Obituaries

Jane S. Thompson

May 17, 1920 to February 27, 2017

WINAMAC - Jane Shelley Thompson, RN, 96, formerly of Winamac, passed away peacefully Monday, Feb. 27.

She was born May, 17, 1920. She was married for 64 years to Dr. William R. (Bill) Thompson. He preceded her in death in 2005.

She is survived by her five children and in-laws (Joe, Bob, Jim/Mary Lynn, Shelley, and Abbey/Kendall), her 9 grandchildren, and her 14 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her daughter-in-law Maryellen Thompson in 2012.

While she was small in stature, Mrs. Thompson was a woman of towering strength, unquestioned loyalty, and resilient faith. She was a solid foundation for her family and many friends. "Grammy" (or "Janie"), as she was also known to all, had a unique gift for making everyone feel like a special person. She was full of humility, grace, and a beauty that radiated to all who knew her. Throughout her life, her faith in God served as a cornerstone for all she did. Her hope was that she would leave the world a better place than when she came into it. There is no question that she surpassed that goal. She was an instrumental member in each community in which she lived, and was actively involved in multiple charities, societies, and organizations - from Winamac, Indiana, to Fort Myers, Florida, and finally in Spanish Fort, Alabama.

Messages and condolences may be sent to Shelley Anne Thompson, 1514 Winter Park Lane, Lewisville, TX 75077.

The family requests donations be made in Mrs. Thompson's honor to Pulaski Memorial Hospital, 616 East 13th Street, Winamac, IN 46996 (Phone: 574-946-2100). Per her wishes, a private family ceremony will be held in Winamac to celebrate her life.

Luigina M. Johns

November 23, 1967 to February 25, 2017

WINAMAC - Luigina Marie "Gina" Johns, 49, of Winamac, passed away unexpectedly Saturday morning, Feb. 25, at her residence.

She was born Nov. 23, 1967 in Chicago, to Mario and Donna Ricchio. She spent most of her life in Illinois before moving to Indiana in 2010.  On Sept. 22, 2015, she married Herbert Edward Johns. He survives.

She is also survived by:
Anthony Ricchio, Mishawaka, Son
James Ricchio, Winamac, Son
Jewel Ricchio, Winamac, Daughter
Mario Sando Ricchio, New Lenox, IL Father
Cindy Palmer, Winamac, IN Sister
Nieces and Nephews: Robby, Erica and Tori
Great Niece: Madison

Preceded in death by:
Donna Lee Mitcham Ricchio, Mother

Mrs. Johns enjoyed spending time with her friends and was always the life of the party. She also enjoyed traveling, reading, movies, floating the river, swimming, and boat rides in Lake Michigan. She loved her family with all her heart. She had an infectious personality. She was kind and caring. She will be sadly missed.

The funeral service will be at 2 p.m., Saturday, March 11, at the Winamac Town Park on the west side of the Swinging Bridge.
Scattering of cremated remains will take place in the Tippecanoe River following the service.

Memorial donations may be made to a fund for Gina's children that has been established at Alliance Bank.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary, Winamac.

Online condolences may be offered in the guestbook at www.frainmortuary.com

Sandra S. Knebel

September 21, 1937 to February 26,2017

WINAMAC - Sandra S. Knebel, 79, of Winamac, formerly of Star City, passed away at 12:05 a.m., Sunday, Feb. 26, at her residence in Winamac.

She was born Sept. 21, 1937 in Winamac, to the late Cecil and Jessie Tyler Hoover. On Sept. 25, 1955 she married Francis Neil Knebel in Star City. He preceded her in death on Sept. 15, 1993.

She is survived by:
Stephen (Tina) Knebel. Winamac, Son
Kerry F. (Deb) Knebel, Muncie, Son
Katherine S. (Drew Cannon) Holcomb, Winamac, Daughter
Debra (Terry) Ruff, Star City, Daughter
Snickers the Cat
11 Grandchildren
32 Great Grandchildren
Terrill Hoover, Winamac, Brother
Larry Hoover, Winamac, Brother

Preceded in death by:
Karla Knebel Rausch, Daughter
Amanda Knebel Abbott, Granddaughter
Steven "Butch" Hoover Brother

Mrs. Knebel worked as a custodian at the Pulaski County Court House for many years. She also worked at the Colonial Inn and Wigwam in Winamac. She loved music. She and her family performed Country and Blue Grass Music from 1969-1979 across Indiana and southern Michigan. They appeared on channel 46 in South Bend and auditioned for Bill Monroe. Mrs. Knebel was a member of the Star City United Methodist Church and Order of Eastern Star No. 96 in Winamac. She enjoyed bowling, softball, reading and gardening. She also enjoyed flowers, birds, her cats, arrow head and mushroom hunting. She was a diehard Cubs and Bulls fan. She was a caring, selfless and giving person. She was a generous donor to many charities. She loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m., Friday, March 3, at Frain Mortuary, Winamac. OES services will be held at 7 p.m., Friday at the funeral home. The funeral service will be at 10 a.m., Saturday, March 4, at the funeral home. Burial will be at McKinley Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Winamac.

Memorial donations may be made to American Cancer Society or DAV.

Donn E. Wuske

October 23, 1946 to February 24, 2017

WINAMAC - Donn Edward Wuske, 70, of Winamac, (formerly of Mokena, IL) passed away unexpectedly Friday morning, Feb. 24, at Pulaski Memorial Hospital in Winamac.

He was born Oct. 23, 1946 in Chicago.

