Obituaries

Richard W. Nielsen

February 20, 1931 to November 29, 2020

NORTH JUDSON - Richard W. Nielsen, 89, of North Judson, passed away Sunday, Nov. 29. He was a life-long Pulaski County farmer.

He was born Feb. 20, 1931. He married Kareen Schuyler in 1950 who survives.

He is also survived by children, Larry (Susan) Nielsen, Linda (Kenneth) Redlin, Kristine Christensen and Rebecca (Anthony) Cook; grandchildren Genny (Bryan) Hartley, Beth (Rik) O’Halek, Katrina (Alvin) Harper, Erin (Bryan) Tunis, Nicole (Shane) Hinesley, Clayton (Jennifer) Redlin, Erik (Danielle) Christensen, Justin (Kelly) Nielsen, Evan (Erika) Christensen, Ethan Christensen, David Roessler, Schuyler Cook, Whitney (Eli) Smith, Karsten (Hannah) Cook and Myanna Cook; 27 great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

A life-long member of St. Peters Lutheran Church, Mr. Nielsen attended St. Peters Lutheran Elementary School. While attending North Judson High School (1944-49), he was always an active Bluejay in basketball, track and was a member of the first football team his senior year. Many Bluejay fans remember him for making the very first touchdown in Bluejay history. He was also a member of the 1949 sectional basketball championship team. He continued to attend Bluejay football and basketball games throughout his entire life cheering his children, grandchildren and most recently his great-grandchildren this past fall.

Following graduation, Mr. Nielsen farmed and raised chickens and hogs until his retirement. He was a member of the San Pierre Fire Department, Kiwanis, NJSP Boosters, and the Pulaski County Soil and Water Conservation. Due to his integral part in no-till farming in Pulaski County, he received the State of Indiana 2009 Master Farm Conservationist Award in Indianapolis.

A private family graveside service will be held at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Peters Lutheran Church and School or the charity of the donor’s choice.

Funeral arrangements have been made through O’Donnell Funeral Home, North Judson.

Alfred D. Lawton

May 20, 1949 to December 6, 2020

WINAMAC - Alfred Dwaine “Al” Lawton, 71, of Winamac, passed away at 5:28 a.m., Sunday, Dec. 6, at Pulaski Memorial Hospital in Winamac.

He was born May 20, 1949 in Fargo, ND to the late Elgy and Mary Irene Dolan Lawton. He served in the U.S. Marines during the Vietnam War and received a Purple Heart.

He is survived by:
Eric (Stacey) Lawton, Son
Chris (Val) Lawton, Son
Philip Lawton, Son
Josh (Jodi) Lawton, Son
Bryan (Chelsea) Lawton, Son
10 Grandchildren
2 Great-Grandchildren
Grace Clapper, Sister
Jim Lawton, Brother
George Lawton, Brother
Jeanne Davis, Sister
Jim Grubbs, Brother-in-law
Several Nieces and Nephews
Donna Clay Lawton, Former Spouse
Linda Slater Ampey, Former Spouse

Preceded in death by:
Jeremy Lawton, Son
Zachary Levi Lawton, Grandson
Patty Lawton, Sister
Jan Grubbs, Sister
Vern Lawton, Brother
George Davis, Brother-in-law
Robert Clapper, Brother-in-law

Mr. Lawton worked for many years at Metal Stamp in South Bend. He was a lifetime member of VFW Post #1954 in North Liberty. He was full of life with a great sense of humor and was well-known as a prankster. He enjoyed the outdoors, especially fishing and driving the back roads. He also enjoyed having a good cup of coffee and cooking. He was very good with his hands, he enjoyed fixing things, and was a jack of all trades. He preferred doing his own vehicle maintenance and liked remodeling homes. He loved all animals, especially his fur babies Most of all, he was an amazing father. He always encouraged his sons to do better and was always there for them when they needed him. He will be dearly missed but we know he has been reunited with many loved ones who have gone before him.

The family will hold a private celebration of life service at a later date.

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

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

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.

Christian Welker

September 21, 1929 to December 6, 2020

FRANCESVILLE - Christian “Chris” Welker, 91, of Francesville, passed away peacefully Sunday, Dec. 6, at Parkview Haven Retirement Home in Francesville.

He was born Sept. 21, 1929 in Cervenka, Yugoslavia to the late Ludwig and Luisa Koch Welker.

He is survived by:
Luisa Welker Bratt, Warrenton, MO, Sister
Julie Welker Bauman, Mansfield, OH, Sister
Hilda Welker Gutwein, Bluffton, Sister
Gertrude “Trudi” Gischka Welker, Winamac, Sister-in-law
Christl Nahrath, Niece
Luisa Jordan, Niece
Ron (Marie) Baumann, Nephew
Dawn (Jim) Kazmierzak, Niece
Gery (Mary) Welker, Nephew
Norman (Lynn) Welker, Nephew

Preceded in death by:
Ludwig Welker, Brother
Konrad Welker, Brother
Gisela (Adam) Welker Roth, Sister
Eduard Welker, Brother
Eddie Bratt, Brother-in-law
Jacob Bauman, Brother-in-law
Erven Gutwein, Brother-in-law

Mr. Welker and his family were forced out of their homeland in 1944. They not only lost their home and properties, but they lost Ludwig and Konrad (Chris’s brothers) as a result of World War II. The Welker family lived as refugees in Austria until they moved to the U.S. in 1951. Mr. Welker was a mechanic in his younger days and spent most of his life as a farmer; having farmed in Missouri, Iowa, and Indiana. He was a member of the Apostolic Christian Church in Francesville. He was a loving brother and uncle who will be dearly missed.

