Obituaries

Orvan D. Fitz Jr.

August 24, 1944 to May 16, 2021

WINAMAC – Word has been received of the death of Orvan Deweight “O.D.” Fitz Jr., 76, of Huntsville, TX who passed away Sunday, May 16, at his home in Huntsville.

He was born Aug. 24, 1944 in Liberal, KS to the late Orvan and Laura Pilgrim Fitz Sr. He graduated from Star City High School in 1962. He served in the US Air Force during the Vietnam War.

Orvan Fitz Jr.

He is survived by:
Heather (Scott) Dolezal, Daughter
Shane Fitz, Son
Hailey Bagby, Granddaughter
Hannah Dolezal, Granddaughter
Garry (Marsha) Fitz, Brother
Beth (Jerry) Brooks, Sister
Many Nieces and Nephews

Upon discharge from military service, Mr. Fitz moved to Texas to attend college. He. earned a bachelor’s degree from Sam Houston State University in 1974. He worked at the Texas Department of Corrections in Huntsville for 34 years before retiring. He was a Past Master of John Sims Lodge #458 F&AM in New Waverly, TX.

A graveside service will be at 11 a.m., Thursday, Sept. 30, at Paul’s Chapel Cemetery in rural Winamac, with Rev. David Broad officiating. The American Legion and VFW will conduct military graveside services. Burial of cremated remains will follow at the cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to Memorial Swinging Bridge Project or a charity of the donor’s choice.

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

Local arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.

Billy J. Wireman

Sept. 1, 1952 to September 13, 2021

WINAMAC – Billy Joe Wireman, 69, of Medaryville, passed away at 9:37 a.m., Monday, Sept. 13, at Pulaski Health Care Center in Winamac.

He was born Sept. 1, 1952 in Salyersville, KY to the late William and Julie Mae Salyers Wireman.

Billy J. Wireman

He is survived by:
Teresa Ann Wireman, Daughter
McKenzie Wireman, Granddaughter
Anessa Wireman, Granddaughter
Paisley Wireman, Granddaughter
Oaklynn Darrell, Granddaughter
Carlie Lewandowski, Granddaughter
Haiden Lewandowski, Grandson
Leonardo Figueroa, Great-Grandson
Ronnie Wireman, Brother
Harold Wireman, Brother
Marietta Moss, Sister
Several Nieces and Nephews
Jacqueline Wireman, Former Spouse
Billie Jo Wireman, Step-Daughter

Preceded in death by:
Melissa Sue Wireman, Daughter
Aaron Wireman, Brother

Mr. Wireman worked as a farmhand and laborer. He enjoyed watching football and NASCAR. He also loved working on cars and spending time with his family.

A graveside service will be at 11 a.m., Tuesday, Sept. 21, at the Winamac Cemetery (Town Addition) in Winamac, with Pastor Heath Hiatt officiating. 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.

James Kersting

April 23, 1936 to September 12, 2021

NORTH JUDSON – James "Jim" Kersting, 85, of North Judson, passed away peacefully in his home Sunday, Sept. 12.

He was born April 23, 1936, in North Judson, to the late Burnell and Catherine Bau Kersting. On July 2, 1960, he married Nella Minix, who preceded him in death on July 27, 2003. In May 2007, he married Roberta Short Chapman. She survives.

Jim Kersting

He is also survived by three children, Sandy (Jansen) Rudd of North Judson,  Randy (Kris) Kersting of Winamac, and Jason (Dawn) Kersting of Winamac; six grandchildren, Alicia (Isaiah) Collins, Andrea (Todd) Jackson, Justin (Jordann) Kersting, Katie (Austin) Polen and Joshua Kersting, all of North Judson, and James Kersting of Indianapolis; four great-grandchildren, Kerslynn Ella, Kash Johnathon, Jarrod David and Poppy Ella and another addition due in December Charles Carson. He is also survived by two sisters Phyllis Rozhon and Lorraine Hughes.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 43 years, Nella, and his parents.

Mr. Kersting was a member of St. Peter Lutheran Church of North Judson. He served in the U.S. Army from September of 1957 to June of 1959. He founded his Harley-Davidson dealership in 1962 alongside his wife, Nella, and eventually added their three children, Sandy, Randy and Jason. He built his World of Motorcycles Museum in 2003 and he loved to take his guests on tours even until more recently. Those who knew him always said they loved to hear his stories - he was the best story-teller. He was a life member of the Harley Owners Group, American Motorcycle Association, Harry L. Keller American Legion Post #92, and served on the WKVI Board of Directors for several years.

Mr. Kersting was a torch carrier for the Indiana Bicentennial in 2016. He was the recipient for the Henry F. Schricker "service before self" award in 2017. He was most recently the grand marshal for the 2021 North Judson Mint Festival in which he helped inaugurate in the late 1970s. He was a proud citizen of Starke County, and he supported many local organization through the years.

Visitation will be from 3 to 8 p.m. (CT), Sunday, Sept. 19, at Braman and Bailey Funeral Home, North Judson. The funeral service will be at 12 noon (CT), Monday, Sept. 20, at St. Peter Lutheran Church, North Judson, with visitation two hours prior at the church. Pastor Dan Speckhard will officiate. Burial will be at St Jacobs cemetery in North Judson.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Nella Kersting Memorial Fund - Northern Indiana Community Foundation.

Donald R. Johns Sr.

April 25, 1940 to September 12, 2021

FRANCESVILLE - Donald R. “Don” Johns Sr., 81, of Rensselaer (formerly of Francesville), passed away Sunday, Sept. 12, at Franciscan Health Hospital in Rensselaer.

He was born April 25, 1940 in Francesville to the late Charles W. and Emma Kopka Johns Sr. On June 9, 1962, he married Roberta Jo Stout at the First Christian Church in Winamac. She preceded him in death.

