Obituaries

Timothy D. Girton

May 2, 1955 to April 6, 2020

ROYAL CENTER - Timothy D. Girton, 64, of Winamac passed away unexpectedly at 2:55 p.m., Monday, April 6, at Parkview Hospital in Ft. Wayne.

Born on May 2, 1955 in Logansport. he was the son of the late Donald D. and E. Virginia (Earhart) Girton. He was raised in Winamac and graduated with the Class of 1973 from Winamac Community High School. On Oct. 25, 1980, he married Debora A. “Debbie” Ingram. She survives.

Survivors also include his daughter Christina M. Harper of Plymouth, son Jeffrey A. Girton of Indianapolis, brother Douglas A. (Deidre) Girton of Francesville, sister Debra L. Budd of Winamac and grandchildren, Alexander Timothy Harper and Mallory Rene` Harper both of Plymouth. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his brother Stephen Girton, and brother-in-law Alfred “Pete” Budd.

Mr. Girton worked at McNabney farms in Medaryville for the past 32 years. He was amazing at his job as a farmer and had a passion for working the ground, being a master mechanic, and raising livestock. He was an avid life-long Chicago Cubs fan and American history buff. He had a keen eye and would often coach others on the hobbies he was passionate about including golf, bowling and fishing. Later in life, he focused on family and his grandchildren to create additional memories for them to treasure. His children and grandchildren were the light of his life, and he was a very proud of all their accomplishments in life. There was not one single thing he wouldn’t do for his family and those who he loved dearly. If you could absorb something from his life it would be this: Be kind. Be honest. Work Hard. Live life to the fullest and spend time with the ones you love. 

Due to current government restrictions on large gatherings, a celebration of Mr. Girton’s life will be postponed until a later date.

Condolences may be left for the Girton family at www.ransfuneralhomes.com.

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

Dorothy A. Kruger

August 4, 1933 to April 12, 2020

FRANCESVILLE - Dorothy A. “Dot” Kruger, 86, of Ft. Wayne (formerly of Lafayette), passed away peacefully, at 3:43 a.m., Easter Sunday, April 12 at the Hearth at Sycamore Village in Ft. Wayne.

She was born Aug. 4, 1933 in Francesville, to the late Herman W. and Matha C. Popp Kruger. She graduated from Francesville High School.

She is survived by:
Martha Mae Williams, Columbia City, Sister
Della Kruse, Adrian, MI, Sister
Trelma Kruger, Kokomo, Sister-in-law
14 Nieces and Nephews
24 Great-Nieces and Nephews
15 Great-Great-Nieces and Nephews
2 Great-Great-Great Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
Paul and Trellie Kruger, Brother and Sister-in-law
Max Kruger, Brother
Lloyd Williams, Brother-in-law
Ronald Kruse, Brother-in-law

Ms. Kruger was a retired presser, having spent her life working for several dry cleaning companies. In her younger years, she was an active member of Pulaski County 4-H and the Rural Youth Club. She was confirmed at St. James Church and was a longtime member of Emmanuel United Church of Christ in Lafayette. She dedicated her life to compiling her family’s genealogy. She was a loving sister and aunt. She will be sadly missed. The family wishes to thank the staff at Sycamore Village for their kindness and care.

Private services will be held at St. James Salem United Church of Christ in Francesville, with Rev. Nelda Seger officiating. Private burial will be at St. James Salem Cemetery in Francesville. A public celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Memorial donations may be made to Emmanuel United Church of Christ or St. James Salem United Church of Christ or the Genealogy Department of Pulaski County Public Library.

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

Gilbert L. Stepp

August 16, 1943 to April 8, 2020

WINAMAC - Gilbert Leroy “Gibby” Stepp, 76, of Star City, passed away at 1:30 a.m., Wednesday, April 8, at his home, surrounded by his family.

He was born Aug. 16, 1943 in Lafayette, to the late Roy G. and Martha Blessing Stepp. He was a 1962 graduate of Star City High School. On Jan. 4, 1963, he married Mary Ellen Weaver at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Pulaski. She survives.

