Obituaries

Rita C. House

November 26, 1948 to December 7, 2023

WINAMAC - Rita Carolyn House, 75, North Judson (formerly of Lexington, OK), passed away Thursday, Dec. 7, at Pulaski Health Care Center in Winamac.

She was born Nov. 26, 1948, in Dyersburg, TN to the late Charles and Martha [Rushing] Gregson. She graduated from Calumet High School in Gary. On Feb. 3, 1968, she married Dennie House in Hobart. He preceded her in death.

Rita House

She is survived by:
Yvonne Rodgers, Daughter
Kimberly Brooks, Daughter
Charlene Benoit, Granddaughter
Cory Potter, Grandson
River Brooks, Grandson
Danielle Brooks, Granddaughter
Ciro Benoit, Great-Grandson
Charles Gregson Jr., Brother
Serretha (Lawrence) Gruszka, Sister
Raymond Jones, Step-Brother
Kathy Sommers, Step-Sister
Many Nieces and Nephews

She is preceded in death by:
James Jones, Step-Father

Mrs. House lived most of her adult life in Lowell, before moving to Lexington to live with her sister. Most recently, she relocated back to Indiana to live with her daughter. She enjoyed making ceramic crafts and shopping. She also enjoyed bird watching, especially cardinals. She loved her many pets over the years. More than anything, she deeply loved her family and would do anything for them.

The family will host a celebration of life event at a later date.

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 Winamac.

Daniel N. Kreamer

February 28, 1979 to December 5, 2023

KEWANNA - Daniel N. Kreamer, 44, of Kewanna passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, Dec. 5.

Born Feb. 28, 1979 in Winamac, he was the son of Verl and Beverly (Kline) Kreamer. He was a 1997 Winamac Community High School graduate. He graduated from Vincennes University in 1999 with a degree in John Deere Mechanics.

Daniel Kreamer

Survivors include his children Noah Kreamer, Addison Kreamer, Daniel Kreamer Jr., Daniella Kreamer and DeAysha Kreamer; his parents; brother Nathan Kreamer and sister Dana (Jake) Field; and  maternal grandmother Elizabeth Kline.  He is also survived by cousins, aunts and uncle and  nephews. Also, his favorite “puppy" Lucy.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather Dwight Kline; his paternal grandfather Ralph (Ivy) Kreamer; and his paternal grandmother Phyllis (Ray) Pownall.   

Mr. Kreamer worked at Gilsinger Implement Co. in Winamac for many years. He later worked in sales, but working on antique tractors always remained his first love. The Power from the Past Show in Winamac was his favorite event of the year. He loved the outdoors and was an avid animal lover and had had many dogs, cats, cows and horses over the years. He was known as a loving father who enjoyed spending time with his children.  Most of all, he loved serving his Lord and Savior. He had served as a youth group leader and was studying to become a Methodist pastor.

Services will be private.

Memorial donations may be made to Dup15Q Alliance at dup15q.org; the Gideons, or a local animal shelter.

His online guestbook is available and condolences may be shared with the family at www.ransfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements are pending at Rans Funeral Homes, Kewanna.

Mark E. Overmyer

August 23, 1961 to December 5, 2023

FRANCESVILLE - Mark Eric Overmyer, 62, of Wolcott, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 5.

He was born Aug. 28, 1961 in Rensselaer, to Danny Lee and Carol Ann [Finch] Overmyer. He graduated from West Central High School with the class of 1981 and took a short course at Purdue University School of Agriculture.

Mark Overmyer

He is survived by:
Carol Overmyer, Francesville, Mother
David Andrew Overmyer, Wolcott, Brother
Daniel Scott (Rebecca Huber) Overmyer, Savannah, GA, Brother
8 Nieces and Nephews: Joshua, Chelsey, Andrew, Levi, Kristie, Alicia, Tyler, and Paige
Many Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins

Preceded in death by:
Danny Lee Overmyer, Father
Jerry Lee Overmyer, Brother

Mr. Overmyer began his career in farming with D.L. Overmyer Farms and was currently employed by Monon Valley Ranch. He enjoyed farming and was a hard worker. He was kind-hearted and loving. He enjoyed family gatherings, especially spending time with his nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m., Monday, Dec. 11, at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Francesville. The funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. (Monday), at the funeral home with ministers of the church officiating. Burial will be at Roseland Cemetery in Francesville.

