Obituaries

Ruth E. Wuethrich

December 13, 1934 to December 12, 2020

FRANCESVILLE - Ruth E. Wuethrich, 85, of Francesville, passed awayat 9:45 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 12,at Parkview Haven Retirement Home in Francesville, just before her 86th birthday.

She was born Dec.13, 1934 to the late Clyde and Clara Sinn Stoller from Latty,Ohio. After the death of her father, Ruth moved with her family at the ageof 14 to New Haven, Ind. She graduated from New Haven High School in 1952. She gave her life to the Lord in 1954 and was a memberof the Apostolic Christian Church. On Oct. 2, 1955 she married Chris Lee Wuethrich. He preceded her in death.

She is survived by:
Ken (Lyn) Wuethrich, Indianapolis, Son
Kitty (Dennis) Gutwein, Francesville, Daughter
Kevin (Connie) Wuethrich, Francesville, Son
Chris (Carla) Wuethrich, Troy, IL, Son
Kelly (Mark) Ramseyer, Livonia, MI, Daughter
Kirby (April) Wuethrich, Zionsville, Son
33 grandchildren: Heather (Michael) Rowe, Seth (Jenny) Wuethrich, Sean (Julie) Wuethrich, Jacob (Michelle)Gutwein, Jonathan (Jessica) Gutwein, Lydia (Jardon) Koebcke, Kara (Jason) Bohlinger, Kristy (Jason) Carlile,Kaitlyn (Jake) Podell, Levi (Kyann) Wuethrich, Meagan (Brad) Frank, Landon (Hannah) Wuethrich, MarissaWuethrich, Cambria Wuethrich, Carrie Ramseyer, Caleb (Autumn) Ramseyer, Grace Ramseyer, GrantRamseyer, Abigail Wuethrich, and Cale Wuethrich.
31 great-grandchildren
Marian Yoder, Sister
Richard (Arlene) Stoller, Brother
Marcia Stoller, Sister-in-law
Robert (Phyllis) Wuethrich, Brother-in-law
Nola Wuethrich, Sister-in-law
Many nieces and nephews

Preceded in death by:
Lester Stoller, Brother
Eugene Yoder, Brother-in-law
Theresa (Paul) Von Tobel, Sister-in-law
Wilma (Jack) Stewart, Sister-in-law
Velda (Lee) Overmyer, Sister-in-law
Mildred (Eugene) Huber, Sister-in-law
Elizabeth (John) Schambach, Sister-in-law
Glendoris (Lester) Huber, Sister-in-law
Genevieve (Ed) Schambach, Sister-in-law
Willis (Marjean) Wuethrich, Brother-in-law
David (Barb) Wuethrich, Brother-in-law
Barbara Ellen Wuethrich, Sister-in-law
Richard Wuethrich, Brother-in-law

Mrs. Wuethrich and her husband were blessed with six children and 63 years of marriage. She blessed many hearts by her beautiful alto voice, having the ability to harmonize by ear. Along with being an outstanding cook, she had a passion for reading, which sparked a special connection to her grandchildren. She was an exceptional wife and partner on the farm. She didn’t just take sandwiches to the field; it was a four-course meal - tablecloth and all! Her kids had a hot breakfast every morning before school which included at least two pounds of bacon. Her granddaughters loved her sense of style and cute displays of knick-knacks.She was a loving mom, patient grandma, and gentle great-grandma.

Private visitation will be held at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Francesville. Private funeral services will be held at Apostolic Christian Church in Francesville. The church will broadcast the funeral service at 2 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 17, on its Facebook page and on the AC Central App. Private burial will be at Roseland Cemetery in Francesville.

Memorial donations may be made to Parkview Haven Retirement Home.

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

Jean D. Barley

March 1, 1929 to December 12, 2020

MEDARYVILLE - Jean D. Barley, 91, of Medaryville, passed away at 7:48 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 12, at Parkview Haven Retirement Home in Francesville.

She was born March 1, 1929 in Medaryville to the late Billie Timmons and Vernadean Wright Lowry. She graduated from Medaryville High School in 1947.

