Obituaries

John Klein

January 30, 1938 to January 18, 2023

WINAMAC - John Klein, 84, of Winamac, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 18, in Panama City Beach, FL.

He was born Jan. 30, 1938 in Romania to John and Maria [Gross] Klein Sr. He married Theresia Plach on Nov. 7, 1967 in Germany. She survives.

John Klein

He is survived by:
Franziska (Ricardo) Mancha, Chicago, Daughter
Manuela (Keith) Marvin, Westville, Daughter
Monika Braun, Brookfield, IL, Daughter
Hannelore (Mike) Bachmann, Hobart, Daughter
Roy (Nicole) Klein, Montgomery, IL, Son
10 Grandchildren
6 Great-Grandchildren

Preceded in death by:
Parents

Mr. Klein and his wife enjoyed spending winters in Florida. He enjoyed gardening. In his younger years, he enjoyed snow skiing and swimming in the pool. He will be dearly missed by his family.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 12 noon, Saturday, Jan. 28, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. The funeral service will follow at 12 noon, Saturday, at the funeral home with Pastor David Norris officiating. Burial will be at Winamac Cemetery (McFarland Addition) in Winamac.

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

Larry J. Schwartz

September 19, 1964 to January 17, 2023

ROYAL CENTER - Larry Jay Schwartz, 58, of Winamac, passed away Tuesday, Jan. 17, at home, surrounded by his family and friends, after a long battle with cancer.

He was born Sept. 19, 1964 in Knox, to the late Bernard and Phyllis Bartgen Schwartz.

Larry Schwartz

He is survived by:
Stacie Conner, Winamac, Daughter
John (Anita) Lasanowski, North Judson, Brother
Felicia Emigh, Crown Point, Sister
Brenda Grimmett, Winamac, IN Sister
William Michael (Faye) Voight, New Lenox, Brother
Pat (John) Wawrzyniec, Chicago, Sister
Michael “Whistle” Schwartz, Winamac, Brother
Bernard (Traci) Schwartz Jr, Portage, Brother
Cathy (John) Fritz, Winamac, Sister
Daniel “Dino” Schwartz, North Judson, Brother
Terry (fiancé Amy) Schwartz, North Judson, Twin Brother
Theresa Schwartz, Winamac, Sister
Randy Schwartz, North Judson, Brother
Rodney (Joleen) Schwartz, Winamac, Brother
Janet Schwartz, Grinnell, IA, Sister
Many Nieces and Nephews
Andy (Bree) Conner, Winamac, Son-in-law
Beau Conner, Fort Myers, FL, Grandson
Jade Conner, Winamac, Grandson
Sata, Devoted Dog

Preceded in death by:
Wayne Schwartz, Infant Brother
Bernard Voight, Brother
Jean Schwartz, Sister
Don Grimmett, Brother-in-law

Mr. Schwartz began driving different types of trucks when he was age 14 with his dad. He was a cross-country trucker and enjoyed getting to see the different sights. He was a jack-of-all-trades and loved to tinker on trucks. According to him, every job required a hammer. He was an avid Eagles fan, and loved having their music playing while working in his shop. He enjoyed hosting family cookouts and bringing everyone together. While he was not working, he enjoyed spending time at the local Eagles FOE 2580, of which he was a proud member since 1985, and spending time at home with his best friend and loyal canine companion, Sata. He also enjoyed taking trips to Texas each March for the Oyster Fest in Rockport.

In the last two years, Larry enjoyed his time with his family and close friends, while tormenting them as well. His nickname was hemorrhoid, and he lived up to that name well. He always knew how to give someone a good laugh after getting under their skin. He enjoyed a good glass of rum-and-coke, and being with his family and friends. Most of all, he was a loyal and faithful friend to many. He loved his family and friends very much. He will be sadly missed.

The family will host a celebration of life from 1 to 3 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 28, at Winamac Eagles #2580.

Ran’s Funeral Homes & Crematory has been entrusted with arrangements. Mr. Schwartz’s online guestbook is available and condolences may be shared at www.ransfuneralhomes.com.

Betty J. Smith

March 15, 1933 to January 17, 2023

FRANCESVILLE - Betty Jo Smith, 89, of Francesville (formerly of Monticello) passed away Tuesday, Jan. 17, at Parkview Haven Retirement Home in Francesville.

She was born March 15, 1933 in Idaville, to the late Forest Edward and Wilma Rebecca [Biddle] Weaver. She grew up in a family of 10 children in the Idaville area. On Feb. 8, 1953, she married Donald Ray Smith at his family home in rural Pulaski.

