Obituaries

January 17, 1948 to September 29, 2017

WINAMAC - Rev. Herbert R. "Father Bert" Woolson, 69, of Winamac passed away Friday, Sept. 29, at Memorial Hospital, South Bend.

He was born Jan. 17, 1948 in Lawton, OK to the late John and Betty McLellan Woolson.

He is survived by: 
Anne (Gary) Campbell, Allen, TX, Sister & Brother-in-law 
Milagros Woolson, Centerville, VA, Sister-in-law 
Many Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by: 
Catherine Woolson, Sister 
John Woolson, Jr., Brother 
Richard Woolson, Brother

Father Bert was a graduate of Brunnerdale High School Seminary and Walsh College both of North Canton, OH. He received a Masters of Divinity from Catholic Theological Union in Chicago and was ordained on June 12, 1982 in Celina, OH. Father Bert was currently serving as pastor of St. Anne Catholic Church, Monterey and St. Ann Catholic Church, Kewanna. He was a Fourth Degree member of the Knights of Columbus, Monterey Assembly. For many years, he served as chaplain for St. Joseph Medical Center in Ft. Wayne, Indiana Canine Assisted Crisis Team, Indiana State Police, Pulaski Memorial Hospital, Pulaski Memorial Hospice, and Pulaski County Coroner's Office. Along with his trusted dogs, Rain and Leisel, he was an active member of the Indiana Department of Mental Health. Most recently, his dog Zeke was being trained to join the department. He enjoyed serving others, wherever the need was. He had a gentle demeanor and brought a calming peace to those around him. Father Bert will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

Visitation will be from 2 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 4, at Frain Mortuary, Winamac. A scriptural wake service will be at 2 p.m., and Knights of Columbus Service will be at 8 p.m., at the funeral home. Additional visitation will be from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., Thursday, Oct. 5, at the funeral home.

A funeral mass will be at 11 a.m., Thursday, Oct. 5, at St. Peter Catholic Church, Winamac, with Most Rev. Bishop Emeritus William L. Higi and priests of Lafayette-in-Indiana Diocese officiating.

A graveside service will be at 11 a.m., Friday, Oct. 6, at Our Lady of Peace Cemetery (9001 Haverstick Rd. Indianapolis) with Rev. Leroy Kinnaman officiating. Interment will be at Our Lady of Peace Cemetery,Indianapolis.

Memorial donations may be made in the form of Mass Intentions to the Catholic Church of the donor's choice.

Online condolences may be offered in the guestbook at www.frainmortuary.com.