Obituaries

Darlene K. Mellon

March 30, 1949 to February 25, 2025

FRANCESVILLE - Darlene K. (Rich) Mellon, 75, of Francesville, passed away at 8:57p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 25, at Franciscan Health Hospital in Lafayette, with her husband, son, and daughter by her side.

She was born March 30, 1949 in Decatur, to the late Harold and Marjorie (Roe) Rich. She graduated from Adams Central High School with the class of 1967, completed her undergraduate studies at Purdue University, and earned a Master’s of Education from Purdue in 1975. On November 24, 1972, Darlene married Charles R. “Chuck” Mellon Jr. in Monroe (IN). He survives.

 
Darlene Mellon

She is also survived by:
Tyson (Jennifer) Mellon, Francesville, Son
Tiffany (Michael) Holle, Francesville, Daughter
Brooklynn Mellon, Granddaughter
Sydney Mellon, Granddaughter
Carson Mellon, Grandson
Makylah Holle, Granddaughter
Teagen Holle, Grandson
Tait Holle, Grandson
Larry (Pam) Rich, Carmel, Brother
Cynthia Strahammer, Monroe, Sister
Karla () Davis, Leesburg, VA, Sister
Several Nieces and Nephews
Many Cousins

Preceded in death by:
Josef Strahammer, Brother-in-law

Mrs. Mellon was a lifelong educator with a career that spanned 36½ years. She taught Kindergarten at Clinton Central for 3½ years and was instrumental in starting the Kindergarten program at North White, where she taught for four years. She retired from West Central in 2012 after teaching and inspiring elementary students for 29 years. She was a devoted wife and mother, but the best part of life was being a grandma. She supported her kids and grandkids in all of their sports and activities. She enjoyed decorating her home for the various holidays. She also enjoyed cooking and baking (especially cheesecakes). She loved encouraging others with cards and notes. She served on numerous local boards and committees and volunteered countless hours of her time for the betterment of others. She had a servant heart for her community but most of all, she was a servant of the Lord.

Visitation will be from 3 to 7 p.m., Sunday, March 2, at the First Christian Church of Francesville. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Monday, March 3, at the church with Elder Kyle Zarse officiating. Burial will be at Roseland Cemetery in Francesville.

Memorial donations may be made to LifeWise Academy – West Central, or West Central Schools Educational Foundation.

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

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

 

Patricia L. Clapp

December 30, 1947 to February 21, 2025

MEDARYVILLE - Patricia L. “Pat” Clapp, 77, of Medaryville, passed away unexpectedly Friday, Feb. 21, at her home.

She was born Dec. 30, 1947 in Rensselaer to the late Roy L. and Charlene (Salyer) Hall. She graduated from Medaryville High School with the class of 1967. She married Steven Clapp on Jan. 6, 1978, at St. Luke United Church in San Pierre. He survives.

 
Pat Clapp

She is survived by:
Gary (Yvette Weiland) Hendershot, Geneva, IN, Son
Doug Clapp, Medaryville, Son
Karlene Clapp, Twisp, WA, Daughter
Emily Clapp, Granddaughter
Hanalee Weiland, Granddaughter
Sherry Paulsen, Lake Bruce, Sister
Several Nieces and Nephews
Wilma Bradley, North Judson, Aunt

Preceded in death by:
Lee and Edna Salyer, Maternal Grandparents
Charles R. and Vesta Hall, Paternal Grandparents
Robert “Bob” Paulsen, Brother-in-law
Virgil Salyer, Uncle
Several Other Aunts and Uncles

In her youth, Mrs. Clapp was a US National Drag Racer at the US 30 Drag Strip in Hobart. She was a proud and devoted homemaker, as well as an avid gardener and talented cook/baker. She enjoyed canning and tending to her flowers. She could make a delicious peach cobbler and potato salad. When her kids were in school, she took a job as custodian to ensure she was always there for them. She was a dedicated West Central sports fan who never missed her kids’ games and continued to support the Trojans even after they had graduated. She was well-known for her incredible annual Christmas light display. She had an incredible sense of humor and a beautiful laugh. She always lived life to the fullest. Most of all she loved her family dearly and will never be forgotten.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, March 1, at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Medaryville. The funeral service will follow at 2 p.m. (Saturday), at the funeral home. Burial will be at Independence Cemetery in Medaryville.

Memorial donations may be made to West Central Athletic Boosters.

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

 

Mary Beth Howat

December 24, 1941 to February 21, 2025

FRANCESVILLE - Mary Beth Howat, 83, of Francesville, passed away Friday, Feb. 21, at Parkview Haven Retirement Home in Francesville.

She was born Dec. 24, 1941 in Monon, to the late Farrell and Elizabeth (Ward) Bailey. She graduated from Monon High School in 1959 and briefly attended Indiana State College. On May 26, 1961, she married William Joseph Howat in Medaryville. He passed away Dec. 21, 2010.