She is survived by:
Rebecca (Brad) Reed, Medaryville, Daughter
Nicole (Shannon) Kopka, Francesville, Granddaughter
Sierra Burtis, Waxhaw, NC, Granddaughter
Terrance (Leah) Hahn, Medaryville, Grandson
Zack Reed, Monticello, Grandson
2 Great-Grandchildren
Bill (Mary Lou) Lowry, Indianapolis, Brother

Mrs. Barley worked many years as a secretary at the Jasper-Pulaski Tree Nursery. She retired from Rose Acres Farms as a house manager. She was a longtime member of the Medaryville Christian Church. She loved flower gardening and was especially fond of roses. She was always on the lookout for antiques at yard sales. In her spare time she refurbished and reupholstered furniture. She also enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 12 noon to 2 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 19, at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Medaryville. In accordance with current guidance from the state and local health departments, attendance will be limited to 25 persons at a time. Please sign up for a visitation time online at www.frainmortuary.com or by calling 219-843-4672. Facial coverings, social distancing, and hand sanitizing are mandatory. Thank you for your cooperation.

A private funeral service will be held at the funeral home with Rev. Tom Dewlen officiating. Private burial will take place at Pulaski Presbyterian and Community Cemetery in Pulask.

Memorial donations may be made to Medaryville Christian Church.

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

Richard W. Nielsen

February 20, 1931 to November 29, 2020

NORTH JUDSON - Richard W. Nielsen, 89, of North Judson, passed away Sunday, Nov. 29. He was a life-long Pulaski County farmer.

He was born Feb. 20, 1931. He married Kareen Schuyler in 1950 who survives.

He is also survived by children, Larry (Susan) Nielsen, Linda (Kenneth) Redlin, Kristine Christensen and Rebecca (Anthony) Cook; grandchildren Genny (Bryan) Hartley, Beth (Rik) O’Halek, Katrina (Alvin) Harper, Erin (Bryan) Tunis, Nicole (Shane) Hinesley, Clayton (Jennifer) Redlin, Erik (Danielle) Christensen, Justin (Kelly) Nielsen, Evan (Erika) Christensen, Ethan Christensen, David Roessler, Schuyler Cook, Whitney (Eli) Smith, Karsten (Hannah) Cook and Myanna Cook; 27 great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

A life-long member of St. Peters Lutheran Church, Mr. Nielsen attended St. Peters Lutheran Elementary School. While attending North Judson High School (1944-49), he was always an active Bluejay in basketball, track and was a member of the first football team his senior year. Many Bluejay fans remember him for making the very first touchdown in Bluejay history. He was also a member of the 1949 sectional basketball championship team. He continued to attend Bluejay football and basketball games throughout his entire life cheering his children, grandchildren and most recently his great-grandchildren this past fall.

Following graduation, Mr. Nielsen farmed and raised chickens and hogs until his retirement. He was a member of the San Pierre Fire Department, Kiwanis, NJSP Boosters, and the Pulaski County Soil and Water Conservation. Due to his integral part in no-till farming in Pulaski County, he received the State of Indiana 2009 Master Farm Conservationist Award in Indianapolis.

A private family graveside service will be held at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Peters Lutheran Church and School or the charity of the donor’s choice.

Funeral arrangements have been made through O’Donnell Funeral Home, North Judson.

Alfred D. Lawton

May 20, 1949 to December 6, 2020

WINAMAC - Alfred Dwaine “Al” Lawton, 71, of Winamac, passed away at 5:28 a.m., Sunday, Dec. 6, at Pulaski Memorial Hospital in Winamac.

He was born May 20, 1949 in Fargo, ND to the late Elgy and Mary Irene Dolan Lawton. He served in the U.S. Marines during the Vietnam War and received a Purple Heart.

He is survived by:
Eric (Stacey) Lawton, Son
Chris (Val) Lawton, Son
Philip Lawton, Son
Josh (Jodi) Lawton, Son
Bryan (Chelsea) Lawton, Son
10 Grandchildren
2 Great-Grandchildren
Grace Clapper, Sister
Jim Lawton, Brother
George Lawton, Brother
Jeanne Davis, Sister
Jim Grubbs, Brother-in-law
Several Nieces and Nephews
Donna Clay Lawton, Former Spouse
Linda Slater Ampey, Former Spouse

Preceded in death by:
Jeremy Lawton, Son
Zachary Levi Lawton, Grandson
Patty Lawton, Sister
Jan Grubbs, Sister
Vern Lawton, Brother
George Davis, Brother-in-law
Robert Clapper, Brother-in-law

