Obituaries

Michael B. Leman

March 11, 1958 to August 3, 2021

FRANCESVILLE - Michael Bruce “Mike” Leman, 63, of Francesville, passed away at 4:13 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 3, surrounded by his children at IU Health Arnett Hospital in Lafayette, following a hard-fought battle with COVID.

He was born March 11, 1958 in Monticello, to the late Edward and Ruth Musselman Leman. He graduated from West Central High School in 1976. On Dec. 27, 1980, he married Tina Hahn. They celebrated 40 years together. She survives.

Michael Leman

 Also surviving are:
Andrew (Kaysie) Leman, Son
Caleb (Kayla) Leman, Son
Sarah Gunderson, Daughter
Grandchildren: Keegan Leman, Sophie Leman, Izzy Leman, Huxley Leman, Holden Frain, Jett Leman, Cohen Leman, Oakley Gunderson, and Harlow Leman.
Roberta (Ron) DeGraaff, Sister
Gary (Ruth) Leman, Brother
David (Elaine) Leman, Brother
Daniel (Linda) Leman, Brother
Steven (Wanda) Leman, Brother
Sharon (Garry) Cotner, Sister
Carol Leman, Sister-in-law
Cyril and and Patsy Murphy Hahn, In-laws
Valerie (Brian) DePoy, Sister-in-law
Many Nieces and Nephews
Fern Leman, Aunt
Numerous Cousins

Preceded in death by:
Matthew Leman, Son
Timothy Leman, Brother
Howard Leman, Brother
Patty Leman, Sister-in-law
Justin Leman, Nephew

Mr. Leman was a dedicated member of Bethel Bible Church in Winamac where he served as head deacon. He loved his Lord and Savior with all of his heart. He always trusted that God had a bigger plan. He believed in sharing the Good News of Jesus with his family and friends as well as complete strangers. He spent a good part of his life working on the family dairy farm east of Francesville and was always a farmer at heart. In 1997, he began working at Fielder’s Choice in Monticello and enjoyed working in the agriculture industry. He served his community for five years helping grieving families while working at Frain Mortuary. Last year, he began working for his two nephews at Crossroads Foundation Repair in Lafayette. In his short time with Crossroads, he was awarded Salesman of the Year. No matter where he worked, he made many life-long friends who will miss him dearly.

The Leman children agree they had the best dad and are thankful for the amazing Christian example he lived. His daily phone calls just to ask what they were doing will be missed. He loved attending church with his grandchildren, as well as their school, and sporting events. He also enjoyed swimming, playing games and acting goofy with them. They will remember him as “the best Grandpa Leman and BoBo.” He was a very hard worker and enjoyed being outdoors. When he wasn’t at work, you could find him around town mowing, shoveling snow, cleaning cars, or doing something to help someone else. He enjoyed fishing, grilling, and date nights with Tina. He never knew a stranger. He had contagious smile and a genuine love for others. He deeply cherished his many friendships. He was a beloved member of the Francesville community and will be sadly missed by all who knew him.

The family would like to thank Mike’s health care team and the community for the outpouring of love, prayers, and support.

Visitation will be from 12 noon to 8 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 14, at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Francesville. The funeral service will be at 2 p.m., Sunday, Aug.15, at Bethel Bible Church in Winamac, with Pastor Don Whipple officiating. Burial will be at Roseland Cemetery in Francesville. The family requests that all guests to the funeral home and church observe social distancing and wear facemasks, which will be provided by Frain Mortuary.

Memorial donations may be made to the Leman Benefit Fund at Alliance Bank.

Online tributes may be made at www.frainmortuary.com

Wanda L. Gilbert

October 3, 1976 to August 1, 2021

WINAMAC - Wanda Lynn “Duke” Gilbert, 44, of Culver, passed away Sunday, Aug. 1, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Plymouth, following a brave battle with cancer.

She was born Oct. 3, 1976 in Bridgeton, NJ. On March, 9, 2021, she married Amber L. Mangun Doeden in Winamac. She survives.

