Obituaries

William M. Stinemetz

November 28, 1963 to January 9, 2025

Mike Stinemetz

WINAMAC - William Michael “Mike” Stinemetz, 61, passed away Thursday, Jan. 9, following a short battle with lung cancer.

He was born Nov. 28, 1963 in Winamac. He graduated from Winamac Community High School.

He is survived by family and friends who loved him and will miss him.

Mr. Stinemetz enjoyed fishing, playing guitar, cooking and gardening.

Private burial will take place at Riverside Cemetery in Monterey.

In lieu of flowers, please consider planting a tree in memory of Mike; information at www.frainmortuary.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.

Bob Fritz

November 28, 1939 to January 8, 2025

WINAMAC - Bob Fritz, 85, of Pulaski (formerly of East Chicago), passed away Wednesday, Jan. 8, at Franciscan Health Hospital in Lafayette.

He was born Nov. 28, 1939 in East Chicago to the late Joseph and Adeline [Juras] Fritz. After graduating from Roosevelt High School, he attended barbers school. He married his high school sweetheart Carrie Fairse on Dec. 23, 1961. She survives.

Bob Fritz

He is also survived by:
Denise Fritz, Daughter
Rochelle (Edward) Grenner, Daughter
Jason (Tamera) Fritz, Son
Eric (Renee) Fritz, Son
6 Grandchildren: Angela, Jack, Drew, Ethan, Bayleigh and Jayden.
3 Great-Grandchildren
3 Nephews (and their families)

Preceded in death by:
Joie Grenner, Granddaughter
Joan R. (Benny) Klekot, Sister

Mr. Fritz owned and operated his own barber shop in Chicago for a few years before serving in the U.S. Army. He was a lifetime member of the American Legion. He retired as a millwright from Inland Steel and was a proud member of the United Steelworks Local #1010. In high school, he was a “sports stud,” and as such, was a natural pick for hall monitor. While on duty one day, his eyes met with Carrie’s, and a love story was born - a legacy of love that spanned 63 years. They raised their children in Calumet City, IL. They worked hard their entire lives and enjoyed their retirement years living on the Tippecanoe River. The couple cherished many friendships made at Bethel Bible Church where they were faithful members. He was an avid golfer and bowler. He was a dedicated member of Chesapeake Golf Course, spending five days a week on the links. Years ago, Bob went out of his way to establish and run a bowling league for special needs kids. He enjoyed fishing far and wide, from the woods of Northern Michigan to the Mississippi River in Wisconsin. He was a loving and devoted husband, dad, grandpa and great-grandpa who will be dearly missed.

Private services will be held.

Memorial donations may be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

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

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.

Barbara Collins

September 25, 1946 to January 6, 2025

WINAMAC - Barbara Collins, 78, of Winamac, passed away Monday, Jan. 6.

Barbara Collins

She was born Sept. 25, 1946 in Pontiac, Mich. to the late Louis and Rosaleen (Kelly) Hamilton. She attended Michigan State University and received a degree from Valparaiso University. She married Dennis G. Collins on July 14, 1979. He survives.

Survivors also include her son Glenn Collins of Loudonville, Ohio; brother Michael Hamilton; and sister-in-law Martha Collins of Hobart. 

Mrs. Collins and her husband resided in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico from 1981-2009 where they attended the Union Church. She attended the First United Methodist Church of Winamac. She proudly supported the Democrat Party, enjoyed volunteering and charity work, and participated in the International Friendship Club. 

Visitation will be held from 12 noon until the time of the funeral service at 1 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 11, at the First United Methodist Church of Winamac. A graveside service will be at 2 p.m., Monday, Jan. 13, at Ever Green Memorial Park in Hobart. 

Mrs. Collins’ online guestbook is available, and condolences may be shared with the Collins family at www.RansFuneralHomes.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Rans Funeral Homes.

Diana F. Johns

July 23, 1963 to January 3, 2025

WINAMAC - Diana Fern Johns, 61, of Winamac (formerly of Francesville), passed away Friday, Jan. 3.

She was born July 23, 1963 in Winamac to the late Donald R. and Roberta Jo [Stout] Johns. She graduated from West Central High School in 1983, and afterward worked in home care for the elderly.

