Obituaries

Bonnie L. Koebcke

May 9, 1931 to December 26, 2022

MONON - Bonnie L. Koebcke, 91, of Francesville, passed away at 4:03 p.m. Monday, Dec. 26, at Parkview Haven Retirement Community of Francesville.

She was born May 9, 1931, in Medaryville, to the late Lawrence and Veleta (Stiller) Beiswanger. She was a 1949 graduate of Medaryville High School. She married Lester A. Koebcke on March 5, 1950, in her family home; he preceded her in death on Dec. 27, 2017.

Bonnie Koebcke

Surviving are her four sons, Dary (Susan)l Koebcke of Williamstown, KY, David (Debbie) Koebcke of Yorktown, IN, Dennis (Taisha) Koebcke of Danville, IL and Dan (Bonnie) Koebcke also of Francesville; a sister, Judy (Donald) of Francesville; a brother, Connie Beiswinger of Francesville; and a sister-in-law, Sandy Beiswanger of Medaryville. Also surviving are10 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.

Preceding her in death with her parents and husband is a brother, Jerry Beiswanger.

Mrs. Koebcke was a wonderful and devoted wife and mother. Her real education came from raising four sons, and she got a good one. She was her husband’s No. 1 employee on the family farm, driving tractors, helping with the hogs, preparing meals and anything else that needed done. If she had an issue with the equipment, she would simply pull out her book and wait for Lester to arrive. A heart of service, Bonnie was the world record holder in sending cards and giving out Scotcharoos to neighbors, the firehouse, the postman and anyone she wanted to show she cared. She was a longtime member of the Medaryville Christian Church, where she and her husband were youth sponsors for 10 years. They had a great time teaching and participating in the church Sunday School class with their church friends. The church was mission minded and Bonnie was mission secretary for many years. She modeled how to live as a Christian by her acts of service to others. She loved everyone, especially her husband and family. 

Friends may call from 9 a.m. until the time of funeral service at 11 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 31, at Clapper Family Funeral Home of Monon; Pastor Jim Ketchen will officiate. Interment will be at Francesville Cemetery. 

 In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the Medaryville Christian Church or Elara Caring Hospice of Lafayette.

Share memories and online condolences at www.clapperfuneralservices.com

John J. Tidwell Sr.

March 12, 1942 to December 24, 2022

FRANCESVILLE - John Joseph Tidwell Sr., 80, of Westville, passed away Saturday, Dec. 24, at Franciscan Health Hospital in Michigan City.

He was born March 12, 1942 in Gary,  to the late Easley Richardson and Helen Mildred [Strinchak] Tidwell. He served in the U.S. Army and the Indiana Army National Guard. On April 15, 1991, he married Eldora Louise [Wiegand] Ferrell in Sevierville, TN. She survives.

John Tidwell Sr.

He is also survived by:
Mary “Mitzie” Harris, LaPorte, Daughter
John Joseph (Jamie) Tidwell Jr., Westville, Son
Stella (Carlos) Montoya, Indianapolis, Step-Daughter
James (Michelle) Ferrell, Walkerton, Step-Son
Terry (Chris) Ferrell, Kouts, Step-Son
18 Grandchildren
9 Great-Grandchildren

Preceded in death by:
Infant Brother

Mr. Tidwell worked at ANCO/Federal Mogul for 41 years. He was a 50-year member of Porter Lodge #137 F&AM. He and his wife loved traveling together and especially enjoyed visiting Tennessee, as well as staying at their getaway in Francesville. He also enjoyed camping, fishing, and woodworking. He was an avid genealogist. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Per Mr. Tidwell’s wishes, no services will be held. Private burial will take place at Roseland Cemetery in Francesville. The American Legion will conduct military graveside services.

Memorial donations may be made to Wounded Warrior Project.

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

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

Joan L. Winters

July 30, 1935 to December 19, 2022

WINAMAC - Joan L. Winters, 87, of Monterey, passed away Monday, Dec. 19, at Miller’s Merry Manor in Culver.

She was born July 30, 1935 in Hammond, to the late Clarence and Evelyn [Miller] Natke. She graduated from Hammond High School.  She married Frank L. Winters in 1958. He survives.

Joan Winters

She is also survived by:
Michael Winters, Lansing, IL, Son
Jim Winters, Monterey, Son
Brian (Sally) Winters, Dyer, Son
2 Granddaughters: Marie and Casandra
3 Great-Grandsons
Diane Natke, Monterey, Sister

Preceded in death by:
David J. Winters, Son
1 Granddaughter: Caitlin

Mrs. Winters worked as a nurse’s aide at St. Margaret Hospital. She was a devoted wife and mother. She was an active member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Winamac. She was an animal lover. She enjoyed cooking and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She endured many health issues over the past two years, but her husband stood by her side and cared for her. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Visitation will be from 12 noon to 1 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 28, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. The funeral service will follow at 1 p.m. (Wednesday), at the funeral home with Rev. Daniel Shine officiating. Burial will be at St. Peter’s Cemetery in Winamac.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Peter’s Catholic Church.

