Obituaries

Brent Aguirre

June 12, 1981 to November 24, 2020

WINAMAC - Brent Aguirre, 39, of Texas (formerly of Indiana) passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, Nov. 24.

He was born June 12, 1981 to Freddy Y. and Rhonda Munsey Aguirre.

He is survived by:
Madison Aguirre, Daughter
Rhonda Munsey Aguirre, Mother
April Aguirre Gagliardi, Sister
Kilee Jo Aguirre, Sister
Sophia Aguirre, Sister
1 Nephew: Carmine
2 Nieces: Ariel and Zeniah
Madison’s Mother: Michelle
Grandma Victoria Camacho
Many More Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins

Preceded in death by:
Freddy Y. Aguirre, Father

Mr. Aguirre was an ambitious and outgoing man. He was a hard worker no matter what he was doing. Most of all, he was a loving father, son, and brother. He will be sadly missed.

Arrangements are pending at Frain Mortuary in Winamac.

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

Duane C. Earhart

February 26, 1959 to November 30, 2020

WINAMAC - Duane Carl Earhart (Duck), 61, of New Richmond, WI passed away at 4:44 p.m., Monday, Nov. 30, at Westfields Hospital in Wisconsin.

He was born Feb. 26, 1959 in Winamac, to the late Lestel LaGene and Denise Alva Dommer Earhart. He graduated from Winamac Community High School in 1979. 

He is survived by his sisters Penny (Tom) Saltsman of Winamac, and Brenda (Bob) Lanham of Gosport; brothers: Randy (Jeanne) Earhart of Valparaiso and Kerry Earhart of Indianapolis; his roommate Dennis Robinson; three nieces Shauna, Sheena and Katrina, three nephews Jeremy, Jason and Anthony;  three Aunts Roselyn Budd Clark, Carolyn (Howard) Gordon and Delores Albee.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his grandparents. 

Mr. Earhart was known as a hard worker. At age 16, he began working at Colonial Inn Restaurant in Winamac. He moved to Wisconsin in 1985 where he worked at TA Truck stop/restaurant. He worked at North States in Siren, Philips and 3M factories in Wisconsin. He was a laborer and became a working supervisor (line lead). He retired after working 28 years at 3M. He enjoyed going to casinos and their buffets. He loved landscaping at his home, cooking, and watching soap opera (Days of our Lives). He loved Christmas decorating and watching Hallmark Christmas movies. He was a collector of Elvis memorabilia. With his family, he enjoyed eating Pizza King (BBQ pizza) and playing cards and board games. He really enjoyed spending time with all his dogs (Max, Snowball, Gismo, Chong, Cheech). He loved to tease his sister Penny on her birthday. He was a godfather to Katrina (Earhart) Westfall. He loved his family and friends very much, especially spending time with his siblings. He will be dearly missed.

A private graveside service and burial will take place at Koster Cemetery in rural Francesville.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the donor’s favorite charity.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Frain Mortuary in Winamac.

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

Richard H. Thompson Jr.

July 5, 1978 to November 30, 2020

WINAMAC - Richard Henry “Richie” Thompson Jr., 42, of North Hollywood, CA (formerly of Ora) passed away Monday, Nov. 30, at his home.

He was born July 5, 1978 in Knox, to the late Richard Henry and Mary Louise (Halicki) Thompson Sr. He graduated from Culver Community High School in 1997 and Purdue University in 2001.

He is survived by:
Cindy (Dean) Poort, Peotone, IL, Sister
Brenda (James) Broeker, Ora, Sister
Bill (Tammy) Thompson, Ora, Brother
Jay (Angie) Thompson, Ora, Brother
Cody Poort, Nephew
Scott Poort, Nephew
Megan (Lincoln) Whisman, Niece
Blake Thompson, Nephew
Sydney Thompson, Niece
Ellie Thompson, Niece
Mason Thompson, Nephew

Preceded in death by:
Michael Richard Thompson, Brother

Mr. Thompson worked for Barnes and Noble for many years. Although he has been confined to a wheelchair since he was 12 years old, he never let it keep him from achieving big things - he completed college, worked hard, and visited many parts of the country. He was loved by many and will be dearly missed.

A graveside service will be held at a later date, followed by burial at Alexander Heinemann Memorial Cemetery in Ora.

Memorial donations may be made to IU Health Riley Hospital for Children or Shriner’s Hospital for Children.

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

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.

Kathryn M. Winters Wikert

September 29, 1941 to November 30, 2020

WINAMAC - Kathryn Margaret Winters Wikert, 79, of White Plains, Md., passed away at 8:50 p.m., Monday, Nov. 30, at Georgetown Hospital after complications with lung disease/pneumonia.

She was born Sept. 29, 1941 to Owen William and Geraldine Arlie Hatfield Winters in Monterey. After graduating from Monterey High School in 1959, she was recruited by the federal government for a civil service position working for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and moved to the Washington, D.C. area in 1960.

After marrying in 1962, she moved to White Plains, Md. in 1968 where she remained and raised her two children.

She is survived by her brother James (Bertha) Winters; sister Shirley (Mont) Hoover; brother Dick (Sue) Winters; sister-in-law Jerry Winters; son William “Bill” Wikert; daughter Brenda (Chris) Howard; and her four grandchildren, Julia Howard, Camryn Howard, Amanda Wikert, and Connor Wikert.

