Obituaries

Jean Calvert

August 31, 1930 to October 27, 2023

WINAMAC - Jean Calvert, 93, of Park Falls, WI passed away Friday, Oct. 27, at Park Manor Nursing Home in Park Falls.

She was born Aug. 31, 1930 in Chicago to the late Joseph and Santa [Scro] Penicaro. On June 22, 1949, Jean married Marsden “Mark” Calvert. He passed away May 24, 1987.

She is survived by:
Deborah “Debbie” Christie, Daughter
2 Grandchildren
4 Great-Grandchildren
Numerous Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
Patricia “Patty” Stevens, Daughter
Grace (John) Scrol, Sister
Marie (Max) Price, Sister
Rose Penicaro, Sister
Jennie (Howard) Bodden, Sister
Jesephine “Penny” (Sidney) Karras, Sister
Dorothy “Anne” (John) Hartnett, Sister
Frank (Arnabelle) Penicaro, Brother
Julie Penicaro, Twin Sister

Private burial will be at Winamac Cemetery in Winamac.

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

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.

Janet L. Robinson

December 7, 1929 to October 26, 2023

WINGATE - Janet L. Koebcke Robinson, 93, of Francesville, passed away peacefully Thursday evening, Oct. 26, surrounded by family.

She was born Dec. 7, 1929, in Francesville to the late Chris and Eva Page Koebcke. She married Wayne T. Robinson on Dec. 12, 1948 in Francesville. He preceded her in death Oct. 24, 1993.

Janet Robinson

Surviving are a daughter Sandy Papszycki of Lafayette and a son Dennis (Terry) Robinson of rural Francesville; grandchildren: Matthew (Kelley) Papszycki, Thomas Papszycki, Terra (Brian) Moore, Sean Robinson, Dana (Chris) Nunley, Andrew (Cassidy) Feldhaus, Amber Riegle, Stacy (John) Bings and Jake Chapman. Also great-grandchildren Brady (Breanna) Eagle, Bailey and Coleson Papszycki, Addistyn and Cade Nunley, Tate Papszycki, Blain Moore, Connor and Ethan Riegle and Hayden Feldhaus, Tia Brings, Joshua (Eleanor) Brings; plus great-great-grandchildren Finley Swore, Jett Wilks and Lainey Eagle. Also surviving are many nieces and nephews.  

She was also preceded in death by siblings Ruby Pardue, Kay (Bill) Rater and Richard Koebcke. Her biggest heartbreaks were the loss of two daughters Shari Robinson and Trudi Robinson Riegle and great-granddaughter Riley Papszycki  

Mrs. Robinson graduated from Francesville High School and worked for a while as a telephone operator until she settled with her husband on their family farm west of Francesville. She relished being a mother and loyal wife. Having grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren was the icing on the cake for her. Family was always first, and she loved family holiday celebrations and never forgot a birthday or special occasion. Outside her love for family and God was raising, riding, training and showing horses - a passion that brought her great joy. She was known as “drill sergeant” when instructing her grandchildren on handling horses. Besides her beloved horses, she enjoyed playing cards, line dancing with her sister, playing guitar, crocheting, long camping trips and cooking for her family. Homemade noodles and Chex Mix were two family staples of hers that no one dared to imitate.

Janet will be remembered as a ’tough old bird’ who went through more than most could handle. She was a strong-willed woman and was never one to complain or be afraid of hard work. She was a frugal woman but when it came to family, she would give everything she had. She genuinely held onto her Christian faith and for that she will always be with family. Her deep faith was evident in her lifetime membership of the First Christian Church of Francesville, where she sang in the choir and held the title of the oldest living member. She was last of the “Grand Ladies of Gillam Township” and was lovingly referred to as ‘Blondie’ by neighbors and friends. The friendships and memories that Janet and Wayne built were her treasures. She leaves a legacy that lives on forever in those she leaves behind. Her family has lost a beautiful and integral piece of its family tapestry. She wove her family together with threads of love, loyalty, selflessness, humor, sophistication, passion and grace.  

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m., Monday, Oct. 30; and one hour prior to the funeral service at 11 a.m., Tuesday, Oct. 31, with Pastor James Ketchen officiating; all held at the First Christian Church of Francesville. Burial will follow in Roseland Cemetery, Francesville. Those attending are invited back to the church following the graveside service for a luncheon.  

