Obituaries

Donna Bajer

August 20, 1961 to October 18, 2017

KNOX - Donna Bajer, 56, of Monterey, died Wednesday, Oct. 18, in Knox.

She was born Aug. 20, 1961, in Chicago, the daughter of the late Donald and Constance Hamilton Stegner.

Surviving are her husband, Michael Bajer of Monterey; daughters Michelle Rzepczynski of Monterey and Angela(Corrie Covelli) Bajer of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; grandchildren  Alexis Bajer of Monterey, Destiny Bajer of Monterey, Edward (Jill) Rzepczynski, Anthony Luna, Max Newman, Logan Covelli and Loukas Covelli; great-grandchildren Ryker and Lylah; and brother Donald (Beth) Stegner Jr. of Lake Geneva, Wis.

She was preceded in death by son Brandon Bajer.

Mrs. Bajer worked as a bookkeeper. She loved to cook and looked forward to the holidays, especially Christmas. She loved spending time with her family and her grandchildren. She will be missed by many.

Friends will be received 2 to 6 p.m. (CT), Friday, Oct. 27, at the at the Braman & Son Memorial Chapel, Knox. The funeral service will follow at 6 p.m. (CT), at the funeral home.

Memorial donations may be made to the family.

Mary Louise Freeman

December 7, 1919 to October 15, 2017

NORTH JUDSON - Mary Louise Freeman, 97, passed away peacefully on Sunday, Oct. 15, at Pulaski Health Care Center, Winamac.

Shewas born Dec. 7, 1919 in Knox, to Chester and Ermal Pettis. She married Herbert E. Freeman of Winamac on Sept. 13, 1940.

She is survived by her son Anthony Freeman of Everett, Wash. She was preceded in death by her sister Eileen, her parents and her husband of very nearly 72 years, Herb.

Mrs. Freeman graduated from Knox High School, Class of 1937. Following graduation, she worked as a secretary at Taitel's Garment Factory in Knox for several years. When her husband enlisted in the Army Air Corps in 1943, she followed him to Phoenix where he was undergoing his advanced training at Luke Field, and got a job as a secretary on base. At the end of World War II, she returned home to Knox and awaited Herb's discharge. Several years later, the couple moved to North Judson and bought Modern Chevrolet from Roy Eichstadt and together they ran that business until their retirement in 1984. In particular, she was the unofficial "social coordinator" during each and every new car model show for their entire career. Mrs. Freeman was active in the community, and was a member of Eastern Star and the American Legion Auxiliary. She loved being with friends and family, entertaining, rooting for NJSPHS basketball, playing cribbage and traveling. She will be remembered by those who knew her for her graciousness, kindness and warm heart.

Per Mary Louise's and Herb's wishes, an American Legion graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. (CT), Saturday, Nov. 4, at Highland Cemetery in North Judson.

In lieu of flowers, friends may express condolences via memorial contributions to the North Judson San Pierre High School Athletic Department or the Starke County Historical Society.

Arrangements entrusted to O'Donnell Funeral Home, North Judson.

Gilbert H. Thomas

December 16, 1944 to October 26, 2017

WHEATFIELD - Gilbert H. Thomas, 72, of Medaryville, passed away Thursday, Oct. 26.

He was born Dec. 16, 1944 in France to Henri and Maria Rice Thomas. He married Linda Walker. She survives.

He is also survived by children Chris Hartley-Boze, ‘Bobby’ (Peggy) Campbell, Kim Campbell, and Kevin Campbell (girlfriend Beth); 14 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren; 1 brother Marcel Thomas and sister Simone Pohl.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Mr. Thomas was a railroad cop at Bethlehem Steel. He served in the U.S. Navy.

Friends are invited to visit with the family from 5 to 7 p.m. (CT), Wednesday, Nov. 1, at Boersma Funeral Home, Wheatfield. The funeral service will be at 6:30 p.m. (CT), at the funeral home with Pastor Paul Gritten officiating. Interment at Marion National Cemetery will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family.

Kevin Kolish

July 1, 1965 to October 28, 2017

WINAMAC - Kevin Kolish, 52, of Winamac, passed away at 12:12 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 28, at Fort Wayne, after a brief illness.

He was born on July 1, 1965 in Knox, to Billy and Fluff Kolish.

