Obituaries

John C. Lincoln

January 12, 1934 to August 4, 2022

KEWANNA - John Conn Lincoln, 88, of Coldwater, Mich., formerly of Winamac, passed away Thursday, Aug. 4, at Masonville Place in Coldwater.

Born on Jan. 12, 1934 in Royal Center, he was the son of the late Howard and Margaret (Conn) Lincoln.  He married Eleanor (Chase) Lincoln Nov. 21, 1952. She died March, 2003.

John Lincoln

Survivors include his daughters Cynthia Ann Holbert of Alabama and Sandra Sue Lincoln of Michigan; brothers Leslie Lincoln of Ripley and Gene (Sue) Lincoln of Kankakee, Ill.; sister Sharon  (Mike) Weldonof Monterey; grandchildren Christina Williams, Aaron (Adriane) Parcel, Sarah (Tim) Gehrman, and Douglas  (Jessica) Holbert; and great-grandchildren Britney Holbert, Brandon Holbert, Brianna Holbert, Kaleb Parcel,  Michael (Samantha) Parcel, Kaela (Andrew) Chase, Keagen Crist, Arabellah Crist, Ariannah Crist, Timothy Gehrman, Nora Gehrman, Izzabelle Gehrman; great-great-granddaughter Kymora Parcel and many cherished nieces and nephews.

He was also preceded in death by brothers Robert Lincoln, Howard Lincoln, Lavon (Dick) Lincoln and sisters Betsy Lincoln, Catherine Swartzell and Margaret Berkshire.

Mr. Lincoln was a U.S. Army veteran, serving in Korea. Following his service, he owned and operated a sawmill business from 1957-1961. He formerly worked at Eaton in Winamac, retiring in 1995 after 34 years. He was a member of the V.F.W, American Legion and Eagles in Winamac.  He was a leader and advocate for the residents of Masonville Place. He was also an avid fisherman and enjoyed his daily bingo games with friends at Masonville Place.  He had a great sense of humor that will be greatly missed by family and friends.  His “grumpy old men” friend, Bill Maxwell was his comrade and best buddy.

A graveside service with military rites will be at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, Aug. 9, at Royal Center Cemetery, Royal Center. A gathering for family and friends will be at the V.F.W. James Talbott Post #1121 in Kewanna immediately following graveside.

Memorial donations may be made to the V.F.W. National Home for Children, 3573 S. Waverly Rd, Eaton Rapids, MI   48827 or charity of donor’s choice.

Vivian M. Reinhold

November 29, 1943 to July 31, 2022

KEWANNA - Vivian Marie Reinhold, 78, of Kewanna, passed away at 2 a.m., Sunday, July 31, at Pulaski Healthcare Center in Winamac.

Born Nov. 29, 1943 in Monterey, she was the daughter of the late Nicholas and Veronica (Schutz) Loehmer. She was a Monterey High School graduate, Class of 1961.

Vivian Reinhold

Survivors include her husband David Reinhold of Kewanna; son Anthony James Owen of Indianapolis; brothers Ralph (Ethel) Loehmer of Monterey, Raymond Loehmer of Portage, Daniel Loehmer of Logansport and Loren (Angela) Loehmer of Monterey; and sisters Irene (Daniel) Forest of Monterey and Loretta Watkins of Ft. Wayne. She is also survived by four step-children, 11 step-grandchildren and 15 step-great-grandchildren.

She was also preceded in death by her first husband Thomas Owen, son Jeffrey Thomas Owen and sisters Virginia and Virgidelle.

Mrs. Reinhold retired from Controls-Singer-Eaton after 17 years. She was a member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church of Winamac, Christian Mothers and Our Ladies of Charity. She also was a former member of the Pulaski Memorial Hospital Auxiliary.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 3, at St. Anne Catholic Church, Monterey. A mass of Christian burial will be at 10 a.m., Thursday, Aug. 4, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Winamac. Burial will be at St. Peter’s Catholic Cemetery, Winamac.

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

An online guestbook for Mrs. Reinhold is available, and condolences can be shared with the family at www.ransfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Rans Funeral Homes, Kewanna.

Julia A. Binkley

July 24, 1924 to July 25, 2022

WINAMAC - Julia Ann (Knarr) Binkley, 98, of Winamac, passed away Monday, July 25, at her residence.

She was born at home on July 24, 1924 in Thornhope, to the late John and Dessie (Nice) Knarr. She graduated from Pulaski High School in 1942 - 80 years ago. She and John Binkley met on a blind date at Indiana University and married on Dec. 26, 1945 while he was in the navy and she was finishing college. He preceded her in death.

