Obituaries

Jay F. Kopkey

June 20, 1920 to January 16, 2016

WINAMAC - Lifelong Winamac resident and retired businessman, Jay F. Kopkey, 95, of Winamac, passed away at 2:25 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 16, at Pulaski Memorial Hospital, Winamac.

He was born June 20, 1920 in Winamac to the late Frank J. and Maud Hunter Kopkey. He married Mary Lois Barringer on July 29, 1950 at the residence of Dale and Mary Combs with his father-in-law Rev. C.D. Barringer officiating. She survives.

Also surviving are:
Jackie (Jeff) Hadley, Winamac, Daughter
Vickie (Rex) Manikowski, Winamac, Daughter
Randie (Chris) Kopkey, Leesburg, Son
Brent Reutebuch, Grandson
Bradley (Tricia) Reutebuch, Grandson
Jarred (Cate) Kopkey, Grandson
Nicholas (Holly) Kopkey, Grandson
Drea Manikowski, Great Granddaughter
Broderick Reutebuch, Great Grandson
Skyler Kopkey, Great Granddaughter
Jay "Bubba" Kopkey, Great Grandson
Harper Kopkey, Great Granddaughter
Ellie Kopkey, Great Granddaughter
Emerson Kopkey, Great Granddaughter
Jerry Barringer, Brother-in-law
Carol Sue (Martin) Torgerson, Niece
Aspen Gundy, Great Niece
Bill (Megan) Torgerson, Great Nephew
Anne Torgerson, Great Niece

Preceded in death by: 
Henry H. "Hank" (Faye) Kopkey, Brother
Olga F. (Bill) Russell, Sister
Gordon Teel, Son-in-law
Kathy Barringer, Sister-in-law
Judy Russell Gundy, Niece

Mr. Kopkey graduated from Winamac High School in 1938. He served as a deputy sheriff under his father for the county sher'ffis office, and as a Seaman First Class in the U.S. Coast Guard during World War II, before following his father into the real estate and insurance business in 1946. He owned and operated Kopkey Agency for many years before his retirement in 1999.

He was instrumental in forming the Pulaski County 4-H Horse and Pony Club and was a member of the Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce. He was also a member of the Winamac VFW Post #1728 and the American Legion Post #71. He was a lifelong member of the First Christian Church in Winamac where he also served many years on the church board. In 2008, he was awarded the H.J. Halleck Community Service Award. He was an outdoorsman, whose passion was horses. He enjoyed life on the river and at "Jay's 10 Acres". He especially enjoyed telling stories about the past and will be greatly missed by his family.

Visitation will be from 3 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 20, at Frain Mortuary, Winamac; and one hour prior to services Thursday at the funeral home. The funeral service will be at 1 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 21, at the funeral home with Pastor Rick Abbott officiating. Burial will be at McKinley Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Winamac. The American Legion and VFW will conduct military graveside services.

Memorial donations may be given to Winamac First Christian Church or Pulaski County 4H Horse and Pony Club.

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

Bernard F. Bauer

Jan. 16, 1924 to Jan. 6, 2016

SOUTH BEND - Bernard F. Bauer, 91, of South Bend, passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 6, at his home in South Bend.

He was born Jan. 16, 1924, in Monterey, to the late Fred and LaPearl (Keller) Bauer. On Dec. 29, 1945, he married Mary M. Decker, who preceded him in death.

He is survived by his daughters, Pam (Walt) Rearick of Chesterton, and Rita (Dennis) Large of Plymouth; his son, Jeff (Lois) Bauer of South Bend; 10 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren; one sister, Therese Ann Greer of Plymouth; three brothers, William (Bonnie) Bauer of Monterey, Fred (Alice) Bauer of Monterey, and Tom (Marie) Bauer of Rochester; and sister-in-law, Judi (Dick) Minniear. He is also survived by very close friends Marilyn Hillring and John Nickelson. He leaves behind many close friends and caring neighbors.

