Obituaries

Reece J. McGee

October 9, 1929 to January 20, 2021

WINAMAC - Reece J. McGee, 91, of Lafayette (formerly of Francesville), passed away Wednesday, Jan. 20, at The Springs at Lafayette.

He was born Oct. 9, 1929 in St. Paul, MN to the late Reece J. and Vivian J. McGee. He graduated from the University of Minnesota, earning a bachelor’s degree in 1952, a master’s in 1953, and a PhD in 1956. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. On Dec. 2, 1978, he married Sharron A. Onken in Winamac. She preceded him in death on Oct. 26, 2011.

He is survived by:
Kaelin McGee Shipley, West Lafayette, Daughter
Reece Jon (Stacie) McGee, San Marcos, TX, Son
Shanna Beth McGee, Cleveland Heights, OH, Daughter
Lisa A. (Shaker) Cavness Hites, Monon, Step-Daughter
Lydia L. (Tim) Cavness Mounce, Francesville, Step-Daughter
Katy Hites, Mocksville, NC, Granddaughter
Sarah Watts, Brooklet, GA, Granddaughter
Kate Richey, (Sam) Rockford, IL, Granddaughter
Christina R Cassidy (Sean), Nashville,TN, Granddaughter
Jacob R McGee, Waco, TX, Grandson
Hannah McGee, Rohnert Park, CA, Granddaughter
Haley Clark, (John) Westport, Step-Granddaughter
Heath Mounce, Carmel, Step-Grandson
8 Step-Great-Grandchildren

Dr. McGee was a retired professor of sociology from Purdue University. He spent his entire professional life in higher education, which he dearly loved. His first academic job was at Humboldt State College in California in the fall of 1956. A year later, he joined the sociology department at the University of Texas where he was an assistant professor from 1957 to 1961 and an associate professor from 1961 to 1964. He later accepted an offer from Purdue University’s Department of Sociology and Anthropology, where he spent the next 28 years as a full professor. He was head of the department from 1987 to 1992 and retired in 1995. As one of only two people ever designated a master teacher at Purdue, he taught large classes of introductory sociology (classes that were so engaging they were broadcast on Purdue’s public radio station). In 1995, Purdue’s School of Liberal Arts granted him its award for educational excellence, and a year later, Purdue’s board of trustees created the Reece McGee Distinguished Professorship. In 1999, Dr. McGee was in the first class of professors to be honored in Purdue’s “Book of Great Teachers.”

Private burial will be at Roseland Cemetery in Francesville. The American Legion will provide military graveside services.

Memorial donations in Reece and Sharron McGee’s name may be made to the media center at West Central School Corporation, 1850 S. US 42. PO Box 578, Francesville, IN 47946.

Arrangements entrusted to Frain Mortuary, Winamac.

Thomas S. Capper

September 1, 1941 to January 17, 2021

ROYAL CENTER - Thomas S. Capper, 79, of Winamac passed away peacefully at 3:35 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 17, at his home, surrounded by family.

Born Sept.1, 1941 in Logansport, he was the son of the late John S. Jr. and Romaine Tiffany Capper. He was a 1959 Star City High School graduate and a 1963 Purdue University graduate. On June 2, 1962 he married Tressa Sayers. She survives.

Survivors also include daughter Tammy (Tom) Halleck of Star City; son Chad Capper of Ft. Wayne; brothers-in-law, Ed (Mary) Sayers of Winamac and Elston (Andrea) Sayers of Bedford; sister-in-law Linda Kroft of Winamac; grandchildren, Tiffany (Evan) Howe, Taylor (Grant) White, Tabby (Anthony) Chapman, Brendan Elder, and Rylan Capper; and great-grandchildren Asher, Canaan, and Reagan Howe, Hadley and Mila White. Another great-grandchild is expected in April.

He was also preceded in death by brother John “Jack” Capper III and sisters Betty Ley, Virginia Kinsel, and Marilyn Heinsen.

Mr. Capper was a farmer and a district seed salesman for over 30 years. Within the community, he was a member and youth leader of Star City United Methodist Church, a Pulaski County 4-H leader and livestock judge, and a former Little League and Babe Ruth coach. He was a diehard Purdue fan and part of the John Purdue Club. He enjoyed traveling, going to Cubs and Purdue games, and most of all spending time with family.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m., Friday, Jan. 22, at the Star City United Methodist Church; and also from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday. A private service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 23, at the church with Pastor Chris Kosary officiating. The service will also be live streamed at starcityumc.com. Burial will be at McKinley Memorial Gardens in Winamac.

