Obituaries

Dolores M. Miller

May 25, 1937 to May 30, 2025

MEDARYVILLE - Dolores Marie “Dee” Miller, 88, of Medaryville, passed away Friday, May 30, at Parkview Haven Retirement Home in Francesville.

She was born May 25, 1937 in Whiting, to Harold E. and Twilla Lavon (Small) Woodard. She grew up in Hamlet, and moved to Medaryville when she was around 10 years old. She married Eligah Joseph in 1952 and they were blessed with three children (Terry, Debra, and Tina). She later married Robert E. “Bob” Miller on Dec. 31, 1987 in Medaryville, welcoming his sons to the family (Rick and Jerry).

Dee Miller

She is survived by:
Terry Lee (Pam) Joseph, Messina, NY, Son
Debra Lyn (Mike) Ward, Medaryville, Daughter
Tina Marie (Mark) Bailey, Medaryville, Daughter
Grandchildren: Rebecca DeVries, Clinton (Clarissa) Joseph, Kim (Randy) Jackson, Casey (Jon) Robbins, Mitch Bailey, and Jami (Kenny) Schatte.
16 Great-Grandchildren
1 Great-Great-Grandson
Krystal Woodard, Medaryville, Sister-in-law
Lavon (Sidney) Dulin, Medaryville, Niece
Tammy (Doug) Mason, Monon, Niece
Brad Elston, Medaryville, Nephew-in-law
Eligah Joseph, First Husband

Preceded in death by:
Harold Woodard, Father
Twilla Woodard Wireman, Mother
Ashland Wireman, Step-Father
Robert Miller, Second Husband
Ernest Woodard, Brother
Viola Woodard, Sister
Brenda Elston, Niece

Mrs. Miller attended school through the eigth-grade and worked hard her entire life as a laborer. Dolores was proud to have worked at the Medaryville Garment Factory, Schumacher’s, and Monon Trailer.

In their retirement years, Dee and Bob enjoyed traveling the country in their motorhome. Bob passed away on November 18, 2015. Dolores was a member of the Medaryville Assembly of God Church and cherished the fellowship with her friends there. She was faithful to read her Bible every day and held fasts to God’s word. Dolores enjoyed crocheting, quilting, cooking, and baking. She also enjoyed doing puzzles as well. Dolores was fond her cat, Midnight, who she raised from a kitten. She was also generous to the neighborhood cats. Most of all, Dolores loved her loved her family very much and will be deeply missed. The family wishes to thank the staff of Parkview Haven for their tender and loving care of Dolores.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, June 4, at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Medaryville. The funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, June 5, at the funeral home with Pastor Tom Dewlen officiating. Burial will be at Goodway Cemetery in Medaryville.

Memorial donations may be made to Medaryville Assembly of God Church or the Pulaski Animal Center.

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

Cynthia S. Schultz

June 28, 1950 to May 26, 2025

WINAMAC - Cynthia Sue “Cindy” Schultz, 74, of Winamac, passed away unexpectedly Monday, May 26.

She was born June 28, 1950 at Carneal’s Hospital in Winamac to the late Orval and Betty (Marquis) Burgess. She graduated from Winamac High School in 1968. On June 21, 1969, she married Michael “Mike” Schultz (aka “Mr. Right”) at the Star City Church of Christ. He survives.

Cindy Schultz

She is also survived by:
Kristine “Kris” (Steve) Christensen, Winamac, Daughter
Brian (Vicki) Schultz, Concord, NC, Son
Kari (Neil) Hamilton, Winamac, Daughter
Grandchildren: Lyndsay Christensen, Bradley (Amber) Christensen, Allie (Tyler) Milkey, Genevieve Schultz, Lyle Hamilton and Addyson Hamilton.
Dan (Julie) Burgess, Winamac, Brother
Doug (Patricia) Schultz, Granger, Brother-in-law
Peggy (Gary) Yeary, Asheboro, NC, Sister-in-law
Darlene Fritz, Winamac, Sister-in-law
Bill (Becky) Nice, Michigan, Brother-in-law
Bob (Janet) Nice, Carmel, Brother-in-law
Many Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
Frederick Schultz, Father-in-law
Dorothy (Fritz) Schultz Nice, Mother-in-law
Jake Nice, Step-Father-in-law
Tim (Becky) Schultz, Brother-in-law

