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 ...........................................17B
WANTED: Deli person, 4-5 days per week-Saturdays a must. Must be able to lift 20 lbs. Contact Melody @ 219-816-0045 or private message on Facebook @ Granny’s Market ..................................................15
MELISSA GAINER
WINAMAC, IN - Melissa (Heidel) Gainer, 53, died Thursday, March 27, 2025. She was born March 20, 1972 in Knox, Indiana, to Jack and Donna (Redlin) Heidel.
Melissa was a 1990 graduate of Winamac High School. She married Eric Gainer after high school. She was a devoted mother who proudly stayed home to raise her kids. Through the years, she had worked at Winamac Coil Spring and Standard Industrial and most recently at Adkev. She was a member of the Hillcrest Baptist Church in Logansport, Indiana and attended the First Baptist Church in Winamac. She was a shopaholic who loved purses and perfume, but most of all she loved her family.
She is survived by four daughters: Kelsie Gainer of Winamac, Morgan Gainer of Logansport, Alexa Gainer of Cape Coral, Florida and Brooke Gainer of Hobart, Indiana, one son, Spc. Seth Gainer, US Army, Honolulu, Hawaii, four grandchildren, her mother, Donna Zellers of Winamac and three sisters: Jenny Hurt and Erin (Shane) Bonnell, both of Winamac and Kendra (Harlin) Manns of North Judson, Indiana. She was preceded in death by her father, Jack Heidel and grandparents: Henry “Bud” and June Redlin and Bill and Thelma Heidel.
A celebration of life was held on Saturday, April 5 at Frain Mortuary. Memorial contributions may be made to the Winamac VFW Post #1728.
Arrangements were made by Frain Mortuary in Winamac.
JOHN FRANKLIN WALKER
KNOX, IN - John Franklin “Frank” Walker, 66, died Saturday, March 29, 2025 in Knox, Indiana. He was born January 2, 1959 in West Helena, Arkansas, to the late Fred and Mary Ann (Hughey) Walker.
Frank was a veteran of the US Army. He worked as a cook at the Country Kettle in Knox.
He is survived by his companion, Pauline Pranger of Knox and two sisters: Gina Gregory of Griffith, Indiana and Charmane (Dennis) Martin of Valparaiso, Indiana. He was preceded in death by siblings: Mark Walker and Michelle Walker.
Private services were held. Interment was in the Oak Park Cemetery in Knox.
Arrangements were made by Braman & Son Memorial Chapel in Knox.
JACEK PARA
MONTEREY, IN - Jacek Para, 67, died Saturday, March 29, 2025. He was born January 20, 1958, in Bialy Dunajec, Poland to the late Andrzej and Aniela (Gubal) Para.
A memorial will be held from 12 to 4pm CDT on Thursday, April 10 at Skyline Funeral Home in Monee, Illinois with a service starting at 4pm. For information please call 708-5348256.
Local arrangements were made by Frain Mortuary in Winamac, Indiana.
CAROLINA RODRIGUEZ
NORTH JUDSON, IN - Carolina (Tijerna) Rodriguez, 78, died Tuesday, March 25, 2025. She was born November 19, 1946 in Tahoka, Texas to the late Juan and Ignacia Tijerna Sr. On February 19, 1962, she married Felipe Rodriguez.
Carolina loved her family very much. She never met a stranger and she loved cooking and tending her garden. She is survived by her husband, Felipe, one son, Philip Rodriguez, one granddaughter and one sister, Elvira Ramirez. She was preceded in death by one brother, Juan Tijerna Jr. and two sisters: Matiana Rodriguez and Isabella Martinez.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a local charity of choice.
Arrangements were made by O’Donnell Funeral Home in North Judson.
JULIA ANN DECKER
STAR CITY, IN - Julia Ann Decker, 76, died Saturday, March 29, 2025 at Northwest Health Porter Hospital in Valparaiso, Indiana after an unexpected battle with pneumonia and lingering health issues. She was born January 2, 1949, in Fort Wayne, Indiana to the late Wayne and Marjorie Boze Decker.
Julia was a 1967 graduate of Lincoln High School in Willis, Michigan and graduated from Lutheran Hospital School of Nursing as a Registered Nurse in 1972. She worked at the University of Michigan Hospital Respiratory ICU and in Detroit at the Cass County Corridor working with TB patients. She received the “Spirit of Detroit” award for her service. She then moved to Pasadena, California and was in charge of the respiratory unit at the LA Vina Hospital. She then worked in OB for the rest of her career, retiring from Pulaski Memorial Hospital in Winamac, Indiana. She also worked at the Winamac Public Library and volunteered for the Warrior Up Program. Julia loved Christmas and Easter, cooking and trying new recipes, going out to eat with friends, traveling and attending church.
