Obituaries

Robert "Bob" J. Kellie

January 17, 1929 to January 6, 2020

ROYAL CENTER - Robert “Bob” J. Kellie, 90, of Winamac passed away peacefully at 12:30 a.m., Monday, Jan. 6, at his residence.

Born on Jan.17, 1929 in Monroe, Mich., he was the son of the late Edward F. and Cleo LaFountain Kellie. On Aug. 6, 1950 he married Joyce Betz in Adrian, Mich. She survives. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War for two years in which he was stationed in Germany, then three years of active reserve.

Also surviving are a daughter, Elizabeth McClure of Winamac; grandchildren, Lindsey (Brent) Ropp, Ashley (Zachary) Armstrong, Jessica (Richard) Thompson, Amber (Steven) Thompson and Susan Stotler; great-grandchildren, Lexi, Nathanial, Jackson, Leo, Rylan, Skylar, Jonathan, Michelle; great-nephew, Steve (Lori) Kellie and special friends, Connie J., Barbara R. and Carol Z.

He was also preceded in death by son, Michael William Kellie, grandson, Michael William Kellie Jr., and two brothers and one sister.

In 1967 Mr. Kellie and his wife moved to Winamac. He was honored to receive the Quilt of Valor in 2016. He received a degree in industrial management and metallurgy, and retired from Emerson (McGill Mfg) on Jan. 1, 1993. He was a member of the Winamac First United Methodist Church.  He enjoyed hunting and fishing in his younger days and enjoyed gardening and reading.  He had also made wallets, belts and even gun holsters out of leather that he hand-carved and sewed. Many also knew him for decorating those famous sugar cookies the Kellies were known for.

A celebration of Mr. Kellie’s life will be at 11a.m., Monday, Jan. 13, at the First United Methodist Church in Winamac, with a luncheon following, also at the church.

Memorial donations may be made to the church and/or Guardian Angel Hospice.

Online condolences may be left for the Kellie family at www.ransfuneralhomes.com.

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

Carmella Calabrese Scott

September 28, 1929 to January 6, 2020

WINAMAC - Carmella Calabrese Scott, 90, of Knox (formerly of North Judson), passed away Monday, Jan. 6, in Valparaiso.

She was born Sept. 28, 1929 in Chicago, to the late Rocco and Jean Jorczak Calabrese. She graduated from North Judson High School and attended one year at Indiana University.

She is survived by:
Jerry (Glenda) Weinberg, North Judson, Son
Jeannine (Rick) Boylan, Ft. Wayne, Daughter
Jay (Pam) Callahan, North Judson, Son
7 Grandchildren
6 Great-Grandchildren
Sandra Calabrese, Sister
Many Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
Rocco Calabrese Jr., Brother
Joseph Calabrese Sr., Brother
Lorraine Marks, Sister
Donna Palmisano, Sister

Mrs. Scott enjoyed cooking and watching sports. She was a loving and devoted homemaker. She will be sadly missed.

No services will be held.

Online tributes may be offered in the guestbook at www.frainmortuary.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.

Robert D. Vollmer

May 2, 1924 to December 24, 2019

FRANCESVILLE - Robert Deloss “Bob” Vollmer, 95, of Fishers (formerly of Francesville) passed away peacefully Tuesday, Dec. 24, at his home in Fishers where he had resided since 2018.

He was born May 2, 1924, in Hebron to the late Fred L. and Eva Mae Salrin Vollmer. He spent his early years in Medaryville before moving to Francesville and later graduating from Francesville High School. In 1943, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and spent three years serving with the 66th Infantry Division “Black Panther Division” in northern France during which time he was awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge. He was a lifelong member of the Francesville American Legion. On Sept. 1, 1943, he married Helen Wendt with whom he shared life for 76 years.

He is survived by:
Denise (Dave) Neff, Montpelier, Daughter
Janice (Don) Partlow, Lafayette, Daughter
Mark (Bonnie) Vollmer, Westfield, Son
Jenny (Olivier Delers) Neff, Richmond, VA, Granddaughter
 Melissa (JR) Rees, McDonough, GA, Granddaughter
Sara (Jack) Feliciano, Noblesville, Granddaughter
Andrea (Craig) Blissitt, Brookston, Granddaughter
Joshua (Casey) Vollmer, Anna, TX, Grandson
Jacob Vollmer, Richardson, TX, Grandson
Trenton (Ondraa) Hall, Lafayette, Grandson
Jeremy (Megan) Vollmer, Arvada, CO, Grandson
James (Alli) Vollmer, Charlotte, NC, Grandson
5 Great Grandchildren
Fred (Dee) Vollmer, Jr., Brother
Ruth Anne Vollmer, Sister

He was preceded in death by:
3 Sisters and 3 Brothers

Mr. Vollmer was a longtime member of St. James Salem United Church of Christ in Francesville. He owned and operated Vollmer Construction in Francesville for many years having built and remodeled numerous homes in the area. He was a member of Royal Center Lodge #585 F&AM, earning his Award of Gold in 2002. He enjoyed fishing and woodworking. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Visitation will be from 12 noon to 2 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 4, at St. James Salem United Church of Christ (10934 W. 600 S. Francesville, IN 47946). A celebration of life service will follow at 2 p.m., Saturday, at the church with Rev. T.J. Jenney officiating. Burial will be at Roseland Cemetery in Francesville. The American Legion will conduct military graveside services.

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

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

Doris G. Speicher

January 14, 1924 to January 3, 2020

FRANCESVILLE - Doris Gene Speicher, 95, of Francesville, passed away peacefully Friday, Jan. 3, at home, surrounded by family.