He is survived by: 
Jordan Kolish, Winamac, Son 
Fluff (Bill) Jenkins, Winamac, Mother 
Susan (Jeff) Foust, Rochester, Sister 
William (Linda) Kolish, Winamac, Brother 
Mark (Diane) Kolish, Winamac, Brother 
Missy (Josh) Behny, Noblesville, Step-Sister 
Chad (Monica) Kolish, Winamac, Nephew 
Beth Kolish, Winamac, Niece 
Ryan (Lindsey) Kolish, Winamac, Nephew 
Austin (Emily) Foust, Plymouth, Nephew 
Matthew Kolish, Winamac, Nephew 
Kaitlin Foust, South Bend, Niece 
Caitlin Behny, Noblesville, Step-Niece 
Fin Behny, Noblesville, Step-Nephew 
Lori Clark Kolish, Winamac, Step-Mother 

Preceded in death by: 
Billy J. Kolish, Father 
Lorraine Howard Kolish, Step-Mother

Mr. Kolish was a lifelong resident of Winamac, and was the owner and operator of Jenkins Service. He enjoyed participating in and watching motorsports. He traveled as a mud racer in the National Mud Racing Association where he held a record for the fastest time. He was a member of the United States Hot Rod Association. He loved traveling with his son, Jordan, to NHRA Jr. Drag Racing events. He was a former member of the Pulaski County 4-H Beef Committee. He also enjoyed raising show cattle and attending cattle shows, as well as traveling and flying. He was a talented cook, craftsman, and genuine conversationalist. He was kind and generous; always willing to help others. He was a loving father, son, brother, uncle and friend. He will be sadly missed.

Visitation will be from 3 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 1, at Frain Mortuary, Winamac. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Thursday, Nov. 2, at the funeral home with Pastor Heath Hiatt officiating. Burial will be at McKinley Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Winamac.

Memorial donations may be made to the Pulaski County 4-H Beef Committee.

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

Mary DeYoung

December 12, 1939 to October 25, 2017

WINAMAC - Mary Hardesty DeYoung, 77, of Culver, passed away at 12:10 a.m., Wednesday, Oct. 25, at Miller's Merry Manor in Culver after a brief illness.

She was born Dec. 12, 1939 in Lansing, Ill. and spent most of her life in South Holland  and Beecher, Ill.

She is survived by: 
Jerry DeYoung, Lansing, Ill., Son 
2 Grandchildren and 1 Great Grandchild

She was preceded in death by: 
Jim DeYoung, Son

Mrs. DeYoung was a homemaker, but held many jobs over the years including bus driver and security guard. She retired from Schumacher Electric. After retirement, she and her husband, Fred moved to Francesville. Most recently, she was living at Hickory Creek in Winamac before relocating to Miller's Merry Manor in Culver. She enjoyed camping and her camping friends. It was her love for camping and this area that brought her here after retirement. She loved animals, especially cats. She enjoyed socializing, eating out at restaurants and shopping. Most of all, she loved her family. 
She will be sadly missed by those who loved her.

Visitation will be from 12 noon to 2 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 29, at Frain Mortuary, Winamac. No services will be held. Private burial will take place at Winamac Cemetery, Winamac.

Memorial donations may be made to Miller's Merry Manor.

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

Ronald D. Mendenhall

March 17, 1943 to October 25, 2017

WINAMAC - Ronald Dale "Ron" Mendenhall, 74, of Star City, passed away at 8:26 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 25, at IU Health Methodist Hospital, Indianapolis.

He was born March 17, 1943 in Star City to the late Carl J. and Olive G. Fisher Mendenhall. He attended Pulaski schools and graduated from Star City High School in 1961. After high school, he completed barber's training at International Barber College. On Dec. 8, 1963, he married Karen Shaffer in Argos. She survives.

He is also survived by: 
Melissa Alexander, Culver, Daughter 
Timothy "Gil" Alexander, Grandson 
Thadeus "Thad" Alexander, Grandson 
Norman D. Bathke, Medaryville, Brother-in-law 
Doug Bathke, Medaryville, Nephew 
Diana (David) Ricks, Greenfield, Nephew 
Chuck (Sally) Bathke, Medaryville, Nephew

Preceded in death by: 
Rodney J. Mendenhall, Infant Son 
Judith A. Bathke, Sister 
June Mendenall, Step Mother 

Mr. Mendenhall was the owner and operator of Ron's Barber Shop in Star City for over 50 years. Aside from being a barber, he had also worked as a rural mail carrier. He served in the U.S. Army during Vietnam. He was a lifetime member of the VFW Post #1728 in Winamac and served many years with the Star City Volunteer Fire Department. He was a lifelong member of the Pulaski Presbyterian Church in Pulaski, where he had served faithfully over the years. He was a member and Past-Master of the Winamac Masonic Lodge #262 F&AM and had received his Award of Gold. He was also a member of the Scottish Rite in South Bend. He was member of the OES Tippecanoe Chapter #96 and was the current Junior Past Grand Patron of the Indiana Grand Chapter OES. He enjoyed the outdoors, especially mowing, gardening, and farming. He was a hardworking and kind man who never knew a stranger. He had a great sense of humor. He loved his family very much. He will be sadly missed by his friends and family.

Visitation will be from 12 noon to 8 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 29, at Frain Mortuary, Winamac. Masonic services will be at 7 p.m., Sunday, followed by OES services. The funeral service will be at 2 p.m., Monday, Oct. 30, at the funeral home with Pastor Tom Richards officiating. Burial will be at Star City West Cemetery, Star City. The American Legion and VFW will conduct military graveside services.

Memorial donations may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.

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