She is survived by one sister, Christine (William) (Decker-Zerger) Zelmer of Battle Creek, Michigan and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by two brothers: Robert and Randall Decker.
Visitation will be one hour prior to celebration of life which will be held on Friday, April 25 at 6:30pm at the Heartland Church in Winamac. Memorial contributions may be made to the funeral home to assist with final expenses.
Arrangements were made by Frain Mortuary in Winamac.
EARL EDWARD EBERHART
NORTH JUDSON, IN - Earl Edward “Squirrel” Eberhart, 81, died Wednesday, April 2, 2025 at his home. He was born August 29, 1943 in Rensselaer, Indiana to the late Chester and Cecilia (Wagner) Eberhart. On August 1, 1964, he married Patricia Endro.
Earl was a 1962 graduate of San Pierre High School in San Pierre, Indiana. He had worked for his dad at Chet’s Place in San Pierre and eventually took over the business. He served in the US Army Reserves and was a longtime member of the North Judson American Legion Post 92 and a 14 year member of the San Pierre Fire Department serving 2 years as Assistant Chief and 5 years as Chief. He retired from the Starke County Highway Department after 28 years. He is survived by his wife, Patricia, two children: Darren Eberhart and Michelle (James) Prater, both of North Judson, six grandchildren, many great grandchildren and one sister, Linda Justice. He was preceded in death by one great grandson, Kirkland and one sister, Polly Ann Eberhart.
Services were held Saturday, April 5, at O’Donnell Funeral Home. Burial was in the St. Jacob Cemetery in North Judson.
Arrangements were made by O’Donnell Funeral Home, Inc., in North Judson.
LACY MINIX
NORTH JUDSON, IN - Lacy Minix, 82, died Saturday, March 29, 2025. He was born January 16, 1943, in Salyersville, Kentucky to the late Ova and Ollie (Fletcher) Minix.
He enjoyed making people laugh, working in his garden, riding his bike around town visiting family and friends.
He is survived by one son, four daughters, two stepdaughters, one stepson, many grandchildren and great grandchildren and one sister, Wanda Timmons. He was preceded in death by his wife, Nellie J. Minix, two sons: John and Kevin Minix, one step son, Bobby Tauteris, three granddaughters: Catherine Minix, Stephanie Minix and Kendall Minix, four sisters: Irene Minix, Ellazene Schadek, Margella “Hutzy” Minix and Nella Kersting and three brothers: Wilkus, Ronald and Aaron Minix.
Graveside services were held Friday, April 4 at the Winamac Municipal Cemetery in Winamac, Indiana.
Arrangements were made by O’Donnell Funeral Home, Inc. in North Judson.
MONNA L. JOHNSON LUTTRELL
WINAMAC, IN - Monna L. Johnson
Luttrell, 93, died Monday, March 31, 2025 at her home. She was born July12, 1931 in Francesville, Indiana to the late David S. and Grace E. (Sheppard) Losh. On September 8, 1951, she married Marion Johnson. He died April 2, 2002. Monna had been employed by Fratco in Francesville and Eaton Corporation in Winamac. She was a member of New Beginnings Family Fellowship Church in Winamac. She enjoyed shopping crafting, baking, flower gardening, playing her guitar, singing and she loved her family very much.
She is survived by two daughters: Jackie (Jim) Kain of Medaryville, Indiana and Rita (Rick) Payne of Winamac, nine grandchildren, eighteen great grandchildren and four great great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her second husband, Rastus Luttrell, two sons: Infant Marion Johnson and Chuck Johnson and siblings: Donna S. Luttrell and Benjamin A. Losh.
Services were held Friday, April 4, at New Beginnings Family Fellowship Church with Pastor Brent Smith officiating. Burial was in the Koster Cemetery in Francesville. Memorials may be made to New Beginnings Family Fellowship Church. Arrangements were made by Frain Mortuary in Winamac.
FRANCESVILLE, IN - Audrey E. Fulmer Olson, 83, died Friday, April 4, 2025 at her home. She was born April 27, 1941 in Putnam, Connecticut to the late John and Phyllis (Colby) Woodward. On August 13, 1961, in Medaryville, Indiana, she married Ray C. Fulmer. He died September 19, 2003. On October 10, 2007 in Milford, Indiana, she married Francis Olson. He died May 14, 2024.
Audrey graduated from Union Mills High School in Union Mills, Indiana. She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pulaski, Indiana as well as the Christian Mothers. She enjoyed playing cards, fishing, her Boston Terriers and she loved her family very much.
