Obituaries

Joseph J. Slomka

February 25, 1941 to June 25, 2021

WINAMAC - Joseph J. Slomka, 80, of Knox, passed away Friday, June 25, at his home.

He was born Feb. 25, 1941 in Chicago, to the late Frank and Agnes Burness Slomka. He graduated from high school in Chicago. He married Twila Hoover on Aug. 15, 1998 in Knox. She survives.

He is also survived by:
Sheri Slomka, Daughter
James Slomka, Son
John Slomka, Son
Anthony Slomka, Son
Troy Slomka, Son
Danielle (Dylan) Johnson, Daughter
Many Grandchildren
Several Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
Joey Slomka, Son
Scott Slomka, Son
Estelle Stulga, Sister
Frank Slomka, Brother
Edward Slomka, Brother
Clara Salazar, Sister
Carol Bajer, Sister

Mr. Slomka was a hard worker. He worked in the mills, in construction, and as a hay farmer. He enjoyed a good cup of coffee and a smoke. He liked riding horses, as well as shooting, hunting, and fishing. Most of all, he loved his family very much. He will be dearly missed.

A private graveside service will be held at Winamac Cemetery in Winamac. Private entombment will be at the cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to the family.

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

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.

Carol S. Chapman

August 4, 1973 to July 17, 2021

KNOX - Carol Sue Chapman, 68, of Winamac, died Wednesday, June 23, n Lafayette.

She was born Monday, Aug. 4, 1952 in Winamac, daughter of the late Robert and Betty Tolson Wilcox. She married Roger Chapman on Nov. 1, 1969 in Knox. He died April 6, 2009.

November 1, 1969, in Knox, Indiana, Carol married Roger Chapman, he preceded her on April 6, 2009.

Surviving are sons Jason (Shelly) Chapman of Idaville, and Justin(Christy) Chapman of Winamac; 8 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her sister Carrie Lykins.

Mrs. Chapman was a member of the Calvary Baptist Church and was active in the school. She and her husband owned and operated several business in the Knox downtown area. She loved music and singing. Her greatest passion was spending time with her family.

Friends will be received from 9 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 11 a.m., Friday, June 25, at Braman & Son Memorial Chapel, Knox. Rev. Craig Ison will officiate. Interment will follow in Crown Hill Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Calvary Baptist Church.

Elsie F. Lebo Scheffer

March 15, 1924 to June 22, 2021

WINAMAC - Elsie F. Lebo Scheffer, 97, of Pulaski, passed away Tuesday, June 22, at Pulaski Memorial Hospital in Winamac.

She was born March 15, 1924 in Winamac to the late Charles and Della Tunis Lebo. On Jan. 8, 1946, she married Gerald “Cal” Scheffer in Winamac. He passed away June 28, 1999.

Elsie Scheffer

Survivors include:
Cheryl Scheffer, Pulaski, Daughter
Tom (Dessa) Scheffer, Wentworth, NC, Son
Mary (Steve) Thomas, Brookston, Daughter
Charles “Chuck” Scheffer, Pulaski, Son
Jean (Louis) Bangel, Winamac, Daughter
5 Grandchildren
5 Great-Grandchildren
2 Great-Great-Grandchildren
Several Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
Floyd Lebo, Brother
Hervie Lebo, Brother
Flo McKinley, Sister
Marguerite Schultz, Sister
Bill Lebo, Brother
Sylvia Lebo, Sister
Neoma Buck, Sister
Ed Lebo, Brother
Irene Fulmer, Sister

Mrs. Scheffer was a dedicated farm wife and worked many years as a secretary at Pulaski, Star City and Winamac elementary schools. She enjoyed crocheting, playing cards, and spending time with her family.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Friday, June 25, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. The funeral service will follow at 1 p.m., Friday, at the funeral home with Todd Wilson officiating. Burial will be at Winamac Cemetery (McKinley Addition) in Winamac.

Memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association.

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

Robert L. VanDrunen

February 21, 1940 to June 16, 2021

WINAMAC - Robert Lee VanDrunen, Sr., 81, of Monterey, passed away Wednesday, June 16, at his home.

He was born Feb. 21, 1940 in Harvey, IL.

No services will be held.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.

