Obituaries

Gene H. Miller

1943 to November 11, 2020

WINAMAC - Gene H. Miller, 77, of Winamac, passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 11, at Pulaski Health Care Center in Winamac.

He is survived by his children: Shawn, Lisa, and Steven and a sister, Judy.

He served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Vietnam War.

Private burial will take place at Winamac Cemetery at a later date.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.

Pearl L. McPherson

March 15, 1920 to November 6, 2020

KEWANNA - Pearl Lavon James McPherson, 100, passed away Friday, Nov. 6

She was born to Floyd and Sylvia (Budd) James on March 15, 1920 in Logansport, the eldest of three children. She was raised on a farm in Cass County where she learned the skills needed to be successful in life. She attended Indiana public schools and graduated from Lucerne High School in 1938. On Sept. 25, 1938 she married William Joseph “Joe” McPherson. He preceded her in death on Dec. 18, 1985.

She is survived by her children: Richard Joseph (Michelle), Wayne Robert (Sandra), Alan James; her grandchildren: Dawn (Stacy) Williams, Deanna McPherson, Adrian McPherson, Angela (Tom) Adams, Nathaniel (Bonita) McPherson, Daniel (Donna) McPherson, Sylvia McPherson, a host of great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and brothers Ralph and Lawrence.

Mrs. McPherson was a member of the Kewanna Church of Christ and encouraged her sons to attend as well. She worked for RBM in Logansport for many years and helped her husband the Key Theatre in Kewanna. She was a homemaker and excelled in crafts. She enjoyed quilting, sewing, hook rugs, wall hangings among other craft work. She also enjoyed canning fruits and vegetables, not to mention gardening, too. She was an advocate of higher education, an avid reader and enjoyed writing.

After her husband’s retirement, the couple became snow birds. They spent time annually in N. Fort Meyers, Fla. from November through April until his death. While there they enjoyed playing horseshoes, fishing, dining out and fellowshipping with friends. She lived an active life until her health started to decline. She enjoyed eating, shopping and frequenting yard sales with her girlfriends. She had a love for nature and all that it offered. Her yard housed habitat that supported wildlife. She particularly had an admiration of Monarch butterflies and maintained plants that they could thrive on. Just as butterflies represent perseverance, transformation, confidence and enthusiasm, so does our beloved Pearl. She will be remembered in our hearts for pollinating an overflow of love toward each of us. We will miss her tremendously and are thankful for the plethora of warm memories; especially her response to how she was doing. Most days her response was “fat and sassy!”

Recently, due to her decline in health, it was apparent that she needed perpetual help and was admitted to Pulaski Health Care Center in Winamac. The family had planned a 100th birthday party for Pearl to include family, friends, caregivers and fellow residents of Pulaski Health Center; but plans were curtailed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Nonetheless, PHCC hosted the party with fellow residents and staff.

A private family service will be held with burial at Citizens I.O.O.F. Cemetery in Kewanna.

An online guestbook is available and condolences may be shared at www.ransfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Rans Funeral Homes & Crematory, Metzger Chapel, Kewanna.

Diana L. Seymour

March 23, 1947 to November 10, 2020

WINAMAC - Diana L. Seymour, 73, of Winamac (formerly of LaPorte), passed away Tuesday, Nov. 10, at Pulaski Health Care Center in Winamac.

She was born March 23, 1947 in LaPorte to the late Richard and Anastasia Kruzick Daly. She graduated from LaPorte High School. On Sept. 23, 1966, she married Frederick Seymour. He passed away Nov. 8, 2009.

She is survived by:
Scott J. (Lori) Seymour, Winamac, Son
6 Grandchildren: Ronald, Jacob, Courtney, Caleb, Matthew, and Chelsea
2 Step-Grandchildren: Jessica and Marissa
9 Great-Grandchildren

Preceded in death by:
Michele A. Turnpaugh, Daughter
Jeffery R. Seymour, Son

Mrs. Seymour was a longtime member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in LaPorte and was most recently a member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Winamac. She worked many years at LaPorte Hospital as a switch board operator. She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She will be dearly missed. The family wishes to thank the staff of the Pulaski Health Care Center for the loving care they gave to Diana.

A graveside service will be at 10 a.m., Tuesday, Nov. 17, at St. Peter’s Cemetery in Winamac, with Rev. Andrew DeKeyser officiating. Burial will follow at the cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to Pulaski Health Care Center, or St. Peter’s Catholic Church, or ALS Foundation.

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

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.

Robert R. Hansen

November 29, 1929 to November 7, 2020

NORTH JUDSON - Robert Raymond Hansen, 90, a lifelong farmer and carpenter from Francesville died Saturday, Nov.7, at Franciscan Crown Point Hospital after a brief illness.

