Obituaries
Cara Berkshire
May 21, 1955 to May 8, 2025
WINAMAC - Cara Berkshire, 69, of Winamac passed away Thursday, May 8, at her home.
 |
| Cara Berkshire |
She was born May 21, 1955 in Logansport to Paul and Mary (Snoake) Quillen. She married James Berkshire on Feb. 20, 1982. He survives.
Survivors also include children Josh (Amber) Berkshire of Francesville and Zachary Berkshire; grandchildren Addison Berkshire and Clark Berkshire; brothers Mike (Lisa) Quillen, and Patrick (Jenny) Quillen; niece Mika (Tony) Quillen-Garcia; and several other grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by sisters Katie Quillen, Tina Wagoner and Paula Quillen; brother David Emerson; mother-in-law Margaret Berkshire; and father-in-law Charles Berkshire.
Mrs. Berkshire was employed at Pulaski Healthcare Center, Hickory Creek and Peak Community Services. She worked as an activity director and social worker over the years. In her free time she enjoyed gardening, watching birds and spending time with her grandchildren. She enjoyed trips to Florida and visiting the ocean. She was a true “Parrot Head” and loved going to Jimmy Buffet concerts. But most of all she loved long road trips with her best friend/husband Jim - riding in her convertible with the top down listening to Jimmy Buffet. She will be deeply missed by all her friends and family.
There will be no public service.
Share memories and condolences with Cara’s family at www.RansFuneralHomes.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Rans Funeral Homes, Winamac.
Kathy J. Robison Jackson
August 9, 1950 to May 7, 2025
WINAMAC - Kathy J. (Robison) Jackson, 53, of Logansport, passed away Wednesday, May 7, at Franciscan Health Hospital in Lafayette.
She was born Dec. 5, 1971 in Cincinnati. She grew up in Winamac and graduated from Winamac Community High School in 1990. She earned an associate’s degree from Ivy Tech and worked as a licensed realtor.
 |
| Kathy Jackson |
She is survived by:
William and Joyce (Wilson) Robison, Winamac, Parents
Brian (wife: Pattie) Robison, Star City, Brother
John (partner: Noelle) Walker, Nephew
Brandon (partner: Belinda) Robison, Nephew
Jeremy Robison, Nephew
Daimien Walker, Great-Nephew
Loki Walker, Great-Nephew
William Wesley Wilson, Uncle
Luke Wilson, Uncle
Several Cousins
Dan Bushman, Special Friend
Preceded in death by:
Clay and Erma (Johnston) Robison, Paternal Grandparents
John and Violet (Bitterling) Wilson, Maternal Grandparents
Linda Kay Wilson, Aunt
Donna Fishburn, Aunt
Kathy was active in 4-H in her youth and was currently serving as a volunteer with the 4-H Dog Project in Cass County. She loved dogs and adored her cats, Lucy and Ethel. She was an active member of the Cass County AMVETS Post #82621. She enjoyed riding her motorcycle and spending time with her family and friends.
Visitation will be from 3 to 6 p.m., Thursday, May 15, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. Private services will be held at the funeral home with Pastor Tom Woodley officiating. Private burial will be at Winamac Cemetery (Town Addition) in Winamac.
Memorial donations may be made to Cass County AMVETS Post #82621, Cass County Humane Society or American Heart Association.
Online tributes may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com.
Kay F. Toumine Van Coutren
August 9, 1950 to May 7, 2025
WINAMAC - Kay F. Van Coutren, 74, of Winamac, passed away Wednesday, May 7, at home, surrounded by her loving family, following a hard-fought battle with cancer.
She was born Aug. 9, 1950 in Lafayette, to the late Verlin Kneisley “Hap” and Beaulah Mazie (McCurry) Toumine. She graduated from Winamac High School in 1968. She married Tom Van Coutren on July 29, 1972 in St. Louis. He survives.
 |
| Kay Van Coutren |
She is also survived by:
Sean (Carrie) Van Coutren, Son
Bryan (Kerry) Van Coutren, Son
4 Grandchildren: MacKenzie, Alex, Ashton and Aubree
Harold (Darcy) Toumine, Brother
Gerald (Debra) Toumine, Brother
Several Nieces and Nephews
Preceded in death by:
Sgt. James Verlin Toumine, U.S. Army, Brother
Mary Lou (John) Antrim, Sister
Elsie Faye O’Donnell, Sister
James Verlin Toumine II, Nephew
Katy Lou, Beloved Yorkie
Mrs. Van Coutren worked at Eaton Controls in Winamac for many years before becoming a florist and opening her dream business, Kay’s Flowers & Gifts. After retiring from the flower shop, she worked at Pearl Street Market for 20 years before retiring again. She was a Life Member of the Winamac VFW Auxiliary Post #1728. She cherished spending time with her family and friends. She enjoyed trading jokes and funny stories – she loved to laugh and make others laugh. She appreciated sharing good food and music with those she loved most.
Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m., Friday, May 16, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Saturday, May 17, at the funeral home.
Memorial donations may be made to Gentiva Hospice or Winamac VFW Auxiliary Post #1728.
Online tributes may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com.
Marshall L. Poor
April 7, 1941 to May 6, 2025
WINAMAC - Marshall Lee “Butch” Poor, 84, of Winamac passed away Tuesday, May 6, at home, surrounded by his family.
