Obituaries

A. May Miller

September 19, 1927 to November 19, 2021

ROYAL CENTER - A. May Miller, 97, of Royal Center passed away at 3:02 a.m., Friday, Nov. 19, at Millers Merry Manor in Logansport.

Born on June 12, 1924 in Winamac, she was the daughter of the late Galen and Sylvia Baker Girton. She was a 1942 Winamac High School graduate. In March of 1944 she married Melvin Leroy Welsh. He died in the Battle of Iwo Jima in February of 1945. She later married Clifford E. Miller of Royal Center in April of 1948, and they were married for 65 years until his death in May of 2013.

May Miller

Survivors include her daughters Elaine Funk of Royal Center, Julie (John) Gunn of Greenwood and Lori (Dan) Sylvester of Walton; grandchildren Jeffrey (Kathy) Funk of Royal Center, Ryan (Holly) Funk of Royal Center, Eric (Lena) Sylvester of Logansport, Alyson (Brian) Tucker of Argos and Brian Gunn of Greenwood; great-grandchildren Bryce Funk, Jacob Funk, Kaylee Funk, Erica Sylvester, Kaidan Sylvester, Leah Sylvester, Johnathan Tucker, Wesley Tucker, Orian Tucker, Kyrin Tucker, Josiah Tucker and Lexi Baker; and brother, Gene Girton of Colorado.

She was also preceded in death by brothers, Francis Girton, John Girton, Arwine Girton, Guy Girton, Frank Girton, Don Girton and Clarence Girton; and son-in-law, Conrad Funk.

Mrs. Miller graduated from The Approved Beauty College of Indianapolis in 1946. She owned and operated the Mary May Beauty Shop in Winamac with her lifelong friend, Mary Haschel from 1947-50. She also worked in the Pioneer Elementary Cafeteria from 1963-80. She also worked for several years for Seidel’s Catering in Star City. She was a member of the Baptist Christian Church and taught Sunday School for years. She also served as a deaconess, financial secretary and organized many funeral dinners for grieving families. She enjoyed sewing clothes for her daughters and grandchildren and spending time with her family.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the time of the funeral service which will be held at 12 noon, Saturday, Nov. 27, at Rans Funeral Homes & Crematory, Harrison Chapel, Royal Center with Pastor Joel Sharp officiating. Burial will be at Kistler Cemetery.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Baptist Christian Church.

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

Wendall R. Stewart

August 22, 1938 to November 18, 2021

WINAMAC – Wendall Ray “Wendy” Stewart, 83, of Grand Rapids, MI passed away Thursday, Nov. 18, at St. John Ascension Hospital in Detroit, following a brave battle with COVID-19.

He was born Aug. 22, 1938 in Pontiac, MI to the late William David and Minnie Mae Haycraft Stewart. He left high school to enlist in the U.S. Navy where he served for six years received an honorable discharge on Dec. 4, 1961. He married Olivia Jeanne Gordon, on June 12, 1970 in Comstock Park, MI. She survives.

He is also survived by:
Shannon Casey, Granddaughter
Ruth Puthael, Sister
Michele (Sam) Faccone, Sister-in-law
Dolores Gordon, Sister-in-law
Jaqueline (Daniel) Frain, Sister-in-law
James (Mary) Gordon, Carmel, Brother-in-law
Mark (Debra) Gordon, Rochester, Brother-in-law
Nieces and Nephews: Mike Livermore, William (Brenda) Neuveck, Linda Fauble, Chuck Thoman, Eric (fiancée: Heather) Thoman, Dana (Matt) Kantowski, Stefanie Frain, Jon Frain, Lindsay (Mike) Trotta, Lenna (Kyle) Ostenson, Kurt Langdon, Bethany (Justin) Leroux, Chantal (Kyle) Rensberger, and Vanessa Gordon
Many Great-Nieces and Nephews
Lani and Scott Sovereen, Dearest Friends

Preceded in death by:
James William and Jeanne Helen Teller Gordon, In-laws
Patrick Gordon Casey, Son
Jennie Jean Neuvek, Sister
Jay Daniel Frain, Infant Nephew

Mr. Stewart spent his life working as an auto body repairman. He loved rock-and-roll music, his memories of being a drummer, and his “forever” friend, Zoey. He cherished his son, Patrick, who passed away Sept. 14, 2010 from complications related to Huntington’s disease.

