Obituaries

Alice L. Crist McCrackin

October 15, 1934 to February 5, 2024

CARSON CITY, MI - Alice Louise (Crist) McCrackin, 89, of Carson City, Mich., passed away Monday, Feb. 5, at Country Friends Assisted Living in Sumner, Mich., surrounded by love.

She was born Oct. 15, 1934, in Monterey, the daughter of the late Isadore and Helen (Perry) Crist. The family later moved to Kewanna. She graduated from Winamac High School with the class of 1952 and then received additional training as a medical technologist. She began working for the Belding Hospital, in Belding, Mich. where she was later introduced to her future husband by Ella and Jerry Keiffer. Alice and John “Jack” McCrackin were married May 25, 1963, and made their home in Carson City where they raised their children on the family farm. He survives.

Alice McCrackin

She is also survived by four children Tim (Patricia) McCrackin of Ionia, Mich., Perry McCrackin (Jeanne Strickland) of Carson City, Jenny (Ben) Upham of Big Rapids, Mich., and Paul McCrackin of Lansing, Mich.; grandchildren Justine (Ryan) Bouman, Kaitlynn (Brann) Schmitt, Megan (Ryan) Willis, Ellen (Erik) Piper, Elizabeth McCrackin, Michael McCrackin, Andy Upham, Lauren McCrackin, Sarah McCrackin, and John McCrackin; and three great-grandchildren Rhett, Warren and Jansen, and baby Piper on the way; siblings Barbara (Francis) Hendrickson, Joe (Dorothy) Crist, Jim (Carol) Crist, Patricia (Jerry) Girton, and Marsha Gearhart. Also brothers- and sisters-in-law Kate (Ron) Brown, Florence Kavanagh, Jean Richardson, Larry (Becky) McCrackin, Margie Hyde, Connie (Barry) Sacks, Sue (Alan) Goldstein, and Judy McCrackin.

She was preceded in death by her daughter-in-law Michelle McCrackin; sister Delores Miller; brother John Crist; brothers-in-law Larry Richardson, Larry Kavanagh, Gib Hyde, and Michael McCrackin; and sister-in-law, Beverly McCrackin.

Mrs. McCrackin was a devoted mother, always putting her love in all she did for her family. She was a wonderful cook and loved to bake cookies, pies and cakes, and she enjoyed testing out new recipes. Her role was to make sure her family sat down together and to eat three “square” meals a day. One never left the table hungry as she knew everyone's favorite foods and stayed away from the ones they disliked. She worked around the farming schedule of planting and harvesting and everything else in between; she was a committed farmer's wife. Her proudest moments were enjoying her 10 grandchildren and their visits. She was dedicated to her Catholic faith and early on in her life had considered entering the religious life. She continued to be loyal and faithful to God and lived a life of prayer, mass and encouraged the family to offer their problems to God. She was a member of the St. Mary’s Church and St. Mary’s Altar Society in Carson City. She enjoyed socializing, giggling with her sisters and having good conversations. Each of these conversations she would later reflect on and enjoy as a gift from others. She used her talent of easy conversation to volunteer for the Crisis Pregnancy Hotline Services where she advocated for the unborn but also assisted the women going through difficult times.

The family thanks Country Friends Assisted Living and the many caregivers Mrs. McCrackin had for the past six years for their care and love, and treatment as family. In addition, the family thanks The Care Team Home Health & Hospice of Gratiot County who gave her additional care and attention.

Visitation will be from 4 until 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 9, with a rosary service at 4 p.m., at the Lux and Schnepp Funeral Home, Carson City. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 10, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Carson City with Fr. Lou Anderson celebrating. Interment will follow in Maryknoll Cemetery, Carson City.

Memorials may be made to Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan, or to the wishes of the family. To leave a condolence for the family please visit www.luxfuneralhomes.com.

John C. Zellers

November 17, 1938 to February 1, 2024

WINAMAC - John Calvin Zellers, 85, a master storyteller and well-known resident of Winamac, passed away Thursday, Feb. 1.

He was born Nov. 17, 1938 at his grandparent’s house in Winamac to the late Robert Clair and Mabel E. [Calvin] Zellers. He graduated from Winamac High School with the class of 1957. That same year, he was introduced to Sandra K. Neese, and they were married by the Rev. Dallas Rissler on Jan. 16, 1960 in Logansport. She survives.

John Zellers

He is also survived by:
Dianna Blake, Daughter
Bradley (Melanie) Zellers, Son
Grandchildren: Marissa Weaver, Korin Rogers, Greg (Shianne) Zellers, and Shawn (Riley) Zellers.
Great-Grandchildren: Aiden Sturgeon and Grant Calvin Zellers
David (Marian) Zellers, Brother
Several Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
William and Mildred Neese, In-laws
James William Neese, Brother-in-law
Betty (Jerry) Keener, Sister-in-law

Mr. Zellers served eight years as an infantryman in the Indiana Army National Guard. He was proud to serve his country, receiving an honorable discharge in 1964. As a fourth generation painter, he continued the family legacy of interior/exterior decorating which began in 1884 when his family arrived in the area from Lancaster, PA. He enjoyed painting and the people for whom he worked. He was a man of many talents and had a love for the Tippecanoe River. He and his wife owned and operated Zellers Canoe-N-Ski Haus and Zellers Canoe Rentals. He was a life-member of the U.S. Canoe Association. He enjoyed participating in canoe racing as well as organizing Arrowhead Canoe Races. He loved fishing, and found joy in teaching his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren to fish. In recent years, he enjoyed working for Bite Me Tackle (Brad’s business). Mr. Zellers was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, as well as a great friend to many. He will be dearly missed. (As will his stories.)

