Obituaries

Seph Matthew Wright-Wentz

December 31, 1987 to November 1, 2023

 LAFAYETTE - Seph Matthew “Matt” Wright-Wentz, 35, passed away suddenly Wednesday, Nov. 1, in Brunswick, GA.

He was born Dec. 31, 1987, in Lafayette. He spent the majority of his schooling years in Lafayette before graduating from Winamac Community High School in 2006. During his time in high school, he thrived while playing football. Following his graduation, he pursued studies in nursing at Ivy Tech for two years.

Matt Wright-Wentz

He is survived by his mother Shannon (Todd) Wagner of Lafayette, father Jeremy (Tricia) Wentz of Winamac, as well as brother Grant (Mckenzie) Wagner of Lafayette; sisters Shelby Wagner of Lafayette and Hannah Wentz of Winamac; maternal grandfather Allen (Janet) Wright of Clarks Hill; paternal grandmother Marilyn Wentz of Winamac; and companion Lorinne Herron of Brunswick.

He is preceded in death by maternal grandmother Susan Wright and paternal grandfather James Wentz.

Mr. Wright-Wentz embarked on a career in industrial technology. He dedicated eight years, ending as an inspector at SIA in Lafayette. It was during this time that he crossed paths with Lorrine, who would become his cherished companion. His past year of work brought him to Wallenius Wilhelmsen in Brunswick as operations supervisor. He was very knowledgeable of the auto logistics industry. He will be greatly missed by his WW family. He was a beloved son, brother, companion, and friend to many. He was known for his gentle and kind-hearted spirit and never judged people. Beyond his professional pursuits, Matt found solace and joy by spending time outdoors. As a child, he shared precious moments with his Grandpa on the farm while helping and learning from him. These experiences instilled in Matt a deep appreciation for nature and its beauty.
One of his most recent cherished rituals was spending every morning before work chatting with his mom while watching the ocean sunrise. This simple routine reflected the warmth and love that radiated from his heart toward his family. Family was an essential part of his life, providing unwavering support and love throughout the years. As we mourn the loss of Matt, let us remember his calm demeanor and kind-heartedness, inspire us as we reflect on the beautiful life he lived. We honor Matt not only in our grief but also in celebrating the moments of joy he brought to our lives. His memory will forever remain etched in our hearts.

Friends & family may call at Hahn-Groeber Funeral Home, 1104 Columbia St., Lafayette from 9 a.m. until 12 noon, Saturday, Nov. 11. A private family service will be held with Pastor Daniel Eggold officiating. Interment will be at a later date at Johnson Cemetery, Stockwell.

Memorials may be made to an animal shelter of donor’s choice in honor of Matt.

Hahn-Groeber Funeral Home, Lafayette is caring for the Wright-Wentz family. Please leave memories and condolences at www.hahngroeberfuneralhome.com

Chris L. Wuethrich Jr.

April 10, 1963 to October 30, 2023

FRANCESVILLE - Chris Lee Wuethrich Jr., 60, of Troy, IL passed away Monday, Oct. 30, at his home, surrounded by his wife and children, following a seven-month battle with cancer.

He was born April 10, 1963, the son of the late Chris Lee and Ruth [Stoller] Wuethrich.  He graduated from West Central High School in 1981 and enjoyed music. He played trumpet in the band and the bass guitar after school and on weekends with his buddies. He loved going to Sunday school as a little boy, not knowing that he would marry the little girl with long blonde hair who sat on the bench in front of him. Carla J. Gutwein became his high school sweetheart at the age of 17. They were married in 1982, at the Apostolic Christian Church in Francesville. She survives.

Chris Wuethrich Jr.

