Obituaries

Elmer White Jr.

March 28, 1926 to September 12, 2019

FRANCESVILLE - Elmer White Jr., 93, of Francesville (a longtime resident of rural Winamac), passed away at 7:07 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 12, at Parkview Haven Retirement Home in Francesville.

He was born March 28, 1926 in Denton, AR to the late Elmer and Hazel Button White. He married Lillie Belle Stewart May on Aug. 6, 1993 in Winamac. She passed away Oct. 23, 1995. On April 6, 1997, he married Esther Lillie VanKanegan Jacobsma in Winamac. She survives.

He is also survived by:
2 Daughters: Debra and Connie
2 Sons: Gary and Darrell
6 Step Daughters: Shirley, Patricia, Esther, Loretta, Mildred and Jacqueline
4 Stepsons: John III, Michael, Kenneth and Curtis
Many Grandchildren and Great-Grandchildren
Many Step-Grandchildren and Step-Great-Grandchildren

Preceded in death by:
3 Sons: Jimmie, Eldon and an infant
1 Granddaughter: Rachel
3 Sisters: Lucille, Ida and Mildred
1 Brother: Earl

Elmer went to work at a very young age, shoveling saw dust in the saw mill that his father owned. He was a hard worker all of his life, spending much of his career at Winamac Coil Spring in Kewanna. Despite the fact that he had no formal education, he proudly retired as a foreman in 1986. He was a jack of all trades with a variety of skills and talents. He enjoyed visiting with people and was a good story teller. He will be missed by those who knew and loved him.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 12 noon, Monday, Sept. 16, at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel, Francesville. The funeral service will follow at 12 noon, Monday, at the funeral home. Private burial will be at Winamac Cemetery, Winamac.

Memorial donations may be made to Parkview Haven Retirement Home.

Online condolences may be offered in the guestbook at www.frainmortuary.com.

Willard H. Peters

May 2, 1925 to September 14, 2019

WINAMAC - Willard H. Peters, 94, of Winamac, passed away, surrounded by his family, Saturday night, Sept. 14.

He was born May 2, 1925 in Harrison Township at the "cement block house" east of Winamac to the late Walter L. and Cora E. Warmbrod Peters. He married Helen L. Skinner, Dec. 5, 1948, at Pleasant Hill Church, Bruce Lake. She survives.

He is also survived by:
Connie (Don) Reid, Star City, Daughter
Joan (Ray) Schultz, Medaryville, Daughter
Linda (Dan) Ruhl, Star City, Daughter
11 Grandchildren
27 Great-Grandchildren
Ellen Horn, Kewanna, Sister
Lulu Belle Walker, Bunker Hill, Sister
Ralph Master, Washington, IL, Brother-in-law
Several Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
Lucille (Devon) Overmyer, Sister
Olive (Earl) Master, Sister
Norma Master, Sister
Gene Horn, Brother-in-law
Bill Walker, Brother-in-law

Mr. Peters was a heavy equipment operator, having worked for Meiser Bros., Smeltzers and C & S Construction. He was also a farmer and raised hogs. After retirement, he worked part time at Tippecanoe River State Park. He was a lifelong member of Pleasant Hill Church, where he held many offices and enjoyed greeting people as they arrived at church on Sunday. He was a longtime volunteer at Red Bird Mission and Henderson Settlement in Kentucky. He loved to serve the Lord by serving others.

Mr. Peters was a member of Winamac Lodge #262 F&AM where he served many years as Tyler. He received his Award of Gold in 2010. He was a member of the Murat Shrine and Scottish Rite. He was a member of Tippecanoe Chapter #96 OES for over 50 years. He deeply appreciated the many friendships acquired over the years as a Mason. He and his wife were instrumental in the organization of the Tippecanoe Twirlers and enjoyed square dancing for many years. They also enjoyed taking bus trips all over the U.S. They especially loved taking trips to Branson, MO for the music. Another special trip was taken to Australia when the couple visited their exchange student, Ann Palfreyman Houston.

Mr. Peters enjoyed the outdoors, especially spending time at his lake cottage on Bruce Lake. He was an avid fisherman and gardener. He had a knack for raising roses. Most of all, he loved his family very much. He loved to attend the many activities of his daughters and grandchildren. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was a man of few words, with a heart of gold. His presence will be missed by all who knew him.

Masonic services and Eastern Star services will be at 3 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 18, at Frain Mortuary, Winamac. Visitation will follow from 4 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, at the funeral home; and one hour prior to services at the church Thursday. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Thursday, Sept. 19, at Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church, Lake Bruce, with Pastor Dave Sommers officiating. Burial be at Pleasant Hill Cemetery at Lake Bruce.

Memorial donations may be made to Pleasant Hill Church Memorial Fund or Shriners Hospital for Children.

