Obituaries

Anne E. Franko Breyfogle

December 1, 1934 to March 25, 2024

WINAMAC - Anne “Anna” Elizabeth (Franko) Breyfogle, 89,  passed away Monday, March 25, at Brookside Inn, Castle Rock, CO, surrounded by her loving family and care team. She was previously a long-time resident of both Hobart and Winamac.

Anna Breyfogle

She was born Dec. 1, 1934, in Gary, to Theresa (Hanich) and Joseph Franko, the fifth of six siblings. She married Dwayne ‘Whitey’ Breyfogle on Dec. 27, 1951. He preceded her in death.

She is survived by three of her children, Allan (wife Sharon, deceased) Breyfogle, Patricia, and Susan ‘Tutti’ (husband Alan) Tollackson; 12 of her grandchildren, Shannon, Seth, Adriane, Stephen John Jr., Meredith Kristin, Tracy, Shane, Ryan, Sarah, Skye, Zebediah, and Aleah. She is also survived by numerous great-grandchildren, a great-great-grandchild, her brother James Franko, and many other extended family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her sons Steven and Bruce, grandson Bradley, and siblings Paul, Joseph, William Franko and Theresa Carpenter.

Mrs. Breyfogle and her husband traveled the U.S. early in their marriage while he served in the U.S. Army, but returned to Indiana to establish their family. She was a devoted caregiver to her own five children, as well as many of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved the many lakes and hearty farmland of Indiana, so she remained there for most of her life. As an avid fisherwoman and wonderful cook, she took such pleasure in having a house full of family and friends enjoying her grilled bluegill, sweet corn-on-the-cob, and marshmallow salad. She relocated out West years ago so that her care could be shared by her youngest daughter Susan and her husband in Wyoming, and her oldest granddaughter, Shannon Seales, her husband Dean and children Jackson, Avery and Libby, in Colorado. She grew to love drives in the Rocky Mountains, spending time with the many ranch animals and pets, and cheering at kids’ sporting events. Anne’s door was always open, and so was her heart. Whether it was the neighbors stopping in for a chat, family returning to live in the house, or children needing to be cared for, she thrived in the chaos of a busy home filled with laughter and love. She also loved to sing and was blessed with a beautiful, calming voice. She could often be found with a child on her lap, reciting one of her favorite hymns or folk songs. Her way of making others feel special was truly a gift received by all who knew and loved her.

 

Robert Powers

May 28, 1938 to March 18, 2024

WINAMAC - Robert “Bob” Powers, 85, a lifelong farmer from Winamac, passed away peacefully Monday, March 18, at his home from natural causes.

He was born May 28, 1938 in Winamac to the late Albert and Hazel [Zellers] Powers. He graduated from Winamac High School in 1956. On May 31, 1958, he married Beverly “Bev” Ludwig at St. Peter Catholic Church in Winamac. She passed away in 2010.

Bob Powers

He is survived by:
Valerie Powers, Winamac, Daughter
Kathryn Rodela, Osceola, Daughter
Scott Powers, Winamac, Son
Grandchildren: Rebecca (husband Charles Min) Rausch, David Rausch, Ryan Rodela, Andrew Rodela, Melissa (Brandon) Hickle, SaDonna (Kenny) Mayer, Tonya (Keegan) Kasten, and Rose (Evan) Criswell.
13 Great-Grandchildren (courtesy of Scott’s daughters)
Ronald Powers, Brother
Many Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
Thelma Powers, Sister
Dorothy Watnes, Sister
James Powers, Brother
Lucile Allen Gast, Sister
Richard Powers, Brother
Thomas Powers, Brother
Carol Powers, Infant Brother
Lois Cors Meyer, Sister
Harry Powers, Brother

Mr. Powers was a devoted member of St. Peter Catholic Church and the Winamac Knights of Columbus Council #1561 (he served as Grand Knight in 1979). He was instrumental in securing the property where the current KoC Hall stands today. He was also a member and past president of the Winamac Jaycees. Under his leadership, the Jaycees paid off the financial commitment for the Winamac Town Pool. In 1964-65, the Jaycees began dressing as Santa’s helpers and delivering presents to underprivileged children. This program would become known as Toys for Tots. He was a longtime member of Winamac Lion’s Club and for six years; he donated potatoes for use at the Farmer’s Market. He was incredibly supportive of his children’s involvement in Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts with such projects as selling Christmas trees and glass recycling. He was supportive of his son’s time in the Winamac Community HS Band. Bob and his wife helped start the Winamac Alumni Association where he served in every office before becoming president in 2006. He served many years on the Pulaski Memorial Hospital board of directors, Tribal Trails Girl Scout Council and the Merit Board of the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department.

