Obituaries

Donald L. Hale

April 19, 1935 to December 4, 2023

WINAMAC - Donald L. Hale, 88, of Winamac passed away Monday, Dec. 4, at Brickyard Terrace Care Center in LaPorte.

He was born April 19, 1935 in Magoffin County, KY to the late Robert B. and Betty Sue [Stephens] Hale. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He married Jacqueline Waterhouse on Oct. 25, 1958, in Bergenfield, NJ. She survives.

Donald Hale

He is also survived by:
Robin Hale, Indianapolis, Daughter
Deborah (David Whiteman) Hale-Worrell, Westlake Village, CA, Daughter
Tracie (Jeremy) Jones, Winamac, Daughter
Patrick Goodman, Winamac, Son-in-law
Grandchildren: TJ (Jessica) Redlin, Taylor Jones, Haley Worrell, Chelsea Worrell, Bailey Jones and Everly Jones.
Great-Grandchildren: Maverick Redlin and Jaxon Redlin.
Mildred Hale, Denham, Sister-in-law
Many Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
Jennifer Goodman, Daughter
Myrle Hale, Brother
Mary Calabrese, Sister
Earl Hale, Infant Brother
James Hale, Brother
Billie “Red” Hale, Brother
Elma Brewer, Sister
Robert B. “RB” Hale Jr., Brother
M. Faye Back, Sister
Arnold Hale, Brother
John P. “JP” Hale, Brother

Mr. Hale was a proud member of the Winamac VFW Post #1728 and Winamac American Legion Post #71. He served many years on the local honor guard. He was a member of the Church of the Heartland in Winamac. He enjoyed golfing with friends, traveling with his family, and attending his grandkids sporting events. He also enjoyed the outdoors, especially fishing on the Tippecanoe River and mowing his lawn. He was a kind man who did not know a stranger.

Visitation will be from 3 to 6 p.m., Monday, Dec. 11, at Church of the Heartland in Winamac. The funeral service will follow at 6 p.m. (Monday), at the church with Pastor Heath Hiatt officiating. Private burial will be at Winamac Cemetery (McKinley Addition) in Winamac. The American Legion and VFW will conduct military graveside services.

Memorial donations may be made to Church of the Heartland.

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

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.

Lewis E. Troyer

May 28, 1932 to December 3, 2023

WINAMAC - Lewis Edward Troyer, 91, of Winamac, (formerly of Culver) passed away Sunday, Dec. 3, at Hickory Creek in Winamac.

He was born May 28, 1932 in Culver to Edward Manuel and May [Gross] Troyer. He was a U.S. Army veteran and served in the 43rd Armored Infantry Battalion in Germany during the Korean War. He married Wilma Whitehead on Aug. 11, 1954, in Rochester. She passed away Oct. 8, 2008.

Lewis Troyer

He is survived by:
Richard E. (Deborah) Troyer, Troy, AL, Son
11 Grandchildren
Numerous Great-Grandchildren and Great-Great-Grandchildren

Preceded in death by:
Edward (Pheobe) Troyer, Father and Step-Mother
Mary (Lee) Dixon, Mother and Step-Father
Brent A. Troyer, Son
Cheryl L. Lowry, Daughter
Leslie W. Troyer, Son

Mr. Troyer worked construction most of his life, having been part of the crew that built Disney World. He also worked as a long haul truck driver. He and his wife enjoyed dancing and being in bowling league together. He also enjoyed riding his motorcycle and hunting. He will be dearly missed.

Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m., Wednesday, Dec. 6, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac.  The funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. (Wednesday) at the funeral home with Rev. Nelda Seger officiating. The American Legion and VFW will conduct military honors at the funeral home. Private burial will be at Oak Hill Cemetery in Plymouth.

Memorial donations may be made to American Legion or VFW.

Online tributes may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com

Douglas L. Gutwein

April 4, 1948 to December 1, 2023

FRANCESVILLE - The Honorable Douglas Lynn Gutwein, Indiana State Representative, retired, 75, of Cary, NC (formerly of Francesville) passed away Friday, Dec. 1, at his home, following year-long battle with cancer.

Fondly known as Doug to all, he was born April 4, 1948 to the late Clarence and Jane [Snedeker] Gutwein in Francesville. After graduation from Francesville High School in 1966, he attended Ball State University before deciding to join the U.S. Army and serve his country. He was stationed in Germany until receiving his orders for Vietnam where he drove a mail truck for the army. He found himself traveling the dangerous roads between military bases ensuring that his comrades were able to stay connected to home and with their loved ones. After Vietnam, he returned to Francesville and worked for the U.S. Postal Service as a mail carrier in Valparaiso. He then moved to Santa Ana, CA where he lived and worked as a mail carrier before moving to San Clemente, CA where he met Mary Lewis Finley. They were married in 1979 in her hometown of Georgetown, KY. She survives.

