Obituaries

James W. Albrecht

October 31, 1943 to October 29, 2012

FRANCESVILLE - James W. Albrecht, 68, of Francesville, died at 7:28 p.m., Monday, Oct. 29, at St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis.

He was born Oct. 31, 1943, in Winamac, to the late Philip F. and Louise K. Gutwein Albrecht. He married Karen Hendershot on Sept. 2, 2007 in New Albany. She survives. 

Survivors include: 
Jami (Ronnie) Rowe, Monon, Daughter 
Christina Albrecht, Monon, Daughter 
Todd Albrecht, Terre Haute, Son 
Tim (Nicky) Albrecht, Oklahoma, Son 
Stacey Eide Cronin, Tucson, AZ, Step Daughter 
Jason Eide, Francesville, Step Son 
Jon (Joan) Eide, Houston, TX, Step Son 
Grandchildren: Robby Albrecht, Nicole Albrecht, Michael Albrecht, Timmy Albrecht, Heaven Albrecht, Dakota Albrecht, Austin Rowe, Faith Rowe, Travis Rowe, Marissa Rowe, Jaylin Rowe, Trey Isom,  and Trinity Isom Harley Eide, Step Grandchild 
Lyra Eide, Step Grandchild 
Several Great Grandchildren 
Phyllis L. (Richard) Boehning, West Lafayette, Sister 
Roger (Marilyn) Albrecht, Lafayette, Brother 
Gary (Jane) Albrecht, Winston-Salem, NC, Brother. 

Preceded in death by 
Orie Heinold, Step Father 
Lewis Albrecht, Brother 

Mr. Albrecht was a farmer in the Francesville and Monon area for many years. He was the former owner of Albrecht Tire in LaCrosse, and had worked at Gutwein Seeds in Francesville before becoming a farmer. He attended the Apostolic Christian Church in Francesville. He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He enjoyed working the land and fishing.

On Oct. 28, 1995 Mr. Albrecht received a heart transplant at St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis. He was one of the earliest transplant recipients at St. Vincent Hospital. His survival exceeded the average life expectancy for a heart transplant patient. 

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m., Thursday, at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel, Francesville, and one hour prior to services at the church Friday. The funeral service will be  at 10:30 a.m., Friday (Nov. 2), at the Apostolic Christian Church, Francesville, with the ministers of the church officiating. Burial will be in Roseland Cemetery, Francesville. 

Memorial donations may be given to St. Vincent Hospital Foundation.

Bryan Shidler

June 27, 1971 to October 29, 2012

WINAMAC - Bryan Jeffery "Jeff" Shidler, 41, Winamac, passed away at 5:23 p.m., Monday, Oct. 29, in Pulaski Memorial Hospital, Winamac.

He was born June 27, 1971, in Winamac, to Jimmy L. and Carol M. Crider Shidler. He married Natalie L. O'Connor on Nov. 27, 2000, in Sevierville, TN. She survives. 

Also surviving are: 
Braxton Jeffery Shidler, Winamac, Son 
Jimmy L. and Carol M. Shidler, Winamac, Parents 
Scott A. Shidler, Ingalls, Brother 
Kerri J. (Joe) Thomas, McCordsville, Sister 
Timothy J. (Tammy) Shidler, Royal Center, Brother 
James C. Shidler, Winamac, brother 
Norma Shidler, Winamac, Paternal Grandmother 
Leonard and Carol Short, Winamac, Father-in-law and Mother-in-law 
Richard and Evelyn Werner, Winamac, Grandparents-in-law 
Warren and Elsie Short, Winamac, Grandparents-in-law 
Several Nieces and Nephews, and Aunts and Uncles

Preceded in death by: 
Robert and Helen Crider, Maternal Grandparents 
Joyce Shidler, Paternal Grandmother 
Arnold "Jack" Shidler, Paternal Grandfather 
Joni Shidler, Aunt 
Joe Crider, Uncle 

Mr. Shidler graduated from Winamac Community High School in 1989. He was a former employee of Central Soya, Buckeye, Frick, and Cargill, Winamac. He was currently a lineman for the Winamac Municipal Electric Utility where he had been employed since 2001. He was a member of the Winamac VFW Post #1728, and is a former member of Winamac Eagle's Lodge #2580. 

He enjoyed music. He was a drummer for Overdrive and other local bands. He also enjoyed cooking and was an avid NASCAR fan. He loved his family. He enjoyed playing in the backyard with his son. He had a big heart and was always there to help someone when needed. 

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m., Thursday, at Frain Mortuary, Winamac. The funeral service will be at 2 p.m., Friday (Nov. 2), at the funeral home with Rev. Edward Clark officiating. Burial will be in McKinley Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Winamac.

Memorial donations may be given to the Ronald McDonald House.

Olive M. Braun

September 17, 1911 to October 22, 2012

WINAMAC - Olive M. Braun, 101, Winamac, passed away at 1:08 p.m., Monday, Oct. 22, at her residence.

She was born Sept. 17, 1911, in Winamac, the daughter of the late Harry and Lydia Freiske Freeman. She married Joseph J.
Braun on Feb. 8, 1933, in St. Peter's Catholic Church, Winamac. He passed away on Feb. 7, 1986.

