Obituaries

JD Danford

August 31, 1936 to January 20, 2024

WINAMAC - JD Danford, 87, of Star City, passed away Saturday, Jan. 20, in Evansville.

He was born Aug. 31, 1936 in Monon, to the late John and Daisy [Watson] Danford.

JD Danford

He is survived by:
Ronda Denney, Winamac, Daughter
Cindy Rife, Cherokee, IA, Daughter
Diana (Danny) Farris, Logansport, Daughter
Brandon (Lana) Rife, Grandson
Megan (Max) Foster, Granddaughter
Natalie Farris, Granddaughter
Tyler Rife, Great-Grandson
Trista Rife, Great-Granddaughter
Norman Danford, Washington, IN, Brother
Vic Day, Monon, Brother-in-law
Several Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
Betty [Drach] Danford, Wife
Evelyn Clemons, Sister
Angie Day, Sister
Barbara Keiser, Sister
Gwen Bennett, Sister
Cleta Jo Danford, Infant Sister
Larry Danford, Brother
Bob Danford, Brother
Charles Danford, Infant Brother

Mr. Danford drove truck all his life. He also previously worked at Moyer Grain and the Pulaski County Highway Department, as well as for Tony Kasten and Mike McClure. McClure. He was a longtime member of the Star City Volunteer Fire Department. He loved spending time at his shop and listening to Bluegrass music.

In keeping with Mr. Danford’s wishes, a private graveside service will be held at Star City West Cemetery in Star City. Burial will follow at the cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to Star City Volunteer Fire Department.

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

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.

Sherrie L. Hauptli

February 10, 1965 to January 18, 2024

MEDARYVILLE - Sherrie L. [Nightingale] Hauptli, 58, of Medaryville, passed away Thursday, Jan. 18, at St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis.

She was born Feb. 10, 1965, in East Chicago. She was a 1983 graduate of West Central High School in Francesville and attended Central Bible College in Springfield, MO.

Sherrie Hauptli

Sherrie is survived by:
Coltin D. Lynch, Hamlet, Son
Cheyenne R. (fiancé: Seth Dunfee) Lynch, Knox, Daughter
3 Grandchildren: Isabelle, Roweyn and Bristol
Donna R. Hendershot, Billings, MO, Sister
Sandra K. Baker, Billings, MO, Sister
Isaac E. (Mona) Nightingale, Monon, Brother
Rosetta L. Nightingale, Indianapolis, Sister
Many Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
John W. Sr. and Betty L. [Banes] Nightingale, Parents
Nicholas E. Hauptli, Husband
Chastity N. “Chas” Bennett, Daughter
John W. “Sonny” Nightingale Jr., Brother

Mrs. Hauptli worked most of her life in the medical field. She was a gifted musician who was well-known for playing the organ and piano at church. In 1984, she joined Melodyaires which began her singing career spanning over 25 years, concluding with her performance in I Love Lucy. She taught piano for many years and credited her love for music to Josephine Speicher. In addition to her musical talents, she was fluent in American Sign Language and was a talented cook and baker. She was an avid bowler; a pastime she shared with her father. She was a certified storm chaser and covered White County. She loved spending time outdoors and especially enjoyed summers spent working at Indiana Beach. She served her Lord and Savior with all her heart. Her Medaryville Assembly of God church family was precious to her. Most of all, she was a loving and devoted daughter, mom, grandma, sister, and aunt. She will be incredibly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Friday, Jan. 26, at the Medaryville Assembly of God Church. The funeral service will follow at 1 p.m. (Friday), church with Pastor Tom Dewlen officiating. Burial will be at White Post Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to the family.

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

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Medaryville.

William T. Jenkins

December 29, 1935 to January 12, 2024

ROYAL CENTER - William Thomas “Bill” Jenkins, 88, of Winamac passed away at 2:15 a.m., Friday, Jan. 12, at Pulaski Healthcare Center, Winamac.

He was born Dec. 29, 1935 in Winamac, to the late James and Esther (Thomas) Jenkins. He graduated Winamac High School in 1955 and served in the U.S. Army. On April 29, 1972, he married Fafalene Howard-Kolish. She survives.

