


at: basslakefest.com
CONTACT: mjtopelian@gmail.com












BIRTHDAY

at: basslakefest.com
CONTACT: mjtopelian@gmail.com
Love~ Mom, Dad, Brady, Daulton & Dylan
FOUND: An orange mesh bag filled w/stuffed animals on CR 350 S just west of CR 350 E. If these are your stuffed animals call 772-3643 ..................................................23
FOR SALE: Small Lop male $20. Velvet Lop w/papers $40. Dog cage $25. Cages $10. 574-249-3874 leave message ..................................................23
FOR SALE: Pickup truck toppers, tonneau covers, bed liners, step bars, full line of accessories in stock. Joe’s Mobile Home & RV Supply, Buffalo, IN, Call 574-2787625. Closed Thurs. & Sun. EST ...........................................23B
WANTED: Someone to take me to La Porte Hospital for a medial procedure. Call 574-241-2180 ..................................................23
FOR SALE: 55” LG 4K TV w/ Firestick for streaming. Works perfect. Asking $95 OBO. New 32 gallon garbage can w/wheels $25. Call 574-780-7666 ..................................................23
NATALIE’S DAYCARE: Loving mother that has been taking care of children for over 20 years. Preschool activities and meals provided. Ages infants-12 yrs. Full & part time care available. Please call 574-540-3228 ...........................................25B
WANTED: Someone in Knox that can do Housekeeping, home health, & cook part time, 1-4 hours per day. Mostly evenings, mornings & evenings on weekends. Text 574-207-4491 or email bsbcbk@ gmail.com ..................................................26
TREES TRIMMED. Stumps removed. Brush shredded, bushhogging & lot clearing . Will meet or beat any written estimates. Call 574-896-2772. ..................................................26
MIKE’S LAWNMOWING & Repair - It’s Spring time! I do lawnmower repairs at your home. Yard mowing, yard clean up, powerwashing, tree cutting & trimming bushes. Call 219510-7356 ...........................................28B
WESTFIELD, WI - FORMERLY OF FRANCESVILLE, IN & MEDARYVILLE, IN - Kurt N. Smolek, 50, died Friday, May 24, 2024, following a brief illness at St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin. He was born September 7, 1973, in Denver, Colorado, to Theodore and Phyllis (Ewing) Smolek. On September 14, 2002, he married Katie Smolek. Kurt was a 1992 graduate of West Central High School in Francesville and a 1995 graduate of Purdue University. He continued his education at Madison Area Technical College and the University of Wisconsin. He was an inventor, author and business owner. He loved fishing and the yearly family fishing trip. He also loved football, sports cards, being by the water, meeting and talking to everyone who came to the shop he and Katie owned, Sasquatch’s Variety Shop in Princeton, Wisconsin. Kurt was a proud father and even prouder papa.
He is survived by his wife, Katie, two sons: Trevor (Emily) Hammond and Bret Smolek, one daughter, Hannah Smolek, one grandson and his parents, Arden and Phyllis (Ewing) Bathke. He was preceded in death by his father, Theodore, an infant sister, Lisa Bathke and grandparents: Robert and Alma Ewing, James and Opal Smolek and Otto and Hilda Bathke.
A celebration of life will be held Monday, June 10, from 2-6pm EDT at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family c/o Katie Smolek.
Local arrangements were made by Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Medaryville.
KNOX, IN - Marcum “Nig” Fletcher, 87, died Wednesday, May 29, 2024. He was born March 29, 1937, in Salyersville, Kentucky, to the late Asbury and Maryethel (Montgomery) Fletcher. On August 16, 1969, in La Porte, Indiana, he married Lola Salyer. Nig was a member of the Aldine United Baptist Church, where he served as pastor for many years. He also served and attended many churches in the community. He was a veteran of the US Army, having served 12 years as a sergent. He retired from Howmet Corporation in La Porte and enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, attending church and spending time with his family.
He is survived by his wife, Lola, five daughters: Diana fisher of North Judson, Indiana, Barb (Darl) Clemons of Monticello, Indiana, Tammy (Craig) Behrendt of Sevierville, Tennessee, Diana (Scott) McCauley of Fort Wayne, Indiana and Lisa (John) Eubanks of Crossville, Tennessee, two sons: Michael (Melissa) Fletcher of Knox and Manuel (Amberly) Fletcher of North Judson, fifteen grandchildren, twenty seven great grandchildren, seven great great grandchildren, and siblings: Hillard Fletcher of North Judson, Cleada (Danny) Arbuckle of Valparaiso, Indiana, Mabel (Eddie) Staerkel of North Judson, Avanell Mason of New York, Ethel Pariso of Alabama, Chat (Sharon) Fletcher of North Judson, Robby Fletcher of Knox, Roy Fletcher of Knox, Ruth (Dominique) Vandola of Georgia Patricia (Phillip) Rudd of Goshen, Indiana and Janice (Curtis) Ropp of Georgia. He was preceded in death by one son, Marty L. Fletcher, one grandson, Brent Lee Freyenberger and siblings: Billy and Wayne Fletcher, Evalece Miller, Mavadean Fletcher and Velva Jane Salyer.
