Obituaries

Barbara J. Parcel

July 28, 1934 to December 9, 2024

WINAMAC - Barbara Jean “Barb” Parcel, 90, of Star City, passed away Monday, Dec. 9, at Pulaski Health Care Center in Winamac.

She was born July 28, 1934 to the late Harold G. and Mary E. [Artrip] Watson. She was a graduate of Logansport High School. She married Darwin W. “Doc” Parcel on Dec. 12, 1954, in Logansport. He passed away Nov. 11, 2013.

Barb Parcel

She is survived by:
Mick (Kathy) Parcel, Winamac, Son
David (Weez) Parcel, Winamac, Son
Doug (Michelle) Parcel, DeMotte, Son
Aaron (Adriane) Parcel, Chattanooga, TN, Grandson
Sarah Chase, Vicksburg, MI, Granddaughter
Steven (Katie) Polstra, Winamac, Grandson
Tarrah (Matthew) Ledford, Francesville, Granddaughter
Abbey (Jake) Berger, Winamac, Granddaughter
Danielle (Justin) Dommer, Winamac, Granddaughter
D.J. Parcel, Lafayette, Grandson
Erika Parcel, DeMotte, Granddaughter
15 Great-Grandchildren
2 Great-Great-Grandchildren
Buck Parcel, Winamac, Brother-in-law
Several Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
Irene V. Watson, Step-Mother

Mrs. Parcel was a former member of the Star City United Methodist Church and a former den mother for Cub Scouts. Through the years, she worked for Weight Watchers and was also a babysitter, as well as a bookkeeper. She and her husband enjoyed many years of time spent at Foxwood Hills in Middlebury. Her proudest accomplishment was being a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She was an avid bird watcher and enjoyed crocheting. She enjoyed collecting various knickknacks and was known to go over-the-top when decorating for holidays. She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m., Friday, Dec. 13, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 14, at the funeral home with Aaron Parcel officiating. Burial will be at Star City West Cemetery in Star City.

Memorial donations may be made to Pulaski Animal Center.

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

Arthur C. Novotny

July 8, 1931 to December 6, 2024

FRANCESVILLE - Arthur Charles “Art” Novotny, 93, of Francesville, passed away peacefully Friday, Dec. 6, at Parkview Haven Retirement Home in Francesville.

He was born July 8, 1931 in Cleveland (OH) to the late Charles and Katherine [Albrecht] Novotny. He spent most of his youth in Lakewood, Ohio before moving to Francesville as a teen. He graduated from Francesville High School in 1949 and earned an associate’s degree from a business college in Lakewood. Beginning in 1951, he served stateside in the U.S. Army as a non-combatant soldier during the Korean War. During this time, he married Maxine Gutwein on Feb. 10, 1952 in Francesville. She preceded him in death.

Art Novotny

He is survived by:
Cathy (José) Cervantes, Tecate, Mexico, Daughter
Mark (Kristel) Novotny, Fishers, Son
Mary Lyn (Bob) Milford, Fishers, Daughter
Grandchildren: Jann (Adam) Snively, Kurt (Mary) Novotny, Ruth (Matt) Gerber, Crystal Cervantes, Rebekah (Nathan) Elliott, Daniel (Natasha) Cervantes, Melody (Jonathan) Kurtz, Matthew (fiancée: Sidni Breese) Milford, and Rachel Milford.
18 Great-Grandchildren
Dr. Harold Novotny, Brother
Jane (Ralph) Krebs, Sister
Rhonda Gutwein, Sister-in-law
Edison (Chrisann) Gutwein, Brother-in-law
Phil (Carol) Gutwein, Brother-in-law
Juanita Norman, Sister-in-law
Elden (Mary Lee) Gutwein, Brother-in-law
Rodney (Donna) Gutwein, Brother-in-law
Karl (Donna) Westfall, Brother-in-law
Yvonne Gutwein, Sister-in-law
James Denton, Brother-in-law
Numerous Nieces and Nephews and their Families

Preceded in death by:
Ruth Novotny, Infant Sister
Adeline Gutwein, Sister
Ray Novotny, Brother
Carl and Mary [Farney] Gutwein, In-Laws
Nate Gutwein, Brother-in-law
Mary Louise Westfall, Sister-in-law
Carl Gutwein, Jr., Brother-in-law
Sharon Denton, Sister-in-law

Mr. Novotny accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior prior to graduating from high school and was a devoted and lifelong member of the Francesville Apostolic Church. Over the years, he and Maxine enjoyed annual reunions with other families from the church who had lived together at Ft. Sam Houston. From a young age, he worked in the family business, Novotny Furs, in Lakewood, and there is no doubt this experience laid a strong foundation for his future business endeavors. He established, owned, and operated various businesses in Francesville, including Novotny Insurance and The Troy Restaurant. He was the consummate small town businessman who not only sold insurance, but also held a real estate license, did bookkeeping for numerous local businesses, ran a restaurant, and even served as Justice of the Peace. He greeted all with a smile and an outstretched hand. He was always on the go – it was impossible to slow him down. Art kept his phone in hand so he wouldn’t miss an opportunity to have a good conversation. He truly enjoyed talking with everyone. Most of all, he loved his wife of 66 years and their beloved children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He treasured time together with his family and wanted each of them to grow to have a personal relationship with Jesus. He had a warm smile and deep love that will be dearly missed. “A joyful heart is good medicine” - Proverbs 17:22a

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, Dec.11, at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Francesville. The funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, Dec. 12, at the Apostolic Christian Church in Francesville with ministers of the church officiating. Burial will be at Roseland Cemetery in Francesville. Military graveside services will be conducted by the American Legion.