He was born Nov. 29, 1929, in Denham to the late Henry and Susanna Frank Hansen. He lived in Pulaski County his entire life. He attended public school in Denham. He was drafted into to military in 1951 and served with the 44th Field Artillery Division in Germany during the Korean Conflict through 1954. On Dec. 28, 1951 he married Arlene Ruth Beiswanger. She passed away April 22, 1982. On March 30, 1985 he married Lorraine Wroblewski Garling. She passed away Dec. 15, 2018.

He is survived by his daughters Brenda (Mike) Finnegan of Francesville, and Beverly (Roger) Anliker of Plainfield, IL; and son Raymond (Terri) Hansen of Francesville. Also, grandchildren: Clayton, Russell, Erin, Wesley, Shanna, Mitchell and Ethan. Great-grandchildren: Milo, Fletcher, Brooks, Francesca, Jeremy, Arlene and Emma Jane.
He is also survived by Lorraine’s daughters Sharon Owens and Carolyn Vogel of Monticello and their families.

He was preceded in death by siblings Leroy Hansen, June Redlin and Henry Hansen Jr.

Mr. Hansen was an active member of St. James-Salem United Church of Christ. He was a member of the Jesse Engle American Legion Post# 228 of Francesville for 34 years, serving as commander for 17 years. He was a lifetime member of the VFW Post #1728 in Winamac. Throughout his life he served on many boards and committees. He enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, woodworking and dancing. He loved his family, church and community. He was a very loving, caring and hard working Christian man.

At this time arrangements are pending at O’Donnell Funeral Home of North Judson. On line tributes and information on graveside services can be found at www.odonnellfhome.com

In lieu of flowers please make donations to the St James-Salem United Church of Christ Cemetery Fund of Francesville or the Francesville Fire Station.

Estelle M. Galbreath

October 14, 1922 to November 8, 2020

WINAMAC - Estelle M. Galbreath, 98, of Royal Center, died on Nov. 8, at IU Health Hospital in Lafayette.

She was born Oct. 14, 1922 in Chicago, to the late Kost and Vera Mitrus. She graduated from Winamac High School and attended nursing school in Indianapolis. On Nov. 15, 1953, she married Herbert E. Galbreath who preceded her in death on Nov. 13, 2005.

She is survived by:
Dr. Sharon (Jack) Mellor, Pittman Center, TN, Daughter
Herbert L. (Donna) Galbreath, Royal Center, Son
Jessica Galbreath, Royal Center, Granddaughter
Ashley (fiancée: Austin Harmon) Galbreath, Royal Center, Granddaughter
Megan Galbreath, Royal Center, Granddaughter

Preceded in death by:
Parents and Husband

Mrs. Galbreath was a member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Winamac. She was a former Girl Scout Troop Organizer and a 4-H Leader and 4-H Council member. She was a past president of the Star City American Legion Auxiliary.

A private graveside service will be held at St. Peter’s Cemetery in Winamac, with Rev. Andrew DeKeyser officiating. Burial will be at the cemetery.

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

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

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.

Michael D. Martin Sr.

September 26, 1947 to November 3, 2020

WINAMAC - Michael David “Mike” Martin Sr., 73, of Knox, passed away at 11:40 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 3, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Plymouth.

He was born Sept. 26, 1947 in Rochester, to the late Frank Alfred and Margaret Elizabeth Jones Martin. He served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. On Sept. 1, 2003, he married Mellody G. Keiser O’Bryant in Mishawaka. She survives.

He is also survived by:
4 Sons: Rick, Jamie, Nick and Brian
Carolyn (Jeremy) Garner, Step-Daughter
Shawn O’Bryant, Step-Son
William (Serena) O’Bryant, Step-Son
Kristiana (Brandon) Ringer, Step-Daughter
Terry (Jessica) O’Bryant, Step-Son
5 Grandchildren: Alexis, Ethan, Nathaniel, Kenyon, Lillian Martin
16 Step-Grandchildren: Devin, Jordan, Breana, Tori, Kyle, Dominic, Kaylee, Ethan, Seth, Kylie, Emily, Erin, Liam, Becky, Austin and Dani.
Skip Costner, Brother
Paul Costner, Brother
Sisters-in-law: Gwen, Lilas, and Kathy
3 Brothers-in-law: Harold, Donald, Alan, and Ty
Several Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
Michael David Martin Jr., Son

Mr. Martin was a retired machinist. He lived most of his life in Michigan. He was a sailor and an aviator. He especially loved his time on the water. The closer he was to water, the happier he was. He was an amateur radio operator; using WB9L as his call sign. He enjoyed woodworking and was very crafty. He made ink pens and fishing poles, to name a few of his talents.

The family will hold a memorial luncheon at a later date.

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 in Winamac.