Obituaries

Daniel A. Disinger

August 7, 1934 to November 4, 2023

FRANCESVILLE - Daniel Alvin Disinger, 89, of Francesville, passed away unexpectedly Saturday, Nov. 4, at Parkview Haven Retirement Home in Francesville.

He was born Aug. 7, 1934 in Pulaski County, to the late Harry and Ada [Clinger] Disinger. He married Loretta Louise Gross on June 19, 1954.  After 67 years of marriage, she passed away Sept. 16, 2021.

Daniel Disinger

He is survived by:
Doug (Cathy) Disinger, Francesville, Son
Debra (Don) Dobson, Winamac, Daughter
Cathy (Chris) Kopka, Francesville, Daughter
Grandchildren: Russell (Sydney) Disinger, Heather (Brian) Sanders, Travis (Melony) Dobson, Brad Dobson, Joshua (Ashley) Kopka, and Amanda (Ron) Force
Great-Grandchildren: Taylor (fiancé: Eli Roller) Sanders, Kailey Sanders, Michaela (Kaleb) Pierce, Matt Jimenez, Andrew Jimenez, Nate Jimenez, Emma Dobson, Addie Dobson, Great Josie Dobson, Dominic St Clair, Sebastian St Clair, Emily Kopka, Jacobie Mills, Christopher Kopka, Kaelyn Kopka, and Brynlie Kopka.
Great-Great-Grandson: Briggs Pierce
Eleanor Lucy, Sister-in-law
Kay McOwan, Sister-in-law

Preceded in death by:
Ron Kopka, Son-in-law
Heidi Kopka, Infant Granddaughter
Charles (Violet) Disinger, Brother
James (Doris) Disinger, Brother
Peg (Pete) Johnson, Sister
Mark Disinger, Infant Brother
Emma Disinger, Infant Sister
Helen and Herman Barton, In-laws

Mr. Disinger worked many years as a mechanic for Hauptli’s Garage in Francesville. In 1972, he started his own business, Disinger Truck Parts and Service Inc. During retirement, he and his wife spent countless days on the lake fishing. He enjoyed collecting guns and spending time with family. Skeet shooting was a favorite Thanksgiving morning activity with his son, sons-in-law and grandsons. He was a former member of Pleasant Ridge Bible Church and a current member of Bethel Bible Church. He served various roles at church, including a youth leader, deacon and elder. He was always a helping hand for whatever the church needed. He was a kind, gentle spirit who will be dearly missed. The family wishes to thank the staff at Parkview Haven for the kindness they showed to dad while he was there.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Friday, Nov. 10, at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Francesville. The funeral service will follow at 2 p.m. (Friday), at the funeral home. Burial will be at Roseland Cemetery in Francesville.

Memorial donations may be made to the Shriner’s Hospital for Children or Gideon’s International.

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

Darlene M. Smith

November 18, 1957 to November 3, 2023

Darlene Smith

WHEATFIELD - Darlene M. Smith, 65, Francesville, passed away Friday, Nov. 3, with her loving family around her.

She was born Nov. 18, 1957, in Rensselaer, to William and Nola (Allen) Smith. She graduated from West Central High School in 1978.

She is survived by her daughter Lillian (Kyle) McTeigue, two grandchildren Landyn and Liam, and siblings Dale (Suzanne) Smith, Georgina Archambeault, and Edwina (John) Guffey.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Darlene worked for PerPac, and West Central Schools. She enjoyed music, attending church, and loved her family, especially spending time with her daughter and grandchildren.

Friends are invited to visit with the family from 3 to 7 p.m. (ET), Tuesday, Nov. 7, at Amazing Grace Fellowship Church in Francesville. Services will follow at 7 p.m. at the church Tuesday evening. A graveside service will be at 10 a.m. (ET), Wednesday, Nov. 8, at Independence Cemetery, Medaryville.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Boersma Funeral Home, Wheatfield.

Albert R. Gawell

December 4, 1946 to November 3, 2023

UPPER ARLINGTON, Ohio - Albert R. Gawell, 76, passed away Friday, Nov. 3.

He was born Dec. 4, 1946 in Winamac, to the late Robert and Violet (Green) Gawell.

He is survived by his wife of 15 years, Terri, sons Jeffrey, Marc (Shyna) and Scott (Ellie); grandchildren Kailee, Matthew, Nate, Faith, Gregory and Gena, Noah, Zachary, Dylan, Jacob and Gage. He has three great-grandchildren, Cullen, Cameron and Stetson. He is also survived by sister Beverly, and Maryella. He also considers Harold, Garold, and Kay Toumine as siblings.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Edwin and sister Marietta.

Mr. Gawell was an amazing jack of all trades. He was very adept and fixing and repairing just about everything. He loved his family, loved to fish and build things. He was always ready for a new adventure. He served in the U. S. Air Force and enjoyed his time there.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 9, at Schoedinger Northwest Funeral Home, Upper Arlington, Ohio.

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.