Obituaries

Ralph G. Fritz

April 17, 1927 to October 18, 2024

WINAMAC - Ralph Gordon Fritz, 97, of Winamac, passed away Friday, Oct. 18, at Hickory Creek Winamac.

He was born Easter Sunday, April 17, 1927 in Winamac to the late Burley E. and Lydia Lucretia [Sparks] Fritz. He attended Winamac Elementary and High Schools. At age 18, he was inducted into the U.S. Army and spent six months at camp in Georgia and one year in Germany. On May 1, 1948, he married Charlene Olson in Winamac. They were married for 76 years. She survives.

Ralph Fritz

He is also survived by:
Darl Dean (Linda) Fritz, Winamac, Son
Jill Ann (Ed) Sowards, Allegan, MI, Daughter
Gail Sue (William) Tetzloff, Winamac, Daughter
Amy Jo (Chris) Cantu, Winamac, Daughter
Grandchildren: Daniel Fritz, Kari Moore, Megan Zimmerman, Clay Ashby, Jeff Tetzloff, Brad Tetzloff, Tami Gaillard, Magdalena Hershman, Shane Hounchell and Molly Hounchell.
20 Great-Grandchildren
4 Great-Great-Granddaughters

Preceded in death by:
James Fritz Brother

Mr. Fritz was owner of Fritz Fire Equipment and part owner of Snow White Laundry. He was a former president and worker at the Pulaski County Historical Society. He received the “Quilt of Valor” for his military service on June 13, 2015. He has a room-sized layout of HO trains and made many kits from scratch. He loved mowing with his small John Deere tractor and woodworking. He attended Kewanna Church of Christ. He will be sadly missed by those who knew and loved him.

Visitation will be from 12 noon to 2 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 22, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. The funeral service will follow at 2 p.m. (Oct. 22), at the funeral home with Jon Frain officiating. Burial will be at Winamac Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to the Pulaski County Historical Society.

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

Mark G. Graves

December 8, 1964 to October 17, 2024

ROYAL CENTER - Mark G. Graves, 59, Winamac, passed away unexpectedly Thursday, Oct. 17, at his home.

Born Dec. 8, 1964 in Winamac, he was the son of the late Eugene Graves and Nancy (Galbreath) Hoffmann. He was a 1984 Winamac Community High School graduate.

Mark Graves

Survivors include his son Kolton Mark Graves of Winamac, brother Chris (Lisa) Graves of Winamac, sisters Cindy Koepkey of Louisiana, Lisa (Rick) Foerg of Monticello, Valerie Larson of Winamac and Maribeth (Jerry) Benesh of Winamac; and aunts Terry (Bill) Raderstorf of Louisiana, Debbie Shidler of Winamac and Margaret Clements of Missouri. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

He is also preceded in death by paternal grandparents Helen and Coby Graves, maternal grandparents Nellie “Babe” and Ralph Galbreath, brothers-in-law Paul Koepkey, Paul Larson and Jerry Braun.

Mr. Graves worked at Galbreath Inc. for over 40 years. He loved getting out and about with his sister Valerie. Backgammon, Battleship and Ship, Captain, Crew were his go-to games to play with family. He enjoyed getting the garden planted so that he could supply pickles to his friends and family. One could often find Mark in his garage drinking his cold beer and listening to the radio blaring classic rock. He most certainly loved having the “you need to do this” talks with his son to make sure he was on the right path. Most of all, he loved the time he spent with friends and family.

A celebration of life gathering will be from 3 to 5 p.m., Friday, Oct. 25, at the V.F.W. in Winamac.

Mr. Grave’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, Royal Center.

Martha J. Bane

October 21, 1937 to October 13, 2024

WINAMAC - Martha J. Bane, 86, of Westville, passed away Sunday, Oct. 13, at her residence.

She was born Oct. 21, 1937 in Conahatta, MS to the late Ben and Ludie Rucker Nicholson.

Martha Bane

She is survived by:
Charles Bane, Oconomowoc, WI, Son
Steve (Julie) Bane, Lake Station, Son
James Keith Bane, Winamac, Son
Pamela Bane, Westville, Daughter
Amber Bane, Granddaughter
Jonathon (Susan) Kallok, Grandson
Kaitlyn Kallok, Granddaughter
Lester Bane, Former Husband

Preceded in death by:
Karen Bane, Daughter
Ruby Walters, Sister
Ella Ruth Boler, Sister
Etoil Goss, Sister
Mildred Webb, Sister
Francis Prestige, Sister
Miller Nicholson, Brother

Mrs. Bane was a seamstress at a shirt factory in Union, MS for a number of years. She had also worked at a convenience store in Texas and Massachusetts. She was a member of the Valley Baptist Church in Valparaiso. She enjoyed crocheting, coloring and games on her tablet. She will be sadly missed by friends and family.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Friday, Oct. 18, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac.  The funeral service will follow at 1 p.m. (Oct. 18), at the funeral home with Chaplain Tom Wetselaar officiating. Burial will be at Winamac Cemetery (McKinley Addition) in Winamac.