He was born April 7, 1941, to the late Harry and Geraldine “Trapp” Poor. He was the seventh of nine children. In 1959, he began a 20-year career with the U.S. Army, serving in Italy, France, Germany, and three tours of Vietnam. While he was on leave home, he met his future wife, Judith Hall. They married in 1968 in Francesville. She survives.
 |
| Marshall Poor |
Also surviving are son James (Laurie) Poor of Star City, and daughter Malissa Poor of Winamac; grandchildren Kaylie Poor, Jamie Poor, Nick Nitcher, Aleah (Siles) Roberts and Bethany Poor; and three great-grandchildren. Survivors also include brother David Poor of Indianapolis and sister-in-law Maitlyn Poor of Winamac, and several nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by sisters Eona Jeffries, Norma Steele, Mary Lou Bonnell and Martha Weaver; and brothers Harry Poor Jr., Robert Poor and William Poor.
Mr. Poor retired from the service in 1979, and returned to Pulaski County. He worked at Monon Trailers and retired when the factory closed. He was an avid reader (he loved Mac Bowlen books) and enjoyed television and movies. He was a hardworking, strong-minded individual who wouldn’t think twice to help others in need. To know him was to love him. He will be missed by his friends and family.
A private family graveside service with military honors will be held at Marion National Cemetery. A celebration of life event for the public will be from 1 to 4 p.m., Sunday, June 1, at Eagles 2580 in Winamac.
In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the Pulaski County Public Library in memory of Mr. Poor.
Please share condolences and memories with Mr. Poor’s family at www.RansFuneralHomes.com.
Gloria J. Staples
January 19, 1948 to May 6, 2025
WINAMAC - Gloria Jean Staples, 77, of Rochester (formerly of Warren, IN), passed away Tuesday, May 6, at Woodlawn Hospital in Rochester.
She was born Jan. 19, 1948 in Winamac, to the late Horace “Pete” and Mary M. (Kuhn) Shellhart. She graduated from Winamac High School and attended Skowhegan Business School in Maine. She served in the U.S. Army WAC for two years.
 |
| Gloria Staples |
She is survived by:
Cora (Roy) Piercy, Warren, Daughter
Teri Staples Thompson, Leiters Ford, Daughter
Guy (Rebecca) Staples, Larwill, IN, Son
James (Bobbi) Staples, Ashland, OH, Son
Karen (Paul) Collins, Knox, Daughter
13 Grandchildren
20 Great-Grandchildren
Bill Shellhart, Star City, Brother
Jim Shellhart, Star City, Brother
John (Karen) Shellhart, North Judson, Brother
Pat Shellhart, Royal Center, Brother
Peter Shellhart, Winamac, Brother
Several Nieces and Nephews
Numerous Honorary Children, Grandchildren, and Great-Grandchildren
Preceded in death by:
Larry Staples, Former Husband
Zachary Collins, Infant Grandson
Judy Stankus, Sister
Michael Shellhart, Brother
Mrs. Staples retired from Pulaski County Human Services where she had worked as a bus driver and bookkeeper for 12 years. She was sweet and spicy with a great sense of humor. She absolutely loved her family, especially the little ones. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends.
Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, May 10, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. A celebration of life service will follow (at 1p.m., Saturday) at the funeral home with Pastor Teri White officiating. The VFW and American Legion will conduct military honors at the funeral home. Private burial will be at Marion National Cemetery in Marion (IN).
Memorial donations may be made to Pulaski County Human Services.
Online tributes may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com.
John J. Kramer
July 7, 1939 to April 29, 2025
WINAMAC - John Joseph “Jack” Kramer, 85, of North Judson, passed away Tuesday, April 29.
He was born July 7, 1939 in Chicago, to the late Clarence and Lillian (Conley) Kramer. He served in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany.
 |
| Jack Kramer |
He is survived by:
Kimberly Ann (Randall) Kramer Williams, North Judson, Daughter
3 Grandchildren: Rebel, Hunter and Gabriel
1 Niece: Kelly
Preceded in death by:
John Charles Kramer, Son
Scott Richard Kramer, Son
Keith Thomas Kramer, Son
Leonard Kramer, Brother
James Kramer, Brother
David Kramer, Brother
Ann Kramer, Sister
Throughout his life, Mr. Kramer was a devout member of the Catholic Church. He was an avid reader and enjoyed studying art. He was an actor and participated in plays in Chicago and California. He was a car salesman in the Chicagoland area for many years.
The family will host a private memorial service at a later date.
Online tributes may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.
Danny L. Heminger
February 12, 1959 to April 26, 2025
WINAMAC - Danny Len Heminger, 66, of Pulaski, passed away unexpectedly Saturday, April 26.
He was born Feb. 12, 1959 in Knox, to Russell J. and Flossie V. (Coonfare) Heminger. He grew up in Plymouth, and attended Plymouth High School.
 |
| Danny Heminger |
He is survived by:
Jesse (Alivia) Heminger, Plymouth, Son
Mandy Heminger, Plymouth, Daughter
3 Grandchildren: Morgan, Lowell and Jasmine
Norma (Ted) Nitz, Bremen, Sister
Carl Heminger, Plymouth, Brother
Several Nieces and Nephews
Preceded in death by:
Russell Heminger, Father
Flossie Heminger Tyson, Mother
Art Heminger, Brother
Mr. Heminger was avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing. He especially enjoyed living life along the Tippecanoe River. He was a phenomenal dad and grandpa who will be dearly missed.
The family will host a celebration of life event at later date.
In lieu of flowers and gifts, the family asks that a tree be planted in memory of
Danny. Memorial trees may be planted at www.frainmortuary.com
Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.
|
|
|
