Obituaries

Jim J. Hoffman

June 1, 1931 to December 27, 2019

WINAMAC - Jim J. Hoffman, 88, of Winamac, passed away at 12:50 a.m., Friday, Dec. 27, at White Oak Health Campus in Monticello, after a brave battle with Parkinson’s Disease.

He was born June 1, 1931 in rural Beaver Township, Pulaski County to the late Charlie and Zuma Cotner Hoffman. Sadly, Zuma passed away during childbirth and Jim was raised by his grandparents, Frank and Lou Utterback Cotner. He was raised on the family farm and attended school in Pulaski. On Aug. 30, 1953, he married Patty L. Degner at Tippecanoe Christian Church. She survives.

He is also survived by: Sally (Steve) Butler, Plainfield, Daughter; Sue (Tim) Alexander, Winamac, Daughter; Sam Hoffman, Winamac, Son; and Sharon (Brian) Cords, Medaryville, Daughter. Also, grandchildren Brandy McClure, Lindsay (Brian) Dakin, Allison (Michael) Ellis, S. Adrian Butler, Joel (fiancé: Jenny) Butler, Megan (Chris) Wegner, Jim (Katy) Alexander, Mark (Janelle) Alexander, Jenna Cords, Jaden Cords; 18 great-grandchildren; brother Bob Hoffman, San Pierre, sisters Donna Meyer, Winamac, and Alice Thurston, Fowler; and many nieces and nephews

Preceded in death by: step-mother Nellie St. Clair Hoffman, brother Keith (Betty) Hoffman, brother Harold (Klovetta) Hoffman, sister-in-law Marcella Hoffman, brother-in-law Ralph Meyer, and brother-in-law Tom Thurston.

Mr. Hoffman was a lifelong farmer in Pulaski County, having served on the board of directors at the Francesville Co-Op Elevator and on the ASC Board for many years. He enjoyed participating in the Moss Creek golf league and cherished the friendships made. He also enjoyed playing Euchre and was a dog lover. He was a talented mechanic who could bring any engine back to life. He especially liked working on old John Deere and Oliver tractors. He loved his family very much and will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Visitation will be from 1 to 2 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 29, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. The funeral service will follow at 2 p.m., Sunday, at the funeral home with Rev. Edward Clark officiating. Burial will be at Winamac Cemetery in Winamac.

Memorial donations may be made to Tippecanoe Christian Church or Pulaski Animal Center.

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

Mary L. Andrews Garten

May 6, 1928 to December 23, 2019

COLUMBUS - Mary Louise Andrews Garten, 91, died at 8:07 a.m. Monday, Dec. 23, at Four Seasons Retirement Center, Columbus.

She was born May 6, 1928 to Finnis (Andy) and Madge Puckett Andrews in Lafayette. She graduated from Shelbyville High School in May 1946. After graduation she worked at Indiana Bell Telephone Company. She married William (Bill) L. Garten on Oct. 3, 1946 in the West Street Methodist Church in Shelbyville by the Rev. Albert J. Spaulding.

Survivors include a son, William Allen (Jennifer Meyer) Garten, of Francesville, and a great-granddaughter, Jaina Jade Garten of Russiaville. Also surviving are sisters and brother-in-law, Linda (Ronald) Fourman of Columbus, Sarah Sue Andrews of Columbus; a sister-in-law, Mary Alice Cord Andrews of Shelbyville; and many nieces and nephews and great-nieces and -nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Bill Garten, on Dec. 10, 2005; brothers, William and David Andrews, both of Shelbyville, and Rev. Robert E. Andrews of Bethesda, MD; sisters, Barbara Andrews Jackley of Omaha, Neb. and Carolyn Andrews Cruz of Columbus; a granddaughter, Ashley Nicole Garten and a grandson, Jeffrey Andrew Garten.

Mrs. Garten was employed by Irwin Union Bank and Trust Company upon moving to Columbus with her husband and son in 1952. In 1961, she became a legal secretary to Joseph S. Thompson, attorney-at-law, until 1970 when she began employment as a secretary for BSCS, retiring in 1987. While working at IUBT, Mrs. Garten attended classes at Indiana Business College. She was a member of Phi Beta Psi Social Society, American Business Women and the Elk’s Club of Columbus, a volunteer Book Buddy at Richards School, and a former Columbus Regional Hospital volunteer. In April 2013, she moved to Four Seasons Retirement Home in Columbus. While living there she became involved in different activities. Included was secretary to the resident council; hall representative to the council; chairperson of the dining committee; in January 2014, she was coordinator for a program called “Story Time”; and also was a member of the Book Club at Four Seasons. Mrs. Garten traveled to Hawaii, Bahamas, Alaska and St. George Island, FL. She enjoyed playing Hand and Foot cards with friends, with whom she enjoyed many laughs and good times. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Columbus.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m., Friday, Dec. 27, at Jewell-Rittman Family Funeral Home., Columbus. A celebration of life service will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 28, at Four Seasons Retirement Center Chapel, 1901 Taylor Road, Columbus, with Rev. Jon Carlstrom conducting the service and music will be provided by David Brown. Private inurnment will be at Garland Brook Cemetery Mausoleum at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, Mrs. Garten requested memorial donations go to Parkinson’s Disease Foundation, Diabetes Disease Foundation or American Cancer Society.