Betty Smith

She is survived by:
Mary Ann (Loyal Jr.) Bowsher-Good, Daughter
Dona K. (James) Heater, Daughter
Pamela Marie (Lonnie Sr.) Joseph, Daughter
9 Grandchildren
13 Great-Grandchildren
5 Great-Great-Grandchildren
Agnes Anne Jeffers, Sister
Marcia Funk, Sister
Margaret Van Meter, Sister
Many Nieces and Nephews
William Edward Bowsher, Former Husband

Preceded in death by:
Donald Ray Smith, Husband
Kenneth Argyl Smith, Son
Jeanne Johns, Sister
Lola Marie Snavley, Sister
Lyle Alen Weaver, Brother
Wayne Neil Weaver, Brother
Larry Edward Weaver, Brother
Kenneth Weaver, Brother

Mrs. Smith worked hard her entire life. Over the years, she had been employed at Bryan Manufacturing and Morgan Driveaway. She retired as the manager of Burger Shake at Indiana Beach. She enjoyed crocheting and gardening as well as traveling; especially visiting Ireland and England. She adored her dogs. In recent years, she really enjoyed attending church services and BINGO at the nursing home. She will be dearly missed by her family.

A graveside service will be at 1 p.m., Friday, Feb. 10, at Bell Center Cemetery in Bell Center, IN. Burial will be at at the cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to American Parkinson Disease Association.

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

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

Robert D. Russell

June 21, 1944 to January 18, 2023

WINAMAC - Robert D. “Bobby” Russell, 78, of Lowell, passed away Monday, Jan. 16, at Southlake Methodist Hospital in Merrillville.

He was born June 21, 1944 to John W. and Lois J. [Roderick] Russell. He graduated from Highland High School in 1962.

Bobby Russell

He is survived by:
Gina L. Russell, Winamac, Daughter
Greg S. (Teri) Russell, Northwood, OH, Son
Tara (Jesse) Elliott, Winamac, Granddaughter
Robert Quinn, Winamac, Grandson
Benjamin (Amanda) Rigg, Chugiak, AK, Grandson
Emily Luecht, Winamac, Granddaughter
Kailey Russell, Northwood, OH, Granddaughter
Kassie Russell, Northwood, OH, Granddaughter
Scott Russell, Northwood, OH. Grandson
11 Great-Grandchildren: Brant, Nolyn, Nevin, Kennedy, Vanessa, Joey, Mikey, Sy, Sutton, Meadow, and Kearli.
Sandra (Bob) Bannister, Camby, Sister
Terri Russell, Kingsford Heights, Sister
Joann (Gary) Harveth, Griffith, Sister
Laura (Mike) Guistolisi, Griffith, Sister
Many Nieces and Nephews
Karen L. Russell, Winamac, Former Spouse

Preceded in death by:
Parents

Mr. Russell was retired from Ford Motor Co. in Chicago Heights where he had worked for nearly 30 years. He enjoyed camping, hiking, fishing, and tinkering on motors of all kinds. He especially enjoyed having an ice cold beer. He was a loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Visitation will be from 3 to 5 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 29, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac.

Memorial donations may be made to Riley Hospital Foundation.

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

Chester S. Lynn

September 21, 1923 to January 15, 2023

 WINAMAC - Chester Stanley Lynn, 99, of Phelps, WI (formerly of Winamac), passed away Sunday, Jan. 15.

He was born Chester Stanley Linowski on Sept. 21, 1923 in Chicago, the son of Joseph John and Bessie [Pawlowski] Linowski.  He enlisted in the U.S. Army on Nov. 7, 1942 and served with the 32nd Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron as a radio operator during World War II, receiving an honorable discharge with a service-related disability. He married Margaret B. Newsome on Aug. 17, 1943, in Chicago. They were married for 63 years before her death on Dec. 4, 2006.

Chester Lynn

Survivors include:
Nancy (Jerry) Knoth, Brooklyn Park, MN, Daughter
James R. (Joyce) Linowski, Phelps, WI, Son
Dale C. (Franny) Linowski, Winamac, Son
6 Grandchildren
9 Great-Grandchildren
1 Great-Great-Grandchild

Preceded in death by:
Joseph Linowski, Father
Bessie Linowski Anderson, Mother
7 Siblings: Celia, Valentine, Isabelle, Bernice, Jack, Richard, and Joseph

Mr. Lynn retired as a general manager at Tee Pak, Inc. in Winamac where had worked for 38 years. He began his career as a printing press operator at Tee Pak in Chicago. As a young man in Chicago, he found that it was hard to do business with a Polish surname. He adapted, and that is how he became known as Chester Lynn. In 1973, Judge Harold Staffeldt of Winamac officially granted him a legal name change. At the time of his retirement at age 60, he oversaw the printing division at Winamac. He was a member of St. Peter's Catholic Church in Winamac and St. Albert's Church in Land O’ Lakes, Wis., and was active in the Knights of Columbus. He loved his life, especially the past 10 years living in Phelps with his son, Jim and Jim's wife Joyce. He spent many summer days fishing from the dock or sitting in the sun while reading. His mind was sharp until the end; but his body gave up. He lived a good life that spanned nearly 100 years.

