Obituaries

Sandra S. Johnston

July 19, 1960 to March 24, 2020

WINAMAC - Sandra Sue “Sandie” Johnston, 59, of Winamac, passed away at home Tuesday, March 24.

She was born July 19, 1960 in Chicago Heights, IL to Paul and Sue Lucas DeGroot. In 1971, the DeGroot family moved to Winamac. She graduated from Winamac Community High School in 1978.

She is survived by:
Thomas (Laurin) Johnston, Steger, IL, Son
4 Grandchildren: Faith, Kylie, Kara, and Gavin
Sue Lucas DeGroot, Winamac, Mother
Paul (Sheryl) DeGroot, Winamac, Father
Samantha (Aaron) Malchow, Francesville, Sister
Sheri Gaillard, Winamac, Sister
Perry (Katie) DeGroot, Winamac, Brother
Kelly (Mike) Bierrum, Star City, Step-Sister
Kim (Kevin) Podell, Winamac, Step-Sister
Several Nieces and Nephews
Glenn Sommers, Winamac, Companion

Preceded in death by:
Joseph Lucas, Maternal Grandfather
Mae and Herman Piacentini, Maternal Grandmother
Teresa (Herman) DeGroot, Paternal Grandparents

Mrs. Johnston was a retired from the Will County Sheriff’s Department in Will County, IL where she had served as a 911 dispatcher. In her youth, She loved to ride horses. She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

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

Arangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.

Kenneth R. Hamman

July 14, 1947 to March 19, 2020

ROYAL CENTER - Services have now been set for Kenneth R. Hamman, 72, of Winamac who passed away peacefully at 1:15 a.m., Thursday, March 19.

A celebration of life service will be at 11:30 a.m., Tuesday, July 14, at the First Christian Church in Winamac with Pastor Jeff Segar officiating. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m., Monday, July 13, at the church. Burial with full military rites will be performed at the Winamac Cemetery.

Born on July 14, 1947 in Winamac, he was the son of the late Ralph and Mary Rachel Galbreath Hamman, and Phyllis Hamman who survives. He was a 1966 Winamac High School graduate, and a U.S. Army veteran who served in the Vietnam War. On Dec. 6, 1969 he married Susan Donathen in Kewanna. She survives.

Survivors include:
Daughter and son-in-law, Amy and Doug Smith, Winamac
Granddaughter, Andriana Eileen Eva Smith, Indianapolis
Grandson, Aidan Edward Everett Smith, Winamac
Sister, Kimberly (Jack) Mitch, Upland
Brothers: Brian (Christi Farlow) Hamman, Culver; Kevin (Melissa) Bean, Logansport; and Tony (Twyla) Bean, Monterey.
Brothers-in-law: Larry (Joyce) Donathen, Franklin and Jon Donathen, Grass Creek.
Uncle Ron Hamman, Kewanna
Uncle Robert Engle, Kewanna
Bill and Marilyn Moon, Rochester
Nieces and Nephews: Amanda Donathen, Shannon and Kyle Grandstaff, Stephanie and Alex Mitch, Jessica Bean, Ashley Bean, Bailey Bean, Katelun Hamman, Kaylee Balasa, Jessika Peterson, Taylor Balasa, Ryan and Dana Conley, Matthew Donathen, Alex and Heather Donathen, Branden and Brandi Lewis, Zachary Mitch and Cody Bean.
Numerous great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins.

Preceded in death by:
Father and Mother-in-law, Charles William and Eileen Donathen
Sister, Constance Conley
Sister-in-law, Diana Donathen

Mr. Hamman was a retired rural postal carrier for the U.S. Postal Service in Francesville. He attended Winamac First Christian Church and was a member of the Winamac Eagles #2580, Monterey American Legion Post #399 and was a lifetime member of the Winamac V.F.W. #1728. He was an avid Cubs fan and enjoyed watching all sports. He enjoyed golfing, traveling, bowling, horseshoes, softball, and trips to the casino. He was so happy when granddaughter Andriana joined the high school golf team. He inherited the Hamman love for all types of card games. He loved fishing anywhere - oceans, rivers, lakes and ponds - but especially his excursions to Lake Erie with Big John and Charlie. They were great friends to him and found ways to make it possible for him to keep fishing at the pond the last few years. He most of all loved spending time with his family, especially his daughter and grandchildren who made him so proud. Family was important and he enjoyed anytime he could be with them. He loved the Hamman Thanksgiving reunions with hopes of having 100 family members attending every year. Family dinners, trips with in-laws and extended family, and family cookouts were special times together.

Services had been postponed due to state restrictions concerning the Covid-19 virus pandemic.

Friends and family are invited to sign the online guestbook or leave a condolence for the Hamman family at www.ransfuneralhomes.com.

