Obituaries

Nicholas Kasten

August 18, 1987 to September 6, 2023

ROYAL CENTER - Nicholas “Nic” Kasten, 36, of Winamac passed away peacefully at 4:21 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 6, at the Northwest Healthcare Center in LaPorte, surrounded by his family and loved ones.

He was born Aug. 18, 1987 in Logansport. He graduated from Winamac Community School in 2006.

Nic Kasten

He is survived by his two sons Avi Kruz Kasten and Kash Lee Kasten, his parents Tim (Sherri) Kasten of Rochester and Kim (Bob) Adamski of Winamac, his sister Natalie (Carl) Reynolds of Bluffton, his brother Eric (Kara) Kasten of Winamac, his grandparents Ronald and Judy Loehmer of Winamac, his niece Phoebe Reynolds, his nephew Memphis Kasten, and many cousins, aunts and uncles.

He was preceded in death by grandparents Mary Lou and Bob Swartzell.

Mr. Kasten He was blessed with his first son, Avi in December 2017 and his second son Kash in January 2019. He was an avid music listener. He often loved sitting in the pool with his mom, playing music trivia. He amazed people with his vast knowledge of all kinds of genres of music. He loved playing cards with his friends and family, even though he was often “spanked” by his talented sister. He was often found tinkering in his garage on different cars. He acquired a lot of his knowledge from participating in several years of high school Super Mileage, his bonus dad, and working at Braun’s dealership while in high school. He used his skills to help his little brother in different racing endeavors. He also had a love for hunting and fishing; a hobby he learned from his dad. Nic loved to make others laugh, whether it would be with jokes he had heard or videos he had found. His late night phone calls will be sorely missed by his sister as he would always find a way to make her laugh until she cried. Above all else, he loved his sons more than anything on this earth.

A celebration of life gathering will be from 4 to 8 p.m., Monday, Sept. 11, at Rans Funeral Homes & Crematory, Harrison Chapel, 304 S. Chicago St., Royal Center.

Memorial donations can be made to the family that will be trusted for Nic’s two sons, Avi and Kash.

Mr. Kasten’s online guestbook is available and condolences can be shared with the family at www.ransfuneralhomes.com.

Roger E. Ward

December 12, 1948 to September 3, 2023

FRANCESVILLE - Roger E. Ward, 74, of Francesville, passed away Sunday, Sept. 3, at his residence in Francesville after a hard-fought, three-year battle with cancer.

He was born Dec. 12, 1948 in Francesville to the late Russell Emmett “R.E.” and Lena [Honegger] Ward. He graduated from Francesville High School in 1966. On Nov. 16, 1968 he married Sandra J. Long in Francesville, and they were blessed to share 54 years together. She survives.

Roger Ward

He is also survived by:
Erica (Evan) Christensen, North Judson, Daughter
Amber (Philip) Leman, Francesville, Daughter
Amanda (Rustin) Meister, Lafayette, Daughter
Erin (Bryce) Drayer, Centerville, TN, Daughter
21 Grandchildren: Aidan and Macie Christensen; Ethan, Camille, Brie, Tate, and Josie Leman; Micah, Clay, Joshua, Moriah, and Colt Meister; Sydney, Brant, Nolan, Elliot, Theodore, Rhett, Knox, Celine, and Ransom Drayer
Nola Wuethrich, Francesville, Sister
Many Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
2 Infant Grandchildren
Barbara (David) Wuethrich, Sister
Dale (Anne) Ward, Brother
Mary Ann (Joe) Sanders, Sister
David (Karen) Ward, Brother
Richard Wuethrich, Brother-in-law

Mr. Ward served in the U.S. Air Force from 1968-1972, with an eight-month tour of duty in Vietnam as a loadmaster on cargo airplanes. He earned the rank of staff sergeant before completing his military service. He was a member of the Francesville American Legion Post #228 where he participated in the honor guard. He gave his life to the Lord in 1979. He was a faithful member of the Francesville Apostolic Christian Church and served in many roles over the years. His strong faith guided him to invest in the lives of others - including the less fortunate. He was an entrepreneur and local business owner. His life work included owning and operating a construction company, a stone quarry, and a hog operation. He also grain farmed for many years. He enjoyed playing golf as well as spending time with his friends. He cherished wintering with Sandi in Florida and being surrounded by his family. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather who strongly desired to see his family walk the streets of gold with him someday.

Visitation will be from 3 to 8 p.m., Friday, Sept. 8, at the Apostolic Fellowship Center in Francesville, and one hour prior to services at the church Saturday. The funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 9, at the Apostolic Christian Church in Francesville with ministers of the church officiating. Burial will be at Roseland Cemetery in Francesville.

 Memorial donations may be made to LifeWise Academy West Central.

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

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Francesville. 

Norma L. Pfledderer

December 8, 1928 to August 27, 2023

FRANCESVILLE - Norma L. Pfledderer, 94, of Francesville, passed away Sunday, Aug. 27, at Parkview Haven Retirement Home in Francesville.