A graveside services will be held at St. Peter's Cemetery in Winamac. The American Legion and VFW will conduct military graveside services.

Memorial donations may be given to Alzheimer's Association.

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

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary, Winamac.

William J. Kolish

August 9, 1957 to January 15, 2023

WINAMAC - William J. “Billy” Kolish, 65, of Winamac, passed away unexpectedly at 11:38 a.m., Sunday, Jan. 15, at IU Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis.

He was born Aug. 9, 1957, in Knox, to Billy Joe and Fafalene “Fluff” [Howard] Kolish. He graduated from Winamac High School in 1977. A rivalry football game in October 1977 between Winamac and North Judson brought him together with the love of his life, Linda Lambert, and they were married March 18, 1978 at the Methodist Church in Winamac. She survives.

Billy Kolish

He is also survived by:
Chad (Monica) Kolish, Winamac, son
Beth Kolish, Winamac, daughter
Fluff Jenkins, Winamac, mother
Susan (Jeff) Foust, Rochester, sister
Mark (Diane) Kolish, Winamac, brother
Melissa (Josh) Behny, Fishers, step-sister
Nancy Barsic, aunt
Joan Kolish, aunt
John (Judy) Kolisch, uncle
Iva Jean Minix, aunt
Sharon (Jim) Baker, aunt
Donna Howard, aunt
Roger (Phyllis) Howard, uncle
Many nieces, nephews and cousins
Lori Clark Kolish, Winamac, step-mother

Proceeded in death by:
John “Shorty” and Ann [Kronland] Kolish, paternal grandparents
Homer and Edna [Allen] Howard, maternal grandparents
Billy Joe Kolish, father
Kevin Kolish, brother
Robert Kolish, uncle
Fred Howard, uncle
Cliffton Howard, uncle
Joyce Sallee, aunt
Carolyn Minix, aunt
Lorraine [Howard] Kolish, step-mother

Bill was called a character by many. Some loved him, some despised him and sometimes for the same reason, but to know him was to be entertained. Billy was a lifelong member of the Winamac FOE #2580 and Indiana Pulling League. He loved racing and pulling. He started his pulling career in mud bogging in Plymouth with his brothers and progressed to 2wd and 4wd trucks where he pulled with his father and his son and occasionally his reluctant daughter. He progressed to tractors where he was the points champion in Altered Farm, Hot Farm and Super Stock. He was never ashamed to jump a class and grab the last place check. Sometimes he was “the pull” because of all his trucks and tractors. One dark and cool night in Rensselaer, he came out of the smoke to become the only Altered Farm to win the Hot Farm class. The things that tickled Bill didn’t always tickle other people. He was proud of the fact that he had been to every NASCAR track in the U.S., Canada and Mexico while working the NASCAR circuit with Todd Braun’s racing team. He even became infamous for a fight in the pits with a rival team. You didn’t mess with his friends or people he loved. Bill’s fondest memory from racing was spinning Tony Stewart out on a Go-Kart track. He got such a kick out of that story and it always managed to bring out his mischievous grin and his ornery chuckle.

Bill was a collector of fine things and a purveyor of treasures. Others might not see it that way, but he didn’t care. He was quick to anger and quick to drop everything and help. He would give the clothes off his back to someone in need. He helped many strangers and many friends and worried over the less fortunate. Most of Bill’s recent animals came from stray pigs, deer or goats he found in the field. He loved those goats. No one would’ve guessed that “he-of- little-patience” would come to love something that would run at you full force and head butt you for fun. He had a tough exterior and a heart of gold. The sad part of it is he still had so many projects he never got to finish and so many ideas only half-formed. He will be missed by many far and wide.

Visitation will be from 3 to 8 p.m., Friday, Jan. 20, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. The funeral service will be at 10 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 21, at the funeral home with Chaplain Teri White officiating. Private burial will take place at a later date.

Memorial donations may be made to Winamac FOE #2580.

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