Memorial donations may be made to Star City United Methodist Church and/or the IU Methodist Transplant Team.

Mr. Capper’s online guestbook is available and condolences may be shared with the family at www.ransfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Rans Funeral Homes & Crematory, Royal Center.

Donna J. Antrim Straka Clark

September 15, 1931 to January 20, 2021

WINAMAC - Donna Joy Antrim Straka Clark, 89, of Warsaw (formerly of Winamac), passed away peacefully Wednesday, Jan. 20, at home.

She was born Sept. 15, 1931 in Francesville to the late Russell Lester and Olive Rice Leach. In 1952, she married Dean Antrim and they had four children together. In 1970, she married Danny Straka, and they were the owners of Garden Beauty by Straka in Winamac. Both husbands preceded her in death.

She is survived by:
Michael Clark, Warsaw, Husband
Sheila Wilson, Warsaw, Daughter
Jeff (Pam) Antrim, Francesville, Son
Russell (Chris) Antrim, Bass Lake, Son
Kevin (Kim) Antrim, Rochester, Son
21 Grandchildren: Rhonda, Johna, Mary Helen, Phillip, Stephen (Jennifer), Christopher (Kerri), Jakim (Meagan), Michael (Lauren), Angela, Ericka (Daniel), Nathan, Ashley (Alex), Nicholas, Michael, Stormie (Miguel), Henry (Krystal), Russ, Brian, Bradley (Venus), Brianna, and Bethany
42 Great-Grandchildren
1 Great-Great-Granddaughter
Alice Leach, Kokomo, Sister-in-law
Several Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
Johnny Antrim, Son
Fred Wilson, Son-in-law
James Antrim, Grandson
Abram Rivera, Infant Great-Grandson
Russell Lester Leach Jr., Brother

Mrs. Clark was a devoted Christian woman and a member of the Fellowship Ruwm Church in Warsaw. She was an avid gardener. She liked to attend her grandchildren’s ski shows on Hidden Lake in Warsaw. She loved her family very much and especially enjoyed watching all of her grandchildren grow up. She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Visitation will be from 2 to 7 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 26, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. A private funeral service will be held at the funeral home with Pastor Tom Dewlen officiating. Private burial be at Winamac Cemetery (McKinley Addition) in Winamac.

Memorial donations may be made to Mission 61.

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

Braedyn R. Dillman

April 11, 2001 to January 9, 2021

MONTICELLO - Braedyn Rendall "Brady / BMFD" Dillman, 19, Francesville, passed away Saturday, Jan. 9, at Monticello.

He was born April 11, 2001, in Monticello, the son of Benjamin “Ben” and Brieanna “Brie” Clendenen Dillman.

Survivors include:
Daughter, Rosalie Dillman of Medaryville
Mom, Brie (Paul) O’Blenis of Francesville
Dad, Ben (Karrie) Dillman of Francesville
Five Siblings: Blayde Dillman, Adrienne Dillman, Jakob Dillman, Jaxson O’Blenis and
Lucy Dillman; all of Francesville.
Maternal Grandparents, Dora and Lee Trippett of Chalmers, and Paul and Elizabeth "Beth" O’Blenis of Brookston.
Paternal Grandma, Patsy Dillman of Monon
Six Aunts and Uncles: Marcia and Fred Mancilla of Monon, Dan and Sherri Dillman of Star City, Mitch and Sarah Clendenen of Reynolds, Brian Dillman of Francesville, Jim Dillman of Indianapolis, and Holly and Arturo Aragon of Monon.
Numerous extended other Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins whom Brady loved.

Preceded in death by:
Maternal Grandpa, Rendall Clendenen
Paternal Grandpa, Richard "Dick" Dillman
Three Cousins: Keegan Dillman, Brock Dillman and Baby Carly Dillman
Aunt, Tammie Dillman

Braedyn had lived in the Monon area most all of his life and attended West Central High School. He loved to “Raise Hell and Live Life!” He loved music, was a self-taught guitar player, song writer who poured his heart into his writing. He was an active member of the White County Probation Department. He loved all animals, especially his dog, Diesel. He was a tattoo fanatic and loved all his ink. He loved and cherished his daughter, Rosalie; she was his pride and motivation despite the distance. He was loved by all of his siblings, even though he made their lives hell. He loved hard and was too much for this world. Even though Brady didn’t know, he had an army in his corner. For those that are dealing with mental health issues, please reach out for help, it’s okay to not to be okay.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 16, at the Miller-Roscka Funeral Home, Monticello. A celebration of life service will follow at 3 p.m., Saturday, at the funeral home with Rev. Eddo Clark officiating. The service will be live-streamed. Burial will be at Bedford Cemetery in rural Monon.