He is also survived by:
Levi (Kyann) Wuethrich, Wadsworth, OH, Son
Meagan (Brad) Frank, LaCrosse, Daughter
Landon (Hannah) Wuethrich, Burlington, IA, Son
Marissa Wuethrich, Chicago, Daughter
Cambria Wuethrich, Troy, IL, Daughter
9 Grandchildren: Brielle, Adree, Bryce, Colin, Cora, Solvi, Quinn, Carlee, and Conrad.
Ken (Lyn) Wuethrich, Indianapolis, Brother
Kitty (Dennis) Gutwein, Francesville, Sister
Kevin (Connie) Wuethrich, Francesville, Brother
Kelly (Mark) Ramseyer, Livonia, MI, Sister
Kirby (April) Wuethrich, Zionsville, Brother
Yvonne Gutwein, Francesville, Mother-in-law
Steve (Linda) Gutwein, Francesville, Brother-in-law
Melody Gutwein Braun, Carmel, Sister-in-law
Nick (Suzanne) Gutwein, West Lafayette, Brother-in-law
Numerous Nieces and Nephews and their families
Many Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins

Preceded in death by:
Mandy Lee Wuethrich, Daughter
Carl Gutwein, Father-in-law
Dr. Michael Gutwein, Brother-in-law

After graduation, Mr. Wuethrich gave his life to the Lord Jesus Christ and was baptized in 1981. He grew up loving farm life with his family. He especially loved working with the hog operation. He was always seeking to learn more and continually researching, designing, and planning to improve the business. After three years of marriage, he attended Purdue University and graduated in 1989 with a bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics and finance. He taught Sunday school all four years of college, and after graduation he moved back to Francesville. He centered his career in agriculture as a grain merchandiser for over 30 years and transitioned in the last four years to sales with a subsurface drip irrigation company. He was called to the ministry in 1991 and had the privilege to preach the gospel in four different churches over the last 32 years.

The ultimate blessing arose in the last two years when Mr. Wuethrich became the elder and shepherd of his beloved St. Louis Church. To preach the truth, show the love of Jesus, accepting everyone unconditionally while adding humor and storytelling in the mix was who God made him to be. Not only did he center his life on serving his church, his children and family meant everything to him. He also could fix anything. The kids always knew they could call their dad for help, and he would be there for them. This devotion and love of being a dad was his greatest calling and reward; for it was through his children he learned more about loving, and more about Christ. It refined and polished his ministry; it opened the door to the Holy Spirit’s teaching of loving as Jesus loved. This was the complete fulfillment and joy in his life.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. (CT) Friday, Nov. 3, at the Apostolic Christian Church of St. Charles , Mo. The funeral service will follow at 3 p.m. (CDT) Friday, at the church.

Out-of-town arrangements are entrusted to Paul Funeral Home in St. Charles, Mo. - www.paulfuneral.com.

Visitation will be from 3 to 7 p.m. (ET), Sunday, Nov. 5, at the Apostolic Christian Fellowship Center, Francesville. A graveside service will be at 11 a.m. (ET), Monday, Nov. 6, at Roseland Cemetery, Francesville.

Local arrangements are entrusted to Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Francesville, - www.frainmortuary.com.

Memorial donations may be made to the Chris Wuethrich Memorial Fund (please make checks payable to Carla J. Wuethrich) or Apostolic Christian Church HarvestCall.

Leroy E. Stout Jr.

September 3, 1967 to October 29, 2023

ROYAL CENTER - Leroy E. Stout Jr., 56, Star City, passed away unexpectedly Sunday, Oct. 29, in Lafayette.

Born Sept. 3, 1967, he was the son of Leroy Stout Sr., and Cindy Pinks.

Leroy Stout Jr.

He is survived by his children Ashley Stout of Star City, Alisha (Scott) Cline of Jacksonville, Fla., Briget (Dillion) Hoffman of Royal Center, and Adam (Shelby) Stout of Winamac, his father Leroy (Margaret) Stout Sr. of Star City,  mother Cindy Kraus of LaPorte; brothers Chris (Connie) Stout of Star City, Scott (Jen) Stout of Union Mills, Jeffery (Alicia) Stout of Arizona, and Edward Watts Jr, of Florida; sisters Orlean (John) Miller of Valparaiso, and Denise (John) Downing of Winamac. He is also survived by grandchildren Dominic Stout, Adilynn Cline, Reece Clemons, Jackson Stout, Ellie Cline and Graham Stout.