She was born Dec. 8, 1928 in Francesville to the late William and Katherine [Gudeman] Kahler. She graduated from Francesville High School in 1947. On June 26, 1948, she married Robert H. Pfledderer in Francesville. He passed away June 3, 2006.

Norma Pfledderer

She is survived by:
Lona S. (Kent) Hudson, Trivoli, IL, Daughter
Linda K. (Stephen) Gutwein, Francesville, Daughter
Lorene L. (Brian) Furrer, West Lafayette, Daughter
Larry R. (Darlene) Pfledderer, Francesville, Son
Lisa M. (Keith) Knobloch, Wyoming, IL, Daughter
Nellie (Dwain) Anderson, Stanon, KY, Dear Friend of the Family
21 Grandchildren
48 Great-Grandchildren

Preceded in death by:
Dr. Stephen K. Elsasser, Son-in-law

Mrs. Pfledderer gave her life to the Lord in 1962 and was a faithful member of the Francesville Apostolic Christian Church. She enjoyed gardening and baking, especially creating wedding/birthday/graduation cakes for many years. She was a devoted homemaker who loved being a wife and mother. Growing up as an only child, she desired to have a large family. She leaves behind a beautiful legacy of many generations.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 31, at the Francesville Apostolic Christian Church. The funeral service will follow at 2 p.m. (Thursday), at the church with ministers of the church officiating. Burial will be at Roseland Cemetery in Francesville.

Memorial donations may be made to Parkview Haven Retirement Home. The family wishes to express their gratitude for the kind care the staff provided Norma.

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

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Francesville.

Janet L. Graham

April 29, 1950 to August 22, 2023

WINAMAC - Janet L. Graham, 73, of Winamac, passed away peacefully at 9:30 p.m., Tuesday, August 22, at Pulaski Health Care Center in Winamac.

She was born April 29, 1950 in Winamac to the late Charles R. and Violet L. [Marchand] Disinger. She grew up in the country near Francesville and graduated from West Central High School in 1969. On Sept. 28, 1972, she married Robert E. Graham. He passed away on Feb. 10, 2018.

Janet Graham

She is survived by:
Ryan (Diane) Graham, Winamac, Son
Andrew (Annalyn) Graham, Winamac, Grandson
Abby Graham, Winamac, Granddaughter
Weston Graham, Winamac, Great-Grandson
Larry (Diane) Disinger, Francesville, Brother
Betty (Don) Stotler, Ellettsville, Sister
Kay (Alan) Fritz, Winamac, Sister
Karen Speicher, Winterhaven, FL, Sister
Several Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
James Robert Graham, Son
Ricky Disinger, Brother
Brian Speicher, Nephew

Mrs. Graham was a lifelong cosmetologist until her health no longer allowed her to work. She was the owner of Jan’s Cut and Curl and also worked at Headlines for many years. She was also a longtime bus driver for the Eastern Pulaski Schools and Pulaski County Human Services. In addition, she worked as a teacher’s aide at Eastern Pulaski Elementary School for several years. She was a member of Pleasant Ridge Bible Church in rural Francesville. She enjoyed the company of other people, trips to Walmart, and spending time with her family. She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.

A graveside service will be at 11 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 9, at Tippecanoe Cemetery in Winamac, with Pastor Larry Fugett officiating. Burial will follow at the cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to Pleasant Ridge Bible Church.

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

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.

Robert P. Gutwein

April 19, 1937 to August 22, 2023

FRANCESVILLE - Robert P. “Bob” Gutwein, 86, of Francesville, passed away Tuesday, Aug. 22, at Franciscan Health Hospital in Rensselaer.

He was born April 19, 1937 in Francesville to the late Clarence P. and E. Jane [Snedeker] Gutwein. He graduated from Francesville High School in 1955 and was a proud member of the sectional championship basketball team that year. In 1956, he married Lois R. Ramey and they had two daughters. On April 3, 1976, he married Madge [Arnett] Allen. She passed away Sept. 21, 2022.

Bob Gutwein

He is survived by:
Kim (Blake) Wuethrich, Noblesville, Daughter
Kristy (Cary) Hoffman, DeMotte, Daughter
Donnie (Kay) Allen, Francesville, Son
Marsha (Jim) Minkert, Monticello, Daughter
14 Grandchildren – Tiara (Bill) Fairchild, Blair (Ryan) O’Reilly, Shawna (Cory) Reed, Nicolle (Danny) Legere, Dan (Holly) Nannenga, Sean Nannenga, Mandy Hoffman, Sara (Josh) Garcia, Wes Allen, Luke (Abby) Allen, Jordan (Elizabeth) Allen, Jeremy (Alexis) Minkert, Brooke (Jonas) Burgett, and McKinsey Minkert.
25 Great-Grandchildren
Donald (Judy) Gutwein, Phoenix, AZ, Brother
Richard (Pat) Gutwein, Phoenix, AZ, Brother
Douglas (Mary Lew) Gutwein, Cary, NC, Brother
Sharon Gutwein, Ankeny, IA, Sister-in-law
Helen Fay (Allyn) Onken, Francesville, Sister-in-law
Marvin (Lola) Arnett, Wheatfield, Brother-in-law
Orben Ritchie, Wheatfield, Brother-In-Law
Freeda Arnett, Medaryville, Sister-In-Law
Many nieces and nephews

