Obituaries

Karen L. McClung

March 8, 1941 to December 29, 2024

WINAMAC - Karen Lea McClung, 83, of Winamac, passed away peacefully Sunday, Dec. 29, at Pulaski County Health Care Center, Winamac.

She was born March 8, 1941, to James and Sarah McClung and had a brother, Tom. Her parents and brother preceded her in death.

Karen McClung

Ms. McClung’s life was defined by her love of learning, exploration and service. She was a 1959 graduate of Winamac High School, where she was valedictorian of her class. She earned a degree in English literature and a minor in library science from Indiana University. Her adventurous spirit led her to explore Europe and live in several different states. She especially enjoyed visiting lighthouses. She held a variety of meaningful roles throughout her career, including serving as a dispatcher for police departments, working as a secretary for the Peace Corps and the Agency for International Development Training Programs, and later becoming a certified travel agent, where she helped others plan their own journeys. However, her greatest professional fulfillment came as a children’s librarian and public librarian. She began her library career in the 1960s and 1970s at the Pulaski County Public Library, where she had the joy of working alongside her mother. Over the years, she held librarian positions at several other libraries, including the Bloomington Public Library, Scottsdale Public Library, Wells Public Library and Frankfort Public Library. While in Frankfort, she also served as the vice president of the Frankfort Library Friends Association. After retiring, she returned to Winamac and resumed her work at the Pulaski County Public Library, where she hosted numerous programs and continued to inspire a love of reading in children and adults alike.

An avid reader throughout her life, Karen was always found with a book in hand and a long list of titles yet to be read. She was known for her infectious laugh and her deep love for college basketball, especially rooting for Indiana University and Butler. Cross stitch and her beloved cats, Miss Priss and Fiona, kept her company later in life. A dedicated member of the First Christian Church in Winamac, she served as an elder and was an active member of the congregation. She also contributed her time and talents to several local organizations, including Rainbow Girls, the Tippecanoe Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star, the Pulaski County Historical Society and the Pulaski Memorial Hospital Auxiliary. Her legacy is one of generosity, warmth, and dedication to her community. She will be remembered for her kindness and sense of humor.

Per Ms. McClung’s wishes, private graveside services will be held at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the First Christian Church in Winamac or the Pulaski County Public Library Foundation (www.pcplf.org), organizations that were near and dear to Karen’s heart.

Karen's online guestbook and condolences may be shared at www.RansFuneralHomes.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Rans Funeral Homes.

Jerry W. Hedger

December 6, 1949 to December 26, 2024

WINAMAC - Jerry Wayne Hedger, 75, of Winamac, passed away Thursday, Dec. 26.

He was born Dec. 6, 1949 in Winamac to the late Donald Little and Mary Marie [Darby] Hedger. He graduated from Winamac High School in 1968. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served during the Vietnam War. On Aug. 31, 1974, he married Nita Vargas, in Angeles City, Philippines. She preceded him in death.

Jerry Hedger

He is survived by:
Several Nieces and Nephews and their families (both in the U.S. and Philippines)
Phillip Mangus, Brother-in-law
Kathie Hedger, Sister-in-law

Preceded in death by:
Louise E. Mangus, Sister
Thomas E. Hedger, Infant Brother
Marsha L. Glassburn, Sister
Deborah A. Hedger, Infant Sister
William R. Hedger, Brother

In 1989, Mr. Hedger retired from active duty after 20 years of service and returned to Winamac. He worked at Plymouth Tube and drove as a sub for the post office before switching to the post office full time. Many people will remember him as their favorite postman. He was a member of the Winamac American Legion Post #71 and H.O.G. (Harley Owners Group). He enjoyed riding his Harley and spending time outdoors, especially hunting and fishing. He always had a fresh pot of coffee ready in minutes. He had a great sense of humor and will be dearly missed.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 2, at Frain Mortuary, Winamac. The funeral service will follow at 2 p.m. (Jan. 2) at the funeral home with Pastor Shellie Jankowski officiating. Burial will be at Winamac Cemetery (Southlawn Addition) in Winamac. The American Legion and VFW will conduct military graveside services.

