Obituaries

Billy G. Fritz

February 6, 1933 to February 21, 2023

WINAMAC – Billy G. Fritz, 84, of Lafayette, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 21, at Creasy Springs Health Campus in Lafayette.

He was born July 1, 1938 in Winamac, to the late Raymond E. and Opal R. [White] Fritz. He graduated from Pulaski High School. On Feb. 23, 1974, he married Barbara A. Bisher in Monticello. She survives.

Billy Fritz

He is survived by:
Dwayne A. Fritz, Lafayette, Son
Angela L. (Aaron Sprout) Fritz, Lafayette, Daughter

Preceded in death by:
Larry Fritz, Infant Brother

Mr. Fritz owned and operated Bill’s Auto Body in rural Beaver Township for many years. From working for others to working for himself, he did body work for nearly 40 years. He was a member of Northern Indiana Power from the Past. He enjoyed rebuilding and displaying antique engines. He enjoyed traveling and spending time with his family. He will be sadly missed.

Visitation will be from 12 noon to 2 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 28, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. The funeral service will follow at 2 p.m. (Tuesday), at the funeral home with Rev. Edward Clark officiating. Burial will be at Paul’s Chapel Cemetery in rural Winamac.

Memorial donations may be made to Almost Home Humane Society in Lafayette, or Northern Indiana Power from the Past in Winamac.

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

John D. Matthews Jr.

January 19, 1986 to February 20, 2023

MEDARYVILLE - John Daniel Matthews Jr., 55, of Winamac, passed away Monday, Feb. 20, at home.

He was born May 16, 1967 in Hammond, to John D. “JD” and Reathey M. [Flippo] Matthews.

John Matthews Jr.

He is survived by:
Connie [Grigsby] Clemans, Winamac, Beloved Friend
Kimberly (Travis) Doedan, Winamac, Daughter
Tyson Matthews, Winamac, Son
Natasha Matthews, Winamac, Daughter
Katie Matthews, Medaryville, Daughter
Danielle (Patrick) Melton, London, KY, Daughter
Shiann Clemans, Winamac, Daughter
Samantha (John) Scripter, Winamac, Daughter
Elijah Matthews, Medaryville, Son
16 Grandchildren: Isaac, Brycen, Bryleigh, Khloe, Lilian, Tylor, Natalie, Kylie, Rowan, Grace, Hunter, Adalynn, Aiden, Ashton, Corey, and Winter.
Reathey Matthews, Knox, Mother
Charles (Al) Stamper, Winamac, Brother
Several Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
John “JD” Matthews, Father
Bentley Wayne Button, Infant Grandson
Leyton Leroy Matthews, Grandson
Isabella Sue Ann Day, Infant Granddaughter
Terry Lee Matthews, Brother
James Walton “Jim” Matthews, Brother

Mr. Matthews drove semi most of his life. He loved fishing and hunting. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family, especially his children.

Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m., Friday, Feb. 24, at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Medaryville. The funeral service will follow at 6 p.m. (Friday), at the funeral home with Pastor James Rowe officiating. Private burial will take place at the Alexander Heinemann Memorial Cemetery in Ora.

Memorial donations may be made to the funeral home to assist the family with funeral expenses.

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

Janice E. Knorr

January 18, 1942 to February 19, 2023

ROYAL CENTER - Janice E. Knorr, 81, of Winamac passed away peacefully Sunday, Feb. 19, at White Oak Healthcare Center in Monticello.

Born on Jan. 18, 1942 in Lafayette, she was the daughter of the late James and Ida (Dart) Jensen.

Jan Knorr

Survivors include her sons, Eric Knorr (former wife, Wendi Knorr) of Winamac and Andy (Michelle) Knorr of Cornelius, N.C.; former spouse, Gerald Knorr of Charlotte, N.C.; grandchildren, Erin Knorr (Zachariah) Lucas of Lafayette, Ian Knorr of Stanley, N.C., Taylor Knorr, Caroline Knorr and Ryan Knorr, all of Cornelius, N.C.; and sisters, Karen Havel of Naperville, Ill., Sandra Norris of Yeoman, Kris (David) Lawson of Royal Center and Leslie (Philip) Irvin of Monticello.

She is preceded in death by brother, Charles Jensen.

Mrs. Knorr formerly helped manage the family business of the Rensselaer Raceway and then went on to manage the Burger Dairy Store in Winamac for over 20 years. She was also a substitute teacher at Eastern Pulaski Community Schools Corporation. She was well known for riding her bicycle and walking around town. She enjoyed playing cards and spending time with family and friends

A celebration of life service will be held at 5 p.m., Friday, Feb. 24, at Rans Funeral Homes & Crematory, Harrison Chapel, Royal Center. Visitation will be from 3 p.m. until the time of service.

Mrs. Knorr’s online guest book is available and condolences may be shared with the family at www.ransfuneralhomes.com

Joseph P. Kuhn

February 11, 1934 to February 19, 2023

ROYAL CENTER - Joseph Paul Kuhn, 89, of Winamac passed away peacefully at 12:39 a.m., Sunday, Feb. 19, at home surrounded by loved ones.

Born Feb. 11, 1934 in Monterey, he was the son of the late Joseph Martin and Theresa Lena (Nies) Kuhn. He was a 1952 Pulaski High School graduate. He married his high school sweetheart, Carole Louise Roberts on Oct. 22, 1955 and continued to be a devoted and loving husband for over 66 years. She preceded him in death on June 21, 2022.