Bill Jenkins

 Survivors also include his children Melissa (Josh) Behny of Fishers, Susan (Jeff) Foust of Rochester, Mark (Diane) Kolish of Winamac; daughter-in-law Linda Kolish of Winamac; sister Betty (Harry) DePoy of Winamac; grandchildren Chad (Monica) Kolish of Winamac, Beth Kolish of Winamac, Ryan (Lindsey) Kolish of Winamac, Austin (Emily) Foust of Rochester, Matthew (Laura) Kolish of Winamac, Jordan (Jess Bank) Kolish of Winamac, Kaitlin Foust of South Bend, Finian Behny of Fishers and Cameron Behny of Fishers; and great-grandchildren Jackson, Sawyer, Charlotte, Cale and Ava Kolish and Zander, Rowan and Cason Foust.

He was also preceded in death by step-sons Kevin Kolish and William Kolish, brother Robert Jenkins and grandson Liam Behny.

Mr. Jenkins spent his early years hunting and fishing alongside his brother Bob. It was during those youthful adventures that he discovered his lifelong passion for fishing, a pursuit that would bring him immeasurable joy throughout the years. His life was marked by a deep love for the outdoors, unwavering friendship, and dedicated service to his community. He was the former owner and operator of Jenkin’s Service. Though the façade and purpose of the business evolved over time from his father to his grandson, the core values Bill cherished remained constant and he loved interacting with his customers. Known for his generosity and willingness to lend a helping hand, he was a true friend who could always be relied upon. He was that neighbor who'd lend you a tool or offer a friendly chat over the fence. His warm-hearted nature endeared him to many, and his willingness to assist anyone in need left an indelible mark on the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know him. Above all, Mr. Jenkins cherished his family. As we say goodbye to Bill, let's remember the guy who loved life, enjoyed nature, worked hard, shared fishing tales, and was always ready to lend a hand. 

A celebration of life service will be at 11 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 27, at the Opera House in Winamac with Pastor Hagin Hiatt officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.

Memorial donations may be made to the Winamac Fire Department.

Mr. Jenkin’s online guestbook is available and condolences can be shared with the family at www.ransfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Rans Funeral Homes, Royal Center.

Carl M. Calfee

June 30, 1949 to January 10, 2024

WINAMAC - Carl Michael Calfee, 74, of Winamac, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 10, at his home.

He was born June 30, 1949 in Oceanside, CA to Marine CPL Carl Edison and Nora Frances [Boyle] Calfee. As a young boy, his father was killed in an accident and his mother died of tuberculosis. He was adopted by his Uncle Leonard Floyd Calfee and Aunt, Loureene Enid [Kinsey] Calfee (now deceased) who raised him as their own. He married Carol Sue Heims on Nov. 6, 1976 in Winamac. She survives.

Carl Calfee

He is survived also by:
Jeremy Calfee, Kewanna, Son
Dana (Michael) Creasy, Winamac, Daughter
Nichole (Luke Fritz) Calfee, Winamac, Daughter
Grandchildren: Brianna Calfee, Ethan Calfee, Austin Creasy, Dalton Creasy, Gavin Fritz, William Fritz, and Kylie Fritz.
One great-grandchild on the way

Preceded in death by:
Jerlaine Carla Kasper, Sister
Constance Ellen Esparza, Sister
Ann Frances Calfee, Infant Sister

After graduating from Reeves High School in Adak, AK in 1968, Mr. Calfee joined the U.S. Naval Reserves and worked on crab boats in Alaska. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1968, and after completing boot camp in San Diego, , he was stationed at Naval Air Station Oceana in Virginia Beach, VA. From April-October 1971, he had the great privilege to serve aboard the USS Saratoga CV-60 during the world’s first evaluation the CV concept. In November 1971, after three years of service, he received an honorable discharge at Norfolk Naval Station in Norfolk, VA. In 1972, he moved to Winamac (what he called Mayberry). Carl and Carol enjoyed the outdoors together, including hiking, long walks and mushroom hunting. Over the years, he worked for John Williamson construction, Winamac Steel, and Torx. His main career was spent working at Galbreath for 31 years. The most important part of his life was his family, especially spending time with his grandchildren. He will be sadly missed by his family and friends.

Visitation will be from 3 to 7 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 16, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Wednesday, Jan. 17, at the funeral home with Pastor James Adcock officiating. Burial will be at Mt. Zion-Franklin Twp. Cemetery in Winamac. The American Legion and VFW will conduct military graveside services.