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m., Monday, Feb. 5, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. The funeral service will follow at 7 p.m. (Monday}, at the funeral home with Pastor Kim Powell officiating. Private entombment will take place at Winamac Cemetery (Southlawn Addition) in Winamac. The American Legion and VFW will conduct military graveside services.

Memorial donations may be made to Pulaski Animal Center or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

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

Rodric W. Huber

January 29, 2024

VALPARAISO - Rodric Wayne Huber, 79, of Port Charlotte, Fla., passed away Monday, Jan. 29, following a seven-month battle with cancer.

The son of the late Eugene and Mildred Huber, he grew up on the family farm in Francesville, was a hard worker and loved his summers working with his uncles on their farms. He graduated from Winamac High School in 1962.

Rodric Huber

He is survived by his wife Mary Huber and children: Rod (Megan) Huber, Brett (Cinda) Huber, Candace (David) Wade, and Travis (Jenn) Huber; grandchildren: McKayla, Leighton and Ashtyn Huber, Tanner and Kiley Huber, Maverick, Tye, McGregor, Claire, Logan and Chloe Wade, Hollie (Alex) Malott, Hunter (Bianka) Huber and Hayden Huber; great-grandchildren: Heidi, Margot and Betty Malott, Oliver and Lincoln Huber; and Siblings: Gene (Barbara) Huber, Chris (Sharon) Huber, Peggy Huber, John (Beverly) Huber, and Wanda (Jake) Hoerr.

He was preceded in death by his grandson Canyon Wade, sister Sandee Price, and father-in-law and mother-in-law Ben and Ruth Ann Hodel.

Mr. Huber and his wife were married on a snowy winter Sunday in February 1967, a few months after he became eligible for the Vietnam War draft and his graduation from Purdue University. Four months after their wedding the couple answered God’s call to surrender their lives to their Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and promised to follow Him whatever and wherever He wanted them to do or go. He was a State Farm Insurance agent in DeMotte for 28 years while working in ministry. He received a master’s degree in ministry from Moody Bible Institute and served as a pastor with the Apostolic Christian Church and Faith Evangelical Bible Church in Valparaiso. His great joy in this life was to glorify his God and tell others of salvation through Jesus Christ. He served many years with Overseas Instruction in Counseling and later taught Bible classes at three assisted living homes in Florida. He was a member of Peace River Baptist Church in Punta Gorda, Fla. Ministry and family were of the utmost importance for Mr. Huber. He loved to travel and he combined the two by taking his family on mission trips here in the States and to other countries. He was excited about traveling with Mary to see the wonderful and marvelous creation of God’s hand here in the U. S. He was a beloved brother, uncle, father, grandfather, husband, pastor, brother in the Lord, friend, confidante, prayer warrior, seeker of the lost and passionate lover of Jesus Christ.

A visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to 12 noon, Monday, Feb. 5, at Valley Baptist Church, 255 CR 325 East (Rigg Rd.), Valparaiso, with a funeral service following at 12 noon, which will be livestreamed at vbcvalpo.online.church. Burial will follow at Angelcrest Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Brookdale Senior Living in Punta Gorda, Florida.

Jeffery B. Jordan

April 3, 1963 to January 25, 2024

WINAMAC - Jeffery B. “Jeff” Jordan, 60, of Lafayette (formerly of Buffalo), passed away Thursday, Jan. 25, at Eskenazi Hospital in Indianapolis.

He was born April 3, 1963 in Winamac, to the late Stanley R. and Myra Mae (Galbreath] Jordan. He graduated from Winamac Community High School in 1981 and earned a bachelor’s degree from Purdue University in 1987. He was a proud alumni member of Alpha Phi Omega fraternity. He was also an avid Purdue basketball and football fan. On March 9, 1985, he married Donna F. Goetz in Wanatah. She passed away Feb. 8, 2016.

Jeff Jordan

He is survived by:
Justin G. (Christa) Jordan, Winamac, Son
Kelsey N. Jordan, Lafayette, Daughter
Eliott R. Jordan, Winamac, Grandson
Oliver R. Jordan, Winamac, Grandson
Jody M. VanMeter, Royal Center, Sister
Jason R. Jordan, Star City, Brother
Diana L. Goetz, Lafayette, Sister-in-law
Danita J. (William) Farmer, Valparaiso, Sister-in-law
Several Nieces and Nephews
Numerous Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins

Preceded in death by:
Glenn and Laura Goetz, In-Laws
William VanMeter, Brother-in-law

Mr. Jordan had many talents, but worked most of his life in the auction business. He and his wife were loving and devoted parents and the best grandparents. He enjoyed attending his grandsons’ sporting and school events. He had a great personality, told the best stories, and was fondly known as “Shapoopy” to his family. The 4-H program was a big part of his life. In 1981, he was Pulaski County 4-H King. Notably, he met his future wife through 4-H. He went on to serve one term as president of the Porter County 4-H Council and also served as club leader for the Washington Wiz Kids for several years. He was introduced to Live Action Role Playing (LARP) nearly 20 years ago which became a passion of his. He was active in two LARP groups, KANARAK and Far Reach, where he was known to all as Kildrig (the wise shaman). His LARP family played an important role in his life and helped him through some difficult times. Most of all, he enjoyed LARPing with his son and grandsons.

