Obituaries

Natalie M. Gudeman

November 7, 1922 to June 4, 2020

FRANCESVILLE - Natalie Marie Gudeman, 97, of Fort Myers, FL (formerly of Elgin, IL) passed away peacefully at 5:15 a.m., Thursday, June 4, at the Pavilion Memory Care unit at Shell Point Village in Fort Myers, where she had resided for more than 20 years as an independent resident and in assisted living.

She was born Nov. 7, 1922, in Francesville, to the late Joseph B. and Huldah Getz Gudeman of Medaryville.  After graduating from high school, she worked at the VonTobel Lumber Company. She attended both Moody Bible Institute in Chicago and Wheaton Bible College in Wheaton, IL. 

She is survived by:
LeRoy (Kay) Gudeman, Brother
Many nieces and nephews 
Many great-nieces and great-nephews

Preceded in death by:
Marion (Bertha) Gudeman, Brother
Marjean (Willis) Wuethrich, Sister 

 After moving to Elgin, IL, Ms. Gudeman worked for Scripture Press in Glen Ellyn, and gained much knowledge in Bible literature. She also worked for the David C. Cook Publishing Company in Elgin. Later, she taught elementary school in Elgin. She had a great passion and a positive influence in the lives of many children before retiring. She served homemade Thanksgiving dinners to her class every year, and decorating the classroom was one of her many special talents. In her everyday life, she was always teaching. Manners and grammar were of utmost importance to her, as her nieces and nephews can well remember. She and her longtime friend, Irene Guth, loved traveling the world extensively, visiting many countries and missionaries along the way.

Ms. Gudeman also spent many Sunday afternoons passing out gospel tracts at O’Hare International Airport, or to anyone she wanted to share her love for the Lord. She had a special way to turn her conversations toward Jesus Christ (John 3:16), and wanted others to know Christ, bringing glory to God.  She is remembered as always having a witty sense of humor, always a jokester making others laugh. She had a love for reading with an open mind to learning. Many enjoyed her eloquent speaking and her lovely clothes and style. She loved music and enjoyed singing and playing her favorites, the organ and accordion.  She attended Wheaton Bible Church, and was a faithful servant of God. She sang in the church choirs and served on many church committees, always willing to lend a helping hand. She had a heart for people; she was generous and enjoyed entertaining in her home. She supported missionaries, and graciously opened up her home to them. She will always be loved and remembered for her kind and caring heart and being “always grateful” to God.

A graveside service and interment will be at 1 p.m., Saturday, June 20, at Roseland Cemetery in Francesville, with Pastor Dennis Gutwein officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Navigators International Ministry of Jim and Karen Getz. To give online, go to: navstaff.org/give/79665. Or, checks payable to The Navigators with a note for the ministry of Jim and Karen Getz (79665) may be mailed to: The Navigators, PO Box 6079, Albert Lea, MN 56007

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

Joanne C. Elam Sambrooks

December 26, 1940 to May 30, 2020

WINAMAC - Joanne C. Sambrooks (Elam), 79, of Winamac, passed at 1:35 p.m., Saturday, May 30, at Hickory Creek at Winamac.

Born Dec. 26, 1940 in Chicago, she was the daughter of the late Edward and Christine Miller. She grew up in Illinois, where she married her first husband, and they had six children. They raised their family in Chicago.

She is survived by:
Five children: Dean, Michael (Anna), William (Debra), Allen and Katherine (Jason).
Six grandchildren: Jean, Christina, Megan, Michelle, Michael, and Jennifer.
Seven great-grandchildren: Braidyn, Kattalina, JoeJoe, Andrew, Abigail, Ariana and Annalise.
Numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by:
Former husband, but lifelong friend, Allen Edward Elam Sr.
Daughter, Linda Joyce
Granddaughter, Megan Ann
Five sisters, Marilyn Klopp, Muriel Zizzo, Dolores Steinman, Geraldine Leverenz, and Roberta Miller
Three brothers, Marshall Miller Sr., Phillip Miller, Robert Miller
Two half-siblings, Billy and Dorothy Miller
One niece Sandra Klopp
Two nephews, Marshall Miller Jr. and Robert Leverenz.