Memorial donations may be given to the family, and may be mailed to Miller-Roscka Funeral Home, 6368 E. US 24, Monticello, IN, 47960.

Floyd A. Podell

November 10, 1931 to January 13, 2021

WINAMAC - Floyd Allen Podell, 89, of Winamac, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 13, at Hickory Creek Healthcare in Winamac. He was a former Franklin Township Trustee and Pulaski County Commissioner.

He was born Nov. 10, 1931 in Winamac to the late Isadore L. Sr. and Martha Lucille Hendry Podell. He graduated from Winamac High School in 1949 and was an alternate for the Marshall Carper Scholarship Award. He was a staff sergeant in the U.S. Air Force and served four years during the Korean Conflict, stationed at Kimpo Air Base in Japan. On Nov. 28, 1957 (Thanksgiving Day), he married Jeanette Cargel in Agawam, MA. She survives.

He is also survived by:
Annette (Jeff) Dixon, Calico Rock, AR, Daughter
Cheryl McGovern, Winamac, Daughter
Stefanie McGovern, Granddaughter
Quinn McGovern, Grandson
Lois Alfeld, Sister
Arlene Luehrs, Sister
Thelma Pace, Sister
Phyllis Wall, Sister
Kenneth (Shelley) Podell, Brother
Robert (Marsha) Cargel, Jr., Brother-in-law
Many Nieces, Nephews, and Cousins

Preceded in death by:
Theodore “Ted” Podell, Son
Richard Podell, Brother
Carl Podell, Brother
Isadore L. Podell Jr., Brother
Robert and Mary Kielec Cargel, In-Laws

In 1956, Mr. Podell received an honorable discharge at Westover Air Force Base in Springfield, MA. During this time, he met his future wife while attending a big band dance with his military buddies. He decided to stay and take a job at United Aircraft and attend Western New England College. A year after their marriage, the Podells moved to Winamac where they dedicated their life to farming. Together, they raised three children. Just last year, they celebrated 63 years of marriage. He was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Denham. He was also a member of the Pulaski County Aviation Board, Pulaski County Farm Bureau, and Eastern Pulaski School Board. He was a founding member and past president of the Kankakee Valley Workforce Development Services. He was a lifetime member of the Winamac VFW Post #1728 and the Winamac American Legion Post #71. He had a passion for flying and owned his own aircraft, a Cessna 170 (Charlie). He truly enjoyed being a member of the Indiana Flying Farmers organization, giving airplane rides, and flying over his farm to check out his crops. He loved his family very much, especially his grandchildren. He will be sadly missed.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m., Friday, Jan. 22, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 23, at the funeral home with Rev. Mark Fakih officiating. Burial will be at St. Peter’s Cemetery in Winamac. The VFW and American Legion will conduct military graveside services.

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

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

Johnny L. Bradshaw

April 6, 1942 to January 13, 2021

WINAMAC - Johnny L. Bradshaw, 78, of Winamac (formerly of Knox), passed away unexpectedly at 1:03 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 13, at Northwest Health Starke Hospital in Knox.

He was born April 6, 1942 in High Point, NC to the late Paul and Iva Lee Mills Bradshaw. He served in the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War.

Survivors include:
Jeffrey John Bradshaw, Bruce Lake, Son
Lynn (Wes) Terry, Winamac, Daughter
Joaunpaey Davis, Logansport, Granddaughter
McKenzie Terry, Winamac, Granddaughter
John Terry, Winamac, Grandson
Cora Linback, Logansport, Great-Granddaughter
Patricia Proctor, Thomasville, NC, Sister
Paul Richard Bradshaw, Thomasville, NC, Brother
Many Nieces and Nephews
Dianna Swayze Wilder, Winamac, Former Spouse

Preceded in death by:
Darrell Bradshaw, Brother

Mr. Bradshaw retired in 2006 from Polygon Manufacturing in Walkerton. He enjoyed doing crossword puzzles, playing solitaire, and going back to the pond to fish. He also enjoyed playing the lottery. He loved his family very much, especially his grandchildren. He will be deeply missed.

Visitation will be from 12 noon to 2 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 20, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. The funeral services will follow at 2 p.m., Wednesday, at the funeral home with Rev. Edward Clark officiating. Burial will be at Pro Cemetery in Winamac. The American Legion and VFW will conduct military graveside services.

Memorial donations may be made to Pro Cemetery.

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