Obituaries

Dolores E. Synak

May 31, 1926 to June 30, 2023

WINAMAC - Dolores E. Synak, 97, of Aiken, SC passed away peacefully Friday, June 30, at home surrounded by her family.

She was born May 31, 1926 in Chicago to Martin and Agnes [Mikoda] Zahorsky. On Nov. 28, 1944, she married Frank C. Synak in El Cerrito, CA, and she began her journey as an Army wife. He preceded her in death.

Dolores Synak

She is survived by:
Charla (John) Ebenroth, Aiken, SC, Daughter
Rhana Synak, Aiken, SC, Daughter
Franki (George) Chabalewski, Richmond, VA, Daughter
Grandchildren: Eric (Lisa) Ebenroth, Aaron (Connie) Ebenroth, Frank (Lysa) Ebenroth, Joe (Tracey) Ebenroth, John (Michelle) Ebenroth, Jane Ebenroth, Rachel (Fran) Lenahan, Sara (Billy) Crum, and Sam Chabalewski.
18 Great-Grandchildren
8 Great-Great-Grandchildren
Several Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
Martin Zahorsky, Father
Agnes Vicek, Mother
Dorothy Vanac, Sister
Bernice Fisher, Sister
Violet Hoffman, Sister

Mrs. Synak was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pulaski, as well as St. Mary Help of Christians Church in Aiken, SC. She was an avid quilter and talented seamstress. She was a loving and devoted wife and mother. She was especially fond of her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. She will be dearly missed by her family who loved her so much.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 12 noon, Saturday, July 8, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pulaski. A funeral mass will follow at 12 noon (Saturday), July 8, 2023 at the church. Burial will be at St. Joseph Cemetery South in Pulaski.

Memorial donations may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

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

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.

Alberta S. Baker

April 8, 1929 to June 28, 2023

MEDARYVILLE - Alberta S. Baker, 94, of Medaryville, passed away Wednesday, June 28, at Northwest Health LaPorte Hospital.

She was born April 8, 1929 at home in rural Rich Grove Township to the late Alfred H. and Amanda A. [Luebbe] Rhode. She graduated from Medaryville High School in 1947. On June 19, 1948, she married Ora R. Baker at St. John’s Church in Medaryville. He passed away Aug. 7, 2014.

Alberta Baker

She is survived by:
Rebecca S. (Richard) Burianek, North Judson, Daughter
Alan G. Burianek, Indianapolis, Grandson
Several Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
David L. Rhode, Foster Son
Jennifer R. Baker, Daughter
Melanie L. Holder, Granddaughter
Genevieve Correll, Sister
H. Vivian Hibbs, Sister

Mrs. Baker was a seamstress at the Medaryville garment factory for many years until it closed. She and her husband raised two wonderful daughters, as well as a beloved foster son. Daughter Jennifer passed away unexpectedly Feb. 15, 1999. After Ora retired, his wife was his faithful caretaker until he passed away. She was a longtime member of the Medaryville Christian Church. She enjoyed gardening and canning. Her favorite crop was tomatoes. She always kept a very clean and tidy home. She was a loving and devoted wife and mother. She especially loved her grandchildren. She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m., Wednesday, July 5, at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Medaryville. The funeral service will follow at 11:a.m. (Wednesday), at the funeral home with Pastor Thomas Dewlen officiating. Burial will be at White Post Cemetery in Medaryville.

Memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association

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

Lois J. Conley

July 14, 1930 to June 26, 2023

MEDARYVILLE - Lois J. Conley, 92, of Indianapolis, passed away Monday, June 26, at her daughter’s home in Indianapolis.

She was born July 14, 1930 in Chicago, to the late Edward and Mabel [Malchow] Zimmerman. On Dec. 22, 1956 she married Charles L. Conley. He passed away May 19, 1973.

She is survived by:
Barb (Tish Richmond) Conley, Indianapolis, Daughter
7 Grandchildren: Kellie, Joel (Danielle), Graham, Milo, Gray, Mary and Allison.
4 Great-Grandchildren: Avien, Gracie, David and Olivia.
Several Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
Wesley Zimmerman, Brother
Rosemarie West, Sister

Mrs. Conley enjoyed sewing and cooking. Her dogs were always near and dear to her. She was a loving and devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She will be dearly missed.

