Obituaries

Kathy A. Biggs

March 13, 1963 to October 17, 2023

LAFAYETTE – Kathy A. Biggs, Lafayette, passed away Tuesday, Oct. 17, after an unexpected, very fast moving illness.

She was born March 13, 1963, the daughter of Larry and Leah (Hughes) Holdcraft. She was a 1981 graduate of West Central High School in Francesville where she was a cheerleader, played basketball and volleyball. She was class president a couple times and on the student council. She played in the band and participated in a two spring plays. She met and married James Wilkerson on Halloween Day 1981. The couple parted ways in 2006. She later married Jesse Biggs on May 18th, 2019. He survives.

Kathy Biggs

She is also survived by children James, Candice and Chad; (Dog Kid) Bella, (Bonus Kids) Pat and Melissa, (Mom and Bonus Dad) Leah and Bob, (Brother) Kirk, (Nephews) Kyle and Andy, (Grandson) Remington, (Bonus Grandkids) Alexis, Thomas, Jaxson, Skylar and Dakota, (Grand Dogs) Loki, Flash and Tyr, and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her father.

When her children were young, Kathy was still active in sports. She was a high school volleyball referee and coached high school JV basketball at Rensselaer. She ran her kids to every sports practice and game they were in, and never missed a game. She also worked for CDC for several years. After her children graduated and moved on, she got her start a IU Health Arnett Hospital. She worked right up to her passing, a total of 18 years. She met many new friends working there who made her happy. Kathy worked the floor for the Purdue Women's Volleyball games and she worked the clock at the Purdue Women's basketball games. She had a blast doing that for over 20 years. In 2019, she was made an honorary Reamer member. That was one of the best days of her life. She was described as caring, generous, loving, nurturing, strong, welcoming, having an infectious smile, and giving by her friends and family.

There will be a celebration of life party at 1 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 12, at Meadow Springs, 8631 S U.S. 421, Francesville.

Instead of flowers, make a food donation in her name at a local food bank, buy a toy for a kid in need this Christmas, or just pass on a happy smile. She would want to make sure you hug your friends and family and tell them you love them every chance you get.

James R. Gordon Jr.

January 14, 1959 to October 17, 2023

ROYAL CENTER - James Richard Gordon Jr., 64, of Medaryville passed away Tuesday, Oct. 17, at home.

Born Jan. 14, 1959, in Lafayette, he was the son of James Gordon Sr. and Lola J. Wyant.

James Gordon Jr.

Survivors include his companion Sandra Myers of Medaryville; sons Kristopher (Lisa) Storey of Idaville and Aaron (Kristy) Cadwallader of Huntington; grandchildren Bailey (Miguel Campos) Storey, Hunter Storey, Aaron Cadwallader Jr., and Adam Cadwallader; and great-grandchildren Natalia, Meadow and baby Gianna Campos.

He was preceded in death by his wife Delores Gordon and son Adam Cadwallader.

Mr. Gordon was a retired truck driver. He enjoyed fishing, woodworking, riding motorcylcles and had a passion for scuba diving.

Per his wishes there will be no visitation or service.

A celebration of life event will be held at a later date.

His online guestbook is available and condolences can be shared with the family at
www.ransfuneralhomes.com.

His full obituary will soon follow.

Arrangements have been entrusted with Rans Funeral Homes, Royal Center.

Timothy F. Hoffa Jr.

March 20, 1979 to October 16, 2023

WINAMAC - Timothy F. “Tim” Hoffa, Jr., 44, of Rogers, AR (formerly of Winamac) passed away unexpectedly Monday, Oct. 16.

He was born March 20, 1979 in Warren, MI to Timothy F. and Elizabeth E. “Liz” [Szostek] Hoffa Sr. Sadly, Liz passed away in August 1982 when Tim was only three. The family relocated to Indiana shortly thereafter Tragedy struck the Hoffa family again when son Gregory passed away in February 1996. Despite the hardships, Tim persevered. As a teen, he was active in the French Club and played on the freshman basketball team at Pioneer High School in Royal Center. He graduated from Winamac Community High School in 1997 and attended college for a short time. On June 29, 2002, he married his soulmate Christina L. “Christi” Shorter. It broke Tim’s heart when she passed away on Nov. 20, 2018 after a very hard-fought and courageous battle with leukemia.

Tim Hoffa Jr.

