Obituaries

Ellsworth L. Malchow

August 21, 1930 to August 5, 2021

FRANCESVILLE - Ellsworth Leroy Malchow, 90, of Vinemont, Alabama, formerly of Francesville, passed away on Thursday, Aug. 5, at his residence.

He was born on Aug. 21, 1930 in Winamac, to the late Kenneth and Sylvia B. Markley Malchow. He was previously married to Nona Malchow-Orr who preceded him in death.

Ellsworth Malchow

He is survived by:
Robert Malchow, Lafayette, Son
Rodney (Karen) Malchow, Cookville, Son
Nona Hollenbaugh, Mooresville, NC, Daughter
Gina Leman, Indianapolis, Daughter
17 Grandchildren
17 Great-Grandchildren
Phyllis Anliker, Sister
Lynette (Larry) Miller, Sister
Charles (Jackie) Malchow, Brother
Evelyn Malchow, Sister-in-law

Preceded in death by:
Jean Tagliaferri, Sister
Mary Poisel, Sister
George Malchow, Brother

Mr. Malchow graduated from Francesville High School in 1948. He served in the U.S. Air Force as a flight mechanic during the Korean War. He was the postmaster in Francesville and Winamac for 25 years. He was a member of the American Legion Post 0228. Along with his postal duties, he farmed over 500 acres, raised livestock, built two homes, helped with the chickens, mowed lawns in Florida and Alabama, managed rental properties, worked at Bryans Mfg, IGA, Wilco, Publix, Malco Produce, Avon Car Wash and was a volunteer Aldi coin collector.

In his spare time, Mr. Malchow volunteered with the Francesville Fall Festival Committee, Boy Scouts of America, and the Francesville Alumni. He enjoyed cooking, sharing his recipes with his customers, baking (making special desserts for the grandchildren), gardening, playing cards, fishing, hunting (the time with his brother George a little eventful), and enjoying social events. Recently, he enjoyed spending time with the Hee Haw gang and the Cullman Senior Center. Even though he was busy, he still found time to take trips to visit his children, grandchildren and their families. We know he would say “job well done” to his family and especially to his grandson, Eric, allowing him to leave this world in peace.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Friday, Aug. 20, at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Francesville. The funeral service will follow at 1 p.m., Friday, at the funeral home with Pastor James Ketchen officiating. Burial will be at Roseland Cemetery Francesville. The American Legion will conduct military graveside services.

Memorial donations may be made to: Hospice of Cullman County, PO Box 1108,Cullman, AL 35056–1108.

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

James L. Howat

December 1, 1962 to August 4, 2021

FRANCESVILLE - James Lee “Jim” Howat, 58, of Francesville, passed away Wednesday, Aug. 4, at his home.

He was born Dec. 1, 1962 in Rensselaer, to William J. and Mary Beth Bailey Howat. He graduated from West Central High School in 1981. He served in the US Army during Desert Storm and retired after 22 years as a staff sergeant.

James Howat

He is survived by:
Corey (Chelsey) Howat, Francesville, Son
Ryan (Amber) Howat, Francesville, Son
Evan (Lindsay Reinholt) Howat, Star City, Son
Grandchildren: Connor Howat, Carson Howat, Porter Howat, Quentin Howat,
Mallory Howat, Hunter Howat, Gracie Howat, and Kylie Howat.
Mary Beth Howat, Francesville, Mother
Ed (Kim) Howat, West Lafayette, Brother
Tyler Howat, Nephew
Drew Howat, Nephew

Preceded in death by:
William J. Howat, Father

Mr. Howat was a member of the Francesville American Legion Post #228. He was an avid fan of the Chicago Cubs, Minnesota Vikings, and Purdue Athletics. He liked watching NASCAR, listening to all types of music, fishing and playing cards. He was very supportive of his family and especially loved being “Pop Pops” to his grandchildren. He enjoyed spending time with his girlfriend, Kris Johnson. He will be dearly missed by his friends and family.

A graveside service will be at 10 a.m., Monday, Aug. 9, at Roseland Cemetery in Francesville, with Pastor Dennis Gutwein officiating. The American Legion will conduct military graveside services. Burial will follow at the cemetery.

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.

