Obituaries

Melvin R. Streitmatter

May 5, 1955 to September 25, 2017

FRANCESVILLE - Melvin Richard "Mel" Streitmatter, 62, of Rensselaer, passed away at 2:13 p.m., Monday, Sept. 25, at IU Health Hospital, Lafayette. 

He was born May 5, 1955 to his parents Richard Keith and Marlene (Torbet) Streitmatter of Rensselaer. He married Julie Snelling on Aug. 21, 1976 in Middletown, Ohio.

He leaves behind his parents, his wife of Rensselaer, his daughter Shanna (Eddie) Bradley of Flintstone, GA, his son Seth (Iryna) Streitmatter and his two granddaughters Allison and Michelle of Cincinnati, and his daughter Shelly Streitmatter of Mount Vernon. Also surviving are sister Marla (Doug) Swafford of Dayton, OH, brother Mark (Becky) Streitmatter of Rensselaer, and brother Mike (Cheri) of Rensselaer. He is also survived by his mother-in-law Jean (RC) Saunders, Hamilton, OH, his sister-in-law Meliss "Missy" (Jaye) Livingston of Cincinnati, and his brother-in-law Jay Snelling of Cincinnati. Also surviving are his aunts and uncles: Dale (Barb) Streitmatter, Irvin Yaggie, Joan Gutwein, Jeryld (Tina) Torbet, Jackie (Jim) Owsley, and Joni Snively, plus additional uncles and aunts.

He is preceded in death by his son Sam Streitmatter, his father-in-law Claude Snelling Jr., his brother-in-law Ron Miller, his grandparents Charles and Gladys Torbet, and Richard and Zura Streitmatter, his aunts Doris Vass, Lois Yaggie and Edith Streitmatter, and his uncles Ward Vass and Scott Sniveley.

Mr. Streitmatter graduated from Rensselaer Central High School and was captain of the track team at Cedarville College in Cedarville, OH. He recently worked for Dr. Dave Dixon and Stock Vets. He loved God and his family. He was an amazing husband. He was a great Dad and a strong Christian. He loved his church, the First Baptist Church of Rensselaer. He loved his cattle. Most of his life revolved around cattle and the farm. He was known as the Bull Man and helped out others whenever he could. He never met a stranger. He loved people and he loved to talk to people and tell stories and jokes. He loved to make others smile. He wanted everyone to know that he went to Heaven, not because he was a good person, but because he accepted Christ as his Savior at the age of 12.

Visitation will be from 4 to 9 p.m. EDT (3-8 p.m. CDT), Thursday, Sept.28, at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel, Francesville. The funeral service will be at 3 p.m. EDT (2 p.m. CDT), Friday, Sept. 29, at the funeral home with Pastor Daniel Hester officiating. Burial will be at Rensselaer Memory Gardens Cemetery, Rensselaer.

Donations may be made in his name to First Baptist Church of Rensselaer or the Gideons. 

David W. Barr II

May 22, 1931 to September 25, 2017

WINAMAC - David Wallace "Dave" Barr II, 86, of Winamac, passed away Monday, Sept. 25, at his home surrounded by family.

He was born May 22, 1931 in Winamac to the late David W. and Clara C. Dilts Barr. He graduated from Winamac High School in 1949 and attended Purdue University. On April 7, 1951, he married Virginia Olson in Winamac and they were married for 66 years. She survives.

