Obituaries

Dolores M. Grizzell

October 1, 1932 to March 31, 2020

WINAMAC - Dolores Margaret Grizzell, 87, of Winamac, passed away Tuesday, March 31, at her home surrounded by family. 

She was born Oct. 1, 1932 in Chicago, to the late Ernest Myron and Margaret Anastasia Russell Small. On April 22, 1952, she joined the U.S. Air Force and served three years during the Korean War as a cryptographer with top secret clearance. She married Claud Si Grizzell on May 31, 1986 at All Saints Catholic Church in Logansport.  He passed away Jan. 29, 2013.

She is survived by:
Cherylann Johnson, Macomb, IL, Daughter
Carrielynn Huse, Winn, MI, Daughter
Amanda (Nicholas) Cook, Logansport, Daughter
7 Grandchildren: Stacie, William, Michael, Casey, Jessica, Crystal, and April
Many Great-Grandchildren

Preceded in death by:
Gailmarie Ayers, Daughter
John Allen Wilson, Grandson

Mrs. Grizzell was a longtime member of All Saints Catholic Church. She was very devoted to her Catholic faith. She felt a strong connection to St. Kateri Tekakwitha and was an avid supporter of the St. Joseph’s Indian School in Chamberlain, SD. She was proud of her military service and was a lifelong member of the Winamac American Legion Post #71. She was a dedicated member of the local honor guard and had the privilege of presenting the U.S. Flag to numerous families. She was a longtime employee of Eaton’s (formerly Singer) in Winamac and retired after 25 years. She enjoyed staying in touch with her Eaton family. She enjoyed many years of traveling, especially in the motor home. She was in a motor home club. She raised and showed German Shepherds and she won many awards. She was a member of the Red Hat Society. She was well known for her spunky spirit and outgoing personality. She had a giving soul and always cared for others. She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Public viewing will be from 4 to 6 p.m., Friday, April 3, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. (Please sign up online at www.frainmortuary.com or by calling Frain Mortuary 574-946-3222.) Or sign up for Public Viewing by clicking here

A private family funeral service will be held at the funeral home with Rev. Jeff Martin officiating. Private family burial will be at St. Peter’s Cemetery in Winamac.  The USAF, American Legion, and VFW will conduct military graveside services.

A public memorial mass will be held at a later date at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Winamac, with the rosary recited prior to and a luncheon to follow.

Memorial donations may be made in the form of mass intentions to All Saints Catholic Church or St. Peter’s Catholic Church; OR to the Pulaski Animal Center.

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

Kathryn L. Britt Corbin

April 1, 1961 to April 1, 2020

FRANCESVILLE - Kathryn Leann Britt Corbin, 59, of Francesville, passed away peacefully, Wednesday, April 1, at St. Franciscan East Hospital inLafayette, with her soul mate by her side.

She was born April 1, 1961, in Lafayette to James L. Sr. and Kathryn L. “Katie” Overton Britt. She graduated from Tri-County High School in 1980. On Dec. 29, 1979, she married Donald L. Corbin II in Francesville. He survives.

Survivors also include:
Angala Corbin and Duke Conley, Francesville, Daughter and Son-in-law
Erin and Tony Gomez, Milwaukee, WI, Daughter and Son-in-law
5 Grandchildren: Tyler, Allie, Aiden, Keegan, and Kendall
James L. Britt, Sr., Remington, Father
Tim Britt, Remington, Brother
Don and Phyllis Corbin, Medaryville, Dad-in-law and Mom-in-law
Venus and Jerry VanBuskirk, Ft. Wayne, Sister-in-law and Brother-in-law
Tonja and Mark Jacklich, Sparta, TN, Sister-in-law and Brother-in-law
Nancy and Tim Elson, Indianapolis, Sister-in-law and Brother-in-law
Marquita “Kita” and Allen Fisher, Sparta, TN, Sister-in-law and Brother-in-law
Many Nieces, Nephews, and Cousins

Preceded in death by:
Kathryn L. “Katie” Overton Britt, Mother
James L. “Roller” Britt, Jr., Brother

Mrs. Corbin worked at Jasper County Community Services for two years and then started working as a teacher’s aide for KIRPC Head Start. She went on to earn her bachelor’s degree and dedicated her life to teaching children for 15 years. She  taught at JCYC preschool in Rensselaer, until it closed. Most recently, she taught resource classes at Rensselaer Elementary School until the time of her illness. She loved each and every one of her students as if they were her own children. She cherished each hug she received from a student. She was a loving and devoted wife, mom, nana, sister, sister-in-law and aunt. She inspired us and always brought out the best in us. Leann had that special way of always making us smile. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

A celebration of life service will be held at a later date at Jasper County Community Services in Rensselaer.

