Obituaries

Florence R. Bauman

August 17, 1924 to November 27, 2018

KEWANNA - Florence R. Bauman, 94 of Rochester, formerly of Kewanna, passed away peacefully at 12:05 a.m., Tuesday, Nov. 27, at Wynnfield Crossing, Rochester.

Born Aug. 17, 1924 in Winamac, she was the daughter of the late Henry and Mary Grindle Braun. On June 11, 1943, she married Paul E. Bauman Sr. He preceded her in death on Aug. 3, 2002.

Survivors include her sons, Fred Bauman (Almeta Ann) of Rochester, Jim Bauman (Carol) of Kewanna, Cletus Bauman of Galveston and Donald Bauman (Lois Ann) of Rochester; daughters, Julia Kline (Gary) of Kewanna and Janece Warner (Bruce) of Talma; daughter-in-law, Vivian Bauman of Kewanna; 15 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

She is also preceded in death by son, Paul E. Bauman Jr.; sisters, Agnes Nicholas and Barbara Ferguson; and brothers Clement Braun and Herman Braun.

Mrs. Bauman was a 1942 Winamac High School graduate. During her high school years, she played the flugelhorn in the marching band. She loved to sing and play harmonica. She was a dedicated farm wife. She helped her husband with all the chores around the farm, including field work. She was in the field at planting time, helped bale hay and straw and drove trucks to the grain elevator at harvest time. She also helped with the beef cattle and hogs. She always planted a huge garden to help feed her family and was well known for her abundant crop of tomatoes. She canned the bounty of food to be consumed the entire year. She raised fryer chickens and laying hens and sold eggs. Her farm-raised turkeys were sought at holiday gatherings. She was a member of St. Ann Catholic Church, Kewanna, where she served as chairman on several occasions at fund-raising fish frys and was an avid member of the Rosary Society. She was a long-time member of the Twentieth Century Home Extension Club. She was an avid supporter of the Caston Band Booster Club and helped with their fish fry fundraisers also.

Visitation will be 4 to 7 p.m., Friday, Nov. 30, at Harrison-Metzger-Rans Funeral Home & Crematory, Kewanna Chapel. A mass of Christian burial will be at 1 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 1, at St. Ann Catholic Church with Father Mike McKinney officiating. Burial will be at St. Peters Catholic Cemetery, Winamac.

Memorial donations may be made to Manitou Training Center and/or Grass Creek Lions Club.

Patricia L. Burkholder

July 24, 1936 to November 18, 2018

WINAMAC - Patricia Lee Burkholder, 82, of Hebron (formerly of Hammond), passed away Sunday, Nov. 18, at her home in Hebron with her son, Kevin, by her side and her beloved dog, Cozy, on her lap.

She was born July 24, 1936 in Medaryville, to Carl and Helen Jane Nichols Brown. The family moved from Medaryville to Hammond, where she was raised and graduated from Hammond High School.

She is survived by: 
Kevin (Lorraine) Burkholder, Chesterton, Son
Marion "Lamar" Ramey, Dallas, NC, Former Son-in-law 
6 Grandchildren 
12 Great-Grandchildren 
Bill Dale & Geneva, Lafayette, LA, Brother-in-law 
Several Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by: 
Carl Brown, Father 
Helen Brown Sackville, Mother 
Kimberlee Ramey, Daughter 
Jeffrey (Myrna) Burkholder, Son & Daughter-in-law 
Carol Dale, Sister 
Theodore Burkholder, Former Husband

Mrs. Burkholder worked most of her life as a telephone operator, first for Indiana Bell in Hammond and later for Inland Steel in Chicago. She loved animals, especially dogs and horses. She enjoyed sewing and quilting. She was a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She will be sadly missed.

Private burial will be at Winamac Cemetery, Winamac.

Memorial donations may be made to the Pulaski Animal Center.

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

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary, Winamac.

Betty J. Bennett

May 10, 1927 to November 25, 2018

WINAMAC - Betty Jane Bennett, of West Lafayette (formerly of Winamac and Francesville), passed away at 4 a.m., Sunday, Nov. 25, at University Place Assisted Living, West Lafayette.

She was born May 10, 1927 in Canton, OH to the late Harry and Ruth Finger Davis. 
She married Gordon Vollmer on May 10, 1976 in Canton. He died Sept. 22, 1986. She then married D. Gene Bennett on May 28, 1994. He died March 7, 2011.

Survivors include: 
Norma June Harry, Canton, OH, Sister 
Many Nieces and Nephews 
Kevin (Susan) Bennett, Fishers, Step-Son 
David (Patsy) Bennett, Winamac, IN Step-Son 
Jeff Vollmer, Step-Son 
Darrel Vollmer, Step-Son 
Several Step-Grandchildren and Step-Great Grandchildren

Preceded in death by: 
Donald R. Davis, Brother

Mrs. Bennett served in the U.S. Cadet Nurses at Aultman Hospital in Canton. She later moved to Francesville where she worked as a registered nurse for Dr. Dublin. She continued her nursing career at Pulaski Memorial Hospital in Winamac and retired after 43 years of service. Following retirement from nursing, she was a house mom at Pi Beta Phi Sorority at Purdue University for six years. She was a member of St. Peter's Catholic Church, Winamac, Christian Mothers, Ladies of Charity, Pulaski Memorial Hospital Auxiliary and Pi Beta Phi Sorority as well as a 50-year alumna of Aultman Hospital. She enjoyed traveling the country with Gene and spending time with her family. She will be sadly missed by those who knew and loved her.

