Obituaries
John A. Roberts
June 5, 1941 to March 11, 2023
WINAMAC - John Arthur “Hen” Roberts, 81, died Saturday, March 11, at his home surrounded by his loving wife, children and grandchildren.
Born June 5, 1941, in Winamac, he was a son of the late Harry Arthur and Mercedes Elizabeth Nufer Roberts. He was a 1959 graduate of Winamac High School and married Louise Maxine Paulsen on June 30, 1962, at the United Methodist Church in North Judson. She survives.
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| John Roberts |
Also surviving are a daughter, Denise (James) Richardson of Summerville; a son, Mark (Becky) Roberts of Ninety-Six; four grandchildren, John Pilling, Walker Richardson, both of Summerville, Jake Roberts and Justin Roberts, both of Greenwood; a brother, Jeff (Brenda) Roberts of Indiana; two sisters, Jayne (Carl) Federer and Jeannine (Steve) George, both of Indiana; a brother-in-law, Darwin Russell of Indiana; two sisters-in-law, Carol Shrader and Rita Roberts, both of Indiana; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by a brother, James Roberts; and four sisters, Janet Brown, JoEllen Russell, Judith Shrader and Jennifer Terry.
Mr. Roberts was a life-endowed member of the Indiana Freemasons, joining the North Judson Lodge in 1965, which merged with the Winamac Lodge #262, which then merged with the Royal Center Lodge #585. He was a member of Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite – Valley of South Bend, joining in April of 1967, and Tall Cedars of Lebanon of Michigan City. He was also a member of the Charity Lodge #62 in Elloree upon moving to South Carolina. He retired as an area supervisor in field services from Northern Indiana Public Service Company (NISource) with 37 years of service. He was a member of the Knights of Pythias in Elloree. He was a former member of First United Methodist Church in Winamac. He was a member of Elloree United Methodist Church. He enjoyed boating, fishing, playing golf, and skeet shooting in his younger years. He also enjoyed an annual pheasant hunt with his brother, James “Butch,” in Iowa. He and his wife enjoyed dancing and playing cards. He had a dry sense of humor and there was always laughter in the house. He was a charitable, compassionate person, helping behind the scenes whenever possible. He loved his wife and family deeply.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
Memorials may be made to Shriner’s Hospitals for Children, www.lovetotherescue.org, or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, www.stjude.org
Patty L. Hoffman
February 17, 1934 to March 11, 2023
WINAMAC - Patty L. Hoffman, 89, of Winamac, passed away peacefully with her family around her at 9:30 p.m., Saturday, March 11, at White Oak Health Campus in Monticello.
She was born Feb. 17, 1934 in Winamac to the late William E. and Effie R. [Geiger] Degner. She graduated from Winamac High School in 1952. On Aug. 30, 1953, she married Jimmy J. Hoffman at Tippecanoe Christian Church. He passed away Dec. 27, 2019.
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| Patty Hoffman |
She is survived by:
Sally (Steve) Butler, Plainfield, Daughter
Sue (Tim) Alexander, Winamac, Daughter
Sam Hoffman, Star City, Son
Sharon (Brian) Cords, Medaryville, Daughter
Grandchildren: Brandy McClure, Lindsay (Brian) Dakin, Allison (Michael) Ellis,
S. Adrian Butler, Joel (Jenni) Butler, Megan (Chris) Wegner, Jim (Katy) Alexander,
Mark (Janelle) Alexander, Jenna Cords, and Jaden Cords.
19 Great-Grandchildren
Donna Hoffman Meyer-St. Clair, Sister-in-Law
Alice Hoffman (Devon) Thurston-Fritz, Sister-in-Law
Many Nieces and Nephews
Preceded in death by:
Vivian Degner, Sister
Donna (Charles) Delorenzo, Sister
Eula (Don) Cotner, Sister
Ruby (Maurice) Cotner, Sister
Nila Degner, Sister
Robert (Ada) Degner, Brother
Dale (Lorraine) Degner, Brother
In her younger years, Mrs. Hoffman played for the Farm Bureau Farmettes softball team with her sisters and sisters-in-law. She was a lifelong farm wife and homemaker in Pulaski County. She was an active member of the Happy Homemakers Extension Club. She enjoyed helping distribute food at the local food pantry. She was an avid Euchre and Canasta player, as well as an avid reader and Chicago Cubs fan. She loved shopping for antiques with her sisters and doted on all her grandkids. She loved her family very much and will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.