Doug Gutwein

He is also survived by three children, Jeff (Jennifer) Blewett, Mary Gutwein Eads, and Lucy (David) Gutwein Schuetz; seven grandchildren, Alex, Finley, Jake, Elisha, Jordan, Jacob and Jenna; and two brothers, Don (Judy) Gutwein and Rich (Pat) Gutwein. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He is preceded in death by a son-in-law, Chris Eads, and his brothers, Bob Gutwein  and Ron Gutwein.

After their marriage, Mr. Gutwein moved his new bride back to his hometown of Francesville where the family made their home. He adopted Mary Lew’s daughter, Mary, and in 1980, the couple welcomed another daughter into their lives, Lucy Jane. Both girls were the apple of his eye. He was a small business owner and ran a steel wheel manufacturing company (known as FTC Products) for many years. Although successful in business, his true love was service to others. He was elected to the Francesville Town Board where he served as board president (aka “The Mayor”). Among his many achievements in this role was the expansion of the Francesville Library – an accomplishment he was most proud of.

In 2008, his commitment to service continued when he was elected to the Indiana State House of Representatives. For 14 years, he faithfully served the citizens of District 16. He prided himself on attending every Lincoln Day Dinner, every fish fry, every pancake breakfast, and every pork chop dinner in the district. He was a fixture in local parades - with his golf cart proudly adorned with Old Glory, the Indiana State Flag, and the POW/MIA flag and Lee Greenwood’s “Proud to Be an American” blaring from the speakers. He rarely answered messages from his constituents by text or e-mail, electing instead to call them personally. He loved his district and the people in it too much to do any less. Among the many committees he served on were the Veterans Affairs Committee, the Committee to Reduce Government Waste, and the Labor Committee where, in his role as chairman, he regularly made use of an egg-timer to ensure everyone had their voices heard during his committee meetings. He only sponsored or co-sponsored bills that truly meant a lot to him. Ambition was not his passion - veterans, rural communities, and babies were where his heart lay. He championed several bills, all aimed at making the lives of veterans better, helping the rural communities that he loved, and “saving those little babies” with bills like Graham’s Law and Bryce’s Bill. His tenacity in pursuing bills that were important to him earned him the reputation of being “charmingly cantankerous” amongst his peers. He was a lifelong member of the Republican Party; but for all who knew him, his legislative agenda was not partisan - it was for the good of all Hoosiers.

After retiring from office in 2022, Doug and Mary Lew began the process of closing that chapter of their life in Indiana and moving to North Carolina to be with family and grandchildren. While his retirement was regrettably short, the time spent in North Carolina was precious and filled with watching cheer competitions, football and baseball games, and working on making their new home feel like their only home. He was a fierce lover of his family and doted on all of his grandchildren, who gave him so much joy. He was an amazing friend and mentor to many. He was a man who loved his “projects,” having the best grass in town, sipping gas station coffee with his friends, and telling fun stories and jokes by “Granddaddy’s pool” until long after the sun went down. Over the final months of his life, numerous friends shared many touching stories of how he impacted their lives, how he had never met a stranger, and how much joy his infectious and excellent sense of humor brightened every room he entered.

Visitation will be from 2 to 8 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 7, at the Apostolic Fellowship Center (409 N. Morton St.) Francesville; and two hours prior to services at the church on Friday. The funeral service will be at 2 p.m., Friday, Dec. 8, at the Apostolic Christian Church, Francesville, with ministers of the church officiating. Burial with military honors will be at Roseland Cemetery in Francesville.

Memorial donations may be made to Disabled American Veterans (DAV) or The Wounded Warrior Project.

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

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

Mildred E. Gudas Redweik

May 26, 1938 to December 1, 2023

WINAMAC - Mildred Ellen [Gudas] Redweik, 85, of Kewanna, passed away Friday, Dec. 1, at Hickory Creek in Winamac.

She was born May 26, 1938 in Winamac to the late Joseph L. Sr. and Antonia A. [Arndt] Gudas.. She graduated from Star City High School in 1956. On Nov. 10, 1956, she married Robert John Redweik Sr. at St. Peter Lutheran Church in North Judson. He passed away Oct. 24, 2009.

Millie Redweik

She is survived by:
Robert (Alisa) Redweik Jr., Tomball, TX, Son
Anita Doan, Twelve Mile, Daughter
David (Lora) Redweik, Twelve Mile, Son
Susan (Mike) Wood, Jeffersonville, OH, Daughter
Grandchilren: Garrett Redweik, Graham Redweik, D. L. “Trey” Doan III, Ryonn Doan, Hayley (Drew) Gustafson, Madison (Alex) Parrott, Kirsten (David) Johnson, Lanier (Andrew) Tyler, Kourtnee (Joel) Yates, Kailee (Clayton) Dyer, and Michael Wood II. Numerous Great-Grandchildren
Edwina M. Martin, Winamac, Sister
Mary M. (Jim) Perry, Piqua, OH, Sister
Edmund E. (Patty) Gudas, Star City, Brother
Erica A. Gudas, Sister-in-law
Many Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
Johanna C. Gudas, Sister
Algrid J. Gudas, Brother
Joseph J. Gudas Jr., Brother

Mrs. Redweik taught at Pioneer Elementary School for nearly 30 years. She will be remembered by her students for the leaf project she had them complete. During her time teaching, she was actively involved in the school science fair and space camp. She was a member of St. Luke Lutheran Church in Winamac. She formerly taught Sunday School and led youth group. For many years, she was active in the district-wide Soil & Water Conservation organization. She was a former Den Mother and Scout Leader. She enjoyed studying her family’s history and origins. She also enjoyed flower gardening and traveling. She was a loving a wife, mother, “Oma,” and aunt who will be sadly missed.