Online condolences may be offered in the guestbook at www.frainmortuary.com.

Lydia L. Kennedy

November 5, 1924 to September 11, 2019

WINAMAC - Lydia Lucille Kennedy, 94, of Winamac, passed away peacefully Wednesday, Sept. 11, at Pulaski Health Care Center, Winamac.

She was born Nov. 5, 1924 in Winamac to the late Romie and Sylvia Poisel Chamness. She was a 1942 graduate of Medaryville High School. On Dec. 2, 1945, Lydia married the late Harold F. Kennedy in Winamac. He preceded her in death.

She is survived by:
Ronald E. (Sue) Kennedy Sr., Winamac, Son
Donna Planck, Winamac, Daughter
Ruth Ann (Joe) Reynolds, Winamac, Daughter
Betty J. (Jerry) Knoy, Lafayette, Daughter
Nancy S. (Dan) Brandenburg, Freemont, Daughter
Marilyn Kennedy, Lafayette, Daughter
Carolyn Lynne Kennedy, Kingsford Heights, Daughter
18 Grandchildren: Ronald Jr., Ronda, Roger, Rebecca, Roberta, Denny, Kelly, Ken, Marsha, Justin, Jeremy, Kim, Holly, Jennifer, Justin, Jeremy, Christopher and Travis.
29 Great-Grandchildren
14 Great-Great-Granchildren
Several Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
Roseanna Mack Kennedy, Daughter-in-law
Jeff Reed, Grandson
Elsie (Bert) Kersey, Sister
Ruth (Robert) Garling, Sister
Mildred (Albert) Stoll, Sister
Arthur (Nola) Chamness, Brother
Dorothy (Jack) Tuley, Sister

Mrs. Kennedy was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Winamac and was active with Vacation Bible School and Sunday School. Many years ago, she worked at Gumz Farms and Kingsbury Ordinance Plant. She and her husband owned and operated a drainage tile business. She was a good cook (making the best meatloaf) and enjoyed gardening. She loved music and was blessed with the talent of yodeling. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She especially enjoyed family gatherings full of laughter.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m., Friday, Sept. 13, at Frain Mortuary, Winamac. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 14, at the funeral home with Pastor Carl Lendermon and Pastor David Norris officiating. Burial will be at Winamac Cemetery, Winamac.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Calvary Baptist Church or Pulaski Health Care Center.

Online Condolences may be offered in the guestbook at www.frainmortuary.com.

Randall W. Park

January 13, 1954 to September 8, 2019

WINAMAC - Randall W. "Randy" Park, 65, of Winamac (formerly of Colorado Springs, CO), died Sunday, Sept. 8, at his daughter's home in Winamac, after a short battle with cancer. He passed away surrounded by family and friends who loved him very much.

He was born Jan. 13, 1954 in Pueblo, CO to the late Harry and Viola Hastings Park. In 1972, he graduated from Manitou High School in Manitou Springs, CO. He earned two associate's degrees from Pikes Peak Community College in Colorado Springs. On Dec. 23, 1983, he married Jean Hines in Muscatine, IA. She survives. They raised two children in Colorado Springs before moving to Winamac in 2018.

Survivors include:
Hillary (Nick) Kough, Winamac, Daughter
Jonathan (Tamara) Park, Colorado Springs, CO, Son
6 Grandchildren: Maddison, Mackenzie, Keagan, Finley, Izabella and Gwendolyn
Gene Park, Colorado Springs, CO, Brother
Margie (Dan) Gray, Muscatine, IA, Sister-in-law
John Hines, Muscatine, IA, Brother-in-law
Marcia (John) Jenkins, Muscatine, IA, Sister-in-law
Susan (Mike) Manjoine, Muscatine, IA, Sister-in-law
Several Nieces and Nephews
He is also survived by Kimra Swain, whom he loved like a daughter, and a godson, Joshua Silva.

Preceded in death by:
Ronald "Ronnie" Katz, Brother
Linda Park, Sister
Debra "Debbie" Park, Sister-in-law
Kathryn Hines, Sister-in-law
Robert Hines, Father-in-law
Laura Trout Hines, Mother-in-law

Mr. Park was a hard worker and made his career as a calibration/quality technician in numerous manufacturing fields. He had also worked on the Cog Railroad on Pike's Peak. He enjoyed the outdoors, especially fly fishing, as well as tying his own flies. He also enjoyed hiking and camping. In his younger years, he would hike the Manitou Incline to Bar Camp on Pike's Peak every New Year's Eve with his best friends. Having worked for the railroad, his interest in trains continued throughout his life as a model train enthusiast and as a passenger on trains all over Colorado. He was a loving and devoted father and papa. He was active in the Catholic Diocese of Colorado Springs for many years and joined St. Peter's Catholic Church after moving to Winamac. His faith was paramount in his life, and he was known as a man of God. Well done good and faithful servant.

