Obituaries

Sarah L. Hutchens Bonnell

July 23, 1951 to March 18, 2021

INDIANAPOLIS/WINAMAC - Sarah Lynn Hutchens Bonnell, 69, of Indianapolis, passed away Thursday, March 18.

She was born July 23, 1951 in Speedway, to the late John Wilson and Dorothy Wilmena Lynn Hutchens. She was a 1969 graduate of Speedway High School and earned her bachelor’s degree in theatre from Ball State University, as well as a master’s degree in education from Indiana University at Kokomo.

She is survived by her husband of 47 years Tom Bonnell; her sons, Shay (Angie) Bonnell, Dominick (Tiffany) Calabrese, Trent Bonnell and Travis (Jessica) Bonnell; her brother, Jim (Cheri) Hutchens; her niece Amy Hutchens Terry, and her nephews, Michael and Mark Hutchens; her grandchildren, Avery, Brady, Bowen and Briggs Calabrese; Audrey, Grant and Aspyn Bonnell; Carter and Connor Bonnell, and Ethan Lamar; a host of dear friends, grateful students, and a forever-grateful community that witnessed the ongoing education of more than 3,000 students during the teaching tenure of Sarah Bonnell.

Mrs. Bonnell was dedicated to serving the students of Eastern Pulaski Elementary School in Winamac for 34 years. She was a former member of Winamac United Methodist Church, the Indiana State Teachers Association and the National Education Association. She was a kind and gentle soul who was happiest making memories with her family and friends. She absolutely loved enriching the lives of her students, her children, and grandchildren through teaching and new experiences. She never passed on an opportunity to read to her grandchildren, and appreciated her own quiet moments with her husband and family, often times celebrating life with a Coca-Cola or nice glass of wine.

She loved high school and college basketball, and disconnected herself every March to closely follow the NCAA Basketball Tournament. She rarely missed an opportunity to cheer on her Indiana Hoosiers, Purdue Boilermakers, and her beloved Winamac Warriors, where she also served as cheerleader sponsor for many years. When there was time to get away, she would make her way with her family to Lake Maxinkuckee where many memories were made. Finally, she is honored and remembered by those students whose theatric talents were developed under her tutelage while participating in the Summer Playhouse children’s theatre program at the Winamac schools.

Mrs. Bonnell will be honored and remembered as a parent, wife, colleague, friend, and professional educator, with a gathering as a family and community at 2 p.m., Sunday, May 2. Mom's Celebration of Life will be held at: St. Luke's United Methodist Church 100 West 86th St. Indianapolis. A meal for those attending will follow at one of Sarah’s favorite restaurants: MCL Cafeteria, 2370 West 86th St., Indianapolis.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that memorial donations be given to the Community Foundation of Pulaski County, designating the donation to the Sherald & Verla Bonnell Family Educational Fund. Donations may be made online, and dedicated to and in the name of Sarah L. Bonnell. The Community Foundation of Pulaski County can be found at the following website: www.cfopc.org

Online condolences available at: www.leppertmortuary.com and www.frainmortuary.com

F. Alan Utes

April 20, 1951 to March 25, 2021

WINAMAC - Dr. Frank Alan Utes, 69, passed away peacefully Thursday, March 25, at his home in Winamac.

He was born April 20, 1951 in Chicago, to Frank E. and Esther Rowoldt Utes. He graduated from Maine West High School in Des Plaines, IL in 1969 and University of Illinois in 1973. He earned his doctorate at Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1978. On June 23, 1973, he married Karen M. Younker in Rochester, IL. She survives.

He is also survived by:
Christy (Jason) Hague, Winamac, Daughter
Julie (Mike) Warner, Anderson, Daughter
Laurie Utes, Greenville, SC, Daughter
Ella Hague, Winamac, Granddaughter
Alex Hague, Winamac, Grandson
Blake Warner, Anderson, Grandson
Emily Warner, Anderson, Granddaughter
Frank E. Utes, Des Plaines, IL, Father
Gary (Marci) Utes, Brother
Glen Utes, Brother
Karen (Jim) Chelsvig, Sister
Several nieces and nephews

He is preceded in death by:
Esther Rowoldt Utes, Mother

In 1979, the Uteses moved moved to Winamac where they raised their three daughters. Dr. Utes was a board certified family practice physician for 46 years, retiring from the Pulaski Memorial Hospital Clinic in December 2019. He served most his medical career alongside his faithful staff at Utes Family Practice. He also served on the medical staff of Pulaski Memorial Hospital since 1979 and on the PMH Board of Trustees for several years. He was a dedicated member of First Christian Church in Winamac, where he served many roles including elder, trustee, and deacon as well as a longtime board member and former chairman of Guidance Nursery School. Throughout the years, he enjoyed being a part of the church choir, musical productions, and bell choir. He was a talented Sunday school, VBS, and Junior Church teacher. He will always be remembered for his lively children’s sermons and entertaining stints as worship leader.