Memorial donations may be made to U Matter 2, Inc. For more information or to donate online, please visit www.umatter2inc.org. Donation envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

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

Robert E. Schultz

June 22, 1934 to December 24, 2024

Bob Schultz

ROYAL CENTER - Robert E. Schultz, 90, of Francesville passed away at 10:25 a.m., Tuesday, Dec. 24, at Pulaski Memorial Hospital in Winamac.

Born on June 22, 1934 in Winamac, he was the son of the late Roy and Marguerite (Lebo) Schultz. He was a 1952 Pulaski High School graduate. He married Marcella Ann Hartwick in 1954, and she preceded him in death in 1957. He later married Peggy Goble in 1959, and she preceded him in death in 2015.

Survivors include his children John (Susie) Schultz of Francesville, Debra “Debbie” (Dave) Koebcke of Yorktown, Amy (Randy) Anliker of Francesville and Sally Schultz of Winamac; sister Della Wall of Winamac; sister-in-law Becky Tiede of Francesville; grandchildren Travis (Cami) Koebcke, Heather (Tom) Leman, Candace Anliker, Paige Anliker, Casey Schultz and Chelsea Schultz. Also great-grandchildren Kaden Koebcke, Karina Koebcke, Ruthy Leman, Bennett Leman, Lucia Leman and Cordelia Leman.

Mr. Schultz retired from Cooperative Elevator in Francesville. He enjoyed fishing, woodworking and taking care of his yard and garden.

The funeral service will be at 12 noon, Monday, Dec. 30, at the Francesville First Christian Church, Francesville with Pastor Jim Ketchen officiating. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will follow at Roseland Cemetery in Francesville.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Francesville First Christian Church in memory of Mr. Schultz.

His online guestbook and condolences may be shared with the family at www.ransfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Rans Funeral Homes, Royal Center.

Lester L. Bane

February 6, 1938 to December 22, 2024

WINAMAC - Lester L. Bane, 86, of Westville (formerly of Winamac), passed away Sunday, Dec. 22, at his home in Westville.

He was born Feb. 6, 1938 in Philadelphia, MS to the late Lester W. and Ann [Gray] Bane. He grew up in House, MS and served a short time in the Mississippi National Guard. He married Martha J. Nicholson on April 3, 1960 and together they raised five children in Neshoba, MS. She preceded him in death.

Lester Bane

He is survived by:
Steve (Julie) Bane, Lake Station, Son
James Keith Bane, Winamac, Son
Pamela Bane, Westville, Daughter
Sandy Kelley, Portage, IN Step-Daughter
Amber Bane, Granddaughter
Lee (Kim) Podgorski, Grandson
Christopher (Nicki) Podgorski, Grandson
Jonathon (Susan) Kallok, Grandson
Kaitlyn Kallok, Granddaughter
William Kenzie, Grandson
Several Great-Grandchildren
David Lierman, Oklahoma City, OK, Brother
Numerous Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
Mona Maydell [Brown] Bane, Wife
Charles Bane, Son
Karen Bane, Daughter
Patsy Podgorski, Step-Daughter
Bobby Bane, Brother
Richard Bane, Brother
Linda Moss, Sister
Diane Carmack, Sister
Edna Long, Sister

Mr. Bane was a retired truck driver, which is what brought him to Indiana. On Oct. 10, 1986, he married Mona Brown in Hobart. He enjoyed tinkering around the shop and woodworking, as well as fishing and hunting. He loved his family very much and will be deeply missed.

A graveside services will be at 2 p.m., Friday, Dec. 27, at Winamac Cemetery (McKinley Addition) in Winamac with Pastor Tom Wetslaar officiating. The American Legion and VFW will conduct military graveside services. Burial will follow at the cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to the family.

Online tributes may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.

Charles K. Thomas

September 18, 1947 to December 20, 2024

WINAMAC - Charles Keith Thomas, 77, of Winamac, passed away Friday, Dec. 20, at Northwest Health Hospital in LaPorte.