A private graveside service will be at White Post Cemetery in Medaryville.

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

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

Faye L. Redweik Leonard

August 28, 1948 to June 12, 2023

WINAMAC - Faye Lynn Redweik Leonard, 74, of Winamac, passed away at home Friday, June 23, surrounded by her family.

She was born Aug. 28, 1948 in North Judson, to the late Robert R. and AnnaBelle [Lash] Royce. She graduated from North Judson High School in 1966. On Nov. 4, 1967, she married Edwin Emil Redweik. The couple had two sons before he passed away unexpectedly on March 10, 1973. She was introduced to Edward David Leonard by her late husband’s sister-in-law, Millie. Faye and David were married Dec. 6, 1975. He became a second dad to the boys and the family grew when they welcomed two daughters. He survives.

Faye Redweik Leonard

She is also survived by:
Karl R. (Laura) Redweik, Winamac, Son
Kevin E. Redweik, Winamac, Son
Kellie A. Leonard Haselby, Winamac, Daughter
Karrie L. (Andy) McCay, Argos, Daughter
Grandchildren: Ashley (Chad) Conley, Michaela (Nate) Tersigni, Erika (Jake) Bryant,
Coty (Kayla) VanEs, Sarah (Zach) Shidler, Taylor Perry, Caleb McCay, Hannah McCay, Kaelynn Redweik, and Klara McCay.
9 Great-Grandchildren (and 1 on the way)
Anna Mae Mullins, Wanatah, Sister
Madalen Leonard, Winamac, Sister-in-law
Tom (Nancy) Leonard, Silver Springs, MD, Brother-in-law
Several Nieces and Nephews and their families

Preceded in death by:
James McCay, Infant Grandson
Olivia Redweik, Infant Granddaughter
Avery Tersigni, Infant Great-Grandson
Karen Tripenfeldas, Sister
Robert W. Royce, Brother
Many other beloved family members

Mrs. Redweik Leonard worked at Gilsinger’s in Winamac for many years. To all the “kernels” in Winamac - there was only one “COB.” She retired in 2010. She was a longtime member of St. Luke Lutheran Church in Winamac where she formerly taught Sunday school. She was a 4-H Leader for Franklin Township for 20 years. The couple enjoyed traveling, especially to Hawaii. Somehow, their adventures always landed them at a casino! Not a week went by without Faye getting her lottery tickets and scratch offs. She was the lucky one in the family. She also enjoyed crocheting and patching clothes for the family. She was an avid Judge Judy watcher as well. She was hardworking, strong-willed, and stubborn. You always knew where you stood. She loved her family fiercely, even though she always said her kids gave her gray hair. She especially loved her grandchildren (who could do no wrong). She will be sadly missed and always remembered.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, June 28, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Thursday, June 29, at the funeral home with Pastor Tom Woodley officiating. Burial will be at Mt. Zion – Franklin Twp. Cemetery in Winamac.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Luke Lutheran Church.

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

Benjamin A. Robbins

April 14, 1986 to June 21, 2023

WINAMAC - Benjamin Adam Robbins, 37, of Winamac (formerly of Kewanna), passed away Wednesday, June 21.

He was born April 14, 1986 in Hartford City, to Randal Alan and Susan Carol [Batten] Robbins. He graduated from North Judson-San Pierre High School in 2004. He served in the Indiana Army National Guard for eight years - with 14 months of active duty service in Iraq. On June 30, 2011, he married Marissa Ann Roe in Monticello. They lived at Lake Bruce for 11 years before recently moving to Winamac. She survives.