Also surviving are: 
Randy (Debbie) Barr, Montgomery, TX, Son 
Christine (Mike) Gilman, Winamac, Daughter 
Craig (Pam) Barr, Winamac, Son 
7 Grandchildren: Chad (Kristy) Gilman, Natalie Gilman, Justin (Megan) Barr, Heather (Ronald) Perry, Angela (Travis) Kovar, Lauren Barr and Emily Barr. 
4 Great Grandchildren: Landon, Aubrey and Kylie Barr and Blair Perry 
Marjorie Barr Thompson, Kettering, OH, Sister 
Several Nieces and Nephews

Mr. Barr with his wife operated Winamac Cleaners and Snow White Laundry for 34 years, which they purchased from his father in 1959. He also held an insurance and security license for many years. He was a member of Bethel Bible Church in Winamac where he had previously served on the church board. He was a volunteer fireman with the Winamac Fire Department for 40 years and served as fire chief for 11 years. He also was a deputy under former Sheriff George Riley. He was a member and past president of both the Winamac Kiwanis Club and Chamber of Commerce. He was also a member of the Jaycees. In 1972, he was chairman of Winamac school board during the construction of the new elementary school. In 2013, his dedication and years of service to the community were honored with the presentation of the Chamber's H.J. Halleck Community Service Award. He was a proud supporter of Purdue athletics and a member of the John Purdue Club for 45 years.

Mr. Barr held a pilot's license and enjoyed flying small planes. He enjoyed traveling, golfing and boating. Many summers were spent at the family cottage on Bass Lake where family and friends have gathered since 1904. He enjoyed socializing with local friends, especially over morning coffee (at various restaurants) for many years. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He faithfully attended his grandchildren's activities and was a proud supporter of Winamac athletics. He loved his family and community very much and will be dearly missed.

Visitation will be from 2 to 8 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 28, at Frain Mortuary, Winamac. The funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, Sept. 29, at Bethel Bible Church, Winamac, with Rev. Thomas Hopewell officiating. Burial will be at Winamac Cemetery, Winamac.

Memorial donations may be made to Bethel Bible Church or Baptist Children's Home or Winamac Community High School Athletic Department.

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

William F. Cervenka

January 3, 1928 to September 19, 2017

FRANCESVILLE - William Franklin "Bill" Cervenka, 89, of Francesville passed away at 9:25 a.m., Tuesday, Sept. 19, at St. Elizabeth Hospital East, Lafayette.

He was born Jan. 3, 1928 in North Judson, to the late Frank J. and Antoinette C. Vanecek Cervenka. He graduated from San Pierre High School in 1946. He 
married Isabelle Ida Rohloff on Aug. 19, 1950, in Francesville. She preceded him in death on Sept.17, 2014.

Survivors include: sons Cary William (Rebecca) Cervenka, Zionsville; Dean Alan (Alicia) Cervenka, Bozeman, MT; and Mark Brian (Diane) Cervenka, Francesville; and daughters, Connie Lynn (Jerry) Ehrlich, Lafayette; and Vicki Kay (Todd) Chrzan, West Lafayette. Also grandchildren  Ashley (Clay) Webb, Courtney (Matt) Rausch, Kayley (Chris) Kasten, Riley Cervenka, Calan (Jesse) Barnes, Danika Cervenka, Trevor Chrzan, Alex (Marissa) Chrzan; and great-grandchildren Cayden Webb, Brynley Webb, Braxtyn Webb, Ellamae Kasten, Marshall Kasten and Everett Chrzan. He is also survived by brother Ken (Lillian) Cervenka, and several nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by brother John (Sophie) Cervenka, sister Lillian (Richard) Roy, and an infant sister.

Mr. Cervenka served in the U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard and was a member of the Francesville American Legion. He was honored to receive a Quilt of Valor in 2015. 
Prior to his service in the navy, he worked as a banker in San Pierre. It was during this time that he met Isabelle. The couple made their home in rural Francesville where they raised five children. He was a lifelong farmer in Pulaski County and was well known for his good sense of humor, his love of caring for animals and "his sweet corn." After retirement, he enjoyed gardening.

Mr. Cervenka was a member of St. James Salem United Church of Christ where he previously served as a member of the church board and men's fellowship group. He was a longtime member and past president of the Francesville Co-Operative Elevator, as well as a former member of the Pulaski County 4-H Swine Committee. He treasured his time spent with his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He very much enjoyed attending all of their events. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. 
He will be dearly missed. 

