Obituaries

Margaret L. Bonini / Leedio J. Bonini

March 12, 1926 to June 7, 2019
October 8, 1921 to June 8, 2019

WINAMAC - Margaret L. Bonini, 93, and Leedio J. Bonini 97, of Winamac (formerly of Crown Point), passed away 12 hours apart from one another at Pulaski Health Care Center, Winamac. Mrs. Bonini died at 6:40 p.m., Friday, June 7; while Mr. Bonini died at 6:40 a.m., Saturday, June 8.

The couple was married on May 8, 1948 and recently celebrated 71 years of marriage. They are survived by daughters, Janice (Al) Davis of Winamac and Nancy (Brent) Braithwaite of Melbourne, FL; three grandchildren, Joseph, Heather and Justin; and two great-grandchildren, Allyson and Jonas. An infant son, Richard Bonini, preceded them in death.

Mrs. Bonini was born March 12, 1926, in Gary, to the late Claire and Margaret Evans Niles. She grew up with two brothers, Raymond and William. William survives. She graduated from Merrillville High School. She was a proud homemaker and a talented seamstress and quilter. 

Mr. Bonini was born Oct. 8, 1921 in Houghton, MI. He was the last surviving child of the late Baldo and Mary Bonini who had 11 children. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II and was a member of the Crown Point American Legion. He spent most of his life as a milkman in Crown Point, delivering milk and other items to many homes in the area.

No services will be held.

Memorial donations may be made to Pulaski Health Care Center, Winamac.

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

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary, Winamac. 

William G. Szabo Jr.

July 8, 1943 to June 8, 2019

MEDARYVILLE - William George "Bill" Szabo Jr., 75, of Gary, passed away at 3 a.m., Saturday, June 8, at VNA Hospice of NWI in Valparaiso.

He was born July 8, 1943 in LaPorte, to the late William George Sr. and Violet Edna Shedrow Szabo. He graduated from Medaryville High School in 1961 before moving to Gary, but he loved being a country boy.

He is survived by: 
Valerie (Robert) Gill, Palmetto, FL, Daughter 
Linda Diaz, Tarpon Springs, FL, Daughter 
Julie (Lawrence) Jarosak, Portage, Daughter 
Melissa (Shawn) Ford, Valparaiso, Daughter 
Kristen (Kevin) Kosovich, Portage, Daughter 
14 Grandchildren 
3 Great Grandchildren 
Robert (Diane) Szabo, Crown Point, Brother 
Kenneth (Sandy) Szabo, Valparaiso, Brother 
Several Nieces, Nephews and Cousins

Preceded in death by: 
4 Brothers: Larry, Charles, Frances and James 
Many Aunts and Uncles

Mr. Szabo served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War and often spoke of how his service took him halfway around the world and back. He was a member of VFW Post #909 in Gary until it closed. He was also a former Freemason and Shriner. He worked at Inland Steel for over 30 years; working his way up from millwright to research and development. He was a former member of the United Steel Workers Union. He enjoyed the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing. He was an avid race fan. For the past 5-1/2 years, Mr. Szabo suffered from dementia. He lived with his grandchildren Jason, Sophia, Salina, Jude and Emma who lovingly helped care for him. He will be missed by those who knew and loved him.

Visitation will be from 12 noon to 2 p.m., Tuesday, June 18, at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel, Medaryville. The funeral service will follow at 2 p.m. (Tuesday), at the funeral home with Pastor Jeff Seger officiating. Burial will be at St. John's Cemetery, Medaryville. The American Legion will conduct military graveside services.

Memorial donations may be made to VNA Hospice or St. John's Cemetery. 

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

Virginia M. Olson

July 12, 1937 to June 5, 2019

FRANCESVILLE - Virginia Mae Olson, 81, of Fishers (formerly of Francesville), passed away Wednesday, June 5, Allisonville Meadows, Fishers.

