Obituaries

Allen B. Chesser Jr.

July 22, 1954 to December 28, 2022

ROCHESTER - Allen Baird Chesser Jr., 68, of Culver passed away unexpectedly at 7:16 a.m., Wednesday, Dec., 28, at his residence.

He was born July 22, 1954, in Augusta, GA to Allen B. Sr. and Katherina Preywisch Chesser. He graduated with the class of 1972 from Culver High School. Continuing his education at Purdue University, he earned a BS in biology in 1976. He professionalized his career in the financial world as a graduate of the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin in Madison. High school sweethearts, Allen and Mary L. Croy were married on May 29, 1976 in the Zion Church near Bruce Lake. She survives.

Allen Chesser Jr.

Also surviving are daughter, Emily Schouten and husband Andrew and their children, Adrian, Katie and Nicholas of Rochester; two sons, Alex Chesser and wife Janel and their children, Jack, Emmett and Seth of Winamac, and Carl Chesser and wife Courtney and their children Conan and Carsyn of Kearney, MO; a sister Frances Bowers of NC; sisters and brothers-in-law, Linda and Mike Holdmann, Tom and Lana Croy; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Mr. Chesser and his wife shared over a half century of life’s adventures. With a strong work ethic developed as a young man, he worked at First National Bank of Monterey for many years, eventually serving as bank president. As a community servant, he was a member of a multitude of organizations. Locally, he served as a past member of the Fulton County 4-H Fair Board, two terms on the Woodlawn Hospital Board and the Lake Maxinkuckee Environmental Council. He was the treasurer for the Aubbeenaubbee Improvement Association and the Leiters Ford United Methodist Church.

Gifted with his hands, Mr. Chesser was a man of diverse interests and from his woodwork shop came many custom creations. Among them are bird houses, gifted to the Fulton County Park Board for use in parks and trophies built for Power of the Past. He once made a walnut table for his son, step stools and more. Cutting wood for the family wood boiler, maple syrup evaporator, fireplace or campfires was a way of relaxation. An outdoorsman, he loved nature. As an artifact hunter, he acquired a unique collection of arrowheads. He proudly displayed them in framed shadow boxes he built. A coveted friend, Dave McGowen assisted him with building a camp structure at the family maple syrup camp. Allen picked black raspberries for Mary to make jam and pies. He often said he liked two kinds of pie, hot and cold. Annually he was responsible to till, water and weed a large garden. He also loved driving the hay baler during the baling season. The restoration of antique tractors was another interest of Mr. Chesser’s.  He restored International Harvester and John Deere tractors to be used on the family farm. While working in the barn, he could be found repairing bicycles for family and friends.

As the patriarch of the Chesser family, he was proud to oversee three generations. Dedicated to his family, Grandpa Allen or Papa adored his grandchildren and treasured the time he spent with them. Making memories, taking them on rides in the Gator or playing in the pool were special times. He and Mary followed their school and sporting activities

A celebration of the life will be at 10 a.m., Tuesday, Jan. 3, at Good Family Funeral Home, Rochester. Pastor Bob Metzger will officiate. Friends may visit with the family from 3 to 7 p.m., Monday, Jan. 2, and one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.  Interment will be at Leiters Ford Cemetery.  

Memorials may be made to the Lake Maxinkuckee Environmental Fund, 116 N. Main St., Culver, IN 46511 or the Leiters Ford United Methodist Church, PO Box 126, Leiters Ford, IN 46945.

Mary Ellen Link

March 19, 1929 to December 27, 2022

WINAMAC - Mary Ellen Link, 93, of Monticello (formerly of Pulaski) passed away Tuesday, Dec. 27, at White Oak Health Campus in Monticello.

She was born March 19, 1929 in Francesville, to the late Charles Gilbert and Jessie Lee [Ren] Parker. She graduated from Francesville High School. On June 4, 1947, she married Donald Paul Link at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pulaski. He passed away Oct. 11, 2009.

Mary Ellen Link

She is survived by:
Mike L. Link, Monticello, IN Son
Cynthia (Bill) Scott, Pulaski, IN Daughter
Patricia Ringen, Star City, IN Daughter
Ronald P. (Karen) Link, Star City, IN Son
Donald G. (Tammy) Link, Winamac, IN Son
Grandchildren: Stacey Ingram, Aaron (Christie) Link, Shawn Scott, Tasha (Aaron) Campbell, Sonia (Alford) Collins, Chasity (Billy) Herrod, Bryce (Ashley) Link, and Jerod (Kristen) Bolt (Step-Grandson).
15 Great-Grandchildren
4 Great-Great-Grandchildren

Preceded in death by:
Maria Ann Link, Infant Daughter
Sue Link, Daughter-in-law
Charles Gilbert Parker Jr., Brother
Wayne W. Allen, Half-Brother
Wanetta E. Ezra, Half-Sister
Rubye F. Reutebuch, Half-Sister

Mrs. Link was a loving and devoted farm wife and mother. She especially enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pulaski and the Christian Mothers of the Church.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m., Monday, Jan. 2, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. A scriptural wake service will be at 3:30 p.m., Monday, at the funeral home. A funeral mass will be at 11 a.m., Tuesday, Jan. 3, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pulaski. Burial will be at St. Joseph Cemetery West in Pulaski.