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

Jeanette R. Kasten

September 24, 1939 to October 12, 2024

ROYAL CENTER - Jeanette R. Kasten, 85, Francesville, passed away Saturday, Oct. 12.

Born Sept. 24, 1939, to Robert and Opal (Hineline) Hoffman, she faced the early loss of her mother in 1944. She was lovingly raised by Mildred (Fry) Hoffman, the only mother she truly knew. Jeanette graduated from Winamac High School in the class of 1957. She worked at a bakery and then as a telephone operator. She married Fred O. Kasten on July 18, 1958. He survives.

Jeanette Kasten

Also surviving are:
Craig (Carrie) Kasten, Winamac, Son
Steven (Brittni) Kasten, Winamac, Grandson
Great-granddaughters Audrey, Evelyn and Lillian
Christoper (Kayley) Kasten, Winamac, Grandson
Great-grandchildren Ellamae Kasten, Marshall Kasten and Jameson Kasten

Doug (Julie) Kasten, Medaryville, Son
Robert (Kate) Kasten, Wawaka, Grandson
Daniel Kasten, Monon, Grandson
Tobias Kasten, Great-Grandson.

Dawn Kasten, Winamac, Daughter
Blake (Brooke) Kasten, Winamac, Grandson
Paisley Kasten, Great-Granddaughter

Eldonna (Hoffman) Merritt, Sister
Bob (Becky) Hoffman, Brother
Mick (Carol) Hoffman, Brother
Jim (Fran) Hoffman, Brother
Numerous Nieces and Nephews

Proceeded in death by:
Annette Kasten, Daughter
Robert and Mildred (Fry) Hoffman, Father and Step-Mother
Opal (Hineline) Hoffman, Mother
Robert (Velma) Dommer Kasten, Father and Mother-in-law
Laverne Hoffman Wise, Sister
Sharon Devereaux, Sister
Frank Hoffman, Brother
Don (Dorothy) Beaver, Brother
Buck “Lawrence” Merritt, Brother-in-law

Mrs. Kasten and her husband were members of St. Luke's Lutheran Church of Winamac and together welcomed four children in four years. Fred worked in construction, and they lived in Winamac before moving to a farm in 1967 in Jefferson Township, where they began their farming journey with corn, soybeans and hog farming. Jeanette's dedication to the farm was evident in her hard work, often teasingly remarked upon as her arthritis Z-shaped finger were the molded shape of a tractor steering wheel or a feed bucket, but came in handy to fit around a golf club. She could out work anyone. She balanced her hardworking nature with a spirited approach to life. She was active in the church and taught Sunday School until her kids were older and formed great friendships with the other ladies of the church. She played in a women's softball team in Winamac until the age of 50, she was a rare person that could bat from right or left stance and was a great pitcher. She would go out in her back yard and pitch and play ball with the grandkids and great-grandkids, up until 2020 when Covid trashed her lungs and Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis finally took her. 

Jeanette and Fred enjoyed traveling around watching the grandkids wrestle. Then at the age of 60, the couple took up golf and had a membership at Moss Creek for many years. Playing on league, they also enjoyed traveling to various golf courses, forging strong friendships along the way. Their golfing group began to get smaller due to passing of friends. The Kastens also had always been active riding bicycles, but seemed to get more into as they aged, She had a bike she rode on the Panhandle Pathway and one for home on the old gravel roads. She could ride either one any time up until the end of 2020. Pretty good to be in your 80s and still pitching a softball and riding a bicycle. Jeanette’s (or Jean - her side of the family called her Jean) playful nature was a hallmark of her relationship with her children and grandchildren. She loved trading punches a tradition that continued with her five grandsons and even her great-grandchildren, despite the punches growing weaker over time, which was good, because it was all fun and games until someone cried (her favorite saying). Her culinary skills, especially her cinnamon rolls and homemade bread, made without a recipe, were legendary. The family was able to get her out of the country once on a vacation to Punta Cana, where she left her mark and everyone would chant “American Grandma” when she came down to enjoy the pool, a sign of fun times and great memories. She also swore she would never step foot on a plane again, and she kept that word. She disliked flying about as much as she feared snakes. She will be deeply missed for her sassiness, fun attitude, and love of playing cards. She leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter and cherished memories for her family and friends. May she rest in peace, and may her memory be a blessing to all who had the privilege of knowing her.