Visitation will be from 2 to 6 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 9, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. The funeral service will be at 1 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 10, at the funeral home with Pastor Tom Woodley officiating. Burial will be at Victor Chapel Cemetery in Star City.

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

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

Trevor D. Courtney

October 7, 1993 to November 29, 2023

MONTICELLO - Trevor D. Courtney, 30, of West Lafayette, passed away Wednesday, Nov. 29, at St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis.

He was born Oct. 7, 1993 in Lafayette to Melvin and Sonya (Fletcher) Courtney, who currently reside in Delphi. He was a 2012 graduate of Winamac Community High School. After graduation, he attended Ball State University and then Ivy Tech College in Lafayette. On Dec. 19, 2015, he married Kristina Krohn in Wabash. She survives.

Trevor Courtney

Also surviving are his young sons, Azlan and Malikai Courtney, a new baby due in February; his parents; in-laws Chris and Natalie (White) Krohn of Winamac; maternal grandparents Robby and Linda Fletcher of Winamac; brothers Calvin Widner, Chaz Courtney, Tyler Kemp, Trent Courtney, and Braxton Courtney; sister Cassie Kemp; sister-in-law and husband Nicole and Jason Sears; sister-in-law  Angela Krohn; brother-in-law Nathan Krohn; and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Marvin and Opal (Henson) Courtney.

Mr. Courtney was a union carpenter and worked in bridge construction. He began his career with Illinois Constructors and was a member of the Carpenters Union #605 in Kokomo. He then took a break from construction to work at Braun Corporation in Winamac. He went back to work in bridge construction for Superior Construction and was currently employed there. He and Kristina are members of Faith Church in Lafayette. He liked to watch and play basketball, and his favorite player was Lebron James. He was a Colts fan. He enjoyed Indy car racing, and his favorite driver was Pato O’ward. He also enjoyed playing Xbox and spending time with family, especially doting over his children. His favorite holiday was Thanksgiving, but he thoroughly enjoyed sharing his faith with others at Christmastime.

Visitation will be from 12 noon until 2 p.m., Friday, Dec. 8, at Bethel Bible Church in Winamac. The funeral service will follow at 2 p.m. (Friday), at the church. Burial will follow at Riverview I.O.O.F. Cemetery in Monticello.

Memorial donations may be dedicated to Kristina to benefit the children. Envelopes will be available at the church.

Friends and family may share a photo, a memory or messages of condolence at www.springervoorhisdraper.com

Arrangements have been entrusted to Springer-Voorhis-Draper Funeral Home in Monticello.

Stanley G. Boehning

March 9, 1935 to November 25, 2023

FRANCESVILLE - Stanley G. Boehning, 88, a lifelong farmer from Francesville, passed away Saturday, Nov. 25, at Parkview Haven Retirement Home in Francesville.

He was born at the family home place on March 9, 1935 in rural Francesville to the late George H. and Emma P. [Schmid] Boehning. He graduated from Francesville High School in 1953. He served in the U.S. Army Reserves following high school. On Sept. 2, 1956, he married Maxine J. Boze in Monon. She survives.

Stanley Boehning

He is also survived by:
Darrell L. Boehning, Indianapolis, Son
Kimberly A. Davidson, Indianapolis, Daughter
Rae J. Boehning French, Francesville, Daughter-in-law
Alison (Andrew) Marquis, Granddaughter
Shanna (Brandon) Davidson-Schultheis, Granddaughter
Danny (Laura) Boehning, Grandson
Erin (Jordan) Bruno, Granddaughter
Emily (Patrick) Armstrong, Granddaughter
7 Great-Grandchildren
Eileen R. Boehning, Sister-in-law
Several Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
Brian A. Boehning, Son
Glen A. Boehning, Brother

Mr. Boehning worked the land his family had before him, and raised livestock. He also drove a semi for several years and enjoyed traveling the country. He was a member of the Francesville Apostolic Christian Church where he had attended since his youth. He was a former president of the Pulaski County Fair Board and a former Pulaski County Commissioner. He had previously served on the Francesville Co-Op Elevator Board.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 28, at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Francesville; and one hour prior to services at the church Wednesday. The funeral service will be at 10 a.m., Wednesday, Nov. 29, at the Apostolic Christian Church in Francesville with ministers of the church officiating. Burial will be at Roseland Cemetery in Francesville with Chad French officiating. The American Legion will conduct military graveside services.

Memorial donations may be made to Parkview Haven Retirement Home or the Apostolic Christian Church.

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