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

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

Patricia A. Braun

February 25, 1945 to March 27, 2020

WINAMAC - Patricia Ann “Pat” Braun, 75, of Chicago Heights, IL (formerly of Winamac) passed away at 6:30 a.m., Friday, March 27, at Bria of Chicago Heights. 

She was born Feb. 25, 1945 in Winamac to the late Clement Anthony and Bernice B. Kuhn Braun.

She is survived by:
Elizabeth “Betty” (Walt) Wallace, Winamac, Sister
Janice “Jan” (Paul) Meyer, Winamac, Sister
Dorothy Braun, Indianapolis, Sister
Margaret Shegas, Florida, Sister
Anthony “Tony” (Joy) Braun, Leiters Ford, Brother
George “Andy” Braun, Winamac, Brother
Ruth (Mike) Robbins, Whitesville, NY, Sister
Jerry Braun, Winamac, Brother
Clara Braun, Winamac, Sister
Many generations of Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
Rosemary Cottrell, Sister
Terrance “Terry” Braun, Brother
1 Niece and 3 Nephews

Ms. Braun was a lifelong member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Winamac. Although she was afflicted with epilepsy in her youth, she proudly graduated from the eighth-grade from St. Peter’s Catholic School in Winamac. She always maintained a positive attitude throughout her entire life. She was loving, kind, and fun to be with. She was always encouraging others to be kind to one another. She was a treasure and will be dearly missed.

Viewing will be from 2 to 4 p.m., Sunday, March 29, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the family requests those who are not feeling well, those who recently traveled outside of the state, or those who are high risk to not attend. Those who wish to attend viewing at the funeral home must sign up for a time slot – online, or by calling the funeral home at 946-3222.

A private funeral service will be held at the funeral home with Rev. Leroy Kinnaman officiating. (The funeral service will be broadcast on Facebook.) Private burial be at Reed Cemetery in Winamac.

A memorial mass will be held at a later date at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Winamac, with the rosary recited prior to mass and a luncheon to follow mass.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Peter’s Catholic Church in the form of Mass Intentions.

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

Sandra S. Johnston

July 19, 1960 to March 24, 2020

WINAMAC - Sandra Sue “Sandie” Johnston, 59, of Winamac, passed away at home Tuesday, March 24.

She was born July 19, 1960 in Chicago Heights, IL to Paul and Sue Lucas DeGroot. In 1971, the DeGroot family moved to Winamac. She graduated from Winamac Community High School in 1978.

She is survived by:
Thomas (Laurin) Johnston, Steger, IL, Son
4 Grandchildren: Faith, Kylie, Kara, and Gavin
Sue Lucas DeGroot, Winamac, Mother
Paul (Sheryl) DeGroot, Winamac, Father
Samantha (Aaron) Malchow, Francesville, Sister
Sheri Gaillard, Winamac, Sister
Perry (Katie) DeGroot, Winamac, Brother
Kelly (Mike) Bierrum, Star City, Step-Sister
Kim (Kevin) Podell, Winamac, Step-Sister
Several Nieces and Nephews
Glenn Sommers, Winamac, Companion

Preceded in death by:
Joseph Lucas, Maternal Grandfather
Mae and Herman Piacentini, Maternal Grandmother
Teresa (Herman) DeGroot, Paternal Grandparents

Mrs. Johnston was a retired from the Will County Sheriff’s Department in Will County, IL where she had served as a 911 dispatcher. In her youth, She loved to ride horses. She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

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

Arangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.

Kenneth R. Hamman

July 14, 1947 to March 19, 2020

ROYAL CENTER - Services have now been set for Kenneth R. Hamman, 72, of Winamac who passed away peacefully at 1:15 a.m., Thursday, March 19.

A celebration of life service will be at 11:30 a.m., Tuesday, July 14, at the First Christian Church in Winamac with Pastor Jeff Segar officiating. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m., Monday, July 13, at the church. Burial with full military rites will be performed at the Winamac Cemetery.

Born on July 14, 1947 in Winamac, he was the son of the late Ralph and Mary Rachel Galbreath Hamman, and Phyllis Hamman who survives. He was a 1966 Winamac High School graduate, and a U.S. Army veteran who served in the Vietnam War. On Dec. 6, 1969 he married Susan Donathen in Kewanna. She survives.

