Obituaries

Donald Zehner

June 21, 1936 to March 13, 2020

CULVER - Donald J. Zehner Sr., 83, of Monterey passed away peacefully Friday, March 13, at Advent Hospital in Sebring, Fla.

He was born June 21, 1936, in Monterey to August and Anna Shorter Zehner. He lived his entire life in the Monterey community. He was married July 27, 1957, to Ruth Keller at St. Anne's Catholic Church in Monterey. She survives.

He is also survived by his children, Don (Pam) Zehner of Logansport, Greg (Mary)
Zehner of Monterey, August (Kathy) Zehner of Anderson, Sharon (Larry) Yelaska of Walkerton, and son-in-law Linn Reynolds of Winamac; grandchildren, Arin (Shawn), Jordan (Danny), Lauren (Lukas), Peyton, Bryan, Heather (Phil), Erik, Tiffany (Jordan), Bryce, Gwen (Jake), Donna, Jill, Nick, Sarah (Eric), Zack (Shelli), Katie, Brett, Jessie, Kelsey, and Nita; great-grandchildren Mason, Gavin, Ashton, Genevieve, Bernard, Evelyn, Margaret, Claire, Ezekiel, and Eloise; sister Mary (Joe) Penska, and sister-in-law Delores Zehner and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Bob and Jim, sister Sue, daughter Beth and grandson Ben.

Mr. Zehner attended Holy Family School through the eighth grade, followed by Monterey public school, graduating from Monterey High School in 1954. Following graduation, he worked at the Culver Military Academy and Studebaker in South Bend. He and his wife owned and operated Zehner Service Center for 41 years in Monterey. Since 1970, the couple have also owned and operated a mobile home park in Monterey. Mr. Zehner was a devoted husband and father, a wonderful grandpa, brother and friend. He was a lifelong member of St. Anne's Catholic Church. He was a past member of the Lions Club and a Volunteer Fireman for the Monterey Fire Department. He had a very generous heart and was always willing to help those in need. He enjoyed the challenge of fixing anything that was broken. After retirement, the Zehners spent winters in Avon Park, Fla.

A private Catholic service will take place at St. Anne’s Catholic Church, Monterey, with immediate family, according to current coronavirus requirements. A memorial service will take place in June.

Memorial donations in Mr. Zehner’s memory may be made to St. Anne’s Church in Monterey, IN or the American Lung Association for COPD research.

Condolences may be sent to Ruth Zehner, P.O. Box 5, Monterey, IN 46960.

Donald E. Capouch Sr.

April 27, 1929 to March 11, 2020

WHEATFIELD - Donald Eugene Capouch Sr., 90, passed away surrounded by family, Wednesday, March 11, at Porter Regional Hospital in Valparaiso, after a short illness. He had been in declining health.

He was born April 27, 1929, the son of the late Joe and Linda Collins Capouch. On Sept. 10, 1949, he married Shirley Ann McCauley in San Pierre. His love for her was boundless, and he proclaimed it loud and proud, in word and in deed, for over 69 years, until her passing last year. Their love affair was one for the ages.

He is survived by his sisters Elsie Cepican of Phoenix, Peg (Bill) Gehring of Rensselaer; his children Brian Capouch of Monon, Rick (Nancy) Capouch of North Judson, Mick (Rose) Capouch of Medaryville, Cathy (Troy) Daniels of Rensselaer, Don (Debby) Capouch Jr. of Wheatfield, Patti Capouch of Chicago, and Nicki (Roy) Davis of Kouts, as well as 14 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, his sister Betty Vessely, and his infant sister Alice. He and his wife also leave a large extended family, descendants of Joe and Linda Capouch of Cass Township, Pulaski County, and Michael and Bridget Cooley, of York Township, Benton County.

Mr. Capouch was a fourth-generation Pulaski County farmer on the Capouch homestead in Cass Township. He was born in a house built around a log cabin erected by his great-grandfather in 1876. Three of his Collins ancestors fought in the American Revolution. He spent his youth on the family farm, and farmed briefly on his own before joining William Gehring’s vast farming operation in Jasper County, where he worked for over 35 years until his retirement. Having grown up on a farm using horses, during his time at Gehring’s he utilized state-of-the-art equipment and techniques on one of the nation’s most progressive specialty crop farms. For many years he was a foreman there, helping manage field operations growing corn, soybeans, seed corn, mint, potatoes and onions. He loved working on the farm. He was a member of All Saints Catholic Church in San Pierre, where he was an usher and lector. He was a Boy Scout leader and served as a member of the Kankakee Valley School Board. After his retirement, he and his wife lived proudly independent until the ends of their lives in the former residence of Helen Dolezal in San Pierre.

Because of the ongoing public health crisis, Mr. Capouch’s family has decided to forego services at this time. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date, and the family thanks the many friends and relatives for their expressions of sympathy and concern. The family also expresses its overwhelming gratitude to his caregiver Kaitlyn Braun, whose visits he always met with joyful anticipation. Her kind care for our father will forever remain in our hearts.