Mr. Powers loved farming and driving trucks. He was very proud that the family farm was recognized as a Hoosier Homestead and has been in the Powers family since 1898. He enjoyed mowing and keeping an eye on the cemetery. He was an avid coin collector and enjoyed sharing them with others. He won a heat race at Shadyhill in 1986. He had a great sense of humor and enjoyed visiting with people. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m., Friday, March 22, at Frain Mortuary in Winama. A scriptural wake service will follow at 7 P.m. (Friday}, at the funeral home with Rev. Leroy Kinnaman officiating. A funeral mass will be at 11 a.m., Saturday, March 23, at St. Peter Catholic Church in Winamac, with Rev. Kinnaman officiating. Burial will be at St. Peter Cemetery in Winamac.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Peter Cemetery or a charity of the donor’s choice.

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

 

Judith E. Sanders

March 27, 1941 to March 17, 2024

WINAMAC - Judith E. Sanders, 82, of Winamac, passed away Sunday, March 17.

Private burial will be at Winamac Cemetery (McFarland Addition) in Winamac.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.

 

David E. Morrison

February 13, 1959 to March 13, 2024

MEDARYVILLE - David E. “Davey” Morrison, 65, of Medaryville, passed away Wednesday, March 13, at Northwest Health Porter Hospital in Valparaiso.

He was born Feb. 13, 1959 in Blue Island, IL to David I. and Lottie [Miller] Morrison. In 1978, he graduated from West Central High School in Francesville.

Davey Morrison

Survivors include:
Kenneth (Pamela) Morrison, Brother
Jacqueline Morrison, Sister
Tiffany Meadows, Step-Daughter
6 Step-Grandchildren
Christopher Morrison, Nephew
Stacy (Mark) Peterson, Niece
Candice Eisert, Niece
2 Great-Nieces

Preceded in death by:
David and Lottie Morrison, Parents

Mr. Morrison worked his entire life as a truck driver.

Visitation will be from 12 noon to 2 p.m., Wednesday, March 20, at Teaberry Hill Estates Church in Medaryville. The funeral service will follow at 2 p.m. (Wednesday), at the church with Pastors Elmer Conley and Johnny Miller officiating. Burial will be at Highland Cemetery in North Judson.

Memorial donations may be made to Teaberry Hill Estates Church.

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

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Medaryville.

 

Chris W. Cummins

July 6, 1959 to March 12, 2024

FRANCESVILLE- Chris W. Cummins, 64, of Francesville, passed away Tuesday, March 12, at Franciscan Health Hospital in Lafayette, following a brave battle with cancer.

He was born July 6, 1959 at home in Jefferson Township, Pulaski County, to Roscoe “Bud” and Alice M. [Dahn] Cummins. He graduated from West Central High School with the class of 1977. On March 2, 1990, he married Beth E. [Sutton] Roberts in Francesville. She survives.

Chris Cummins

He is also survived by:
Nichole (Douglas) Perdue, Fortville, Daughter
David (Liana) Clark, Whitestown, Grandson
Nic Scagnoli, Asheville, NC, Grandson
Anabelle Scagnoli, Asheville, NC, Granddaughter
Lucas (s) Perdue, Indianapolis, Step-Grandchild
Isabelle and Sophia, Great-Granddaughters
Bud and Alice Cummins, Winamac, Parents
Barbara (Steve) Bonnet, North Liberty, IA, Sister
Patti (Jim) Wolpert Cummins, Indianapolis, Sister
Kim (Kathi) Cummins, Bradenton, FL, Brother
Dolly Cummins, New Buffalo, MI, Sister
Many Nieces and Nephews

Mr. Cummins was a member of the Francesville First Christian Church. He was thankful for the support of both his church family and friends throughout his cancer journey. He will be remembered for the way in which he served the Lord by serving others. He worked hard his entire life. After high school, he worked alongside his father at C& L Motors in Medaryville. He was supervisor at Monon Trailer in Monon, and was a laborer for Houston Davis installing drain tile. He was a longtime employee at Standard Auto Parts in Winamac, and enjoyed a special friendship with his employers, Bruce and Jill Brumm. For over 22 years, he was the manager of the Auto Value Store in Rensselaer. He was a licensed pilot with a passion for flying and building airplanes. He was a member and president of Rensselaer Experimental Aircraft Association (EEA). He was also a member of the Cessna 150 Club and received several awards for being a “Top Gun Pilot.” He was active in the Young Eagles program. He was afforded a high recognition for his integrity and kindness by his fellow pilots and friends. He was an avid golfer, talented builder and painter, and had a gift for restoring automobiles. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, son and brother. He will be dearly missed.