He is survived by:
Madi Liz Hoffa, Daughter
Ethan Hoffa, Son
Samantha “Sam” Ezell, Fiancée
Annabelle “Anna” Ezell, Step-Daughter
Joshua Ezell, Step-Son
Jonah Ezell, Step-Son
Duane (Jenn) Hoffa, Brother
Bethanne Heater, Sister
Vicki Hodson, Mother-in-law
Greg Shorter, Father-in-law
Ashley Stemm, Sister-in-law
Emily Campbell, Sister-in-law
Jamie (Brandon) Sells, Sister-in-law
Brandi Shorter, Sister-in-law
Several Nieces and Nephews
Numerous Aunts, Uncles and Cousins

Preceded in death by:
Gregory Hoffa, Brother
Michael “Bubba” Shorter, Brother-in-law

One of Tim and Christi’s favorite family activities was camping. He was an avid Michigan Wolverines and Indianapolis Colts fan. Three years ago, he moved to Arkansas for a fresh start where he had a good job working at Springfield Sign Co. in Rogers. He enjoyed spending time together with his fiancée, Samantha. They loved their daily Starbucks runs, walking trails, and cooking dinner together. They were “lobsters for life.” Sadly, the hardships of life and the pains of this world overwhelmed Tim. He will not be remembered for how he died but rather how he lived and how he loved. He cherished his family, especially his children. He was a good friend to many and was kind to all. Rest easy Tim, we will take it from here.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 26, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. The funeral service will follow at 2 p.m. (Thursday), at the funeral home with Rev. Laura Bailey officiating.

In lieu of flowers, 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.

Clara M. Winter

January 4, 1932 to October 14, 2023

MONTICELLO - Clara M. Winter, 91, of Star City, died at 12:02 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14, at Indiana University Health Arnett Hospital of Lafayette.

Clara M. Winter

She was born Jan. 4, 1932, in Phoenix, Greenwood County, S. C. to the late Clarence and Matilda Byers. She was a 1949 graduate of Chalmers High School, moving to Chalmers in second grade. She married Ralph M. Winter on Sept. 24, 1954, in the St. Joseph Catholic Church of Pulaski. He died Nov. 25, 2010.

She is survived by her son Paul J. (Linda) Winter of Star City, granddaughter, Linsey M. (Ryan) Kolish of Winamac, and three great-grandchildren.

Mrs. Winter worked at the USDA office of Newton, Pulaski, and White counties, retiring in1996 after 47 years of service. She was active in state and national Association of Counties. She was also involved in the ASCS Employees association. She had lived Pulaski until 1985, then moved to Monticello. She had most recently been living at Five Star Senior Residence in Lafayette. 

A graveside service will be at 1 p.m., Friday, Oct. 27, at Pro-Indian Creek Cemetery of rural Pulaski County with Pastor Ed Clark officiating. 

Memorial donations may be given to VFW Post 1728 of Winamac. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home, or donations may be mailed to 6368 E. US 24, Monticello, Indiana 47960 C/O Winter Family.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Miller-Roscka Funeral Home, Monticello.

Donald H. Prettyman

December 17, 1933 to March 4, 2022

WINAMAC – A graveside service has been set for Donald H. “Don” Prettyman, 88, of Duluth, MN  who passed away Friday, March 4 (2022).

He was born Dec. 17, 1933 in Francesville, to the late Merl and Alma [Peters] Prettyman. He served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. He married Mary Ann Gay in Ashland, WI on Sept. 15, 1959. She survives.

He is also survived by:
Patrice Prettyman-Atkinson, Daughter
Theodore Prettyman, Brother
Numerous nieces and nephews
Many other family members and friends

Preceded in death by:
Jeffrey D. Prettyman, Infant Son
Roger Devon Prettyman, Brother
Robert James Prettyman, Brother
Charles Richard Prettyman, Brother
Ralph Neil Prettyman, Brother
Doris Arlene Getz, Sister
Ronald Edgar Prettyman, Infant Brother

Mr. Prettyman worked as a soil scientist for the U.S. Forest Service and the University of Minnesota. After his retirement, he started his own company.

A graveside service will be at 11 a.m., Tuesday, Oct. 17, (2023), at Winamac Cemetery (Town Addition) in Winamac. The VFW and American Legion will conduct military graveside services. Burial will follow.

Local arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.

Timothy W. Long

October 9, 1973 to October 9, 2023

ROYAL CENTER - Timothy W. Long, 50, of Medaryville passed away Monday, Oct. 9, at Franciscan Health East Hospital in Lafayette.

Born Oct. 9, 1973 in Kankakee, Ill., he was the son of Richard L. Long and Susan (Siefert) Frantzen.

He is survived by his son Christopher Schkerke of Bradley, IL., mother Susan Frantzen of Bonfield, IL., father Richard L. Long of Bourbonnais, IL.,  brother Richard Long of Bourbonnais, IL., nieces Savannah and Madison Long, both of Bonfield, IL. and nephews Christian Long of Indiana and Noah Long of Bourbonnais, IL.

Mr. Long previously worked at Galfab in Winamac. He also worked installing flooring and carpet. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle with his local motorcycle club and taking care of his dog, T-Bone, a blue pit rescue.  He loved his fellow biker brothers and his family would like to express gratitude for all they did for Tim.

There will be no funeral services.

There will be a “Last Ride” tribute hosted by his motorcycle club on Saturday, Oct. 21, at the American Legion Post #96 in Medaryville, where the ride will begin at 1 p.m.

An online guestbook is available and condolences may be shared with the family at www.ransfuneralhomes.com