small businesses. He and his wife enjoyed traveling together, notably visiting all 50 states and six continents (missing Antarctica). Their love for each other remained steadfast until the end. He was a man of Christian faith and a devoted member of the St. Mary of the Lake Catholic Church in Culver. His passion for woodworking together with his devotion to serving the Lord led him to undertake a very special project for his parish church. He lovingly created the beautiful wooden frames for the Stations of the Cross and two wooden candle holders for the altar. He was always active in the Culver community. He was a member of the Maxinkuckee Yacht Club and Culver Lions Club. He served on the Culver Union Township Library Board as a board member and past-president. He enjoyed leisure time on Lake Maxinkuckee, as well as spending time with his friends in the ROMEO Club and at Wine Time events. He also enjoyed building and collecting garden scale trains. He was an avid sports fan and supported Notre Dame Football and Notre Dame Girls Basketball, as well as the Chicago Bears and the Chicago White Sox. He will be dearly missed and forever remembered for his infectious laugh and great stories.

A Lions memorial service will be at 9:30 a.m., Friday, April 12, at St. Mary of the Lake Catholic Church in Culver, and will be followed by the praying of the rosary. A funeral mass will be at 10 a.m., (Friday, April 12), at the church in Culver with Rev. Stephen Felicichia officiating. Private burial will take place at a later date at the Momence Cemetery in Momence, IL.

Memorial donations may be made to Center for Hospice Care, Culver Lions Club, or St. Mary of the Lake Catholic Church.

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

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.

S. Paul Meyer

August 30, 1939 to March 1, 2024

WINAMAC - S. Paul Meyer, 84, of Winamac, passed away Friday, March 1, at Hickory Creek in Winamac.

He was born Aug. 30, 1939 in rural Pulaski County to the late Sylvester William and Margaret Ilene [Kline] Meyer. He graduated from Pulaski High School in 1957. He married Janice C. Braun on May 7, 1960 in Winamac. She survives.

Paul Meyer

He is also survived by:
Kimberly A. (Robert “Bob”) Daily, Kewanna, Daughter
Marie A. (Doug) Roth, Winamac, Granddaughter
David A. (Jennifer) Meyer, Star City, Grandson
Daniel P. (Stephanie) Meyer, Star City, Grandson
Heather K. (Austin) Clark, Winamac, Granddaughter
Cassandra M. (Bronson Monical) Hanson, Fulton, Granddaughter
Great-grandchildren: Brody M. Roth, Cash M. Roth, Grace K. Roth, Hannah M. Meyer, and Lydia G. Meyer.
Step-great-grandchildren: Brock A. (Libby) Guzman, Adam N. (Morgan) Wallace, and Riley W. (Melissa Bradley) Shafer.
Linda (Rick) Rausch, Anderson, Sister

Preceded in death by:
Randy J. Meyer, Son
Katherine J. Meyer, Daughter
Dora (Bob) Fisher, Sister
Tony Meyer, Brother

Fondly known as the “Gas Man,” Mr. Meyer delivered fuel to local farmers for over 30 years. He was a talented woodworker and made numerous birdhouses over the years. Paul and Janice loved spending summer weekends at Foxwood Hills in Middlebury. They enjoyed taking their grandchildren on vacations. He was a longtime member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pulaski and formerly served on the parish council. He was a charter member and past treasurer of the Star City Lions Club. He previously served on the Pulaski/White Rural Telephone Cooperative Board and Pulaski County Council. He was a legendary storyteller. Whether it was telling jokes around the campfire or just spinning a yarn in public, he never met a stranger. He will be remembered for his great sense of humor and friendly demeanor.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 5, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pulaski. A Lions memorial service will follow at 1:30 p.m., plus the praying of the rosary. The funeral mass will then be at 2 p.m. (Tuesday, March 5), at the church with Rev. Dennis Faker officiating. Burial will be at St. Joseph Cemetery West in Pulaski.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church, Pulaski Animal Center or Star City Lions Club.

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

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.

Dean E. Allen

March 23, 1945 — February 27, 2024

ROYAL CENTER - Dean E. Allen, 78, of Star City, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 27, at his vacation home at the Turtle Flambeau Flowage in Butternut, Wis.

He was born March 23, 1945, the son of Ralph and Lena Allen, who preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Barbara (Chambers) Allen.

Dean Allen

He is survived by his children Jim (Chandra Allen of Cloquet, MN, Janette (Chris) Moore of Wabash, and Anita (Nate) Caskey of Minneapolis, MN; grandchildren Elizabeth (Moore) Wickware, Isaiah Wickware, Jordan Allen, Amelia Allen, Madeline Moore, Gage Allen, Ellis Allen, Preston Moore, Piper Caskey, Malin Caskey and Fletcher Caskey. He is also survived by his exchange student son Antonio Ruis (Patricia) Risueno and their children Luna and Antonio of Madrid, Spain. He is also survived by his brothers Tim (Cris) Allen, Tom (Becky) Allen and sister-in-law Shelia Allen, as well as numerous, loving nieces and nephews and their families.