Diana Johns

Survivors include:
David Michael West, Son
Donald R. Johns Jr., Medaryville, Brother
Earl E. (Stephanie) Johns, Francesville, Brother
Eric D. (Maurie) Johns, Rensselaer, Brother
Amy Jo (Todd) Overton, Westmoreland, TN, Sister
Nieces: Elisabeth Johns, Rachel (Brian) Vania, Andria (Tyler) Skinner, Sarah Johns, Jocelyn (Matthew) Rodibaugh, Crysta Johns, and Karmen Overton.
Nephews: Andrew (Kaitlyn) Johns, Joshua Johns, and Cameron Overton.
12 Great-Nieces and Nephews: Emma, Dominick, Roman, Noah, Isabelle, Ezra, Micah, Luke, Christian, Hannah, Landrie, and Scottie Jo

Proceeded in death by:
Alex Johns, Nephew
Nancy Johns, Niece
Christian Johns, Nephew 

Ms. Johns was a faithful member of the Calvary Baptist Church in Winamac. She was active with the Christian Women’s Club in Winamac, prayer coffee and Bible study. When the church was open, she was there. She was a humble, faithful servant for her Lord and Savior. She was a prayer warrior and a sweet and loving friend to many. She will be deeply missed.   

Visitation will be from 1 to 2 p.m., Monday, Jan. 6, at Calvary Baptist Church in Winamac. The funeral service will follow at 2 p.m. (Jan. 6), at the church with Pastor David Norris officiating. Burial will be at Roseland Cemetery in Francesville.

Memorial donations may be made to Calvary Baptist Church or Stonecroft Ministries.

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

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary, Winamac.

Denise Westphal Ramey

May 13, 1953 to January 2, 2025

FRANCESVILLE - Denise Westphal Ramey, 71, of Francesville, passed away Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025 at Pulaski Health Care Center, Winamac.

She was born May 13, 1953 to Keith Amos and Mary Getz Westphal. She married Dave Ramey on Nov. 22, 2002 in Francesville. He passed away June 25, 2015.

Denise Ramey

She is survived by:
Mary Westphal, Francesville, Mother
Alison Tiede, Francesville, Daughter
Timothy (Melissa) Tiede, Washburn, TN, Son
Dillan (Courtney) Rehn, Grandson
Ashlund (Cody) Smolek, Granddaughter
Isabelle Rehn, Granddaughter
Abby Davis, Granddaughter
Owen Davis, Grandson
Jordan Smith, Step-Grandson
Shawn Smith, Step-Grandson
Amanda Smith, Step-Granddaughter
4 Great-Grandchildren: Brantley, Indie, Georgia, Palmer and Owen
Jacqueline Wuthrich, Newton, KS, Sister
Brian Keith (Jas’mi) Westphal, Austin, TX, Brother
Several Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
Keith Westphal, Father
Fred Wuthrich, Brother-in-law

Mrs. Ramey was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary for many years. She enjoyed cooking and canning. She also enjoyed crafting with her grandkids when they were little. She lived life in her own way, and her passing brings great sadness to those who loved her.

Visitation will be from 12 noon to 2 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 7, at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Francesville. The funeral service will follow at 2 p.m.(Jan. 7), at the funeral home with Pastor Dennis Gutwein officiating. Burial will be at Roseland Cemetery in Francesville.

Memorial donations may be made to Francesville First Baptist Church.

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

Jeffery J. Bradshaw

November 28, 1965 to December 31, 2024

WINAMAC - Jeffery John “Jeff” Bradshaw, 59, of Bruce Lake, passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, Dec. 31.

He was born Nov. 28, 1965 in Winamac, to Johnny L. and Dianna M. [Swayze] Bradshaw. He was baptized April 3, 1966 at Winamac First United Methodist Church. He completed two years of El-Tip-Wa during high school and attended Ivy Tech in Kokomo after graduating from Winamac Community High School in 1984.

Jeff Bradshaw

He is survived by:
Joaunpaey (fiancé: Connor Griffin) Davis, Wheatfield, Daughter
Cora Linback, Granddaughter
Juliette Griffin, Granddaughter
Dianna (Daryl) Wilder, Winamac, Mother
Lynn (Wes) Terry, Winamac, Sister
McKenzie Terry, Niece
John Terry, Nephew
Kenny Swayze, Winamac, Uncle
Patricia Proctor, Thomasville, NC, Aunt
Paul Richard Bradshaw, Thomasville, NC, Uncle
Cletha (Jim) Swartzell, Winamac, Cousin

Preceded in death by:
Garold and Mary E. Swayze, Grandparents
Paul and Iva Lee Bradshaw, Grandparents
Johnny Bradshaw, Father
Darrell Bradshaw, Uncle

Mr. Bradshaw was a talented auto-body technician. In his younger years, he was a motorcycle enthusiast. He loved music and repairing old cars. He was a private man with a big heart for those he loved.

A private service will be held at Frain Mortuary in Winamac with Butch Wildermuth officiating. Private entombment will be at Pro Cemetery in Winamac.

Memorial donations may be made to Pro Cemetery, Winamac.

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