Obituaries

Thomas V. Kruger

June 18, 1946 to January 26, 2017

WINAMAC - Thomas V. "Thom" Kruger, 70, of Plymouth, passed away Thursday, Jan. 26.

He was born June 18, 1946 in Logansport to the late Henry and Winifred Kruger. He was a 1964 graduate of Winamac High School and earned bachelor's and master's degrees from Purdue University. On Nov. 24, 1971, he married Melody McFarland Binkley in Winamac. She survives.

He is also survived by daughter, Holly (Jim) Wheelbarger of Bolivar, MO and grandchildren, Zacheri (Emily), Cameron, Tyler, Makalyn and Kent; his daughter, Joy (Doug) Fuerst of Wayne, PA and grandson, Henry; son, Andy (Emily) Kruger of Myrtle Beach, SC and granddaughter, Harper; and two great grandchildren. 

In addition, he is survived by siblings, Mary Crawley, Lewis (Helen) Kruger, and Bob (Becky) Kruger; as well as many nieces and nephews. 

Mr. Kruger grew up in a family that was active in the Boy Scouts of America, through which he earned the Order of the Arrow accolade and became an Eagle Scout. He carried his love for the outdoors through his entire life. He enjoyed camping, canoeing, and campfire. He particularly enjoyed bonding with his children and grandchildren through these activities. Throughout his life, he had a passion for motorcycles and scenic trips, at one time traveling the Blue Ridge Parkway.

He was a talented carpenter and had worked alongside his father in Winamac for many years. He also shared his passion of working with his hands with students as a teacher of industrial arts at Knox and Fairfield high schools. Most recently, he was retired from AM General in Mishawaka after working many years at Plymouth Tube in Winamac.After retirement, he enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren who were the light of his life. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He will be dearly missed.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 31, at Frain Mortuary, Winamac. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Wednesday, Feb. 1, at the funeral home with Michael Burroughs officiating. Private burial will be at Winamac Cemetery, Winamac.

In the later years of his life, Mr. Kruger struggled with depression. The family is requesting that memorial donations may be made to the mental health services provided by Pulaski Memorial Hospital Senior Care or to NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness).

Elizabeth V. Button

September 24, 1916 to January 28, 2017

WINAMAC - Elizabeth V."Liz" Button, 100, of Winamac, passed away at 12:24 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 28, at Pulaski Health Care Center, Winamac. 

She was born Sept. 24, 1916 in Hegewich, IL to the late Andrew and Marie Baynard Sera. On Feb. 17, 1934, she married Forrest Melvin "Frosty" Button in Star City. He passed away Oct. 31, 1977.

Survivors include: 
Betty L. Polstra, Star City, Daughter 
Geneva I. McKinley, Winamac, Daughter 
Melvin E. (Cleta) Button, Winamac, Son 
Don Beaver, Apache Junction, AZ, Son-in-law 
Darlene R. (Alan) Daily, Granddaughter 
Michael Polstra, Grandson 
Cathy S. (Don) Parsley, Granddaughter 
Dan (Nancy) Beaver, Grandson 
Brian Beaver, Grandson 
Douglas (Sharon) McKinley, Grandson 
Lisa (Randy) Sommers, Granddaughter 
Steven (Theresa) McKinley, Grandson 
Debra (Fred) Smidler, Granddaughter 
Bunnie (Curt) Daugherty, Granddaughter 
Melvin Forrest (Karen) Button, Grandson 
Maxine J. Jimison, Granddaughter 
Cheryl A. Wentz, Granddaughter 
35 Great Grandchildren 
Numerous Great Great Grandchildren

Preceded in death by: 
Judy (Jim) Hoover, Daughter 
Dorothy Beaver, Daughter 
Sandy Beaver, Granddaughter 
Bruce Polstra, Grandson 
John Melvin Button, Infant Great Grandson 
Alicia Marie Smidler, Great Grandaughter 
3 Brothers and 2 Sisters

