Obituaries

Norman S. Thompson

December 3, 1919 to October 31, 2014

WINAMAC - Norman S. Thompson, 94, of Winamac, died at 8:26 p.m., Friday, Oct. 31, at Pulaski Memorial Hospital, Winamac.

He was born Dec. 3, 1919, in Chicago, to the late Haakon and Irene Rolleston Thompson. He married Marjorie Brinker on June 8, 1941 in Winamac. She survives.

Also surviving are:
Donald (Jean) Thompson, Winamac, Son & daughter-in-law
Larry (Jean) Thompson,Conyers, GA, Son & daughter-in-law
Richard (Denise) Thompson, Plano, TX, Son & daughter-in-law
June (Tom) Roth, Star City, Daughter & son-in-law
Grandchildren: Angie Thompson Crawford, Carmel; Tracy (Todd) Brandenburg, Kokomo; Becky (Mark) Riordan, Lewis Center, OH; Randy Thompson, Holiday, FL; Natalie Roth, Fishers; Joe (Sarah) Roth, Clute, TX; Kyle (Chelsea) Roth Zionsville; and Wyatt (Stacey) Roth, Indianapolis.
Sonja Thompson, Baraboo, WI, Sister

Preceded in death by:
Jennifer Thompson Terry, Granddaughter
Jean Coolidge, Sister

Mr. Thompson was a member of the First Christian Church, Winamac. He was a member of the American Legion Post #71 in Winamac. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II in the quartermaster corps in North Africa and Italy. He retired after 40 years of service at the Winamac Post Office as a clerk, town carrier, and rural mail carrier on RR2. He also farmed the family farm which is now a Hoosier Homestead Farm. He served on the Winamac School Board for seven years. He served several terms on the Co-op elevator board. He enjoyed traveling, especially spending winters in Florida. He loved his grandchildren and watching them participate in sports. He enjoyed watching golf, college football, and baseball on TV and was a Cubs fan. He liked to work crossword puzzles and word jumbles. He especially enjoyed “Marjorie’s marvelous cooking”. He was known for his witty since of humor.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m., Monday, at Frain Mortuary, Winamac. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Tuesday, Nov. 4, at the funeral home with Pastor Rick Abbott officiating. Burial will be at McKinley Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Winamac. The VFW and American Legion will conduct military graveside services.

Alene B. Luedtke

February 13, 1946 to October 31, 2014

WINAMAC - Alene B. Podell Luedtke, 68, of Winamac, died Friday, Oct. 31, at Pulaski Memorial Hospital, Winamac.

She was born Feb. 13, 1946, in North Judson, to Emil and Doris Brady Krulik. She married Carl Podell Nov. 28, 1964. He died in 1995. She married Arthur Luedtke Feb. 27, 1999. He survives.

Also surviving are:
Kevin M. (Kimberly) Podell, Winamac, Son & daughter-in-law
Randall S. (Rosetta) Podell, Winamac, Son & daughter-in-law
Rodney C. (Nicole) Podell, Plymouth, Son & daughter-in-law
Jeffery (Amy) Luedtke, Jonesboro, Son & daughter-in-law
Kevin Luedtke, San Pierre, Son
Jennifer (Dustin) Jones, Gas City, Daughter & son-in-law
Grandchildren: Brian Podell, Megan Podell, Krista (Dylan) Diaz, Kyle Podell, Karl Podell, Chace Podell, Ainsleigh Purtee, Alexia Purtee, Bryce Luedtke, Jordan Luedtke, Charlee Luedtke, Kalen Jones, Samantha Jones, and Arianna Jones.
Doris Brady Krulik, North Judson, Mother
Betty (Jim) Demo, Wanatah, Sister
Cindy (Tim) DeArmand, Naples, FL, Sister
Jerry Krulik, North Judson, Brother
Tim (Jan) Krulik, North Judson, Brother

She was preceded in death by:
Emil Krulik, Father
Ronnie Krulik, Brother

Mrs. Luedtke was a member of St. Luke Lutheran Church in Winamac. She was a farmer and homemaker. She enjoyed working on the farm with her family. She enjoyed gardening and spending time with her grandchildren. She loved cooking and canning. She was always willing to offer a helping hand. She had a beautiful and contagious smile. She made everyone feel loved.

