Obituaries
Christine A. Smith
September 14, 1948 to January 11, 2021
WINAMAC - Christine A. “Chris” Smith, 72, of Winamac, passed away Monday, Jan. 11, at University of Illinois Hospital in Chicago.
She was born Sept. 14, 1948 in Logansport, to the late Dan and Bonnie Brady Rausch. She was married to Robert E. “Bob” Smith for 50 years. He survives.
She is also survived by:
Rita (Thomas) Thurman, Kansas City, MO, Daughter
3 Grandchildren: Kelly, Anya, and Serenity
1 Great-Granddaughter: Raven
Judy (Butch) Fitz, Winamac, Sister
Jeannie Neff, Winamac, Sister
Tony Rausch, Winamac, Brother
Barney (Patti-Jo) Rausch, Winamac, Brother
Evelyn Cramer, Ripley, Sister-in-law
Many Nieces and Nephews
Numerous Cousins
Preceded in death by:
Mark Rausch, Brother
Mrs. Smith was an active member of the Pulaski County community. She and her husband enjoyed working, volunteering, and traveling together. She founded the Northern Indiana Power From the Past, Inc. and was instrumental in the creation of the organization’s annual Antique Power Show in Winamac. She was a valued member of the Pulaski County 4-H Fair Board, Pulaski County Historical Society and Pulaski Animal Center. She was an avid supporter of the Alicia Marie Smidler Animal Rescue Fund. There was always a positive project she was working on or a local group she was volunteering with. In 2004, Mrs. Smith was awarded the Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce’s prestigious Dr. HJ Halleck Community Service Award.
Together, Chris and Bob owned and operated Smith Motors and Smith Auctions in Winamac for 50 years. She enjoyed working with her husband and serving their customers. For many years, she worked alongside her mom and siblings at Bonnie’s Punkins in Winamac creating lifelong memories for local families during the fall season. She enjoyed the outdoors, especially foraging for mushrooms and berries. She also enjoyed vegetable and flower gardening as well as canning. She was a talented cook and baker. She was kind, hardworking, creative, and thrifty. It goes without saying, she was a woman of many talents. Family always came first in her life. There was no such thing as a small get-together; everyone was always invited. Her nieces and nephews were very important to her. Her black labs (all dogs really) always held a special place in her heart, too. She was a loving wife, mom, grandma, great-grandma, sister, aunt, and friend. She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.
No services will be held at this time. The family will celebrate Mrs. Smith's life after the COVID-19 pandemic ends.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Boy Scouts of America Troop #229, or Northern Indiana Power from the Past, Inc. The donations may be directed to Smith Motors 435 N. Northwest St. Winamac, IN 46996.
Please feel free to share happy memories with the family at www.frainmortuary.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.
Fred J. Hefner
January 23, 1929 to January 10, 2021
WINAMAC - Fred J. Hefner, 91, of Olympia Fields, IL (formerly of Medaryville) passed away Sunday, Jan. 10, at Palos Heights Rehab Center in Crestwood, IL.
He was born Jan. 23, 1929 in Pontiac, MI to the late Fred G. and Lily Finney Hefner. When he was young, Fred’s parents died from tuberculosis. He and his siblings were raised by family in Galacia, IL. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.