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

Emma L. Nielsen

July 21, 1961 to March 18, 2020

WINAMAC - Emma Lou Nielsen, 58, of Winamac, passed away Wednesday, March 18, at Pulaski Memorial Hospital. 

She was born July 21, 1961 in Knox, to the late Alvin B. and Emma E. Sahlhoff Zellers.  She graduated from Winamac Community High School in 1980. She was married to Chris A. Nielsen. He survives.

Survivors also include:
Bertha A. Kelsey, South Bend, IN Sister
Glen A. (Kathy) Zellers, Winamac, IN Brother
Wendy J. Zellers, Winamac, IN Sister-in-law
Rosie Nielsen, Wabash, IN Mother-in-law
Valerie (Troy) Stout, Wabash, IN Sister-in-law
Several Nieces and Nephews (whom she always called her babies)
Many Cousins

Preceded in death by:
Ben E. (Celia) Zellers, Brother
Alvin Herman Zellers, Brother
Jacque and Penny, Half Sisters
Rex A. Nielsen, Father-in-law

Mrs. Nielsen was employed at Carter Fuel in Logansport. She was a hard worker and loved spending time with her family and friends. She was a member of St. Luke Lutheran Church in Winamac. She was also a member of the Winamac Eagles. She loved animals, especially her basset hound, Scyler. She enjoyed long walks around Bruce Lake, fishing and crocheting. She also enjoyed going to casinos. She will be dearly missed.

A graveside service will be at 3 p.m., Monday, March 23, at Winamac Cemetery in Winamac, with Pastor Tom Woodley officiating. Burial will be at the cemetery.

A memorial service will be held at St. Luke Lutheran Church in Winamac at a later date.

Memorial donations may be made to American Lung Association or ALS Association.

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

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.

Russell C. Taff III

August 16, 2002 to March 16, 2020

WINAMAC -  Russell Clayton Taff III, 17, Winamac, passed away Monday, March 16, after losing his battle with depression. 

He was born Aug. 16, 2002 in Rochester to Russell and Olivia Taff. He was a junior at Winamac Community High School where he was a member of the wrestling and football teams.

He is survived by:
Russell Clayton Jr. and Olivia LeAnn Buck Taff, Parents
Cecilia Anne Kenney, Sister
Rose Cherie Taff, Sister
Geraldine Rhoades, Paternal Great-Grandmother
Russell Clayton Taff Sr., Paternal Grandfather
Joy (Gary) Cripe, Paternal Grandmother
Daniel (Nyla) Buck, Maternal Grandfather
Denise “Sissy” Buck, Maternal Grandmother
Angela (Joe) Crawford, Paternal Aunt
James (Becky) Buck, Maternal Uncle
5 Cousins:  Kristopher, Declan, Makenna, Scarlett, and Jasper
David Gloser, Paternal Great-Uncle

Preceded in death by:
Kenneth and Virginia Gloser, Paternal Great-Grandparents
James and Rose House, Maternal Great-Grandparents
Mildred Kelley, Maternal Great-Grandmother
Christie Taff, Paternal Aunt
Fred Keplinger, Paternal Great-Uncle

 Clayton was a real outdoorsman and loved everything Pulaski County had to offer; such as hunting, fishing, camping, and floating the Tippy. He was a fan of all kinds of music and motorsports - a passion he shared with his family. Many fond memories were made attending concerts and motorcycle races together as a family. Clayton enjoyed having a good time with his true friends. He was a devoted son, brother, grandson, nephew, and cousin. He brightened the lives of all who loved him. His family reports “he was born into this world with an old soul and lived a life full of compassion. Clayton was ornery, with an intense sense of humor and appreciation for a good practical joke.   While we take comfort that he is no longer in pain, we will never be the same again.”

The funeral service will be private.

A celebration of life service will be held at the Lake Bruce Garage (991 N. Main St.), Kewanna, on Sunday, Aug. 16.

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

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.

Donald Zehner

June 21, 1936 to March 13, 2020

CULVER - Donald J. Zehner Sr., 83, of Monterey passed away peacefully Friday, March 13, at Advent Hospital in Sebring, Fla.

He was born June 21, 1936, in Monterey to August and Anna Shorter Zehner. He lived his entire life in the Monterey community. He was married July 27, 1957, to Ruth Keller at St. Anne's Catholic Church in Monterey. She survives.

