Obituaries

John W. Ortman

January 19, 1945 to December 10, 2021

WINAMAC - John W. Ortman, 76, of Winamac, passed away Friday, Dec. 10,at Woodlawn Hospital in Rochester.

He was born Jan. 19, 1945, at home in rural Pulaski County, to the late Julius G. and Lois B. Meiser Ortman. He attended Fairview School through eighth grade and Star City School through12th grade. He worked on the family farm alongside his father and brother. In 1966, he joined the Indiana Army National Guard and served six years. On Nov. 18, 1967 he married Rachelle Lain in Lawton. She survives.

John Ortman

Survivors also include:
John Ortman Jr., West Lafayette, Son
Jeff Ortman, Winamac, Son
Scott Pratt, Charleston, SC, Son-in-law
Abigail (Caleb) Johnson, Granddaughter
Michaela (Taylor) Jordan, Granddaughter
Haylee Patton, Granddaughter
Bonnie (Paul) Weaver, Royal Center, Sister
Donald (Teresa) Ortman, Winamac, Brother
Several Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
Tammy Pratt, Daughter
Joan Army, Sister

Mr. Ortman was a member of Bethel Bible Church in Winamac for nearly 50 years, where he served as an usher and greeter. He was also a member of Northern Indiana Power from the Past, where he served as a director. He was employed as a deliveryman at CFS in Kewanna. He had formerly worked at Wilson Foods in Logansport, as well as at Galbreath, Inc. in Winamac. He raised hogs for 24 years and was proud to be a farmer. He enjoyed collecting farm toys and was a tractor and tool enthusiast. He was kind and never met a stranger. He thoroughly enjoyed sharing the Gospel with others. He was a loving husband and devoted father and grandfather. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 18, at Bethel Bible Church in Winamac. The funeral service will follow at 2 p.m., Saturday at the with Pastor Don Whipple officiating. Burial will be at Winamac Cemetery (McKinley Addition) in Winamac. The American Legion and VFW will provide military graveside services.

Memorial donations may be made to the Bethel Bible Church Missionary Fund.

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

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.

Judith Ann Gudeman

September 14, 1930 to December 9, 2021

FRANCESVILLE - Judith Ann “Judy” Gudeman, 91, of Monticello, passed away peacefully Thursday, Dec. 9, at her home with family by her side.

She was born Sept. 14, 1930 in Francesville, to the late Albert L. and Eliza L. Getz Gudeman. She graduated from Francesville High School in 1948.

Judy Gudeman

She is survived by:
Kathleen Shrock, Tyler, TX Sister
Jean Gudeman, Tucson, AZ Sister-in-law
Susan (Jeff) Braun, Niece
Gary (Doreen) Gudeman, Nephew
Sharon (Stoney) Burke, Niece
David Gudeman, Nephew
Bob (June) Gudeman, Nephew
Ed (Sheryl) Gudeman, Nephew
Jo (Mike) Pile, Niece
Bob (Lori) Shrock, Nephew
21 Great-Nieces and Nephews
18 Great-Great-Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
Stanley Gudeman, Brother
Dean (Helen) Gudeman, Brother
Bill Schrock, Brother-in-law
Steven Gudeman, Nephew
Karen Gudeman, Niece

After graduation, Ms. Gudeman worked three years at Von Tobel Lumber Yard in Francesville. In 1954, she graduated from St. Elizabeth School of Nursing in Lafayette and worked as a registered nurse at St. Elizabeth Hospital for four years. She paused her nursing career and completed studies at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago. She then combined her knowledge in nursing with her love for the Lord and headed to Rhodesia (currently known as Zimbabwe), Africa to serve as a missionary nurse. After 16 years of missionary work with The Evangelical Alliance Mission (TEAM), she returned to Francesville where she served as director of nursing at Parkview Haven Retirement Home. She finished her working career at TEAM Headquarters in Carol Stream, IL. She remained active while enjoying her retirement in Sun City West, AZ. In 2006, she was awarded the St. Elizabeth Outstanding Alumni Award for “a life devoted to others.” In 2018, she returned to Indiana where she continued to be involved in Christian ministries, especially at Zion Bethel Church in Monticello. She never let her age be an excuse not to serve the Lord through volunteer work. Her Godly life truly exemplified what it means to be a Christian. She loved her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, with all of her heart and was a true testimony and witness to others wherever she went.