Mrs. Button loved her life as a farmwife and was retired from the dietary department at Pulaski Memorial Hospital, Winamac. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Winamac. She was a charter member and past president of the Winamac Eagles Auxiliary #2580. She enjoyed teaching her grandkids and great grandkids the game of Euchre and bidding 7 when they bid 6. She loved playing cards and BINGO. She shared her love of cooking with friends and family. Her specialty was "nut roll" and fried chicken dinners. She also enjoyed dancing, gardening, and was never afraid to take all her grandchildren bowling. She was always a patient teacher. She was a loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother and great-great grandmother who will be dearly missed.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday, Jan. 30, at Frain Mortuary, Winamac. The funeral service will follow at 2 p.m., at the funeral home with Pastor Dave Marty officiating. Burial will be at McKinley Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Winamac.

Memorial donations may be made to the Pulaski Health Care Center Activities Fund or Alicia Marie Smidler Animal Rescue Fund.

Hazel M. Timmons

April 6, 1924 to January 16, 2017

WEST LAFAYETTE - Hazel Marie Timmons, 92, of West Lafayette, died at 5:30 a.m., Monday, Jan. 16.

She was born April 6, 1924 in Pulaski County to Robert and Edna (Brown) Timm.

Surviving are her seven sons, Ralph (Janet) Timmons of Alexandria, VA, Alan Timmons of Florida, Jim Timmons of West Lafayette, Mike Timmons of Lafayette, Scott Timmons of Delphi, Henry Timmons of West Lafayette, and Joe Timmons of West Lafayette; two daughters, Anita Snyder of Battle Ground, and Margaret (Harry) Jones of Edinburgh. Also surviving are many grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her sisters, Evelyn McDaniel of Rensselaer, Marjorie Coburn of Medaryville and Myrna Crowley of Los Angeles; and one grandson, Chris Timmons.

She married Wayne Timmons and they farmed many years in Jasper County, and later divorced. Mrs. Timmons returned to school in her 40s, graduating from Purdue’s School of Nursing with certificate of distinctions. She worked as a nurse until her late 70s.
She enjoyed reading, gardening, crafts, traveling, and spending time with her family and friends. She especially enjoyed planning holiday dinners and filling the house with children and grandchildren. She was a member of the Federated Church of West Lafayette.

A memorial service will be at 12 noon, Monday, Jan. 23, with visitation one hour prior at the Federated Church (2400 Sycamore Ln., West Lafayette, IN 47906). Pastor John Williams and Charles Roberts (nephew) officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Federated Church or charity of donor's choice.

Simplicity Funeral Care entrusted with care. Share memories and condolences at www.simplicity-funeralcare.com.

Ofelia Alva

January 22, 1944 to January 24, 2017

MEDARYVILLE - Ofelia "Ofie" Alva, 73, of Medaryville, passed away at 6:29 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 24, at Porter Regional Hospital, Valparaiso.

She was born Jan. 22, 1944 in Lockhart, TX to the late Benjamin S. "Ben" and Noami Viallobos Alva.

She is survived by:
Febe (Phil) Byers, Wanatah, Sister
Rachel (Ron) Tanner, Francesville, Sister
Moses (Colleen) Alva, North Judson, Brother
Sam (Vicky) Alva, Medaryville, Brother
Andy Byers, Nephew
Brenda (Devin) Drambarean, Niece
Stephanie (Kevin) Miller, Niece
Tiffany (Chad) Jones, Niece

Preceded in death by:
Alicia Alva, Infant Sister
Jesse Ben Alva, Brother

Ms. Alva was a 1964 graduate of Francesville High School. She was retired from the Braun Corporation and had previously worked at Gutwein Ag and Sealy. She was a member of the Medaryville Christian Church where she had taught Sunday school and helped with the Wednesday night youth program. She was a faithful supporter of World Missions. She enjoyed flower gardening, crocheting, and knitting. She also enjoyed traveling with her friend, Patty Foust. She was a loving sister and friend. She will be dearly missed by many.