Survivors include:
Daughter and son-in-law, Amy and Doug Smith, Winamac
Granddaughter, Andriana Eileen Eva Smith, Indianapolis
Grandson, Aidan Edward Everett Smith, Winamac
Sister, Kimberly (Jack) Mitch, Upland
Brothers: Brian (Christi Farlow) Hamman, Culver; Kevin (Melissa) Bean, Logansport; and Tony (Twyla) Bean, Monterey.
Brothers-in-law: Larry (Joyce) Donathen, Franklin and Jon Donathen, Grass Creek.
Uncle Ron Hamman, Kewanna
Uncle Robert Engle, Kewanna
Bill and Marilyn Moon, Rochester
Nieces and Nephews: Amanda Donathen, Shannon and Kyle Grandstaff, Stephanie and Alex Mitch, Jessica Bean, Ashley Bean, Bailey Bean, Katelun Hamman, Kaylee Balasa, Jessika Peterson, Taylor Balasa, Ryan and Dana Conley, Matthew Donathen, Alex and Heather Donathen, Branden and Brandi Lewis, Zachary Mitch and Cody Bean.
Numerous great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins.

Preceded in death by:
Father and Mother-in-law, Charles William and Eileen Donathen
Sister, Constance Conley
Sister-in-law, Diana Donathen

Mr. Hamman was a retired rural postal carrier for the U.S. Postal Service in Francesville. He attended Winamac First Christian Church and was a member of the Winamac Eagles #2580, Monterey American Legion Post #399 and was a lifetime member of the Winamac V.F.W. #1728. He was an avid Cubs fan and enjoyed watching all sports. He enjoyed golfing, traveling, bowling, horseshoes, softball, and trips to the casino. He was so happy when granddaughter Andriana joined the high school golf team. He inherited the Hamman love for all types of card games. He loved fishing anywhere - oceans, rivers, lakes and ponds - but especially his excursions to Lake Erie with Big John and Charlie. They were great friends to him and found ways to make it possible for him to keep fishing at the pond the last few years. He most of all loved spending time with his family, especially his daughter and grandchildren who made him so proud. Family was important and he enjoyed anytime he could be with them. He loved the Hamman Thanksgiving reunions with hopes of having 100 family members attending every year. Family dinners, trips with in-laws and extended family, and family cookouts were special times together.

Services had been postponed due to state restrictions concerning the Covid-19 virus pandemic.

Friends and family are invited to sign the online guestbook or leave a condolence for the Hamman family at www.ransfuneralhomes.com.

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

Emma L. Nielsen

July 21, 1961 to March 18, 2020

WINAMAC - Emma Lou Nielsen, 58, of Winamac, passed away Wednesday, March 18, at Pulaski Memorial Hospital. 

She was born July 21, 1961 in Knox, to the late Alvin B. and Emma E. Sahlhoff Zellers.  She graduated from Winamac Community High School in 1980. She was married to Chris A. Nielsen. He survives.

Survivors also include:
Bertha A. Kelsey, South Bend, IN Sister
Glen A. (Kathy) Zellers, Winamac, IN Brother
Wendy J. Zellers, Winamac, IN Sister-in-law
Rosie Nielsen, Wabash, IN Mother-in-law
Valerie (Troy) Stout, Wabash, IN Sister-in-law
Several Nieces and Nephews (whom she always called her babies)
Many Cousins

Preceded in death by:
Ben E. (Celia) Zellers, Brother
Alvin Herman Zellers, Brother
Jacque and Penny, Half Sisters
Rex A. Nielsen, Father-in-law

Mrs. Nielsen was employed at Carter Fuel in Logansport. She was a hard worker and loved spending time with her family and friends. She was a member of St. Luke Lutheran Church in Winamac. She was also a member of the Winamac Eagles. She loved animals, especially her basset hound, Scyler. She enjoyed long walks around Bruce Lake, fishing and crocheting. She also enjoyed going to casinos. She will be dearly missed.

A graveside service will be at 3 p.m., Monday, March 23, at Winamac Cemetery in Winamac, with Pastor Tom Woodley officiating. Burial will be at the cemetery.

A memorial service will be held at St. Luke Lutheran Church in Winamac at a later date.

Memorial donations may be made to American Lung Association or ALS Association.

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

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.