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

Thomas J. McCall

April 12, 1990 to August 3, 2021

FRANCESVILLE - Thomas Jeffrey “Tommy” McCall, 31, of Speedway, passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, Aug. 3.

He was born April 12, 1990 in Indianapolis, to Bobby Lee and Carol Jenetta Ricks McCall. He attended Speedway High School and was a member of Speedway United Methodist Church.

Thomas McCall

He is survived by his mother and step-father, Carol and Kevin Dykes of Speedway; three uncles and aunts, John and Joanne Ricks of Goodlettsville, TN, Bill and Janet Ricks of Francesville, and David and Diana Ricks of Greenfield; seven cousins, Brooke, Lauryn, Shelby, Brittany, Garrett, Grant, and Spencer; and two step-brothers and their wives, Kevin and Alison Dykes II of Plainfield, and Joshua and Amy Dykes of Brazil, IN.

He was preceded in death by his father, Bobby Lee McCall, and his maternal grandparents, Galen and Helen Ricks.

Mr. McCall was employed at FedEx. He will be dearly missed by his friends and family.

No services will be held. Private burial will be at Roseland Cemetery in Francesville.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to Speedway United Methodist Church for the Mountain Top Program 5065 West 16 th St. Speedway, IN 46224.

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

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

Leanna M. DuBois

July 29, 1929 to August 3, 2021

WINAMAC - Leanna M. “Pete” DuBois, 92, of Rochester (formerly of Winamac) passed away at 9:28 a.m., Tuesday, Aug. 3, at the Life Care Center in Rochester.

She was born July 29, 1929 in Plymouth. She married her childhood sweetheart and playmate, Zale DuBois, on Sept. 6, 1946, in Mishawaka. They were married for 64 years until he passed away Jan.  29, 2013.

Leanna DuBois

She is survived by:
Linda Smith, Mayer, AZ, Daughter
Terry (Stan) Tucker, Camdenton, MO, Daughter
Kevin Smith, Grandson
Sandy Smith, Granddaughter
Christopher DuBois, Grandson
Cale DuBois, Grandson
Jimmy Sutton, Grandson
8 Great-Grandchildren
3 Great-Great-Grandchildren
Paul DuBois, Peru, Brother-in-law
Kaye DuBois, Star City, Brother-in-law
7 Nieces and 10 Nephews

Preceded in death by:
Melvin and Lennis Irene Gearhart Rupright, Parents
Peggy DuBois, Daughter
Zale “ZD” DuBois Jr., Son
Betty Paidle, Sister
Kathy DuBois, Daughter-in-law
Kenny Smith, Son-in-law
Gene Paidle, Brother-in-law

Mrs. DuBois’s life was busy being a devoted and loving wife while raising four children. Even though she took great pride in being a housewife, a fantastic cook, and an immaculate cleaner; she had many hidden talents. She  played the accordion as a child, which led to self-taught lessons on the guitar. She and her daughter, Peggy, played in a band around the Winamac area. Other hobbies included bowling on a league with her aunt, Mrytle Hunt, who was like a mother to her for many years. The bowling team won many trophies. She also enjoyed sewing projects, intricate doll clothes, crocheting, tatting, and various needlework. Her ability to draw characters and her artistic side was endless. She and her husband started traveling on yearly family vacations and finally relocated to Deming, NM where she worked as a secretary for the couple’s family business. After 25 years there, they moved back to Winamac once again. Mrs. DuBois then worked a few years at Eaton and the Pulaski County Justice Center until retiring.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 11, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. The funeral service will follow at 3 Wednesday, (Aug. 11) with Pastor Jason Bowyer officiating. Burial will be at Winamac Cemetery (McKinley Addition) in Winamac.

Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

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

Michael B. Leman

March 11, 1958 to August 3, 2021

FRANCESVILLE - Michael Bruce “Mike” Leman, 63, of Francesville, passed away at 4:13 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 3, surrounded by his children at IU Health Arnett Hospital in Lafayette, following a hard-fought battle with COVID.

He was born March 11, 1958 in Monticello, to the late Edward and Ruth Musselman Leman. He graduated from West Central High School in 1976. On Dec. 27, 1980, he married Tina Hahn. They celebrated 40 years together. She survives.

