Obituaries

Roland D. Lowry

October 26, 1927 to July 15, 2024

WINAMAC - Roland Dale “Rod” Lowry, 96, a lifelong farmer from Winamac, passed away Monday, July 15, at Northwest Health Hospital in La Porte.

He was born Oct. 26, 1927 in Winamac to the late Dale Stanley and Ruth Glee [Huffman] Lowry. He graduated from Winamac High School in 1946. On Sept. 24, 1950, he married Nancy Madeline Owen in Winamac. She died March 18, 2009.

Rod Lowry

He is survived by:
Linda (Jerry) Smith, Winamac, Daughter
Randall (Kimberly) Lowry, Winamac, Son
Kent (Deena) Lowry, Winamac, Son
Connie Knowles, Lafayette, Daughter
Grandchildren: Tracy Smith, Winamac; Angela (Bryce) Call, Tricia Lowry, Beth (Jamie) Bales, Rachel Lowry, and Nancee Knowles.
Great-Grandchildren: Magdalen Stout, Cooper Stout, Andrew Risner, Kaleb Grund, Isabelle Grund, Jace Grund, Alivia Grund, and Titus Call.
Lois Kasten, Sister
Neva Alexander, Sister
Many Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
Kyle Lowry, Grandson
John Knowles, Son-in-law
Anita Watson, Sister
Harold Lowry, Brother

Mr. Lowry was a member of the Medaryville Christian Church where he was active as a church youth leader. He was a devoted Christian, and his faith sustained him throughout life. He lived his faith by being an example of God’s love. He was a generous man who tirelessly provided a helping hand, steadfast support, love and guidance to his family and friends. He was a man of many gifts. He enjoyed clog dancing and playing the dulcimer. He was a talented woodworker who built a variety of unique items. He also enjoyed painting and creating wood burning designs. He was a longtime vendor at the annual Power From the Past show in Winamac where he sold his handmade wooden trucks and cars. He was an outdoorsman and cherished time spent at the cabin he built on the pond. He will be remembered for his sense of humor and orneriness. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

Visitation will be from 3 to 6 p.m., Thursday, July 18, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. Additional visitation will be from 1 to 2 p.m., Friday, July 19, at the funeral home. The funeral service will follow at 2 p.m. (Friday), with Pastor Tom Camp officiating. Burial will be at Winamac Cemetery (Southlawn Addition) in Winamac.

Memorial donations may be made to Medaryville Christian Church or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

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

Matthew C. Damore

July 6, 1958 to July 15, 2024

WINAMAC - Matthew C. Damore, 66, of Cape Coral, FL passed away Monday, July 15, at Hope Hospice in Cape Coral. 

He was born July 6, 1958, in Chicago, the son of Marion Harry and Elsie J. [Olson] Damore Jr.

Matt Damore

He is survived by:
Michelle (Jeffrey) Reuter, Daughter
Lindsey (Curtis) Stammis, Daughter
Phoebe and Zoey Stammis, Granddaughters
Michael H. (Sharon) Damore, Brother
Margaret Selander, Sister
Mark (Becky) Damore Sr., Brother
Many Nieces and Nephews
Antoinette Damore, Wife
Morgan (Timothy) Kosiba, Stepdaughter
3 Step Grandchildren

Preceded in death by:
Michael Damore, Son
Robert Selander, Brother-in-law

Mr. Damore was a carpenter and proud member of the Teamsters Union. He spent many years working in the family business, Original Chicago Produce. He was an All-American gymnast who became an NCAA champion with the UIC Gymnastics Team. He was a beloved gymnastics coach to countless athletes and was a judge in the sport for many years.

The family will host a celebration of life service at a later date.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.

Thomas M. Behny

January 30, 1948 to July 15, 2024

WINAMAC - Thomas M. Behny, 76, of The Villages, FL (formerly of Winamac) passed away peacefully Monday, July 15.

A private ceremony will be held at a later date.

Betty M. Mullens

August 18, 1959 to July 13, 2024

WINAMAC - Betty M. Mullens, 64, of Winamac, passed away Saturday, July 13, at her home.

She was born Aug. 18, 1959 in Big Springs, TX to the late HB and Opal [Collins] Thompson. She married Charles L. Mullens Sr., who preceded her in death.

