Obituaries

David G. Doty Sr.

September 11, 1944 to September 16, 2024

WINAMAC - David Gordon “Red” Doty Sr., 80, of Monterey, passed away Monday, Sept. 16, at Northwest Health Porter Hospital in Valparaiso.

He was born Sept. 11, 1944 in Logansport, to the late William and Ruth [Hunter] Doty. On June 12, 1971, he married Mary Elizabeth Heater at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pulaski. She survives.

He is also survived by:
Patty (Jay) Sullivan, Winamac, Daughter
Rich (Davon) Doty, Winamac, Son
David (April) Doty Jr., Rensselaer, Son
Melvon (Jen) Doty, Monterey, Son
Charles Doty, Plymouth, Son
21 Grandchildren
Many Great-Grandchildren
Nancy (Jim) Allen, Sister
Several Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
Michael Nuss, Grandson
Michael (Betty) Doty, Brother

Mr. Doty was fondly known as “Red” to co-workers throughout his life. He worked at Winamac Steel for 30 years until the company closed. He also worked for Walters Disposal and Key Waste for several years. He retired from INDOT in 2003. He enjoyed playing BINGO and playing the Hoosier Lottery. Years ago, he was an avid bowler. He was a true outdoorsman who loved hunting and fishing. Most of all, he was a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He will be dearly missed.

The family will host a celebration of life event from 12 noon to 3 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 28, at the pavilion at the Winamac Town Park.

Memorial donations may be made to the family.

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

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.

James D. Fritz

May 6, 1934 to September 15, 2024

ROYAL CENTER - James D. Fritz, 90, of Winamac passed away at 1:30 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 15, at Hickory Creek of Winamac.

James Fritz

Born May 6, 1934 in Winamac, he was the son of the late Burley and Lydia Lucretia (Sparks) Fritz. He was a 1953 Winamac High School graduate and a U.S. Army veteran. On July 18, 1959 he married Darlene Nice. She survives.

Survivors also include children Pamela (Mike) Richard of Quincy, Ill., Donald (Stacie) Fritz of Star City, Thomas (Lynn) Fritz of Nashville and Richard (Shantell) Fritz of Mulberry; and brother Ralph (Charlene) Fritz of Winamac. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by great-grandson Owen Abbot.

Mr. Fritz retired in 1998 from the First National Bank of Monterey. He was also formerly employed at First Union Bank and Key Bank. He was a member of the Kewanna Church of Christ and a former member of Star City Church of Christ. He enjoyed collecting Native American artifacts, paint-by-numbers, jewelry making and painting gourds. He was a very artistic person.

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

Memorial donations can be made to the Kewanna Church of Christ Missions.

Mr. Fritz’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.

Glen A. Zellers

January 13, 1954 to September 12, 2024

WINAMAC - Glen A. Zellers, 70, of Winamac, passed away unexpectedly Thursday, Sept. 12, at his home.

He was born Jan. 13, 1954 in Winamac to the late Alvin B. and Emma E. [Sahloff] Zellers. He was a graduate of Winamac Community High School. He married Kathy A. Nicolas on June 10, 1978, in Winamac. She survives.

Glen Zellers

He is also survived by:
Amanda K. (Brian) Kistler, Winamac, Daughter
Beth A. (Benjamin) Christian, Noblesville, Daughter
Clay J. Kistler, Grandson
Caleb N. Kistler, Grandson
Lilli A. Christian, Granddaughter
Bertha A. Kelsey, South Bend, Sister
Wendy J. Zellers, Winamac, Sister-in-law
Denise (Terry) Beckner, Winamac, Sister-in-law
Jim (Maria) Nicolas, Winamac, Brother-in-law
Joetta (Dusten) Burns, Winamac, Sister-in-law
JC (Josh) Bradley, Winamac, Sister-in-law
Jeff (Kelly) Johnson, Cypress, TX Brother-in-law
Rex (Paige) Johnson, Conroe, TX Brother-in-law
Craig (Kristy) Johnson, Conroe, TX Brother-in-law
Many Nieces and Nephews and Families