She was born July 12, 1937 in Arcola, IL to the late Timothy and Mabel Fulk Logan. On Dec. 14, 1958, she married Algot "Al" Olson in Tuscola, IL. He passed away April 13, 2016. They were happily married for 57 years.

She is survived by her three children: Dawn (Randy) Miller, Middlebury, Alicia (Marc) McClure, Indianapolis, and Eric (Traci) Olson, Abingdon, MD. She was also blessed with 10 grandchildren: Erica (James) Chidester, Zach (Emi) Miller, Hannah Olson, Alexis (Jeff) McCracken, Brianna Olson, Olivia (Barry) Rodriguez, Karisse Olson, Carli (Bryan) Pratt, Christian Olson and Kyle McClure. Also surviving are seven great-grandchildren: Doris, Nathanael, Josiah, Ruth, Quinnley, Ethan and Merrin.

Mrs. Olson was a longtime member of the Medaryville Christian Church. She enjoyed spending time with her family; especially the kids, grandkids and great-grandkids. She will be sadly missed.

A memorial service will be at 3:30 p.m., Saturday, July 6, at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel, Francesville. The family will greet friends and relatives prior to the service from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Private burial will be at Roseland Cemetery, Francesville.

Memorial donations may be made to Medaryville Christian Church.

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

William R. Roth

October 18, 1948 to June 5, 2019

WINAMAC - William R. "Bill" Roth, 70, of Pulaski, passed away at home Wednesday, June 5.

He was born Oct. 18, 1948 in Winamac, to the late Harry J. and Iva Lucile Degner Roth. He graduated from Winamac High School in 1967 and Ball State University in 1973. On Oct. 1, 1976, he married Patricia J. "Peach" Kimmerling. She survives.

He is also survived by: 
Mary Lea Sass, Francesville, Sister 
Harold "Sonny" (Patty) Roth, Pulaski, Brother 
Margaret "Peggy" Burzinski, Arlington Heights, IL, Sister 
Carolyn (James) Witham, Pulaski, Sister 
Richard "Bub" (Sandy) Roth, Winamac, Brother 
Robert (Kathy) Roth, The Villages, FL, Brother 
Rebecca (Chuck) Zellers, Winamac, Sister 
Betty Lou Hughes, Palmetto, FL, Aunt 
Numerous Nieces, Nephews and Cousins

Preceded in death by: 
Patsy Ann Shoemaker, Sister 

Mr. Roth was a lifelong member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pulaski, where he served on the parish council, as a member of the finance committee, and taught religious education. His faith was paramount in his life. He loved his community very much and his caring showed in the many ways he was involved. In years past, he enjoyed coaching softball for the Merchant's League. He was a founding member of the Pulaski Animal Center and was currently serving as board president.

In 1974, Mr. Roth joined The Braun Corporation, Winamac, as the lone accountant and human resource director. In over 35 years, he touched the lives of countless individuals. Anyone and everyone who entered his office was treated with the same level of respect. In 2010, he retired after serving over two decades as president of The Braun Corporation.

Mr. Roth enjoyed playing poker, black jack and euchre with friends from all over. He was an avid Chicago Cubs, Notre Dame and New England Patriots sports fan. He attended many Cubs games with friends and family over the years. He was a conservationist, having planted nearly 17,000 trees. He loved the outdoors, especially spending time at "The Pit." He was the recipient of three wonderful service dogs from Canine Companions for Independence: Bahrt, Raymer and Rita. Rita survives. He was a kind, gentle and generous man who made the world a better place. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

A scriptural wake service will be at 2 p.m., followed by a Rosary Service Sunday, June 9, at Frain Mortuary, Winamac. Visitation will be from 3 to 8 p.m., Sunday, at the funeral home. A funeral mass will be at 11 a.m., Monday, June 10, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pulaski with Rev. Leroy Kinnaman officiating. Burial will be at St. Joseph Cemetery South in Pulaski.

Memorial donations may be made to the Roth We Care Fund c/o Community Foundation of Pulaski County.