He is survived by:
Gail Morgan, Olympia Fields, IL, Special Friend and Companion
Fred James (Joanne) Hefner, Bureau, IL, Son
Steve (Debbie) Hefner, Steger, IL, Son
Linda (Tom) Castle, Tyler, MN, Daughter
Teresa (Richard) Gaston, Burbank, IL, Daughter
Carol (Mike) Muehe, Steger, IL, Daughter
Tom Hefner, Bradenton, FL, Son
Dennis (fiancée: Nickie) Hefner, Bradenton, FL, Son
Daniel Hefner, Beaverville, IL, Son
Lauretta (Ron) Graska, Park Forest, IL, Daughter
David (Kimberly) Hefner, Monticello, Son
Darren (Shannon) Hefner, Yeoman, Son
53 Grandchildren
79 Great-Grandchildren
10 Great-Great-Grandchildren
Phyllis Hefner, Sister-in-law
Many Nieces and Nephews
Darlene Hassing Hefner, Former Spouse
Preceded in death by:
Tim Hefner, Son
Bill Hefner, Son
Mildred Trujillo, Sister
Gene Hefner, Brother
Wilma Sinagra, Sister
Betty Roberts, Sister
Arlene Hefner, Sister-in-law
Norma Jean Warren, Special Friend and Companion
Mr. Hefner retired from the Ford Stamping Plant in Chicago Heights, IL and was a member of the UAW Local #588. As a teenager in the 1940’s, he once started hitchhiking to Alaska from southern Illinois. He made it as far as the Black Hills, in South Dakota where he got a job for a Mrs. Duhamel. The Duhamels owned several businesses, including Sitting Bull Crystal Caverns. Fred lived on the grounds by himself in a cabin and had various jobs. He proudly fostered positive relationships with local Native Americans. It was during this time, he met his future wife, Darlene Hassing. Needless to say, he had a very adventurous life with no regrets. In 1989, Fred finally made it to Alaska - on a vacation with his family.
He was a member of the Medaryville American Legion Post #96. He was a member of St. Henry’s Catholic Church in Medaryville and the Winamac Knights of Columbus Council #1561. He was the loving father of 13 children and 12 foster children. He was the cherished grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great-grandfather of 155 blessings. He will be remembered as a good friend to many. Eternal rest grand unto him O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon him, Amen.
A funeral mass will be at 11 a.m., Friday, Jan. 22, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Winamac, with Rev. Daniel Shine officiating. Burial will be at St. Henry Cemetery in Medaryville. The American Legion and VFW will conduct military graveside services.
Memorial donations may be made to St. Joseph’s Indian School (PO Box 326 Chamberlain, SD 57326), Boys Town (PO Box 8000 Boys Town, NE 68010), or Covenant House (PO Box 731 New York, NY 10108-0900). Donations may be made online or by mail. The funeral home will have envelopes available the day of services.
Online tributes may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.
James R. Howard
October 9, 1968 to January 3, 2021
WINAMAC - James Ray “Jimmy” Howard, 52, of Winamac, passed away Sunday, Jan. 3, at his home.
He was born Oct. 9, 1968 in Prestonsburg, KY to Ray and Gail Kathleen Toosley Howard. He attended North Judson San Pierre High School with the class of 1988.
He is survived by:
Jesse Ray Howard, Francesville, Son
Sheena (Jacob) Messer Bisher, Wheatfield, Step-Daughter
5 Grandchildren: Charisma, Weston, Lillyana, Jake, and Peanut
Gail Howard, San Pierre, Mother
Rhonda (Rick) Helton, San Pierre, Sister
Christina (Shawn) Suprenant, Port St. Lucie, FL, Sister
William B. Howard, Winamac, Brother
Many Nieces, Nephews, Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins
Preceded in death by:
Scott Messer, Step-Son
Ray Howard, Father
Tracey L. Jackson, Sister
Mr. Howard made his career as a welder. He loved his family and served them with a big heart. He was a very genuine man who could make you smile and laugh. He was always sure to bring a good time. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him
Private burial will take place at a later date at Highland Cemetery in North Judson, with Bishop Rick Helton officiating.
Memorial Contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.
Online Tributes may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.
John R. Ulery
October 18, 1950 to November 26, 2020
WINAMAC - John Robert Ulery, 70, of Lake Jackson, TX passed away Thursday, Nov. 26.
He was born Oct. 18, 1950 in North Manchester, to Robert Leon and Doris L. Grossnickle Ulery. He graduated from Logansport High School and Tri-State College. He worked as a civil engineer, building power plants all over the world.
