Obituaries

William G. Irven

August 8, 1948 to January 4, 2018

WINAMAC - William G. "Bill" Irven, 69, of Winamac, passed away Thursday, Jan. 4, at his residence.

He was born Aug. 8, 1948 in Lafayette, to the late Keith L. and Betty J. Morgan Irven. On Sept. 19, 1991 he married Sheila Funk in Winamac. She survives.

He is also survived by: 
Candace "Candy" Irven, Indianapolis, Daughter 
Kimberly "Kim" (Brandon) DeLorenzo, Winamac, Daughter 
Kameron Miller, Grandson 
Patricia G. Robinson, Lafayette, Sister 
Keith Grove, Nephew

Mr. Irven was a farmer and truck driver. He and his wife were the owners of Beaver Bait worm farm. He enjoyed the outdoors, especially fishing. He was a member of the Jefferson Twp. Conservation Club.

No services will be held.

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

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

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary, Winamac. 

James B. Wolfe

March 12, 1959 to January 1, 2018

ROCHESTER - James Brian “Jim” Wolfe, 58 of Medaryville, formerly of Fulton County, passed away at 3:46 a.m., Monday, Jan. 1, at LaPorte- IU Hospital.

On March 12, 1959, he was born in Huntington, the son of the late Courtney and Marjorie A. Wallace Wolfe. He grew up in the Mexico and Macy areas and graduated from Caston High School in 1977. He married Geneva Elizabeth Waddon on May 24, 2002 in Medaryville. She survives.

Also surviving are daughter Holly Zartman and husband Paul of Rochester; two step- daughters, Jessica Tharpe and husband Chris of LaPorte and Hannah Czarnecki of Medaryville; two sons Chevy Wolfe of Kewanna and James Wolfe Jr. of Medaryville; two step-sons, Daniel Timm of Valparaiso and Matthew Timm of LaPorte; sister Pattie Wolfe-Newgent and husband Craig of Fort Wayne; father- and mother-in-law Harry and Joyce Waddle of Medaryville; two sisters-in-law Crystal Waddle of Knightdale, NC, and Maddie Calvert of Francesville; two brothers-in-law, James “Jimmy” Waddle and wife Tarrie of Deland, FL and Harry Waddle Jr. and wife Andi of  Deland, FL. Also surviving are aunts Margaret Wallace and Marilyn Cook, both of Ft. Wayne; uncles Bill Wolfe, Peru, Reggie Wolfe, Mexico and Ron Wolfe, Fort Wayne; aunts Patsy Plaue, Corydon, and Sharon Staller, Auburn. In addition are many grandchildren, several nieces and nephews; plus a canine companion, Max, a buff colored Cocker Spaniel.  

Preceding him in death are maternal and paternal grandparents.

Mr. Wolfe was a proud member of the Army Indiana National Guard from 1977-1985.  He was honorably discharged with the rank of Army Specialist 4. With a strong work ethic he worked in maintenance and machine repair at Caterpillar of Lafayette for the past decade. While residing in Fulton County he was a member of the Union Township Fire Department as a firefighter-EMT. He also served the county as a sheriff's deputy.  His memberships included American Legion Post # 96 of Medaryville, the Monon Railroad Historical-Technical Society Inc, Tip Wa Antique Tractor & Engine Club of Walton, and the National Rifle Association. As a railroad buff, he and his dad built a railroad track on the family's property near Nyona Lake. More recently he restored the Monon antique scale model train that accommodated up to 20 passengers. As a photographer he also created an interesting portfolio of railroad related images including landmarks, bridges and various perspectives of track.

A celebration of the life of will be at 3:30 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 9, at Good Family Funeral Home, Rochester. His family will greet friends from 2 p.m. until the time of the service.  

Lester A. Koebcke

October 5, 1931 to December 27, 2017

MONON - Lester A. Koebcke, 86, of Francesville, passed away at 5:05 p.m. Wednesday Dec. 27, at his residence.

He was born Oct. 5, 1931 in Pulaski County to the late John and Anna (Tiede) Koebcke. He attended Francesville High School. His marriage of nearly 68 years was to Bonnie Beiswanger on March 5, 1950 in her family home; she survives.

Surviving with his wife Bonnie are four sons, Daryl Koebcke (Susan) of Williamstown, KY, David Koebcke (Debbie) of West Lafayette, Dennis Koebcke of Francesville and Dan Koebcke (Bonnie) of Francesville and one sister, Leona Bucher of Kouts. Lester’s pride and joy was his family, especially his 10 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.

Preceding him in death with his parents is a brother, Charles Koebcke and a sister, Carol Shidler.

Mr. Koebcke worked for Overmyer Tile Company for several years before beginning a 53-year career in farming. A true “family farm” Bonnie and the boys would help him perform the daily operations. After retiring from farming he worked as a press operator for Wabash National for 12 years retiring in 2008. A man of strong faith, he was a member of the Medaryville Christian Church where he was a former church elder and deacon. He and his wife were also youth leaders for 10 years.

Mr. Koebcke was a hard worker and instilled that value in his boys. More than anything he loved spending time with his family. He took pride in keeping his home, yard and vehicles clean and well maintained and enjoyed playing cards with family and neighbors. He also liked Chicago Blackhawk hockey, watching WWE Wrestling on television and growing his tomato plants.