Memorial donations may be made to the First Christian Church of Francesville.  

Family and Friends Funeral Home of Wingate is assisting with arrangements.  Visit online at www.familyandfriendsfh.com to sign the guestbook or share a condolence.

Arthur E. Coburn

October 29, 1940 to October 25, 2023

MEDARYVILLE - Arthur E. “Art” Coburn, 82, of Monticello (formerly of Medaryville), passed away Wednesday, Oct. 25, at Cumberland Pointe Health Campus in West Lafayette.

He was born Oct. 29, 1940 in Medaryville to the late Chester and Marjorie [Timm] Coburn. He loved his parents deeply and always honored them. He graduated from Medaryville High School in 1959. On March 23, 1963, he married Mary M. Saltsman at the Medaryville Christian Church. She survives.

Art Coburn

He is also survived by:
Sue Ann Grimes, Logansport, Daughter
Tammy Lynn (Brian) Barnhart, West Lafayette, Daughter
Scott Michael (Catherine) Coburn, West Lafayette, Son
Grandchildren: TJ Grimes, Brittany (Scott) Powell, Ashleigh (Garret) Hoover, Kyle Grimes, Alexis Tharp, Allison (Justin) Proctor, and Casie Tharp.
4 Great-Grandchildren: Rylan, Porter, Brooks, and Dean
William R. (Peggy) Coburn, Logansport, Brother
Many Nieces and Nephews and their families

Mr. Coburn was a talented woodworker and carpenter. His passion for all things John Deere began as a child when his Grandpa Coburn opened a John Deere shop in Medaryville. He enjoyed baking (especially zucchini bread) and making homemade fudge. He also enjoyed raising flowers and had a beautiful array of irises. Most of all, he loved his family very much. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

Visitation will be from 2 to 3 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 29, at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Medaryville. The funeral service will follow at 3 p.m. (Sunday), at the funeral home with Pastor Tod Masters officiating. Private burial will be at White Post Cemetery in Medaryville.

Memorial donations may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

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

Judy Tunis

February 25, 1941 to October 25, 2023

MEDARYVILLE - Judy Tunis, 82, of Valparaiso, passed away Wednesday, Oct. 25. 

She was born Feb. 25, 1941 in Chicago to the late William A. and Eleanor F. [Peters] Wolff.  She married Leroy Tunis who passed away Nov. 13, 2013. 

Judy Tunis

She is survived by:
Eugene Lovely, Valparaiso, Son
Katelynn Tunis, Monticello, Daughter
6 Grandchildren: Mindy, Jason, Robbie, Connor, Tonya, and Sonya
Many Great-Grandchildren and Great-Great-Grandchildren
2 Siblings: Charles and Nancy
Several Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
Judy Kay Baker, Daughter
10 Siblings

Mrs. Tunis was loved deeply by her family and will be sadly missed.

Private burial will take place at St. Mark Cemetery in Medaryville.

Memorial donations may be made to the family.  

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

Local arrangements are entrusted to Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Medaryville.

Linda K. Fritz

March 10, 1944 to October 24, 2023

WINAMAC - Linda K. Fritz, 79, of Star City, passed away Tuesday, Oct. 24, at Pulaski Memorial Hospital in Winamac.

She was born March 10, 1944 in Winamac to the late Charles F. and Gladys L. [Bridegroom] Hartwick. She graduated from Winamac High School in 1962. On April 26, 1963, she married Kenneth G. Fritz in Winamac. He survives.