Michael Leman

 Also surviving are:
Andrew (Kaysie) Leman, Son
Caleb (Kayla) Leman, Son
Sarah Gunderson, Daughter
Grandchildren: Keegan Leman, Sophie Leman, Izzy Leman, Huxley Leman, Holden Frain, Jett Leman, Cohen Leman, Oakley Gunderson, and Harlow Leman.
Roberta (Ron) DeGraaff, Sister
Gary (Ruth) Leman, Brother
David (Elaine) Leman, Brother
Daniel (Linda) Leman, Brother
Steven (Wanda) Leman, Brother
Sharon (Garry) Cotner, Sister
Carol Leman, Sister-in-law
Cyril and and Patsy Murphy Hahn, In-laws
Valerie (Brian) DePoy, Sister-in-law
Many Nieces and Nephews
Fern Leman, Aunt
Numerous Cousins

Preceded in death by:
Matthew Leman, Son
Timothy Leman, Brother
Howard Leman, Brother
Patty Leman, Sister-in-law
Justin Leman, Nephew

Mr. Leman was a dedicated member of Bethel Bible Church in Winamac where he served as head deacon. He loved his Lord and Savior with all of his heart. He always trusted that God had a bigger plan. He believed in sharing the Good News of Jesus with his family and friends as well as complete strangers. He spent a good part of his life working on the family dairy farm east of Francesville and was always a farmer at heart. In 1997, he began working at Fielder’s Choice in Monticello and enjoyed working in the agriculture industry. He served his community for five years helping grieving families while working at Frain Mortuary. Last year, he began working for his two nephews at Crossroads Foundation Repair in Lafayette. In his short time with Crossroads, he was awarded Salesman of the Year. No matter where he worked, he made many life-long friends who will miss him dearly.

The Leman children agree they had the best dad and are thankful for the amazing Christian example he lived. His daily phone calls just to ask what they were doing will be missed. He loved attending church with his grandchildren, as well as their school, and sporting events. He also enjoyed swimming, playing games and acting goofy with them. They will remember him as “the best Grandpa Leman and BoBo.” He was a very hard worker and enjoyed being outdoors. When he wasn’t at work, you could find him around town mowing, shoveling snow, cleaning cars, or doing something to help someone else. He enjoyed fishing, grilling, and date nights with Tina. He never knew a stranger. He had contagious smile and a genuine love for others. He deeply cherished his many friendships. He was a beloved member of the Francesville community and will be sadly missed by all who knew him.

The family would like to thank Mike’s health care team and the community for the outpouring of love, prayers, and support.

Visitation will be from 12 noon to 8 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 14, at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Francesville. The funeral service will be at 2 p.m., Sunday, Aug.15, at Bethel Bible Church in Winamac, with Pastor Don Whipple officiating. Burial will be at Roseland Cemetery in Francesville. The family requests that all guests to the funeral home and church observe social distancing and wear facemasks, which will be provided by Frain Mortuary.

Memorial donations may be made to the Leman Benefit Fund at Alliance Bank.

Online tributes may be made at www.frainmortuary.com

Wanda L. Gilbert

October 3, 1976 to August 1, 2021

WINAMAC - Wanda Lynn “Duke” Gilbert, 44, of Culver, passed away Sunday, Aug. 1, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Plymouth, following a brave battle with cancer.

She was born Oct. 3, 1976 in Bridgeton, NJ. On March, 9, 2021, she married Amber L. Mangun Doeden in Winamac. She survives.

Wanda Gilbert

She is also survived by:
David (Sarah) Gilbert, Son
Zachary Mangun, Step-Son
Tryston Whitaker, Step-Son
Zoey Doeden, Step-Daughter
Danielle Doeden, Step-Daughter
Ashlynn Whitaker, Step-Daughter
Robert (Sandra Anderson) Pierce, Father
Cathy (James) Grier, Sister
Kristy Marie, Sister
Jessica Wynn, Sister-in-law
Heather Wynn, Sister-in-law
4 Nephews: LJ, Jayson, Camden, and Chase
1 Niece: Ashley
Sandra Wynn, Mother-in-law

Ms. Gilbert was a cook at McDonalds in Winamac. She enjoyed grilling out, watching the Chicago Bears, and drinking Natural Ice. She will be missed by everyone who knew and loved her.

No services will be held.

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

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

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.