Private family burial will be at Winamac Cemetery in Winamac at a later. The American Legion and VFW will conduct military graveside services.

Memorial donations may be made to the Memorial Swinging Bridge Project. For more information, please visit www.memorialswingingbridge.com.

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

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.

Thomas A. Halleck Sr.

October 27, 1936 to November 14, 2021

WINAMAC - Thomas Abraham “Tom” Halleck Sr., 85, of Winamac, passed away surrounded by his family at 12:40 a.m., Sunday, Nov. 14, at Pulaski Memorial Hospital in Winamac.

He was born Oct. 27, 1936 in Logansport, to the late Dr. Harold J. and Bernice L. Carson Halleck. He graduated from Winamac High School in 1954. He attended Purdue University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in 1959 and a master’s degree in 1971. On June 12, 1960, Tom married Barbara Jean Dickey, in Indianapolis. She survives.

Thomas Halleck Sr.

Survivors also include:
Thomas A. (Tammy) Halleck Jr., Star City, Son
Beth A. (Brad) Ruff-Crawford, Winamac, Daughter
Jennifer L. (Dan) Knebel, Winamac, Daughter
Cynthia H. (Joe) Garnett, Westfield, Daughter
Edwina (Pooh) Murray, Fort Covington, NY, Daughter
Marie Mulcare, Massena, NY, Daughter
10 Grandchildren: Tiffany (Evan) Howe, Jake (Jenna) Ruff, Taylor (Grant) White, Garrett (Katelyn) Knebel, Josh (Hayley) Ruff, Catherine (Brent) Evans, Tabatha (Anthony) Chapman, Alyssa (Greg) Burns, JT (Lindy) Garnett, and Kelsey Crawford.
10 Great-Grandchildren
2 special nephews: Jim and Kurt

Preceded in death by:
Jeff Ruff, Son-in-law
Shirley (Richard) Reidelbach, Sister
Marilyn (Jim) Cory, Sister

In addition to being a well-respected teacher at Winamac Community High School for 38 years, Mr. Halleck was also a lifelong farmer. He was fondly known to many as “Big Dog” and was famous for his fruit fly genetics project. He and his wife were avid supporters of the Winamac Music Boosters program and started the moon crater and lemon shakeup fundraiser; which continues today. His hobbies included cheering on the Purdue Boilermakers, playing board games, and fishing. He often fished in Minnesota, with a lifelong goal of catching the elusive prize bass fish he called Walter. He was a longtime member of Star City United Methodist Church, as well as a supporter and fundraiser for Winamac’s July 4th fireworks. In his youth, he was recognized with a Certificate of Heroism from the National Court of Honor of the Boy Scouts of America for having saved the lives of three mothers and their three children, who were drowning in the Tippecanoe River just behind his home on Riverside Drive. He did this despite not knowing how to swim. His greatest passion was his family. In addition to raising their own children, he and his wife opened their home to many others and loved them as their own.

Visitation will be from 3 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 17, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac; and one hour prior to services at the church Thursday. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Thursday, Nov. 18, at Star City United Methodist Church in Star City, with Pastor Tom Richards officiating. Burial will be at Winamac Cemetery (McKinley Addition) in Winamac.

Memorial donatons may be made to Winamac Fireworks Fund or Star City United Methodist Church.

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

Michael S. Kiest

February 15, 1956 to November 13, 2021

WINAMAC – Michael “Mike” Steven Kiest, 65, of Winamac, (formerly of Porter County) passed away at 9:11 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 13, at Northwest Health Porter Hospital in Valparaiso.

He was born Feb. 15, 1956 in Hammond to the late Cecil Marion and Dorothy Marie Black Kiest. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps for four years. On July 3, 1981, he married Suzanne Marie Brassard in Charleston, SC. She survives.

