Obituaries

Don A. Grostefon

September 5, 1932 to December 14, 2011

WINAMAC - Don A. Grostefon, 79, of Winamac died at 11:20 a.m., Wednesday, Dec. 14, at his residence.

He was born Sept. 5, 1932, in Star City, to the late Carl "Nick" and Nellie Mae Powers Grostefon. He married Sandra K. Warner on April 26, 1953 at the Star City United Methodist Church in Star City. She survives.

Also surviving are: 
Gregory W. (Claire) Grostefon, Logansport, Son
Laurel Anne (Donald) Linback, Francesville, Daughter
Douglas M. (Tina) Grostefon, Monticello, Son
Christian S. Grostefon, Winamac, Son
Emily Grostefonn, Granddaughter
Erik Grostefon, Grandson
Lauren Linback, Granddaughter
Jenna Linback, Granddaughter
Kalen Linback, Grandson
Branson Eber, Grandson
Alex Grostefon, Grandson
Keilly Parish, Granddaughter
Caitlyn Horton, Granddaughter
Dawson Grostefon, Grandson
Max Grostefon, Winamac, Brother
Jack (Donna) Grostefon, Ft. Myers, FL, Brother
Several Nieces & Nephews

Preceded in death by:
Elizabeth "Sis" Korba, Sister
Nick Grostefon, Brother

Mr. Grostefon attended Grass Creek High School and graduated from Star City High School in 1950.  He served in the U.S. Army in Korea. He was a member of VFW Post #1728 and American Legion Post #71, both of Winamac. He was a former Veterans' Service Officer for Pulaski County.

He received his bachelor's degree from Indiana University in Bloomington and his master's degree from Ball State University. He was a retired school teacher and adminstrator having worked at the Eastern Pulaski Community Schools and Logansport Community Schools. He conducted the feasibility study for the El-Tip-Wa Area Vocational School which served students in Cass, Fulton, Carroll, Pulaski, and White counties, and he served as its director for 26 years.

Mr. Grostefon was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Winamac and a former member of the Star City United Methodist Church. He was a 50-year member and Past Master of Winamac Masonic Lodge #262. He also had been a DeMolay Dad. He was past president of the Pulaski County Library Board and the Star City West Cemetery Board.

He was an avid golfer, Indiana University basketball fan, and Bob Knight supporter. He loved his family, especially his grandchildren.

Friends may call from 3 to 8 p.m., Saturday, at the Frain Mortuary, Winamac. Masonic services will be at 6 p.m., at the funeral home. The funeral service will be at 1 p.m., Sunday (Dec. 18), at the funeral home with Rev. Matt Landry officiating. Burial will be in Star City West Cemetery, Star City. The VFW and American Legion will conduct military graveside services.

Memorial donations may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Winamac.

Crystal Starr

October 16, 1972 to December 9, 2011

WINAMAC - Crystal J. Starr, 39, of Winamac passed away at 8:08 a.m., Friday, Dec. 9, at Pulaski Memorial Hospital, Winamac, from injuries suffered in an auto accident.

She was born Oct. 16, 1972, in Logansport, to the late William and Tessie Rose Kellems. She married Darren Starr on Oct. 22, 1988, in Winamac. He survives.

Also surviving are:
Amber N. (Matt) Justice, Winamac, Daughter
Cortney M. (Brandon) Thomas, Winamac, Daughter
Brandon S. Starr, Winamac, Son
Aubree M. Starr, Winamac, Granddaughter
Kaiden S. Gutwein, Winamac, Grandson
Bryson M. Justice, Winamac, Grandson
Tyler D. Thomas, Winamac, Grandson
Joe (Cheryl) Smith, Culver, Brother
William (Kathy) Kellems, Star City, Brother
Sonya Kellems, South Bend, Sister
Pauline Hoover, Winamac, Aunt
Several Nieces and Nephews

Mrs. Starr loved to spend time with her children and grandchildren. She enjoyed the outdoors. She loved to go hunting, fishing and camping.

Friends may call after 1 p.m., Wednesday, at Frain Mortuary, Winamac. A Celebration of Life service will follow at 2 p.m., (Wednesday, Dec. 14), at the funeral home with Rev. Edward Clark officiating. Burial will be in Mt. Zion-Franklin Township Cemetery, Winamac.