Survivors include:
Joan E. Heath, Lafayette, Daughter
Ralph W. (Melody) Braun, Winamac, Son
Patricia (John) Bawcum, Winamac, Granddaughter
Donna (Greg) Rothfeldt, Apollo Beach, FL, Granddaughter
Cherie (Paul Macchione) Braun-Diaz, Seminole, F,L Granddaughter
Joseph (Kathy) Heath, Brookston, Grandson
Todd (Amy) Braun, Chicago, Grandson
Jeff (Cindy) Heath, Indianapolis, Grandson
Brent Braun, Winamac, Grandson
Drew (Lisa) Braun, Belleair Beach, FL, Grandson
Melissa (Nathan) Dennis, Winamac, Granddaughter
23 Great Grandchildren
3 Great Great Grandchildren
Marjorie Thomas, Winamac, Sister
Vernal Freeman, FL, Brother

Preceded in death by:
9 Brothers and Sisters
Gloria Scharf-Beedie, Granddaughter

Mrs. Braun was a homemaker. She was a member of the Monroe Home Extension Club for many years. She was a member of St. Peter's Catholic Church, Christian Mothers, Ladies of Charity, and was always helping at the Good Samaritan Store. Known as the "Doll Lady", she would dress hundreds of dolls at Christmas time to be distributed to children in the area. She was a seamstress and made many quilts. She also made lap robes and donated them to local nursing homes.

Visitation will be  from 3 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, at Frain Mortuary, Winamac. The rosary will be recited at 7:30 p.m., followed immediately by a Christian Mothers service and a scriptural wake service. A funeral mass will be at 11 a.m., Wednesday (Oct. 24) at St. Peter's Catholic Church, Winamac. The officiating clergy: Rev. Martin Sandhage. Entombment will be at St. Peter's Cemetery, Winamac.

Memorial donations may be given to Ladies of Charity.

Romas Povilaitis

October 11, 2012

KNOX - Romas Povilaitis, 61, of Monterey, passed away Thursday, Oct. 11.

Funeral services will be Wednesday, Oct. 17, at 2 p.m. (CT), at the Church of the Heartland in Knox. Visitation is one hour prior to services at the church.

The Braman and Son Memorial Chapel in Knox is in charge of arrangements.

Harry Pearce

April 30, 1950 to October 10, 2012

WINAMAC - Harry J. Pearce Jr., 62, Winamac, passed away at 3:09 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 10, in IU Health LaPorte Hospital, LaPorte.

He was born April 30, 1950, in Havre de Grace, MD, to Harry and Dora Breitenbach Pearce. He married Karen Mays in April, 1979. He then married Tansy T. Weaver on March 14, 1992, in Winamac. She passed away on July 29, 1994. He married LeeAnn Smith on June 3, 2000, in Winamac. She survives.

Also surviving are:
Michael (Jodi) Pearce, South Bend, Son
Megan L. Leazenby, Washington, DC, Daughter
Harry J. Pearce, Elkton, MD Father
Charlotte Ann Pearce, Townsend, DE, Sister

Preceded in death by:
Dora Breitenbach Pearce, Mother

Mr. Pearce was a graduate of Iowa State University in 1973. He was employed at T&T Farms, Winamac. He was formerly employed at Farm Bureau Co-Op as an agronomist for many years. He was a member of the Pulaski Presbyterian Church. He recently graduated from Presbyterian Teaching Elder Training and was active in providing ministerial services to the community.

He was a charter member of the Winamac Lion's Club and was also a past president. He was also a member and formerly served as president and treasurer of the Arrowhead RC&D. As a member of the Arrowhead RC&D he was the agronomist with the Winamac Tree Committee. He was currently serving on the Pulaski County Extension Board. He enjoyed spending time with his family. He also spent time working with his hands and also woodworking and gardening.

Friends may call from 2 to 6 p.m., Sunday, at Frain Mortuary, Winamac. The Lion's Club will conduct services at 5 p.m. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Monday (Oct. 15), at the funeral home with Michael Shurn officiating. Burial will be in Pulaski Presbyterian Cemetery, Pulaski.

Memorial donations may be given to National Kidney Foundation.

Devin M. Holbrook

August 18, 1993 to September 29, 2012

WHEATFIELD - Devin M. Holbrook, 19, of Medaryville, passed away Saturday, Sept. 29, in Francesville.

He was born Aug. 18, 1993 in Valparaiso to Darrell and Robin West Holbrook.

He is survived by: his father Darrell Holbrook and Melinda Rowe, siblings Joshua West, Justin West and fiance’ Elizabeth Conley, Dillion West, Eleshia (Markus) Wein, and Shandayla Rowe, and grandmother Glenna West.

He was preceded in death by his mother: Robin, and nephew: Bryson Hughes.

Devin attended West Central Schools and worked as a landscaper.

Visitation will be from 4 to 9 p.m., Thursday, at Goodway Baptist Church, Medaryville. The funeral service will be at 10 a.m., Friday (Oct.5), at the church with Rev. James Rowe officiating. Interment will tabe in Goodway Baptist Church Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the family.

The Boersma Funeral Home in Wheatfield is in charge of arrangements.