Michael Kiest

He is also survived by:
Stefanie Marie Kiest, Chesterton, Daughter
Madeline Suzanne (Thomas) Kingery, Chesterton, Daughter
Isabella Nowka, Granddaughter
Adrianna Nowka, Granddaughter
Olivia Nowka, Granddaughter
Lynn Kingery, Granddaughter
John (Mary Ellen) Kiest, Brother
Beverly Rodda, Sister
Dennis (Patricia) Kiest, Brother
Terence (Cynthia) Kiest, Brother
Kimberly (Joel) Mora, Sister
Many Nieces, Nephews, and Cousins

Preceded in death by:
Jerry Rodda, Brother-in-law

Mr. Kiest was the proud owner of Northern Indiana Mechanical which is a family business that included his father Cecil and brother Terry. He was the assistant fire chief of Porter Fire Department for many years. He enjoyed fishing, especially on the Tippecanoe River. He was a loving father, fierce defender and devoted supporter of his daughters. He cherished his granddaughters who brought him great joy and happiness. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

The family will host a celebration of life at a later date at his home on the Tippecanoe River.

Although Mike was known to send flowers to funerals, he recently changed his mind, explaining “People should take that money and do something fun and memorable with their own loved ones – and in the end, if the raise a glass to me, that would make me happier.”

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

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.

Regina M. Kupke

December 21, 1933 to November 12, 2021

WINAMAC - Regina M. Kupke, 87, of Winamac (formerly of Lake Bruce) passed away at 7:10 p.m., Friday, Nov. 12, at Pulaski Health Care Center in Winamac.

She was born Dec. 21, 1933 in East Gary to Reggie and Mildred Friedel Jones. She graduated from East Gary Edison High School in 1952. She married Arthur R. Kupke on Sept. 25, 1954 in East Gary. He survives.

She is survived by:
Mike (Jackie) Kupke, Goshen, Son
Stephanie (Mike) Malchow, Star City, Granddaughter
Hillary (Brandon) Nissley, Goshen, Granddaughter
Great-Grandchildren: Kaitlyn Malchow, Luke Malchow, Isaiah Hattery, Abram Hattery,
Cole Nissley, Ethan Kupke, Mason Kupke, Harrison Kupke, and Finn Kupke.

Preceded in death by:
Reggie Jones and Mildred Friedel Jones Corter, Parents
Robyn Kupke, Daughter
Daniel Kupke, Son
Jack Kupke, Grandson
Richard Jones, Brother
Verl Jones, Brother
Edna Mae, Half Sister

Mrs. Kupke was a proud homemaker and beloved daycare provider. She enjoyed reading, cooking, traveling and art. She also enjoyed spending time outdoors, especially being by the Tippecanoe River. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Visitation will be from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 18, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. The funeral service will follow at 2:30 p.m. (Thursday), at the funeral home. Burial will be at Pleasant Hill Cemetery at Lake Bruce.

Memorial donations may be made to the Memorial Swinging Bridge Project.

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

Phyllis M. Nawrocki

October 4, 1951 to November 11, 2021

WINAMAC - Phyllis M. Nawrocki, 70, of Winamac (lifelong resident of Westville), passed away Thursday, Nov. 11, at Pulaski Health Care Center in Winamac.

She was born Oct. 4, 1951 to the late Eugene and Rosemary Greening Nawrocki. She was the valedictorian of her graduating class from Jackson Township High School in Valparaiso, and earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Purdue University.

She is survived by:
Alan Conrad, DeMotte, Brother-in-law
Rose Flinchum, Valparaiso, Cousin
John Shuey, Valparaiso, Cousin
James Shuey, Michigan, Cousin

Preceded in death by:
Donna Rose Targonski Conrad, Sister
Paul E. Nawrocki, Brother
1 Niece: Tuesday

Ms. Nawrocki grew up on the family farm and loved being a farm girl. She enjoyed crafting and reading. She was a lifelong member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Chesterton. She was a retired deli clerk from Town and Country Market in Valparaiso. She will be dearly missed.

Private burial will be at St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Chesterton.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.