James W. Matthews

April 2, 1970 to June 8, 2021

WINAMAC - James Walton “Jim” Matthews, 51, of Winamac, passed away Tuesday, June 8.

He was born April 2, 1970 in Terre Haute, to John D. “JD” and Reathey M. Flippo Matthews. On March 7, 2012, he married Connie Grigsby Clemans. She survives.

He is also survived by:
Kimberly Matthews, Winamac, Step-Daughter
Tyson Matthews, Medaryville, Step-Son
Natasha Matthews, Winamac, Step-Daughter
Katie Matthews, Wheatfield, Step-Daughter
Shiann Clemans, Winamac, Step-Daughter
Samantha Matthews, Winamac, Step-Daughter
Elijah Matthews, Winamac, Step-Son
13 Grandchildren: Isaac, Brycen, Bryleigh, Khloe, Lilian, Tylor, Natalie, JoJo, Rowan, Gracie, Hunter, Adalynn, and Aiden
John and Reathey Matthews, Knox, Parents
John D. Matthews Jr., Winamac, Brother
Charles E. Matthews, Winamac, Brother
Many Nieces and Nephews
Delmer and Shirley Grigsby, Medaryville, Father- and Mother-in-law

Preceded in death by:
Bentley Wayne Button, Infant Grandson
Leyton Leroy Matthews, Grandson
Isabella Sue Ann Day, Infant Granddaughter
Terry Lee Matthews, Brother

Mr. Matthews was a longtime member of the Medaryville American Legion. He worked many years for Phil White, mowing and doing construction. He enjoyed fishing and mushroom hunting, especially with Isaac. He loved to spend time with his family and will be dearly missed.

Visitation will be from 2 to 3 p.m., Saturday, June 12, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. The funeral service will follow at 3 p.m., Saturday, at the funeral home with Rev. Jeff Seger officiating. Private burial will be at the Alexander Heinemann Memorial Cemetery in Ora.

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. Maxwell

October 23, 1930 to June 5, 2021

WINAMAC - Betty Lou Maxwell, 90, of Winamac, passed away peacefully Saturday, June 5, at home surrounded by her family.

She was born Oct. 23, 1930 in Pulaski, to the late William Ora and Rosa Crist Crissinger. She graduated from Star City High School in 1948. On Dec. 26, 1948, she married Raymond Keith Maxwell in Francesville. They enjoyed many years spent at their home on the Tippecanoe River. He passed away May 25, 2008 after 59 years of marriage.

She is survived by:
Beverly (Clifford) Radtke, Port Austin, MI, Daughter
Marsha (Michael) Lane, LaPorte, Daughter
Martin (Robin) Maxwell, Pulaski, Son
Ann (Jerry) Bonnell, Winamac, Daughter
13 Grandchildren: Derek, Keefe, Seth, Rachel, Zach, Keenan, Brodie, Ory, Clint, Melissa, Megan, Matthew, and Bryan
24 Great-Grandchildren
3 Great-Great-Grandchildren
Jerry (Shirley) Maxwell, Rensselaer, Brother-in-law
Many Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
1 Grandson: Jeremy
Mary (Henry) Blohm, Sister
Robert Crissinger, Brother
JoAnn (Darl) Fox, Sister
Thomas (Arvilla) Crissinger, Brother
George Crissinger, Brother

Mrs. Maxwell dedicated her life to the Winamac First United Methodist Church. She gave of her talents in the kitchen and in the church choir. She was a devoted volunteer at the Von Tobel Senior Center and was proud to be named Senior of the Year. She also volunteered with BINGO at the Pulaski Health Care Center. In her younger years, she waitressed for various local restaurants and later in life, she was a school bus driver for Winamac and North Judson. Her passions were gardening, baking, genealogy, traveling, and caring for her family.

In honoring her wishes, her body was donated to the Indiana University Anatomical Board. Her generosity will allow future generations of doctors, nurses, and mortuary students to learn about anatomy.

A memorial service will be at 11 a.m., Thursday, June 10, at the Winamac First United Methodist Church with Lay Leader Barbara Kleinofen and Rev. Michelle White officiating. Private burial will take place at a later date in the Winamac Cemetery (McKinley Addition) in Winamac.

Memorial donations may be made to Winamac First United Methodist Church or Von Tobel Senior Center.

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

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.