A private funeral service will be held at the Apostolic Christian Church in Francesville with ministers of the church officiating. Private burial be at Roseland Cemetery in Francesville.

Memorial donations may be made to the Humanitarian Distribution Center.

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

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

Patricia Branson

August 5, 1934 to November 26, 2020

ROYAL CENTER - Patricia “Pat” Branson, 86, of Winamac passed away at 6:33 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 26, at Pulaski Healthcare Center, Winamac.

Born Aug. 5, 1934 in Kewanna, she was the daughter of the late Lovell and Frances Engle Hurlburt. She married Carl Branson on May 24, 1952 in Kewanna Church of Christ.  He preceded her in death on June 29, 2009.

She is survived by her son, Terry (Tammy) Branson of New Jersey; brother, Chester Hurlburt of Texas; grandchildren, Dana Gilbert of Winamac, Robert (Samantha) Bruce of Star City and Ryan (Christina) Branson of New Jersey; and great-grandchildren, Dylan, Haylee, Danny, Lauren and Mila.

She was also preceded in death by her daughter, Vickie Bruce; son, Carl Wayne Branson; brothers, Phillip Blaine Hurlburt and Kenneth Wayne Hurlburt; and sister, Catherine Wright.

Mrs. Branson formerly owned and operated the Lions Den Restaurant at Bruce Lake for over 15 years. She was a former member of the Griffith 1st Christian Church and the American Legion #66 Ladies Auxiliary. She enjoyed bowling, bingo and going to the casinos.

Services will be at 1 p.m., Friday, Dec. 4, at Rans Funeral Homes & Crematory, Royal Center with visitation from 11 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday.  Minister Joshua Rude will officiate. Burial will follow at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Bruce Lake.

Mrs. Branson’s online guestbook is available and condolences can be shared at www.ransfuneralhomes.com.

Donald R. Rausch

June 22, 1946 to December 4, 2020

ROYAL CENTER - Donald Richard Rausch, 74, of Winamac passed away unexpectedly at 9:11 a.m., Friday, Dec. 4, at Pulaski Memorial Hospital.

He was born June 22, 1946, the son of Casper Christian “Cap” and Frances Elizabeth Reidelbach Rausch. He briefly attended St. Joseph College before pursuing what came natural to him, farming. He was innovative, determined, hardworking and somewhat of a gambler, of course, but he always managed to tend a crop come rain or come shine and spent the last 54 harvests in a combine.

He is survived by his best friend and partner Beulah ‘Bea’ Braun and her three sons Thomas, Charles (Brittney), and Lucas (JoAnna); son Tim (Melissa) Ritchie; daughter Jody (Josiah) Klinedinst; sisters, Carolyn (Ken) Harpole and Deborah (Mark) Moss; brother Robert (Maureen Callahan) Rausch; several grandchildren, a great-grandchild; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Theodore Rausch, and Lois Vollmer who was like a daughter to him.

In addition to farming, Mr. Rausch was a “grease monkey,” an avid hunter, card player, sports fan and enjoyed tractor pulls. His passion and favorite past time was racing. All roads led to the race track where he racked up the points year-in and year-out winning King of the Hill and Ironman at his favorite drag strip. Competitive spirit notwithstanding, it was the comraderyand friendships he collected that mattered most. He was a member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Royal Order of Moose Lodge 3000, Fraternal Order of Eagles, Elk’s Warsaw Lodge #802, NRA and IHRA Motorsports. A consummate good time and source of strength, his presence will be missed!

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 20, at Rans Funeral Home, Harrison Chapel, Royal Center. A private family funeral mass will be held at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Winamac. Burial will be at Franklin Township Cemetery at a later date.

Per Mr. Rausch’s wishes, a celebration of life event will be held at the Eagles Lodge, where the last drink will be on Don, at a later date.

Brent Aguirre

June 12, 1981 to November 24, 2020

WINAMAC - Brent Aguirre, 39, of Texas (formerly of Indiana) passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, Nov. 24.

He was born June 12, 1981 to Freddy Y. and Rhonda Munsey Aguirre.

He is survived by:
Madison Aguirre, Daughter
Rhonda Munsey Aguirre, Mother
April Aguirre Gagliardi, Sister
Kilee Jo Aguirre, Sister
Sophia Aguirre, Sister
1 Nephew: Carmine
2 Nieces: Ariel and Zeniah
Madison’s Mother: Michelle
Grandma Victoria Camacho
Many More Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins

Preceded in death by:
Freddy Y. Aguirre, Father

Mr. Aguirre was an ambitious and outgoing man. He was a hard worker no matter what he was doing. Most of all, he was a loving father, son, and brother. He will be sadly missed.

Arrangements are pending at Frain Mortuary in Winamac.

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