A memorial mass in Indiana, as well as a memorial mass and burial in Colorado will take place at a later date.

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

Online condolences may be offered in the guestbook at www.frainmortuary.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary, Winamac.

M. Devon Kruger

November 17, 1926 to September 10, 2019

FRANCESVILLE - Melvin Devon Kruger, 92, of Francesville, passed away Tuesday afternoon, Sept 10, at his home with his wife, Phyllis, by his side.

He was born Nov. 17, 1926 in Francesville to the late Melvin and Sylvia Edna Timmons Kruger. After graduating from Francesville High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was an M1 sharpshooter and expert 30 cal. light machine gunman. He was stationed in Austria at Tulln Air Base where he was Sergeant of the Guard, guarding German SS prisoners. He was later stationed in Vienna before receiving an honorable discharge. He was a life member of the Winamac VFW Post #1728 and the American Legion. He married Louise Shepherd on Sept. 17, 1949 in Buffalo, IN. She preceded him in death on April 15, 2003. On Feb. 17, 2005, he married Phyllis Wigner Goble in Key West, FL. She survives.

He is also survived by:
Andy (Julie) Kruger, Yorktown, Grandson
Christy Kruger, Crown Point, Granddaughter
Jordan Kolish, Winamac, Great-Grandson
Clay Kruger, Yorktown, Great-Grandson
Tanner Kruger, Yorktown, Great-Grandson
Mallory Kruger, Yorktown, Great-Granddaughter
Hadley Kruger, Yorktown, Great-Granddaughter
Barbara Tillett, Fishers, Sister
Betty Kruger, Francesville, Sister-in-law
Many Nieces and Nephews
Cherie Goble, Lafayette, Step-Daughter
Michael Goble, Monterey, Step-Son
Mary Heal, Bass Lake, Step-Daughter
Scott Goble, Step-Grandson
Stephanie (Zach) Brennan, Step-Granddaughter
Nicole (Austin) Cowley, Step-Granddaughter
Nathan Goble, Step-Grandson
Many Step-Great-Grandchildren

Preceded in death by:
Richard "Rick" Kruger, Son
Colin Kruger, Infant Brother
Carl Kruger, Brother
Steven Goble, Step-Son

Mr. Kruger was an active member of the Francesville First Christian Church where he had served as an Elder and Deacon. He was a supporter of Johnson Bible College as well as numerous missionary endeavors. He was a member of Royal Center Lodge #585 F&AM, Scottish Rite and Murat Shrine. He was a generous supporter of Shriner's Hospital for Children. He was a co-founder of Diamond Trucking in Francesville, starting with only two trucks. At the height of his career, he had more than 25 trucks that paved many of Indiana's roadways. He  enjoyed traveling, watching NASCAR and dining out. He loved the outdoors, especially bird watching, boating and mowing his lawn. He was a kind, loving and generous man who loved his family very much. He will be deeply missed.

Masonic services will be held at 2:30 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 14, at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel, Francesville. Visitation will follow from 3 to 8 p.m., Saturday, at the funeral home; and from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 15, at Francesville First Christian Church, Francesville. The funeral service will follow at 2:30 p.m., Sunday, at the church with Pastor James Ketchen officiating. Burial will be at Roseland Cemetery, Francesville. The American Legion and VFW will conduct military graveside services.

Memorial donations may be made to Francesville First Christian Church or Shriners Hospital for Children.

Online condolences may be offered in the guestbook at www.frainmortuary.com.

Veneda L. Hoesel Davis

November 21, 1926 to September 3, 1926

WINAMAC - Veneda L. Hoesel Davis, 91, of Winamac, passed away at 2:40 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 3, at Pulaski Health Care Center, Winamac.

She was born Nov. 21, 1926 in Winamac to the late Marion Lewis and Bertha Veneda Hummel Galbreath. In 1945, she graduated from Star City High School, Star City.

Mrs. Davis worked many years for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (ASCS) in Winamac and retired from the U.S. Post Office in Star City. She was a member of Star City United Methodist Church. She was also a member of the Red Hat Society. She enjoyed cooking and traveling, and was an animal lover. She was a sweet and kind lady who will be dearly missed by those who knew and loved her.

Visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 8, at Frain Mortuary, Winamac; and two hours prior to services Monday. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Monday, Sept. 9, at the funeral home with Pastor Tom Richards officiating. Burial will be at Winamac Cemetery, Winamac.

Memorial donations may be made to Star City United Methodist Church or Pulaski Animal Center.

Online condolences may be offered in the guestbook at www.frainmortuary.com.