Obituaries

John E. Ringen

May 12, 1926 to April 16, 2016

WINAMAC - John Edward Ringen, 89, of Winamac, passed away at 6:30 a.m., Saturday, April 16, at Pulaski Memorial Hospital, Winamac.

He was born May 12, 1926 to the late Grover Lewis and Anna Marie Garling Ringen. He married Shirley Marie Tanner on Nov. 28, 1946 in Francesville. She died June 2, 2008.

He is survived by daughters Nancy Lee (Steven) Werner, Lafayette, and Connie L. (Phil) Brucker, Winamac; and sons Dennis E. (Cathy) Ringen, and Danny D. (Linda) Ringen. He also had 10 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.

John was preceded in death by 2 brothers and 4 sisters.

Mr. Ringen and his wife began their married life working a chicken farm. They later raised their own chickens and sold many hundreds of eggs. He was a farmer for many years with help from his wife driving a tractor right along side of him. He also worked at the Monterey Lumber Yard and Buckeye Feed and Supply for several years. His real passion was being a tractor mechanic. After working many years in Winamac, Logansport and Knox as a Ford tractor mechanic, he was able to start his own business, Ringen Tractor Repair, at his home in Monterey. He also drove a school bus for Culver schools for nearly 39 years. He truly loved his riders. He was a gentle giant (in heart) , who could laugh with the kids and still keep order. The Ringens last attended the Global Harvest Church at Bass Station. Even after her death, Mr. Ringen seldom missed Sunday services. He loved the people there . He was so appreciative of those who would walk him from his car into the church and back again after the service.

When Mr. Ringen wasn’t working, he and his wife would do everything together. One of their favorite pass times was antique shopping, even if they never bought anything. They loved to reminisce of the by-gone days. Their greatest joy was when the family was gathered around the dinner table for holidays, birthdays and “any excuse” days. For many years these gatherings were held in their garage/vintage kitchen. Meals were lovingly prepared on a wood burning stove. They were enjoyed by all. Later in life the couple enjoyed meeting with friends at McDonalds in Winamac for evening meals. Those who knew Mr. Ringen will remember his laugh. It was one-of-a-kind and was so contagious. As a young man he loved roller skating and dancing the jitter bug. He had a hidden talent that many may not have known - he could yodel. The last to hear him yodel were his doctor and nurse at the hospital in Rochester. His Saturday evening highlight was watching the RFD TV channel and watching polka dancers. Even though his knees eventually kept him from the joys of dancing, his shoulders would still move to the music and they often did. He now dances and laughs in heaven. He will be deeply missed by many until we all meet again.

Visitation will be from 3 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, April 20, at Frain Mortuary, Winamac. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Thursday, April 21, at the funeral home with Pastor Billy Bope officiating.

Burial will be at McKinley Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Winamac.

Memorial donations may be given to the Global Harvest Church.

Valentine F. Reinhold Jr.

June 11, 1924 to April 13, 2016

WINAMAC - Valentine F. “Junior” Reinhold Jr., 91, a lifelong resident of the Monterey area, passed away at 10 p.m., Wednesday, April 13, at Memorial Hospital of South Bend.

He was born June 11, 1924 in Monterey to the late Valentine and Mabel Bitterling Reinhold Sr. He married his high school sweetheart Esther Mack on Sept. 23, 1944, at the Methodist parsonage, Winamac. They celebrated their 71st anniversary in 2015. She survives.

Also surviving are children, Christine (Richard) Earp of Rochester and Valentine "Fred" (Elaine) Reinhold of Monterey; his grandchildren, Ronald (Kelly) Reinhold, Jacob (Amy) Koepkey, Ross (Nicole) Earp, Allison (Randy Kopka) Earp, Brian (Susan) Hessong, and Scott (Sydny) Hessong; his great-grandchildren, Austin (Ali) Reinhold, Scottlynne Reinhold, Reilly Reinhold, Logan Koepkey, Griffin Koepkey, Madelyn Koepkey, Sawyer Koepkey, Maci Earp, Maddison Earp, Darian Reinhold, Michael Demonja, Anthony Demonja, Herbert Hessong, Kenneth Hessong, Amelia Hessong, Stephanie Hessong, Shaynah Hessong, and Rhonda Reinhold; and siblings, Judith Ann (Howard) Carlisle of Argos; Lowell Reinhold of Winamac; Hubert Reinhold of Goshen; Byron (Nancy) Reinhold of South Bend; and David (Vivian) Reinhold of Kewanna; as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his son, Kenneth Reinhold; his grandson, Robert Reinhold; and sisters, Kathryn Corbett and Elsie Tuley.

Mr. Reinhold graduated from Monterey High School in 1942. He was a member of the Monterey United Methodist Church. He also belonged to the American Milk Producers, Inc. He was a longtime farmer, following in the footsteps of his great-grandfather, grandfather, and father. He loved his land and often spoke of days spent farming with horses. He also had a dairy herd for many years and did custom farm work for area farmers. He was also a bus driver for Monterey schools and for Culver schools for 39 years. He looked forward to the Christmas holiday when he would give treats to his riders. For years he was responsible for transporting the government school food for all schools in Pulaski County.

Mr. Reinhold and his wife were never far from each other. They were even together at his death, side by side. They were so appreciative of each other, never missing each other's birthday or anniversary without a gift for each other. He was Esther's best friend. He enjoyed gardening, camping, cutting wood, and spending time on the beach in Florida. He also enjoyed watching TV, especially college basketball. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday, April 18, at Monterey United Methodist Church. The funeral service will follow at 2 p.m., at the church. Burial will be at McKinley Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Winamac.

Memorial donations may be given to Monterey United Methodist Church, Alzheimer's Association or ALS Foundation.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary, Winamac.