Obituaries

James T. Toosley Sr.

July 16, 1949 to October 28, 2020

MEDARYVILLE – James “Jim” Thomas Toosley Sr., 71, of Monticello (formerly of Winamac), passed away peacefully at his home Wednesday, Oct. 28.

He was born July 16, 1949 in Rensselaer, to the late William A. and Laverne E. Dreyer Toosley. He spent his youth growing up on their farm with his 10 brothers and sisters. The family sold the farm and later moved to Winamac. He graduated from North Judson High School in 1970, and was drafted into the U.S. Army to serve in Vietnam. He served as a Specialist and was a proud member of the 101st Airborne Division from 1971-72. He was on the front lines, in charge of petroleum storage and transport. He witnessed some of the most horrifying aspects of the war.

Upon return from military service, he had two children, James Thomas Toosley Jr. and Amy Toosley (her husband: Timothy Meier), who grew up adoring their father. They survive, along with his grandson, James Thomas Toosley III.

He was close to, and loved to laugh and joke with many of his brothers and sisters. He is survived by siblings, Raymond “Butch” Toosley Sr., Gail Howard, Patricia Heisner, Michael (Ruth) Toosley, Betty Jean Patrick, Susan Hardesty, Robin Messer, and Rita (Larry) Williams. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Siblings who preceded him in death are Lawrence R. “Hedge” Toosley, William Matthew Toosley, and his infant sister Mary Jane Toosley.

Mr. Toosley enjoyed the outdoors and loved to go fishing. He was an avid fitness guru. He also loved Harley Davidsons and in particular his 70s-style Harley Chopper, which he cherished for many years. He was skilled at mechanics -- you could ask him any question about engines, and he would probably know the answer. People considered him to be one of the toughest men they knew. He spent more than five years battling cancer. His resilience and strength touched the hearts of all who knew him. He was a loving father, grandfather, brother, and proud Vietnam veteran.

Visitation will be from 2 to 6 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 1, at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel (318 E Pearl St. Medaryville, IN). The funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Monday, Nov. 2, at the funeral home. Following the funeral, Mr. Toosley will be honored with military graveside services at St. Henry’s Cemetery in rural Medaryville, where he will be buried beside his parents.

The Toosley family sends its gratitude to the White County Veteran’s Service Office and to the Gary Area Vet Center for setting up a support group for combat veterans with PTSD in Monticello. Jim would often meet with and receive assistance from his friends and fellow veterans in the group, Tom Hildebrand, Hank Smith, Randy Scott and Stephanie Spencer.

Dr. E. L. Hollenberg

April 24, 1926 to October 19, 2020

GOSHEN - Dr. Edward Lowell Hollenberg, 94, of Goshen (formerly of Winamac), died Monday, Oct. 19, at Goshen Hospital. 

He was born April 24, 1926 in Poona, India to Frederick and Nora Reber Hollenberg, who were serving as missionaries at the time. On Feb. 4, 1951, he married Jean Harrison in Lucerne, Indiana. 

She survives along with six children, Stephen (Kathleen) Hollenberg of Goshen, Sherri (Galen) Plank of Archbold, Ohio, Lori (Phil) Bontrager of Archbold, Ohio, Jeneen (David) Almdale of Ft. Wayne, Sandra (Tim) Morgan of Elkhart, and Holly (Chris) Liechty of Archbold, Ohio; 19 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two siblings, Alfred Hollenberg and Marcia Hamer.

A graduate of Manchester College, he received his medical degree from I.U. Medical School. Dr. Hollenberg spent most of his professional career serving as a family physician in the Winamac area. He welcomed medical students into his practice to mentor them in their learning. His legacy of giving dignity, respect, compassion and honor to the doctor-patient relationship is appreciated by so many of his beloved patients as well as by the family.

He was active in community life: With the support of many dedicated people, he developed the pilot Guidance Nursery School program, organized memorial tree planting at the town park, started the county-wide recycling program, brought the International Christian Youth Exchange to Winamac, and developed a prison curriculum for successful re-entry into family and community life. He was an active member of Winamac Kiwanis Club and Winamac First United Methodist Church.

He helped establish Pulaski Memorial Hospital in 1963 and later helped establish the coronary care and ambulance units. He was inducted into the American Academy of Family Practice in 1972, served on the Indiana Medical Licensing Board from 1975-1979, wrote three books, and was awarded the Sagamore of the Wabash Award from Governor Otis Bowen. 

From 1994 to 2019, Dr. Hollenberg lived and worked on his farm where he and his family have planted more than 13,000 trees. He enjoyed many hobbies, including reading, gardening, woodworking and piloting small planes. 

Cremation will take place followed by private family time.

Memorial donations may be made to Marriage Mentoring, P.O. Box 1471, Bothell, WA 98041, a movement dear to Dr. Hollenberg's heart and passion. Alternatively, becoming a marriage mentor is a great way to support,  https://www.marriagementoring.com/mmacademy. Or a donation to the I.U. School of Medicine also would deeply resonate with his passion for learning. More importantly, the family extends their gratitude for all of you who have walked with Dad - and honored him by allowing him to walk with you - at various points in his life.

Online condolences may be shared at www.yoderculpfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Yoder-Culp Funeral Home, Goshen.

Sarah R. Banks

January 4, 1983 to October 26, 2020

FRANCESVILLE - Sarah R. Banks, 37, of Indianapolis (formerly of Francesville), passed away Monday, Oct. 26, in Indianapolis.