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

Billy Neeley

July 20, 1964 to December 17, 2022

MEDARYVILLE - Billy Neeley, 58, of Medaryville, passed away at his daughter’s home Saturday, Dec. 17, following years of health issues.

He was born July 20, 1964 in Monticello, to the late Wayne and Gertrude [Patrick] Neeley. He attended West Central High School where he also played football.

Billy Neeley

He is survived by:
Amber [Starr] Neeley, Medaryville, Wife
Jeremy (Holly) Neeley, Medaryville, Son
Kaltrina (Gregg) Tarr, Star City, Daughter
Bridget Neeley, Star City, Daughter
Noah Neeley, Star City, Son
Aubree Justice, Step-Daughter
Bryson Justice, Step-Son
Ava Justice, Step-Daughter
13 Grandchildren: Christian, Erica, Kaytlyn, Malaki, Samantha, Madison, Isaac, Nathan, Bella, Quentin, Gracie, Jaylyn, and Gaige.
Delmer Neeley, Brother
Ralph (Vivian) Neeley, Brother
Marilyn Hirtle, Sister
Patricia (Ronnie) Fritz, Sister
Richard Neeley, Brother
Arnold Neeley, Brother
Norman Danford, Brother-in-law
Neil Clark, Brother-in-law
Many Nieces and Nephews
Numerous Cousins

Preceded in death by:
Barbara [Hargrove] Neeley, Wife
Casey Carter, Bridget and Noah’s Mom
Ernie Neeley, Brother
Wessell Neeley, Brother
Mary Danford, Sister
Brenda Clark, Sister

Mr. Neeley was a welder for many years and worked for Galbreath in Winamac. He enjoyed playing his guitar, cooking, gardening, and quilting. He loved the outdoors and was an avid coon hunter. He also enjoyed dirt track racing (both as a driver and a fan). Most of all, he loved his family and will be deeply missed.

Visitation will be from 12 noon to 1 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 27, at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Medaryville. The funeral service will follow at 1 p.m. (Tuesday), at the funeral home with Pastor James Rowe officiating. Burial will be at White Post Cemetery in Medaryville.

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

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

Terrill D. Hoover

November 18, 1935 to December 15, 2022

KEWANNA - Terrill "Tate" Dean Hoover, 87, of Winamac passed away at 5:50 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 15, at Hickory Creek Healthcare Center in Winamac.

Tate Hoover

Born Nov. 18, 1935, in Winamac, he was the son of the late Cecil and Jessie (Tyler) Hoover. He attended grade school at Fairview, then high school at Winamac where he graduated in 1953. He loved baseball and was the starting pitcher for Winamac his entire four-year career. After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army serving as a military police officer in Italy.

Survivors include a brother, Larry Hoover of Winamac, several nieces and nephews and longtime friend, Sharon Cowley.

He was preceded in death by brother, Steven (Butch), niece, Karla Jo Knebel Rausch and sister, Sandra Sue Hoover Knebel.

After he was honorably discharged from the army, Mr. Hoover became a Winamac town police officer for a couple years until he landed a job at the Indiana State Prison in Michigan City where he worked hard and was quickly promoted to captain. He remained there for about 12 years until he was transferred to the Indianapolis Women’s Prison, where he worked for about 10 years. He then worked for the Pulaski County surveyor until he retired. If he wasn’t at work, you could more than likely find him outdoors as he was an avid hunter, especially for squirrels, fly fisherman, and he had a lifelong passion for guns and target shooting.

A celebration of life service with military rites will be at 4 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 7, at Rans Funeral Homes & Crematory, Metzger Chapel, Kewanna. A gathering of family and friends will be from 1 p.m. until the time of the service.

Sandra R. Wilson

March 14, 1939 to December 15, 2022

WINAMAC - Sandra Rae Wilson, 83, of Rensselaer (formerly of Hebron), passed away Thursday, Dec. 15, at Pulaski Health Care Center in Winamac.

She was born March 14, 1939 in Winfield Township, Lake County, IN to the late Cecil Raymond and Mabel Lucy [Einspahr] Kenney. She was valedictorian of Lowell High School in 1958. She married Charles Neal Wilson in 1959. He preceded her in death.

Sandra Wilson

She is survived by:
Jodi (Chris) Kosary, Star City, Daughter and Son-in-law
Teresa Wilson, Rensselaer, Daughter-in-law
Devon (fiancé: Stacey Morton) Wilson, Grandson
Ashley (Justin) DeMoss, Granddaughter
4 Great-Grandchildren

Preceded in death by:
Jayme Neal Wilson, Son
Todd Neal Wilson, Son
Virgadell Dawn [Kenney] Bateman, Sister

Mrs. Wilson and her husband were very active in modern western square dancing until his death in 1992. Sandy enjoyed reading and crocheting. She loved her family very much and will be sadly missed.

Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 12 noon, Wednesday, Dec. 21, at Kewanna United Methodist Church, 111 E. Pearl St., Kewanna. The funeral service will follow at 12 noon (Wednesday), at the church, with Pastor Jeff Herron officiating. Private family burial will be at Graceland Cemetery in Valparaiso.

Memorial donations may be made to Riley Children’s Foundation.

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

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac, and Kosary Funeral Home in Evergreen Park, IL.