Obituaries

Jennifer L. Peterson

August 9, 1968 to December 14, 2023

WINAMAC - Jennifer L. Peterson, 55, of Lucerne, passed away Thursday, Dec. 14, at her home.

She was born Aug. 9, 1968 in Chesterton, to the late Paul K. and Jill A. [Rietesel] Ashbaugh. She graduated from Chesterton High School and Ball State University. On Oct. 30, 2015, she married Mark A. Peterson at Lawton Christian Church in Lawton, IN. He passed away Nov. 29, 2022.

Jennifer Peterson

She is survived by:
Matt Peterson, Monterey, Step-Son
3 Cousins: Curt, Kevin and Jeff Waugh
Jenny (Michael) McGraw, Zionsville, Sister-in-law
Judy (Doug) Hartz, Plymouth, Sister-in-law
Ginger (James) Boys, Valparaiso, Sister-in-law
Jarrel (Pam) Hartle, Brother-in-law
Many Nieces and Nephews
Numerous Beloved Pets

Preceded in death by:
Amos J. and Sarah K. [Reinholt] Peterson, In-laws
Jane Hartle, Sister-in-law

Mrs. Peterson was a social worker with a heart of gold. She had previously worked at Camelot Care Center in Logansport, and served on the board of the Cass County Youth Services Bureau. She was a member of the Lions Club in Lucerne for many years. She enjoyed gardening, sewing, snowmobiling, boating and reading. She will be deeply missed.

No services will be held.

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

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.

Ralph M. Loehmer

November 11, 1932 to December 11, 2023

CULVER - Ralph M. Loehmer, 91, of Monterey passed away peacefully at 3:53 p.m., Monday, Dec. 11, surrounded by his family and friends at his residence.

He was born Nov. 11, 1932, in Chicago Heights, Ill. to Nicholas and Veronica (Schutz) Loehmer. He was the oldest of nine children. The family moved to Monterey in the early 1940s. Ralph enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1951 at age 18. He sailed on the USS Gilbert Island during his tour of duty. He married Ethel Reinholt, on April 11, 1959 at St. Anne's Catholic Church in Monterey. Together they raised seven children.

Ralph Loehmer

He is survived by his wife and children Maurice (Julie Girton) Loehmer, Lawrence Loehmer, Mary (Greg) Zehner, all of Monterey, Marie (Terry) Christian of Lafayette, Chris (Honey) Loehmer of Monterey and Veronica (Eric) Boardman of Winamac, siblings Raymond Loehmer of Portage, Irene (Dan) Forest of Monterey, Daniel Loehmer of Logansport, Loretta Watkins of Fort Wayne and Loren (Angie) Loehmer of Monterey, as well as several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, son Michael Loehmer, daughter-in-law Connie Loehmer, sisters Virginia Mutt, Virgidelle Weasel and Vivian Reinhold, and sister-in-law Anne Loehmer.

Mr. Loehmer had a great work ethic. He proudly talked about painting the elevator in Monterey, driving a school bus, bone truck and milk truck. He worked at Plymouth Tube for 12 years, along with farming. In 1979 he and his wife began milking cows. They continued until their retirement in 1993. He enjoyed traveling and collecting tractors and old tools. He loved rough-housing with his 19 grandkids and 14 great-grandkids. He was a great storyteller and harmonica player. He always enjoyed a good card game. His grandkids loved to listen to stories of all the places he had seen and experienced. He was also a member of the Collins-Tasch American Legion Post 399 and St. Anne's Catholic Church, both of Monterey.

A mass of Christian burial will be conducted at St. Anne's Catholic Church, Monterey, at 12 noon Saturday, Dec. 16. Friends may call from 9 a.m. until service time Saturday at the church. Burial will follow at St. Anne Cemetery, where military rites will be performed by the U.S. Navy and the Collins-Tasch American Legion Post 399 of Monterey.

Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimers Association.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Odom Funeral Home, Culver.

Donald E. Galbreath

April 2, 1932 to December 10, 2023

ROYAL CEN TER - Donald E. Galbreath, 91, of Winamac and Columbus, passed away peacefully Sunday, Dec. 10, at the Belmont Health and Rehabilitation Center in Columbus.

Born April 2, 1932 in Winamac, he was the son of the late Chester and Orilla (Lincoln) Galbreath. He was a 1950 Winamac High School graduate. 

Don Galbreath

Survivors include his wife Darlene “DJ” Galbreath of Columbus; son Stephen (Deborah) Galbreath of Plymouth; grandchildren Douglas (Wendy) Galbreath, David (Sheila) Galbreath and Gregory Galbreath; great-grandchildren Aidan Galbreath, Logan Galbreath, Evan Galbreath and Faith Galbreath; step-daughter Laura Jaehnke and step-grandchildren Rashell Jaehnke and Mario Jaehnke, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife Delores “Dee” Galbreath, daughters Rhonda Galbreath and Vickie Galbreath, brother John Galbreath and sisters Betty Kloenne, Shirley Howard and Myra Jordan.

Mr. Galbreath began working in his father’s blacksmith shop in Winamac on farm equipment and ended up becoming an innovator in the waste handling industry for over 60 years when he founded Galbreath Inc and Galfab Inc. in Winamac. He is nationally recognized for inventing the most user-friendly roll-off hoist in the industry. He was instrumental in many community projects through the years and donated his time and money for the good of Pulaski County. He recently formed The Galbreath Family Charities to continue to benefit the community in his absence.