She is survived by one daughter, Lisa (Larry) Brady of Francesville, one son, Kevin (Janine) Fulmer of Medaryville, six grandchildren, ten great grandchildren, three step daughters: Beth Feiler, Dawn (Bud) Webb and Vicki (Dan Miller) George and several step grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by one daughter, Cairine Sewell, two infant great grandchildren: Avian and Luretta Fulmer and siblings: Trudy Guy, William Woodward and Guy “Butch” Woodward.
Services were held Tuesday, April 8, at St. Joseph Catholic Church,with Revs. Anthony Rowland, Dennis Faker and Joshua Bennett officiating. Burial was in the Roseland Cemetery in Francesville. Memorials may be made to the St. Joseph Catholic Church or Ronald McDonald House.
Arrangements were made by Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Francesville.
RAY DANIEL WILLIAMS
WINAMAC, IN - Ray Daniel Williams, 64, died Tuesday, April 3, 2025 at his home. He was born March 24, 1961 to the late Daniel and Vonda Williams. On August 15, 1981 he married Bonnie Williams. She died December 14, 2023.
Ray was the founder of Williams Tree Service. He was a member of the Denham Freewill Baptist Church. His life was his testimony-full of kindness, gentleness and light.
He is survived by his children: Daniel (Kristi Huddleston) Williams and Amanda (Brandon) Wall, nine grandchildren, two great grandchildren and siblings: Yvonne (Jeff) Attinger, Ruthie (Karl) Taylor, Rosemary (Joe) Minix, Walter Williams and Dennis Williams. He was preceded in death by one brother, Richard Williams and grandparents, Eldridge and Rosie Rowe.
A visitation will be held on Friday, April 11 from 11am-1pm (CT) at Denham Freewill Baptist Church. Services will follow at 1pm (CT).
Arrangements were made by O’Donnell Funeral Home, Inc. in North Judson.
JOHN JOSEPH SIMMONS
KNOX, IN - John Joseph Simmons, 72, died Thursday, April 3, 2025. He was born July 11, 1952 in Chicago, Illinois to the late Clarence J. and Frances M. (Reiter) Simmons. On January 14, 1978, he married Laurie.
John was a 1970 graduate of St. Lawrence High School. He then moved to Indiana and began his career as an electrician and then as Trades Foreman at Valparaiso University. He then became owner of a Dairy Queen in Culver, Indiana. He also worked at Michiana Contractors in Plymouth, Indiana before retiring in 2014. He enjoyed spending time with his family, gardening home projects, sharing jokes and a good cigar. He was a loyal fan of the Bears, White Sox and Notre Dame. He is survived by his wife, Laurie, two daughters: Amanda (Mark) Straup of New Carlisle, Indiana and Jennifer Godman of Whiteland, Indiana, five grandsons, one sister, Carol Wentzel of Leiters Ford, Indiana and one brother, James Szymusiak of Knox.
A private celebration of life will be held in July. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Heart Association.
Arrangements were made by Frain Mortuary in Winamac, Indiana.
LINDA SUE HUGGINS
KNOX, IN - Linda Sue Huggins, 78, died Friday, April 4, 2025 in Knox, Indiana. She was born May 9, 1946 in Hawesfork, Kentucky to the late Burlean and Vernie (Wicker) Manns. On May 20, 1989 in Knox, she married Leonard Huggins. He died August 15, 2017.
Sue enjoyed working in her yard, shopping and spending time with her family.
She is survived by one daughter, Charlotte Allen of Claypool, Indiana, one son, John Schacht Jr. of Indianapolis, five grandchildren, five great grandchildren and siblings: Burlen Manns Jr. and Dawn Quaife, both of North Judson, Indiana, Omie Barnett and Alice Faye Miller, both of Knox. She was preceded in death by one daughter, Connie Snyder, one grandson, Matthew Hamilton and siblings: Don and Carlos Manns and Rose Marie Widup.
A combination memorial service will be held for Sue and her daughter, Connie on Friday, April 11. Friends will be received from 10 am till time of services at 1pm at the Braman & Son Memorial Chapel, with Pastor Etsie Allen officiating. Burial will be in the Crown Hill Cemetery in Knox. Contributions may be made to the family.
Arrangements were made by Braman & Son Memorial Chapel in Knox.
Library
Tuesday, April 15th
ATTENTION
MIKE’S LAWNMOWING & Repair - Spring is Here! I do lawnmower repairs at your home. Yard mowing, yard clean up, powerwashing, tree cutting & trimming bushes. Call 219510-7356 ...........................................17B FOR RENT: Small house in North Judson. 219-263-9290 ..................................................16
TREES TRIMMED. Stumps removed. Brush shredded, bushhogging & lot clearing . Will meet or beat any written estimates. Call 574-896-2772.