As per Mr. Capouch’s wishes, his remains will be cremated. Part of his ashes will be interred with the remains of his beloved wife Shirley in the All Saints Catholic Cemetery in San Pierre. Part will be scattered upon the soil of the farm he loved so dearly.

Boersma Funeral Home in Wheatfield is handling the cremation.

The family requests any memorials in Mr. Capouch’s memory be made to the St. Jude’s Childrens Hospital.

Bonnie J. Allen

February 26, 1949 to March 10, 2020

Update: After much prayerful consideration, the family has made the difficult decision to cancel the public visitation and funeral services that were scheduled March 17 for Bonnie. They appreciate the love and prayers during their time of loss. A public memorial service will be held a later date.  

MEDARYVILLE - Bonnie J. Allen, 71, of Rensselaer, passed away at 4:20 p.m., Tuesday, March 10, at Rush University Hospital in Chicago.

She was born Feb. 26, 1949 to the late John and Christine Stone Conley. On Dec. 17, 1966, she married James A. “Jim” Allen Jr. They spent 53 years of marriage together, not only as husband and wife, but also as best friends. He survives.

Survivors include:
James A. “Jimmy” (Yevett) Allen III, Springfield, MO, Son
Ronald D. “Ron” (Gretchen) Allen, Son
Christopher J. “Chris” (Nicole) Allen, Springfield, MO, Grandson
Joshua C. “Josh” Allen, Springfield, MO, Grandson
Samantha D. “Sam” (Antonio) Godina, Medaryville, Granddaughter
Ivy L. Allen, Roselawn, Granddaughter
Macey A. Allen, Medaryville, Granddaughter
Abigail J. Allen, Granddaughter
3 Great-Grandchildren: Kylin, Audrianna, and Liam Godina
John “Junior” (Patricia) Conley, Phoenix, AZ, Brother
Linda Thomas, Rensselaer, Sister
Kenneth “Kenny” (Crystal) Walker, Francesville, Brother
David (Linda) Walker, Rensselaer, Brother
Ray (Trisha) Conley, Remington, Brother
Donald Conley, Winamac, Brother
Jack Conley, Winamac, Brother
Vinia (Jr. ) Carter, Wheatfield, Sister
Joanne (Larry) Whitaker Florida, Sister
13 Aunts and Uncles
Several Nieces and Nephews
Many Cousins

Preceded in death by:
Richard “Ronnie” Walker, Step-Father
James “Jimmy” Walker, Brother
Jim Conley, Brother
Charles Conley, Brother
Margie Terry, Sister
Loise Ann Conley, Sister
Gilbert Thomas, Brother-in-law

Mrs. Allen and her husband enjoyed a lifetime of line dancing together. She was a member of Pleasant Ridge Bible Church in Francesville, where she had taught Sunday school for many years. She had a kind heart for others and especially loved children. She was a talented seamstress who enjoyed making lap blankets for the residents at the Rensselaer Care Center. She was always sure to feed a visitor before they left her home. She was an avid fisherman and loved to be out on the lake fishing with her husband. She loved her family very much and enjoyed spending time with all of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She will be deeply missed by all those who knew and loved her.

Visitation will be from 3 to 7 p.m., Tuesday, March 17, at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Medaryville. The funeral service will follow at 7 p.m., Tuesday, at the funeral home with Rev. Leonard Allen officiating. Private burial will be at a later date.

Memorial donations may be made to Pleasant Ridge Bible Church in Francesville.

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

Jerry R. Howe

March 27, 1931 to March 10, 2020

WINAMAC - Jerry R. Howe, 88, of Winamac, passed away Tuesday, March 10, at Hickory Creek Healthcare in Winamac.

He was born March 27, 1931 in Winamac to the late Theodore and Mildred Robinson Howe. He graduated from Winamac High School in 1949. On Nov. 18, 1951, he married Mary Ash. They were married for nearly 40 years and were blessed with four sons. She passed away Sept. 23, 1991. On Aug. 4, 1993, he married Joann Hoffman who passed away Oct. 4, 2014.

He is survived by:
Rob (Connie) Howe, Winamac, Son
Mike Howe, Rockmart, GA, Son
Don (Sue) Howe, Winamac, Son
Julie (Kenny) Howe Overwein, Florence, KY, Daughter-in-law
Jeff Hoffman, Kewanna,  Step-Son
Julie (Dan) Middleton, Warsaw, Step-Daughter
7 Grandchildren: Eric, Evan, Molly, Donny, Beth, Ashlee and Andrew
8 Great-Grandchildren
Joy (Bill) Hintz, Winamac, Sister
Many Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
Lee Howe, Son
Sherry Howe, Daughter-in-law

Mr. Howe proudly served in the U.S. Coast Guard from 1952-1955. He was a longtime member of the Winamac American Legion. He was a very knowledgeable country music fan and enjoyed attending country music concerts, especially those at the Blueberry Festival. He had a true passion and understanding for the game of baseball that he passed on to future generations. During his youth, it became evident he was a talented athlete, playing baseball and basketball in school. When he was 19 years old, he was signed to a Minor League Baseball contract with the St. Louis Browns. During his time in the coastguard, he played baseball and basketball. He was instrumental in the creation of the Winamac Little League and coached for over 25 years during which time he touched many lives. He endured a hardship in 2008 when son Lee lost his battle with ALS. Mr. Howe was a hardworking and dedicated father and family man. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m., Saturday, March 14, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac; and one hour prior to services Sunday at the funeral home. The funeral service will be at 3 p.m., Sunday, March 15, at the funeral home with Rev. Edward Clark officiating. Burial will be at Winamac Cemetery in Winamac. The American Legion and VFW will provide military graveside services.