Delores A. Girton

April 13, 1933 to December 20, 2019

WINAMAC - Delores A. “Dee” Girton, 86, of Winamac, passed away at 5 a.m., Friday, Dec. 20, at Hickory Creek, Winamac.

She was born April 13, 1933 in Monterey, to the late Peter G. and Anna C. Schmicker Hammes. She attended grade school at Holy Family/St. Anne’s in Monterey and graduated high school from Ancilla Domini/Poor Hand Maids of Jesus Christ in Donaldson. After graduation, she became a beautician and owned her own beauty shop. On July 31, 1953, she married Clarence R. Girton at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Winamac. He preceded her in death.

She is survived by daughters Pat Mersch, McCordsville, Mary Girton Kasten, Winamac and Gerilynne (Lars) Rishaug, New Carlisle; sons Bill Girton, Winamac, and Rob Girton, Winamac; foster daughter Margie (Jay) Willoughby Rifkind, Greenwood; 13 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by: son Bobby Girton, and sisters Margaret Effinger, Catherine Reutebuch, and Pauline Houin.

Mrs. Girton was a devoted member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Winamac. She was an active member and past president of the Ladies of Charity and Christian Mothers. She (along with her mother and husband) was instrumental in the founding of the Good Samaritan Store in Winamac which celebrated 50 years in 2019. She was a longtime member of the Pulaski Memorial Hospital Auxiliary. She and her husband were foster parents of many children over the years. Mrs. Girton dedicated her life to the service of the Lord and others as evident in her faithful volunteer work in the community. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.

A scriptural wake service will be held at 1 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 22, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac, followed by the Ladies of Charity service, Christian Mothers service and rosary. Visitation will be from 2-6 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 22, at the funeral home. A funeral mass will be at 10 a.m., Monday, Dec. 23, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Winamac, with Rev. Leroy Kinnaman officiating. Burial will be at St. Peter’s Cemetery in Winamac.

 Memorial donations may be made to the Ladies of Charity or St. Peter’s Catholic Church.

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

Roger D. Cummings

September 2, 1946 to December 16, 2019

RENSSELAER - Roger D. Cummings, age 73, of Rensselaer, died Monday, Dec. 16, at his home.

He was born Sept. 2, 1946 in Rensselaer, the son of Prentice and Doris Rockwell Cummings. He graduated from Rensselaer Central High School with the class of 1964 and from International Business College in 1966. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1967 to 1971. He married Judith Ilene Torbet on Feb. 26, 1972, in Rensselaer. She survives.

He is also survived by three children, Chad (Toni) Cummings; Brian (Raendra) Cummings; and Sara (Phil) Kostaroff; grandchildren, Chase, Alyssa and Addie Cummings, Clayton, Collin and Cameron Cummings, and Ava, Ainsley, Caleb and Lizzy Kostaroff. He is also survived by his siblings, Janet (Steve) Hurley, Donn (Tanya) Cummings, Carol (Steve) Gottschalk and Anne (Duanne) Judd; his parents-in-law, Jeryld and Tina Torbet and sister-in-law, Jacquie (Garry) Wiltfang.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister-in-law, Janet Fox, and his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Steve and Joyce Lane.

Mr. Cummings began his career in banking in 1971. He was employed with People’s State Bank in Francesville, where in 1992, he was appointed to the position of bank president. He retired in 2010 from Alliance Bank, formerly known as People’s State Bank. He was an active member of the First Christian Church of Francesville. He served on numerous boards and enjoyed acts of service in communities around him. He took great pride in serving with the Humanitarian Distribution Center, helping to distribute food to 48 food pantries in the surrounding counties. When not serving, he enjoyed sharing his love of fishing with others.

Friends will be received at Jackson Funeral Chapel in Rensselaer from 2 to 8 p.m. (CT), Thursday, Dec.19. The funeral service will be at 10 a.m. (CT), Friday, Dec. 20, at the First Christian Church of Francesville with Minister James Ketchen officiating. Burial will follow at Weston Cemetery in Rensselaer with military honors.

Donations in memory of Mr. Cunnings are suggested to the First Christian Church of Francesville, P.O. Box 326, Francesville, IN 47946 or to the Humanitarian Distribution Center, P.O. Box 707 Francesville, IN 47946.

Richard W. Kruzick

December 31, 1946 to December 10, 2019

WINAMAC - Richard Wayne “Dick” Kruzick , 72, Winamac, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 10.

He was born Dec. 31, 1946 in Northville, Mich. to the late Hubert Paul and Marguerite Maxine Swanson Kruzick. The family then moved to Winamac, where Dick graduated from Winamac High School in 1964. He studied business at Ball State University for one year, followed by a second year at the University of Hawaii.

