Obituaries

Cheryl Scheffer

November 15, 1946 to September 25, 2024

ROYAL CENTER - Cheryl A. Scheffer, 77, of Star City passed away at 3:42 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 25, at IU Health West Hospital in Avon.

Cheryl Scheffer

Born Nov. 15, 1946 in Winamac, she was the daughter of the late Gerald “Cal” and Elsie (Lebo) Scheffer. She was a Star City High School graduate and continued her education at Indiana State University earning her bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

Survivors include her brother Charles “Chuck” Scheffer of Star City; sisters Mary (Steve) Thomas of Brookston and Jean (Louis) Bangel of Winamac; sister-in-law Dessa Scheffer of North Carolina and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by brother Thomas “Tom” Scheffer.

Ms. Scheffer taught high school math, starting at Twin Lakes School Corporation and retiring from Pioneer Junior/Senior High School. While teaching she also sponsored numerous clubs, coached sports and math teams, and was a senior class sponsor. She spent many hours helping with school activities during afternoons, evenings and weekends. She received several honors for which her students nominated her. She was also a member and past president of Delta Kappa Gamma Society. After retiring from teaching, she attended tax school and has worked for various CPAs during tax time. She loved the outdoors and spent many hours helping on the family farm, gardening and taking care of the yard.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 1 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 1, at Rans Funeral Homes & Crematory, Harrison Chapel, Royal Center. Burial will be at the Winamac Cemetery, McKinley Memorial Gardens Addition.

Memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association.

Ms. Scheffer’s online guestbook is available and condolences may be shared with the family at www.ransfuneralhomes.com.

Joseph K. Holmes

January 15, 1952 to September 21, 2024

SOUTH BEND - Joseph Kevin “Joe” Holmes, 72, South Bend (formerly of Winamac), passed away Sept. 21.

He was born Jan. 15, 1952 to Bert and Rosemary Holmes in his hometown of Winamac. He graduated from Winamac Community High School in 1970 where he fondly remembered helping his basketball team win their sectional championship in his senior year. He attended Indiana State University where he enjoyed intramural sports and a multitude of other activities with his Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity brothers.

Joe Holmes

He is survived by his wife Marcia, sister Pamela (Pat) Patrick, brother-in-law Randy (Cindy) King, children Jeanne (Nick) Foster, Kyle Wilson, Jennifer (Brian) Chance, and Joni (Ivan) Balicky. Also surviving are nieces and a nephew, and grandchildren Noah Wilson, Brooklyn Foster, Jasmine Foster, Gabriel Wilson, Braedyn Foster, Olivia Balicky, Peyton Harris, Lucas Balicky, Kenzie Foster, Eli Harris, Kameron Foster, Abel Wilson, Thaddeus Wilson, Kaylie Balicky and Claire Balicky. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother and sister-in-law Ronnie and Silva Holmes, his father- and mother-in-law Edsel and Nell King, and brother-in-law Jeffrey King.

Mr. Holmes was naturally athletic and very competitive. Although he didn’t raise his dream basketball team in his kids, he enjoyed living out his glory days with his grandkids. He enjoyed seeing people laugh and used his sarcastic sense of humor to get a smile out of anyone he talked to. A well-respected man of God and a prayer warrior for his family and friends, he expressed often that he was “blessed and highly favored.”

A time of visitation will begin at 10 a.m., followed by a 12 noon celebration of life service Saturday, Sept. 28, at Winamac Nazarene Church with Rev. Paul Commons officiating.

Palmer Funeral Home, Guisinger Chapel, in South Bend is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered to the Holmes Family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

William L. Huffman

April 21, 1943 to September 20, 2024

WINAMAC - William L. “Bill” Huffman, 81, Winamac, passed away Friday, Sept. 20, at IU Health Arnett Hospital in Lafayette.

He was born April 21, 1943 in Logansport, to the late James F. and Malinda M. [Zarse] Huffman. After graduating from Francesville High School in 1961, he enlisted in the U.S. Army. He married Joyce F. Coogle on Sept. 13, 1964 in Monon. She survives.