Survivors also include:
Joe (Enid) Stepp, Rochester, Son
Phil (Traci) Stepp, Monticello, Son
Theresa Anderson, Star City, Daughter
Becky (Emily) McLeroy, Star City, Daughter
13 Grandchildren
10 Great-Grandchildren
Alma Cunningham, Florida, Sister
Kathy Rhodenbaugh, Logansport, Sister
Georgia (Ron) Browning, Star City, Sister
Ed Stepp, Logansport, Brother
Rod Stepp, La Paz, Brother
Shirley Kujawa, Winamac, Sister-in-law
Several Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
Josh Stepp, Grandson
Alan Stepp, Brother
Kenny Stepp, Brother
Jeanette Stepp, Infant Sister

Mr. Stepp worked at RCA in Monticello, and Wilsons in Logansport for many years. He retired from the Pulaski County Maintenance Department several years ago. He was an avid Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bears fan. He also enjoyed watching NASCAR and was a dedicated fan of Bitterling Racing (#225 and #X225). He was a loyal patron of Oak Grove Restaurant in Star City. He loved his family very much and will be sadly missed.

Private family services will be held at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. A private family burial will take place at Star City West Cemetery in Star City.

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

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

Connie S. Loehmer

March 3, 1964 to April 2, 2020

WINAMAC - A memorial mass for Connie Sue Loehmer, 56, Monterey will be held at 10 a.m., Thursday, July 30, at St. Anne's Catholic Church in Monterey, with Rev. Michael McKinney officiating.

She passed away peacefully Thursday, April 2, with her family by her side.

She was born March 3, 1964 in Knox, the youngest of three children. She graduated mid-term from Knox High School, Class of 1982. She married Maurice Loehmer, on April 17, 1982. He survives.

Survivors also include Adam (Lindsay) Loehmer, son; Ashley (Keith) Risner, daughter; Leland, Landon, Laken, Lyla, Asher, and Adelyn (due July 2020) grandchildren; Shirley Woods Gerstandt, mother; Pennie (Mark) Brettin, sister; Butch (Andrea) Gerstandt, brother; Carol Shank, aunt; Maxine Engel, aunt; many nieces, nephews, and cousins; and Charlotte Rymph, best friend.

She is preceded in death by Harold Gerstandt, father.

Mrs. Loehmer knew how to love and care for others deeply. She left imprints on many people’s lives by the way she showed her love. She put other people’s needs above her own, would often go out of her way to make someone else feel special, and would bring out the best in people and anything she put her hands to. Connie was a talented cook and loved to provide meals for anyone who needed fed. She had a knack for organizing awesome and well-planned parties. She enjoyed spending time with her family, especially those who fondly knew her as “Grandma Connie”. She loved Christmastime and marveled at how Disney World celebrated the season. She also had a unique love for all animals, especially her yellow lab, Gracie. Her special way with animals had a positive influence on the manner in which Loehmer Dairy cares for its livestock.

With respect to guidance from local health officials, private family services will be held at a later date at Frain Mortuary in Winamac, with private family burial at St. Anne’s Cemetery in Monterey.

In memory of Mrs. Loehmer’s giving spirit, memorial donations may be made to Hoots to Howls Wildlife Rehabilitation, Inc. (5046 S. 400 E. Star City, IN 46985) or to any local organization in need during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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

Dolores M. Grizzell

October 1, 1932 to March 31, 2020

WINAMAC - Dolores Margaret Grizzell, 87, of Winamac, passed away Tuesday, March 31, at her home surrounded by family. 

She was born Oct. 1, 1932 in Chicago, to the late Ernest Myron and Margaret Anastasia Russell Small. On April 22, 1952, she joined the U.S. Air Force and served three years during the Korean War as a cryptographer with top secret clearance. She married Claud Si Grizzell on May 31, 1986 at All Saints Catholic Church in Logansport.  He passed away Jan. 29, 2013.