Betty Mullens

She is survived by:
Charles L. (Mello) Mullens Jr., Gary, Son
David J. (Amie) Mullens, Winamac, Son
Eric D. Mullens, North Judson, Son
Johnny L. (Brandy Crosby) Mullens, North Judson, Son
Halie Mullens, Granddaughter
Rylee Mullens, Granddaughter
Laney Mullens, Granddaughter
Juniper Mullens, Granddaughter
Laura Morton, Hillsboro, TX, Sister
Jimmie Thompson, Hillsboro, TX, Brother
4 Nieces and 3 Nephews

Preceded in death by:
Lester Thompson, Brother
Joe Bob Thompson, Brother
Ronnie Thompson, Brother

Mrs. Mullens was a caregiver and devoted wife and mother. She enjoyed life to the fullest. She loved to cook and spend time with her family, especially her grandchildren.

Services will be held at a later date.

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

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

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.

Karen M. Cooley Bollhoefer

September 14, 1937 to July 11, 2024

FRANCESVILLE - Karen M. [Cooley] Bollhoefer, 77, of Francesville, passed away Thursday, July 11.

She was born May 2, 1947 in Francesville, the youngest child of Floyd M. and Jeannette M. [LaRose] Cooley who passed away in 1991. She graduated from Francesville High School in 1965 where she was junior and senior class president. After graduation, she attended the former International business College in Ft Wayne, with a major in executive secretarial and a minor in English.

Karen Bollhoefer

She is survived by:
Buddy, her beloved feline companion
Cheryl Bollhoefer
Lindsey Bollhoefer
Sabrina Smith
James Michael Bollhoefer
“Cooley Cousins:”Earl Dean, Kenneth, Shirley, James, Eileen, Jerry and Dennis
Life-long school pals: Donna, Kitty, Jan, Annie and Karen

Preceded in death by:
Parents
Rita Lynn Cooley, Infant Sister
Raymond F. “Ray” Cooley, Brother
David Bollhoefer

Mrs. Bollhoefer was a member of the Francesville Christian Church from the age of 12 and sang in the church choir from an early age and was in most every pageant or program that was held, some in the old church basement. She worked at law firms in Monticello, Indiana as well as in Kokomo, Indiana. After 25 years working for attorneys she retired and helped take care of her mother-in-law, step-granddaughter and the museums that she and her husband had on their property, including a 1932 original gas station. In 2003 she moved back to Francesville and worked in several places in the area. She survived three battles with cancer. She also suffered from heart valve prolapse during the last few years of her life. She loved all animals, especially cats and would have taken in every stray if she could. One of her many passions was decorating and designing, a hobby she did with passion and pride. This talent was evident with her themed porch decorations which were enjoyed by all. She will be buried in Highland Cemetery at North Judson, Indiana beside her sister, brother, parents and grandparents.

A graveside service will be at 11 a.m. (ET), Tuesday, Aug. 6, at Highland Cemetery in North Judson. Burial will follow at the cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to the Pulaski Animal center, Winamac.

Online tributes may be offered at www. frainmortuary.com

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Francesville.

William F. Hintz

May 11, 1935 to July 9, 2024

ROYAL CENTER – William F. “Bill” Hintz, 89 of Winamac passed away Tuesday, July 9, at Pulaski Health Care Center in Winamac.

Bill Hintz

Born May 11, 1935 in Francesville, he was the son of the late Everett and Clara (Tiede) Hintz. He was a 1954 Winamac High School graduate. On Jan. 27, 1957 he married Joy Howe. She survives.

Survivors also include son Steve (Betsy) Hintz of Winamac, daughter Jill (Terry) Rensberger of South Bend, brother Eugene Hintz of Winamac, grandchildren Terri (Eric) Alexander of Wheaton, Ill., Corey (Emily) Hintz of Winamac, Holly Rensberger of Chicago, Dylan Hintz of Indianapolis and Tyler Hintz of North Carolina and great-grandchildren William and Claire Alexander, and Skyler and Dakota Hintz.

He was preceded in death by sister Ruth Katherine Hintz.

Mr. Hintz was a lifelong farmer and enjoyed camping and snowmobiling in his younger years. Farming, though, was his passion.

Per Mr. Hintz’s wishes, there will be no services at this time.

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

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