Memorial donations may be made to the Christian Mothers of the church.

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

Mildred B. Schmicker

May 12, 1932 to December 27, 2022

WINAMAC - Mildred Barbara “Millie” Schmicker, 90, of Winamac, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 27, at her home.

She was born May 12, 1932 in Pulaski, to the late Leander Jacob and Lenora Barbara [Kuhn] Weaver. She graduated from Pulaski High School in 1950. On Feb. 6, 1952, she married Robert Louis “Bob” Schmicker at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pulaski. He passed away Feb. 7, 2004.

Millie Schmicker

Survivors include:
Tom (Mary Beth) Schmicker, Winamac, Son
Tim (Rochelle) Schmicker, Winamac, Son
Ted (Erin Brugh) Schmicker, Logansport, Son
Anne Holbrook, Winamac, Daughter
Tobe Schmicker, Winamac, Son
Lenora (Doug) Hoover, Star City, Daughter
Tony (Michelle) Schmicker, Crossville, TN, Son
Todd (Michelle) Schmicker, Winamac, Son
John (Kelly) Schmicker, Winamac, Son
Mary (Marc) Schultz, Ft. Wayne, Daughter
Rob (Teri) Schmicker, Winamac, Son
Dan (Gina Sowder) Schmicker, Buffalo, Son
Teresa (Todd) Fleece, Marion, Daughter

Grandchildren: Tommy (Amy) Schmicker, Josh (Irish) Schmicker, Nathan (Mandy) Schmicker, Dustin Schmicker, Jake Schmicker, Alysha (Floyd) Schmicker, Mike (Deborah) Spry, Monica (Mike) Maddox, Christina (Chad) Kasten, Annie (Billy) Nies, Catherine Jachim, Miranda (Bill) Fagan, Erica (Kevin) Kennedy, Brandi (Anibal) Flores, Alisha Fulmer, Jennifer (Jay) Johnson, Andy Schmicker, Amanda Schmicker, Leander (Jamie) Hoover, Savannah (Travis) O’Gwynn, Carrel (Jessica) Hoover, Allison Schmicker, Bridget Schmicker, Lily Schmicker, Whitney (Corbin) Schmicker, Wyatt (Maggie) Schmicker, Caleb (Emily) Schmicker, Cierra (Eli) Schmicker, Justin (Ashley) Schmicker, Kegan (Keilah) Schmicker, Qort (Jina) Schmicker, Autumn (Jake) Schmicker, Dustin (Aira) Schultz, Joey Schultz, Audrey (Austin) Doughty, Keegan (Heather) Doughty, Olivia Schmicker, Landen Schmicker, Aaron (Sam) Heims, Danielle (John) Conway, Dalton (April) Sowder, Blake (Brianna) Sowder, Zachary (Brianna) Schmicker, Christian Fleece, Erin (David) Anderson, and Taylor Fleece,

39 Great-Grandchildren: Breanna, Dominic, Clayton, Thomas, Zoey, Jordyn, Christian, Connor, Ethan, Madison, Colton, Riley, Peyton, Lexxa, Shyla, Ethen, Merritt, Kian, Leo, Lucy, Abigail, Gavin, Jackson, Alli, Cash, Kadence, Kannon, Sam, Brilee, Rio, Emery, Kaliyah, Kylee, Ariana, Paislee, Bentley, Elijah, Addison, and Bryce.

Jim Dilts, Wisconsin, Brother-in-law
Kathryn Cooper, Indiana Sister-in-law
Many Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
Aaron, Abel and Adam Schmicker, Infant Triplet Grandsons
Brandon Suter, Grandson
Cody Heims, Grandson
Aaron Jachim, Grandson-in-law
Kenneth Holbrook, Son-in-law
Paul (Roseanna) Weaver, Brother
Vincent (Margaret) Weaver, Brother
Cletus (Sophie) Weaver, Brother
Albert (Rosemary) Weaver, Brother
Alvina (Homer) Downey, Sister
Ellen (Dick) Reinholt, Sister
Margaret Dilts, Sister

Mrs. Schmicker was a longtime member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Winamac where she was active in the Christian Mothers and the Ladies of Charity. She was also a religious education teacher and youth leader for many years. She was a proud homemaker. She was the nurturing mother of 13 children and a loving and devoted farm wife. She was very proud of her 52 grandchildren and 39 great-grandchildren. In her younger years, she worked at Pulaski County Abstract Co. She enjoyed sewing, crocheting, gardening and canning. She also enjoyed completing her family genealogy, putting together puzzles and playing free cell on the computer. She was always willing to bless others with her kindness and ability to help in any way she could. She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Per Mrs. Schmicker’s wishes, private family services will be held at Frain Mortuary in Winamac and private family burial will be at St. Peter’s Cemetery in Winamac. Rev. Daniel Shine from St. Peter’s Catholic Church will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, plants and gifts, memorial donations may be made to Winamac Volunteer Fire Department, Star City Volunteer Fire Department, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Shriner’s Hospital for Children, or Riley Children’s Hospital Foundation.