Cremation will take place at Frain Crematory in Winamac. Per Jeff’s wishes, the family will host a celebration of life at a later date.

Memorial donations may be made to Pulaski County 4-H Council.

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

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.

Madaline L. Sommers

March 22, 1933 to January 25, 2024

ROYAL CENTER - Madaline L. (Fisher) Sommers, 90, of Star City passed away peacefully at 4:35 a.m., Thursday, Jan. 25, at Woodbridge Health Campus in Logansport.

Born on March 22, 1933 in Logansport, she was the daughter of the late Lawrence and Leal (Hall) Fisher. She was a 1951 Star City High School graduate. On Nov. 25, 1951 she married her high school sweetheart, Richard I. Sommers. He preceded her in death on Jan. 19, 2014.

Madaline Sommers

Survivors include her children, David L. (Dottie) Sommers of Kewanna, Daniel L. Sommers of West Lafayette and Betty L. (Steve) Anderson of Lafayette; sister, Katherine (Leroy) Moore of New Mexico; sisters-in-law, Carol (Ron) Martin of Lewisville, Texas and Mary (Ed) Sayers of Winamac; grandchildren, P.J. (Chris) Brucker of Winamac, Lynn (Todd) Edgell of Monticello, Nicholas (Amanda) Sommers of Kewanna, Christopher (Amy) Sommers of Lucerne, Abby (Jeremiah) Evilsizer of Kokomo, Kassie Clawson of Lafayette and Aaron (Brittany) Anderson of Montana. She is also survived by 24 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great-grandchildren.

Mrs. Sommers worked in various bookkeeping positions while her husband served in the U.S. Army. She was an active member of Star City United Methodist Church and the Fletchers Lake Church. She enjoyed playing Euchre, playing golf, wintering in Florida and Texas, being a Purdue basketball and Chicago Cubs fan, and most of all spending time with family and friends. She was the Caston Cross Country “grandma” for many years as the team ventured to Brown County State Park for the preseason training camp. She was the head cook for the team and was instrumental in setting the menu and organizing the camp. She enjoyed watching her kids and grandkids in all their activities including running cross country, basketball, baseball and golf, along with 4-H and school programs. Above all her time spent hosting and volunteering, she was most known for baking and decorating cakes. Wedding cakes, birthday cakes, graduation, you name it, she would decorate a cake for your occasion and always make it special.  “Madaline’s cakes” were always a treat.

Visitation will be from 3 to 7 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 28, at Rans Funeral Homes & Crematory, Harrison Chapel, Royal Center. The funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m., Monday, Jan. 29, at the funeral home. Burial will be at Star City West Cemetery.

Memorial donations can be made to the Fulton County Community Foundation in memory of Madaline Sommers supporting the Caston Cross Country program.

Mrs. Sommers’ online guestbook is available and condolences can be shared with the family at www.ransfuneralhomes.com.

Carolyn S. Redlin

August 25, 1953 to January 24, 2024

NORTH JUDSON - Carolyn Sue (Fites) Redlin, 70, of Winamac, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, Jan. 24, surrounded by her loving family.

Carolyn Redlin

She was born Aug. 25, 1953 to the late William and Delores Fites. She graduated from Winamac Community High School in 1971. On March 22, 1975, she married Charles “Chuck” Redlin at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Denham. He survives.

Also surviving are two children Christine (Michael) Lawbaugh, Highland, and Craig (Mallory) Redlin, Rensselaer, and grandchildren. She is survived by her brother Steve (Minner) Fites, Winamac, and sisters Lois Reynolds, Winamac, Marilyn Krieg, Indianapolis, and Nancy Abraham, Valparaiso.

Mrs. Redlin was a tireless worker, having many different jobs around town. She was a lover of BINGO and all games of chance. She enjoyed going on girls trips with Chrissy and attending all of Craig’s band functions. She loved to travel with the family; however, her greatest joy was being a grandmother to her three grandchildren, Hunter and Haley Lawbaugh and Lauren Redlin.

Visitation will be from 9 to 11a.m., EST (8 to 10 a.m. CST), Monday, Jan. 29, at St.
Paul Lutheran Church, Denham. The funeral service will follow at 11 a.m., EST (10 a.m. CST), at the church with Rev. Mark Fakih presiding. Burial will be at St. Paul
Lutheran Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to the St. Paul Lutheran Church.

O’Donnell Funeral Home, North Judson, is assisting the family with the arrangements.