Wanda Gilbert

She is also survived by:
David (Sarah) Gilbert, Son
Zachary Mangun, Step-Son
Tryston Whitaker, Step-Son
Zoey Doeden, Step-Daughter
Danielle Doeden, Step-Daughter
Ashlynn Whitaker, Step-Daughter
Robert (Sandra Anderson) Pierce, Father
Cathy (James) Grier, Sister
Kristy Marie, Sister
Jessica Wynn, Sister-in-law
Heather Wynn, Sister-in-law
4 Nephews: LJ, Jayson, Camden, and Chase
1 Niece: Ashley
Sandra Wynn, Mother-in-law

Ms. Gilbert was a cook at McDonalds in Winamac. She enjoyed grilling out, watching the Chicago Bears, and drinking Natural Ice. She will be missed by everyone who knew and loved her.

No services will be held.

Memorial donations may be made to the funeral home to assist with final expenses.

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

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.

Esther L. Jacobsma White

April 7, 1929 to July 31, 2021

FRANCESVILLE - Esther Lillie Jacobsma White, 92, of Francesville (formerly of Winamac) passed away at 8:05 a.m., Saturday, July 31, at Parkview Haven Retirement Home in Francesville.

She was born April 7, 1929 in South Holland, IL to the late Cornelius Frank and Esther Lilly Diekman VanKanegan. She married John Jacobsma Jr. on Aug. 21, 1948. He passed away Nov. 10, 1991. She married Elmer White Jr. on April 6, 1997. He passed away Sept. 12, 2019.

Esther White

She is survived by:
Shirley Jean (Earl) Zylstra, DeMotte, Daughter
Patricia June Foust, Lafayette, Daughter
Esther Lily Jacobsma, Wheatfield, Daughter
John (Alice) Jacobsma III, DeMotte, Son
Loretta Jane Vanaman, North Carolina, Daughter
Mildred Joy Jacobsma, Michigan City, Daughter
Michael James (Carla) Jacobsma, San Pierre, Son
Kenneth Jeffery (Toni) Jacobsma, San Pierre, Son
Curtis Jay (Denise) Jacobsma, Grovertown, Son
Jacqueline Jenise Jacobsma, Remington, Daughter
2 Step-Sons: Gary and Darrell
2 Step-Daughters: Debra and Connie
Many Grandchildren, Great-Grandchildren, and Great-Great-Grandchildren
Sharon VanKanegan, Kinsman, OH, Sister-in-law
Several Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
Dennis Foust, Son-in-law
Jeffery Eugene Saltsman, Son-in-law
3 Step-Sons: Jimmy, Eldon, and Ronald
3 Step-Grandchildren: Mary, Rachel, and Jodie
Eugene Cornelius VanKanegan, Brother
Clarence Frank VanKanegan, Brother
Roy Walter “Bud” VanKanegan, Brother
Victor James VanKanegan, Brother
Willis Quinton “Bill” VanKanegan, Brother

Mrs. White was a member of the Methodist Church in Dalton, IL. She was a homemaker and built several houses on her own. She enjoyed knitting, crocheting, flower gardening, and genealogy. She loved spending time with her family and will be sadly missed.

Visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 7, at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Francesville. Private burial will take place at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Lansing, IL.

Memorial donations may be made to Parkview Haven Retirement Home in Francesville.

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

Lisa J. Haley

Jan. 3, 1965 — July 27, 2021

WINAMAC - Lisa Jean Haley, 56, of Winamac, formerly of Rushville, Ill., and Iowa, passed away Tuesday, July 27 at the Pulaski Health Care Center in Winamac due to cancer.

She was born Jan. 3, 1965, in Terre Haute to Harold B. and Patricia Kay Goldman Needham. She graduated from Winamac Community High School in 1983.

Lisa Haley

She is survived by her adoptive father Doug F. Haley of Winamac; sisters: Elizabeth M. Haley of Austin, Texas, Kari F. Haley of Chicago, and Tiffany Crappo of Terre Haute; brothers: John C. Haley of Winamac and James A.C. Haley of Los Angeles; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her mother Patricia Kay Goldman Haley in 1976; biological father Harold B. Needham; fiance Curt Gouran; paternal grandparents William “Bill” and Betty Christman Gulas; and maternal grandparents Everett H. and Glen Lucille Dildine Goldman.

Ms. Haley was a lifelong caretaker for the elderly and children. She loved animals and made friends everywhere she went. She will be sadly missed by all those who loved her.

No services will take place. Burial will take place next to her mother in Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens in Schererville.

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

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.