Bill Huffman

He is also survived by:
Kevin W. (Kara) Huffman, Versailles, KY, Son
Sheila F. Lamb, Avon, IN, Daughter
Janet L. (Chad) Inman, Noblesville, Daughter
Tina M. Huffman, Monticello, Daughter
Grandchildren: Ryan (Anna) Huffman, Ashlyn Huffman, Sean Lamb, Sydney Lamb, Josh (Emani) Inman, Jeff (Chelsey) Inman, Matt Inman, Michael Skaggs, and Samantha Riddle.
1 Great-Grandson: Matthew
Marilyn L. (Lee) Kizlik, Sister
Carolyn M. Shivley, Sister
Many Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
Jeffrey D. Huffman, Infant Son
Austin M. Huffman, Grandson
Donald J. Huffman, Brother

Mr. Huffman was a lifelong farmer in Pulaski County. He was a member of Paul’s Chapel Church and Gideon’s International. He was a true outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing. He had a great sense of humor and was full of “good jokes”. He loved his family dearly and especially cherished time spent with his grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 12 noon to 2 p.m., Friday, Sept. 27, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. The funeral service will be at 2 p.m., Friday, Sept. 27, at the funeral home with celebrant Ashley Young officiating. Burial will be at Paul’s Chapel Cemetery in rural Winamac. The American Legion and VFW will conduct military graveside services.

Memorial donations may be made to Gideon’s International.

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

Martin Torgerson

March 11, 1938 to September 20, 2024

WINAMAC - Martin “Torg” Torgerson, 86, passed away Friday morning, Sept. 20, at home surrounded by family, in Banner Elk, NC.

He was born March 11, 1938 in Winamac, to William and Lucile (Long) Torgerson. He graduated in 1956 from Winamac High School. He continued his education at Indiana State University where he earned bachelor’s and masters’ degrees in English. He married Carol Sue Russell on May 29, 1965 at the First Christian Church in Logansport. They were blessed with 59 years of marriage. She survives.

Martin Torgerson

Also surviving are his daughter Anne Torgerson of Los Angeles, son William and wife Megan of Banner Elk, NC, and sister Katherine Fritz of Clearwater, FL, as well as several nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death were his parents, brothers Tom, David, Andrew, Jason, and his sister Nancy Matthews. 

Mr. Torgerson was a retired teacher, having taught literature, grammar, speech, journalism, and writing throughout Loganland. He also was a varsity basketball coach and athletic director at Caston. He coached girls and boys basketball at many levels, girls’ golf, and also baseball. After retirement from teaching at Winamac Community High School, he taught writing at Indiana University Kokomo. For recreation, he loved to play golf and hunt for morel mushrooms. He enjoyed spending time with his family. Known as “Paw Paw” to his granddaughters, he especially liked to watch them play basketball. 

Mr. Torgerson navigated Parkinson’s disease for several decades and credited his own positive outlook the result of his faith, the loving care of his family, and the inspiring work of the actor Michael J. Fox who also has Parkinson’s.

Memorial donations may be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. Click here to link to the foundation website to donate. eCards from the foundation may be sent to his wife at her email address: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Physical cards may be sent to 165 Leighway LN, Banner Elk, NC 28604. 

As per his request, Mr. Torgerson will be cremated and buried at Winamac Cemetery (McKinley Addition) in Winamac, during a private ceremony.  

Local arrangements were entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.

Russell G. Antrim

March 8, 1956 to September 19, 2024

ROYAL CENTER - Russell G. “Rusty” (aka Rooster) Antrim, 68, of Bass Lake, formerly of Winamac, passed away at 5:08 a.m., Thursday, Sept. 19, at I.U. Hospital in Indianapolis.

He was born March 8, 1956 in La Porte to the late Russell D. and Donna Leach Antrim. At the young age of 12, he met Chris Dommer. They became sweethearts throughout their school years, and on March 29, 1976, they were married. She survives.