He is also survived by his children, Don (Pam) Zehner of Logansport, Greg (Mary)
Zehner of Monterey, August (Kathy) Zehner of Anderson, Sharon (Larry) Yelaska of Walkerton, and son-in-law Linn Reynolds of Winamac; grandchildren, Arin (Shawn), Jordan (Danny), Lauren (Lukas), Peyton, Bryan, Heather (Phil), Erik, Tiffany (Jordan), Bryce, Gwen (Jake), Donna, Jill, Nick, Sarah (Eric), Zack (Shelli), Katie, Brett, Jessie, Kelsey, and Nita; great-grandchildren Mason, Gavin, Ashton, Genevieve, Bernard, Evelyn, Margaret, Claire, Ezekiel, and Eloise; sister Mary (Joe) Penska, and sister-in-law Delores Zehner and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Bob and Jim, sister Sue, daughter Beth and grandson Ben.

Mr. Zehner attended Holy Family School through the eighth grade, followed by Monterey public school, graduating from Monterey High School in 1954. Following graduation, he worked at the Culver Military Academy and Studebaker in South Bend. He and his wife owned and operated Zehner Service Center for 41 years in Monterey. Since 1970, the couple have also owned and operated a mobile home park in Monterey. Mr. Zehner was a devoted husband and father, a wonderful grandpa, brother and friend. He was a lifelong member of St. Anne's Catholic Church. He was a past member of the Lions Club and a Volunteer Fireman for the Monterey Fire Department. He had a very generous heart and was always willing to help those in need. He enjoyed the challenge of fixing anything that was broken. After retirement, the Zehners spent winters in Avon Park, Fla.

A private Catholic service will take place at St. Anne’s Catholic Church, Monterey, with immediate family, according to current coronavirus requirements. A memorial service will take place in June.

Memorial donations in Mr. Zehner’s memory may be made to St. Anne’s Church in Monterey, IN or the American Lung Association for COPD research.

Condolences may be sent to Ruth Zehner, P.O. Box 5, Monterey, IN 46960.

Donald E. Capouch Sr.

April 27, 1929 to March 11, 2020

WHEATFIELD - Donald Eugene Capouch Sr., 90, passed away surrounded by family, Wednesday, March 11, at Porter Regional Hospital in Valparaiso, after a short illness. He had been in declining health.

He was born April 27, 1929, the son of the late Joe and Linda Collins Capouch. On Sept. 10, 1949, he married Shirley Ann McCauley in San Pierre. His love for her was boundless, and he proclaimed it loud and proud, in word and in deed, for over 69 years, until her passing last year. Their love affair was one for the ages.

He is survived by his sisters Elsie Cepican of Phoenix, Peg (Bill) Gehring of Rensselaer; his children Brian Capouch of Monon, Rick (Nancy) Capouch of North Judson, Mick (Rose) Capouch of Medaryville, Cathy (Troy) Daniels of Rensselaer, Don (Debby) Capouch Jr. of Wheatfield, Patti Capouch of Chicago, and Nicki (Roy) Davis of Kouts, as well as 14 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, his sister Betty Vessely, and his infant sister Alice. He and his wife also leave a large extended family, descendants of Joe and Linda Capouch of Cass Township, Pulaski County, and Michael and Bridget Cooley, of York Township, Benton County.

Mr. Capouch was a fourth-generation Pulaski County farmer on the Capouch homestead in Cass Township. He was born in a house built around a log cabin erected by his great-grandfather in 1876. Three of his Collins ancestors fought in the American Revolution. He spent his youth on the family farm, and farmed briefly on his own before joining William Gehring’s vast farming operation in Jasper County, where he worked for over 35 years until his retirement. Having grown up on a farm using horses, during his time at Gehring’s he utilized state-of-the-art equipment and techniques on one of the nation’s most progressive specialty crop farms. For many years he was a foreman there, helping manage field operations growing corn, soybeans, seed corn, mint, potatoes and onions. He loved working on the farm. He was a member of All Saints Catholic Church in San Pierre, where he was an usher and lector. He was a Boy Scout leader and served as a member of the Kankakee Valley School Board. After his retirement, he and his wife lived proudly independent until the ends of their lives in the former residence of Helen Dolezal in San Pierre.

Because of the ongoing public health crisis, Mr. Capouch’s family has decided to forego services at this time. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date, and the family thanks the many friends and relatives for their expressions of sympathy and concern. The family also expresses its overwhelming gratitude to his caregiver Kaitlyn Braun, whose visits he always met with joyful anticipation. Her kind care for our father will forever remain in our hearts.

As per Mr. Capouch’s wishes, his remains will be cremated. Part of his ashes will be interred with the remains of his beloved wife Shirley in the All Saints Catholic Cemetery in San Pierre. Part will be scattered upon the soil of the farm he loved so dearly.

Boersma Funeral Home in Wheatfield is handling the cremation.

The family requests any memorials in Mr. Capouch’s memory be made to the St. Jude’s Childrens Hospital.