Visitation will be from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, Nov. 28, at St. Peter's Catholic Church, Winamac. A funeral mass will follow at 10:30 a.m. (Nov. 28), at the church with Rev. Leroy Kinnaman officiating. Burial will be at Roseland Cemetery, Francesville.

Memorial donations may be made to Pulaski Memorial Hospital.

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

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary, Winamac. 

Christina L. Hoffa

November 20, 1980 to November 20, 2018

WINAMAC - Christina Lynn "Christi" Hoffa, 38, of Winamac, passed away at 10:02 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 20, at her home, surrounded by her family, following a brave battle with leukemia.

She was born Nov. 20, 1980, at Pulaski Memorial Hospital, Winamac. She graduated from Winamac Community High School in 1999. In 2003, she received a bachelor's degree from Manchester University and went on to earn a master's degree from Purdue University. On June 29, 2002, she married Timothy F. Hoffa Jr., at the First Christian Church, Winamac. He survives.

Survivors also include: 
Two children at home: Madi Liz and Ethan 
Vicki (Brian) Hodson, Rochester, Mother 
Greg (Tracey) Shorter, Winamac, Father 
Ashley (Sean Flory) Stemm, Nappanee, Sister 
Emily Campbell, Winamac, Sister 
Jamie (fiance: Brandon Sells) Shorter, Lakeville, Sister 
Brandi Shorter, Winamac, Sister-in-law 
Duane (Jenn) Hoffa, Westchester, IL, Brother-in-law 
Beth Heater-Rude, Star City, Sister-in-law 
Jade (Aaron) Cox, Denver, IN, Step Sister 
Morgan Hodson, Denver, IN, Step Sister 
Loving Aunt of: Talyn, Belle, Kaden, Damion, Khooper, Ellie, Parker, Mikey, Lexi, Karter, Domanic, Brayden, Savannah and Nate 
Ron & Nita Baker, Rochester, Maternal Grandparents 
Linda & Les Stigen, Winamac, Maternal Grandparents 
Jim & Betty Shorter, Winamac, Paternal Grandparents 
David & Joan Hodson, Peru, Step Grandparents 
Linda & Saryl Prather, Denver, IN, Step Grandparents 
Janice Berger, Goshen, Step Grandmother 
Keith Soales, Las Vegas, Grandfather 
Many Aunts, Uncles and Cousins

Preceded in death by: 
Michael "Bubba" Shorter, Brother 
Timothy & Elizabeth Hoffa, Father & Mother-in-law 
Greg Hoffa, Brother-in-law 

Mrs. Hoffa worked hard and succeeded at many things in life. She worked several years as an EMT for Pulaski County EMS & Alliance EMS. She proudly served the people of Pulaski County as Deputy Auditor and Recorder. She was currently serving as the Pulaski County Clerk of Courts and was a member of the Association of the Clerks of the Circuit Courts of Indiana. She was proud of the work that she and her girls in the office had accomplished during her first term. During her time as Clerk, she worked with a great team of friends to reform the county's election procedures. She was looking forward to serving another term and continued working just days before she passed. 

She was a member of the First Christian Church in Winamac where she had served as a deacon. She was currently serving as vice chairperson of the Pulaski County Republican Party. She formerly served as secretary of the Pulaski County Republican Women's Committee and as the Monroe Precinct Committeeman. In 2016, she was unanimously nominated by the Republican Women of Pulaski County for the Pulaski County Republican Woman of the Year during the annual Indiana Federation of Republican Women Conference. She enjoyed working with children, whether it was as a coach or mentor. She was active with Pulaski County Special Olympics, Winamac Wellness Center Youth Soccer and Pulaski County Junior Achievement. Following the tragic loss of her brother, Bubba, she became an advocate for the Indiana Donor Network.

Mrs. Hoffa was an avid Notre Dame football fan. She enjoyed attending concerts and theatrical productions. She loved the outdoors, especially camping at state parks with the dream that she and Tim would be campground hosts later in life when they retired. She lived a very active life and especially enjoyed playing volleyball in the town park and running 5k races (including color runs). She finished the 2018 Indy 5k just seven months after receiving her bone marrow transplant. She will be remembered as a mom and wife who loved her family with all she had and enjoyed just spending time with them. She will be sadly missed by so many. Christi, you have fought the good fight, you have finished the race, and you have kept the faith.

Visitation will be from 2 to 9 p.m., Friday, Nov. 23, at the First Christian Church, Winamac. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 24, at the church with Pastors Jeff Seger and Rick Abbott officiating. Burial will be at Star City West Cemetery, Star City.

Memorial donations may be made to Indiana Donor Network Foundation (www.indianadonornetwork.org), or to Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (www.lls.org),
or to Riley Children's Foundation (www.rileykids.org).