A graveside service will be at 11 a.m., Thursday, March 23, at Winamac Cemetery (McKinley Addition) in Winamac, with Rev. Judy Doll officiating. Burial will follow at the cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to Tippecanoe Christian Church or Pulaski County 4-H Council.
Online tributes may be made at www.frainmortuary.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.
Bryan R. Lamp
January 10, 1968 to February 27, 2023
FRANCESVILLE – Word has been received of the death of Bryan R. Lamp, 55, of Amberg, WI who passed away Feb. 27.
He was born Jan. 10, 1968 at Darnall Army Hospital in Ft. Hood, TX to the late Richard and Barbara Lamp. On Sept. 26, 1998, he married Karen Howerton of Hobart. They made their home in DeMotte until 2007 when they moved to the Northwoods in Wisconsin. She survives.
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| Bryan Lamp |
He is also survived by:
Elvira Lamp, Francesville, Mother
Several Nieces and Nephews
Preceded in death by:
Scott Shidler, Brother
Michael Shidler, Brother
Mr. Lamp’s dream was to live off grid. In 2022, with the support his wife, they accomplished just that. He was a hardworking, quiet man with an infectious smile. He was full of knowledge and loved the outdoors. He enjoyed lathe/metal fabrication, welding, and engraving as well as shooting firearms, fishing, and spending time in the Wisconsin woods. He was truly loved by everyone who knew him.
Memorial donations may be made to Life Wise Academy c/o Amber Leman 15558 West 500 South Francesville, IN 47946.
Dr. Rev. James H. Gabhart
September 9, 1926 to February 24, 2023
FRANCESVILLE - Dr. Rev. James H. Gabhart, 96, of Francesville (formerly of Winamac), passed away Friday, Feb. 24. He was a retired Christian minister with 58 years of service.
He was born Sept. 9, 1926 in Akron, OH to the late Arthur L. and Della V. (Turofske) Gabhart. He served 10 years in the U. S. Armed Forces being an enlisted paratrooper in Gen.l Eisenhower’s honor guard, 508 th PIR, at Frankfort, Germany and an Air Force electronics-armament officer in SAC at various stations. Pastor Gabhart was honored to receive a Quilt of Valor. He married Esther Joan Vanderley on July 11, 1953 in Akron, OH. She passed away March 16, 2019.
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| Dr. Rev. James Gabhart |
He is survived by:
Patty Hansen, Albuquerque, NM, Daughter
James H. (Lorri) Gabhart II, Sun City, AZ, Son
Della (Dave) Myers, Francesville, Daughter
Alida (Roger) Mays, Delphi, Daughter
15 Grandchildren
24 Great-Grandchildren
Several Nieces and Nephews
Preceded in death by:
2 Brothers and 1 Sister
Pastor Gabhart was educated at the University of Akron in Ohio, Grace Theological Seminary at Winona Lake and Luther Rice Seminary in Jacksonville, FL. He held a Doctor of Ministry Degree, Master of Theology Degree, and a Master of Divinity Degree. Pastor Gabhart served churches in Iowa, Wisconsin, Indiana, and Mississippi. He was an officer in several ministerial organizations. After retirement in 1991, he supplied pulpits in 43 area churches, did nine interims for pastorless churches, and worked in fabrics at Winamac G.L. Perry for three and a half years. He also served as a volunteer chaplain at Pulaski Memorial Hospital. He was a regular book reviewer for the Baptist Bulletin and The Grace Journal. He enjoyed gardening, walking, and stamp collecting. Pastor Gabhart loved to share the Gospel with others. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family.
Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, March 7, at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Francesville. The funeral service will be at 10 a.m., Wednesday, March 8, at the funeral home with Pastor Bill McNabney and AJ Myers officiating. Burial be at Winamac Cemetery in Winamac. The American Legion and VFW will conduct military graveside services.
In lieu of flowers and gifts, memorial donations may be made to Gideon’s International.
Online condolences may be offered in the guestbook at www.frainmortuary.com.
Billy G. Fritz
February 6, 1933 to February 21, 2023
WINAMAC – Billy G. Fritz, 84, of Lafayette, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 21, at Creasy Springs Health Campus in Lafayette.
He was born July 1, 1938 in Winamac, to the late Raymond E. and Opal R. [White] Fritz. He graduated from Pulaski High School. On Feb. 23, 1974, he married Barbara A. Bisher in Monticello. She survives.