Mrs. Sambrooks spent about 45 years in Chicago before seeking a new adventure. She made her final home in Winamac where she spent nearly 34 years living on the Tippecanoe River. She was jovial; she had a laugh and a smile that was contagious. While people say these things all the time, she was truly one of a kind. Her life was full of hardships, yet she always persevered for her family. She was well known and admired. She was strong, stubborn and fiercely independent. She lived for others and thrived on being the “center of attention,” not for herself but to make others happy. She was a fan of her daytime TV, where she spent hours watching Jerry Springer and was a Dr. Phil enthusiast. She also was an avid Olympics watcher; she loved watching the figure skating and told tall tales to her grandkids about her “Olympic skating days” being the reason she had bad knees. And after a long day, likely spent outside, she hoped to wind down with a classic Lifetime movie and her pups. She really enjoyed the outdoors and was an absolute animal lover. Camping was one of her most treasured passtimes, where she spent weekends with her family. The Luau weekend at the campground was something she would look forward to all year and the best memories were made. She would ride around on her golf cart for hours looking for big rocks for her garden. She loved the peace her home brought her; it was a place the flock could gather. She went by many names: Mom, Gramma Sam, Grandma Jo, Aunt Joanie, Aunt Jo, Mama E. She was one who said “you can call me anything but don’t call me late for dinner!”

Visitation will be from 4 to 9 p.m., Friday, June 12, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. A private graveside service will be at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Alsip, IL. Burial will be at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Alsip, IL.

Memorial donations may be made to the Disabled American Veterans or Hickory Creek at Winamac.

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

Kenneth A. Smith

June 16, 1953 to June 1, 2020

FRANCESVILLE - A graveside service with military honors for Kenneth Argyl "Kenny" Smith, 66, Monticello, will be held at 1 p.m., Monday, Aug. 3, at Bell Center Cemetery in Bell Center, IN.

He passed peacefully with his sister by his side, Monday, June 1, at IU Health Hospital in Lafayette.

He was born June 16, 1953, in Winamac to Donald R. and Betty J. Weaver Smith. He attended West Central High School in Francesville. He left school to join the U.S. Army and served during the Vietnam War.

He is survived by:
Betty J. Weaver Smith, Francesville, Mother
Pamela M. (Lonnie) Joseph Sr., Winamac, Sister
Dona K. (James) Heater, Logansport, Sister
Mary Ann Good, Sawyer, MI, Sister
Loyal M. “Junior” Good, Winamac, Brother-in-law
Several Nieces and Nephews; Great-Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
Donald R. Smith, Father

Mr. Smith was a lifelong truck driver and a talented handyman. He was a kind man, always willing to lend a helping hand to his neighbors. He enjoyed the outdoors, especially fishing and tree trimming. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Memorial donations may be made to Parkview Haven Retirement Home.

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

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

Helen M. Baker Bonnell

April 15, 1922 to May 31, 2020

WINAMAC - Helen M. Baker Bonnell, 98, of Winamac, formerly of Star City, passed away at 11:35 a.m., Sunday, May 31, at Pulaski Health Care Center in Winamac.

She was born April 15, 1922 in Lucerne, IN to the late Earl and Blanche Murray Baker. She married Harold Bonnell on July 7, 1946 He died in 1973. She later married Burl E. Bonnell on June 1, 1992. He died April 7, 2004.

She is survived by:
Leland (Megan Paulsen) Bonnell, Warrenville, IL Son
Kim (Cathy) Bonnell, Winamac, Son
Janice (Bonnell) (Tim) Hoffman, Fishers, Daughter
12 Grandchildren
17 Great-Grandchildren
2 Great-Great-Grandchildren
Dale Baker, Galveston, Brother

Preceded in death by:
Thelma McVay, Sister
Forrest Baker, Brother

Mrs. Bonnell was a farm wife and had worked as a bookkeeper for Moyer Grain in Star City for over 20 years. She was a member of First United Methodist Church in Winamac. She was an active volunteer in 4-H for many years. She enjoyed her kids, grandkids, great-grandkids and great-great-grandkids. She enjoyed gardening and cooking for family gatherings. She loved her cats.

Visitation will be 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, June 6, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. The funeral service will follow at 1 p.m., Saturday, at the funeral home. Barbara Kleinofen, lay leader at First United Methodist Church, Winamac, will officiate. Burial will be at Star City West Cemetery in Star City.

