Obituaries
Paul Messer
July 8, 1940 to October 6, 2024
MEDARYVILLE - Paul Messer, 84, of Medaryville, passed away Sunday, Oct. 6, at IU Health White Memorial Hospital in Monticello.
He was born July 8, 1940 in Knott County, KY to the late Kellie and Bertha “Mam” [Shepherd] Messer. He served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. After returning from the service, he married Amanda Mitchell. She passed away Nov. 8, 2018.
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| Paul Messer |
He is survived by:
Rodney (Rebecca) Messer, Son
Jeffrey Messer, Son
Kimberly Whited, Daughter
12 Grandchildren: Halie, Lindsey, Elliot, Brittni, Breann, Jacob, Lexi, Bethany, Lukas, Grace, Alison, and Eric.
10 Great-Grandchildren
Haulie Messer, Brother
Many Nieces, Nephews, and Cousins
Preceded in death by:
Jeremy Messer, Son
Brandon Messer, Grandson
Thurman “Wes” Messer, Brother
Rudolph Messer, Brother
Jasper Curtis “JC” Messer, Brother
Grover Messer, Brother
Silas Messer, Infant Twin Brother
Hershel Messer, Brother
Hazel Richie, Sister
Opal Wallace, Sister
Inez Hale, Sister
Mary Lane, Sister
Jewel Owens, Sister
Mr. Messer retired after working many years in construction with Laborers’ Local #81. He worked hard throughout his life, even after retirement. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, music (gospel and bluegrass) and classic cars. He was a longtime member of Wheatfield Pentecostal Church of God and Medaryville American Legion. He always had a great sense of humor which he kept until his final moment on Earth. He loved his family (and pretty women). He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
A memorial service will be at 1:30 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 12, at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Francesville, with Pastor Elmer Conley officiating. The American Legion will conduct military honors at the funeral home. A potluck dinner will follow at Lakewood Pavilion in Monticello. Private burial will take place at Independence Cemetery in Medaryville.
Memorial donations may be made to the family c/o Kim Whited.
Online tributes may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com.
Gertrude C. Welker
May 12, 1926 to October 6, 2024
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| Trudi Welker |
WINAMAC - Gertrude C. “Trudi” Welker, 98, of Winamac, passed away Sunday, Oct. 6, at her home.
She was born May 12, 1926 in Linz, Austria to the late Karl and Bertha Gischka. On Jan. 16, 1954, she married Eduard “Ed” Welker in Linz, Austria. He passed away Jan. 3, 1996.
She is survived by:
Norman Welker, Son
Gery (Mary) Welker, Son
3 Grandchildren
In 1955, the Welkers emmigrated to the U.S., seeking the opportunity of a better life. They farmed in Pulaski County and raised their two sons.
A private graveside service will be held at Roseland Cemetery in Francesville. Burial will follow at the cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to the Pulaski County Human Services Food Pantry.
Online tributes may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.
Robert N. Clawson
August, 16, 1947 to September 30, 2024
WINAMAC - Robert Neil “Bob” Clawson, Sr., 77, of Pulaski, passed away Monday, Sept. 30, at IU Health Arnett Hospital in Lafayette.
He was born Aug. 16, 1947 in Lafayette to the late Paul and Vesta [Rhode] Clawson Sr. He married Anna Catherine Fulkerson in Lafayette on Nov. 9, 1982. She survives.
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| Bob Clawson |
He is survived by:
Robert Neil (Kayla) Clawson Jr., Monterey, Son
Cathy Ross, Clinton, Daughter
4 Grandchildren
Floyd “Tuffy” (Terri) Clawson, Brother
Betty Jean Spear, Sister
Numerous Nieces and Nephews
Preceded in death by:
Nellie Zahn, Sister
Mary Pinkston, Sister
Kathryn Barnes, Sister
Barbara Whitaker, Sister
Richard Clawson, Brother
Paul “Junior” Clawson, Brother
Albert “Butch” Clawson, Brother
Charles Clawson, Brother
Mr. Clawson was a talented welder who worked hard throughout his life. Some of his former employers include Monon Trailer, Cives Steel Co., and Galfab. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and woodworking. He especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. He will be dearly missed by his family and friends.
Mr. Clawson’s wish was for his family and friends to remember him the way he was and to celebrate his life in their own way.
Memorial donations may be made to the Pulaski Fest-a-Mill for the annual Christmas lights display.
Online tributes may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com.
Arrangement have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.
James M. Johnson
August 4, 1946 to September 29, 2024
FRANCESVILLE - James M. Johnson, 78, of Francesville, passed away Sunday, Sept. 29, at Franciscan Health Hospital in Lafayette.
He was born Aug. 4, 1946 in Frankfort, to the late James Perry and Elsie May Weaver Johnson. He married Phyllis June Coomer on Nov. 25, 1967 in Frankfort. She preceded him in death March 12, 2023.
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| James Johnson |
He is survived by:
James S. (Kim) Johnson, Jamestown, TN, Son
Rodney A. (Sheila) Johnson, Coal Center, PA, Son
Kathie M. (Brian) Armstrong, Lafayette, Daughter
Jay M. (Jennifer) Johnson, Francesville, Son
13 Grandchildren
9 Great-Grandchildren
Pat Johnson, Kokomo, Sister
He was preceded in death by his parents and wife.
