Obituaries

Freda V. Passmore

July 25, 1926 to August 14, 2016

WINAMAC - Freda V. Passmore, 90, of Winamac, passed away at 7 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 14, at her home.

She was born July 25, 1926 in Elizabethtown, Ill. to the late William E. and Myrtle Tinsley Reed. On Nov. 5, 1949, she married Guy E. Passmore in North Judson. He preceded her in death on March 19, 1993.  

Survivors include:
Linda (Tom) Shanley, Kokomo, Daughter
Loretta (Noel) Nixon, Logansport, Daughter
Betty Passmore, Winamac, Daughter 
9 Grandchildren 
4 Great Grandchildren 
Mary Mihaljevic, Cresthill, Ill., Sister

Preceded in death by:
Artie Smith, Brother 
Gordon Reed, Brother 
James Reed, Brother

Mrs. Passmore was a graduate of North Judson High School. She was retired from Eaton Controls in Winamac, where she had worked for 35 years. She loved spending time with her family, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She also enjoyed playing cards, long country drives, animals (especially Bobber), puzzle books, and making jam and jelly. She will be sadly missed.

A private family graveside service will be held at McKinley Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Winamac with Pastor Todd Randles officiating. Burial will follow at the cemetery.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary, Winamac.

Otto J Wuethrich

December 29, 1935 to August 6, 2016

FRANCESVILLE - Otto John Wuethrich, 80, of Francesville, passed away Saturday morning, Aug. 6, at Peabody Memory Care Center, North Manchester, where he had resided for the past year.

He was born Dec. 29, 1935 in Francesville to the late Herman "HC" and Lauretta Norr Wuethrich. On July 18, 1954, he married his high school sweetheart, Donna Rockwell. She survives.

Also surviving are: 
Diane (Dennis) Carson, West Lafayette, Daughter 
Suzanne (Duane) Schieler, West Lafayette, Daughter 
Scott (Colleen) Wuethrich, Francesville,  Son 
Tim (Sally) Wuethrich Sr., Francesville, Son
Grandchildren: Nick (Colleen) Carson, McKailey Carson, Ben Carson, Chad Schieler, Amy Schieler, Curt (Ariel) Schieler, Ingrid Wuethrich, Ivy (Jake) Reese, Henry Wuethrich, Simon Wuethrich, Mercy Wuethrich, Grace (Kyle) McNeil, Tim (Rebekah) Wuethrich, Jr., Logan (Marissa) Wuethrich, Max Wuethrich, and Cassie Wuethrich.
Great-Grandchildren: Gabriel Schieler, Everleigh Wuethrich, Win nie Wuethrich, and Jacob Schieler.
Chrisann (Edison) Gutwein, Francesville, Sister 
Mary Gramm, Leo, Sister 
Karen (Ed) Bowers, Lakeland, FL, Sister 
Betty (Charles) Lyons, Wabash, Sister 
Joanne (David) Huber, Upland, Sister-in-law
Several Nieces and Nephews

His oldest son, Jerry Lee, preceded him in death on Nov. 11, 1982.

Mr. Wuethrich lived his entire life in Francesville and was a graduate of Francesville High School in 1954. He had been a member of the Francesville Apostolic Christian Church since 1972. He was involved in farming and farm management and was also a realtor and auctioneer. He was on the Parkview Haven building committee and Pulaski Memorial Hospital board for several years. He loved having his children and grandchildren at the lake house for over 25 years of blessed family memories together. His great-grandchildren were a blessing to him and the family is eagerly awaiting the addition of a new great-grandchild. He was an avid fisherman and golfer. During his retirement years, Ft. Myers, FL was home for Otto and Donna for several months out of the year. Many happy times were spent there with cherished friends of like-minded faith. 

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m., Monday, Aug. 8, at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel, Francesville; and one hour prior to services at the church, Tuesday. The funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, Aug. 9, at the Apostolic Christian Church, Francesville, with ministers of the church officiating. Burial will be at Roseland Cemetery, Francesville.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to Ark Christian Ministries (where his grandson Logan serves as a missionary) or Humanitarian Distribution Center (HDC) or Francesville Salem Township Volunteer Fire Department.