Mrs. Schultz worked as an instructional assistant at Eastern Pulaski Elementary School for 35 years. Over the years, she touched the lives of countless students. She was proud to have earned an associate’s degree in early childhood development later in life. In addition to her career at the school, she was a certified naturalist at Tippecanoe River State Park for six years. She was a member of Bethel Bible Church in Winamac. She taught Sunday school and VBS for several years, was an active member of the church quilting ministry, and enjoyed the fellowship of life group gatherings. She enjoyed sewing, quilting, gardening, canning, cooking, and baking. She was the rescuer of many cats, dogs and other animals through the years. She enjoyed visiting state and national parks across the country. Simply put, she appreciated all of God’s creation. Most of all, she loved her family, especially her grandchildren. Cindy will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m., Friday, May 30, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. The funeral service will be at 10 a.m., Saturday, May 31, at the funeral home with Pastors Matt Dodd and Thomas Hopewell officiating. Private burial will be at Star City West Cemetery in Star City.

Memorial donations may be made to Friends of the Tippecanoe River State Park or Gideon’s International. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

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

Anton Bortkiewicz

April 8, 1938 to May 26, 2025

MEDARYVILLE - Anton “Tony” Bortkiewicz, 87, of Medaryville, passed away Monday, May 26, at Parkview Haven Retirement Home in Francesville.

He was born April 8, 1938 in Chicago, to the late Herman and Stella “Stephanie” (Kawalec) Bortkiewicz.

He is survived by:
Rachelle R. Bortkiewicz, Niece
Brian J. Bortkiewicz, Nephew
Bruce Bortkiewicz, Nephew
Margie Bortkiewicz, Sister-in-law

Preceded in death by:
Renee (Richard) Knapp, Sister
Frank J. (Barbara) Bortkiewicz, Brother
Jerry J. Bortkiewicz, Brother
Sean Allman, Nephew

Mr. Bortkiewicz was a lifelong farmer.

Private burial will be at St. Henry Cemetery in Medaryville.

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

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

Marion E. Lainhart

April 23, 1924 to May 25, 2025

WINAMAC - Marion Earl Lainhart, 101, of Winamac, passed away Sunday, May 25, at Hickory Creek Nursing Home in Winamac.

He was born April 23, 1924 in Knox, to the late Carl Hezekiah and Hava Zelma (Jordon) Lainhart. He graduated from Knox High School in 1942 and went to work at the Kingsbury Ordinance Plant. The following year, he was drafted into the U.S. Army at the height of World War II. He served throughout Central Europe and took part in notable campaigns such as the Rhineland Offensive and Battle of the Bulge. After three, long years, he earned the rank of staff sergeant with the 53rd Armored Infantry Battalion. Upon his honorable discharge in 1946, he was awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge. In 1947, the U.S. government implemented a policy authorizing the retroactive awarding of the Bronze Star Medal to World War II veteran soldiers who had been awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge, because the CIB was awarded only to soldiers who had borne combat duties befitting the recognition conferred by a BSM. Mr. Lainhart was a decorated American hero and will be remembered as one of Pulaski County’s last surviving members of the Greatest Generation and one of the last World War II veterans.

Marion Lainhart

He is survived by:
Nancy Sue (Monty) Gum, Winamac, Niece
Gloria Jean Tumey, Brownsburg, Niece
Keith (Linda) Lainhart, Mechanicsville, VA, Nephew
Several Great-Nieces and -Nephews and their families

Preceded in death by:
Evelyn Marie (Franklin W.) Fechner, Sister
Harold Carl (Marion Louise) Lainhart, Brother

Upon returning from the war, Mr. Lainhart earned a degree from the South Bend Business College under the GI Bill. Throughout his life, he worked as an accountant for South Bend Lathe, as a laborer at T-Pack in Winamac, and as a custodian with North Judson Schools. He was a caregiver for his mother until her passing in 1994 and enjoyed helping his sister with any errands or chores she needed done. He was a longtime member of the First Baptist Church in Winamac where he enjoyed singing in the choir. He was also a Life Member of the Winamac VFW Post #1728. In his younger years, he played baseball and basketball. When he watched sports on TV, he always rooted for the underdog. He was very good at pitching horseshoes and enjoyed playing ping-pong. He was a nature lover who enjoyed long walks outside, fishing and mowing his yard. In his later years, he painted several interesting large animal murals – just for fun. He was a polite, humble man whose advice to younger people was, “Work hard, and be kind to others.” His secret to living a long life was to keep moving. He appreciated the help and care he received from several of his neighbors, as well as the staff and doctors at Pulaski Memorial Hospital, Pulaski Health Care Center, and Hickory Creek. And despite his childhood nickname of Termite - he “did alright!” He will be deeply missed by all those who knew and loved him.

