Obituaries

Susan J. Downing

May 22, 1943 to October 5, 2020

ROYAL CENTER - Susan J. Downing, 77, of Winamac passed away at 7:30 p.m., Monday, Oct. 5, at I.U. Health Saxony Hospital in Fishers.

Born of May 22, 1943 in Logansport, she was the daughter of the late Clarence and Rubye Allen Reutebuch. She was a 1961 Star City High School graduate. On July 17, 1965 she married John F. Downing, he survives.

Survivors also include her children, Gina (Steve) Baker of Winamac, Mitch (Robin) Downing of Winamac, Barb (Dave) Thompson of Winamac and John (Denise) Downing of Winamac; grandchildren Levi Baker, Le Baker, Keith Thompson, John R. Downing, Kurt Thompson, Bradon Downing, Anna Downing, Emily Downing, and Cy Thompson; and great-grandchildren Madison Baker, Katilyn Baker, Coltin Downing, Michael Baker.

She was also preceded in death grandson Kyle Downing, and brother David Reutebuch.

Mrs. Downing was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Pulaski. She was a lifelong homemaker. She enjoyed drives with her husband, bird watching, experiencing nature, and spending time and creating memories with her family and friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 10, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Pulaski. Burial will follow at St. Joseph West Catholic Cemetery.

Memorial donations can be made to the church in Mrs. Downing’s memory.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Rans Funeral Homes & Crematory, Harrison Chapel, Royal Center.

Geneva A. Meade

February 7, 1931 to October 8, 2020

WINAMAC - Geneva A. “Genny” Meade, 89, of Gary (formerly of Star City), passed away at 3:06 a.m., Thursday, Oct. 8, at Crown Point Christian Village in Crown Point.

She was born Feb. 7, 1931 in Pekin, IL to the late Leo Homer and Anna Harris Britt Kirby. During her high school years, she moved with her family from Illinois to Kentucky. She married Rev. Charles Glass who preceded her in death on Dec. 27, 1970. She later married Robert C. Meade who died on May 12, 2004.

She is survived by:
Leo Michael (Connie) Glass, Son
Timothy Glass, Son
Diane Cagle, Daughter
Debra (Mark) Rios, Daughter
Betty Ling, Daughter
15 Grandchildren
11 Great-Grandchildren
1 Great-Great-Granddaughter
Bernice Knutson, Sister
Lulabelle Riddle, Sister
Many Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
4 Infant Sons; 1 Infant Daughter
Eddie Cagle, Son-in-law
Geraldine Williams, Sister
Glada (Paul) Picket, Sister
Kenneth (Lois) Kirby, Brother
Dave Knutson, Brother-in-law
Shorty Riddle, Brother-in-law

Mrs. Meade wore several different hats in life. During her teens in Kentucky it became evident to her siblings that she was a talented writer and singer. Later she worked at Burney Bros. Bakery and Western Electric. While married to her first husband, she humbly accepted the title of pastor’s wife. Through resilience and God’s grace, she was able to create a new life with her second husband. She worked at South Suburban Hospital for many years, where she retired as a scheduler for surgery.

A life is not made up of only who you are related to, but how you choose to live the life you have been given.Mrs. Meade decided to live her life for God. There were many time in her life when she was heart-broken; losing five infant children and both of her husbands was an extremely difficult burden to bear. God, however, was with her every step of the way. She could tell you stories of how He moved in her life. She was a testament that miracles do happen. She will be dearly missed by so many who loved her. May she rest in peace.

A graveside service be at 12 noon Monday, Oct. 12, at Pulaski Presbyterian Community Cemetery in Pulaski, with Bobby Board officiating. Burial will follow at the cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to Crown Point Christian Village in Crown Point.

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

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.

Ronald E. Nelson

February 24, 1941 to October 3, 2020

FRANCESVILLE - Ronald Eugene “Ron” Nelson, 79, of Francesville (formerly of Portland, OR), passed away at 3:38 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 3, following surgery at LaPorte Hospital in LaPorte.