He is survived by:
Elizabeth (Darren) Merritt, Lake Jackson, TX Daughter
4 Grandchildren
Robert Leon Ulery, Star City, IN Father
Susan (Norman) Pollock, Decatur, IN Sister
Danny Lee (Sandra) Ulery, Pinnacle, NC Brother
Several Nieces and Nephews
Roger (Sue) Grossnickle, Hoagland, IN Maternal Uncle
Preceded in death by:
Doris L. [Grossnickle] Ulery, Mother
Private burial will take place at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in North Manchester.
Online tributes may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com.
Local arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.
Donald Wendt
November 12, 1929 to December 19, 2020
STERLING, ILL. - Donald Wendt, 91, of Dixon, Ill. died Saturday Dec. 19, at his home.
He was born Nov. 12, 1929 in Francesville, the son of the late Harry and Elsie Beiswanger Wendt. He married Norma Sondergoth on Sept.26, 1960 in West Brooklyn, Ill. She preceded him in death on Feb. 4, 1988.
Survivors include three brothers, Robert L. Wendt of Monticello, Ralph E. (Patricia) Wendt of Lafayette, Arthur J. (Rita) Wendt of Francesville; one sister, Helen Vollmer of Fishers; sister-in-law, Rita Wendt of Valparaiso; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by one brother Richard G. Wendt.
Cremation rites have been accorded and a mass of the Christian burial will take place as a private service for immediate family, only due to COVID pandemic concerns. Final internment beside his wife will follow the service.
A memorial has been established to Running Strong For American Indian Youth-Pilamaya.
Condolences may be sent to www.schillingfuneralhome.com
Jerry D. Nordyke
November 14, 1969 to December 29, 2020
HIGHLAND - Jerry D. Nordyke, age 51, of Winamac, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 29.
He was born Nov. 14, 1969.
He is survived by his wife Christine; children Ashley (Nate) Cameron, Jerry (Jesse) Nordyke Jr., Tessa Nordyke, Misty Nordyke; parents Wayne and Ethel Nordyke; uncle Don (Carolyn) Nordyke; and numerous additional loving family and friends.
Mr. Nordyke was a manager at McDonald’s for many years. He was a former member of the Winamc Eagles, Sons of the American Legion, and the Army Navy Garrison #146.
The family requests, in lieu of flowers, donations to the family.
Memories may be shared at https://www.hillsidefhcares.com/obituary/Jerry-DNordyke
Arrangements have been entrusted to Hillside Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Highland.
Phyllis J. Nelson Fritz
June 28, 1933 to December 30, 2020
WHEATFIELD - Phyllis Joan Nelson-Fritz, 87, of Winamac, passed away Wednesday, Dec. 30, while residing at Life Care Center of Rochester.
She was born June 28, 1933, in Lafayette to Lee and Lena French Nelson. She married Clifford Fritz on Nov. 13, 1948, in Buffalo, Ind.; they were married for 72 years. He survives.
She is also survived by 7 children, Barbara (Ed) Clark, Pattie (Eddie) Egbert, Fred (Sheryl) Fritz, Doug (Brenda) Fritz, Tom (Lila) Fritz, Sandy (Doug) Bathke, and Tim (Paige) Fritz; 20 grandchildren, and 49 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, 9 brothers, 1 sister, 1 grandchild, and 1 great-grandchild.
Mrs. Fritz was a member of Bethel Bible Church of Winamac where she was a Sunday school teacher for several years. She loved being a housewife raising their children, and spoiling their grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She loved family, friends and was well known for her cooking, shopping and giving to others.
Services will be a drive-in service (outside) at Bethel Bible Church, Winamac, at 2 p.m. (EST) Tuesday, Jan. 5, with Pastor Tom Hopewell officiating. Interment will follow at Roseland Cemetery, Francesville.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Bethel Bible Church, Winamac.
Boersma Funeral Home, LLC, of Wheatfield has been entrusted with these arrangements.
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