She was born Jan. 4, 1983 in Winamac, to Lee and Dina Kesler Newkirk. She graduated from West Central High School in 2001 and attended St. Joseph College in Rensselaer. She worked as a receptionist at IU Health Urgent Care in Lafayette.

She is survived by:
Quinton (Lexi McVay) Newkirk, Kokomo, Son
Braxton Colvin, Francesville, Son
Zayden Colvin, Monon, Son
Jakobey Washington, Minnesota, Son
Brysen Newkirk, Kokomo, Grandson
Lee and Dina Kesler Newkirk, Francesville, Parents
Ian (Heather Harris) Newkirk, Monticello, Brother
Marcia Cooper, Monticello, Niece
Many Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins

Preceded in death by:
James and Ruth Herr Newkirk, Paternal Grandparents
Charles and Betty Doyle Kesler, Maternal Grandparents

Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 31, at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Francesville. The funeral service will follow at 11 a.m., Saturday, at the funeral home with Pastor Dennis Gutwein officiating. Private burial will be at Roseland Cemetery in Francesville.

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

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

George W. Humphrey Jr.

April 3, 1948 to October 23, 2020

MEDARYVILLE - George W. “Peanut” Humphrey Jr., 72, of Medaryville, passed away Friday, Oct. 23, at Northwest Health Porter Hospital in Valparaiso.

He was born April 3, 1948 in Chickamauga, GA to the late George W. Sr. and Clara Colleen Painter Humphrey. The family moved to La Porte, in 1959. On June 3, 1972, he married Sandra C. “Sandy” Mitchell in Rensselaer. She preceded him in death.

He is survived by:
Michael (Jan) Humphrey, La Porte, Son
George W. Humphrey III, La Porte, Son
Johnny Humphrey, La Porte, Son
Maxi Shultz, Medaryville, Daughter
7 Grandchildren
12 Great Grandchildren
Brenda (Gil) Santana, La Porte, Sister
Wanda (Jesse) Perez, La Porte, Sister
Patricia Brewer, Westville, Sister
Debbie (Chuck) Coburn, Westville, Sister
Several Nieces and Nephews
Carol Warran, Medaryville, Special Friend

Mr. Humphrey was a lifelong concrete finisher and retired 10 years ago after his wife passed away. He was a hard worker and liked helping others. He was a member of the Sons of the American Legion in Medaryville. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He will be sadly missed.

Visitation will be from 1 to 2 p.m., Friday, Oct. 30, at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Medaryville. The funeral service will follow at 2 p.m., Friday, at the funeral home with Pastor Tom Dewlen officiating. Private burial will be at Independence Cemetery in Medaryville.

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.

Jesse R. Stamper

August 13, 1931 to October 23, 2020

WINAMAC - Jesse Ray “Popeye” Stamper, 89, of Winamac, passed away, while surrounded by his family, Friday, Oct. 23, at the residence of his son in Winamac.

He was born Aug. 13, 1931 in Crandon, WI to the late John and Esther Wayberg Stamper. He married Marilyn M. McClellan on Aug. 16, 1953 in Hoover, IN. She died Dec. 27, 2012.

He is survived by:
Allen R Stamper, Winamac, Son
Alvin J. (Monica) Stamper, Winamac, Son
Albert C. Stamper, Winamac, Son
Jon Stamper Grandson
Lyndsee (Jonathon) Kreischer Granddaughter
Alecia (Francis Czech) Stamper Granddaughter
Joshua (Rayann) Stamper Grandson
Sierra (Morris LeNeave) Stamper Granddaughter
9 Great grandchildren
Sandra Jenkins, Winamac, Sister

Preceded in death by:
3 Sisters
4 Brothers

Mr. Stamper was a heavy equipment operator and worked for Diamond Trucking in Francesville for 28 years. He also ran Stamper and Sons Construction for many years. He served in the U.S. Army in Korea and received a Purple Heart. He was a member of the VFW in Winamac. He enjoyed riding motorcycles, fishing and hunting. Spending time with his family was the most important thing in his life. He was a member of the Winamac Church of the Nazerene. He was a great father, grandfather and friend to many.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 27, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. The funeral service will follow at 2 p.m., Tuesday, at the funeral home. Burial will be at Winamac Cemetery McKinley Addition. The VFW and American Legion will conduct military graveside services.

Memorial donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.

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

Leora A. Campbell Melchoir

July 30, 1937 to October 20, 2020

WINAMAC - Leora Adele Campbell Melchoir, 83, passed away Tuesday, Oct. 20, at her home in Glen Ellyn, IL.

She was born July 30, 1937 in Logansport, to Eldon Dewey and Ruth Eldora Baugh Campbell. She graduated from Winamac High School and had fond memories growing up in Winamac, surrounded by family and friends.

She is survived by family in the Winamac area and many caring neighbors in Glen Ellyn. She was very close to Eric Gillespie, whom she called her grandson.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Mike Melchior; her brother, Robert James Campbell; and her loving companion, Larry Murphy.

Mrs. Melchoir graduated from Indiana University in Bloomington, and later received a master’s degree in accounting. After graduation, she moved to Illinois and married Mike Melchoir. Together they moved to Glen Ellyn and bought a home. She started and ran a successful CPA firm. After her husband’s death, she spent the rest of her life with Larry Murphy, travelling the world and boating on the Chain-of-Lakes in Illinois. She recently retired. She played the piano and banjo. She loved animals and had many cats and dogs in her lifetime. Most recently, she had an adored backyard pet she named Keisha.

Graveside services will be held at 1 p.m., Friday, Oct. 23, at Winamac Cemetery in Winamac.

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

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.