She is survived by:
Cherylann Johnson, Macomb, IL, Daughter
Carrielynn Huse, Winn, MI, Daughter
Amanda (Nicholas) Cook, Logansport, Daughter
7 Grandchildren: Stacie, William, Michael, Casey, Jessica, Crystal, and April
Many Great-Grandchildren

Preceded in death by:
Gailmarie Ayers, Daughter
John Allen Wilson, Grandson

Mrs. Grizzell was a longtime member of All Saints Catholic Church. She was very devoted to her Catholic faith. She felt a strong connection to St. Kateri Tekakwitha and was an avid supporter of the St. Joseph’s Indian School in Chamberlain, SD. She was proud of her military service and was a lifelong member of the Winamac American Legion Post #71. She was a dedicated member of the local honor guard and had the privilege of presenting the U.S. Flag to numerous families. She was a longtime employee of Eaton’s (formerly Singer) in Winamac and retired after 25 years. She enjoyed staying in touch with her Eaton family. She enjoyed many years of traveling, especially in the motor home. She was in a motor home club. She raised and showed German Shepherds and she won many awards. She was a member of the Red Hat Society. She was well known for her spunky spirit and outgoing personality. She had a giving soul and always cared for others. She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Public viewing will be from 4 to 6 p.m., Friday, April 3, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. (Please sign up online at www.frainmortuary.com or by calling Frain Mortuary 574-946-3222.) Or sign up for Public Viewing by clicking here

A private family funeral service will be held at the funeral home with Rev. Jeff Martin officiating. Private family burial will be at St. Peter’s Cemetery in Winamac.  The USAF, American Legion, and VFW will conduct military graveside services.

A public memorial mass will be held at a later date at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Winamac, with the rosary recited prior to and a luncheon to follow.

Memorial donations may be made in the form of mass intentions to All Saints Catholic Church or St. Peter’s Catholic Church; OR to the Pulaski Animal Center.

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

Kathryn L. Britt Corbin

April 1, 1961 to April 1, 2020

FRANCESVILLE - Kathryn Leann Britt Corbin, 59, of Francesville, passed away peacefully, Wednesday, April 1, at St. Franciscan East Hospital inLafayette, with her soul mate by her side.

She was born April 1, 1961, in Lafayette to James L. Sr. and Kathryn L. “Katie” Overton Britt. She graduated from Tri-County High School in 1980. On Dec. 29, 1979, she married Donald L. Corbin II in Francesville. He survives.

Survivors also include:
Angala Corbin and Duke Conley, Francesville, Daughter and Son-in-law
Erin and Tony Gomez, Milwaukee, WI, Daughter and Son-in-law
5 Grandchildren: Tyler, Allie, Aiden, Keegan, and Kendall
James L. Britt, Sr., Remington, Father
Tim Britt, Remington, Brother
Don and Phyllis Corbin, Medaryville, Dad-in-law and Mom-in-law
Venus and Jerry VanBuskirk, Ft. Wayne, Sister-in-law and Brother-in-law
Tonja and Mark Jacklich, Sparta, TN, Sister-in-law and Brother-in-law
Nancy and Tim Elson, Indianapolis, Sister-in-law and Brother-in-law
Marquita “Kita” and Allen Fisher, Sparta, TN, Sister-in-law and Brother-in-law
Many Nieces, Nephews, and Cousins

Preceded in death by:
Kathryn L. “Katie” Overton Britt, Mother
James L. “Roller” Britt, Jr., Brother

Mrs. Corbin worked at Jasper County Community Services for two years and then started working as a teacher’s aide for KIRPC Head Start. She went on to earn her bachelor’s degree and dedicated her life to teaching children for 15 years. She  taught at JCYC preschool in Rensselaer, until it closed. Most recently, she taught resource classes at Rensselaer Elementary School until the time of her illness. She loved each and every one of her students as if they were her own children. She cherished each hug she received from a student. She was a loving and devoted wife, mom, nana, sister, sister-in-law and aunt. She inspired us and always brought out the best in us. Leann had that special way of always making us smile. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

A celebration of life service will be held at a later date at Jasper County Community Services in Rensselaer.

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

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