He is survived by his wife, Tari; his son, Robert (Kimberly) Kruzick of Michigan; his daughter, Ericka (John) Crist of Winamac; his five grandsons; and his brothers, Larry (Trude) Kruzick of Florida, David (Mary) Kelton of Virginia, Tom (Mary) Kruzick of Florida and Kent (Diane) Kruzick of Winamac; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Mr. Kruzick enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in August of 1966, and married Theresa Jane “Tari” Roth on April 1, 1967, while he was on leave. They were stationed briefly at Chanute Air Force Base (Illinois), followed by Edwards Air Force Base (California), where he studied Spanish, hoping to be sent to Spain. Instead, he was deployed to Vietnam, where he served a one-year tour, and then ended his military service at Dover Air Force Base (Delaware), where son, Robert was born. He was honorably discharged in August of 1970. The couple returned to Indiana, and he resumed his studies at Ball State University, and earned his bachelor of science degree in 1973. The day after graduation, their daughter, Ericka was born.

Mr. Kruzick was a dedicated and loyal employee, serving Galbreath, Inc. in Winamac for 38 years. He also worked with his brother, Kent at Bobko, Inc., at the Knox and Michigan City locations. He loved computer work and was always willing and able to help others with technology. He retired on his 65th birthday in 2011, and the couple moved to The Villages, Florida, for a short time, where he enjoyed pickleball, golf cart rides and walks with Tari. Dick was diagnosed with Multiple Systems Atrophy (MSA) on Feb. 14, 2013, and the couple returned to Winamac. During his courageous battle with MSA, his God-given calmness and sense of contentment served him well. He enjoyed old movies, bird watching, stories of the grandkids, and visits from his faithful family and friends.

He was a huge fan of the Chicago Cubs, enjoying many games with his family and friends over the years at Wrigley Field and from the comfort of his home. One of the greatest nights of his life was watching the Cubs win the World Series Title in 2016. He was extremely proud of his five grandsons, each holding a special place in his heart: Ryan Kruzick, Goshen, a 2017 graduate of the University of Kentucky and Dylan Kruzick, who attends Northridge High School in Middlebury; Jonah Crist, Winamac, who attends Purdue University Northwest; and Matthew Crist and Martin Crist, who attend Winamac Community High School. He was a member of Bethel Bible Church, and he loved studying Revelations. His favorite Bible verse is “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all things will be added to you.”  Matthew 6:33 (NAS)

In accordance with his wishes, cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 3 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 15, at  Bethel Bible Church in Winamac, with Pastor Joe Mollet of Dunes Hospice officiating.  The American Legion and VFW will provide military honors. Friends may visit with the family from 1 p.m. until the time of services.

In Mr. Kruzick’s memory, and in lieu of flowers, please direct any memorial donations to the Wounded Warrior Project. www.woundedwarriorproject.com

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

Geraldine Rose

August 2, 1934 to December 8, 2019

WINAMAC - Geraldine "Jerry" Rose, 85, of Winamac, passed away at 4:45 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 8, at Hickory Creek.

She was born Aug. 2, 1934 in East Chicago, to the late Michael and Stephine "Stella" Wolak Fredel. She graduated from Winamac High School in 1952. On April 18, 1953, she married Rudolph "Rudy" Rose, Jr. at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Winamac. He survives.

She is also survived by:
Susan (Darwin) Knebel, Winamac, Daughter
Jeff (Emily) Rose, Lexington, NC, Son
Laurie (Dewain) Davis, Winamac, Daughter
Matt (Trisha) Knebel, Grandson
Eric (Jennifer) Knebel, Grandson
Jordan Rose, Grandson
Justin Rose, Grandson
Brittany (Steven) Larson, Granddaughter
Brandon (Shelby) Davis, Grandson
6 Great-Grandchildren
James "Jimmy" Fredel, Winamac, Brother
Joanne Fredel, Logansport, Sister-in-law
Charles "Charlie" Rose, Winamac, Brother-in-law
James "Jim" (Bertha) Rose, North Judson, Brother-in-law
Edward "Ed" Rose, Frankfort, Brother-in-law
Several Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
Richard Fredel, Brother
Lucinda "Cindy" Fredel, Sister-in-law
Bernice Rose, Sister-in-law
Shirley Rose, Sister-in-law

Mrs. Rose was a lifelong member of St. Peter's Catholic Church. She loved lunching and visiting with her dear friends. She was a proud homemaker, always keeping a spotless home. She was a fantastic cook and baker. She enjoyed hosting, especially during the holidays. She and her husband enjoyed traveling in the motor home and square dancing. Most of all of, she loved her family very much, especially spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Although she is gone, her love will live on in all of us.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m., Friday, Dec. 13, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. A scriptural wake service will be at 7 p.m., Friday, at the funeral home. A funeral mass will be at 10 a.m., Saturday Dec., 14, at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Winamac, with Rev. Leroy Kinnaman officiating. Burial will be at St. Peter's Cemetery, Winamac.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Peter's Catholic Church or Hickory
Creek.

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