Mr. Lawton worked for many years at Metal Stamp in South Bend. He was a lifetime member of VFW Post #1954 in North Liberty. He was full of life with a great sense of humor and was well-known as a prankster. He enjoyed the outdoors, especially fishing and driving the back roads. He also enjoyed having a good cup of coffee and cooking. He was very good with his hands, he enjoyed fixing things, and was a jack of all trades. He preferred doing his own vehicle maintenance and liked remodeling homes. He loved all animals, especially his fur babies Most of all, he was an amazing father. He always encouraged his sons to do better and was always there for them when they needed him. He will be dearly missed but we know he has been reunited with many loved ones who have gone before him.

The family will hold a private celebration of life service at a later date.

Memorial donations may be made to the funeral home assist the family with final expenses.

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

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.

Christian Welker

September 21, 1929 to December 6, 2020

FRANCESVILLE - Christian “Chris” Welker, 91, of Francesville, passed away peacefully Sunday, Dec. 6, at Parkview Haven Retirement Home in Francesville.

He was born Sept. 21, 1929 in Cervenka, Yugoslavia to the late Ludwig and Luisa Koch Welker.

He is survived by:
Luisa Welker Bratt, Warrenton, MO, Sister
Julie Welker Bauman, Mansfield, OH, Sister
Hilda Welker Gutwein, Bluffton, Sister
Gertrude “Trudi” Gischka Welker, Winamac, Sister-in-law
Christl Nahrath, Niece
Luisa Jordan, Niece
Ron (Marie) Baumann, Nephew
Dawn (Jim) Kazmierzak, Niece
Gery (Mary) Welker, Nephew
Norman (Lynn) Welker, Nephew

Preceded in death by:
Ludwig Welker, Brother
Konrad Welker, Brother
Gisela (Adam) Welker Roth, Sister
Eduard Welker, Brother
Eddie Bratt, Brother-in-law
Jacob Bauman, Brother-in-law
Erven Gutwein, Brother-in-law

Mr. Welker and his family were forced out of their homeland in 1944. They not only lost their home and properties, but they lost Ludwig and Konrad (Chris’s brothers) as a result of World War II. The Welker family lived as refugees in Austria until they moved to the U.S. in 1951. Mr. Welker was a mechanic in his younger days and spent most of his life as a farmer; having farmed in Missouri, Iowa, and Indiana. He was a member of the Apostolic Christian Church in Francesville. He was a loving brother and uncle who will be dearly missed.

A private funeral service will be held at the Apostolic Christian Church in Francesville with ministers of the church officiating. Private burial be at Roseland Cemetery in Francesville.

Memorial donations may be made to the Humanitarian Distribution Center.

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

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

Patricia Branson

August 5, 1934 to November 26, 2020

ROYAL CENTER - Patricia “Pat” Branson, 86, of Winamac passed away at 6:33 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 26, at Pulaski Healthcare Center, Winamac.

Born Aug. 5, 1934 in Kewanna, she was the daughter of the late Lovell and Frances Engle Hurlburt. She married Carl Branson on May 24, 1952 in Kewanna Church of Christ.  He preceded her in death on June 29, 2009.

She is survived by her son, Terry (Tammy) Branson of New Jersey; brother, Chester Hurlburt of Texas; grandchildren, Dana Gilbert of Winamac, Robert (Samantha) Bruce of Star City and Ryan (Christina) Branson of New Jersey; and great-grandchildren, Dylan, Haylee, Danny, Lauren and Mila.

She was also preceded in death by her daughter, Vickie Bruce; son, Carl Wayne Branson; brothers, Phillip Blaine Hurlburt and Kenneth Wayne Hurlburt; and sister, Catherine Wright.

Mrs. Branson formerly owned and operated the Lions Den Restaurant at Bruce Lake for over 15 years. She was a former member of the Griffith 1st Christian Church and the American Legion #66 Ladies Auxiliary. She enjoyed bowling, bingo and going to the casinos.

Services will be at 1 p.m., Friday, Dec. 4, at Rans Funeral Homes & Crematory, Royal Center with visitation from 11 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday.  Minister Joshua Rude will officiate. Burial will follow at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Bruce Lake.

Mrs. Branson’s online guestbook is available and condolences can be shared at www.ransfuneralhomes.com.