He was preceded in death by his former wife Wanda Stout, who passed away Oct. 29, 2016. They were married Feb, 28, 1987.

Mr. Stout’s unwavering commitment to hard work was exemplified through his career as a skilled mechanic, and he was most recently employed as a maintenance mechanic at Arconic in Lafayette. He had an innate ability to fix things and took a lot of pride in his work, and especially his family. He enjoyed riding motorcycles, spending time with his family and was an avid history lover. He was a member of the Church of the Heartland. He leaves behind a void that can never be filled but will be remembered for his sense of humor and deep love for his family. May he rest in peace, reunited with those who have gone before him.  He leaves behind a legacy of hard work and an endearing love for his family.

A celebration of life service will be at 12 noon, Friday, Nov. 3, at Church of the Heartland, Winamac, with Pastor Heath Hiatt officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.

Memorial donations can be made to Church of the Heartland.

Mr. Stout’s online guestbook is available, and condolences can be shared with the family at www.ransfuneralhomes.com.

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

Margaret Roth Burzinski

July 19, 1942 to October 27, 2023

WINAMAC - Margaret “Peggy” Burzinski, 81, of Arlington Heights, IL passed away at 8:15 a.m., Friday, Oct. 27, at her place of residence. 

She was born July 19, 1942 in Pulaski County, to the late Harry Joseph and Iva Lucile (Degner) Roth. She graduated from Pulaski High School in 1960 and Ball State University in 1966.

Peggy Burzinski

She is survived by:
Laura (Chris) McDaniel, Gloucestershire, England, Daughter
Kara (Matt) Kulak, Arlington Heights, IL,  Daughter
Stephen Burzinski, Chicago, Son
Nathan, Morgan and Kate Kulak, and Makenzi Poulos, Grandchildren
Harold “Sonny” (Patty) Roth, Pulaski, Brother
Carolyn Witham, Logansport, Sister
Richard “Bub” (Sandy) Roth, Winamac, Brother
Robert (Kathy) Roth, The Villages, FL, Brother
Rebecca (Chuck) Zellers, Winamac, Sister
Patricia J. “Peach” Roth, Pulaski, Sister-in-Law

Preceded in death by:
Patsy Ann Shoemaker, Sister
Mary Lea “Dee Dee” Sass,  Sister
William R. “Bill” Roth, Brother
James Witham, Brother-in-Law

Mrs. Burzinski taught preschool for a number of years before staying home to raise her three children. Later in life, she worked for Chicago Freight Car Leasing until she retired to help care for her grandchildren. She volunteered in her community in many different capacities in order to help others in need, or simply provide them with companionship. She enjoyed gardening, bird watching, and baking, but most dear to her was her love for her grandchildren. She held her faith close to her heart, and found solace and strength through her faith in God. Her kindness, patience and love for her family and friends will live on in our hearts forever.  

A memorial mass will be at 11 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 18, St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pulaski, with Rev. Dennis Faker officiating. Burial will be at St. Joseph Cemetery South in Pulaski.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Little Sisters of the Poor

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

Local arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.

Jean Calvert

August 31, 1930 to October 27, 2023

WINAMAC - Jean Calvert, 93, of Park Falls, WI passed away Friday, Oct. 27, at Park Manor Nursing Home in Park Falls.

She was born Aug. 31, 1930 in Chicago to the late Joseph and Santa [Scro] Penicaro. On June 22, 1949, Jean married Marsden “Mark” Calvert. He passed away May 24, 1987.

