Obituaries

August 21, 1930 to December 6, 2021

FRANCESVILLE - Margaret Stefan Gudeman, 91, of Francesville, passed away Monday, Dec. 6, at home surrounded by her family who cherished her.

She was born of German ancestry on Aug. 21, 1930 in Tscherwenka, Yugoslavia (present day Serbia) to the late Philip and Elisabeth Dech Stefan. She immigrated to the U.S. in 1950 and became a U.S. citizen in 1956. She married Willis W. Gudeman on April 11, 1954, in Francesville. He passed away May 26, 2020.

Margaret Gudeman

She is survived by:
Dale (Peg) Gudeman, Francesville, Son
Doreen (Barry) Steffen, Silver Spring, MD, Daughter
Debra (Don) Nuest, Francesville, Daughter
Donna (Mike) Putt, Francesville, Daughter
Grandchildren: Andria (John) Sprunger, Grant (Cara) Gudeman, Darin (Arial) Gudeman, Heidi (Ben) Swakopf, Hilary (fiancé: Tyler Young) Nuest, Erica (Kirk) Huber, David (Sierra) Putt, Thomas Putt, Brandon (Hailey) Putt, and Elva Martinez.
12 Great-Grandchildren
Marcella Gudeman, Francesville, Sister-in-law
Several Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
Hermine (Karl) Pister, Sister
Wendell G. Gudeman, Brother-in-law

Upon coming alone to America at age 19, Margaret was a domestic helper for relatives in Francesville and lived a brief time in Chicago where she worked as a seamstress. Mrs. Gudeman was a contributor to her family’s farming operation and a homemaker her entire married life. She was someone who thoroughly enjoyed working in her home and garden. She also enjoyed sewing and quilting; she hand-quilted more than 40 quilts that are treasured by her children and grandchildren. She had a special relationship with Morgan Danford, Jenna Miller, and Anne Holbrook, all of whom cared for her and brought companionship the last few years. She was a member of the Apostolic Christian Church of Francesville for 70 years. She lived her life of faith through quiet service and prayer. She was a ready volunteer who put others ahead of herself and a peacemaker who chose to find the good in others.

Visitation will be from 3 to 7 p.m., Friday, Dec. 10, at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Francesville; and one hour prior to services at the church on Saturday. The funeral service will be at 10 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 11, at the Apostolic Christian Church in Francesville, with ministers of the church officiating. Burial will be at Roseland Cemetery in Francesville.

Memorial donations may be made in Mrs. Gudeman’s memory to HarvestCall – Eastern Europe Relief (envelopes will be provided by the funeral home).

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