He was born Feb. 24, 1941 in Emmetsburg, IA, the youngest of three boys born to the late Sophus and Margaret Doty Nelson. In 1959, he graduated from Mason City High School in Mason City, IA. That summer, he traveled the Midwest with the carnival. Upon returning home, he joined the U.S. Air Force. After completing basic training and tech school for Doppler radar, he was assigned to a base in Oklahoma City, OK. He was honorably discharged in 1963, just days before the start of the Vietnam War.

He is survived by:
Karen May Smith Nelson, Francesville, Wife
Joseph (Amanda) Nelson, Son
Ronald Nelson, Son
Camerin (Anna) Nelson, Francesville, Son
Kendra (Kurt) Dresner, Kirkland, WA, Daughter
5 Grandchildren: Isaac, Zoe, Jazmine, Keziah, and Kasimir
Several Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
Carol Pittman Nelson, Former Spouse
William “Bill” Nelson, Brother
1 Infant Brother

In their youth, Mr. Nelson and his older brother Bill learned to play the accordion. They won many contests throughout northern Iowa and shared the stage with Myron Florin and Lawrence Welk at the Clearwater Lake Ballroom in Iowa. He returned to Iowa after the service and explored many jobs from working in the Land-O-Lakes Creamery to truck driving. He eventually ended up in San Francisco when he landed a job with Western Union as an installer. After working throughout the western United States, he settled in Portland, Ore. He was the CEO and co-founder of Parents Anonymous Northwest, a self-help group for the prevention of child abuse.

On Nov. 22, 1974, he married wife Karen in Portland and they had two children. By 1986, he discovered his talent for home renovation and became a general contractor and licensed real estate agent. He remodeled hundreds of homes for HUD and the Department of Oregon Veterans during the 1980s recession. He retired from construction in 1994. From 1995-1997, he served as a Graphics Rep at US West Direct, alongside his wife. For a hobby, they bought a square dancing clothing store in 1995 and operated it together until 2007. After retiring again, the couple moved to a 55-plus community in Portland. But after having too much fun, they became lonely for their family and so, in 2017, they moved to Francesville to be near their son and grandkids. Mr. Nelson was a loving husband, dad, and grandpa who will be dearly missed.

No services will be held.

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

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

Jon S. Gast

June 7, 1939 to September 24, 2020

KEWANNA - Jon S. Gast, 81, of Rochester, formerly of Kewanna and Winamac, passed away at 12:09 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 24, at Woodlawn Hospital in Rochester.

Born on June 7, 1939 in Logansport, he was the son of the late Karl (Stuart) and Imogene Huddleston Gast. He was a 1957 Winamac High School graduate. He was also U.S. Army veteran. On July 8, 1970 he married Barbara J. Carr. She preceded him in death on Nov. 14, 2012.

Survivors include his daughter, Angela (Glen) Scott of Shipshewana; stepchildren, Randy Neidig of Bourbon, Coralynn Weller of Star City, Richard “Rick” (Belinda) Weller of LaPorte and Donald Weller of Georgia; and granddaughter, Zoe Scott. He is also survived by step-grandchildren, Brent Wagoner, Chad Weller, Megan Gimlin, Doug Sutton, Kim Sutton, Donnie Weller and 14 step-great-grandchildren.

He was also preceded in death by step-granddaughter, Melissa Weller and sister, Roselyn Ann Paul.

Mr. Gast retired from the U. S. Postal Service where he was a longtime mail carrier in Logansport and prior to that in Kewanna. He attended Kewanna United Methodist Church, and he enjoyed writing, reading, bowling and playing softball in his younger years. He was also an avid Cubs fan. He was passionate about mushroom hunting and taking care of his pets, along with any stray or hurt animal that came along. He truly was blessed to spend his later years at Wynnfield Crossing in Rochester. He so enjoyed the camaraderie with fellow residents and the great care given him by the staff there.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 29, at Rans Funeral Homes & Crematory, Metzger Chapel, Kewanna. The funeral service will be at 11:30 a.m., Wednesday, Sept. 30, at the funeral home. Burial will be at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Bruce Lake.