Julia Binkley

She is survived by:
Steven (Ann) Binkley, Pearcy, Ark., Son
Barbara (Dean) Neal, Winamac, Daughter
Grandchildren: Paul (Liane) Binkley, Cliffton (Nikki Sedges) Binkley, Ben (Jenna) Neal, Ellen (Andy) Stellhorn,  and Ali (Bryan) Myers.
Great-grandchildren: Delilah Neal, Damien Neal, Hailey Neal, Evan Bishop, Braylin Bishop, Sophia Binkley, Ireland Myers, Archer Myers, Nick Binkley, Matt Binkley, Alex Binkley, Ashley Binkley, and Adam Binkley.
One Great-great-granddaughter

Preceded in death by:
Stuart Binkley, Son
Stanley Binkley, Grandson

Mrs. Binkley graduated from Indiana University in 1946 with a bachelor’s degree in business. Julia and John moved back to her parent’s farm where he farmed with his father-in-law. Soon they had two sons, and moved to their own farm. Eight years later a daughter was born. She kept the accounts for the farm and held the family together when John was unable to farm due to health reasons. She was a member of the Country Maids Home Extension Club. She was a master of everything she did: seamstress, gardener, food preservation, refinishing furniture, wallpapering, cookie and cake decorating, quilting, oil painting, caning chair seats, wool-hooked rugs and needlepoint pictures of her design, and every craft that could be done. She was a member of the Wheat Weavers and taught this skill at the local power show. She taught classes to make Ukrainian Pysanky eggs and corn husk dolls at the local library.

Mrs. Binkley was also an interviewer for the Indiana Oral History project through Purdue Extension and many of her interviews were published in a set of books. She served on the Pulaski County Public Library Board, was a member of the Pulaski County Memorial Hospital Pink Ladies Auxiliary, the local genealogy society and historical society. One of her greatest achievements was her lifelong work in genealogy, researching both her and John’s families. Family trips included visits to courthouses, libraries and cemeteries to document and add to the family trees. She has published family history books and is the family keeper of photos and memorabilia. She was proud of having ancestors who fought in the Revolutionary, Civil and both World Wars. She was honest, hardworking and a good example to all. She was very proud of her family.

Private burial will take place at Pro Cemetery in Winamac.

Memorial donations may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.

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

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.

Fred L. Litke

January 13, 1935 to July 25, 2022

FRANCESVILLE - Fred L. Litke, 87, of Francesville, passed away Monday, July 25, at Parkview Haven Retirement Home in Francesville.

He was born Jan. 13, 1935 in LaGrange, to the late Theodore J. and Iva E. [Rogers] Litke. He was a 1953 graduate of Pulaski High School. On June 5, 1955, he married Betty Jo March in Pulaski. She survives.

Fred Litke

He is also survived by:
Pam (Mike) Ledford, Francesville, Daughter
Mike (Danny Woods) Litke, Brazil, Son
Jeff Litke, St. Louis, MO, Son
Summer Hudson, Granddaughter
Shane (Ashley) Ledford, Grandson
Erica (DJ) Reinfeld, Granddaughter
Brooke Towns, Granddaughter
Evan (Brenda) Litke, Grandson
Cheslynn (fiancé: Brandon) Litke, Granddaughter
Sutherlan Litke, Grandson
Daylan Litke, Granddaughter
12 Great-Grandchildren
Phil (Sharon) Litke, Winamac, Brother
Rosemary Litke, Monticello, Sister-in-law
Several Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
James Litke, Brother
1 Infant Brother

Mr. Litke went to work at Winamac Sales Co. in 1954 selling JI Case tractors and implements in downtown Francesville. When the company closed, he went to work for Moorman Manufacturing Co. and was a local feed salesman until his retirement. He and his wife owned and operated the Village Inn restaurant in Francesville for many years. He was a longtime member of Francesville First Christian Church. He was a 50-year member of the Francesville Lion’s Club and Francesville Volunteer Fire Department. He was a founding member of the Francesville Little League. He served on the Francesville town board and the Pulaski County 4-H Swine Committee. He was a faithful volunteer at the Humanitarian Distribution Center. He enjoyed fishing and visiting the boat. He was well known for his homemade caramels and hot spaghetti. Most of all, he loved his family very much and will be deeply missed.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 12 noon, Saturday, Aug. 6, at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Francesville. The funeral service will follow at 12 noon, Aug. 6, at the funeral home with Pastor James Ketchen officiating. Private family burial will be at Roseland Cemetery in Francesville.

Memorial donations may be made to Life Wise Academy or Francesville First Christian Church.