She is survived by:
Deborah “Debbie” Christie, Daughter
2 Grandchildren
4 Great-Grandchildren
Numerous Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
Patricia “Patty” Stevens, Daughter
Grace (John) Scrol, Sister
Marie (Max) Price, Sister
Rose Penicaro, Sister
Jennie (Howard) Bodden, Sister
Jesephine “Penny” (Sidney) Karras, Sister
Dorothy “Anne” (John) Hartnett, Sister
Frank (Arnabelle) Penicaro, Brother
Julie Penicaro, Twin Sister

Private burial will be at Winamac Cemetery in Winamac.

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

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.

Janet L. Robinson

December 7, 1929 to October 26, 2023

WINGATE - Janet L. Koebcke Robinson, 93, of Francesville, passed away peacefully Thursday evening, Oct. 26, surrounded by family.

She was born Dec. 7, 1929, in Francesville to the late Chris and Eva Page Koebcke. She married Wayne T. Robinson on Dec. 12, 1948 in Francesville. He preceded her in death Oct. 24, 1993.

Janet Robinson

Surviving are a daughter Sandy Papszycki of Lafayette and a son Dennis (Terry) Robinson of rural Francesville; grandchildren: Matthew (Kelley) Papszycki, Thomas Papszycki, Terra (Brian) Moore, Sean Robinson, Dana (Chris) Nunley, Andrew (Cassidy) Feldhaus, Amber Riegle, Stacy (John) Bings and Jake Chapman. Also great-grandchildren Brady (Breanna) Eagle, Bailey and Coleson Papszycki, Addistyn and Cade Nunley, Tate Papszycki, Blain Moore, Connor and Ethan Riegle and Hayden Feldhaus, Tia Brings, Joshua (Eleanor) Brings; plus great-great-grandchildren Finley Swore, Jett Wilks and Lainey Eagle. Also surviving are many nieces and nephews.  

She was also preceded in death by siblings Ruby Pardue, Kay (Bill) Rater and Richard Koebcke. Her biggest heartbreaks were the loss of two daughters Shari Robinson and Trudi Robinson Riegle and great-granddaughter Riley Papszycki  

Mrs. Robinson graduated from Francesville High School and worked for a while as a telephone operator until she settled with her husband on their family farm west of Francesville. She relished being a mother and loyal wife. Having grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren was the icing on the cake for her. Family was always first, and she loved family holiday celebrations and never forgot a birthday or special occasion. Outside her love for family and God was raising, riding, training and showing horses - a passion that brought her great joy. She was known as “drill sergeant” when instructing her grandchildren on handling horses. Besides her beloved horses, she enjoyed playing cards, line dancing with her sister, playing guitar, crocheting, long camping trips and cooking for her family. Homemade noodles and Chex Mix were two family staples of hers that no one dared to imitate.

Janet will be remembered as a ’tough old bird’ who went through more than most could handle. She was a strong-willed woman and was never one to complain or be afraid of hard work. She was a frugal woman but when it came to family, she would give everything she had. She genuinely held onto her Christian faith and for that she will always be with family. Her deep faith was evident in her lifetime membership of the First Christian Church of Francesville, where she sang in the choir and held the title of the oldest living member. She was last of the “Grand Ladies of Gillam Township” and was lovingly referred to as ‘Blondie’ by neighbors and friends. The friendships and memories that Janet and Wayne built were her treasures. She leaves a legacy that lives on forever in those she leaves behind. Her family has lost a beautiful and integral piece of its family tapestry. She wove her family together with threads of love, loyalty, selflessness, humor, sophistication, passion and grace.  

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m., Monday, Oct. 30; and one hour prior to the funeral service at 11 a.m., Tuesday, Oct. 31, with Pastor James Ketchen officiating; all held at the First Christian Church of Francesville. Burial will follow in Roseland Cemetery, Francesville. Those attending are invited back to the church following the graveside service for a luncheon.  

Memorial donations may be made to the First Christian Church of Francesville.  

Family and Friends Funeral Home of Wingate is assisting with arrangements.  Visit online at www.familyandfriendsfh.com to sign the guestbook or share a condolence.