Services were held Saturday, June 1, at Braman & Bailey Funeral Home, with Rev. Mike Noble and Rev. Fred Miller officiating. Burial was in the Round Lake Cemetery in Knox.
Arrangements were made by Braman & Bailey Funeral Home in North Judson.
WINAMAC, IN - Sue C. Tuley, 88, died Tuesday, May 28, 2024, at Hickory Creek @ Winamac in Winamac, Indiana. She was born December 28, 1935, in Kewanna, Indiana, to the late Charles E. and Mary Ellen (Fielder) Hott.
Sue was a 1953 graduate of Winamac High School and worked as a very successful beautician. She retired from the Pulaski County Public Library after many years of dedicated service. In her younger years she enjoyed spending summer Sundays at “Culver Lake”. She enjoyed square dancing, camping and the casino with family.
She is survived by three daughters: Ronni (Dan) Newman-Kohlmeyer and Lynda (Keith) Hurlburt, both of Winamac and Marcia Smith of Indianapolis, Indiana, seven grandchildren, sixteen great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by an infant son, Wesley Blane Tuley and siblings: Dr. Robert Hott and Nancy Curtis.
Per Sue’s request, her body was donated to the Indiana University Anatomical Education Program. Private burial will take place in the Winamac Cemetery (McKinley Addition). Memorial contributions may be made to Indiana University Anatomical Education Program or Hickory Creek.
Local arrangements were made by Frain Mortuary in Winamac.
WINAMAC, IN - Loretta A. Krulik, 89, died Monday, May 27, 2024, at Franciscan Health Hospital in Lafayette, Indiana. She was born July 26, 1934, in Winamac, Indiana, to the late Frank W. and Louise A. (Gniadek) Skalon. On August 4, 1951, in North Judson, Indiana, she married Paul A. Krulik. He died May 23, 2012.
Loretta poured many years of devotion into St. Henry’s Catholic Church in Medaryville, Indiana and was active in the Knights of Columbus in Winamac. She enjoyed coffee with friends at McDonald’s, being a wife and mother, needlework, cooking, gardening flowers and vegetables, canning, spending time at the West Side Senior Center in Medaryville, Indiana and spending time with her family.
She is survived by one daughter, Beverly Jean (John) Huber of Montezuma, Indiana, one son, Joseph J. (Brenda) Krulik, Sr. of Winamac, six grandchildren and fifteen great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by one grandson, Joseph J. “Joey” Krulik, Jr. and three brothers: Leopold, Johh and Ralph Skalon.
Visitation from 4-8pm EDT on Thursday, June 6 at Frain Mortuary. Services will be held at 10am, Friday, June 7, at the funeral home with her grandson, Jason Huber officiating. Burial will be in the Idle Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Idle Cemetery.
Arrangements were made by Frain Mortuary in Winamac.
GROVERTOWN, IN - Phillip Ray Wireman, 63, died Sunday, May 26, 2024, in Grovertown, Indiana. He was born July 4, 1960, in Knox, Indiana, to the late James Wireman and Mable (Kirkpatrick) Wireman.
Phil enjoyed fishing, hunting and spending time with his family. He had worked as a truck driver for Yellow River Farms.
He is survived by one son, Phillip “Zac” Wireman of Plymouth, Indiana, one granddaughter, his mother, Mable Wireman of Grovertown and three sisters: Anita (Chris) Seidenhaar of Grovertown, Nora (Mike) Mimmes and Teresa Mangun. Graveside services were held Monday, June 3, at the Eagle Creek Cemetery in Knox, with Pastor Ben Carpenter officiating. Contributions may be made to the family. Arrangements were made by Braman & Son Memorial Chapel in Knox.
NORTH JUDSON, IN - Aldon Jordan, 78, died Monday, May 20, 2024. He was born May 29, 1945, in Tip Top, Kentucky, to the late Kelson and Tressie Jordan.
Aldon graduated from North Judson High School and the International Business College. He had a passion for carpentry and being outdoors and his greatest joy was spending time with his loved ones.
He is survived by his wife, Joanne, two sons: Derek (Chrissy) Jordan and Shannon (Kris) Jordan, five grandchildren, one great grandchild, eight siblings: Adrien (Donna) Jordan, Pauline (Doug) Bolen, Inez Jordan, Sandra Jordan, Deborah Dietrich, Vanessa (Kenneth) Cook, Terry (Debbie) Jordan and Sherry (Butch) Postma. He was preceded in death by one brother, Alvin Jordan.
Services were held Wednesday, May 29, at the O’Donnell Funeral Home. Burial was in the Highland Cemetery in North Judson.
Arrangements were made by O’Donnell Funeral Home, Inc. in North Judson.
MEDARYVILLE, IN - Howard William Cords, 95, died Thursday, May 30, 2024, at White Oak Health Campus in Monticello, Indiana. He was born April 4, 1929, to the late William and Minnie (Kruger) Cords. On June 29, 1968, he married Judith L. “Judy” Selmer.