She was predeceased by her parents and brothers, Jack and Wayne Winters.

Mrs. Wikert was a great supporter of her children playing in recreational and high school sports. She never missed a game and was known by many for her enthusiastic cheering in the stands, whether it was football, softball, or baseball. She coached many years for her daughter’s softball team and umpired for Southern Maryland Youth Organization (SMYO) in the 70s/80s. She also played softball several years in the local Southern Maryland Women’s league; enjoyed playing Bingo and Rummikub with her friends; has been an avid bowler from the early days playing duckpin at Curly’s and bowling on many leagues at AMF Waldorf Lanes. As of last year she had been bowling on two teams: Waldorf Wonders and Tuesday Morning Mix. She was known for her lively conversations, strong opinions, many laughs, and would strike up a conversation with anyone during her outings around town.

During those early years she took a break from working with the federal government to stay home with her children and eventually, after working locally several years, she went back to work at the FBI. After retiring from the FBI as a paralegal specialist/training instructor in January 2003, she dedicated her life to her four grandchildren and taking many trips with friends. As with her children’s sports, she was able to be her grandchildren’s spirited cheerleader at their games for baseball, softball, lacrosse, cheerleading competitions, and field hockey. She loved being outside and maintaining her yard. Even this past summer, after battling lung cancer, she was back out mowing the lawn, and working in her vegetable garden. She was proud of her beautiful peony, lilac and forsythia bushes that bloomed every year.

A private family service will be held at Raymond Funeral, La Plata, MD.

Visitation will be from 12 noon to 2 p.m., Friday, Dec. 18, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. The funeral service will follow at 2 p.m., Friday, at the funeral home. Mrs. Wikert will be laid to rest with her siblings at Star City West Cemetery, Star City.

Memorial donations may be made in Kathy’s name to Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, 3800 Reservoir Road, NW, Washington D.C. 20057, Phone: (202) 444-4000 or to a local charity of donor’s choice.

Online condolences and memories may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com.

Ruth F. Budd

October 12, 1929 to December 4, 2020

WINAMAC - Ruth Fay Budd, 91, of Greencroft in Goshen, (a life-long resident of Pulaski County) passed away peacefully in her sleep Friday, Dec. 4. 

She was born Oct. 12, 1929 in Winamac, to the late Joseph and Fay Agnew Smith.  She graduated from Winamac High School in 1948.  On March 31, 1957, she married Harold W. Budd.  He passed away May 24, 2018.

She is survived by:

Susan E. Budd, Ft. Wayne, Daughter
Linda K. (Bruce) Wells, Nappanee, Daughter
Laura F. Horning, Goshen, Daughter
David W. (Karen) Budd, Winamac, Son
15 Grandchildren
15 Great-Grandchildren

Preceded in death by:
Elaine Ellis, Sister
Loraine Egleston, Sister
Emmett Smith, Brother
Roger Smith, Brother

Mrs. Budd worked alongside her husband at Budd Insurance Agency in Winamac for many years. She was an active member of the Pulaski Presbyterian Church for many years. Later in life, she returned to the Winamac First United Methodist Church, where she had attended as a youth.  As a member of the Pulaski Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, she was a volunteer Pink Lady and assisted with the home installation of Life Line devices. She was also a volunteer for the Red Cross blood drives. She was a 4-H Leader for the Indian Creek Busy Bees and a member of the Happy Homemakers Home-Ec Club and Pulaski County Extension Chords.  She also sang in a women’s barbershop group known as Silver Tones. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She will be dearly missed.

Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 12, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. A private funeral service will be held at the funeral home with Bruce Wells officiating. Private Burial will be at Winamac Cemetery (McKinley Addition) in Winamac.

Memorial donations may be made to Heifer International or the Memorial Swinging Bridge Project.

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

Carrie L. Shidler

July 18, 1986 to December 1, 2020

WINAMAC - Carrie Lynne Shidler, 34, of Lafayette, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 1.

She was born July 18, 1986 in Winamac. She attended Winamac Community High School.

She is survived by:
Aaron Scott Sommer, Son
Jonathan Talbert Campbell, Son
Jennifer Nicole Pogue-Shidler, Daughter
Sara Marie Frinkel, Sister
Tabitha Jo Mulcare, Sister
Nathan Mulcare, Nephew
Saxon Nuss, Nephew
Chloe Frinkel, Niece
Bosiefuss Frinkel, Nephew
Paul Frinkel, Nephew
Merrilyn Glen Johnson, Biological Father

Preceded in death by:
Hazel Campbell, Infant Daughter
Presais Campbell, Infant Daughter
Paul Joseph and Cheryl Lynne Shidler Mulcare, Parents
Larry “Bean” and Geneva Hines Shidler, Maternal Grandparents

Ms. Shidler was a very hard worker, with an outgoing personality, and in her free time she enjoyed camping and fishing. She was a loyal friend to many. The world has lost a beautiful soul that was full of life. Carrie will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved her.

Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m., Monday, Dec. 7, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. The funeral service will follow at 6 p.m., Monday, at the funeral home.

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.