Friends may call from 10 a.m. until the time of funeral service at 1 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 2, at the Medaryville Christian Church; Pastor Don Nedza to officiate.

Memorials are encouraged to Bonnie Koebcke to be used for a future good in Lester’s name.

Arrangements entrusted to Clapper Family Funeral Home, Monon.

Nancy C. Freeman

January 2, 1941 to January 2, 2018

WINAMAC - Nancy Carol Freeman, 77, of Winamac, passed away at 10:08 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 2, at Pulaski Memorial Hospital, Winamac.

She was born Jan. 2, 1941 in Winamac to the late Albert and Martha Bleicher Sehstedt. She was a 1959 graduate of Winamac High School. On Feb. 11, 1972, she married Jerry D. Freeman in Thornhope. He survives.

Also surviving are: 
Connie Bair, Winamac, Daughter 
Lisa (John) Foy, Buford, GA, Daughter 
Lacy Bair, Winamac, Granddaughter 
Colleen Foy, Buford, GA, Granddaughter 
Sean Foy, Buford, GA, Grandson 
Evie Dollahan, North Judson, Sister 
Butch (Linda) Sehstedt, Winamac, Brother 
Vernal Freeman, Brother-in-law 
Several Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by: 
Cassandra Bair, Infant Granddaughter 
Alice Sehstedt, Sister 
Martha Freeman, Sister 
Ruth (Curly) Holbrook, Sister & Brother-in-law 
Jake Dollahan, Brother-in-law

Mrs. Freeman was a member of Kewanna Church of Christ. She was baptized into Christ many years ago and was a faithful servant until He called her home. She enjoyed the outdoors, especially gardening, raking leaves and bonfires. One of her favorite hobbies was designing bird houses with her brother. Her most precious pastime was spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren . She will be sadly missed.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 12 noon, Saturday, Jan. 6, at Frain Mortuary, Winamac. The funeral service will follow at 12 Noon (Saturday), at the funeral home with Bill Miller officiating. Burial will be at Winamac Cemetery, Winamac.

Memorial donations may be made to the Pulaski Animal Center.

Mary Ann Stankus

December 25, 2017 to December 30, 2017

WINAMAC - Infant Mary Ann Stankus, 5 days, of Winamac, passed away Saturday, Dec. 30, at Memorial Hospital, South Bend.

She was born Dec. 25, in Winamac to Caitlin Jenna Stankus.

Surviving with her mother are maternal grandparents, Melissa and Shannon Calvert, Winamac, maternal great-grandparents, Judy Stankus, Rob Stankus and Caroline Calvert. She is also survived by her aunts, Abby Stankus, Jessica Calvert, Breanna Gilbert, Joey Myer and Brooke Moser. Also surviving is one uncle Kalaeb Moser.

She was preceded in death by her maternal grandfather, Ricky Moser Jr. and her maternal great grandfather Randy Calvert.

Visitation will be from 5 to 6 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 4, at Frain Mortuary, Winamac. The funeral service will follow at 6 p.m., (Thursday),at the funeral home. Final disposition will be private.

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

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

Sidney B. Leman

July 4, 1922 to December 31, 2017

FRANCESVILLE - Sidney B. Leman, 95, of Francesville, passed away at 12:40 a.m., Sunday, Dec. 31, in Winamac.

He was born July 4, 1922, in Metamora, Ill., to the late Henry and Cordelia Gudeman Leman. He graduated from Francesville High School with the class of 1940. On Aug. 4, 1945, he married Fern Gutwein in Francesville. She survives.

He is also survived by: 
Dennis (Linda) Leman, Francesville, Son 
Larry (Pam) Leman, Monticello, Son 
Kristine (Neal) Widmer, Battle Ground, Daughter 
Arlene (David) Metzger, Francesville, Daughter 
Douglas (Margaret) Leman, Francesville, Son 
Scott (Kathy) Leman, Francesville, Son 
Curtis (Valerie) Leman, Francesville, Son 
27 Grandchildren 
57 Great Grandchildren 
Melvin (Margaret) Leman, Francesville, Brother 
Many Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by: 
Rebecca Leman, Infant Daughter 
Mitzie and Abbie Metzger, Infant Granddaughters 
Lois Leman, Sister 
Frances Leman, Sister 
Elsie Eilers, Sister 
Edith Traub, Sister 
Harold Leman, Brother 
Arthur Leman, Brother 
Edward Leman, Brother 

Mr. Lema was a lifelong farmer in Pulaski County. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He and his wife enjoyed traveling and spending winters in Florida with relatives and friends. He was an active member of the Francesville Apostolic Christian Church where he served faithfully throughout his life. He was a founding board member of Parkview Haven Retirement Home and served on numerous other local boards.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 3, at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel, Francesville; and one hour prior to services at the church Thursday. The funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, Jan. 4, at the Apostolic Christian Church, Francesville, with ministers of the church officiating. Burial will be at Roseland Cemetery, Francesville. The American Legion will provide military graveside services.

Suggested memorial donations may be made to Harvest Call - Haiti Dairy or Jamaica Fund or to a charity of the donor's choice.

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