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m., Friday, Sept. 22, at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel, Francesville. The funeral services will be at 10 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 23, at St. James Salem United Church of Christ, Francesville with Rev. Judith Doll officiating.
Burial will be at Roseland Cemetery, Francesville. The American Legion will conduct military graveside services.

Memorial donations may be given to St. James Salem United Church of Christ or Francesville American Legion.

Renee D. Baker

March 13, 1982 to September 19, 2017

WINAMAC - Renee Dorann Baker, 35, of Winamac, (formerly of Monterey) passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, Sept. 19, at Pulaski Memorial Hospital, Winamac.

She was born on March 13, 1982 in Winamac to Dennis and Myra Jachim. On Oct. 5, 2002, she married Joe Baker in Monterey. He survives. 

Also surviving are children, Chloe and Blake, at home; her mother, Myra Jachim of Monterey; her brothers, Raymond and Richard Jachim of Monterey and Roman (Dawn) Jachim of Clarksville, TN; as well as her nieces, aunts, uncles and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her father, Dennis Jachim.

Mrs. Baker graduated from Culver High School and Knox Beauty School, but she was most proud of being a loving wife and mom. She was a member of Pulaski County 4-H and helped as a Mini 4-H Leader as well. She was a talented dancer and had attended Sandra Lee Studio in Knox. She enjoyed the outdoors, especially spending time on the Tippecanoe River and hunting. She was a very kind person who was always willing to help others. She loved her family very much and will be dearly missed. 

Visitation will be from 3 to 7 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 23, at Frain Mortuary, Winamac. The funeral service will follow 7 p.m., Saturday, at the funeral home. Final disposition will be private.

Memorial donations may be made to the family.

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

Brenda McDaniel

December 2, 1946 to September 12, 2017

NORTH JUDSON - Brenda McDaniel, 70, Winamac, passed away at 3:40 a.m., Tuesday, Sept. 12, surrounded by her children and her husband.

She was born Dec. 2, 1946.

She is survived by her husband Ervin and her four children, Tammy Pressnell, Michelle Rudd, Devin McDaniel and Brett McDaniel. She is also survived by 11 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.

Mrs. McDaniel was a friend to everyone who knew her and was always helping others and doing anything she could to make their lives better. Her faith in God shined through the way she lived her life every single day. While fighting the biggest battle of her life, she never wavered from going to church and worshipping with her family and friends.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. (CT), Friday, Sept. 15, at the Denham Freewill Baptist Church. The funeral service will be at 1 p.m. (CT), Saturday, Sept. 16, at the church with Rev. Mike Noble officiating. Burial will be at Denham Cemetery, Denham.

Arrangements have been entrusted to O'Donnell Funeral Home, North Judson.

Edward R. Puchalski

June 9, 1927 to August 31, 1927

DECATUR, Texas - Edward Raymond Puchalski, 90, passed away Thursday, Aug. 31, in Denton, Texas.

He was born June 9, 1927 to the late Edward and Genevive Wegner Puchalski in Chicago. He married Doris Ilene Green on Sept. 28, 1957 in North Judson.

Survivors include his son Brian Puchalski of Leakey, Texas; his daughters Brenda McHenry of Corinth; Belinda Puchalski of Greenwood, Briget Puchalski of Greenwood; his granddaughter Cassaundra McHenry of Plano; his grandsons Luke Puchalski of Denton, Royce McHenry of Corinth; his sister-in-law, Carlyn Puchalski of Indiana; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of friends.

Mr. Puchalski was a retired machinist. He enjoyed farming and being outdoors. He loved making all types of jewelry. He served in World War II in the U.S. Army. He was a member of the American Legion in North Judson and the Fraternal order of Eagles in Winamac.

A memorial service will be at a later date.

Memorial donations may be made to American Kidney Association.

Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur, Texas is handling arrangements.