Memorial visitation will be from 11 to 1 p.m., Tuesday, April 2, at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Francesville. A memorial service will follow at 1 p.m., (April 2), at the funeral home with Phil Aldrich and Alan Sutton officiating.

Memorial donations may be made to the family c/o Beth Cummins.

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

 

Ralph E. Risner

March 14, 1946 to March 9, 2024

MEDARYVILLE - Ralph E. Risner, 77, of North Judson, passed away unexpectedly Saturday, March 9, following a tragic accident.

He was born March 14, 1946 at home on the family farm where he lived most of his life. He graduated from Medaryville High School in 1964. He married his high school sweetheart, Martha Sue Howe, on Oct. 31, 1964. She survives.

Ralph Risner

He is also survived by:
Michael E. (Cathleen) Risner, Medaryville, Son
Stephanie Lynn (Scott) Harper, Medaryville, Granddaughter
Sabrina Jane Risner, Medaryville, Granddaughter
Norma J. Clark, Culver, Sister
Henry J. “Hank” Risner, Monticello, Brother
Marlene Risner, Goodland, Sister-in-law
Several Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
Fred and Dora [Jackson] Risner, Parents
Gregory Scott Risner, Infant Son
Edward D. Risner, Brother
Earl Clark, Brother-in-law
Alvina Risner, Sister-in-law

Mr. Risner owned and operated Risner Motor Sales in Medaryville for 40 years. He was an active member of the Medaryville Christian Church, Medaryville Lions Club and the Medaryville Potato Festival. After retirement, he could be found working on his farm and helping others. He enjoyed camping, hunting, fishing and gardening. He especially enjoyed working with his hunting dogs and tinkering on antique tractors. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He cherished time spent with his family. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Visitation will be from 3 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, March 13, at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Medaryville. The funeral service will be at 10 a.m. (ET) Thursday, March 14, at the funeral home with Pastor Tom Dewlen officiating. Burial will be at White Post Cemetery in Medaryville.

Memorial donations may be made to Medaryville Christian Church or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

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

 

Albert W. Straw

June 19, 1947 to March 8, 2024

WINAMAC - Albert Wayne “Al” Straw, 76, of Winamac, passed away Friday, March 8, at his home.

He was born June 19, 1947 in Winamac to the late Richard Albert “Dick” and Agnes May [Reinholt] Straw. He graduated from Winamac High School in 1965 and attended Ball State University. He proudly served in Vietnam and received an honorable discharge from the U.S. Army in 1969. On June 3, 1972, he married Debbie Ginn at the Methodist Church in Kewanna. She survives.

Al Straw

He is also survived by:
Leslie [Straw] Coatie, Elkhart, Daughter
Jennifer Straw, Lafayette, Daughter
Angela Straw, Logansport, Daughter
Scott Straw, Winamac, Son
5 Grandchildren

Preceded in death by:
Alberta Straw, Sister

Later in life, Mr. Straw earned an associate’s degree in accounting. He retired as a supervisor from Tyson in Logansport after a dedicated career. He was a former member of the American Legion and the VFW. He was a member of the Heartland Church in Winamac. He valued serving his country and community. For many years, he served as a Little League coach and organized youth summer basketball. He was an avid fan of the Chicago Cubs and IU Basketball (and after coming to his senses, he became a Boilermaker fan). In his younger years, he enjoyed playing softball on the Sheppard’s Chevrolet team as well as bowling in local leagues. He valued time spent with his friends and family. He was a loving husband and caring father. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m., Thursday, March 14, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac; and one hour prior to services at the church Friday. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Friday, March 15, at Heartland Church in Winamac with Pastor Herb Hiatt officiating. Burial will be at Pleasant Hill Cemetery at Lake Bruce. The American Legion and VFW will conduct military graveside services.

Memorial donations may be made to the Honor Flight Lafayette or Heartland Church.

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