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

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

Tyler D. Thomas

November 28, 2001 to May 25, 2020

ROYAL CENTER – Tyler D. Thomas, 18, of Winamac, passed away from injuries suffered in a vehicle accident Monday afternoon, May 25, north of Winamac.

Born Nov. 28, 2001 in Winamac, he was the son of Brandon Thomas and Gwendolyn Martel. Tyler was a Winamac Community High School graduate of this year’s Class of 2020.

Survivors include his father Brandon (Jessica) Thomas of Winamac and mother Gwendolyn (Scott) Schneider of Winamac; grandparents Carrie and John Ingram, Patrick “Packy” and Connie Gibbs, Mike and Linda Mills and George Schneider, all of Winamac; great-grandfather Carl Anspach of Rochester, great-grandmother Mary Lou Thomas of Winamac; and brothers and sisters Gavin Schneider, Logan Schneider, Preston Thomas, Harlee Thomas, Nathan Keller and Jenna Schneider, all of Winamac.

He was preceded in death by grandfather Randy Thomas, and grandmother Catherine Gibbs.

Tyler had worked at Sanders Grocery for the past two years. He was a proud Boy Scout who had achieved Life Scout. He had completed Cub Scouts as Wolf, Bear and Webelo. His accomplishments include Leave No Trace school, National Youth Leader Training, National Youth Leader Staff and Mile Swim at Maumee Scout Reservation. He earned his lifeguard certification and served on staff at Camp Buffalo summer camp for two years where he was a lifeguard. He also earned his CPR/First Aid certification as well as many awards including National 50 Mile award- 80 Mile canoe trip on Current River, MO. and the National Outdoor award in camping and aquatics. He also held awards for snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, paddle boarding and outdoor ethics. He earned 32 badges in all.

Visitation will be from 2 to 7 p.m., Tuesday, June 2, at Rans Funeral Homes & Crematory, Harrison Chapel, Royal Center.  A celebration of life service will be live streamed at the funeral home’s Facebook page at 11a.m., Wednesday, June 3.

Memorial donations may be made to the funeral home in memory of Tyler.

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

Katie Wolf

July 9, 1925 to May 26, 2020

MONTICELLO - Kathleen L. "Katie" Wolf, 94, Monticello, died Tuesday, May 26, at White Oak Health Campus, Monticello.

A lifelong resident of White County, she was born to John and Helen Munsterman on July 9, 1925, in Wolcott and grew up on the family farm. She graduated from Wolcott High School in 1943. She graduated from Indiana Business College and attended Purdue University. She married Charlie Wolf on Dec. 2, 1945. They lived in Reynolds until moving to Monticello in 1978. He passed away in 2010.

She is survived by her children, Marcia (Ray) Scheele of Chicago and Mark (Cheryl) of Littleton, CO., grandchildren Matthew (Lisa) of Littleton, and Michael (Kate) of Nashville, Tenn., and great-grandchildren Leila, Henry and Anabelle.

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband, sister Marcella and brothers Arnold, Leroy and Sylvester.

Mrs. Wolf was a former White County Clerk, and later served 16 years in the Indiana General Assembly, 14 of them in the Senate, before retiring in 2000. Her district included Pulaski County where she became well known. (Read more about her career biography in separate article on www.pulaskipost.com)

Away from her public life she was a loving wife, a role model to her children and a doting grandparent. The last time she traveled was to Nashville, Tenn., to celebrate the first birthday of her great-grandchild Henry, whose birthday is just a few days away from her own. She was a lifelong member of St. James Lutheran Church in Reynolds, taught Sunday School and was a 4-H leader. Family: She was our matriarch and our inspiration and she will live in our hearts forever.

Due to the pandemic, no service will be held at this time. A memorial service will be planned at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are encouraged to: Women Giving Together or the Katie and Charlie Wolf Endowment Fund, both at the Community Foundation of White County.  Checks should be made out to the Community Foundation of White County and a note placed in the memo line for either Wolf or WGT.

Springer-Voorhis-Draper Funeral Home of Monticello is entrusted with care.

Family and friends are encouraged to share a memory or messages of condolence at www.springerfuneralhome.com