New Jaws for Seward Township/Burket Fire

The Gary Sinise Foundation recently helped Seward Township/ Burket Fire and Rescue purchase new battery operated Jaws equipment.

Fire Chief Kevin McSherry noted the equipment has the newest technology and is the first set in service in North America.

The Gary Sinise Foundation serves the nation by honoring defenders, veterans, first responders, their families and those in need. The foundation has created and supported unique programs designed to entertain, educate, inspire, strengthen and build communities.

cue will begin at 10 a.m.

Guests can choose to purchase a barbecue sandwich for $5 or a plate for $10. The plate includes a sandwich, coleslaw, chips and a drink. There will be a silent auction with items to bid on.

All proceeds of the barbecue will be used to benefit youth related organizations within the Syracuse-Wawasee community.

Founder Gary Sinise began devoting his time supporting the men and women who were deployed after Sept. 11, 2001. Having veterans in his own family and having been involved with supporting veterans, Sinise decided to become more active in devoting his time and resources to serving defenders however and wherever he could.

A few years after 9/11, he visited New York firehouses, befriended many firefighters and has supported FDNY through numerous efforts. His personal mission is what led to the establishment of the foundation in 2011 and with the help of supporters, it continues to expand the mission in support of the nation’s defenders, veterans, first responders and their loved ones.

Programs include R.I.S.E., relief and resiliency, community and education, first responders and last out.

To learn more about the foundation, visit garysinisefoundation.org.

Authorized Dealer

Nicholas Dwawyne Skrumelak

Area Resident

Nicholas Dwayne, Skrumelak, 50, Milford, received his wings for heaven on Sunday, May 28, 2023. He lost his short battle to cancer.

He was born Sept. 15, 1972, the son of Nick Skrumelak of Milford (deceased) and Fonda Richardson of Port Charlotte, Fla.

He is survived by a son, Gavin Nicholas Skrumelak of Milford; his companion, Holly Haney of Milford; his brother, James “Bub” Hepler of Kentucky; his sister, Angela (Armando) Loney of Florida; and many loving and caring friends.

He loved riding motorcycles, playing guitar, pool, helping others and tinkering with tools. Most of all, he loved the Lord and being with family.

A memorial service was held Saturday, June 3.

“Rest in God’s care Nick. You are loved so much!”

Eva G. Howard Mother/Grandmother/Sister

Eva G. Howard, Syracuse, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 18, 2023, at Goshen Hospital at the age of 67.

She was born Nov. 18, 1955, in Warsaw, to John and Norma Blackburn.

In her formative years, Eva lived in Elkhart and then moved to Syracuse in 2014, where she would spend the rest of her life. Eva had many passions in life, baking and gardening were among her favorites along with family gatherings. She had a green thumb and found joy in tending to beautiful plants and flowers that she grew under her careful watch. More than anything, Eva loved her grandchildren dearly — spending her time with them was her favorite.

Eva is survived by two children, Crystal Bontrager and Matt Howard; four grandchildren; sisters, Deborah Hampton, Diane (Terry) Buck and Michelle Coy; and a sister-in-law, Eva Joe Blackburn.

She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, John David Blackburn.

Titus Funeral Home and Cremation Services is trusted with Eva’s care. A memorial gathering was held from 5-7 p.m. Monday, June 5, at the Titus Funeral Home-Owen Chapel of Syracuse, 1001 S. Huntington St., Syracuse.

To leave a written condolence or to order flowers, please visit www. titusfuneralhome.com.

Judith R. Kinder

American Red Cross Phlebotomist

Judith R. Kinder, lovingly known as Judy, passed away at the age of 81 on Saturday, May 27, 2023, at Parkview Noble Hospital.

She was born May 7, 1942, in Chicago, Ill., to Dr. William and Margaret (Bloesch) Walton.

Judy graduated from Bloom High School in Chicago Heights, Ill., and went on to work as a phlebotomist for American Red Cross, where she made a difference in countless lives. Those who knew Judy best would describe her as a strong but stubborn woman, but also as a loving individual who cared for her family more than anything else.

Her love extended beyond her immediate family to include many friends over the years. Judy had a passion for music and enjoyed singing and playing the piano. She was an avid reader, but most of all loved spending time with her grandchildren. Judy has left behind a legacy that will never be forgotten by those who have been blessed to know her.

Judy will be deeply missed by her children, John (Vanessa) Kinder, Chris Kinder, Kathy Eppelmann, Andy Kinder and Greg (Kimberly) Kinder; 10 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and brother, Stephen (Karen) Walton. She is further survived by many nieces; nephews; other relatives; and friends.