Visitation will be from 3 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, at Frain Mortuary and one hour prior to services Wednesday at the church. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Wednesday, Nov. 5, at St. Luke Lutheran Church, Winamac, with Pastor Tom Woodley officiating. Burial will be at McKinley Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be given to St. Luke Lutheran Church.

Mary C. Fulmer

April 19, 1923 to October 28, 2014

FRANCESVILLE - Mary C. Fulmer, 91, of Francesville, passed away at 8:30 a.m., Tuesday, Oct. 28, at Pulaski Memorial Hospital, Winamac.

She was born April 19, 1923 in rural Jasper County, to the late William Guy and Mary Ester Fry Reed. In February 1946, she married Ralph D. Timm. He passed away on Jan. 9, 1963. She later married Wade C. Fulmer in July 1966. He passed away on Nov. 18, 1996. 

Gene (Pamela) Timm, Medaryville, Son 
Michael Timm, Medaryville, Son 
6 Grandchildren 
20 Great Grandchildren 
Many Nieces and Nephews 

Preceded in death by: 
Major James F. Reed Retired, Brother 
Martha J. Timm, Daughter-in-law 

After the tragic loss of her first husband, Mrs. Fulmer went back to school and received her bachelor's degree in education from Purdue University. She taught many years at Monon Elementary School, during which time she remained faithful to the Lord while raising three young boys.

She was an active member of Bethel Bible Church. She was a member of Gideon's International, Daughters of the American Revolution, Pulaski County Retired Teacher's Association, and John Purdue Club. She had resided at Parkview Haven Retirement Home in Francesville for the last two years. She enjoyed singing and playing the piano. She loved her family very much. She especially enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren. She will be dearly missed by those who knew and loved her. 

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m., Friday, at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel, Francesville and one hour prior to services Saturday at the church. The funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 1, at Bethel Bible Church, Winamac, with Pastors William McNabney and Thomas Hopewell officiating. Burial will be at Roseland Cemetery, Francesville.

Memorial donations may be given to Bethel Bible Church. 

Clara Kestle

June 10, 1934 to October 24, 2014

WINAMAC - Clara M. Kestle, 80, of Winamac, passed away at 11:33 a.m., Friday, Oct. 24, at St. Vincent Heart Center in Indianapolis.

She was born June 10, 1934, in Pulaski, to the late Howard L. "Friday" and Ruth Virginia McKibben Good. She married Bobbie Dean Bonnell May 28, 1952. He predeeded her in death. She married James M. Kestle on Oct. 30, 1976 in Winama. He died March 21, 2009.

Survivors include:
Connie (Burnell) Landes, Garrett, Daughter
Jeff (Laura) Bonnell, Royal Center, Son
Rita (Dan) Koske, Winamac, Daughter
Kevin (Lynne) Bonnell, Mulino, OR, Son
Karen (J.D.) Smith, Goshen, Daughter
Joe (Dena) Kestle, Winamac, Son
13 Grandchildren
17 Great-grandchildren
Gloria Spearman, Elwood, Sister

Also preceded in death by:
Joshua Bonnell, Grandson
John Epler, Brother
Margaret Blankenship, Sister

Mrs. Kestle enjoyed spending time with her family. She also enjoyed cooking. She will be missed by her family and friends.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m., Monday, at Frain Mortuary, Winamac. The funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, Oct. 28, at the funeral home with Rev. Laura VanVoorhis officiating. Burial will be in McKinley Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Winamac.

Memorial donations may be given to St. Jude Children's Hospital. 

Gerard Jendraszkiewicz

October 3, 1960 to October 15, 2014

DYER - Gerard “Jerry” KE9I Jendraszkiewicz, age 54, of Medaryville, died Wednesday, Oct. 15, at Crown Point, after a courageous battle with cancer.