Memorial donations may be given to the family.

Julia L. Bauman

January 31, 1947 to December 7, 2011

WINAMAC - Julia Louise Bauman,64, of Logansport (formerly of Winamac), died at 1:55 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 7, at Chase Nursing & Rehab Center, Logansport.

She was born Jan. 31, 1947, in Winamac to Damian and Edna Tieman Bauman.

Survivors include:
Edwina Jean Fry, New York, Daughter
Jerrald Bauman, Plainfield, Son

She was preceded in death by:
Damian J. Bauman, Father
Edna Virginia Tieman Bauman, Mother

A graveside service will be at 1 p.m., Thursday (Dec. 15), at Pulaski Presbyterian Cemetery, Pulaski, with Pastor Bill Kleymann officiating. Burial will be in Pulaski Presbyterian Cemetery. 

 

Ronald P. Peterson

April 23, 1933 to December 4, 2011

WINAMAC - Ronald P. Peterson, 78, of Star City, passed away at 6:21 p.m, Sunday, Dec. 4, at Pulaski Memorial Hospital in Winamac.

He was born April 23, 1933, in Gary, to the late Donald Phillip and Myrtle Frieda Saffran Peterson. He married Viola E. Iliff on June 6, 1959 in Michigan City. She survives.

Also surviving are: 
Georgia (Steve Marquie) Peterson, Okemos, MI, Daughter & son-in-law

Mr. Peterson was an electrical engineer. He graduated from Purdue University in 1959. He also attended Vaparaiso Tech School in Valparaiso. He began his career at RCA in Camden, N.J. He helped to develop the 8-Track tape player. He retired from United Technologies in Logansport. He enjoyed the outdoors and spending time with his cats. He worked crossword puzzles and studied history.

No services will be held.

Memorial donations may be given to the Pulaski Presbyterian Church.

Paul C. Baker

April 18, 1944 to December 2, 2011

WINAMAC - Paul C. Baker, 67, Kewanna, passed away at 8:30 a.m., Friday, Dec. 2, at Pulaski Memorial Hospital, Winamac.

He was born April 18, 1944, in Winamac, to Chester Richard and Sarah Lavon Davidson Baker. He married Susan L. Pavy on Jan. 26, 1965, in Cassopolis, MI. She survives.

Also surviving are: 
Trent R. Baker, Orlando, FL, Son
Chad M. (Samantha) Baker, McKinney, TX, Son
Kristy Kay (Wyatt) Showley, Knox, Daughter
Andy Mark Baker, McKinney, TX, Grandson
Jaqualyn Sarah Baker, McKinney, TX, Granddaughter
Joel Matthew Showley, Knox, Grandson
Ethan Andrew Showley, Knox, Grandson
Sarah Lavon Baker, Winamac, Mother
Dennis R. Baker, Glendale, CA, Brother
John L. Baker, Winamac, Cousin
David W. Baker, Davenport, FL, Cousin
Michael D. Martin, Unionville, TN, Nephew
Danielle Lynn Baker, State College, PA, Niece
Brittany Nicole Baker, Glendale, CA, Niece

Preceded in death by:
Chester Richard Baker, Father
Lucinda Lee Martin, Sister
Robert Martin, Brother-in-law
Chet Martin, Nephew

Mr. Baker was a lifetime resident of the Winamac area. He graduated from Winamac High School in 1962 and received his B.S.and M.Eds. from Ball State University. He also received continuing education from University of California and Notre Dame. He began his career as a middle school science teacher in Winamac. He also taught high school sciences. He became interim principal at Eastern Pulaski Elementary School. He also went on to become the principal of both the Winamac Community Middle School and Winamac Community High School. He finished his career in education as superintendent of the Caston School System.

He was a member of the Eastern Pulaski Teacher's Association from 1972-1986, and also of the Indiana State Teacher's Association. He served in the U.S. Air Force where he attained the rank of captain in the security police. He also farmed with his father and uncle on the family farm for most of his life. The family farm received the Hoosier Homestead Award from the State of Indiana.