Judy was preceded in death by her husband, John Martin Kinder; parents; sister, Mary Walton; and brother, Dr. Mark Walton.

Titus Funeral Home-Syracuse is entrusted with Judy’s care. Family and friends gathered from 11 a.m. to noon Friday, June 2, at the funeral home, 1001 S. Huntington St., Syracuse, to celebrate the lives of Judy and her husband John, who passed in 2020. Burial immediately followed at Syracuse Cemetery.

Memorials may be given to the American Red Cross, 320 N. Buffalo St., Warsaw, IN 46580 or to the family.

To leave a written condolence, please visit www.titusfuneralhome. com.

Susan M. Beaverson

Susan M. Beaverson, 67, Warsaw, died May 27, 2023.

Arrangements are currently pending at Titus Funeral Home of Warsaw.

David H. Bigley

David H. Bigley, 88, Culver, died May 26, 2023.

He was born Feb. 20, 1935.

Surviving are his children, Thomas D. Bigley, Culver, Timothy A. Bigley, McDonough, Ga., and Teresa D. Bigley, Warsaw; brother, Bryce Bigley, Culver; five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Per his wishes, there will be no services.

Gregg Allen Brown

Gregg Allen “Stubby” Brown, 72, Sidney, died May 29, 2023.

He was born Feb. 11, 1951. On June 2, 1973, he married Debbie Peterson; she survives.

He is also survived by a son, Richard M. Brown, North Manchester; daughter, Amber D. Brown, Fort Wayne; two grandchildren; and sisters, Colleen Brown, Arizona, and Lorry Garber, Claypool.

Services were held June 5 at McKee Mortuary, North Manchester. A private burial will be held at Oaklawn Cemetery, North Manchester, at a later date.

Janna Rose Borkholder

Janna Rose Borkholder, infant daughter of Devon and Wilma (Farmwald) Borkholder, died shortly after birth May 31, 2023.

Surviving are her parents; siblings, Jeffrey Dale, Joas Devon, Jeremiah Daniel, Jamima Dawn, Julie Esther, Jalen Duane and Jase Lamar, all at home; grandparents, Glen Devon and Ida Mae (Schmucker) Borkholder, Nappanee, and Merle Ray and Anna Marie (Borkholder) Farmwald, Nappanee; great-grandmother, Dorothy Borkholder, Nappanee; and great-grandparents, Rudy and Mary Schmucker, West Union, Ohio.

Visitation was held June 2 at the family home. A graveside service followed at Weldy Cemetery. ThompsonLengacher & Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee, was in charge of arrangements.

Oscar Lee Burkholder

Oscar Lee Burkholder, 82, Bremen, died at 1:15 a.m. May 27, 2023.

He was born Jan. 10, 1941. On Oct. 10, 1963, he married Maude Ellen Hochstetler; she survives.

Also surviving are sons, Steven Burkholder and Leon Burkholder, both of Bremen, Howard Burkholder, Rochester, Mervin Burkholder, Claypool, and Joseph Burkholder, Middlebury; daughters, Vera Miller, Bremen, Karen Farmwald, Tulsa, Okla., and Anna Kemp, Bristol; daughter-in-law, Lorraine Burkholder, Bremen; 49 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and sisters, Loretta Yutzy and Elizabeth Wickey, both of Bremen. Services were held May 30 at the Dennis Hochstetler building in Bremen. Burial was in Weldy Cemetery.

Grayson

Caudill

Grayson Caudill, 72, Goshen, died May 25, 2023.

He was born Sept. 10, 1950.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Caudill; a daughter, Tammy Watkins; a grandson; two great-grandchildren; a brother, Harold Caudill, Ligonier; and stepfather, Lee Maggard, Grethel, Ky.

Services were held May 30 at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home, Goshen. Burial was in Violett Cemetery, Goshen.

Gary L. Clemons

Gary L. Clemons, 75, Ligonier, died March, 13, 2023.

He was born on June 1, 1947. Gary is survived by his wife Sherry of Ligonier; children, Glenda (Terry) Kinzer of Londonderry, Ohio, Kevin (Annette) Clemons of Londonderry, Ohio, and Kim (Rick) Cottrill of Chillicothe, Ohio; siblings, Ed (Mary) Clemons of McArthur, Ohio, Steve (Joyce) Clemons of Wellston, Ohio, Continued on page 11