Obituaries

Raymond and Norma Easterday

July 29, 1950 to October 3, 2021
August 10, 1947 to October 7, 2021

ROCHESTER - Norma Easterday, 71, Winamac (formerly of Rochester), passed away at 4:43 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 3, at her residence. She was born July 28, 1950 in Rochester, the daughter of James Frederick and Melba M. Rhoades Rupp.

Raymond Easterday, 74, Winamac, passed away at 10:20 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 7, at Franciscan Health Lafayette East. He was born Aug. 10, 1947 in Logansport, the son of Robert and Marjorie E. Gunter Easterday.

   
 Norma Easterday Raymond Easterday

The couple were married May 9, 1976 in Illinois.

Survivors include their children Margaret Ritchie, Rochester, Angela Davis, Winamac, Joe (Tammy) Ritchie, Dowell Town, Tenn., Samantha (Kenny) Tuley, Winamac; their 14 grandchildren and their 15 great-grandchildren.

They are also survived by Norma's siblings Barbara (Ralph) Hart, Rochester, Cindy Eastwood, Rochester, Chuck (Jane) Rupp, Akron, Paul (Lori) Rupp, Terre Haute, Frank Rupp, Rochester, and Bill Lee, Vacaville, Calif. Raymond is survived by his brother Steve (Brenda) Easterday, Columbus, Ohio. They are survived by several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Jim Rupp and Kenny Rupp, and sister Mary Jane Singer. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Mrs. Easterday had worked as a correctional officer for 10 years at the boys correctional facility in Logansport, and had also worked at Eaton Corporation where she had been a union steward. In her spare time, she enjoyed shopping, garage sales, watching game shows, and having lunch with her sister Barbara. She loved being with her family.

Mr. Easterday had worked as a painter and artist. He owned and operated Airbrush Plus for many years. He had also worked as a mechanic for Exxon and had done heating and cooling. In his spare time, he enjoyed painting, art and playing games on Facebook. In his younger days he was active in racing cars and was talented enough to walk on stilts tall enough to see over the top of train cars that were parked close to his house.

Graveside services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 15, at the Fulton Cemetery, Fulton.

Arrangements are by Zimmerman Bros. Funeral Home, Rochester. Online condolences may expressed at www.zimmermanbrosfh.com

 

Shelly A. Johnson

January 14, 1959 to October 2, 2021

WINAMAC - Shelly Ann Johnson, 62, of Winamac, passed away peacefully Saturday, Oct. 2, at home.

She was born Jan. 14, 1959 in Gary, to the late Ted and Edith Patterson Revers. On Nov. 29, 1979, she married George Willard Johnson in Gary. He survives.

She is also survived by:
Gary Wayne Johnson, Winamac, Son
1 Sister: Shirley
Several Nieces and Nephews
Elizabeth A. Zacker Johnson Maugherman, Gary, Mother-in-law

Preceded in death by:
Twin Sister: Susan
1 Brother: Steve

Mrs. Johnson was retired from Braun Ability, Winamac, after more than 20 years of service. She enjoyed being with her friends, whether it was a trip to Bailey’s or going out to eat. She was a loving wife and mother. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

No services will be held.

Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Online tributes may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.

 

Helen I. Klopgenstein Gudeman

October 16, 1932 to September 24, 2021

FRANCESVILLE - Helen Irene Klopfenstein Gudeman, 88, of Monticello (formerly of Medaryville) passed away Friday, Sept. 24, at home surrounded by her family.

She was born Oct. 16, 1932 in Mishawaka, to the late Gary Sr. and Clara Laidig Klopfenstein. She graduated from Mishawaka High School in 1950. On March 30, 1952, she married Dean A. Gudeman, in Bremen. He passed away Jan. 20, 2020.

 
 Helen Gudeman

She is survived by:
Susan (Jeff) Braun, Monticello, Daughter
Gary (Doreen) Gudeman, Medaryville, Son
Grandchildren: Andrea (Casey) McVicker, Nathan (Amy) Braun, Alyssa (Dan) Kreitl, Lindsey (Joshua) Jay, Jared (Loren) Gudeman, Lauren (Evan) Haupert, Philip Gudeman, Jonathan Gudeman, Ben (Laura) Stelly, Marissa (Cameron) Smith, and Sidney Stelly.
19 Great-Grandchildren
Mary Wright Schlatter, Toledo, OH, Sister
Kathleen Skeeters, Mishawaka, Sister
Judy Klopfenstein, Elgin, IL, Sister-in-law
Judy Gudeman, Monticello, Sister-in-law
Kathleen Schrock, Tyler, TX, Sister-in-law
Jean Gudeman, Tucson, AZ, Sister-in-law
Many Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
Steven R. Gudeman, Son
Karen I. Gudeman, Daughter
Robert (Marie) Klopfenstein, Brother
Gary (Rose Marie) Klopfenstein Jr., Brother
Eugene (Alice) Klopfenstein, Brother
Richard Klopfenstein, Brother
Elouise (Fred) Flagle, Sister
Jo Ann (Bob) Conrad, Sister
Frank Wright, Brother-in-law
Herman Schlatter, Brother-in-law
Jack Skeeters, Brother-in-law
Bill Schrock, Brother-in-law
Stanley Gudeman, Brother-in-law