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

Reid N. Heisner

January 20, 1958 to August 3, 2016

WINAMAC - Reid Neil Heisner, 58, of Star City, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, Aug. 3, at Pulaski Memorial Hospital.  

He was born Jan. 20, 1958 in Schererville, to Neil and Sue Heisner. On Sept. 20, 1990, he married Patricia Toosley in Winamac. She survives. 

Survivors include:
Robert W. Beiswanger, Francesville, Son 
Mary A. (Walter) Craig, Star City, Daughter 
Roger L. (Amie) Beiswanger, Francesville, Son 
Richard A. Beiswanger, Francesville, Son 
Grandchildren: Amanda Archer, Douglas Beiswanger, Allison Beiswanger, Peyton Beiswanger, Paige Beiswanger, Daniel "Buzz" Beiswanger, Lukas Owens, Elijah Owens, Andrew Craig, Scott Craig, Jeremy Craig, Nathan Craig, Victoria Beiswanger, Alexis Beiswanger, Brielle Beiswanger, and Brody Beiswanger. 
Great Grandchildren: McKenzie, Braden, Ashlee, Rachel, Jason, Kayden, Kurt, Maci, Kailyn, and Kolton.
Neil (Pauline) Heisner, Port Charlotte, FL, Father  
Cari Heisner, Sister 
Jill Heisner, Sister

Preceded in death by: 
Sue Morrison Heisner, Mother  

Mr. Heisner was a graduate of Lake Central High School. He was an active member of the Star City United Methodist Church. He had served in the U.S. Navy on the USS Saratoga. He was formerly employed at Moyer Grain in Star City. He enjoyed gardening, picking blackberries and raspberries, and making homemade jam. He enjoyed listening to music, especially Pink Floyd. He especially enjoyed fishing in Alaska with his father, and riding his bicycle on the Panhandle Pathway. Most recently, he had become an avid metal detector. He loved his wife and family very much. He especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He will sorely missed.

Visitation will be from 2 to 6 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 7, at Frain Mortuary, Winamac. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Monday, Aug. 8, at Star City United Methodist Church, Star City, with Rev. Ruth Waite officiating. Burial will be at Star City West Cemetery, Star City. Military graveside services will be conducted by the American Legion and VFW.

Memorial donations may be given to funeral home to help the family with funeral expenses.

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

Russell H. Batchelor Sr.

January 13, 1944 to August 1, 2016

WINAMAC - Russell H. “Russ” Batchelor, Sr., died peacefully in his sleep on Monday, Aug. 1. 

He was born born on Jan. 13, 1944 in Brazil, IN. He married Shirley A. Turner on Valentine's Day in 1986. She survives.

Also surviving are:
Kimberly (Lonie) Jordan, Houston, TX, Daughter 
Kelly Batchelor, Crosby, TX, Son 
Russell H. (Lisa) Batchelor, Jr., Crosby, TX, Son
Karen (Jesse) Shidler, Ripley, Daughter 
Dawn (Roman) Jacobson, Clarksville, TN, Daughter 
Christine Batchelor, Knox, Daughter 
Eva (Jim) Addison, Katy, TX, Daughter 
Julie (Chris) Irvin, Youngsville, LA, Daughter
Jeania (Mike) Taylor, Ora, Daughter 
Charles (Michelle) Meaux, Winamac, Son 
Johnny "Dino" (Jessica) Meaux, Lafayette, LA, Son 
27 Grandchildren 
7 Great Grandchildren 
Ricky (Reggie) Batchelor, Brazil, IN, Brother 
Jimmy (Margaret) Batchelor, Brazil, IN, Brother 
Melvin (Deb) Batche lor, Jr., Wolcott, Brother 
Elaine Lave, Beaverville, IL, Sister 
Sandra Shepard, Beaverville, IL, Sister 
Brenda (Fred) Moore, Brazil, IN, Sister
Several Nieces & Nephews

Preceded in death by:
Clara Mae Yards Batchelor, Mother 
Melvin B. Batchelor, Sr., Father 
Kevin Batchelor, Son 
Drake Taylor, Infant Grandson 
Larry Batchelor, Brother 

Mr. Batchelor was a truck driver for over 30 years. He and his wife were married for 30 years and decided to retire in Winamac in 2009.