Memorial donations may be made to the Francesville Apostolic Christian Church or American Heart Association.

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

Donald L. Hale

April 19, 1935 to December 4, 2023

WINAMAC - Donald L. Hale, 88, of Winamac passed away Monday, Dec. 4, at Brickyard Terrace Care Center in LaPorte.

He was born April 19, 1935 in Magoffin County, KY to the late Robert B. and Betty Sue [Stephens] Hale. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He married Jacqueline Waterhouse on Oct. 25, 1958, in Bergenfield, NJ. She survives.

Donald Hale

He is also survived by:
Robin Hale, Indianapolis, Daughter
Deborah (David Whiteman) Hale-Worrell, Westlake Village, CA, Daughter
Tracie (Jeremy) Jones, Winamac, Daughter
Patrick Goodman, Winamac, Son-in-law
Grandchildren: TJ (Jessica) Redlin, Taylor Jones, Haley Worrell, Chelsea Worrell, Bailey Jones and Everly Jones.
Great-Grandchildren: Maverick Redlin and Jaxon Redlin.
Mildred Hale, Denham, Sister-in-law
Many Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
Jennifer Goodman, Daughter
Myrle Hale, Brother
Mary Calabrese, Sister
Earl Hale, Infant Brother
James Hale, Brother
Billie “Red” Hale, Brother
Elma Brewer, Sister
Robert B. “RB” Hale Jr., Brother
M. Faye Back, Sister
Arnold Hale, Brother
John P. “JP” Hale, Brother

Mr. Hale was a proud member of the Winamac VFW Post #1728 and Winamac American Legion Post #71. He served many years on the local honor guard. He was a member of the Church of the Heartland in Winamac. He enjoyed golfing with friends, traveling with his family, and attending his grandkids sporting events. He also enjoyed the outdoors, especially fishing on the Tippecanoe River and mowing his lawn. He was a kind man who did not know a stranger.

Visitation will be from 3 to 6 p.m., Monday, Dec. 11, at Church of the Heartland in Winamac. The funeral service will follow at 6 p.m. (Monday), at the church with Pastor Heath Hiatt officiating. Private burial will be at Winamac Cemetery (McKinley Addition) in Winamac. The American Legion and VFW will conduct military graveside services.

Memorial donations may be made to Church of the Heartland.

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

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.

Lewis E. Troyer

May 28, 1932 to December 3, 2023

WINAMAC - Lewis Edward Troyer, 91, of Winamac, (formerly of Culver) passed away Sunday, Dec. 3, at Hickory Creek in Winamac.

He was born May 28, 1932 in Culver to Edward Manuel and May [Gross] Troyer. He was a U.S. Army veteran and served in the 43rd Armored Infantry Battalion in Germany during the Korean War. He married Wilma Whitehead on Aug. 11, 1954, in Rochester. She passed away Oct. 8, 2008.

Lewis Troyer

He is survived by:
Richard E. (Deborah) Troyer, Troy, AL, Son
11 Grandchildren
Numerous Great-Grandchildren and Great-Great-Grandchildren

Preceded in death by:
Edward (Pheobe) Troyer, Father and Step-Mother
Mary (Lee) Dixon, Mother and Step-Father
Brent A. Troyer, Son
Cheryl L. Lowry, Daughter
Leslie W. Troyer, Son

Mr. Troyer worked construction most of his life, having been part of the crew that built Disney World. He also worked as a long haul truck driver. He and his wife enjoyed dancing and being in bowling league together. He also enjoyed riding his motorcycle and hunting. He will be dearly missed.

Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m., Wednesday, Dec. 6, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac.  The funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. (Wednesday) at the funeral home with Rev. Nelda Seger officiating. The American Legion and VFW will conduct military honors at the funeral home. Private burial will be at Oak Hill Cemetery in Plymouth.

Memorial donations may be made to American Legion or VFW.

Online tributes may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com

Douglas L. Gutwein

April 4, 1948 to December 1, 2023

FRANCESVILLE - The Honorable Douglas Lynn Gutwein, Indiana State Representative, retired, 75, of Cary, NC (formerly of Francesville) passed away Friday, Dec. 1, at his home, following year-long battle with cancer.

