Obituaries

Kenneth L. Kruger

July 13, 1930 to November 8, 2012

FRANCESVILLE - Kenneth L. Kruger, 82, Francesville, passed away at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, Nov. 8, at his residence.

He was born July 13, 1930, in Francesville, to the late Ludwig Carl and Lena Ringen Kruger. He married Janet I. Linback on June 15, 1957 at the St. James United Church of Christ in Francesville. She survives.

Also surviving are:
Allen D. (Susan) Kruger, Chesterland, OH, Son & daughter-in-law
Kathy K. (Doug) Wilson , Francesville, Daughter & son-in-law
Ronald K. (Janet) Kruger, Francesville, Son & daughter-in-law
Gary L. (Tish) Kruger, Francesville, Son & daughter-in-law
Grandchildren Sarah Kruger, Jacob Kruger, Hilary Wilson (David) Parker, Haley Wilson (Kevin) McCombs, Grant Wilson, Lance Kruger, Evan Kruger, Alivia Kruger, Joel Kruger, Justine Kruger,
and Jaylen Kruger.
Great-grandchildren Sadie Parker, Tess Parker, and Brady McCombs.
Sylvia Doll, Francesville, sister

He was preceded in death by:
Evelyn Sims, Sister

Mr. Kruger was a lifetime grain and cattle farmer. He had worked as a rural mail carrier for 30 years. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was a member of the American Legion Post 228 in Francesville.

He was a member of the St. James-Salem United Church of Christ in Francesville. He served 30 years as superintendant of the Sunday School. He was also a former member of the church board. He served as a director of Peoples State Bank and also the Cooperative Elevator in Francesville for 33 years. He was a 25-year member of the ASCS Board in Pulaski County. He was a longtime member of the John Purdue Club and Moose Lodge.

Mr. Kruger was named the 1998 Francesville Fall Festival Citizen of the Year. He enjoyed watching Purdue sports and watching his children and grandchildren in all of their activities. He also enjoyed Polka music and dancing. He was a model for being a great husband, father, grandfather, citizen, leader and friend. He was a self-made man who well represented a generation of Americans who greatly grew and unselfishly protected the American way of life. He always wore a smile and could find the positive in any situation. He will be greatly missed.

Friends may call from 2 to 8 p.m., Sunday, at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel-Francesville; and one hour prior to services at the church on Monday. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Monday (Nov. 12), in St. James-Salem United Church of Christ, Francesville with Pastor T.J. Jenney officiating. Burial will be in St. James Salem Cemetery, Francesville. The American Legion will conduct military graveside services.

Memorial donations may be given to the St. James-Salem United Church of Christ.

Wilbert Hettinger

August 12, 1912 to November 6, 2012

WINAMAC - Wilbert James "Webb" Hettinger, 100, of Winamac, died at 6 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 6, at his residence.

He was born Aug. 12, 1912, in Star City, to the late Charles and Laura Ella Harness Hettinger. He married Blanche Marie Chamness on April 9, 1938 in Winamac. She died in 2006.

Survivors include:
Sharon Anona Crissinger, Winamac, Daughter
Terry Webb Hettinger, Jacksonville, IL, Son
Michaela Marie (James) Dowler, Dublin, OH, Granddaughter
James Hettinger, Quincy, IL, Grandson
Phillip Andrew (Julie) Hettinger, Alsey, IL, Grandson
Daniel (Margie) Hettinger, Alsey, IL, Grandson
Jennifer (John) Boots, Jacksonville, IL, Granddaughter
13 Great Grandchildren
4 Great Great Grandchildren
Several Nieces & Nephews

Preceded in death by
Joseph Hettinger, Brother
Lawrence Hettinger, Brother
Bessie Elston, Sister

Mr. Hettinger retired from the Pennsylvania Railroad in 1976, after 30 years of service. He also had worked many years at Hank Kopkey's Fur House in Winamac. In his early years, he worked on several different farms.

The Hettingers were long-time members of the First Christian Church in Winamac. He loved and served the Lord, Jesus Christ and devoted time each day to reading his Bible. Starting in 1976, the couple spent their winters in Texas. After she died, he continued to winter in Texas with his son. He loved fishing, hunting, and gardening, and will be dearly missed by his friends and family.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m., Friday, at Frain Mortuary, Winamac; and one hour prior to services Saturday at the church. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Saturday (Nov. 10), at the First Christian Church, Winamac, with Pastor Rick Abbott officiating. Burial will be in McKinley Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Winamac.

Memorial donations may be given to the First Christian Church.

John J. Gutwein Jr.

October 23, 1933 to October 24, 2012

RENSSELAER - John Jacob Gutwein Jr., 79, of Rensselaer passed away Wednesday, Oct. 24, at George Ade Memorial Healthcare.

He was born in Francesville, on Oct. 23, 1933, the son of the late John Sr. and Helen Albrecht Gutwein. On Feb.12, 1956, in Francesville, he married Charlene Ann Rogers who survives.