She was born Jan. 14, 1924 in Medaryville, to the late Lloyd and Alice Coppess Madaus. She graduated from Medaryville High School in 1942. After high school, she worked in the garment factory in Medaryville, and later in the Kingsbury Ordinance Plant that made munitions during World War II. On March 30, 1947, she married Charles W. “Charlie” Speicher in Medaryville. He preceded her in death on Sept. 27, 2005 after 58 years of marriage.

She is survived by:
Susan Hall, Lebanon, Daughter
Wayne (Susan) Speicher, Albany, Son
Gene Speicher, Francesville, Son
David (Kim) Speicher, Cedar, MI, Son
Jason (Anna) Speicher, Grandson
Christy Speicher, Granddaughter
Matthew (Lindsay) Speicher, Grandson
Flint Speicher, Grandson
Evan (Whitney) Speicher, Grandson
Adam (Carly) Speicher, Grandson
Luke Speicher, Grandson
12 Great Grandchildren
Alice M. Morris, Cincinnati, OH, Sister
Several Nieces and Nephews

She was preceded in death by:
Henry C. Hall, Son-in-law
Morris Madaus, Infant Twin Brother
Delos Madaus, Brother
Keith Madaus, Brother

Mrs. Speicher and her husband enjoyed many years working together, along with their son Gene, on the Speicher Orchard. She was a devoted wife, mother and homemaker. She enjoyed gardening and was generous with the food that she preserved. She was a talented seamstress, making clothing and gifts for the grandchildren. She loved cooking, baking bread and making desserts. Most of all she enjoyed preparing family meals. After retiring, Mrs. Speicher loved to go for a ride in the car, especially if shopping was involved. She had extensive collections of glassware, dolls, and of course her favorite, Stonewheel Pottery. She loved her daily dish of ice cream as well as watching and taking care of animals. At Christmas, she delighted in giving gifts to every member of the family. She will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m., Friday, Jan. 10, at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Francesville; and one hour prior to services. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 11, at the funeral home with Pastor Dennis Gutwein officiating. Burial will be at Roseland Cemetery in Francesville.

Memorial donations may be made to the Francesville First Baptist Church.

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

Chad E. Granato

November 14, 1967 to January 1, 2020

WINAMAC - Chad E. Granato, 52, of North Judson, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, Jan. 1, at his home.

He was born Nov. 14, 1967 in Hammond, to Ronald E. and Darlene L. Chalfant Granato. He graduated from Portage High School in 1986. On May 20, 2016, he married Janet Wait in Knox. She survives.

He is also survived by:
Kayleigh Granato, Portage, Daughter
Paige (Tyler) Gilliam, Kodak, TN, Daughter
Sarah Cutrel, Hobart, Step-Daughter
Michelle (James) Cable, Hobart, Step-Daughter
Andria (Gene) Cassell, Clendenin, WV, Step-Daughter
Jaimie Coulter, Sevierville, TN, Step-Daughter
Meagan Coulter, Sweetwater, TN, Step-Daughter
15 Step-Grandchildren: Devin, Dallas, David, Angel, Adam, Ryan, Brantley, Hunter, Faith, Lily, Ana, Alycia, Jo Jo, Jaidyn and Jay.
Darlene L. Chalfant Granato, Winamac, Mother
Todd C. (Stephanie) Granato, North Judson, Brother
Brian S. (Kimberly) Granato, Wheatfield, Brother
Alexis Granato, Niece
Dylan Granato, Nephew
Several Aunts, Uncles and Cousins
Many lifelong Friends

Preceded in death by:
Ronald Edward Granato, Father

Mr. Granato had a lifelong struggle with several medical conditions, but always maintained a very positive attitude. He shared a passion for hunting and fishing with his brothers and rooting for the Pittsburgh Steelers with his dad. He enjoyed playing the drums and belonged to several bands over the years. His latest musical passion was playing Christian praise and worship music at Global Harvest Church in Monterey. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family and friends. He was a loving and devoted husband, dad, papa, son and brother. He had a big heart, which showed in the way he raised his three step-daughters from a previous marriage and loved them as his own. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 8, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. The funeral service will follow at 7 p.m., Wednesday at the funeral home with John DeSabatine officiating.

Memorial donations may be made to the family.

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

Jeremy D. Day

March 24, 1980 to December 29, 2019

WINAMAC - Jeremy David Day, 39, of Star City passed away at 3:47 a.m., Sunday, Dec. 29, as a result of an auto accident.

He was born March 24, 1980 in Winamac, to Dennis D. and Lisa M. Pratt Day.

He is survived by:
Kali Day, Star City, Daughter
Gage Day, Vestal, NY, Son
Chloe Day, Vestal, NY, Daughter
Dennis and Lisa Day, Star City, Parents
Jessica Day, Winamac, Sister
Jill Day, Logansport, Sister
Krystal Ormsby, Star City, Companion
Melvin Pratt, Winamac, Maternal Grandfather
Cassady Sobczak, Winamac, Niece
Caleb Veasey, Chiloquin, Oregon, Nephew
Brooke Veasey, Logansport, Niece
Daisy Jones, Logansport, Niece

Preceded in death by:
Iva Leland Pratt, Maternal Grandmother
Victor and Carol Brust Day, Paternal Grandparents

Mr. Day was a heavy equipment operator. He resided in North Carolina for about 20 years. He recently returned to Pulaski County. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and working on motor vehicles. He especially enjoyed spending time with his children and family.

Visitation will be from 1 to 3 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 4, at Frain Mortuary Winamac. A memorial service will follow at 3 p.m., at the funeral home.

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

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