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

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.

Bonnie L. Koebcke

May 9, 1931 to December 26, 2022

MONON - Bonnie L. Koebcke, 91, of Francesville, passed away at 4:03 p.m. Monday, Dec. 26, at Parkview Haven Retirement Community of Francesville.

She was born May 9, 1931, in Medaryville, to the late Lawrence and Veleta (Stiller) Beiswanger. She was a 1949 graduate of Medaryville High School. She married Lester A. Koebcke on March 5, 1950, in her family home; he preceded her in death on Dec. 27, 2017.

Bonnie Koebcke

Surviving are her four sons, Dary (Susan)l Koebcke of Williamstown, KY, David (Debbie) Koebcke of Yorktown, IN, Dennis (Taisha) Koebcke of Danville, IL and Dan (Bonnie) Koebcke also of Francesville; a sister, Judy (Donald) of Francesville; a brother, Connie Beiswinger of Francesville; and a sister-in-law, Sandy Beiswanger of Medaryville. Also surviving are10 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.

Preceding her in death with her parents and husband is a brother, Jerry Beiswanger.

Mrs. Koebcke was a wonderful and devoted wife and mother. Her real education came from raising four sons, and she got a good one. She was her husband’s No. 1 employee on the family farm, driving tractors, helping with the hogs, preparing meals and anything else that needed done. If she had an issue with the equipment, she would simply pull out her book and wait for Lester to arrive. A heart of service, Bonnie was the world record holder in sending cards and giving out Scotcharoos to neighbors, the firehouse, the postman and anyone she wanted to show she cared. She was a longtime member of the Medaryville Christian Church, where she and her husband were youth sponsors for 10 years. They had a great time teaching and participating in the church Sunday School class with their church friends. The church was mission minded and Bonnie was mission secretary for many years. She modeled how to live as a Christian by her acts of service to others. She loved everyone, especially her husband and family. 

Friends may call from 9 a.m. until the time of funeral service at 11 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 31, at Clapper Family Funeral Home of Monon; Pastor Jim Ketchen will officiate. Interment will be at Francesville Cemetery. 

 In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the Medaryville Christian Church or Elara Caring Hospice of Lafayette.

Share memories and online condolences at www.clapperfuneralservices.com

John J. Tidwell Sr.

March 12, 1942 to December 24, 2022

FRANCESVILLE - John Joseph Tidwell Sr., 80, of Westville, passed away Saturday, Dec. 24, at Franciscan Health Hospital in Michigan City.

He was born March 12, 1942 in Gary,  to the late Easley Richardson and Helen Mildred [Strinchak] Tidwell. He served in the U.S. Army and the Indiana Army National Guard. On April 15, 1991, he married Eldora Louise [Wiegand] Ferrell in Sevierville, TN. She survives.

John Tidwell Sr.

He is also survived by:
Mary “Mitzie” Harris, LaPorte, Daughter
John Joseph (Jamie) Tidwell Jr., Westville, Son
Stella (Carlos) Montoya, Indianapolis, Step-Daughter
James (Michelle) Ferrell, Walkerton, Step-Son
Terry (Chris) Ferrell, Kouts, Step-Son
18 Grandchildren
9 Great-Grandchildren

Preceded in death by:
Infant Brother

Mr. Tidwell worked at ANCO/Federal Mogul for 41 years. He was a 50-year member of Porter Lodge #137 F&AM. He and his wife loved traveling together and especially enjoyed visiting Tennessee, as well as staying at their getaway in Francesville. He also enjoyed camping, fishing, and woodworking. He was an avid genealogist. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Per Mr. Tidwell’s wishes, no services will be held. Private burial will take place at Roseland Cemetery in Francesville. The American Legion will conduct military graveside services.

Memorial donations may be made to Wounded Warrior Project.

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

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

Joan L. Winters

July 30, 1935 to December 19, 2022

WINAMAC - Joan L. Winters, 87, of Monterey, passed away Monday, Dec. 19, at Miller’s Merry Manor in Culver.

She was born July 30, 1935 in Hammond, to the late Clarence and Evelyn [Miller] Natke. She graduated from Hammond High School.  She married Frank L. Winters in 1958. He survives.

Joan Winters

She is also survived by:
Michael Winters, Lansing, IL, Son
Jim Winters, Monterey, Son
Brian (Sally) Winters, Dyer, Son
2 Granddaughters: Marie and Casandra
3 Great-Grandsons
Diane Natke, Monterey, Sister

Preceded in death by:
David J. Winters, Son
1 Granddaughter: Caitlin

Mrs. Winters worked as a nurse’s aide at St. Margaret Hospital. She was a devoted wife and mother. She was an active member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Winamac. She was an animal lover. She enjoyed cooking and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She endured many health issues over the past two years, but her husband stood by her side and cared for her. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Visitation will be from 12 noon to 1 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 28, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. The funeral service will follow at 1 p.m. (Wednesday), at the funeral home with Rev. Daniel Shine officiating. Burial will be at St. Peter’s Cemetery in Winamac.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Peter’s Catholic Church.

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