Obituaries

Lester L. Bane

February 6, 1938 to December 22, 2024

WINAMAC - Lester L. Bane, 86, of Westville (formerly of Winamac), passed away Sunday, Dec. 22, at his home in Westville.

He was born Feb. 6, 1938 in Philadelphia, MS to the late Lester W. and Ann [Gray] Bane. He grew up in House, MS and served a short time in the Mississippi National Guard. He married Martha J. Nicholson on April 3, 1960 and together they raised five children in Neshoba, MS. She preceded him in death.

Lester Bane

He is survived by:
Steve (Julie) Bane, Lake Station, Son
James Keith Bane, Winamac, Son
Pamela Bane, Westville, Daughter
Sandy Kelley, Portage, IN Step-Daughter
Amber Bane, Granddaughter
Lee (Kim) Podgorski, Grandson
Christopher (Nicki) Podgorski, Grandson
Jonathon (Susan) Kallok, Grandson
Kaitlyn Kallok, Granddaughter
William Kenzie, Grandson
Several Great-Grandchildren
David Lierman, Oklahoma City, OK, Brother
Numerous Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
Mona Maydell [Brown] Bane, Wife
Charles Bane, Son
Karen Bane, Daughter
Patsy Podgorski, Step-Daughter
Bobby Bane, Brother
Richard Bane, Brother
Linda Moss, Sister
Diane Carmack, Sister
Edna Long, Sister

Mr. Bane was a retired truck driver, which is what brought him to Indiana. On Oct. 10, 1986, he married Mona Brown in Hobart. He enjoyed tinkering around the shop and woodworking, as well as fishing and hunting. He loved his family very much and will be deeply missed.

A graveside services will be at 2 p.m., Friday, Dec. 27, at Winamac Cemetery (McKinley Addition) in Winamac with Pastor Tom Wetslaar officiating. The American Legion and VFW will conduct military graveside services. Burial will follow at the cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to the family.

Online tributes may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.

Charles K. Thomas

September 18, 1947 to December 20, 2024

WINAMAC - Charles Keith Thomas, 77, of Winamac, passed away Friday, Dec. 20, at Northwest Health Hospital in LaPorte.

He was born Sept. 18, 1947 in Frankfort, to the late Charles Henry and Margaret Irene [Terry] Thomas. He attended Sharpsville High School in Tipton County with the class of 1965 and earned a GED in 1986 – the same year his daughter graduated from high school. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving in Europe during the Vietnam War. On May 21, 1971, he married Sharon Kay Burger in Kokomo. She survives.

Charles Thomas

He is also survived by:
April (fiancé: Paul Hobbs) Starr, Hamlet, Daughter
Tyler Reed, Grandson
Delton (Krissy) Reed, Grandson
Kaysey Reed, Granddaughter
Rebecca Reed, Granddaughter
2 Great-Grandchildren: Summer and Asher
Ruth (George) Sanchez, Middleburg, FL, Sister
Several Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
Parents

Mr. Thomas worked hard throughout his entire life. For many years, he owned and operated various businesses, served as manager of numerous apartment and housing communities, and worked in road construction. He excelled at whatever he did whether it was playing baseball as a boy, to cards as an adult, to whatever he put his mind to. When he wasn’t working, he enjoyed vacations with Sharon - visiting many wonderful places and making amazing memories. He enjoyed the outdoors, especially hunting, fishing, and camping. Later in life, he insisted on doing all the cooking for his wife. He had a great sense of humor and was very ornery. He was also very devoted to his family and friends. He enjoyed helping anyone who was in need. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Visitation will be from 1 to 2 p.m., Monday, Dec. 30, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. A celebration of life will follow at 2 p.m. (Dec. 30), at the funeral home with Pastor Elizabeth Reed officiating. The VFW and American Legion will conduct military honors at the funeral home.

Memorial donations may be made to the family.

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

Cremation arrangements entrusted to Frain Mortuary.

Gloria K. Jenkins

August 4, 1938 to December 19, 2024

WINAMAC - Gloria K. Jenkins, 86, of Winamac, passed away peacefully, Thursday, Dec. 19, at Pulaski Health Care Center in Winamac.

She was born Aug. 4, 1938 in North Judson, to the late Gerald W. and Phyllis G. Mosher] Hellinga. She married Billy G. Jenkins Oct. 4, 1958, in Knox.