Howard was a 1947 graduate of Medaryville High School and was a lifelong farmer, retiring in 2021. He was a veteran of the US Marine Corps and received a Quilt of Valor in 2017. He was a lifelong member of St. James Salem United Church of Christ in Francesville, Indiana. He bowled on several leagues and enjoyed going fox hunting, watching Purdue men’s basketball games on TV, playing Solitaire on the computer, working in his shop, square dancing and going on bus tours with his wife and spending time with his family.
He is survived by his wife, Judy, one son, Brian (Sharon) Cords of Medaryville, one daughter, Becky Cords of Muncie, Indiana, two granddaughters and one brother, Merl Cords of Medaryville. He was preceded in death by 4 siblings: Leona Utterback, Irene Walter, Harry Cords and infant Ralph Cords.
Services will be held at 11am EDT, Wednesday, June 5, at St. James Salem United Church of Christ in Francesville, with Pastor Bill McNabney officiating. Burial will be in the St. James Salem Cemetery in Francesville. Memorial contributions may be made to St. James Salem United Church of Christ or to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Arrangements were made by Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Medaryville.
North Judson, IN - Keith Allan Fingerhut, 88, died Saturday, June 1, 2024 surrounded by his family. He was born February 10, 1936, in Chicago, IL to the late Helen (Jacobson) and Joseph Fingerhut. On June 1, 1957 at SS. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church in North Judson, IN he married his high school sweetheart Janet M Metzinger.
As boys, Keith and his late brothers, Kenny and Jerry started working for their parents at the Fingerhut Bakery.
Keith’s passion for baking continued his entire life. He was proud that the bakery continues today through his two sons, Greg and Doug. Over his many years in the bakery business he developed long lasting relationships and they employed many people from the community. Many still enjoy stopping by today to say hello. Keith always said that Janet was an instrumental partner in the success of the business. Keith graduated from North Judson High School in 1954. He participated in multiple clubs and was a star athlete in football, basketball, and track. He continued his education at the University of Alabama while playing football. Keith completed his college career at St. Joseph College in Rensselaer, IN where his football team won the NAIA National Championship (Aluminum Bowl) and he earned a degree in Business.
Keith would say he and Janet’s biggest accomplishment in life was their family. Five children, Julie, Doug (Vicki), Greg (Valerie), Penny, Beth (John), 13 grandchildren; Suzann, Weston, Joshua, Nolan, Neven, Christian, Morgann, Mitchell, Abigale, Allison, Adelaide, Madeline and Lydia and 12 great grandchildren (with two more in the oven). Keith and Janet loved hosting all the holiday gatherings at their house. Especially Easter, where over 40 years ago Keith started a family tradition, the Great Basketball Fingerhut Shoot-Out. His other hobbies included attending musicals, listening to music, and golfing. Keith and his long time golf partner, Jerry Sullivan, were avid golfers who liked to finish their rounds with a Manhattan.
Visitation, Wednesday, June 5, 2024 from 4:00-8:00 pm CST at O’Donnell Funeral Home, North Judson, IN Rosary recited at 7:00pm Funeral Services, Thursday, June 6, 2024 at SS. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church North Judson, IN 10:30am CST with burial following in the St. Jacobs Cemetery in North Judson, IN
Memorial Contributions may be given to Parkview Haven, Francesville, North Judson - San Pierre Athletic Department, Knox Athletic Department or a charity of the donor’s choice.
KNOX - Earl J. McGuire Jr. of Knox passed away on Tuesday, May 21, 2024 in Northwest Health, Starke Hospital following an illness. He was born on May 30, 1932 in Chicago to the late Earl J. and Elsworth (Reckling) McGuire Sr. and was 91 years-old at the time of his death. Earl lived in the area since 1994 coming from Valparaiso. On August 28, 1957 in Knox, he married the love of his life Martha (Trumbull), who survives. Earl was a retired High School Teacher from the Hobart City Schools after 38 years of faithful service. He was a Veteran of the US Army and a past member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles in La Porte. Earl also served as Treasurer of the Bass Lake Property Owners Association and Treasurer of the Hobart High School Credit Union for over 20 years. Most of all he was a devoted family man who cherished his family dearly. Earl is survived by his beloved wife Martha; six children: Kenneth (Anita) McGuire of St. Louis, MO, Kevin (Charlene) McGuire of Rochester Hills, MI, Mary (Matthew) Topelian of Bass Lake, Pamela Sawlsville of Stevenson, AL, Tina (Mehrdad) Mahdavi of Richmond, Texas and Kathleen Fowler of Bass Lake, 16 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren; two brothers: William McGuire of Bass Lake and Michael McGuire of Burbank, IL; and two sisters: Barbara McGuire of Sun City, FL and Gale Schemm of Venice, FL. He was preceded in death by his parents. There will be a Gathering of Family and Friends from 1:30 to 3:00 CDT Friday, June 7, 2024 at the Rannells Funeral Home, Hamlet Chapel. A Memorial Service held at 3:00 CDT also on Friday, June 7 at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers the family request Memorial Contributions be made in Earl’s memory to Eagle Creek Church, Knox.
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