No services will be held.

Cremation arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary, Winamac.

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

Francis J. Lewis

June 26, 1932 to July 27, 2016

ROYAL CENTER - Francis J. Lewis, 84, of Star City passed away peacefully at 8:56 p.m., Wednesday, July 27, at Pulaski Healthcare Center in Winamac.

Born June 26, 1932 in Ripley County, she was the daughter of the late James P. and Laura (LaVada) McEvoy. On July 24, 1951 in Rochester, she married William E. Lewis, he survives.

Also surviving are children, Andrew J. Lewis (Cindy) of Lafayette, Christopher D. Lewis (Julie) of New Albany, Nancy K. Griffeth (Jeff) of Winamac, Dr. J. Andrew Westerman of Ocoee, Fla. and Eric L. Westerman (Kory) of Evansville, sisters, Myra “Mickey” B. Parnell of Huntington and LaVada A. Butt (Lyle) of Akron, brother, Daniel McEvoy (Millie) of Muncie, sister-in-law, Dodie Hanson of Ocoee, Fla., and brothers-in-law, Gilbert Ory Westerman of Muncie and John Westerman of North Vernon. She is also survived by 12 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren and step grandchildren.

She was also preceded in death by daughter, Jennifer Miles, sister, Kathy McEvoy, brothers, James McEvoy and Gene McEvoy, brother-in-law, Carl Westerman, mother- and father-in-law, Gilbert and Minny Westerman and granddaughter, Charlotte Westerman.

Mrs. Lewis was a devoted wife, mother and homemaker. She was a member of Star City United Methodist Church and Pulaski Memorial Hospital Auxiliary. She was also a former Girl Scout and Cub Scout Leader. She enjoyed volunteering in her community and participating in athletic and band booster organizations.

A Celebration of Life Service will be at 11 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 13, at Star City West Cemetery with Pastor David Broad officiating.

There will be a “pitch in” luncheon in memory of Mrs. Lewis following her service at the Star City Community Center. The family will provide the meat and drinks.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Winamac Library and/or the Pulaski County Community Foundation.

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

Carl F. Fitz Sr.

July 16, 1938 - July 20, 2016

SOUTH BEND - Carl F. “Snookie” Fitz Sr., 78, of South Bend passed away Wednesday, July 20, in Hospice House.

He was born July 16, 1938, in Winamac, to the late Carl and Mary (Minter) Fitz. He was also preceded in death by a stepmother, Gladys Fitz; and brother, Robert Lee Fitz. 

He is survived by his wife, Theresa Fitz of South Bend, children, Carl (Sandy) Fitz, Jr. of Osceola, Kathy (Tim) Gardner of Goshen and Lisa (Chris) Mars of South Bend; brothers and sisters Carolyn, Mary Helen, Ruth, Patty Ann, Susan, Ronald, Chelsea and Richard; 8 grandchildren, Stephanie (Nathan), Matthew, Aaron (Megan), Troy, Erik, Ty, Andrew, and AJ; and 3 great-grandchildren, Nixon, Noah and Landon.

Mr. Fitz served his country in the U.S. Air Force, stationed in Westover Air Force Base, Chicopee, MA. He was a member of the Crumstown Conservation Club and the Moose Lodge. He was with the Warren Twp. Volunteer Fire Department for over 25 years. He was a total car nut, who rebuilt cars and was a race car driver. 

Visitation is 3 to 8 p.m., Sunday, July 24, at St. Joseph Funeral Home, South Bend. The funeral service will be at 10 a.m., Monday, July 25, at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Crumstown Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to the Pet Refuge, 4626 S. Burnett Dr., South Bend, IN, 46614.

Condolences for the family may be made at www.sjfh.net.