A celebration of life event will be held Saturday, Feb. 3, at Jack’s Celebration Station, Winamac.

Memorial donations may be made to Galbreath Family Charities, PO Box 342, Winamac.

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

Arrangements have been entrusted to Rans Funeral Homes, Royal Center.

Anna L. Topp

November 2, 1934 to December 10, 2023

FRANCESVILLE - Anna Louise Topp, 89, of Francesville, passed away Sunday, Dec. 10.

She was born Nov. 2, 1934 in Medaryville, to the late Jacob and Mabel [Logan] Vogt. She graduated from Francesville High School.

Louise Topp

She is survived by:
Duane (Karin) Topp, Son
Darlene (Terry) Risner, Daughter
Dolores (Keith) Schladenhauffen, Daughter
Denise (Michael) Akers, Daughter
Dean “Chip” (Angie) Topp, Son
12 Grandchildren
19 Great-Grandchildren
Betty (Cecil Williams) Wilmington, Sister
Irene Kopka, Sister
Carol (Clifford) Tonjes, Sister
Jacob “Junior” (Donna) Vogt, Brother
Janet (Roger) Overmyer, Sister
Donald Vogt, Brother
Ronald Vogt, Brother
Wanda Joyce, Sister
Dianne Vogt, Sister-in-law
Many Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
Trina Topp, Daughter
Norman “Pete” Wilmington, Brother-in-law
Jon Kopka, Brother-in-law
Pam Vogt, Sister-in-law
Richard Joyce, Brother-in-law

Mrs. Topp was a member of the Apostolic Christian Church in Francesville. She enjoyed visiting with neighbors and friends, often blessing them with her baked goods.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 27, at the Apostolic Fellowship Center (409 N. Morton St. Francesville). The funeral service will follow at 2 p.m. (Dec. 27), at the Fellowship Center with ministers of the church officiating. Burial will be at Roseland Cemetery in Francesville.

Memorial donations may be made to LifeWise Academy at West Central.

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

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Francesville.

Rita C. House

November 26, 1948 to December 7, 2023

WINAMAC - Rita Carolyn House, 75, North Judson (formerly of Lexington, OK), passed away Thursday, Dec. 7, at Pulaski Health Care Center in Winamac.

She was born Nov. 26, 1948, in Dyersburg, TN to the late Charles and Martha [Rushing] Gregson. She graduated from Calumet High School in Gary. On Feb. 3, 1968, she married Dennie House in Hobart. He preceded her in death.

Rita House

She is survived by:
Yvonne Rodgers, Daughter
Kimberly Brooks, Daughter
Charlene Benoit, Granddaughter
Cory Potter, Grandson
River Brooks, Grandson
Danielle Brooks, Granddaughter
Ciro Benoit, Great-Grandson
Charles Gregson Jr., Brother
Serretha (Lawrence) Gruszka, Sister
Raymond Jones, Step-Brother
Kathy Sommers, Step-Sister
Many Nieces and Nephews

She is preceded in death by:
James Jones, Step-Father

Mrs. House lived most of her adult life in Lowell, before moving to Lexington to live with her sister. Most recently, she relocated back to Indiana to live with her daughter. She enjoyed making ceramic crafts and shopping. She also enjoyed bird watching, especially cardinals. She loved her many pets over the years. More than anything, she deeply loved her family and would do anything for them.

The family will host a celebration of life event at a later date.

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.

Daniel N. Kreamer

February 28, 1979 to December 5, 2023

KEWANNA - Daniel N. Kreamer, 44, of Kewanna passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, Dec. 5.

Born Feb. 28, 1979 in Winamac, he was the son of Verl and Beverly (Kline) Kreamer. He was a 1997 Winamac Community High School graduate. He graduated from Vincennes University in 1999 with a degree in John Deere Mechanics.

Daniel Kreamer

Survivors include his children Noah Kreamer, Addison Kreamer, Daniel Kreamer Jr., Daniella Kreamer and DeAysha Kreamer; his parents; brother Nathan Kreamer and sister Dana (Jake) Field; and  maternal grandmother Elizabeth Kline.  He is also survived by cousins, aunts and uncle and  nephews. Also, his favorite “puppy" Lucy.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather Dwight Kline; his paternal grandfather Ralph (Ivy) Kreamer; and his paternal grandmother Phyllis (Ray) Pownall.   

Mr. Kreamer worked at Gilsinger Implement Co. in Winamac for many years. He later worked in sales, but working on antique tractors always remained his first love. The Power from the Past Show in Winamac was his favorite event of the year. He loved the outdoors and was an avid animal lover and had had many dogs, cats, cows and horses over the years. He was known as a loving father who enjoyed spending time with his children.  Most of all, he loved serving his Lord and Savior. He had served as a youth group leader and was studying to become a Methodist pastor.

Services will be private.

Memorial donations may be made to Dup15Q Alliance at dup15q.org; the Gideons, or a local animal shelter.

His online guestbook is available and condolences may be shared with the family at www.ransfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements are pending at Rans Funeral Homes, Kewanna.