Surviving with his wife are three children, Curtis (wife Helen) Gutwein, Rensselaer, Jennifer (husband Mark) Ritter, Valparaiso and Julie (husband Dave) Malone, Rensselaer; fourteen grandchildren; two sisters, Rovene (husband Herb) Geyer, Denver, CO and Lillian (husband Donald) Hildewig, Sarasota, FL and two brothers, Arnold (wife Dorothy) Gutwein and Marvin (wife Paulette) Gutwein, both of Denver, CO.

He was preceded in death by a son, Lynn Gutwein, and one sister.

Mr. Gutwein graduated from Francesville High School with the class of 1951. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was a farmer for many years. He held his private pilot’s license and enjoyed flying. He was a member of the Retired Iron Club, former school board member, past FSA Board member, past Soil & Water Conservation Board member and a past member of the Jasper County Planning Commission.

He was a member of the Tri-County Bible Church, Rensselaer.

Friends may call Friday, from 2 to 8 P.M. CDT at the Jackson Funeral Chapel of Rensselaer. The funeral service will be held Saturday (Oct. 27), at 10:30 a.m. (CT), at Tri-County Bible Church, Rensselaer with Pastor Andy Overly officiating. Burial will follow at Crockett Cemetery, Rensselaer.

Memorials may be given to the Jasper County Hospital Home Healthcare and Hospice or Wycliffe Associates.

Lily V.Bair

July 1, 1927 to November 3, 2012

WINAMAC - Lily V. Bair, 85, of Winamac, died at 7 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 3, at Hickory Creek, Winamac.

She was born July 1, 1927, in Royal Center, to the late Edward and Flossie Bensen Miller. She married Donald H. Bair on Feb. 16, 1943 in Knox. He died Sept. 22, 1982.

Survivors include:
Judith (Ronald) Loehmer, Winamac, Daughter
Michael (Margaret)Bair, Knox, Son
Kim (Bob) Adamski, Winamac, Grandchild
Greg Loehmer, Winamac, Grandchild
Sharonda (Jeff) Eiler, LaPorte, Grandchild
David (Devan) Levine, LaPorte, Grandchild
12 Great Grandchildren
1 Great Great Grandchild
Paul (Wilma) Miller, Royal Center, Brother

She was preceded in death by:
1 Grandchild
4 Brothers & 1 Sister

Mrs. Bair worked as a checker at the former A & P Grocery in Winamac for 18 years. She served as the superintendant of Pleasant View Rest Home in Winamac from 1978 until 1989. She y loved dancing and playing cards. She enjoyed trips to Las Vegas, NV. She was a great cook. She loved having friends and family come to her home to eat. Lily also enjoyed raising flowers.

Friends may call from 3 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, at Frain Mortuary, Winamac. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Wednesday (Nov. 7), at the funeral home with Pastor Brian Pinson officiating. Burial will be in Reed Cemetery, Winamac.

Memorial donations may be given to Friends of Pleasant View Retirement Home.

James E. Neeley

March 30, 1966 to October 31, 2012

WHEATFIELD - James E. Neeley, 46, of Medaryville passed away Wednesday afternoon, Oct. 31, from injuries suffered in an automobile accicent northeast of Medaryville.

He was born March 30, 1966, to James and Sharon Howard Neeley in Rensselaer.

Survivors include his his fiance’ Teresa Rowe, daughter: Heather Rowe, mother: Sharon Neeley, siblings: Kathy (Frank) Owens, Kenneth (Wanda) Neeley, Tanya Neeley, and Justin Neeley.

He was preceded in death by his father: James.

Mr. Neeley was a lifetime area resident and worked as a laborer for the Local 41 out of Hammond.

Friends are invited to visit with the family on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Goodway Baptist Church. The funeral services will follow at 2 p.m., (Saturday, Nov. 3), at the church with Pastor James Rowe officiating. Interment will follow in the Goodway Baptist Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the family.

Boersma Funeral Home of Wheatfield has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Violet M. Lukac

October 29, 2012

NORTH JUDSON -Violet M. (Fort) Lukac, 86, of Winamac, Indiana passed away Monday, Oct. 29, at IU Health LaPorte Hospital. 

She is survived by daughters, Linda Trenner of San Pierre, Susan Janik of Plymouth, Patricia Minix of North Judson, Terri Marquardt of Knox; sons, Paul M. Lukac of St. Charles, Ill., David Lukac of North Judson, Edward Lukac of Roscoe, Ill.; brothers, James Fort of Knox, Ralph Fort of Lebanon, Mo., Michael Fort of Indianapolis; 19 grandchildren; and 25 great-grandchildren.

Visitation is Thursday, from 4 to 8 p.m. (CDT) at O’Donnell Funeral Home, Inc., North Judson. The funeral service will be Friday, Nov. 2, at 10 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be at Highland Cemetery, North Judson.