Ben Robbins

He is also survived by:
Trista Kay Robbins, Winamac, Daughter
Elizabeth Marie Robbins, Winamac, Daughter
Annabelle Sophia Robbins, Winamac, Daughter
Benjamin Adam Robbins II, Winamac, Son
Randal and Susan Robbins, Buckeye, AZ, Parents
Abigail (James) Peterson, Buckeye, AZ, Sister
Megan (Brandon) Mareska, Buckeye, AZ, Sister
Christopher Robbins, Medaryville, Brother
Nathaniel (Tyler) Robbins, Goodyear, AZ, Brother
Caleb (Taylor) Robbins, Kewanna, Brother
12 Nieces and Nephews: Quintin, Mallory, Qwest, Keegan, Koltyn, Chloe, Isabella, Octavia, Caleb Jr., Zuri, Peyton and Camden.
Joyce Batten, Hartford City, Maternal Grandmother
Numerous Aunts, Uncles and Cousins
Robert Roe, Forest, Father-in-law
3 Brothers-in-law: Robert, Barri and Duke
2 Sisters-in-law: Andrea and Katherine
Heather Stavedahl, Winamac, Former Wife

Preceded in death by:
Jeremiah Robbins, Brother
Isaac Robbins, Nephew
Melody Batten, Aunt
Melissa Lovett, Mother-in-law

Mr. Robbins worked for Norfolk Southern Railroad for 11 years where he started as a conductor and worked his way up to engineer and remote operator. He worked at FedEx for a while before going to work at Rochester Metal Products where he was currently employed. He was a member of United Steel Workers Union Local #3261-01. He was a talented mechanic who liked to tinker on cars. He enjoyed the outdoors, especially bonfires, hunting and fishing. He especially enjoyed building model cars with his kids (he had a lot of patience). He loved his family very much, especially his children who were his heart and soul. The kids will always have good memories of playing baseball with their dad. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Visitation will be from 3 to 6 p.m., Tuesday, June 27, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. The funeral service will follow at 6 p.m. (Tuesday), at the funeral home with Pastor Stephen Sundquist officiating. Private disposition be at a later date.

Memorial donations may be made to Warrior Youth Baseball, P.O. Box 456 Winamac, IN 46996 (envelopes will be available at the funeral home).

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

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.

Floyd D. Kistler

November 21, 1934 to June 16, 2023

WINAMAC - Floyd Dean “Pap” Kistler, 88, of Valparaiso (formerly of Lowell), passed away Friday, June 16, at Aviva of Valparaiso.

He was born Nov. 21, 1934 in Winamac, to the late Floyd Elroy and Letha Marie [Stewart] Kistler. He grew up on a dairy farm and attended Fairview School. He graduated from Star City High School in 1952 where he was a Yell Leader. After high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force.

Dean Kistler

He is survived by:
Numerous Nieces and Nephews (and their families)

Preceded in death by:
Garnet Emma Rearick, Sister
Lee Grant Kistler, Brother
Esther Denelia Hayes, Sister
Grace Thelma Straw, Sister
Thale Mae Feltis, Sister
Lura Elnora Feltis, Sister
Helen Marie Brown, Sister
Doris Baggerley, Sister
Kenneth Keith Kistler, Brother
Janetta Jane Grice, Sister
2 Nephews and 2 Nieces

Mr. Kistler served four years at Greenville Air Force Base in Mississippi where he received laboratory technician training. He made many lifelong friends during his time in the service. After receiving an honorable discharge, he returned to Indiana. He continued his military service in the U.S. Air Force Reserve until 1963. He founded the Crown Point Clinical Laboratory which he operated for nearly 40 years. He was truly a pioneer in his industry. He made his home in Lowell where he became an active member of Indian Trail Grange #2361. He served as the president of Indiana Grange for over a decade. He cherished the relationships he made while active in the Grange.

A man with diverse hobbies and interests, Mr. Kistler enjoyed music of all kinds. He could play any song on the piano “by ear” and had a beautiful singing voice. He was fascinated with the old west. He enjoyed numerous trips to Wyoming, especially attending the Cody Rodeo. He loved the outdoors, especially vegetable gardening and bird watching. He canned his own vegetables for numerous years. He was a talented cook and baker. He valued trips to Turkey Run State Park (with anyone who would go with him).He was very kind and generous. He was always committed to his family who lovingly called him “Pap.” He had a big heart and held on to all that mattered most to him. The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to the staff of Aviva and Dunes Hospice for their tender and passionate care of Uncle Pap.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Friday, June 23, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. The funeral service will follow at 1 p.m. (Friday), at the funeral home with Rev. Edward Clark officiating. 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 Indian Trail Grange or Dunes Hospice.

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