Memorial donations may be made to Hickory Creek Healthcare in Winamac or ALS Association Kentucky Chapter.

Online tributes may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com

Betty M. Ailes

July 16, 1937 to March 3, 2020

MEDARYVILLE - Betty M. Ailes, 82, of Medaryville, passed away Tuesday, March 3, at Franciscan Health Lafayette East Hospital in Lafayette.

She was born July 16, 1937 in Medaryville to the late Marion and Milda Foust Poisel. She graduated from Medaryville High School in 1956. On Sept. 29, 1956, she married Harold L. Ailes in Medaryville. He preceded her in death.

She is survived by:
Cathy (Roger) Frinkel, Daughter
Lyne (Mark) Conley, Daughter
Cheryl (Kenny Messer) Ailes, Daughter
5 Grandchildren
14 Great Grandchildren
Dorothy Owens, Sister
Many Nieces, Nephews and Cousins

Preceded in death by:
3 Grandchildren
Zelda Tetzloff, Sister
Alladene Archer, Sister
Edwin Poisel, Sister
Elmer Poisel, Brother
Walter Poisel, Brother
Bill Poisel, Brother

Mrs. Ailes was a devoted wife of 56 years. She was a proud homemaker. In her younger years, she enjoyed canning with her sisters. She and her husband cleaned the Medaryville Bank and Medaryville Christian Church for nearly 20 years. She was a member of the Medaryville Assembly of God Church. She was an avid reader and enjoyed doing word searches. She loved her children and would do anything for them. She especially loved her grandchildren. She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday, March 9, at Frain Mortuary Querry- Ulbricht in Medaryville. The funeral service will follow at 2 p.m., Monday, at the funeral home with Pastors Tom Dewlen and Bill McNabney officiating. Burial will be at White Post Cemetery in Medaryville.

Memorial donations may be made to the Medaryville Assembly of God Church.

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

Alvin H. Zellers

July 16, 1951 to March 1, 2020

WINAMAC - Alvin Herman Zellers, 68, of Winamac, passed away peacefully Sunday, March 1, at his home.

He was born on July 16, 1951 in Winamac to the late Alvin B. and Emma E. Sahlhoff Zellers. He graduated from Winamac Community High School in 1972. On July 5, 1980, he married Wendy J. Pietrzak in Greenwich, CT. She survives.

Survivors also include:
Zachary A. Zellers, Winamac, Son
David W. Zellers, Sullivan, Son
Bertha A. Kelsey, South Bend, Sister
Glen A. (Kathy) Zellers, Winamac, Brother
Emma Lou (Chris) Nielsen, Winamac, Sister
Jean Pietrzak, Greenwich, CT, Mother-in-law
Sandy (Chris) Burns, Syracuse, NY, Sister-in-law
Heidi (Timmy) Hupal, Greenwich, CT, Sister-in-law
Many Nieces, Nephews and Cousins

Preceded in death by:
Ben E. (Celia) Zellers, Brother
Jacque and Penny, Half-Sisters

Mr. Zellers was a faithful member of St. Luke Lutheran Church in Winamac where he had served as an Elder and Trustee. He was also very involved with the local Boy Scout Troop #229 and Cub Scout Pack #3230. He enjoyed chaperoning scout camping trips and outings. He was especially proud that both of his sons obtained the rank of Eagle Scout.

Mr. Zellers was a retired production worker, having worked nearly 20 years at Winamac Steel and nearly 20 years at Winamac Coil Spring in Kewanna, until he was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia. He enjoyed doing yardwork; and not just his, but also for many friends and neighbors around town. He was a talented handyman and woodworker. He liked gardening and canning, as well as cooking and baking. He was an avid Chicago Cubs fan and Notre Dame Women’s Basketball fan. He was a genealogist and enjoyed gathering and collecting Zellers family history. He was always faithful to attend the Zellers family reunion in the Winamac Town Park, and the Sahlhoff reunions in Bremen. He was a very kind man who willingly gave of himself to others. He was a loving and devoted husband, dad, brother and godfather. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Visitation will be from 2 to 6 p.m., Sunday, March 15, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Monday, March 16, at St. Luke Lutheran Church in Winamac. Burial will be at Winamac Cemetery in Winamac.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Luke Lutheran Church or Boy Scout Troop #229.

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