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| Billy Fritz |
He is survived by:
Dwayne A. Fritz, Lafayette, Son
Angela L. (Aaron Sprout) Fritz, Lafayette, Daughter
Preceded in death by:
Larry Fritz, Infant Brother
Mr. Fritz owned and operated Bill’s Auto Body in rural Beaver Township for many years. From working for others to working for himself, he did body work for nearly 40 years. He was a member of Northern Indiana Power from the Past. He enjoyed rebuilding and displaying antique engines. He enjoyed traveling and spending time with his family. He will be sadly missed.
Visitation will be from 12 noon to 2 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 28, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. The funeral service will follow at 2 p.m. (Tuesday), at the funeral home with Rev. Edward Clark officiating. Burial will be at Paul’s Chapel Cemetery in rural Winamac.
Memorial donations may be made to Almost Home Humane Society in Lafayette, or Northern Indiana Power from the Past in Winamac.
Online tributes may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com.
John D. Matthews Jr.
January 19, 1986 to February 20, 2023
MEDARYVILLE - John Daniel Matthews Jr., 55, of Winamac, passed away Monday, Feb. 20, at home.
He was born May 16, 1967 in Hammond, to John D. “JD” and Reathey M. [Flippo] Matthews.
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| John Matthews Jr. |
He is survived by:
Connie [Grigsby] Clemans, Winamac, Beloved Friend
Kimberly (Travis) Doedan, Winamac, Daughter
Tyson Matthews, Winamac, Son
Natasha Matthews, Winamac, Daughter
Katie Matthews, Medaryville, Daughter
Danielle (Patrick) Melton, London, KY, Daughter
Shiann Clemans, Winamac, Daughter
Samantha (John) Scripter, Winamac, Daughter
Elijah Matthews, Medaryville, Son
16 Grandchildren: Isaac, Brycen, Bryleigh, Khloe, Lilian, Tylor, Natalie, Kylie, Rowan, Grace, Hunter, Adalynn, Aiden, Ashton, Corey, and Winter.
Reathey Matthews, Knox, Mother
Charles (Al) Stamper, Winamac, Brother
Several Nieces and Nephews
Preceded in death by:
John “JD” Matthews, Father
Bentley Wayne Button, Infant Grandson
Leyton Leroy Matthews, Grandson
Isabella Sue Ann Day, Infant Granddaughter
Terry Lee Matthews, Brother
James Walton “Jim” Matthews, Brother
Mr. Matthews drove semi most of his life. He loved fishing and hunting. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family, especially his children.
Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m., Friday, Feb. 24, at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Medaryville. The funeral service will follow at 6 p.m. (Friday), at the funeral home with Pastor James Rowe officiating. Private burial will take place at the Alexander Heinemann Memorial Cemetery in Ora.
Memorial donations may be made to the funeral home to assist the family with funeral expenses.
Online tributes may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com.
Janice E. Knorr
January 18, 1942 to February 19, 2023
ROYAL CENTER - Janice E. Knorr, 81, of Winamac passed away peacefully Sunday, Feb. 19, at White Oak Healthcare Center in Monticello.
Born on Jan. 18, 1942 in Lafayette, she was the daughter of the late James and Ida (Dart) Jensen.
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| Jan Knorr |
Survivors include her sons, Eric Knorr (former wife, Wendi Knorr) of Winamac and Andy (Michelle) Knorr of Cornelius, N.C.; former spouse, Gerald Knorr of Charlotte, N.C.; grandchildren, Erin Knorr (Zachariah) Lucas of Lafayette, Ian Knorr of Stanley, N.C., Taylor Knorr, Caroline Knorr and Ryan Knorr, all of Cornelius, N.C.; and sisters, Karen Havel of Naperville, Ill., Sandra Norris of Yeoman, Kris (David) Lawson of Royal Center and Leslie (Philip) Irvin of Monticello.
She is preceded in death by brother, Charles Jensen.
Mrs. Knorr formerly helped manage the family business of the Rensselaer Raceway and then went on to manage the Burger Dairy Store in Winamac for over 20 years. She was also a substitute teacher at Eastern Pulaski Community Schools Corporation. She was well known for riding her bicycle and walking around town. She enjoyed playing cards and spending time with family and friends
A celebration of life service will be held at 5 p.m., Friday, Feb. 24, at Rans Funeral Homes & Crematory, Harrison Chapel, Royal Center. Visitation will be from 3 p.m. until the time of service.
Mrs. Knorr’s online guest book is available and condolences may be shared with the family at www.ransfuneralhomes.com
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