Mrs. Gudeman went from being a city girl to marrying a farmer and enjoying country life. She was a homemaker, establishing with her husband, a loving home with four children. They were married 67 years. She loved her Lord and Savior. She faithfully attended church with her family. She was a lifelong member of the First Baptist Church in Francesville, and was currently attending Zion Bethel Church in Monticello. She was a talented artist with an amazing passion for drawing, painting, and calligraphy. For many years, she was a professional cake decorator. She enjoyed keeping active with aquacise and being involved with Extension homemaker clubs through the years. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She will be sadly missed by those who knew and loved her.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 29, at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Francesville. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Thursday, Sept. 30, at the funeral home with Pastors Dennis Gutwein and Nathan Braun officiating. Burial will be at Roseland Cemetery in Francesville.

Memorial donations may be made to Gideon’s International or Baptist Children’s Home.

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

 

Timothy J. Pratt

June 24, 1952 to September 19, 2021

WINAMAC - Timothy Joseph Pratt, 69, of Logansport, passed away Sunday, Sept. 19.

He was born June 24, 1952 to the late Lindle and Cecilia DuBois Pratt of Pulaski County. On July 20, 1990, he married Karen Markley Wade in Logansport, and they enjoyed 31 years of marriage. She survives.

 
 Timothy Pratt

He is also survived by:
Debi Jo (Pratt) and Jon Scott, Argos, Daughter and  Son-in-law
Michelle (Pratt) and Jim Shirley, Kokomo, Daughter and Son-in-law
Timothy Edward (Pratt) and Brandi Reno, Logansport, Son and Daughter-in-law
Christopher and Misty Wade, Delphi, Son and Daughter-in-law
Ambyr (Wade) and Ryan Brooks, West Lafayette, Daughter and Son-in-law
11 Grandchildren: Zackery (Gabby) Smith, Derek (Kayla) Smith, Isaac Smith, Steven (Ashley) Shirley, Skyler Shirley, Jimi Shirley, Keigen Reno, Gavin Reno, Makenna Brooks, Averie Brooks, and Jordyn Brooks.
1Great-Granddaughter: Caroline Smith
Ed (Catherine) Pratt, Royal Center, Brother
Terry (Cindy) Pratt, Winamac, Brother
Gerry Pratt, Winamac, Brother
Louisia Pratt, Monticello, Sister-in-law
Gail Pratt, Burnettsville, Sister-in-law
Betty Kloenne, Logansport, Mother-in-law
Sue Young, Winamac, Sister-in-law
Carol Crist, Logansport, Sister-in-law
Many Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
Jeremy Lane Pratt, Infant Son
Vernon Pratt, Brother
Jerry (Patricia) Pratt, Brother
Linda (Ralph) Garbison, Sister
Ron “Rock” Pratt, Brother
Loren Markley, Father-in-law
Robert Kloenne; Step-Father-in-law
Kathy Webb, Sister-in-law
Lenvel Young, Brother-in-law
Rex Crist, Brother-in-law

Mr. Pratt was a welder/machinist and had worked at Winamac Steel/Monticello Tank. He was a truck driver for many years and retired from Merrill Brothers. He became known for sporting his suspenders at work and in his leisure. He was an avid bowler in many leagues and tournaments over the years. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and mushroom hunting with his family. He spent many hours at the track participating in stock car racing and drag racing. He won numerous trophies and awards in bowling, archery, and racing. He was a passionate NASCAR fan and his favorite driver was Dale Earnhardt. As passionate as he was about NASCAR, he always loved music. He played in a band for several years; playing drums and bass guitar. He drew inspiration from Elvis and Stevie Ray Vaughan. He had Westerns on the TV 24/7 with legends like John Wayne, Clint Eastwood, and Burt Lancaster. He took occasional breaks from Westerns to enjoy football and baseball. He was a born-again Christian. He was baptized on Sept. 1, 2021 and now his faith has become sight.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m., Monday, Sept. 27, at Frain Mortuary, Winamac. The funeral service will be at 1 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 28, at the funeral home with Rev. Rex Lamb officiating. Burial will be at Winamac Cemetery in Winamac.

Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.