Gloria K. Jenkins

She is survived by:
Cathy L. (Duane) Field, Winamac, Daughter
Laura L. Mundell-Jenkins, Winamac, Daughter-in-law
Cheryl L. (Nathan) Raymond, Granddaughter
Amanda (Brian) Kirkland, Granddaughter
Max Mundell, Grandson
Nolan Jenkins, Grandson
Rachael (Stan) Mundell, Granddaughter
Alyssa Jenkins, Granddaughter
Zane Jenkins, Grandson
6 Great-Grandchildren: Taelynn, Katelynn, Jason, Jacoby, Serena, and Genevieve
Roger (Sally) Hellinga, Brother
Jerry (Lynn) Hellinga, Brother
Many Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
Billy G. Jenkins, First Husband
David L. Jenkins, Son
Daniel Duane Field, Infant Grandson
George E. Burton, Second Husband

Mrs. Jenkins and husband Billy made their home in Winamac where they worked hard, loved their family, and enjoyed square dancing and traveling amongst other things. He passed away Jan. 22, 2004 after 45 years of marriage. The following year, she married George Burton, and they enjoyed 11years of companionship before he passed away in 2016. She was retired from Key Bank in Winamac where she had worked as a teller for 30 years. Prior to her career in banking, she was a deputy in the Pulaski County Recorder’s Office. She was a member of the First Christian Church in Winamac, as well as the Tippecanoe Twirlers, Pegs & Joker Club and Gideon’s International. She was a talented seamstress who enjoyed sewing and crocheting. She also enjoyed jigsaw puzzles and reading. Most of all, she loved her family dearly. She will be sadly missed.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 26, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Friday, Dec. 27, at the funeral home. Burial will be at Winamac Cemetery (McKinley Addition) in Winamac.

Memorial donations may be made to the family c/o Cathy Field.

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

Marvin D. Franscoviak

February 26, 1959 to December 15, 2024

ROYAL CENTER - Marvin D. Franscoviak, 74 of Logansport, passed away at 8:50 a.m., Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024 at Healthcare Center, Winamac.

Marvin Franscoviak

Born Feb. 26, 1950 in Francesville, he was the son of the late Bernard “Ted” and Maxine (Johnson) Franscoviak. He was an Indiana University Kokomo graduate where he received a bachelor of science degree. He married Sandra K. Sterling on Oct. 12, 1974. She survives.

Survivors also include his children Janet (Brian) York, Matthew (Heather) Franscoviak, Ryan (Laura) Franscoviak, Aubrey Franscoviak and Kristen (fiancé Kenny Bishop) Franscoviak; brother Rick (Pat) Franscoviak and sister Peggy Okeley; and sisters-in-law Kay Franscoviak and Judy Franscoviak. He is also survived by numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by siblings Francis, Jerry, Ronnie, Linda and Lisa; and brother-in-law Bob Okeley.

Mr. Franscoviak retired from Smithfield Foods in Peru. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and playing golf.

Services will be private.

Mr. Franscoviak’s online guestbook is available, and condolences may be shared with the Franscoviak family at www.ransfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Rans Funeral Homes.

Barbara J. Parcel

July 28, 1934 to December 9, 2024

WINAMAC - Barbara Jean “Barb” Parcel, 90, of Star City, passed away Monday, Dec. 9, at Pulaski Health Care Center in Winamac.

She was born July 28, 1934 to the late Harold G. and Mary E. [Artrip] Watson. She was a graduate of Logansport High School. She married Darwin W. “Doc” Parcel on Dec. 12, 1954, in Logansport. He passed away Nov. 11, 2013.

Barb Parcel

She is survived by:
Mick (Kathy) Parcel, Winamac, Son
David (Weez) Parcel, Winamac, Son
Doug (Michelle) Parcel, DeMotte, Son
Aaron (Adriane) Parcel, Chattanooga, TN, Grandson
Sarah Chase, Vicksburg, MI, Granddaughter
Steven (Katie) Polstra, Winamac, Grandson
Tarrah (Matthew) Ledford, Francesville, Granddaughter
Abbey (Jake) Berger, Winamac, Granddaughter
Danielle (Justin) Dommer, Winamac, Granddaughter
D.J. Parcel, Lafayette, Grandson
Erika Parcel, DeMotte, Granddaughter
15 Great-Grandchildren
2 Great-Great-Grandchildren
Buck Parcel, Winamac, Brother-in-law
Several Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
Irene V. Watson, Step-Mother

Mrs. Parcel was a former member of the Star City United Methodist Church and a former den mother for Cub Scouts. Through the years, she worked for Weight Watchers and was also a babysitter, as well as a bookkeeper. She and her husband enjoyed many years of time spent at Foxwood Hills in Middlebury. Her proudest accomplishment was being a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She was an avid bird watcher and enjoyed crocheting. She enjoyed collecting various knickknacks and was known to go over-the-top when decorating for holidays. She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m., Friday, Dec. 13, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 14, at the funeral home with Aaron Parcel officiating. Burial will be at Star City West Cemetery in Star City.