Preceded in death by:
Alvin H. Zellers, Brother
Ben E. (Celia) Zellers, Brother
Emma Lou Nielsen, Sister
Nancy K. Johnson, Mother-in-law
Joseph J. Nicolas, Father-in-law

Mr. Zellers was a lifelong member of the St. Luke Lutheran Church. He worked many years at Galbreath’s and the Pulaski County Public Library before retiring. He loved his family very much, especially his grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m., Sunday, Sept.15, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. The funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m., Monday, Sept. 16, at St. Luke Lutheran Church in Winamac with Pastor Tom Woodley officiating. Burial will be at Winamac Cemetery (McKinley Addition) in Winamac.

Memorial donations may be made to Winamac Boy Scout Troop #229 or St. Luke Lutheran Church Sunday School Fund.

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

Marlene J. Nelson

February 13, 1939 to September 7, 2024

WINAMAC - Marlene Joyce “Mar” Nelson, 85, of Elmhurst, IL (formerly of Winamac and Griffith) passed away peacefully Sept. 7, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born Feb. 13, 1939 in Elbow Lake, MN to the late Gustav and Esther [Struck] Bensch. She married Arnold “Arnie” Nelson on June 28, 1957, in Nashua, MN. He passed away Sept. 11, 2010. The couple’s journey took them through Texas and Michigan before settling in Indiana where they raised their family.

Mar Nelson

She is survived by:
Mark (Diann) Nelson, Son
Matthew (Christine) Nelson Son
Kay (Darrin Doan) Nelson, Daughter
Grandchildren: David (Keri) Nelson, Heather (Mike) Doane, Ken Nelson, Kim Nelson, Jared Nelson Doan, and Spencer Nelson Doan.
Great-grandchildren: Andrew Nelson, Isabelle Doane, Tristan Nelson, and Evelyn Doane.
Nels (Mary) Nelson, Brother-in-law
Many Nieces and Nephews
Bella Star, her fluffy dog

She was preceded in death by:
Bruce Nelson, Son
Dorothy (Beryl) Bratton, Sister
Delorse (Harvey) Lohse, Sister
Lester (Bette) Bensch, Brother

Mrs. Nelson dedicated 28 years as the school secretary at Wadsworth Elementary in Griffith, retiring in 1998. Her warm smile, kindness, and collection of beanie babies endeared her to students and staff. After retiring, she and her husband moved to Winamac where she continued her passion for cooking and canning pickles - affectionately earning her the nickname “the pickle lady.” When Marlene wasn’t canning, she could often be found watching hundreds of her beloved hummingbirds which she welcomed to the feeder outside her window. She was also actively involved with the  VFW Auxiliary Post #1728 in Winamac, where she enjoyed cooking for events and helping with the weekly bingo game.

Her most cherished role was as “GMa” (Grandma). She loved spoiling her grandchildren and great-grandchildren - continuing one of her favorite traditions of baking and decorating Christmas sugar cookies each year. In 2016, she moved to Elmhurst, IL, to be closer to her daughter, Kay, and her family. She embraced her new home and especially enjoyed frequent visits with her daughter and grandchildren. She was quick to make new friends and loved playing bingo and poker with them. She was a strong woman whose kindness, fun-loving spirit, and friendship touched many lives. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

A graveside service will be at 11 a.m., Friday, Sept. 27, at Winamac Cemetery (McKinley Addition) in Winamac. It will be followed by a luncheon at the Winamac VFW. A celebration of Marlene’s life service will be at 12 noon to 3 p.m. CT Saturday, Sept. 28, at 100 South Restaurant in Elmhurst, IL.

Memorial donations may be made to AdventHhealth St. Thomas Hospice.

Online tributes may be offered at www.frainmortary.com

Local arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.

Gerald G. Crozier

July 21, 1942 to September 5, 2024

FRANCESVILLE  - Gerald Glen “Jerry” Crozier, 82, of Monticello, passed away Thursday, Sept. 5, at his home, surrounded by his family.