Carolyn J. Cords

February 26, 1928 to July 26, 2021

FRANCESVILLE - Carolyn J. Cords, 93, of Francesville, passed away Monday, July 26, at Digby Place in Lafayette.

She was born Feb. 26, 1928 in Francesville to the late John and Frieda Kaupke Kopka. She graduated from Medaryville High School in 1946. On April 3, 1949, she married Arthur W. Cords. He passed away May 28, 1982.

Carolyn Cords

She is survived by:
Gene (Kay) Cords, Lafayette, Son
Jill (CJ) Collins, Lafayette, Daughter
Travis (Cassie) Cords, Lafayette, Grandson
Tara (Chad) Dahlenburg, Reynolds, Granddaughter
Brant (Miranda) Cords, Lafayette, Grandson
Holly Collins, Lafayette, Granddaughter
Great-Grandchildren: Noah Dahlenburg, Kinley Dahlenburg, Devyn Dahlenburg, Quinn Dahlenburg, Ryker Cords, and Berkley Cords
Irene Kopka, Lafayette, Sister-in-law
1 Niece and 2 Nephews

Preceded in death by:
Lynn (Alice) Kopka, Brother
Jon Kopka, Brother
Richard (Phyllis) Cords, Brother-in-law

Mrs. Cords worked at Fagen’s Pharmacy (formerly Sullivan’s Drug Store) in Francesville for 67 years. She was always busy working or helping others. She was a member of Francesville First Christian Church where she served many years as a deaconess and cherished her Tuesday morning ladies’ Bible study. She was also a member of the Red Hat Society, Bunco Club, and Aim-Hi Extension Homemakers Club. She enjoyed cooking, baking, gardening, and sewing as well as family fishing vacations. She loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m., Thursday, July 29, at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Francesville. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Friday, July 30, at Francesville First Christian Church with Pastor James Ketchen officiating. The family requests that all guests to the funeral home and church please follow CDC guidelines regarding COVID-19. Burial will be at Roseland Cemetery in Francesville.

Memorial donations may be made to Francesville First Christian Church.

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

Carson T. Despot

August 24, 2001 to July 26, 2021

ROYAL CENTER - Carson Trey Despot, 19, of Winamac, passed away peacefully Monday, July 26.

He was born Aug. 24, 2001, in Logansport, to Thomas "Jake" and Amber Ingram Despot of Winamac.  He attended most of his school years in Winamac and then transferred to North Judson San Pierre where he graduated in 2019. On March 15, 2021, Carson and Lily Filip became proud parents to their son, Rayvin Trey Despot.

Carson Despot

He is survived by his parents: Jake Despot, Amber Despot and Tony Gray. Son: Rayvin Despot. Sisters: Krista and Elli Despot. Half-sister: Josie Gray. Step-sister: Harley Gray. Grandparents: Mark and Connie Ingram of Winamac, Tom (Rebecca) Despot of Monterey, Cynthia (Kevin) Mongan of Greenwood. Great-Grandparents: Robert (Jan) Shipley of Greenwood, Shirley Despot of Greenfield, Harold and Thelma Hopkins of Winamac, Elizabeth Krohn of Lake Bruce, along with many loving aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by: Great-Grandfather John Despot, Great-Grandmother Barbara Shipley, Great-Grandfather William "Bill" Krohn, Cousin Jennifer Gail Chatterton, and Cousin Ryan Grandstaff.

Mr. Despot was passionate about baseball, held many records locally and statewide, and received numerous awards and recognition. He also enjoyed playing football and basketball throughout his high school career. He was employed by Eighteen Thirty Pro in Brookville where he enjoyed working on and inspecting the highest 5G towers he could find.  He was always "performing" whether on a field, court, playing guitar, singing, doing card tricks, initiating random arm-wrestling matches, just being silly, or anything he could entertain and involve others in. He always wanted others around him to be happy and feel included; with that mindset and big heart he knew no stranger. He enjoyed meeting and making new friends everywhere he went. He loved the great outdoors, fishing, and hanging out with family and friends.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m., Monday, Aug. 2, at Fellowship Baptist Church 52 W 100 S, Winamac. The funeral will be at 11 a.m., Tuesday, Aug. 3), at the church. A burial service will immediately follow at Pleasant Hill Cemetery at Lake Bruce, Kewanna.

Arrangements entrusted to Rans Funeral Home, Harrison Chapel, Royal Center.