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

Shelia K. Garling

June 17, 1957 to June 2, 2019

WINAMAC - Shelia Kay Garling, 61, of Winamac, passed away at 10:45 a.m., Sunday, June 2, at White Oak Health Campus, Monticello.

She was born June 17, 1957 in Logansport, to Richard T. and Wanda May Shidler Myers. She was a graduate of Frontier High School in Chalmers. On April 17, 1982, She married Brad L. Garling in Chalmers. He survives.

She is also survived by: 
Leslie (Aaron) Disinger, Monticello, Daughter 
Matthew Garling, Winamac, Son 
Mason Disinger, Grandson 
Hayden Disinger, Grandson 
Kaylee Disinger, Granddaughter 
Richard T. Myers, Monticello, Father 
Richard T. (Mary) Myers Jr., Rensselaer, Brother 
Several Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by: 
Wanda May "Sis" Shidler Myers, Mother

In her younger years, Mrs. Garling worked for her mom at Chalmer's Cafe. She spent many years working as an aide at the hospitals in Monticello and Winamac. She made a career change - going to work for local accountant Bob Simpson - which led to her getting a job in the Pulaski County Auditor's Office, and she later served as county auditor from 2009-2016. She and her husband also owned and operated Gear Up Sports and Apparel in Winamac.  

She loved serving others, whether it was running her own business or serving the residents of Pulaski County. She was a member of Bethel Bible Church in Winamac. She loved spending time with her church family; together growing in the Lord. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister and friend. She was an avid reader and enjoyed shopping. She especially enjoyed attending the sporting events of her children and grandchildren. Spending time with her family brought great joy to her life. She also enjoyed traveling places with family and friends. She was a very social woman who did not know a stranger. Her warm smile and unique laugh made everyone feel welcome and comfortable. She will be dearly missed.

Visitation will be from 3 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, June 5, at Frain Mortuary, Winamac; and one hour prior to services at the church Thursday. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Thursday, June 6, at Bethel Bible Church, Winamac with Pastor Thomas Hopewell officiating. Burial will be at Buck Cemetery, Thornhope.

Memorial donations may be made to Bethel Bible Church or Kindred Hospice.

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

Ronald E. Granato

March 31, 1944 to May 31, 2019

WINAMAC - Ronald Edward Granato, 75, of Winamac, passed away Friday, May 31, at his residence.

He was born March 31, 1944 in Monessen, PA to the late Albert F. and Alma E. Farley Granato. On Dec. 16, 1964 he married Darlene L. Chalfant in Crown Point. She survives.

He is survived by: 
Chad E. (Janet) Granato, North Judson, Son 
Todd C. (Stephanie) Granato, North Judson, Son 
Brian S. (Kimberly) Granato, Wheatfield, Son 
9 Grandchildren 
4 Great-grandchildren 
Sheila Sakialk, Rochester, Sister 
Albert (Joan) Granato, Coal Center, PA, Brother 
David (Shirley) Granato, Coal Center, PA, Brother

He was preceded in the death by: 
2 Sisters, Niomi and Alma Jean

Mr. Granato was a dedicated husband, calling his wife with whom he had spent 54 years his "one and only." He raised his children with as much love and dedication as to all his endeavors. He found happiness through sacrifice, first serving his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, then continuing his service to the country as a trustee for the Fraternal order of the Eagles and as a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was an accomplished steel worker, retiring from U.S. Steel after 37  years of commitment and hard work where he completed apprenticeships for both boilermaker and iron worker.

He was an avid outdoorsman whose love of nature could only be surpassed by that of his family, in whom he fostered an equal affinity for hunting and fishing. His summers were spent on the Tippecanoe River floating with family and friends, praising their success and supporting them in heartache. He was always there for family when he could be and also for those he loved. For that he will always be in our thoughts. We will miss you, Ron. Go Pittsburg Steelers.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, June 5, at Frain Mortuary, Winamac. A memorial service will follow at 7 p.m., at the funeral home with Pastor Billy Bope officiating. Military honors will be conducted at the funeral home following services.

Memorial donations may be made to the family.

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