Memorial donations may be made to Pulaski Animal Center.

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

Arthur C. Novotny

July 8, 1931 to December 6, 2024

FRANCESVILLE - Arthur Charles “Art” Novotny, 93, of Francesville, passed away peacefully Friday, Dec. 6, at Parkview Haven Retirement Home in Francesville.

He was born July 8, 1931 in Cleveland (OH) to the late Charles and Katherine [Albrecht] Novotny. He spent most of his youth in Lakewood, Ohio before moving to Francesville as a teen. He graduated from Francesville High School in 1949 and earned an associate’s degree from a business college in Lakewood. Beginning in 1951, he served stateside in the U.S. Army as a non-combatant soldier during the Korean War. During this time, he married Maxine Gutwein on Feb. 10, 1952 in Francesville. She preceded him in death.

Art Novotny

He is survived by:
Cathy (José) Cervantes, Tecate, Mexico, Daughter
Mark (Kristel) Novotny, Fishers, Son
Mary Lyn (Bob) Milford, Fishers, Daughter
Grandchildren: Jann (Adam) Snively, Kurt (Mary) Novotny, Ruth (Matt) Gerber, Crystal Cervantes, Rebekah (Nathan) Elliott, Daniel (Natasha) Cervantes, Melody (Jonathan) Kurtz, Matthew (fiancée: Sidni Breese) Milford, and Rachel Milford.
18 Great-Grandchildren
Dr. Harold Novotny, Brother
Jane (Ralph) Krebs, Sister
Rhonda Gutwein, Sister-in-law
Edison (Chrisann) Gutwein, Brother-in-law
Phil (Carol) Gutwein, Brother-in-law
Juanita Norman, Sister-in-law
Elden (Mary Lee) Gutwein, Brother-in-law
Rodney (Donna) Gutwein, Brother-in-law
Karl (Donna) Westfall, Brother-in-law
Yvonne Gutwein, Sister-in-law
James Denton, Brother-in-law
Numerous Nieces and Nephews and their Families

Preceded in death by:
Ruth Novotny, Infant Sister
Adeline Gutwein, Sister
Ray Novotny, Brother
Carl and Mary [Farney] Gutwein, In-Laws
Nate Gutwein, Brother-in-law
Mary Louise Westfall, Sister-in-law
Carl Gutwein, Jr., Brother-in-law
Sharon Denton, Sister-in-law

Mr. Novotny accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior prior to graduating from high school and was a devoted and lifelong member of the Francesville Apostolic Church. Over the years, he and Maxine enjoyed annual reunions with other families from the church who had lived together at Ft. Sam Houston. From a young age, he worked in the family business, Novotny Furs, in Lakewood, and there is no doubt this experience laid a strong foundation for his future business endeavors. He established, owned, and operated various businesses in Francesville, including Novotny Insurance and The Troy Restaurant. He was the consummate small town businessman who not only sold insurance, but also held a real estate license, did bookkeeping for numerous local businesses, ran a restaurant, and even served as Justice of the Peace. He greeted all with a smile and an outstretched hand. He was always on the go – it was impossible to slow him down. Art kept his phone in hand so he wouldn’t miss an opportunity to have a good conversation. He truly enjoyed talking with everyone. Most of all, he loved his wife of 66 years and their beloved children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He treasured time together with his family and wanted each of them to grow to have a personal relationship with Jesus. He had a warm smile and deep love that will be dearly missed. “A joyful heart is good medicine” - Proverbs 17:22a

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, Dec.11, at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Francesville. The funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, Dec. 12, at the Apostolic Christian Church in Francesville with ministers of the church officiating. Burial will be at Roseland Cemetery in Francesville. Military graveside services will be conducted by the American Legion.

Memorial donations may be made to:

• Parkview Haven Retirement Home in Francesville, or
• Little Hands Orphanage in Tecate, Mexico (make checks payable to the Apostolic Christian Church Foundation, Inc.)

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