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

 

Bonnie L. O'Donnell

September 20, 1934 to September 18, 2021

ROYAL CENTER - Bonnie L. O’Donnell, 86, Winamac passed away Saturday, Sept. 18, at Pulaski Health Care Center in Winamac.

Born Sept. 20, 1934 in Winamac, she was the daughter of the late Clyde and Dora Poor Fitz. She was a 1953 Winamac High School graduate. She married Robert “Bobby” O’Donnell on Aug. 5, 1967. He preceded her in death on Oct. 30, 2011.

 
 Bonnie O'Donnell

Survivors include her children, Michele Fox of Winamac, Michaela (Kurt) Stout of Pulaski, Connie Duda of Illinois and Bonnie (David) Reinhold of Winamac.

She is also survived by grandchildren, Cody (Deb) Fox, Don (Lori) Stout, Megan (Chitrak) Banerjee, Kyla (Isaac) Stout, Stephanie (Connor) O’Keefe, Christopher Duda, Ashley (Tyler) Bentlage and Ross (Niki) Reinhold; plus great-grandchildren, Lucas, Kathryn, Collins, Brody and Wrenley. Survivors also include step-children, Robert (Sugil) O’Donnell of Florida, Stephen (Karen) O’Donnell of New Carlisle, Anita (Gary) Geyer of LaPorte and Michelle O’Donnell of Florida; plus 12 step-grandchildren and four step-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by step-daughter, Kimberly O’Donnell, brother, Jon Fitz and sister, Clydette Nicolas.

Mrs. O’Donnell was a lifelong beautician and formerly owned and operated Beauty by Bonnie for over 50 years. She loved her greyhounds and Chihuahuas, watching movies, camping and reading.  She was also active as secretary for the Winamac Class of 1953 Alumni.  She enjoyed her children and grandchildren.

A graveside service will be at 1 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 26, at Winamac Cemetery with Pastor Ed Clark officiating.

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

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

Arrangements have been entrusted to Rans Funeral Homes & Crematory, Royal Center.

 

Connie S. Jamieson

December 11, 1958 to September 15, 2021

WINAMAC - Connie S. Jamieson, 62, of Star City, passed away at her home Wednesday, Sept. 15.

She was born Dec. 11, 1958 in Winamac, to the late Gerald Lloyd and Shirley A. Schneider Weaver. In 1977, she graduated from Winamac Community High School. She married Michael L. Jamieson on July 8, 1988, in Winamac. He survives.

 
 Connie Jamieson

She is also survived by:
Michael S. (Danielle) Jamieson, Monon, Son
Matthew L. (fiancée: Lindsey Taylor) Jamieson, Greenwood, Son
Lloyd Weaver, Kewanna, Brother
Many Nieces and Nephews
Several Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins

Mrs. Jamieson worked as a beautician for a few years, and she also worked at Plymouth Tube in Winamac for 38 years before retiring in 2017. She enjoyed floating in the pool, decorating her Christmas tree, and entertaining guests at her home. She always made people feel welcome. She loved spending time with her family. She will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Visitation will be from 3 to 7 p.m., Friday, Sept. 17, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. The funeral service will follow at 7 p.m., Friday, at the funeral home with Rex Allman officiating. Final disposition will be cremation.

Memorial donations may be made to Pulaski County Human Services: CLASP Toy Store (a community based program that assists low-income families at Christmas time) or to the funeral home to assist the family with final expenses.

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

 

Orvan D. Fitz Jr.

August 24, 1944 to May 16, 2021

WINAMAC – Word has been received of the death of Orvan Deweight “O.D.” Fitz Jr., 76, of Huntsville, TX who passed away Sunday, May 16, at his home in Huntsville.

He was born Aug. 24, 1944 in Liberal, KS to the late Orvan and Laura Pilgrim Fitz Sr. He graduated from Star City High School in 1962. He served in the US Air Force during the Vietnam War.

 
 Orvan Fitz Jr.

He is survived by:
Heather (Scott) Dolezal, Daughter
Shane Fitz, Son
Hailey Bagby, Granddaughter
Hannah Dolezal, Granddaughter
Garry (Marsha) Fitz, Brother
Beth (Jerry) Brooks, Sister
Many Nieces and Nephews

Upon discharge from military service, Mr. Fitz moved to Texas to attend college. He. earned a bachelor’s degree from Sam Houston State University in 1974. He worked at the Texas Department of Corrections in Huntsville for 34 years before retiring. He was a Past Master of John Sims Lodge #458 F&AM in New Waverly, TX.

A graveside service will be at 11 a.m., Thursday, Sept. 30, at Paul’s Chapel Cemetery in rural Winamac, with Rev. David Broad officiating. The American Legion and VFW will conduct military graveside services. Burial of cremated remains will follow at the cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to Memorial Swinging Bridge Project or a charity of the donor’s choice.

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

Local arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.