Rusty Antrim

Survivors also include sons, Henry D. (Krystal) Antrim of Valparaiso and Russell D. (Kassie) Antrim of Royal Center; brothers Jeff (Pam) Antrim of Kentland, Kevin (Kim) Antrim of Rochester; his sister Sheila Wilson of Warsaw, as well as his sisters-in-law Connie Haschel and Cheryl Fox; brother-in-law Curt Dommer; and grandchildren Henry, Rusty, Brody, Kamdyn, Chandler, Xavier, Kaleb, Chanisty, Xavia, Tobias, Peyton, Kalista, Tokora and Paisley.

He is preceded in death his brother Johnny Antrim, his brothers-in-law Fred Wilson, Rick Haschel and Jim Fox; and his sister-in-law Mary Antrim.

Soon after his marriage, Mr. Antrim enlisted in the U.S. Army, leading the couple to relocate from Winamac to Fort Hood, Texas, where he served with dedication for three years. During their time in Texas, they welcomed their first son, Henry. Upon completing his military service, the couple returned to Winamac, where they were blessed with their second son, Russell. Eventually they purchased Chris’s family property, creating a home that became a gathering place for friends and family alike. For decades, their home was the heart of countless celebrations, with the Antrims hosting family holidays and special occasions, always making everyone feel welcome. After spending nearly 15 summers camping at Bass Lake, the Antrims made the decision in 2019 to sell the family property and retire to the lake full-time. Bass Lake was their happy place, filled with close friends. It became the backdrop for many family get-togethers, and “Rooster” was in his element - surrounded by loved ones, boating, camping, playing cards, and most of all, celebrating life.

Mr. Antrim worked for The Braun Corporation for over 45 years before retiring in 2021. He was a member of several community organizations, including the V.F.W., American Legion, F.O.E., and the Moose Lodge. Those who knew him will remember him for his boundless generosity and his quiet acts of kindness. He found great joy in helping others, always in the background, never seeking recognition. His compassion and warmth left a lasting impact on everyone fortunate enough to cross his path. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A celebration of life service will be held at a later date.

Mr. Antrim’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.

Brenda S. Craig

January 1, 1948 to September 18, 2024

WINAMAC - Brenda Sue Craig, 76, of Winamac passed away peacefully Wednesday, Sept. 18, at IU Health Arnett Hospital in Lafayette.

She was born Jan. 1, 1948 in Jaywye, MO to the late Earl E. and Wanda B. [Cross] White. In 1964, the family moved to Winamac. The following year, Brenda graduated from Winamac High School and went to work as a telephone operator at United Telephone Co. in Winamac. In 1975, she married Brent W. “Bill” Craig. He passed away in 2003.

Brenda Craig

She is survived by:
Blake W. (Jill) Craig, Wakefield, NE, Son
Brooke S. (Samuel) Pérez, Delphi, Daughter
4 Grandchildren: Zoe, Henry, William, and Griselda.
3 Great-Grandchildren: Noemi, Jazmin, and Jayden.
3 Step-Children: Colleen, Dee Dee, and Brent.
6 Step-Grandchildren: Nicole, Lyndsi, Sarah, Brittany, Jessika, and Lorien.
Several Step-Great-Grandchildren
Shirley (Joe) Decker, Winamac, Sister
Alice Creasy, Winamac, Sister
Patricia “Sandy” Terry, Winamac, Sister
Carolyn (Stan) Johnson, Talma, Sister
Numerous Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
Baby White, Infant Twin Brother
Bob Creasy, Brother-in-law

Mrs. Craig was employed for many years at Eaton Controls until its closure. She had a larger-than-life personality and brought joy to all who knew her. She loved her family dearly and was affectionately known as “Grandma Badger” to her grandchildren. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

Visitation will be from 12 noon to 2 p.m., Monday, Sept. 23, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. The funeral service will follow at 2 p.m. (Sept. 23), at the funeral home with Pastor Jill Craig officiating. Burial will be at Mt. Zion-Franklin Twp. Cemetery in Winamac.

Memorial donations may be made to Winamac Town Park.

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