Mr. Baker was a co-founder of the Pulaski County Recycling Project in 1973. He was the first president of the Recycling Board. He co-founded a federal credit union to serve employees of the local school districts. He was a member of the Winamac Kiwanis Club and the Grass Creek Lion's Club. He was a former board member of the 4-County Counseling Center and served as president from 2003-2008. He was currently serving as a board member of the Pulaski County Community Foundation and was serving as president of the Pulaski County Library Board.

He was serving as an elder of the Bethel Bible Church, Winamac. He loved to fish, camp, and ride in his Gator. He also enjoyed target shooting.

Friends may call from 3 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, at Bethel Bible Church, Winamac. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Wednesday (Dec. 7) at the church with Rev. Thomas Hopewell officiating. Burial will be in McKinley Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Winamac. The American Legion and VFW will conduct military graveside services.

Memorial donations may be given to the American Cancer Society or Bethel Bible Church. 

Karen M. Lawson

December 22, 1951 to November 23, 2011

KEWANNA - Karen Marie Lawson, 59, of Richmond, Va. (formerly of Kewanna), passed away at 9:30 a.m., Wednesday, Nov. 23, at Manor Care Hospice in Richmond.

Born Dec. 22, 1951 in Logansport, she was the daughter of Marvin D. and Mildred Easterday Engle. She was formerly married to Phillip Troutman. She later married Sammy Lawson on Oct. 3, 1999. He preceded her in death in 2000.

Survivors include her son, Robert Troutman and wife, Christina of Chester, VA., daughter, Carrie Lucy and husband, Sam of Mechanicsville, VA., mother, Mildred Engle of Kewanna, sister, Kathryn Perkins and husband, John of Greenwood, IN. She is also survived by four grandchildren, Sage Muliver, Aiden Lucy, Savannah and Sierra Troutman.

She is also preceded in death by her father, Marvin D. Engle.

Mrs. Lawson was a 1970 Kewanna High School graduate and also had attended Manchester College. She formerly worked at the Marlo Restaurant in Kewanna. She also worked as a substitute teacher for 10 years and also had worked as a CNA for 10 years. She enjoyed working with young people and taught Sunday school and Bible School classes. She was a talented seamstress and also enjoyed crocheting. She also loved swimming at the YMCA in Richmond. She was a member of the Evangelical Friends Church in Richmond.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, at Harrison-Metzger & Rans Funeral Home, Kewanna chapel and also one hour prior to the time of service on Wednesday. The funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. (Wednesday, Nov. 30), at the funeral home with Pastor Scott Meneely officiating. Burial will be in Citizens IOOF Cemetery in Kewanna.

Memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society and/or Diabetes Foundation.

Ina L. Richardson

May 27, 1919 to November 27, 2011

FRANCESVILLE - Ina Lee Richardson, 92, Francesville, passed away at 8:40 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 27, at Jasper County Hospital, Rensselaer.

She was born May 27, 1919, in Tazewell, TN, to the late Dock Devin and Lucy Seals Mullins. She married James T. Richardson on Nov. 30, 1935, in Tazewell. He passed away on June 23, 2003.

Survivors include:
Fred (Renee) Richardson, Mountpelier, Son
Glenn D. Richardson, Michigan City, Son
Loretta L. Nowak, Royal Center, Daughter
Bonnie M. James, Francesville, Daughter
Stella F. (Tom) Craig, Indianapolis, Daughter
Dr. Sue (Dr. William) Abegglen, Austria, Daughter
Larry D. Richardson, Tazwell, TN, Son
17 Grandchildren
26 Great Grandchildren
7 Great Great Grandchildren

Preceded in death by: 
George C. Richardson, Son
2 Granddaughters
1 Grandson
1 Great Grandson
5 Brothers
4 Sisters

Mrs. Richardson was a member of the First Christian Church, Francesville, and a 25-year member of the Order of Eastern Star. She was employed at Bryan Manufacturing, Monticello, for 23 years, and was also employed by the West Central Schools for three years. She was also a homemaker. She enjoyed cooking, baking, gardening,quilting and crafts.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m., Friday, at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel, Francesville. The funeral service will be at 10 a.m., Saturday (Dec. 3),  at the funeral home, with Pastor James Ketchen and Dr. William Abegglen officiating. Burial will be in Roseland Cemetery, Francesville.

Memorial donations may be given to the First Christian Church, Francesville.