Mr. Johnson was a mechanic at Johnson Service in Francesville. He was a member of the Winamac Church of the Nazarene, the National Street Rod Association and the Indiana Street Rod Association. He enjoyed cars, car shows and racing. He enjoyed spending time with his family. He could frequently be found having coffee with his friends in his shop.
Visitation will be from 3 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 2, at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Francesville. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Thursday, Oct. 3, at the funeral home with Pastor Martin Burns officiating. Burial will be at Roseland Cemetery in Francesville.
Memorial donations may be made to Winamac Church of the Nazarene.
Online tributes may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com.
Nancy A. Gazelle
May 5, 1936 to September 26, 2024
ROYAL CENTER - Nancy A. Gazelle, 88 of Winamac passed away at 5:21 a.m., Thursday, Sept. 26, at Pulaski Memorial Hospital, Winamac.
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| Nancy Gazelle |
Born on May 5, 1936 in Normal, Ill., she was the daughter of the late Orville and Mildred (Shaw) Hanks. She was a graduate of Normal Community High School and the University of Illinois.
Survivors include her husband Carlton Gazelle of Winamac; sons Dr. Brian (Cathy) Johnson of Winamac, Martin (Gayellen) Johnson of Tulsa, Okla. and Rodney (Marce) Johnson of Celeste, Texas; and grandchildren Karl (Molly) Johnson of Chicago, Kurt Johnson of Goshen, Grant Johnson of Tulsa, Okla., Caryn Johnson of Celeste, Texas and Brianne Johnson of Celeste, Texas.
She was also preceded in death by her first husband Bernard Johnson and son Bruce Johnson.
Mrs. Gazelle was a retired music teacher. She also formerly owned and operated a Christian book and gift shop in Illinois. She was a member of Heartland Church in Winamac and enjoyed playing piano and spending time with family and friends.
Visitation will be from 2 to 5 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 29, at Rans Funeral Homes & Crematory, Harrison Chapel, Royal Center. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Monday, Sept. 30, at the Heartland Church in Winamac with Pastor Heath Hiatt officiating. A graveside service will follow at 11:30 a.m. (CDT), Tuesday, Oct. 1, at Hudson Township Cemetery in Hudson, Ill.
Mrs. Gazelle’s online guestbook is available and condolences may be shared with the family at www.ransfuneralhomes.com.
Joy A. Hintz
May 25, 1937 to September 26, 2024
ROYAL CENTER - Joy A. Hintz, 87, of Winamac passed away at 12:30 a.m., Thursday, Sept. 26, at Pulaski Healthcare Center in Winamac.
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| Joy Hintz |
Born May 25, 1937 in Winamac, she was the daughter of the late Theodore and Mildred (Robinson) Howe. On Jan. 27, 1957 she married William “Bill” Hintz. He preceded her in death on July 9, 2024.
Survivors include her son Steve (Betsy) Hintz of Winamac; daughter Jill (Terry) Rensberger of South Bend; grandchildren Terri (Eric) Alexander of Wheaton, Ill., Corey (Emily) Hintz of Winamac, Holly Rensberger of Chicago, Dylan Hintz of Indianapolis and Tyler Hintz of North Carolina; and great-grandchildren William and Claire Alexander and Skyler and Dakota Hintz.
Mrs. Hintz retired from Eastern Pulaski School Corporation where she worked in the office. She was an avid sports fan and was instrumental in founding the Hintz Farms Softball Teams over the years.
Per Mrs. Hintz’s wishes, there will be no services at this time.
Her online guestbook is available, and condolences may be shared with the family at www.ransfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Rans Funeral Homes, Royal Center.
Cheryl Scheffer
November 15, 1946 to September 25, 2024
ROYAL CENTER - Cheryl A. Scheffer, 77, of Star City passed away at 3:42 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 25, at IU Health West Hospital in Avon.
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| Cheryl Scheffer |
Born Nov. 15, 1946 in Winamac, she was the daughter of the late Gerald “Cal” and Elsie (Lebo) Scheffer. She was a Star City High School graduate and continued her education at Indiana State University earning her bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
Survivors include her brother Charles “Chuck” Scheffer of Star City; sisters Mary (Steve) Thomas of Brookston and Jean (Louis) Bangel of Winamac; sister-in-law Dessa Scheffer of North Carolina and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by brother Thomas “Tom” Scheffer.
Ms. Scheffer taught high school math, starting at Twin Lakes School Corporation and retiring from Pioneer Junior/Senior High School. While teaching she also sponsored numerous clubs, coached sports and math teams, and was a senior class sponsor. She spent many hours helping with school activities during afternoons, evenings and weekends. She received several honors for which her students nominated her. She was also a member and past president of Delta Kappa Gamma Society. After retiring from teaching, she attended tax school and has worked for various CPAs during tax time. She loved the outdoors and spent many hours helping on the family farm, gardening and taking care of the yard.
Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 1 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 1, at Rans Funeral Homes & Crematory, Harrison Chapel, Royal Center. Burial will be at the Winamac Cemetery, McKinley Memorial Gardens Addition.
Memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association.
Ms. Scheffer’s online guestbook is available and condolences may be shared with the family at www.ransfuneralhomes.com.
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