Preceded in death by:
Craig Allen, Son
Miles W. Allen, Great-Grandson
Ronald Gutwein, Brother
Elsie Ritchie, Sister-in-law
Tom Arnett, Brother-in-law

Mr. Gutwein was a member of the Francesville First Christian Church and was a faithful Christian man who loved serving others and singing in the church choir. He was a longtime member of the Francesville Lion’s Club and Francesville Volunteer Fire Department. He had previously served on the Francesville Town Board. He enjoyed playing golf, especially playing in league at Moss Creek. He and Madge also enjoyed golfing trips with their friends. He was always a hard worker and a true entrepreneur. He co-founded Francesville Tire Company (FTC) and Blue Sea Blueberry Farms. Most recently, he was the owner and operator of Family Tree Company, also known as FTC. (He always said this was so he didn’t have to get new stationary.) He loved his family very much, especially spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He will be dearly missed.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m., Friday, Aug. 25, at Francesville First Christian Church; and one hour prior to services at the church Saturday. The funeral service will be at 2 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 26, at the church with Pastor James Ketchen officiating. Burial will be at Roseland Cemetery in Francesville.

Memorial donations may be made to Francesville First Christian Church.

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

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Francesville.

Susan J. Alexander

May 22, 1957 to August 21, 2023

WINAMAC - Sue Alexander, 66, of Winamac, passed away Monday morning, Aug. 21, in the home she made together with her husband of 45 years, Tim Alexander.

She was known by many names – Sue, Suzy, Suzy Q, Susan Jane, Saint Sue, Grandma, MawMaw and Mom – but she was born Susan Jane Hoffman on May 22, 1957. The daughter of Jim and Patty [Degner] Hoffman, she grew up on a farm along the Tippecanoe River south of Pulaski. She liked farm life, but she loved being around people more. She made friends easily and joined every club and sport she could, from 4-H to Sunshine Society to playing forward on Winamac’s first girls’ basketball team. She fell in love with her high school sweetheart, Tim Alexander, at the age of 16, and they were inseparable for the rest of their lives. He survives.

Sue Alexander

She is also survived by:
Megan (Chris) Wegner, Daughter
Jim (Katy) Alexander, Son
Mark (Janelle) Alexander, Son
Kolbey Wegner, Grandson
Kelsey Wegner, Granddaughter
Avery Wegner, Granddaughter
Zuma Alexander, Granddaughter
Mari Alexander, Granddaughter
George Alexander, Grandson
Nora Alexander, Granddaughter
Jude Alexander, Grandson
Sally (Steve) Butler, Sister
Samuel Hoffman, Brother
Sharon (Brian) Cords, Sister
Several Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
Jim and Patty Hoffman, Parents

Mrs. Alexander attended Purdue University, graduating with a degree in farm business management in 1979. Together, she and her husband returned to Winamac to start their own farm and family. Throughout the 1980s, they raised three children and managed a growing hog operation and grain farm. Sue worked as a farm loan officer at First Union Bank and held various positions at CFS and Eastern Pulaski schools before getting her real estate license and working as a real estate agent for Davis Select Realty, a career she loved and held for over 20 years.

In 1993, a fall from a farming accident broke Tim’s spinal cord, leaving him a quadriplegic unable to move from the shoulders down. The couple’s children at the time were ages 13, 10 and 4. The divorce rate following a spinal cord injury is three times higher than the average population due to the immense physical, emotional and mental strain of such a complicated disability, but the couple persevered and thrived, growing their family and their farm. For much of the 30 years since his injury, Sue was Tim’s primary caregiver, modeling unconditional love and sacrifice to all who knew her. In 2006, Sue was awarded the first-ever Purdue University Women in Agriculture Achievement Award presented by the Purdue Women in Agriculture Team and Indiana AgriNews to honor women who work tirelessly to contribute to entrepreneurial agriculture in Indiana.

Sue’s life was dedicated to serving others – her family, her friends, her clients and her community – usually in quiet and anonymous ways. She served as a board member of the Pulaski County Community Foundation, the FSA County Committee and as a volunteer for the Pulaski Animal Center (PAC). She loved her dogs, her horses, and any of God’s creatures – except for mice. She was terrified of mice. Most of all, she loved her family, especially her husband, her three children and their spouses, and her eight grandchildren. Family meant everything to her, and she meant everything to them, and while there wasn’t enough time, there was more than enough love.

Visitation will be from 2 to 8 p.m., Friday, Aug. 25, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac, and one hour prior to services at the funeral home on Saturday. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Saturday, Aug.26, at the funeral home with Rev. Edward Clark officiating. Burial will be at Tippecanoe Church Cemetery in Pulaski.

Memorial donations may be made to Pulaski Animal Center or Tippecanoe Christian Church.

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