 
Mary Beth Howat

She is survived by:
Edward (Kim) Howat, Lafayette, Son
Corey (Chelsea) Howat, Francesville, Grandson
Ryan (Amber) Howat, Francesville, Grandson
Evan (Lindsay Reinholt) Howat, Star City, Grandson
J. Tyler (fiancée: Sara Lewandowski) Howat, Lafayette, Grandson
Drew Howat, Lafayette, Grandson
9 Great-Grandchildren (1 on the way)
Farrell Douglas Bailey, Francesville, Brother
John (Sandra) Bailey, Warrenton, VA, Brother
Several Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
James Howat, Son
Marsha Bailey, Sister-in-law

Mrs. Howat retired from West Central Schools where she had worked as the corporation treasurer for many years. She also held various other jobs and worked hard throughout her life. She was an avid Purdue men’s basketball fan. Years ago, she enjoyed bowling and playing cards. Most of all, she cherished being a Granny/GiGi to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She will be dearly missed. The family thanks the staff at Parkview Haven for their tender care of Mary Beth: We take comfort in knowing that she is now pain free and at peace.

A graveside service will be at 2 p.m., Monday, Feb. 24, at Roseland Cemetery in Francesville, with Pastor Dennis Gutwein officiating. Burial will follow at the cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to Parkview Haven Retirement Home.

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

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

 

Timothy Voreis

January 15, 1966 to February 19, 2025

WINAMAC - Timothy “Tim” Voreis, 59, of Winamac, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 19, at his home with his family at his side.

He was born Jan. 15, 1966 in Knox, to Kenneth L. and Gaynelle (Collins) Voreis. He was a graduate of John Adams High School in South Bend. He married Mary E. Heying on Dec. 28, 1985, in South Bend. They shared 39 years of marriage. She survives.

 
Tim Voreis

He is also survived by:
Timothy J. Voreis, South Bend, Son
Aubrey P. Voreis, Holland, MI, Daughter
Kathryn A. (Randy Sheaks) Voreis, Bremen, Daughter
Kenneth C. (Kali) Voreis, Plymouth, Son
Samuel H. (Mandy) Voreis, North Liberty, Son
7 Grandchildren: Reece, Hudson, Ava, Emmy, Georgia, Theo, and Joan (on-the-way)
Kenneth and Gaynelle Voreis, Culver, Parents
Robin (Scott) Sommers, Culver, Sister
Glenn (Brigid) Voreis, Vermilion, OH, Brother
Several Nieces and Nephews
Snoop, Beloved Dog

Preceded in death by:
Christopher Sommers, Nephew

Mr. Voreis was a proud truck driver with many safety awards. He had a hazmat endorsement and a doubles and triples endorsement. He enjoyed the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing, as well as camping with his wife. He cherished lifelong friendships and time spent with family.

The family will host a celebration of life event at a later date. Private burial will take place at Burr Oak Cemetery in Burr Oak, IN.

Memorial donations may be made to the Winamac Volunteer Fire Department or Haven Hospice.

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

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.

 

Darrell L. Boehning

August 21, 1958 to February 19, 2025

FRANCESVILLE - Darrell L. Boehning, 66, of Indianapolis, passed away at 10:45 a.m., Wednesday, Feb. 19, at Majestic Care in Lafayette, where he had been in recovery since being injured in a work-related incident in August.

He was born Aug. 21, 1958 to Stanley G. and Maxine J. (Boze) Boehning. He was raised (and worked) on the family farm in rural Francesville. He graduated from West Central High School in 1976 and completed diesel mechanic courses at Lincoln Tech in Indianapolis.

 
Darrell Boehning

He is survived by:
Alison J. (Andrew) Marquis, Lafayette, Daughter
Danny J. (Laura) Boehning, Plantsville, CT, Son
Theodore Marquis, Grandson
Klaus Marquis, Grandson
Jasper Marquis, Grandson
Beatrix Marquis, Granddaughter
Olivia Boehning, Granddaughter
Evan Boehning, Grandson
Maxine Boehning, Francesville, Mother
Kimberly A. Davidson, Indianapolis, Sister
Rae J. Boehning French, Francesville, Sister-in-law
Shanna (Brandon Schultheis) Davidson, Niece
Erin (Jordan) Bruno, Niece
Emily (Patrick) Armstrong, Niece
Several Great-Nieces and -Nephews
Myron G. Boze, Monon, Uncle
Eileen R. Boehning, Francesville, Aunt
Numerous Cousins (and their families)

Preceded in death by:
Stanley Boehning, Father
Brian A. Boehning, Brother
Glen A. Boehning, Uncle
Bob Boze, Uncle
Kenneth Boze, Uncle
Dorothy Boze, Aunt
Helen June Hoover, Aunt
Lori A. Huber-Boehning, Former Wife

Mr. Boehning had a 48-year-long career at UPS in Indianapolis and was a proud member of the Teamsters Union Local #135. Throughout his adolescence, he took an interest in everything that propelled man forward in the journey of life faster than by just their feet alone. Whether it was tractors on the farm, race cars on the track, or rockets soaring into space - he was captivated by machines that pushed the limits of speed, adventure, and innovation. As a small-town farm kid in the 1960s, he was drawn to the news of advancements in aviation and the Space Race, the roar of engines at the Indy 500, muscle car magazines, and the sounds of rock music emanating from the radio. These passions shaped him into a hardworking, fun-loving young man eager to carve out his own path beyond the farm. He held a private pilot license and was a certified scuba diver. He enjoyed flying and collecting RC planes, drones, and anything aviation related. He was a loving and devoted son, brother, husband, dad and grandpa who will be dearly missed.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 27, at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Francesville; and one hour prior to services Friday. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Friday, Feb. 28, at the funeral home with Chad French officiating. Burial will be at Roseland Cemetery in Francesville.