Survivors include:
Kim (CJ) Krause, Logansport, Daughter
Cindy (Chris) Shefts, Mokena, IL, Daughter
Dawn (Ron) Bentle, Star City, Daughter
11 Grandchildren: Brianna, Devon, Jeremy, Jamie, Christopher, Lauren, Jacob, Cole, Ciara, Jayse and Caleb.
1 Great Granddaughter: Aubree
Nancy (Mike) McLaughlin, Palatine, IL, Sister
Gary (Debi) Clare, Altoona, PA, Half-Brother
Claudia Wuske, Tinley Park, IL, Sister-in-law
Mary Clare, Altoona, PA, Step-Mother
Amy Nyeholt, Winamac, Significant Other

Preceded in death by:
George W. Wuske, Father
Ann C. Schissler Wuske, Mother
Dean George Wuske, Twin Brother

Mr. Wuske served as a corporal in the U.S. Marines during the Vietnam War. He retired in June 1994 from AT&T (formerly Illinois Bell). Most recently he was retired from PWRTC and Sanders. He was a member of the NRA and Kankakee Gun Club. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He also enjoyed taxidermy. He enjoyed family vacations in Pentwater, MI where they enjoyed waterskiing and boating. He loved his family very much, and he will be sadly missed.

Visitation will be from 1 to 3 p.m., Saturday, March 4, at Frain Mortuary, Winamac. The funeral service will follow at 3 p.m., Saturday, at the funeral home. The American Legion and VFW will conduct military honors.

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

Cremation arrangement have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary, Winamac.

Online condolences may be offered in the guestbook at www.frainmortuary.com. 

Guy Benson Jr.

July 29, 1952 to February 11, 2017

ROYAL CENTER - Guy Benson, Jr., 64, of Thornhope passed away peacefully at 11:05 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 11, at Hickory Creek Healthcare, Winamac surrounded by his loving family.

Born July 29, 1952 in Logansport, he was the son of the late Guy and Mildred (Anders) Benson, Sr.

Survivors include one son, Guy Benson III of Elkhart, daughters, Sabrina K. Benson and Megan Ann Benson both of Fowler, sisters, Deb Gruszczyk (Greg) of Lucerne and Barbara Benson of Royal Center, granddaughter, Nayllha Brewer of Fowler and sister in law, Laura Benson of Thornhope.  He is also survived by several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was also preceded in death by brothers, Mark and Dennis Benson.

Mr. Benson attended Pioneer High School. He formerly was employed at Harts Mountain in Logansport for over 10 years. He attended Thornhope Community Church and he enjoyed collecting John Deere toy tractors.

A Celebration of Life Service will be at 6 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 15, at Harrison-Metzger-Rans Funeral Homes, Royal Center Chapel with Pastor David Webb officiating. Visitation will be from 4 p.m. until the time of service.

Please sign the online guestbook or leave a condolence for the Benson family at www.ransfuneralhomes.com.

Marian E. Gutwein

May 17, 1925 to February 20, 2017

FRANCESVILLE - Marian E. Gutwein, 91, of Francesville, passed away at 1:50 a.m., Monday, Feb. 20, at Parkview Haven Retirement Home, Francesville.

She was born on May 17, 1925 in Cleveland, to the late Joseph and Theresa Kruttschnitt Stefan. On Jan. 20, 1945, she married James C. Gutwein in Francesville. He preceded her in death on Sept. 17, 1986.

She is survived by:
Dianne Vogt, Francesville, Daughter
Janet Hertzler, Indianapolis, Daughter
Barry (Tirzah) Gutwein, Germany, Son
Gail Gutwein, Argentina, Daughter
Marsha (Paul) Schlegel, Morgantown, Daughter
Brent (Marti) Gutwein, West Lafayette, Son
Connie Schultz, Daughter-in-law
Quinnell Gutwein, Daughter-in-law
Grandchildren: Lily (Roger) Pelsy, Amy (Dale) Ringger, Camille (David) Wallwork, Joy (Bob) Huber, Melinda (Chris) Wong, Lon (Sarah) Vogt, Jim (Lisa) Gutwein, Joe (Jennifer) Gutwein, Angela Beaver, Teresa (Cole) McLaughlin, Ursula Beaver, Micah (Miranda) Somarriba, Dean (Senait) Hertzler, Katrina Hertzler, Alicia (Nikola) Blazic, Leia Hertzler, Sebastian (Leah) Gutwein, Yossarian Gutwein, Eva (Adam) Gutwein-Proctor, Zoe Gutwein, Adah Gutwein, Aili Gutwein, Zach (Shannon) Schlegel, Caleb (Kacie) Schlegel, Clarissa (Ian) Morley, Heike (Zach) Wilson, Victor (Rebecca) Gutwein and Jake Gutwein.
45 Great Grandchildren and 3 Great-Great Grandchildren

Preceded in death by:
Craig A. Gutwein, Son
Mark J. Gutwein, Son
Janet Beaver, Daughter-in-law
Dean Hertzler, Son-in-law
Luke Vogt, Grandson
David Hertzler, Grandson

Mrs. Gutwein was a member of the Francesville Apostolic Christian Church. She faithfully served her Lord throughout her life. She blessed others with her baking, crocheting and hospitality.  Most of all, she was devoted to her family, whom she loved very much. She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m., Friday, Feb. 24, at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel, Francesville; and one hour prior to services Saturday, at the church. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 25, at Apostolic Christian Church in Francesville, with ministers of the church officiating. Burial will be at Roseland Cemetery, Francesville.

Memorial donations may be to Parkview Haven Retirement Home or Life Centers of Indiana.

Online condolences may be offered in the guestbook at www.frainmortuary.com.