Visitation from 3 to 7 p.m., Friday, Jan. 27, at the Medaryville Christian Church and one hour prior to services Saturday at the church. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m.,  Saturday, Jan. 28, at the Christian Church with Pastor Don Nedza officiating. Burial will be at White Post Cemetery, Medaryville.

Memorial donations may be made to Medaryville Christian Church for the South Sedan African Mission or Medaryville Christian Church.

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

Arrangements entrusted to Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Medaryville.

Jean Nicholson

September 11, 1934 to January 25, 2017

WINAMAC - Jean Nicholson, 82, of Winamac, passed away at 5:30 a.m., Wednesday, Jan. 25, at her home surrounded by her family.

She was born Sept. 11, 1934 in Winamac to the late Willard C. and Ruth Grace Doty Archer. On Jan. 26, 1952, she married William Gene "Bill" Nicholson in Winamac. He survives.

She is also survived by:
Alan (Donna) Nicholson, Winamac, Son
Rodney Nicholson, Winamac, Son
Judy (Dan) Murphy, Granddaughter
Michelle "Mo" (Mark) Fox, Granddaughter
Lisa (Dave) Popejoy, Granddaughter
David (Felicia) Nicholson, Grandson
12 Great Grandchildren

Preceded in death by:
Robert Nicholson, Grandson

Mrs. Nicholson was retired from Eaton Controls in Winamac. She was a member of the Iris Elm Club and the American Orchid Society. She was proud to be a homemaker. She raised livestock and orchids. She enjoyed cooking and baking. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She will be dearly missed.

A private funeral service will be held at Frain Mortuary in Winamac with Rev. Edward Clark officiating. Private burial will be at Winamac Cemetery, Winamac.

Memorial donations may be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

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

Michael Z. Shorter

February 5, 1990 to January 22, 2017

ROYAL CENTER - Michael Z. “Bubba” Shorter, 26, of Star City, passed away at 9:33 a.m., Sunday, Jan. 22, at South Bend Memorial Hospital from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident.

Born Feb. 5, 1990, in Bremen, he was the son of Gregory J. and Tracey L. (Hughes) Shorter. On March 3, 2012, he married Brandi A. Briney.

Survivors include his wife, Brandi and unborn son of Star City, parents, Greg and Tracey Shorter of Winamac, siblings, Christi Hoffa (Tim) of Winamac, Ashley Stemm (Rickey) of Nappanee, Emily Campbell of Winamac, and Jamie Shorter of Winamac; father and mother-in-law, Dave and Celinda Briney of Winamac; sister and brother-in-law, Amanda and Beau Johnson of Star City; nieces and nephews, Talyn Schmucker, Madison Hoffa, Isabelle Schmucker, Kaden Stemm, Ethan Hoffa, Damion Stemm, Ellie Campbell and Parker Campbell. He is also survived by maternal grandmother, Janice Burger of Goshen and maternal grandfather, Keith Soales of Las Vegas, and paternal grandparents, James and Betty Shorter of Winamac.

Mr. Shorter was a 2009 Winamac Community High School graduate. He worked as a process operator at Tate & Lyle in Lafayette. He  was a proud Star City Volunteer Fireman. He was an avid hunter and enjoyed riding his motorcycle. He was a devoted husband, a loving son, an incredible friend and a firefighter in every sense of the word. He not only saved his wife and unborn son, his selfless gift of donating his organs will benefit many people in Indiana and he will live on in so many ways.

Visitation will be held from 2 to 9 p.m., Friday, Jan. 27, at Winamac Church of Nazarene, Winamac, where there will also be an Indiana Volunteer Fire Fighter’s Memorial Service conducted at 7 p.m. A celebration of life service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 28, at the church. Pastor Glen Meyers and Pastor Barry Faucett will officiate. Burial will be at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Bruce Lake.

The Michael Shorter Memorial Fund has been established at Alliance Bank in Winamac for future support of Michael and Brandi’s unborn son. Memorial donations may also be made to the Star City Fire Department in memory of “Bubba."

Arrangements have been entrusted to Harrison-Metzger & Rans Funeral Home, Royal Center Chapel.