At Mrs. Kasten’s request, there will be no visitation or service. To celebrate her life, she asked friends and family to gather with loved ones, tell a story that brought a smile or laugh about her. 

In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Luke Lutheran Church of Winamac are welcomed. Send in memory of Jeannette Kasten to 721 S. Market St., Winamac, IN 46996.  

Mrs. Kasten’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, Royal Center.

TJ Wolfe

May 14, 1983 to October 11, 2024

WINAMAC - Theodore "TJ" Wolfe, 41, of Winamac, passed away unexpectedly Friday, Oct. 11.

He was born May 14, 1983, in Winamac to Ted and Karen Wolfe. He married Rachel Rearick on Dec. 3, 2010. She (“Sherry Lynn”) survives.

TJ Wolfe

He is also survived by:
Malachi “Spanky” Wolfe, Winamac, Son
Ezekiel “Zekey Baby” Wolfe, Winamac, Son
Theo “Honey Honey” Wolfe, Winamac, Son
Elijah “Booger Butt” Wolfe, Winamac, Son
Ted and Karen Wolfe, Winamac, Parents
Melissa (Kevin) Taylor, Winamac, Sister
Jeff (Laura) Wolfe, Winamac, Brother
Joe (Abby) Wolfe, Winamac, Brother
Moe (Ollmay) Wolfe, Winamac, Brother
Several Nieces, Nephews, Aunts, Uncles and Cousins

Preceded in death by:
Edward “Precious” Wolfe, Infant Son
Joshua Wolfe, Brother
Bean and Geneva Shidler, Maternal Grandparents
Edward and Jeanette Wolfe, Paternal Grandparents
Cheryl (Paul) Mulcare, Aunt
Jackie Beard, Aunt
Glenn Cole, Uncle
Bradley Hartwell, Friend/Brother

Mr. Wolfe was a union machine operator at MPI in Knox. When he wasn’t working, TJ was a stay-at-home dad. He was an avid coin, knife and lantern collector. He also enjoyed playing scratch-off lottery tickets. He was always only a phone call away and would do anything for his family. He had a great sense of humor, as shown with the nicknames he gave his wife and kids. He was loyal through and through. He will be dearly missed.

Visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 17, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. The funeral service will follow at 4 p.m. (Oct. 17), at the funeral home with Pastor Heath Hiatt officiating. Private burial will be at Mt. Zion-Franklin Twp. Cemetery in Winamac.

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

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

Jerry A. Braun

July 5, 1958 to October 10, 2024

ROYAL CENTER - Jerry Alan Braun, 66, of Winamac passed away at 8:30 a.m., Thursday, Oct. 10, at his home, surrounded by his family.

Born on July 5, 1958, in Winamac, he was the son of the late Clement A. and Bernice B. (Kuhn) Braun. He graduated from Winamac Community High School.

Jerry Braun

Survivors include his daughter Natasha Braun (Cullen) Ulerick of Winamac;  grandchildren Brooke-Lynne Ulerick, Corinne Ulerick and Carter Ulerick, all of Winamac; brothers Anthony (Joy) Braun of Rochester, and Andy Braun of Winamac; and sisters Jan Meyer of Winamac, Dorothy Braun of Indianapolis, Margaret Shegas of Florida, Ruth (Mike) Robinson of New York, and Clara Braun of Winamac. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by sisters Elizabeth “Betty” Wallace, Rosemary Rearick Cottrell and Patricia Braun; a brother Terry Braun and brothers-in-law John Shegas, Walt Wallace, and Paul Meyer.

Mr. Braun retired from Galbreath, Winamac, in 2019 where he worked as a welder for 35 years. He was an avid outdoorsman which included mushroom hunting, fishing, tending to the garden, or just spending time at his property in the woods, or digging his pond. He also valued spending time playing checkers with his grandchildren. He could often be found watching old westerns. He was always willing to lend a helping hand no matter what favor was being asked. He enjoyed many things in life, but most of all he enjoyed the time he spent with his friends and family.

A gathering to share stories and laughter in Mr. Braun’s memory will be from 3 to 5 p.m., Friday, Oct, 18, at Jack’s Celebration Station (opera house), Winamac. There will be a meal after the celebration for close friends and family.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests planting a tree in memory of Jerry or making a memorial donation to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Mr. Braun’s online guestbook is available, and condolences may be shared with the family at www.ransfuneralhomes.com.

Rans Funeral Homes & Crematory, Royal Center, has been entrusted with arrangements.