He was born Oct. 3, 1960 in Chicago, to Leo and Audrey Jendraszkiewicz.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy Knight Jendraszkiewicz, his mother, sister Karen (David) Fritts, brother-in-law Norbert (Bonnie) Knight, and sisters-in-law Kathleen Barlog, Mary Cantrell, Margaret “Peggy” Goolsby and Patricia DeGroot. He is also survived by two aunts, three uncles and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews, and many cousins. He was particularly close to nephews Andrew Barlog and Sean Cantrell.

He was preceded in death by his father and brother Leo Jendraszkiewicz III.

Mr. Jendraszkiewicz graduated from Purdue University with a B.S. degree in electrical engineering. He worked 30 years as an electrical engineer for the University of Chicago. He was an amateur ham radio operator for 40 years, and traveled extensively during his lifetime. He will be fondly missed by his loving family and faithful friends.

Visitation will be from 2 to 9 p.m., Monday, at Smits Funeral Home, Dyer. A prayer service will be at 9:30 a.m., Tuesday, Oct. 21, at Our Lady of Consolation Church, Merrillville, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m., with Rev. Joseph Vamos officiating. Private Cremation.

Memorial donations to St. Anthony Hospice (203 Franciscan Dr., Crown Point, IN 46307) appreciated.

Isadore L. Podell Jr.

June 30, 1927 to October 24, 2014

WINAMAC - Isadore L. "Izzy" Podell Jr., 87, of Roanoke, VA (formerly of Winamac) passed away at 4:27 a.m.,Friday, Oct. 24, at Friendship Assisted Living in Roanoke.

He was born June 30, 1927 in Winamac to the late Isadore L. Sr. and Martha Lucille Hendry Podell. He married Harriett Ann Welsh on Sept. 28, 1951. She passed away Oct. 21, 1993. 

Beverly Ann (Tim) Zaiko, North Judson, Daughter 
Eugene Lewis (Dana) Podell, Roanoke, VA, Son 
Allen Floyd Podell, Winamac, Son 
Carolyn Louise (Robert) Neumann, Lemont, IL, Daughter 
Frederic Lloyd Podell, Winamac, Son 
David Isadore (Ahu Lani) Podell, Arlington Heights, IL, Son 
15 Grandchildren 
3 Great Grandchildren 
Phyllis (John) Wall, Ocala, FL, Sister 
Thelma Pace, La Mesa, CA, Sister 
Arlene Luehrs, Ocala, FL, Sister 
Lois (Louis) Alfeld, San Diego, CA, Sister 
Kenneth (Shelly) Podell, Tucson, AZ, Brother 
Floyd (Jeanette) Podell, Winamac, Brother 
Several Nieces and Nephews 
Lowell Podell, Winamac, Uncle

Preceded in death by: 
Carl Podell, Brother 
Richard Podell, Brother 

Mr. Podell was a lifelong resident and farmer from Rich Grove Township in Pulaski County since 1953, having retired to Roanoke in 2012. He was a past member and board member of the Pulaski County Farm Bureau Inc. He was also a past member of the Indiana Farm Bureau, Indiana Pork Producers, Indiana Mint Growers Association, and a supporter of the Pulaski County 4-H.

Mr. Podell was a lifelong member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Denham. He was baptised into the family of God on Sept. 4, 1927. He was confirmed into his faith on May 24, 1943. He served in the US Army during the Korean War. He was a member of the American Legion in North Judson. He was also a member of the National Republican Party and the National Rifle Association. He enjoyed reading, especially science periodicals. He made many new friends with a warm smile. He was fondly known by many as "Babe." He will be dearly missed. 

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m., Saturday, at Frain Mortuary, Winamac and one hour prior to services Sunday at the church. The funeral service will be at 2:30 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 2, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Denham, with Pastors Mark Fikah and Carl Fitchett officiating. Burial will be at St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery, Denham. The American Legion and VFW will conduct military graveside services. 

Memorial donations may be given to St. Paul Lutheran Church, Denham.