Memorial donations may be made to:

• Parkview Haven Retirement Home in Francesville, or
• Little Hands Orphanage in Tecate, Mexico (make checks payable to the Apostolic Christian Church Foundation, Inc.)

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

Jennifer R. Hibner

March 1, 1976 to December 4, 202

KEWANNA - Jennifer Renee Hibner, 48, of Kewanna passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, Dec. 4, at home in Kewanna.

Jennifer Hibner

She was born March 1, 1976 in Winamac, the daughter of Don and Etta Hibner.

Survivors include her daughter Teagan Hibner; mother Etta Hibner; brother Andy (Tina Brown) Hibner, sister, Julie (Tom) Thomas; nephews Isaac, Levi, Quincy, Gabriel, Nekoda, Ethan and Eli Hibner and Justin Strus, and nieces Savannah, Sophie and Sydney Hibner, Missy Haselby and Sara Strus, and family members John and Angie Hibner.

She was preceded in death by her father Don Hibner.

A proud mother, sister, daughter, aunt and friend, she always lived by her own rules and was loyal to those she loved. She was a 1994 graduate of Hearth and Home Christian Academy in Kewanna, which helped continue her lifelong faith in God. She also enjoyed baking, spending time with her loved ones, and was a horror movie and true crime buff.

A celebration of life service will be at 5 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 14, at the Kewanna Union Township Fire Department.

Memorial donations may be made to the family.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Rans Funeral Homes, Kewanna.

William A. Kellems

January 14, 1971 to November 29, 2024

ROYAL CENTER - William Allen Kellems, 53, of Star City passed away unexpectedly Friday, Nov. 29.

Bill Kellems

Born Jan. 14, 1971 in Plymouth, he was the son of the late William Pete and Tessie Jean (Rose) Kellems. He married Preachie Mayordomo on Nov.r 23, 2014. She survives.

Also surviving are children Melissa Kellems, Britney Kellems and Michael (Breann) Kellems; grandchildren Branson Allen, Amelia Rater and Kohen Kellems; and brother Joe Smith.

He was also preceded in death by sister Crystal Star.

Mr. Kellems was a former senior technician at Braunability for 26 years. He enjoyed fishing, working on his vehicles and his beloved cat Bella. He loved his family and always went out of his way to bring a smile to their faces. He was a hardworking, loveable husband, father and grandfather.

A celebration of life service will be held at a later date.

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

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

Donnald W. Gambrel

August 14, 1967 to November 29, 2024

WINAMAC - Donnald W. Gambrel, 57, Winamac, passed away Friday, Nov. 29.

He was born Aug. 14, 1967, in LaPorte to James Charles and Phyllis (McAlister) Gambrel. He served in the U.S. Army Reserve, a part of the 542nd Transportation Company out of Kingsbury (IN). During Desert Shield/Desert Storm he was in the 18th Airborne Corp 452nd Transportation Company.

Donnald Gambrel

He is survived by his wife Rebecca and children Cody (Melissa) Gambrel, Joseph (Laci) Thorpe, and Drake (Stephanie) Thorpe; 16 grandchildren; mother Phyllis (Dave) Lane; siblings Charles (Tina) Gambrel, Kari (Lewis) Hall, Terri (Dennis) Francis, and Patrick Gambrel; and numerous nieces and nephews.  

He is preceded in death by his father James Gambrel, and son Brandon Gambrel.

Mr. Gambrel was a husband, father, papa and son. To some he was “Gambie,” to others he was “Dante.’” He was also known as Pappa Donn and #68. He played football for William Penn and later in life he played and coached semi-pro football for the Lake County Steelers and his beloved Chicago Thunder T4L. He was also an American Football Hall of Fame member. He coached high school and JV football for South Central. He was a tournament director for USA Bassin and ambassador of the sport of Bass Fishing. He was proud to be part of such a supportive and inspirational community. 

A celebration of life event will be at 2 p.m. (CT), Saturday, Dec. 7, at the First Freewill Baptist Church, 2456 E. St. Rd. 2, Rolling Prairie (IN), with military honors. Pastor Steve Miller will officiate. 

Mr. Gambrel’s online guestbook is available, and condolences may be shared with the family at www.RansFuneralHomes.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Rans Funeral Homes.

William S. Fisher

July 5, 1950 to November 28, 2024

WINAMAC - William S. “Wild Man” Fisher, 74, of Winamac passed away at 6:12 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 28, at Lutheran Hospital in Ft. Wayne.

Born July 5, 1950 in Rochester, he was the son of the late Lloyd and Vonda (Vanscoyk) Fisher. He was a 1968 Monterey High School graduate and a U.S. Army veteran.

Survivors include his son Todd Fisher of Winamac, sister Carolyn Schmidt of Culver and grandchildren Austin Cole, Makenna Fisher and Sydney Fisher.

Mr. Fisher retired from Lau Industries in Rochester after 47 years.

Per his wishes there will be no visitation or service at this time.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Rans Funeral Homes.