Visitation will be from 3 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 15, at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Francesville. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Thursday, Dec. 16, at the funeral home with Nathan Braun officiating. Burial will be at Roseland Cemetery in Francesville with Jeff Messer officiating.

Memorial donations may be made to Baptist Children’s Home, Mission of Hope (Baptist Haiti Mission), or LifeWise Academy.

Online tributes may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com

Margaret Stefan Gudeman

August 21, 1930 to December 6, 2021

FRANCESVILLE - Margaret Stefan Gudeman, 91, of Francesville, passed away Monday, Dec. 6, at home surrounded by her family who cherished her.

She was born of German ancestry on Aug. 21, 1930 in Tscherwenka, Yugoslavia (present day Serbia) to the late Philip and Elisabeth Dech Stefan. She immigrated to the U.S. in 1950 and became a U.S. citizen in 1956. She married Willis W. Gudeman on April 11, 1954, in Francesville. He passed away May 26, 2020.

Margaret Gudeman

She is survived by:
Dale (Peg) Gudeman, Francesville, Son
Doreen (Barry) Steffen, Silver Spring, MD, Daughter
Debra (Don) Nuest, Francesville, Daughter
Donna (Mike) Putt, Francesville, Daughter
Grandchildren: Andria (John) Sprunger, Grant (Cara) Gudeman, Darin (Arial) Gudeman, Heidi (Ben) Swakopf, Hilary (fiancé: Tyler Young) Nuest, Erica (Kirk) Huber, David (Sierra) Putt, Thomas Putt, Brandon (Hailey) Putt, and Elva Martinez.
12 Great-Grandchildren
Marcella Gudeman, Francesville, Sister-in-law
Several Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
Hermine (Karl) Pister, Sister
Wendell G. Gudeman, Brother-in-law

Upon coming alone to America at age 19, Margaret was a domestic helper for relatives in Francesville and lived a brief time in Chicago where she worked as a seamstress. Mrs. Gudeman was a contributor to her family’s farming operation and a homemaker her entire married life. She was someone who thoroughly enjoyed working in her home and garden. She also enjoyed sewing and quilting; she hand-quilted more than 40 quilts that are treasured by her children and grandchildren. She had a special relationship with Morgan Danford, Jenna Miller, and Anne Holbrook, all of whom cared for her and brought companionship the last few years. She was a member of the Apostolic Christian Church of Francesville for 70 years. She lived her life of faith through quiet service and prayer. She was a ready volunteer who put others ahead of herself and a peacemaker who chose to find the good in others.

Visitation will be from 3 to 7 p.m., Friday, Dec. 10, at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Francesville; and one hour prior to services at the church on Saturday. The funeral service will be at 10 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 11, at the Apostolic Christian Church in Francesville, with ministers of the church officiating. Burial will be at Roseland Cemetery in Francesville.

Memorial donations may be made in Mrs. Gudeman’s memory to HarvestCall – Eastern Europe Relief (envelopes will be provided by the funeral home).

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

Alvin K. Stout

July 27, 1956 to December 6, 2021

WINAMAC - Alvin K. Stout, 65, of Winamac, passed away peacefully at 5 a.m., Monday, Dec. 6, at Pulaski Health Care Center in Winamac, following a brave battle with cancer.

He was born July 27, 1956 in Knox, to Kedrick and Gertrude Bleicher Stout. He graduated from West Central High School in 1975.

Alvin Stout

He is survived by:
Gertrude Bleicher Stout-Rife, Winamac, Mother
Kurt (Michaela) Stout, Pulaski, Brother
Larry Stout, Winamac, Brother
Don (Lori) Stout, Nephew
Megan (Chitrak) Banerjee, Niece
Kyla (Isaac Creech) Stout, Niece
Claire Stout, Niece
Tabitha Stout, Niece
Kathryn Banerjee, Great-Niece
Edward (Elaine) Bleicher, Uncle
Many Cousins
Tammy Garbison, Winamac, Fiancée

Preceded in death by:
Kedrick Stout, Father

Mr. Stout was a lifelong farmer and spent 27 years working for the state highway department. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Francesville and the American Motorcycle Association. He was also a licensed pilot. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle, farming, and flying. He especially enjoyed his daily breakfast group with his friends (usually at Kosta’s and Oak Grove) and his monthly dinner group with his highway department friends (at various places). He cherished his many friends at One-Eyed Jack’s as well. He will be dearly missed by his friends and family.