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary, Winamac. 

Dick K. Gearhart

July 30, 1932 to November 18, 2018

WINAMAC - Dickie K. "Dick" Gearhart, 86, of Winamac, passed away at 4:07 a.m., Sunday, Nov. 18, at Hickory Creek, Winamac.

He was born July 30, 1932 in Huntington, to the late Frank and Edna McPeak Gearhart. He graduated from Akron High School in 1950 and attended Indiana University-Kokomo. On Dec. 24, 1953, he married Helen "Mick" Miller at the Akron Methodist Church, Akron. She survives.

He is also survived by: 
Doug Gearhart, Chandler, AZ, Son 
Lana Howell, Bloomington, Daughter 
Dana (Jamey) Wentz, Zionsville, Daughter 
4 Grandchildren: Nathan (Sara) Howell, Ashley Howell, Jared Wentz and Justin Wentz 
7 Siblings: Dorothy Alger, Bill Gearhart, Ruth Miller, Sharon Meenen, Larry (Donna) Gearhart, Joan Harris and Roger (Janet) Gearhart 
Several Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by: 
Everett Jude Howell, Infant Grandson 
10 Siblings

Mr. Gearhart served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War as an MP in Greenland. He was a member of the Winamac American Legion Post #71, Winamac, First United Methodist Church and Winamac Masonic Lodge #262 F&AM. In 2011, he received his Award of Gold, recognizing 50 years in the Masonic Lodge. He served on the church board, the First National Bank of Monterey Board of Directors and the Winamac Town Board for many years. He was also formerly active with the Boy Scouts of America.

Mr. Gearhart was retired from the First National Bank of Monterey after 22 years. He had also served as a meat inspector for the State of Indiana. He was a longtime grocery store owner in Winamac, having operated the IGA and Burger Dairy stores in town for many years. His early career began at a small store in Akron before being hired on at Kroger in Peru and Wabash. He managed the produce department for Kroger and filled in for managers while they went on vacation. He also worked as a manager at Wilts grocery store in Rochester. He enjoyed jogging and antique cars. He liked playing Euchre with his brothers. He was an avid Chicago Cubs and Indiana University basketball fan. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family. He will be sadly missed.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Friday, Nov. 23, at the Winamac First United Methodist Church. Masonic services will be held at 11 a.m., Friday at the church. The funeral service will follow visitation at 2 p.m. (Friday), at the church with Pastor Dave Marty officiating. Burial will be at McKinley Memorial Gardens Cemetery. The American Legion and VFW will conduct military graveside services.

Memorial donations may be made to the Winamac First United Methodist Church.

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

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary, Winamac.

Bernard L. Knouff

February 4, 1931 to November 16, 2018

WINAMAC - Bernard L. "Bernie" Knouff, 87, of Winamac, passed away Friday, Nov. 16, at his home.

He was born Feb. 4, 1931, in Rensselaer, to the late Clarence and Christine Shelly Knouff. He married Frances E. Kuhn on Oct. 13, 1956 in Culver. She  survives.

Survivors also include: 
Joe (Gena) Knouff, Star City, Son 
Greg Knouff , Winamac, Son 
Liza Schultz, Tecumseh, NE, Adopted Daughter 
3 granddaughters: Jessica, Elizabeth and Michaela 
1 grandson: Nickalos 
4 great granddaughters and 4 great grandsons 
Roger (Helen) Knouff, Rensselaer, Brother 
Georgianna Reed, Covington, KY, Sister 
Charlotte Faucher, Roselawn, Sister

Preceded in death by: 
Veronica Lynn Knouff, Daughter 
Robert Knouff, Brother 
Jim Knouff, Brother 
Tom Knouff, Brother 
Wayne Knouff, Brother 
Betty Knouff, Sister 
Mary Rowinski, Sister 
Pauline Mullen, Sister 
Virginia Schanlaub,Sister 
Bernadine Baker, Twin Sister 

Mr. Knouff worked for John Kelly and for Tim Wiegand at the Ace Hardware store in Winamac for over 37 years. He had worked at Galbreath Inc., GalFab, and Terry Truck Equipment, all in Winamac. He was also a former employee of the Shell Service station and for the Town of Winamac. He was a U.S. Navy veteran of the Korean War. He served on the USS Oriskany. He received a medical discharge in 1954. He was a member of St. Peter Catholic Church, Winamac. He was a life member and Past Post Commander of VFW Post 1728. He was a member of the DAV. He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially entertaining his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He loved to bake pies. He enjoyed wood working and tinkering in his basement.

Visitation will be from 3 to 8 p.m., Monday, Nov. 19, at Frain Mortuary, Winamac. A scriptural wake service will be at 3 p.m., at the funeral home. A rosary service will immediately follow the wake service. The funeral mass will be at 10 a.m., Tuesday, Nov. 20, at St. Peter Catholic Church, Winamac, with Rev. Leroy Kinnaman officiating. Burial will be at St. Peter Cemetery, Winamac. The VFW and American Legion will conduct military graveside services.

Memorial donations may be made to the DAV or American Cancer Society .

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