Fondly known as Doug to all, he was born April 4, 1948 to the late Clarence and Jane [Snedeker] Gutwein in Francesville. After graduation from Francesville High School in 1966, he attended Ball State University before deciding to join the U.S. Army and serve his country. He was stationed in Germany until receiving his orders for Vietnam where he drove a mail truck for the army. He found himself traveling the dangerous roads between military bases ensuring that his comrades were able to stay connected to home and with their loved ones. After Vietnam, he returned to Francesville and worked for the U.S. Postal Service as a mail carrier in Valparaiso. He then moved to Santa Ana, CA where he lived and worked as a mail carrier before moving to San Clemente, CA where he met Mary Lewis Finley. They were married in 1979 in her hometown of Georgetown, KY. She survives.

Doug Gutwein

He is also survived by three children, Jeff (Jennifer) Blewett, Mary Gutwein Eads, and Lucy (David) Gutwein Schuetz; seven grandchildren, Alex, Finley, Jake, Elisha, Jordan, Jacob and Jenna; and two brothers, Don (Judy) Gutwein and Rich (Pat) Gutwein. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He is preceded in death by a son-in-law, Chris Eads, and his brothers, Bob Gutwein  and Ron Gutwein.

After their marriage, Mr. Gutwein moved his new bride back to his hometown of Francesville where the family made their home. He adopted Mary Lew’s daughter, Mary, and in 1980, the couple welcomed another daughter into their lives, Lucy Jane. Both girls were the apple of his eye. He was a small business owner and ran a steel wheel manufacturing company (known as FTC Products) for many years. Although successful in business, his true love was service to others. He was elected to the Francesville Town Board where he served as board president (aka “The Mayor”). Among his many achievements in this role was the expansion of the Francesville Library – an accomplishment he was most proud of.

In 2008, his commitment to service continued when he was elected to the Indiana State House of Representatives. For 14 years, he faithfully served the citizens of District 16. He prided himself on attending every Lincoln Day Dinner, every fish fry, every pancake breakfast, and every pork chop dinner in the district. He was a fixture in local parades - with his golf cart proudly adorned with Old Glory, the Indiana State Flag, and the POW/MIA flag and Lee Greenwood’s “Proud to Be an American” blaring from the speakers. He rarely answered messages from his constituents by text or e-mail, electing instead to call them personally. He loved his district and the people in it too much to do any less. Among the many committees he served on were the Veterans Affairs Committee, the Committee to Reduce Government Waste, and the Labor Committee where, in his role as chairman, he regularly made use of an egg-timer to ensure everyone had their voices heard during his committee meetings. He only sponsored or co-sponsored bills that truly meant a lot to him. Ambition was not his passion - veterans, rural communities, and babies were where his heart lay. He championed several bills, all aimed at making the lives of veterans better, helping the rural communities that he loved, and “saving those little babies” with bills like Graham’s Law and Bryce’s Bill. His tenacity in pursuing bills that were important to him earned him the reputation of being “charmingly cantankerous” amongst his peers. He was a lifelong member of the Republican Party; but for all who knew him, his legislative agenda was not partisan - it was for the good of all Hoosiers.

After retiring from office in 2022, Doug and Mary Lew began the process of closing that chapter of their life in Indiana and moving to North Carolina to be with family and grandchildren. While his retirement was regrettably short, the time spent in North Carolina was precious and filled with watching cheer competitions, football and baseball games, and working on making their new home feel like their only home. He was a fierce lover of his family and doted on all of his grandchildren, who gave him so much joy. He was an amazing friend and mentor to many. He was a man who loved his “projects,” having the best grass in town, sipping gas station coffee with his friends, and telling fun stories and jokes by “Granddaddy’s pool” until long after the sun went down. Over the final months of his life, numerous friends shared many touching stories of how he impacted their lives, how he had never met a stranger, and how much joy his infectious and excellent sense of humor brightened every room he entered.

Visitation will be from 2 to 8 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 7, at the Apostolic Fellowship Center (409 N. Morton St.) Francesville; and two hours prior to services at the church on Friday. The funeral service will be at 2 p.m., Friday, Dec. 8, at the Apostolic Christian Church, Francesville, with ministers of the church officiating. Burial with military honors will be at Roseland Cemetery in Francesville.

Memorial donations may be made to Disabled American Veterans (DAV) or The Wounded Warrior Project.

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

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