Memorial donations may be made to the funeral home to assist the family with final expenses.

Online tributes may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com

Betty L. Podell

August 15, 1933 to January 10, 2024

WINAMAC - Betty Louise Podell, 90, of Winamac, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 10, at Pulaski Health Care Center in Winamac.

She was born Aug. 15, 1933 in Denham, to Kenneth and Rosanna [Rater] Kasten. She graduated from North Judson High School in 1951. On Oct. 24, 1951, she married Orvel W. Podell Jr. at the Methodist Church in North Judson. He passed away Nov. 30, 2018.

Betty Podell

She is survived by:
Rhonda (Jim) Pierrou, Winamac, Daughter
Karen Button, Winamac, Daughter
Laura (Keith) Heigl, Winamac, Daughter
12 Grandchildren: Angela (Charles) Bolen, Brian (Julie) Pierrou, Cody (Hannah) Pierrou, Thomas Button, Kayleen Button, Lizzie Button, David (Melissa) Heigl, Jeff (Cindy) Heigl, Joe (Amber) Heigl, Katy (Jake) Swider, Matt Heigl and Sam Heigl.
21 Great-Grandchildren
Vera Ward, Valparaiso, Sister
John (Joyce) Cooper Jr. Hebron, Brother
Dan (Deb) Cooper, Greenup, IL, Brother
Many Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
Kenneth Kasten, Father
Rosanna [Rater] Kasten Cooper, Mother
John M. Cooper Sr., Step-Father
John Melvin Button, Infant Grandson
Leland T. Howard-Button, Infant Great-Grandson
Thomas Kasten, Brother
William Ward, Brother-in-law

Mrs. Podell was a retired farmer and substitute postmaster in Denham. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Denham and Gideon’s International. She was also a member of the Pulaski County Democrats and Pulaski County Farm Bureau. She served on the Pulaski County Election Board and as the Jefferson Township Trustee for many years. She enjoyed the outdoors, especially farming and gardening. Most of all, she loved being a wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m., Monday, Jan. 15, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Tuesday, Jan. 16, at the funeral home with her grandsons Jeff Heigl and Cody Pierrou officiating. Burial will be at Denham Cemetery in Denham.

Edwina Martin

January 21, 1941 to January 8, 2024

WINAMAC - Edwina “Winnie” Martin, 82, of Winamac, passed away Monday, Jan. 8, at her home.

She was born Jan. 21, 1941 in Winamac to the late Joseph and Antonia [Arndt] Gudas. She graduated from Star City High School in 1958 and continued her education at Northwestern University in Chicago. On Sept. 16, 1967, she married Michael Martin in Winamac. He passed away June 22, 2004.

Winnie Martin

She is survived by:
Antoinette “Tina” (Ken) Zuchel, Palatine, IL, Daughter
Michael “Hook” Martin Jr., Coloma, MI, Son
Eric (Iwona) Martin, Plano, IL, Son
Grandchildren: Kaila Zuchel, Colin Zuchel, Robert Winters, Kristin (Josh) Nadolski, Ryan Martin, Brianna “Bree” Thomas, Austin Edgar, and Matthew Martin.
Great-grandchildren: Aiden Grandolfo, Finley Short and Kelsey Nadolski.
Mary (Jim) Perry, Piqua, OH, Sister
Ed (Patty) Gudas, Star City, Brother
Erica Gudas, Muncie, Sister-in-law
Numerous Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
Bette Martin-Edgar, Daughter
Kaitlyn Edgar, Granddaughter
JoJo Gudas, Sister
Al Gudas, Brother
Joseph Gudas, Jr., Brother
Millie Redweik, Sister
Frankie and Johnny Gudas, Infant Brothers

Mrs. Martin was retired from a career in graphic arts. She was a history buff and rock enthusiast who also enjoyed traveling, watching game shows, and gardening. In recent years, she served on the board of Pulaski Human Services. She was a kind and encouraging woman who always served others first. She loved her family dearly and will be sadly missed.

Visitation will be from 2 to 8 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 13, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. The funeral service will be at 2 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 14, at the funeral home with Pastor Jeff Seger officiating. Private entombment will be at Winamac Cemetery (South Lawn Addition) in Winamac.

Memorial donations may be made to Pulaski County Human Services.

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