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

Sara L. Freeman

October 14, 1936 to July 17, 2022

ROYAL CENTER - Sara “Sally” L. Freeman, 85, of Winamac passed away peacefully at 4:02 a.m., Sunday, July 17, at home.

Born Oct. 14, 1936, in Winamac, she was the daughter of the late William and Mary Madeline (Moody) Owen. She was a 1954 graduate of Winamac High School.

Sally Freeman

Survivors include her children Jay Hartwick of Winamac and Debra (David) Walters of Winamac; sister Carolyn Morgan of Winamac; grandchildren Sara (Melissa) Ludwig of Waterloo, Iowa, Steven Hartwick of Indianapolis, Chad (Morgan) Hemphill of Madison, Tenn., Randi Hartwick of Kokomo and Katherine (Justin) Ruff of Winamac; great-grandchildren Lyla Ruff, Alayna Ruff, Elliott Hemphill and Logan Ruff; and former spouse and friend Carl Freeman of Winamac.

She was also preceded in death by brothers William Owen, Thomas Owen and Gene “Ed” Owen and sisters Nancy Lowry, Mary Ellen Owen and Carol Sue Owen.

Mrs. Freeman was formerly employed at the Rice Corporation and Pulaski County School Corporation where she was a teacher’s aide in the art department. She later became the secretary and treasurer of the Winamac Church of the Nazarene until her retirement. She was an accomplished, self-taught artist and was known by many for her homemade pies. She was a devoted Christian whose love for Christ and others was a shining example of her faith. She had the remarkable ability to show selfless love and compassion to everyone she met. She was a beautiful, humble person who was clueless to the depth of love and respect others had for her. Family was of utmost importance to her. Get-togethers with immediate and extended relatives brought her great joy. She was lovingly known as “Sassy” to her great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life service will be at 12 noon, Saturday, Aug. 13, at the Winamac Church of the Nazarene.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.

Memorial donations may be made to the Winamac Church of the Nazarene.

Mrs. Freeman’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 & Crematory.

Jane E. Ewing

March 10, 1932 to July 17, 2022

WINAMAC - Jane E. Ewing, 90, of Winamac, passed away Sunday, July 17, at Pulaski Memorial Hospital in Winamac.

She was born March 10, 1932 in Winamac. She graduated from Kewanna High School in 1950. On July 23, 1955, she married Richard J. Ewing at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Winamac. He preceded her in death.

Jane Ewing

She is survived by:
James J. (Debra) Ewing, Carmel, Son
MSgt. Patrick A. (SMSgt. Theresa) Ewing, Ret. USAF, Tipp City, OH, Son
Margaret J. “Peggy” Ewing, Indianapolis, Daughter
Grandchildren: MSgt. Aaron Ewing, USAF; Amy Berkshire, Alyssa Owens, Conner (Paige) Ewing, Cameron Ewing, Katie Ewing, Michael (Paige) Ewing, Mishelle Ewing,
Lindsey (William) Giordano, and Mackenzie Surbey.
Great-grandchildren: Aiden Berkshire, Ava Berkshire, Gabriel Berkshire, Elijah Berkshire, Ethan Owens, Lexi Owens, Sebastian Ewing, Emelie Ewing, Annabelle Jane Ewing, Everett Michael Ewing, Olivia Giordano, and Scarlett Jane Giordano.
Several Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
James Ora and Effie Luree [Long] Whipple, Parents
Michael R. Ewing, Son
Thomas L. Ewing, Son
Meghann K. Ewing, Granddaughter
Patricia L. (Gerald) Hagen, Sister
Betty S. (Paul) Willison, Sister

Mrs. Ewing worked at Shank’s Ladies Store for a few years and retired from Miller’s Men’s Store where she had worked for many years. She was a member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church where she was active in the Christian Mothers and Daughters of Isabella. She was a longtime member of the Pulaski County Human Services Board of Directors and was honored to be named Volunteer Senior of the Year in 2016. She was also active in a local home-economics club for many years and had previously volunteered at the hospital gift shop. She loved serving her community and Human Services was everything to her. She enjoyed reading and watching old movies, especially those with John Wayne. She was an avid Elvis fan and enjoyed her trip to Graceland with Peggy many years ago. Most of all, she loved her family very much.

A scriptural wake service will be at 3:30 p.m., Thursday, July 28, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac, with Rev. Leroy Kinnaman officiating. Visitation will follow from 4 to 8 p.m., Thursday, at the funeral home. A funeral mass will be at 10:30 a.m., Friday, July 29, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Winamac, with Rev. Adam Mauman officiating. Burial will be at St. Peter’s Cemetery in Winamac.

Memorial donations may be made to Pulaski County Human Services.

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