Obituaries

Ryan P. Grandstaff

November 14, 1989 to April 23, 2014

WINAMAC - Spc. Ryan P. Grandstaff, 24, of Winamac, died at 4:45 a.m., Wednesday, April 23, in Katterbach, Germany as a result of an automobile accident.

He was born on Nov. 14, 1989 in South Bend.

Survivors include:

Paul (Shannin) Grandstaff, Winamac, Father
Tammy Hopkins (Steven) Huskins, Rochester, Mother
Kyle (Monica) Grandstaff, Royal Center, Brother
Sean (Breann) Grandstaff, Winamac, Brother
Carol Ann Grant Grandstaff, Winamac, Paternal Grandmother
Harold & Thelma Button Hopkins, Winamac, Maternal Grandparents
Elizabeth Grace Grandstaff, Niece
Eliza Kelly Grandstaff, Niece
Braylee Elysse Kough, Niece
Step brothers and sisters: Dakota Lane Heims, Julianna Katherine Heims, Hannah Marie Huskins, Heidi Lynn Huskins, S. Luke Huskins, Ethan Ryan Huskins, and Jonathan Dakota Huskins.

Spc. Grandstaff graduated from Winamac Community High School in 2009. He ran on the high school track team where he was a co-record holder on the four-by-one-hundred relay team. He loved playing football and continued his football career at Anderson University. He then attended Vincennes University for aviation technology.

He was employed at Braun Corporation and Plymouth Tube before joining the military. He joined the U.S. Army Oct. 2, 2012 and became a crew chief on a Blackhawk Medivac Helicopter. He was stationed to Ansbach Germany on April 27, 2013. He loved flying and playing on the Illesheim Black'N Blue Rugby Team. He enjoyed being outdoors hunting, fishing and shooting archery. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He loved people. He will be sadly missed by his friends and family.

Visitation will be from 3 to 9 p.m., Friday, at Church of the Heartland, Winamac. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Saturday (May 3), at the church, with Pastor Jon McDougle and Pastor Chad Richie officiating. Burial will be at McKinley Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Winamac.

Memorial donations may be given to Wounded Warrior Project or to a fund to assist his comrads who are travelling to Ryan's funeral from Germany.

Jeff Garten

January 30, 1977 to April 22, 2014

FRANCESVILLE - Jeffrey Andrew "Jeff" Garten, 37, Peru, passed away after a long battle with diabetes Tuesday, April 22. at his home.

He was born Jan. 30, 1977 in Logansport.

Survivors include:

William A. "Bill" and Jennifer J. Meyer Garten, Francesville, Parents
Jaina Jade Garten, Russiaville, Daughter
Mariah Inomata Garten, Japan, Daughter
Helen Steele, Wisconsin, Daughter
Mary Garten, Columbus, Paternal Grandmother
Denise Nightingale, Peru, Companion

Preceded in death by:
Ashley Nicole Garten, Infant Sister
William L. Garten, Paternal Grandfather
Frank and Mary Mobley Meyer, Maternal Grandparents

Mr. Garten graduated from West Central High School in 1995 where he was active with the Melodyaires choral group. Upon graduation from high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy just as his Grandfather Garten had done. He served at Atsugi and Yokosuka Naval Bases in Japan from 1996-2003. He also served on the USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG-54) Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer while in Japan. He obtained the rank of Gunners Mate. He took advantage of the Navy's promise to see the world and was able to make friends with a wide variety of people. He was a graduate of Lincoln Tech in Indianapolis. He enjoyed working with his hands. He loved his family and will be dearly missed.

A private service will be held at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel Francesville, with Pastor James Ketchen officiating. Following cremation, private burial will be at Roseland Cemetery, Francesville. The American Legion will conduct military graveside services.

Memorial donations may be given to American Diabetes Association

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