He is preceded in death by his in-laws Harold and Dorothy Jane Chambers, and his brother Richard Allen.

Mr. Allen, a retired farmer, was a graduate of Star City High School and Purdue University where he earned a degree in agricultural engineering.  He also proudly served in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Throughout his life he was involved in a multitude of organizations and activities resulting in lifelong friendships. He was a member of the Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity, serving as the co-founder of the AGR Ag Rep program and co-creator of the infamous AGR Barnyard Brawl at the Purdue University chapter.  He was also a longstanding member of the Odd Fellows of Winamac. He formerly served as a school board member at the Pioneer Regional School Corporation and as a member of the Pulaski-White Rural Telephone Company.  He also enjoyed participating in a trap shooting league in Wisconsin.

His life was rich with love and laughter, centered around his family and friends (and fishing). He found great joy in the simple pleasures of life, including fishing, delving into the pages of a good book, creating ‘farm-fixes,’ exploring new destinations, and most of all, spending quality time with his loved ones and watching his grandchildren grow. His memory will forever be treasured by all who had the privilege of knowing him. His love, wisdom, and stories will continue to resonate through the lives of his grandchildren. His warm smile, gentle demeanor, infectious laugh and zest for life will be deeply missed.

Two celebrations of life are planned in places Mr. Allen loved: the family farm in Indiana and his fishing grounds in Wisconsin. Family and friends are invited to celebrate him at the Allen Family Farm in Star City on Saturday, April 20 beginning at 12 noon. A memorial neighborhood “board meeting” will occur at 3:30 p.m. Saturday, July 6, at The Midway near the Turtle Flambeau Flowage in Butternut, Wis. 

Memorial donations may be made to Star City Volunteer Fire Department, Town of Mercer Volunteer Fire Department - Station 24, Pulaski Fest-A-Mill (Pulaski Christmas Lights) or the Mayo Clinic.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Rans Funeral Home & Crematory, Royal Center.

Michael W. Doty

May 19, 1941 to February 26, 2024

KEWANNA - Michael W. “Mike” Doty, 82 of Kewanna, passed away peacefully at 10:44 p.m., Monday, Feb. 26, at his home.

Mike Doty

Born May 19, 1941 in Chicago, he was the son of the late William and Ruth (Hunter) Doty. He graduated from Winamac High School, Class of 1960. He was also a U.S. Navy veteran, serving from 1960-1962. On Oct. 23, 1965, he married Betty Jo Baldwin. She preceded him in death April 28, 2019.

Survivors include his son Todd M. (Cristi) Doty of Twelve Mile; grandchildren Amber (Emanuel) Esteban, Quinton (Dayenera) Doty, Keegan (Ali) Doty, Hunter (Nelson) Doty, Sydney (Zach) Doty, Andrew Doty and Dawson (Angel) Doty; daughter-in-law, Trina (Josh) Doty and son Titan, and great-grandchildren Olivia, Gracelynn, Noah, Bryson, Kyree, A’Briella and Korbyn. He is also survived by brother, David “Red” (Mary) Doty of Monterey, sister, Nancy (Jim) Allen of Missouri; special friends Jessica Waters and Tammy Eisan, and several nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews.

He is also preceded in death by son Brian Doty.

Mr. Doty retired from Winamac Coil Spring Inc. in Kewanna. He was a member of Pleasant Hill Church and the V.F.W. Post #1121 in Kewanna. He enjoyed golfing, fishing and he was well known for “speed” walking around town. He mostly loved spending time with his family.

The funeral service will be at 1 p.m., Tuesday, March 5, at Rans Funeral Homes & Crematory, Metzger Chapel, Kewanna. Pastor Chris Kosary will officiate. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until the time of service. Burial with military rites performed will be at Bruce Lake Cemetery.

Mr. Doty’s online guestbook is available, and condolences may be shared with the family at www.ransfuneralhomes.com

Samuel Alva

June 3, 1951 to February 22, 2024

MEDARYVILLE - Samuel Alva, 72, of Medaryville, passed away Thursday, Feb. 22, at IU Health Hospital in Lafayette.

He was born June 3, 1951 in Rensselaer, to the late Benjamin and Naomi [Villalobos] Alva. He graduated from West Central High School in 1969. On June 15, 1974, he married Vicky Koekenberg at the Medaryville Christian Church. They were looking forward to celebrating their golden wedding anniversary in June. She survives.