Throughout his life in Winamac, Dr. Utes was involved in numerous community activities, which usually started with his loving support of his daughters. For many years, he coached softball and baseball. He spent many summer nights in the town park as the commissioner of the summer softball league as well as many Friday nights in the fall on the sidelines serving as team doctor for the Winamac Warrior football team. He was a former member of the Winamac Kiwanis Club and recently became a board member of the Pulaski Animal Center. He had various hobbies and interests, including gardening, fishing, horsemanship, tennis, swimming, and cross country skiing. Many did not know that he was a talented artist and that his oil paintings rivaled those of Bob Ross. He also dabbled in gem cutting and stained glass creations. More than anything else, He loved his family very much, especially his grandchildren. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Visitation will be from 2 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, March 31, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac, The funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Thursday, April 1, at First Christian Church in Winamac, with Pastor Jeff Seger officiating.

Memorial donations may be made to First Christian Church, Guidance Nursery School, or Pulaski Animal Center.

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

Irene M. Mitchell

November 21, 1931 to March 20, 2021

WINAMAC - Irene Marie Mitchell, 89, of Winamac, passed away at 7:27 p.m., Saturday, March 20, surrounded by her family at her home.

She was born Nov. 21, 1931 to the late Frank and Martha Pucka Pletka. On Dec. 24, 1949 she married Raymond A. ”Bud” Mitchell in Winamac. He died Aug. 12, 2009.

She is survived by:
Betty S. (George) Staller, Peru, Daughter
Raymond A. (Sue Penn) Mitchell Jr., Kewanna, Son and Companion
Jeff A. Mitchell, Winamac, Son
Laura A. Mitchell, Winamac, Daughter
Cindy R. (Albert) Gudas, Kewanna, Daughter
Grandchildren: Rodney A. (Holly) Mitchell, Logansport; Stacie R. (Rocky) Flowers, Royal Center; Joni M. (David) Herring, Noblesville; Jeff A. (Tasha) Mitchell Jr., Winamac; Keith E. Mitchell, Rochester; Jay R. (Ann) Huff, Macy; Carrie N. (Lyndon) Field, Winamac; Becca I. (Matt) Wenzler, Winamac; Michelle R.(Kevin) Bangel, Rochester; and Ben W. Gudas, Kewanna.
Great-Grandchildren: Carissa M. Allen, Braiden P. Allen, Alyssa R. Lantz, Peyton Flowers, Baylee Flowers, Katelin A. Popejoy, Cara E. Popejoy, Alex Popejoy, Liberty Mitchell, Rylan Mitchell, Skylar Mitchell, Carlyn Crume, Cassidy Crume, Cameron Crume, Wren Mitchell, Dana Bangel, Daniella Bangel, Paige Field, Piper Field, Claire Wenzler, Leon Wenzler, Austin Handy, Dakota Huff, Olivia Huff, and Max Huff.
Mary Kaminski Bowman, San Pierre, Sister

Preceded in death by:
James Pletka, Brother
Raymond Pletka, Brother
Thomas Pletka, Brother
John Pletka, Brother
Frank Pletka Jr., Brother
Virginia Mills, Sister
Dennis Pletka Brother

Mrs. Mitchell was a member of St. Luke Lutheran Church in Winamac. She was a hard working farm wife, loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She had also worked at the former Eaton Corporation in Winamac. She loved working in her garden and watching her hummingbirds. She was a great cook and enjoyed fishing with her husband. She also loved doing puzzles. She loved her family and will be deeply missed.

Visitation will be from 3 to 8 p.m., Thursday, March 25, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac;  and one hour prior to services Friday at the church. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Friday, March 26, at St. Luke Lutheran Church in Winamac, with Pastor Tom Woodley officiating. Burial will be at Independence Cemetery in Medaryville.

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

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

Charles L. Mullens

September 9, 1956 to March 18, 2021

WINAMAC - Charles L. Mullens Sr., 64, of Winamac, passed away at 8:40 p.m., Thursday, March 18, at Pulaski Memorial Hospital in Winamac. 

He was born Sept. 9, 1956 in Weatherford, TX to the late Clarence and Goldie Esslinger Mullens. He married Betty Thompson. She survives.

He is also survived by:
Charles L. Mullens Jr., Gary, Son
David J. (Amie) Mullens, Winamac, Son
Eric D. Mullens, Winamac, Son
Johnny L. Mullens, Kewanna, Son
Shannon N. Meeks, DeMotte, Daughter
Sammy L. (Skye) Shaneyfelt, Winamac, Daughter
Becca L. (Chris) Mullens, Monon, Daughter
Douglas J. Mullens, Winamac, Son
6 Grandchildren
Cathy Lester, Sister
Lawanda Durham, Sister
Leroy Mullens, Brother
Freeman (Tam) Mullens, Brother
Several Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
Junior Mullens, Brother
Don Mullens, Brother
Katherine Harper, Sister
Etoy Terrell, Sister
G.W. Brune, Brother
Paul Brune, Brother
Stephani Iverson, Special Friend

Mr. Mullens was a supervisor at Knox Fertilizer in Knox for several years. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and spending time with his family. He also had a positive outlook on life. He was very generous and would give the shirt off of his back if needed.

A memorial service will be at 5 p.m., Friday, March 26, at Goodway Baptist Church in Medaryville, with Pastor James Rowe officiating. Friends may visit with the family after 4 p.m., Friday at the church. Interment will be in Texas at a later date.