He was preceded in death by one sister, Rose Lou Strang.

Mr. Bauer was a member of Holy Cross Catholic Church in South Bend. He was a World War II Army veteran in which he served in Germany. He was very proud of his service. He enjoyed spending time with his family and helping others in need. He was an “honorary father and grandfather” to many neighbors and friends.

Visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m., and 6 to 8 pm Friday, Jan, 8, at Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Drive, South Bend, where a parish rosary will be prayed at 7:30 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan, 9, at Holy Cross Catholic Church, with burial to follow at St. Anne's Cemetery, Monterey. 

Memorial donations may be made to the Honor Flight of Northern IN Honor Flight, Inc.Attn: Diane Gresse, 300 E. Auburn Ave., Springfield, OH 45505.

Online condolences may be made at www.kaniewski.com.

Dorothy A. Kilgore

October 16, 1928 to January 9, 2016

LAFAYETTE - Dorothy Aeliene Kilgore, 87, of West Lafayette, died at 9 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 9, at Cumberland Pointe Health Campus, West Lafayette.

She was born Oct. 16, 1928, in Medaryville, to the late Lycurges and Della Ahlgrim Kilgore.

Surviving is her sister, Elsie (Bill) Schmidt of Michigan City; nieces, Marsha (Dale) Spear and Melinda Been both of Lafayette, Kimberly Kilgore and Maryann Kilgore  both of California and Sharon Webster of San Diego, CA; nephews, David (Sandra) Miller of Temple, TX, Lonnie Miller of Lafayette, Dale (Brenda) Kilgore and Gary Schmidt both of Michigan City.

She was preceded in death by a brother, William Kilgore; and two sisters, Florence Miller and Marie Hughes.

Ms. Kilgore was dearly loved as a very special aunt to her nieces and nephews, and her great nieces and nephews. She graduated from San Pierre High School, and worked as an assembler at Guardian Industries in Michigan City for 48 years retiring in Dec. 31, 1997. She was a member of the TOPS Club Chapter 200 Lafayette (Take off Pounds Seriously).She was a wonderful friend to many people and was always laughing and smiling.  She loved to play Bingo, watch Purdue and the Pacers play basketball on TV,  and having the little children come to visit and enjoy lunch with her. She will be dearly missed by those who loved her.

Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until the time of the service at 10 a.m., Tuesday, Jan. 12, at Soller-Baker Lafayette Chapel, 400 Twyckenham Blvd Lafayette, IN 47909. Burial will follow at San Pierre Cemetery, San Pierre.

Those wishing may donate to the American Heart Association. or American Diabetes Association. 

Thomas H. Cole Sr.

May 22, 1975 – January 2, 2016

PLYMOUTH - Thomas H. Cole Sr., 40, of Goshen passed away on Saturday, Jan. 2.

He was born May 22, 1975, in Winamac, to Grover and Goldie (Campbell) Cole. He married November E. Huff and together they shared 18 years together. She survives.

He is also survived by children: Courtney, Thomas "Tommy" H. Jr. and Trenton, all of Goshen. His siblings include: Jeffery (Missy) Trent of North Judson, Patricia Fletcher of Florida, Kenneth Trent of Goshen, Tiina (Mike) Bailey of Wyoming, Ray Trent of North Judson, Tabitha (Donnie) Higdon of Goshen, Vickie (Douglas) Magurean of Florida and Becky Brewer of New Paris.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Ronnie Trent.

Mr. Cole was working for Forest River Inc. in Goshen for over 10 years. He enjoyed fishing and loved going to the casinos to win big. He loved his family dearly and liked time spent together, but had even more fun giving them all a hard time and joking with them.

The family will receive friends from 4 to 8 p.m., Friday, Jan. 8, at the Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home, 1100 N. Michigan St., Plymouth. The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 9, at the funeral home with Rev. Ed Friberg officiating. Burial will be at New Oakhill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the family to help cover funeral expenses.