Joe Kuhn

Survivors include his children, Timothy Joseph (Kathleen) Kuhn of Winamac, Mary Louise (John) Stukofski of Star City, Nancy Ann (Kevin) Mulholland of Buffalo and Angela Lynn (JP) Rowland of Monticello, siblings, Norbert Kuhn, Bredie (Jim) Wieand, Ginny Cooke, John Kuhn and Cecelia (Jay) Cripe; grandchildren, Matthew Phillip (Tabitha) Kuhn of DeMotte, Cassondra Louise Stukofski of Indianapolis, Jenessa Rose (Mike Kneece) Stukofski of Kewanna, Joseph Robert (Kaila) Stukofski of Winamac, Caroline (Adam) Coonrod of Headlee, Andrew Fox of Star City and Rosemary Kathleen Stukofski of Star City; and great-grandchildren, Michelle Wank, Kelly Ann Coonrod, Grant Coonrod, Josef Kneece, Boone Francis Stukofski and Cole Leon Stukofski.

He was preceded in death by children, twins Joseph and Carole Kuhn; siblings, Victor (Henrietta) Kuhn, Rita (Don) Raderstorf, Mary (Pete) Shellhart, Betty (John) Graves, Ann (Arden) Hoover, Gen (Ben) Scheffer and Theresa Kuhn; sister-in-law, Betty Kuhn and great-grandchildren, Jenay Louise Stukofski and Jaxson Fox.

Mr. Kuhn was a lifelong farmer. His love and stewardship for the land continued his whole life. He enjoyed raising popcorn with his son and grandson and loved John Deere tractors. He was a devout and pillar member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pulaski.

A private family visitation is planned. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m., Thursday, Feb. 23, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pulaski. Burial will be at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery West.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Grotto fund at St. Joseph Catholic Church.

Mr. Kuhn’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.

Philip A. Nuest

January 19, 1986 to February 19, 2023

FRANCESVILLE - Philip Anthony Nuest, 37, formerly of Medaryville, passed away Sunday, Feb. 19.

He was born Jan. 19, 1986 in Hammond.

Philip Nuest

He is survived by:
Yolanda Reyes, Fiancée
Aleiya Schneider, Daughter
Dan A. and Catherine M. [Doll] Nuest, Parents
Felicia (Eric) Huber, Sister
Aspen Huber, Niece
Paisleigh Huber, Niece
Brea Huber, Niece
Elvin and Janet [Lowry] Nuest, Grandparents
Mary [Shandick] Blanchard, Grandmother
Patrick Neary, Cousin and Best Friend
Many beloved aunts, uncles and cousins

To have known Philip, was to truly love him. He was friendly to all. He loved to play games with his family, especially when he would win. He was a jokester who made everyone smile. He loved to sing and dance. He had his own style. He enjoyed fishing, cooking, playing basketball, woodworking, and salvaging. Most importantly, he loved Jesus: And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. - Romans 8:38-39

The funeral service will be at 2 p.m., Monday, Feb. 27, at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Francesville, with Tony Schabel officiating. Visitation will follow from 3 to 8 p.m. (Monday), at the funeral home. Private burial will take place at a later date at Roseland Cemetery in Francesville.

Memorial donations may be made to Men of Nehemiah (www.menofnehemiah.org) or Trinity Life Ministry (www.trinitylifeministry.com).

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

Elnora L. Jordan

June 21, 1927 to February 18, 2023

WINAMAC - Elnora Louise Jordan, 95 (but “forever 59”), formerly of Winamac, passed away Saturday, Feb. 18, at Franciscan Hospital East in Lafayette, after suffering multiple strokes.

Elnora Jordan

She was born June 21, 1927, in Jasper County, to Burvie Alvin and Dorothy Fay (White) Rife. She was the last surviving graduate of Pulaski High School’s Class of 1945. She married George M Jordan on Christmas Eve, 1945, during one of the worst snowstorms of the year. Although cars were sliding off the icy roads all around, his love was so strong that George managed to drive them from her home in Pulaski County to the minister’s home in White County without incident. His effort was rewarded many times over as the two enjoyed a happy marriage for over 48 years. He died in 1993.

She is survived by:
Jerry Jordan, Queenstown, MD, Son
Cynthia (Jim Brady) Jordan, Battle Ground, Daughter
Grandchildren: Casey (Lori) Fisher, Alex Jordan, Becca (Jake) Claflin, Jessie Jordan, and Ryan (Amanda) Salesman.
Great-grandchildren: Cooper and Collins Fisher, Elnora Claflin, and Riley and Jack Salesman.
Nancy Jordan, Safety Harbor, FL, Daughter-in-law
Shirley Beckner, Winamac, Sister

Preceded in death by:
George Michael Jordan, Son
Libby Jordan, Daughter-in-law
Orville Rife, Brother
Gerald Rife, Brother
J.B. Rife, Brother
Calvin Rife, Brother

Mrs. Jordan worked in a variety of jobs over the course of her long life, from cook at the schools to factory work. Her most rewarding job was as a bookkeeper in the loan department of the First Union Bank and Trust Company, from which she retired in the early 1990s. A member of the First Christian Church in Winamac since 1951, she treasured the continued connection as her addresses changed. She enjoyed being involved in the Women’s Christian Fellowship and Happy Homemakers Extension club; and excelled in her hobbies of sewing, crafting and needlework. She loved to travel and see the country, first with her family and later in life with her good friends. She had resided at the Indiana Veterans’ Home since 2016.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 21, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. The funeral service will follow at 1 p.m. (Tuesday), at the funeral home  with Pastor Stephen Sundquist officiating. Burial will be at Winamac Cemetery (McKinley Addition) in Winamac.

Memorial donations may be made to Indiana Veteran’s Home Activities Department (recreation) or to the Winamac First Christian Church.

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