Memorial donations may be made to the family to help with final expenses.

Online condolences may be offered in the guestbook at www.frainmortuary.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.

Carl C. Williams

January 2, 1928 to March 17, 2021

WINAMAC - Carl Cotner Williams, 93, of Winamac, passed quietly away at 6 p.m., Wednesday, March 17, at his daughter’s home near Winamac.

He was born Jan. 2, 1928 in Earl Park (Benton County), to the late Cotner C. and Effie E. Day Williams. He graduated from Earl Park High School in 1945. He married Audrey Ann Wagner of Briggsville, WI on April 12, 1953 in Milwaukee.

He is survived by:
Deb DeSchepper, Winamac, Daughter
Lisa (Steve) Burton,  Murfreesboro, TN, Daughter
Jesse (Erica) Rude, Kewanna, Grandson
Caitlin DeSchepper, Heber City, UT, Granddaughter
Bridget Ruhl, Swayzee, Granddaughter
Josh Ruhl, Noblesville, Grandson
Ory Maxwell, Southgate, KY, Grandson
Clint (Chelsea) Maxwell, Carmel, Grandson
Olivia Rude, Great-Grandaughter
Hunter and Ava Taylor, Great-Grandchildren
McKayla and Emily Hughes, Great-Granddaughters
Aleah Trigg, Great-Granddaughter

Preceded in death by:
Tom E. Williams, Brother
George D. Williams, Brother
Steve Williams, Son
Linda Davis, Daughter
David Williams, Son

As a young man, Mr. Williams worked for his father changing tires on the road for the various truck fleets that they serviced between Chicago and Indianapolis. In 1950, he enlisted in U.S. Army. In April of 1951, he was shipped to Korea where he served in the Third Combat Engineers, 24th Division. He returned home in 1952. Following his marriage, the couple lived in Earl Park for one year. In 1954, they moved to the Williams’ family farm (since 1877), five miles east of Winamac. There they raised five children who all grew to adulthood on the family farm. Mr. Williams started driving a school bus in 1956 for the Fairview School in Harrison Township. When Fairview consolidated with Winamac Schools in 1967, he got a bus route with Winamac schools, where he drove until 2012 when he retired with 58 years under his belt.

Mr. Williams also worked for ASCS in its Winamac office measuring grain bins and set aside acreage beginning in the 1980s. He retired from ASCS in 2011. He is very much responsible for repopulating the bluebirds in Pulaski County. He placed and maintained over 200 bluebird houses in the county for many years. He was always excited to get people started in bird watching. He made houses for all kinds of creatures from birds to bats. He was a beekeeper and enjoyed selling his honey at the local farmer’s market. He enjoyed fishing and spending time in the woods cutting trees.

Visitation will be from 2 to 6 p.m., Sunday, March 21, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Monday, March 22, at the funeral home with Rev. Edward Clark officiating. Burial will be at Pleasant Hill Cemetery at Lake Bruce. The VFW and American Legion will conduct military graveside services.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hoots to Howls Wildlife Rehabilitation.

Online condolences may be offered in the guestbook at www.frainmortuary.com.

Eleanore M. Lincoln

December 21, 1931 to March 14, 2021

WINAMAC - Eleanore M. Lincoln, 89, of Ramona, CA (formerly of Winamac), passed away Sunday, March 14, at Sharp Grossmont Hospital in La Mesa, CA. 

She was born Dec. 21, 1931 in Winamac to the late Ephraim Glen “E.G.” and Louise Kidd Fry.  She graduated from Winamac High School and attended the Chicago School of Nursing. She met Howard Lincoln at a high school basketball game, and they were married several years later for over 20 years.

Survivors include:
Carolyne Fry Forlow, Sister
Deborah (Charlie) Lincoln-Hilts, Alpine, CA, Daughter
Steven Mark (Linda) Lincoln, Alpine, CA, Son
3 Step-Children: Stephanie Stuckey, Sean Stuckey and Jeremy Stuckey.
6 Grandchildren: Jennifer Johnson, Trevor (Ashely) Lincoln, Jade Lincoln-Varner (Brian), Cody Stuckey, Abigail Martin and Cameron Stuckey. 
4 Great-Grandchildren: Alyssa Johnson, Kirby Lincoln, Jacqueline Lincoln, and Danyn Varner.
Several Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
Maude [Frye] Dull Fry, Step-Mother
Lyla Cramer, Sister 
Glenn Fry, Brother
Joyce Fry Young, Sister

Mrs. Lincoln grew up in Winamac. Her zest for life was electric. She loved hiking, and exploring the desert with her partner of over 40 years, Robert Stuckey. She also loved playing basketball with her son and daughter, singing silly songs and dancing. She always brought a smile wherever she went.

A graveside service will be at 1 p.m., Tuesday, March 30, at Winamac Cemetery in Winamac with burial following.

Memorial donations may be made to the Shiley-Marcos Alzheimer’s research Center https://giveto.ucsd.edu/giving/home/gift-referral/f62aae77-2cc7-4501-a7b7-d955037291ca  

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

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.