Memorial donations may be made to Air Charity Network at www.aircharitynetwork.org.

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

 

Dr. Charles E. Heinsen

August 8, 1942 to February 18, 2025

CULVER - Dr. Charles 'Charley' Edward Heinsen, MD, 82, of Winamac, passed away at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, Feb. 18, in Culver.

 
Dr. Charles Heinsen

Born Aug. 8, 1942, in Port Clinton, OH, he was the son of Dr. Paul Heinsen and Nancy Gill Heinsen. He earned his Doctor of Medicine degree from Indiana University in 1967.

He is survived by his children Mike Heinsen of Lafayette, Lori Heinsen of Largo, FL, Renata Heinsen of Monterey, Sonya DeCristo of Denver, CO, and Chantel Heinsen of Indianapolis; sisters Susan G. Fix of Eugene, OR and Nancy A. (Bob) Munson of Danville, CA; significant other Cara Lewellen of Culver, and nine grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents Edward and Helen (Montgomery) Heinsen; parents; stepmother Marilyn Capper Heinsen; brothers John Paul and Paul Charles Heinsen; daughter Lisa Heinsen; grandson Austin Cochenour and granddaughter Katie Miles.

Dr. Heinsen dedicated 55 years to practicing medicine in Winamac and the surrounding communities before retiring in December 2023. His commitment to serving others was more than a profession - it was his passion, his calling, and his greatest honor. He also enjoyed fishing, golf, hunting, playing cards, traveling, and cheering on his favorite teams - Indiana Hoosiers, Purdue Boilermakers, and the Indianapolis Colts.

A memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m., Sunday, March 23, at Emmanuel United Methodist Church, Culver. Friends and family will gather at 12 noon.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to the IU Health Foundation, https://iuhealth.org/iu-health-foundation/ways-to-give or to Culver Emmanuel United Methodist Church.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Odom Funeral Home, Culver.

 

Wesley Waszczyk

December 22, 1950 to February 17, 2025

WINAMAC - Wesley Waszczyk, 74, of Winamac, passed away, Monday, Feb. 17, at home surrounded by his family.

He was born Dec. 22, 1950 in Krakow, Poland to the late Józef and Antonina Waszczyk. He served in the Polish army for several years before moving to the U.S. He married Theresa Gurga on Feb. 15, 1975, in Chicago. She survives.

He is also survived by son Christopher (Amy) Waszczyk of Shorewood, IL, sister Krystyna Martynowska of Poland, and his cherished granddaughter, Alexis Marie.

Mr. Waszczyk retired from Krack Corporation in Addison, IL. He will be remembered for his love of fishing - always introducing his family and friends to one of his favorite pastimes. While he was fishing, it seemed like he was at peace with the world and one with nature. He enjoyed showing off his skills and passing them on to his extended family. You were extra special if he took you to his favorite spots - that meant you were a part of his inner circle. Playing soccer was another love of his. It was a way of making awesome friends and competing to be the best. Now, he wasn’t a world cup player but you couldn’t tell him that. Soccer was in his heart from the time he was a little boy. He spent many days going to World Cup games or Polish National games with his son, but he enjoyed playing and building friendships the most. During the winter, his focus turned to hockey. Similar to soccer, except on ice. He was a big Chicago Blackhawks fan. He also had a love for beer; rarely seeing him without one. Whether he was mowing the lawn or just sitting back on his deck, a cold brew was always nearby. It was his tradition to dump a little Busch beer into the waters of Rainy Lake to improve the chances of a successful fishing trip. If you knew him, it was usually through one of these loves of his.

Mr. Waszczyk was a dedicated family man who worked hard to make sure his family was taken care of - at one time working two jobs to make ends meet. His son remembers him coming home late at night and sitting in front of the wood burning stove and just falling asleep. A hard thing for a child to understand, but as a grown man himself, his son now does. Wes was never a rich man but he was very wealthy. He could usually make friends with anyone, and everyone remembers his smile. From the soccer field, to the lake, or the coffee shop, he impacted everyone he came across. He will be greatly missed by all those who love him. Dad, please keep an eye on all of us and steer us from danger. Especially your granddaughter Alexis Marie. Love you and see you soon. Have a cold one ready for me and an extra fishing pole by your side.

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

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

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.