He was born Sept. 18, 1947 in Frankfort, to the late Charles Henry and Margaret Irene [Terry] Thomas. He attended Sharpsville High School in Tipton County with the class of 1965 and earned a GED in 1986 – the same year his daughter graduated from high school. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving in Europe during the Vietnam War. On May 21, 1971, he married Sharon Kay Burger in Kokomo. She survives.

Charles Thomas

He is also survived by:
April (fiancé: Paul Hobbs) Starr, Hamlet, Daughter
Tyler Reed, Grandson
Delton (Krissy) Reed, Grandson
Kaysey Reed, Granddaughter
Rebecca Reed, Granddaughter
2 Great-Grandchildren: Summer and Asher
Ruth (George) Sanchez, Middleburg, FL, Sister
Several Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
Parents

Mr. Thomas worked hard throughout his entire life. For many years, he owned and operated various businesses, served as manager of numerous apartment and housing communities, and worked in road construction. He excelled at whatever he did whether it was playing baseball as a boy, to cards as an adult, to whatever he put his mind to. When he wasn’t working, he enjoyed vacations with Sharon - visiting many wonderful places and making amazing memories. He enjoyed the outdoors, especially hunting, fishing, and camping. Later in life, he insisted on doing all the cooking for his wife. He had a great sense of humor and was very ornery. He was also very devoted to his family and friends. He enjoyed helping anyone who was in need. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Visitation will be from 1 to 2 p.m., Monday, Dec. 30, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. A celebration of life will follow at 2 p.m. (Dec. 30), at the funeral home with Pastor Elizabeth Reed officiating. The VFW and American Legion will conduct military honors at the funeral home.

Memorial donations may be made to the family.

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

Cremation arrangements entrusted to Frain Mortuary.

Gloria K. Jenkins

August 4, 1938 to December 19, 2024

WINAMAC - Gloria K. Jenkins, 86, of Winamac, passed away peacefully, Thursday, Dec. 19, at Pulaski Health Care Center in Winamac.

She was born Aug. 4, 1938 in North Judson, to the late Gerald W. and Phyllis G. Mosher] Hellinga. She married Billy G. Jenkins Oct. 4, 1958, in Knox.

Gloria K. Jenkins

She is survived by:
Cathy L. (Duane) Field, Winamac, Daughter
Laura L. Mundell-Jenkins, Winamac, Daughter-in-law
Cheryl L. (Nathan) Raymond, Granddaughter
Amanda (Brian) Kirkland, Granddaughter
Max Mundell, Grandson
Nolan Jenkins, Grandson
Rachael (Stan) Mundell, Granddaughter
Alyssa Jenkins, Granddaughter
Zane Jenkins, Grandson
6 Great-Grandchildren: Taelynn, Katelynn, Jason, Jacoby, Serena, and Genevieve
Roger (Sally) Hellinga, Brother
Jerry (Lynn) Hellinga, Brother
Many Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
Billy G. Jenkins, First Husband
David L. Jenkins, Son
Daniel Duane Field, Infant Grandson
George E. Burton, Second Husband

Mrs. Jenkins and husband Billy made their home in Winamac where they worked hard, loved their family, and enjoyed square dancing and traveling amongst other things. He passed away Jan. 22, 2004 after 45 years of marriage. The following year, she married George Burton, and they enjoyed 11years of companionship before he passed away in 2016. She was retired from Key Bank in Winamac where she had worked as a teller for 30 years. Prior to her career in banking, she was a deputy in the Pulaski County Recorder’s Office. She was a member of the First Christian Church in Winamac, as well as the Tippecanoe Twirlers, Pegs & Joker Club and Gideon’s International. She was a talented seamstress who enjoyed sewing and crocheting. She also enjoyed jigsaw puzzles and reading. Most of all, she loved her family dearly. She will be sadly missed.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 26, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Friday, Dec. 27, at the funeral home. Burial will be at Winamac Cemetery (McKinley Addition) in Winamac.

Memorial donations may be made to the family c/o Cathy Field.

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