Visitation will from 12 noon to 2 p.m., Tuesday, June 3, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. The funeral service will follow at 2 p.m. (Tuesday), at the funeral home with Pastor Mark Pilger officiating. Burial with military honors will be at Highland Cemetery in North Judson.

Memorial donations may be made to Wounded Warrior Project or Winamac VFW Post #1728.

Online tributes may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com

Katherine E. Brogdon

July 11, 1941 to May 20, 2025

WINAMAC - Katherine Elizabeth “Bunny” Brogdon, 83, of Winamac, (formerly of Lake Bruce) passed away Tuesday, May 20.

She was born July 11, 1941 at Carneal’s Hospital in Winamac to the late Herman and Hannah (Dunker) Smidler. She graduated from Francesville High School in 1959. She lived in Chicago, and worked at Nestlé during the years after high school before her marriage. She married Melvin LaVon “Nub” Brogdon on Oct. 28, 1962, at St. James Lutheran Church in Reynolds. He passed away Oct. 10, 2015.

Bunny Brogdon

She is survived by:
Pamela Joy (Craig) Barr, Kokomo, Daughter
Melvin Scott (Missie) Brogdon, Winamac, Son
Lauren Elizabeth (Zach) Decker, Granddaughter
Emily Margaret Barr, Granddaughter
Bethany Marie (Nick) Terruso, Granddaughter
Erika Lavon Brogdon, Granddaughter
Beau Wallace Decker, Great-Grandson
Myla Marie Terruso, Great-Granddaughter
Paula (Larry) Beauchamp, Monticello, Sister
Herman “Sonny” (Norma) Smidler, Monticello, Brother
Many Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
Francis Hoover, Sister
Fred Smidler, Brother

Mrs. Brogdon was a devoted wife and mother who also worked part-time at the A& P Store and Alexander’s Meat Market in Winamac. She and her husband loved living at Lake Bruce, especially time spent fishing and boating. They enjoyed 21 years of wintering at Pine Island, FL and Avon Park, FL. They camped all over the U.S. and Canada, which often included the granddaughters. She was a member of St. Luke Lutheran Church in Winamac. She was a proud supporter of her granddaughters in all their activities. When she was not spending time with them, they stayed in touch through social media and texting. She truly enjoyed receiving pictures of her great-grandchildren.

The family offers sincere thanks to Patricia Korzeniowski, Karla Johnson and Elaine Powers for their tender care of Bunny.

Memorial visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Sunday, June 8, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. A celebration of life service will follow at 1 p.m. (June 8) at the funeral home. Burial will take place at Bruce Lake Cemetery at Lake Bruce.

Memorial donations may be made to the Pulaski Animal Center or Ronald McDonald House. 

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

Donna M. Korzeniowski

November 11, 1951 to May 20, 2025

WINAMAC - Donna Marie Korzeniowski, 73, of Winamac, passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, May 20, at the St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Mishawaka.

She was born Nov. 11, 1951, at home (on the kitchen table) in Chicago to the late Floyd and Elizabeth (Goosen) Keating. She completed grade school at St. Gabriel, graduated from Richards High School, and studied at Jones Commercial Academy. She was a longtime resident of Chicago’s South Side before moving away in 2006. She married Richard John Korzeniowski in 1973 in California, and he passed away in 2012.

Donna Korzeniowski

She is survived by:
Richard (Patricia) Korzeniowski, Winamac, Son
Blaze Bryant, Winamac, Grandson
Marty, Brother
Mercy, Sister
Mary Kay, Sister
Kathy, Sister
Margie, Sister
Theresa, Sister
Numerous Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
DeAndre Bryant, Grandson
Floyd Keating Jr., Brother
Mickey Keating, Brother

The Korzeniowskis enjoyed six years of retirement in Attalla, AL. Following her husband’s passing, Mrs. Korzeniowski moved to Winamac. She was a lifelong member of the Catholic faith and a current member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Winamac. She enjoyed her weekly TOPS meetings and cherished the friendships made. She had a big heart and was an avid supporter of Boys Town of America, Shriners Hospital and Ronald McDonald House. She enjoyed baking, gardening, reading, and watching old movies. Most of all, she loved to spend time with her family, especially her grandsons.

The family will host a memorial service at a later date.

Memorial donations may be made to Boys Town of America, Shriners Hospital and Ronald McDonald House. In lieu of flowers, please consider planting a tree in memory of Donna.

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

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.