Notes of condolence may be sent to the family through the website: www.johnson-danielson.com

Lila J. Mays

October 1, 1938 to January 14, 2016

WINAMAC - Lila Jane Mays, 77, of Winamac, died at 12:56 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 14, at We Belong Senior Home, Plymouth.

She was born Oct. 1, 1938, in Kewanna, to Ralph and Helen Margaret Summers Kough.

Survivors include:
Jennifer L. (Bruce) Adamski, Winamac, Daughter
Jerry Thomas "J.T." (Laura) Mays II, Winamac, Son
Scott Benzing, Grandson
Sydney Richards, Granddaughter
Theresa Patty, Granddaughter
Shaun R. (Molly) Cotner, Grandson
Ryan E. Cotner, Grandson
Kyle W. Cotner, Grandson
Jerri L. (Chris) Klein, Granddaughter
Megan Patty, Great Granddaughter
Kaden Klein, Great Grandson
Jerad Klein, Great Grandson
Becky (John) Bruce, Winamac, Sister
Megan Ingram, Great Niece
Michaela Ingram, Great Niece

Preceded in death by:
Jerad A. Mays, Grandson
Lisa Ingram, Niece
Debra M. & Don Stigen, Sister and Brother-in-law
Bonnie Summers Johnson, Aunt

Mrs. Mays loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She was ecstatic when her great grandchildren were born. She was a former bartender at the VFW in Winamac, She also worked as a sales clerk at the Bottle Shop in Winamac She retired in 2000. She spent much of her time reading and working crossword puzzles. She spent most of her time caring for her cats. She will be sadly missed by her family and friends.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 17, at Frain Mortuary, Winamac; and one hour prior to services Monday. A memorial service will be at 1 p.m., Monday, Jan. 18, at the funeral home, with Rev. Anthony Wagner officiating. Burial of cremains will be at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Lake Bruce, at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, should be given to the charity of donor's choice.

Cathy Schmicker

April 23, 1950 to January 12, 2016

WINAMAC - Cathy L. Fahler Schmicker, 65, of Medaryville (formerly of Star City and Winamac) passed away at 7 a.m., Tuesday, Jan. 12, at her home with her family by her side. 

She was born April 23, 1950 in Winamac to the late Richard E. “Dick” and Ida Ruth Miller Fahler. 

Survivors include:
Lori Schultz, Medaryville,  Daughter
Kevin (Christan) Schultz, Medaryville, Son
Riley Schultz, Granddaughter
Maddison Schultz, Granddaughter
Mason Schultz, Grandson
Sadie Ruth Schultz, Granddaughter
Eli Smith, Grandson
Peyton Beiswanger, Step Granddaughter
Paige Beiswanger, Step Granddaughter
Daniel Beiswanger, Step Grandson
Scott Flickner, Atlanta, GA,  Companion
Timothy Miller, Lakeside Park, KY,  Cousin
Bob Schultz, Medaryville,  Friend

Preceded in death by:
Charles R. "Chuck" Fahler, Brother

Mrs. Schmicker attended Star City Schools and graduated from Winamac High School in 1968.  She also had attended Ball State University. She had lived in Nashville, TN and Atlanta, GA before returning to Indiana in 2008. She had worked as a certified medical assistant. She was a very devout Catholic.  She was a former vice chairwoman of the Pulaski County Republican Central Committee. She was an avid IU basketball and Indianapolis Colts fan. She enjoyed quilting and playing golf. She also enjoyed being on social media and playing games with her friends. Most of all, she loved her family very much, especially spending time with her grandchildren. She will be dearly missed by those who knew and loved her.

Visitation will be from 1 to 3 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 16, at Frain Mortuary, Winamac. The funeral service will follow at 3 p.m., (Saturday, Jan. 16), at the funeral home with Rev. Terry Bennis officiating. Burial will be at Star City West Cemetery, Star City.

Memorial donations may be given to Franciscan Hospice Care (formerly Jasper County Hospice).

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