Donald R. Johns Sr.

He is survived by:
Diana F. Johns, Winamac, Daughter
Donald R. Johns Jr., Medaryville, Son
Earl E. (Stephanie) Johns, Francesville, Son
Eric D. (Maurie) Johns, Rensselaer, Son
Amy Jo (Todd) Overton, Portland, TN, Daughter
David West, Grandson
Elisabeth Johns, Granddaughter
Rachel (Brian) Vania, Granddaughter
Andria (Tyler) Skinner, Granddaughter
Sarah Johns, Granddaughter
Andrew (Katlyn) Johns, Grandson
Jocelyn (Matthew) Rodibaugh, Granddaughter
Crysta Johns, Granddaughter
Joshua Johns, Grandson
Karmen Overton, Granddaughter
Cameron Overton, Grandson
5 Great-Grandchildren: Emma, Dominick, Roman, Noah, and Isabelle
Marie Poisel, Sister
Harold (Linda) Johns, Brother
Many Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
Christian Johns, Grandson
Alex Johns, Grandson
Nancy Johns, Granddaughter
Emma Jean Cafin, Sister
Edward Johns, Brother
Sandra K. Goller, Sister
Lynn E. Johns Sr., Brother
Charles W. Johns Jr., Brother

Mr. Johns was a member of the First Baptist Church in Francesville. He enjoyed working on old tractors. He loved his family very much, especially the great-grandchildren. He will be dearly missed.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 15, at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Francesville. The funeral service will follow at 2 p.m., Wednesday, at the funeral home with Pastor Dennis Gutwein officiating. Burial be at Roseland Cemetery in Francesville.

Memorial donations may be made to the Humanitarian Distribution Center in Francesville.

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

Marlana D. Aviles

May 13, 1984 to September 7, 2021

FRANCESVILLE - Marlana Danielle Aviles, 37, of South Bend, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, Tuesday, Sept. 7, at Memorial Hospital in South Bend.

She was born May 13, 1984 in Rensselaer. She was a 2002 graduate of Oregon-Davis High School in Hamlet.

Marlana Aviles

She is survived by:
Christopher Aviles, Mishawaka, Son
Autumn Aviles, Mishawaka, Daughter
Christopher Aviles, Mishawaka, Former Husband
Mike and Cathy Harris Burger, South Bend, Parents
Chambler Wireman, Wheatfield, Brother
Matthew (Sara) Miller, Eglin AFB, CA, Brother
Finas Ray Conley, Rensselaer, Brother
Rebecca (Michael) DeFranco, Lakeville, Sister
LaShena Andrew, Rensselaer, Sister
Janena Conley, Rensselaer, Sister
Freda (Tony) Marshall, Leslie, MI, Sister
Several Nieces and Nephews
Many Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins
Steve Boyle, Hamlet, Best Friend (of 20 years)

Preceded in death by:
John and Thelma Wireman Harris, Maternal Grandparents

Mrs. Aviles attended IUSB and Ancilla College. She enjoyed spending time with her family, making candles, and decorating her home. She will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her.

No services will be held at this time.

Memorial donations may be made to Heartland Hospice of Elkhart.

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

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Francesville.

Raymond Saltsman Sr.

June 16, 1942 to September 5, 2021

WHEATFIELD – Raymond Saltsman Sr., 79, passed away Sunday, Sept. 5.

He was born June 16, 1942, in Medaryville, to Hallie Everett and Edna Mae Brick Saltsman. On May 19, 1962, he married Shirley Ann Shelton. They enjoyed 59 years of marriage. She survives.

Raymond Saltsman Sr.

He is also survived by children Ray (Pam) Saltsman Jr of Rensselaer and Gina (Tod) Masters of Medaryville; 3 granddaughters; Holly (Darin) Owens, Leticia (Corey) Sutton and Sydney (DJ) Vogt; great-grandchildren: Levi and Caden Owens, Emmalynn, Elaina, Leonidas and Cyrus Sutton, Shawn Marsteller and Emmett Vogt. Survivors also include brothers Don (Jean) Saltsman and Tom Saltsman; sisters Mary (Art) Coburn and Peggy (Bill) Coburn; former daughter-in-law Gina Byroad; and grandchildren Jeri Chapman, Brandon (Elyse) Williams, Rylee (Travis) Rodriguez and Nathan (Breanne) Williams; and 14 great-grandchildren, along with a host of church family, friends, nieces and nephews and children whom he treated as his own. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, a son Brian Duane Saltsman, sisters Doris June Saltsman, Helen Wrench, Evelyn Nelson, Ruthanne Terry, Mildred Bennett, Violet McCoy and Lucille Dunn, and one brother: Archie “Skip” Saltsman.

Mr. Saltsman worked hard through the years to provide for his family, being employed by Chet Coburn, Kiser Aluminum, Hicks Gas, Northway, Allis Chalmers, and Monon Trailer; and he retired in 2011 after many years of working at Talbert Trailers. He also served on the Medaryville Town Board. He deeply loved his family and cherished spending time with them. He also enjoyed building and remodeling, yardwork, feeding and watching birds and squirrels, hunting, fishing, camping, bonfires and cookies. Being a jack-of-all-trades, he was the one that everyone in the family went to for help. He loved teaching people how to care for things and others. He was a member of Amazing Grace Fellowship Church in Francesville. 

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 9, at the Amazing Grace Fellowship Church in Francesville. The funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m., Friday, Sept. 10, also at the church, conducted by Pastor Steve DeMoss and Evangelist Tod Masters. Burial will be at the Bethlehem Cemetery in Medaryville.

In lieu of donations, the family asks for you to “pay it forward” to someone in need. 

Boersma Funeral Home in Wheatfield is in charge of these arrangements.