He was born July 21, 1942 in East Chicago, to the late Charles Glen and Dorothy Louise [Jones] Crozier. As a young boy, he enjoyed summers spent staying with family at Lake Shafer in Monticello. He graduated from George Rogers Clark High School in 1960. Following high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, serving four years of active duty and two years in the reserves. On June 24, 1967, he married Elaine C. Sell in Whiting. She survives.

Jerry Crozier

He is also survived by:
Charles (Marci) Crozier, Monticello, Son
Katherine (Tom) Smith, La Porte, Daughter
Twin Granddaughters: Rachel and Amanda
Bonus Grandchildren: Gabe, Whitney, Harlee, Michelle, Derek, and Adam
8 Bonus Great-Grandchildren
John Crozier, Monticello, Brother
Many Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
Linda (Sonny) Volom, Sister
Rick (Dale) Crozier, Brother
Vincent and Leda [Hupke] Sell, In-Laws

Mr. Crozier retired from S & B Distributors after 20-plus years. After retirement, he worked as a custodian at St. John’s UCC in Michigan City, for many years. He and Elaine enjoyed their “second retirement” at their Lake Shafer home. He was a member of St. John’s UCC in Michigan City and St. James Salem UCC in Francesville. He served many years on the St. John’s Church Consistory and was active in many areas of church leadership in both congregations. He was also active at the state level of the United Church of Christ, serving on the Indiana-Kentucky Conference, including the Northwest Association and Western Association of the conference. He served many years as chairman of the board for the Merom Camp and Retreat Center in Merom, IN. He had a strong faith that sustained him throughout his life, allowing him to lead and serve others in the name of Jesus Christ. He enjoyed fishing, remodeling cottages and listening to old school country music. He was a model train enthusiast and collector. Additionally, he was an avid Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bears fan. Family was paramount to him and he cherished time spent together with them, especially going to “fishing at the lake” with his twin granddaughters. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Visitation will be from 2 to 6 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 8, at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Francesville; and one hour prior to services at the church on Monday. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Monday, Sept. 9, at St. James Salem United Church of Christ in Francesville with Pastors Dennis Meyer and Kay Bond officiating. Burial will be at St. James Salem Cemetery in Francesville. The American Legion and U.S. Marine Corps will conduct military graveside services.

Memorial donations may be made to St. James Salem United Church of Christ or Lewy Body Dementia Association (lbda.org). Envelopes will be provided by the funeral home.

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

Margaret A. Miller Johnson

February 5, 1960 to September 2, 2024

WINAMAC - Margaret Ann “Sue” Miller Johnson, 64, of Evanston, IL (formerly of North Judson) passed away Monday, Sept. 2.

She was born Feb. 5, 1960 in Chicago Heights, IL to Clell and Rita [Teutemacher] Miller. She graduated from North Judson High School in 1978 and from Valparaiso University in 1982.

Sue Johnson

She is survived by:
Minner (Steve) Fites, Sister
Eliza (Glenn) Brodbelt, Sister
Robbie Sallee, Brother
Mary Ann Sallee, Sister
Many Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
Nicholas Emil Johnson, Husband
Clell Miller, Father
Rita Miller Sallee, Mother
Bob Sallee, Step-Father

Mrs. Johnson was an accountant and talented public speaker. She enjoyed reading books and playing board games as well as card games – she was great at Rummy. She loved listening to music, especially Barry Manilow. She was an avid Green Bay Packers fan, and her favorite movie was “The Sound of Music.” She cherished her friendships with all involved at Connections for the Homeless. She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Visitation will be from 12 noon to 2 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 21, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. A memorial service will follow at 2 p.m. (Sept. 21), at the funeral with celebrant Ashley Young officiating. Connections for the Homeless will host a community memorial service from 4 to 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 24, at Macleish Hall in Evanston. Private burial will take place at Highland Cemetery in North Judson.

Memorial donations may be made to Connections for the Homeless.

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