Linda Fritz

Survivors also include:
Christine (Timothy) Olson, Shorewood, IL, Daughter
Laurie (Keith) Kruger, Kokomo, Daughter
Matthew (Sarah) Olson, Grandson
Corie (Jacob) Gatewood, Granddaughter
Brandon (Ashley) Kruger, Grandson
Allison (David) Pilkinton, Granddaughter
Madison Kruger, Granddaughter
4 Great-Grandchildren: Annabelle, Eugene, Lincoln and Charlotte
Several Nieces and Nephews and their families

Preceded in death by:
Charles F. Hartwick Jr., Infant Brother
Donald Wayne Hartwick, Brother
Marcella Ann Schultz, Sister
Frederick Eugene Hartwick, Brother

While working as a teacher’s aide at Winamac Community High School, Mrs. Fritz decided to pursue a degree in education and become a teacher. Working full time and having a family to care for made this no easy task. Enduring late night drives to Lafayette and summer school, she achieved her goal and received her degree from Purdue University. She taught nearly 30 years - first at West Central Elementary school and later at Rensselaer High School. After retirement, she was a member of the Pulaski County Retired Teachers Association. She was also a member of the Pulaski Memorial Hospital Auxiliary and the Winamac High School Alumni Association. Her children have fond memories of their mom coaching their softball team and helping them with their horses in 4-H. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

A celebration of life service will be from 1 to 4 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 4, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

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

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.

Phyllis M. Goble-Kruger

October 22, 1936 to October 22, 2023

WINAMAC – Phyllis M. Goble-Kruger, was born at 7:30 a.m., Oct. 22, 1936 and passed away 87 years later at 7:30 a.m., Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023.

Born Phyllis Wigner in Yeoman, IN, She met her first husband, Bob Goble, on a blind date to Indiana Beach, and they were married Sept. 12, 1954. He died in 1998. She later married Devon Kruger in 2005, who also preceded her in death.

Phyllis Goble-Kruger

She is survived by:
Dr. Cherie Goble, daughter
Mike Goble, son
Mary Heal, daughter
4 grandchildren and their children:
   Stephanie (Zach) Brennan - Nathan, Cameron, Allison
   Scott Goble - Channing, Maddox, Zoe, Brielle
   Nicole (Austin) Cowley - Shaun, Bobby
   Nathan (Faith) Goble - Dominic
Becky Tiede, sister-in-law
Bob Schultz, brother-in-law
Many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends

Preceded in death by:
Steven Goble, son
Frank Wigner, father
Mary Kilmer, mother
Wilber Kilmer, step-father
Dwain Wigner, brother

Mrs. Goble-Kruger’s childhood was filled with memories of feeling safe and loved. She passed on that love and security to her family and many close to her who adopted her as their mom or grandma. She and husband Bob were active community members, Phyllis in Iris-Elm Garden Club, Happy Homemakers Extension Home-Ec Club and the First Christian Church, while supporting Bob’s political and community efforts as well. She also worked outside the home at the Controls factory in Winamac, Miller’s Department Store and as a driver examiner and License Branch manager. She continued to take writing workshops later in life, up to a week before she passed, and enjoyed documenting her life story. In her memoir, she wrote about some of her identities as Carl Metz’s granddaughter, Bob’s wife, her daughter Dr. Cherie’s mom, and how she learned that her real identity was truly in Jesus Christ. People saw her faith in her courage, especially after Bob died, when she traveled solo to Italy where she made life-long friends. A few years ago, she authored and published a children’s book titled “A Lizard Named Lovely.”

Phyllis was curious, adventuresome, and carefree as a child, traits that those who loved her saw throughout her life; especially Devon Kruger. The two enjoyed many trips including seeing the ocean floor at the Bay of Fundy, visiting Tulln Air Base in Austria where Devon was stationed during World War II, and wintering in Bradenton, Fla. Her first memory of gardening was in her grandmother’s garden, planting peas with the tedious task of dropping the pea seeds into the row at exactly the same distance from each other as possible. She carried this love of gardening and nature throughout her life. She served in various leadership positions of the local garden club, as well as at the district and state levels. She learned, made friends and taught others through gardening, flower arranging and loving God’s beautiful creation. Many remember her spunky and independent spirit, her sweet as a peach personality and her willingness to offer wisdom and advice when people were lost, confused or simply needed a kind ear and perspective; which she lived by in her personal philosophy,“Wherever you are, be there.” 

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 26, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac; and one hour prior to services at the funeral home on Friday. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Friday, Oct. 27, at the funeral home with Pastor Jim Ketchen officiating. Burial will be at Winamac Cemetery (McKinley Addition) in Winamac.

Memorial donations may be made to Iris-Elm Garden Club, or Bob Goble Scholarship through the Community Foundation of Pulaski County (cfopc.org). Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

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