Samuel Alva

He is also survived by:
Stephanie (Kevin) Miller, Francesville, Daughter
Tiffany (Chad) Jones, Ft. Wayne, Daughter
2 Granddaughters: Aria and Emma
Moses (Colleen) Alva, North Judson, Brother
Rick Koekenberg, Monticello, Brother-in-law
Phil Byers, Wanatah, Brother-in-law
Several Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
Nathan Samuel Alva, Infant Son
Eliza V. Alva, Infant Sister
Febe Byers, Sister
Rachel (Ron) Tanner, Sister
Ofelia Alva, Sister
Jesse Alva, Brother
Bernard and Juanita [Ellison] Koekenberg, In-laws

Mr. Alva was a member of the Medaryville Christian Church. He was retired from Talbert Manufacturing after being a welder for 38 years. He was an avid Miami Dolphins and IU Basketball fan. He proudly supported his daughters throughout their athletic careers. He was a proud “Papa” to Aria and Emma. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, March 2, at the Medaryville Christian Church (112 S. Jefferson St. Medaryville). The funeral service will follow at 2 p.m., at the church with ministers Wes Raley and Tony Schabel officiating. Burial will be at White Post Cemetery in Medaryville.

Memorial donations may be made to the Medaryville Christian Church.

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

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

Rev. Nelda J. Seger

November 29, 1951 to February 21, 2024

WINAMAC - Rev. Nelda Jean Seger, 72, of Winamac, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, Feb. 21, at Pulaski Memorial Hospital in Winamac.

She was born Nov. 29, 1951 in Sparta, IL to the late Rev. Dr. M. James and Marilyn [Williams] Gardiner. She was the daughter of a Presbyterian minister and as such the family moved around the country a lot during her childhood. She graduated from high school in 1969, and later in life she earned a bachelor’s degree in education from IUPUI. Her first marriage was to Colin Buckhardt who died in 2004. With her father officiating, she married Jeff Seger on Oct. 9, 2010, at Macon Presbyterian Church. He survives.

Rev. Nelda Seger

She is also survived by:
John (Kelly) Quakenbush, Noblesville, Son
Matthew (Crystal) Quakenbush, Noblesville, Son
Carin Vergobbe, Sandwich, MA, Daughter
Charley (Linsie) Seger, Westphalia, IN, Son
Emily Vergobbe, Brattleboro, VT, Daughter-in-law
14 Grandchildren
Barbi (Kevin) Lockhart, Shelbyville, IL, Sister
Earlene Stevens, Stillwater, OK, Sister-in-law
Brenda Colber, Birdseye, IN, Sister-in-law
Gary (Michelle) Seger, Jasper, IN, Brother-in-law
Mike (Diane) Seger, Celestine, IN, Brother-in-law
Pat (Vicki) Seger, Ferdinand, IN, Brother-in-law
Marsha Seger, Bretzville, IN, Sister-in-law
Roger Brown, Huntingburg, IN, Brother-in-law
Many Nieces and Nephews
Doris Matthews, Columbia, IL, Paternal Aunt
Numerous Cousins

Preceded in death by:
Adam Vergobbe, Son
Gary Stevens, Brother-in-law
Jim Seger, Brother-in-law
Rick Seger, Brother-in-law
Karen Brown, Sister-in-law

Following the death of her husband Colin Buckardt in 2004, Nelda began her journey to Christian ministry. The Winamac community was first introduced to her in 2009 as a student pastor at the First Presbyterian Church. She earned a Master of Divinity from Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis. During her studies at seminary school she met her future husband, Jeff. They were the perfect team, always supporting one another in all of life’s adventures. Her first ordination was as a minister with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). She studied clinical pastoral education at Deaconess Hospital in Evansville, and served less than a year as interim pastor of Westphalia United Church of Christ before returning to the First Presbyterian Church in Winamac where she served as pastor until her first retirement. After a brief hiatus from full time work, she took on the part time duties of administrator at the First Christian Church in Winamac. It was during this time, St. James Salem/St. John United Church of Christ called her to serve as their interim pastor and after becoming ordained with the UCC, she served as their full time pastor until retirement in August 2023.

Throughout her nearly 20-year career in ministry, Rev. Seger touched numerous lives through her loving kindness and sincere friendship. She enjoyed reading, knitting and quilting. She shocked her family with her canning skills, especially her legendary spaghetti sauce. She loved music, and always said she felt closest to God when worshipping through music. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. as well as a beloved sister, aunt, and niece who will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m., Friday, Feb. 23, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac, and one hour prior to the services at the church on Saturday. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 24, at First Christian Church in Winamac with Pastor Stephen Sundquist officiating. Private entombment will be at Pulaski Presbyterian and Community Cemetery in Pulaski.

Memorial donations may be made to First Christian Church or St. James Salem/St. John United Church of Christ or First Presbyterian Church.

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