Visitation will be from 2 to 6 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 12, at First Baptist Church in Francesville; and one hour prior to services Monday at the church. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Monday, Dec. 13, at First Baptist Church in Francesville with Pastor Dennis Gutwein officiating. Burial will be at White Post Cemetery in Medaryville.

Memorial donations may be made to the First Baptist Church in Francesville.

Online tributes may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.

Rebecca S. Dixon

March 5, 1970 to December 4, 2021

WINAMAC - Rebecca S. “Becky” Dixon, 51, of Star City, passed away peacefully Saturday, Dec. 4, at IU Health Hospital in Lafayette.

She was born March 5, 1970 in Winamac to the late Robert W. and Mary Lou Podell Swartzell. She graduated from Winamac Community High School in 1988. On Nov. 12, 2005, she married Bobby Dixon in Winamac. He survives.

Becky Dixon

She is also survived by:
Mallory (Alvin) Fry, Star City, Daughter
Macy Bischoff, Star City, Daughter
Travis Dixon, Star City, Son
Diane Fry, Granddaughter
Alvin “Tate” Fry V, Grandson
Haylie Fry, Granddaughter
Jennifer (Bruce) Adamski, Winamac, Sister
Tom (Cindy) Kasten, Winamac, Brother
Terri (Tim) Gilman, Logansport, Sister
Kathy (Fabian Calisto) Brown, Lafayette, Sister
Tim (Sherri) Kasten, Rochester, Brother
Robin (Tracy) Shull, Rochester, Sister
Many Nieces and Nephews
Numerous Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins

Preceded in death by:
Kenneth R. Kasten, Brother

After high school, Mrs. Dixon graduated from Knox Beauty School in Knox. After earning her cosmetology license, she operated her own hair salon in Winamac for many years. Later in life, she earned an insurance license and was employed at Knebel Insurance in Royal Center. She was also a co-owner of Mill Creek Boer Goats. She was always on top of her work-game and loved serving others. Becky and Bobby loved their children very much and their grandchildren even more. She enjoyed relaxing in her pool on hot summer days and watching Hallmark Christmas movies on cold winter nights. She also enjoyed traveling to various goat shows throughout the country. Her favorite time of year was kidding season for the goats. She was a loving wife, an awesome mom, and amazing Nana. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Visitation will be from 3 to 8 p.m., Friday, Dec. 10, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. The funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 11, at the funeral home. Burial will be at Winamac Cemetery (McKinley Addition) in Winamac.

Memorial donations may be made to Pulaski County 4-H.

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

E. James Mullins

September 7, 1945 to December 2, 2021

MEDARYVILLE - Ervin James “Jim” Mullins, 76, of Medaryville, passed away at 9:37 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 2, at Aperion Care in DeMotte.

He was born Sept. 7, 1945 in Rensselaer, to the late William and Gracie Wireman Mullins. He graduated from Green Township School in Ironton, OH. On April 11, 1966, he married Joyce Frinkel, in New Castle. She survives.

E. James Mullins

He is also survived by:
Jenny (Grover) Umphryes, Medaryville, Daughter
Rendy (Patrick) Chalifoux, Medaryville, Daughter
Jimmy Mullins, Medaryville, Son
Thomas Benesh, Portage, Son-in-law
Jason Umphryes, Grandson
Curtis Chalifoux, Grandson
Brent Benesh, Grandson
Brett Benesh, Grandson
Thomas Chalifoux, Grandson
8 Great-Grandchildren
Several Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
Sandra Benesh, Daughter
Corey Chalifoux, Infant Grandson
Dalton Benesh, Grandson
Dillon Benesh, Grandson
10 Siblings

Mr. Mullins served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. He was a lifetime member and past-commander of the American Legion Post #96 in Medaryville. He was retired from Westville Correctional Facility where he had worked as a correctional officer. He worked as a millwright in the steel mills for several years and later owned his own welding shop in Medaryville before going to work at Westville. He was a kind and humble man. He enjoyed fishing and hunting. More than anything, he loved his family, especially his grandchildren. He will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday, Dec. 6, at Goodway Baptist Church in Medaryville. The funeral Service will follow at 1 p.m., Monday, at the church. Burial will be at Goodway Cemetery in Medaryville.

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

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

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