Memorial donations can be made to the Fulton County Animal Shelter.

Mr. Gast’s online guestbook is available and condolences may be shared at www.ransfuneralhomes.com.

Edgar Miranda Mora

September 12, 1988 to September 27, 2020

WINAMAC - Edgar Miranda Mora, 32, of Chicago, passed away from injuries resulting from an automobile accident on Sunday, Sept.27, in Monterey.

He was born Sept. 12, 1988 in Morelia, Michoacán, Mexico.

He is survived by:

Edgar Jordan Miranda Mora, Son
Nathan Miranda Mora, Son
Dominick Miranda Mora, Son
Daniela Diaz, Fiancé, Lake Bruce
Maria Carmela Mora Perdomo, Mother
Eleuterio Miranda Vergara, Father
Victor Miranda Mora, Brother
Lourdes Miranda Mora, Sister
Angelina Miranda Mora, Sister
Maria del Rosario, Sister
Elva Miriam, Sister
Raul Miranda, Cousin
Many Nieces, Nephews, Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins

Mr. Mora worked in construction in Chicago. He was hardworking and very outgoing. He had a good sense of humor and enjoyed making others laugh. Most of all, he was a loving father to his three children.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m., Friday, Oct. 2, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. A funeral mass will be at 11 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 3, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Winamac, with Rev. Daniel Shine officiating in Spanish. Burial will be in Morelia, Michoacán, Mexico at a later date.

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

Harold D. Wallace

May 6, 1936 to September 23, 2020

WINAMAC - Harold D. Wallace, 84, of Monterey, formerly of Union Mills, passed away peacefully Wednesday, Sept. 23, at Fountainview Terrace in LaPorte.

He was born May 6, 1936 in Clay, KY to the late Tommy and Virginia Owen Wallace. After graduating from high school in Kentucky, he moved to Gary to find work. Not only did he accomplish that, he met Nancy L. Campbell. They were married March 23, 1957 in Hebron. She passed away Sept. 10, 2010.

He is survived by:
Karen Wallace, LaPorte, Daughter
Mark (Debra McCombe) Wallace, Monterey, Son
Michael (Dollie) Wallace, Valparaiso, Son
Richard (Donna) Wallace, Monterey, Son
Amanda (Lou Young) Wallace, Granddaughter
Courtney (Jack) Granger, Granddaughter
Scott (Kim) Bailey, Grandson
Jason (Joy) Jurgenson, Grandson
9 Great-Grandchildren
JoNell (David) Kyler, Cadiz, KY, Sister
Elsie Wallace, Clay, KY, Sister-in-law
Several Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
David Wallace, Brother

Mr. Wallace retired in 1994 after 30 years with Bethlehem Steel as a millwright foreman. He and his wife moved to Monterey after retirement. They spent every summer at Nelson Lake in Hayward, WI and many winters in Zephyrhills, FL. He was a former member of the Union Mills Lion’s Club and a former volunteer fireman for the Noble Township Volunteer Fire Department. He was well known as a local expert around Nelson Lake when it came to finding fishing holes. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and building birdhouses. He loved his family and friends and was always willing to help others. He will be sadly missed. The family wishes to thank Debra McCombe and the staff of Fountainview Terrace for faithfully caring for our father on his journey to the great fishing hole in the sky.

Visitation will be from 12 noon to 4 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 27, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Monday, Sept. 28, at the funeral home with Pastor Jay Loucks. Private burial will be at Riverside Memorial Cemetery in Monterey.

Memorial donations may be made to Monterey Tippecanoe Township Volunteer Fire Department in Monterey, or Lambs Chapel in LaPorte.

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