BEVERLY JEAN MADSEN SPENNER
WESTVILLE, IN - Beverly Jean
“Bev” Madsen Spenner, 70, died on December 17, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana after a lengthly illness. She was born on January 10, 1955 in La Porte, Indiana to the late Christian B. and Blanche (Werth) Madsen. On July 27, 1974 at Bass Lake, she married Jeffrey Spenner. Bev graduated from NJ-SP High School in 1974. She was a retired loan officer from Grand Heritage Credit Union in La Porte. She was a member of the American Legion Post 83 in La Porte and a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in La Porte. Bev enjoyed baking, cross stitch, traveling, working crossword puzzles and spending time with her family.
She is survived by her husband, Jeffrey, two daughters: Jocelyn Spenner and Amanda D. (Jeramie Ross) Spenner, both of La Porte, two grandchildren and one brother, Christian H. (Peggy) Madsen of North Judson, Indiana. She was preceded in death by one sister, Nancy Madsen.
A celebration of life will be held on May 23, 2026 at the VFW (181 McClung Rd in La Porte) from Noon to 4pm.
CHAROLETTE JEAN STONER
MEDARYVILLE, IN - Charolette Jean Stoner, 74, died unexpectedly Saturday, January 24, 2026 at Pulaski Memorial Hospital in Winamac, Indiana. She was born July 20, 1951 in Gary, Indiana to the late Clifford Julius and Christine (Allen) Woodard. On June 19, 1999 in Medaryville, she married Gregory Allen Stoner. He died April 25, 2010.
Charolette was a 1969 graduate of West Central High School. She was retired from the Iron Skillet in Remington, Indiana. She was a member of the Medaryville Assembly of God Church. She enjoyed gardening of all kinds and collecting angels. She loved her family very much.
She is survived by two daughters: Shannon Yevette (Ronald, Jr.) Broughton of Callahan, Florida and Christie Renee (Ervin III) Marlin of Medaryville, one son, William Everett (Ingrid McClung) Salyer of Chicago, Illinois, five grandchildren, three great grandchildren, two sisters: Elizabeth Jeffrey of Wabash, Indiana and Vivian Mitchell of Medaryville and one brother, Cleatious (Beverly) Woodard of Medaryville. She was preceded in death by her first husband, William Eugene Salyer and two brothers: Kenneth Dale Woodard and Clifford Julius “CJ” Woodard, Jr.
Services were held Monday, February 2 at Frain Mortuary with Pastor Tom Dewlen officiating. Burial was in the White Post Cemetery in Medaryville. Memorials may be made to the Medaryville Assembly of God Church or to the Rheumatoid Arthritis Foundation. Arrangements were made by Frain Mortuary in Medaryville.
ROBERT ARTHUR CRAMER
WINAMAC, IN - Robert Arthur “Bob” Cramer, 88, died Tuesday, January 27, 2026 at the Pulaski Health Care Center in Winamac, Indiana. He was born on September 17, 1939 in Franklin Township, Pulaski County to the late Arthur George and Lucille Gladys (Riggleman) Cramer. On August 30, 1959 in Knox, Indiana, he married Sharon Lee Elgin. She died February 22, 2022
Bob was a 1955 graduate of Winamac High School and served in the US Army Reserve during the Korean War. He was a longtime member of the Ora Gospel Chapel in Ora, Indiana. He enjoyed deer hunting, gardening of all kinds, trapping, antique engines and going to the Power Show in Winamac. He loved his family very much.
He is survived by two daughters: Kimberly Joy (Terry) Reinholt and Lisa Michelle (Mark) Henderson and two grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by two brothers: MSgt. Joseph Harold “Joe” Cramer USAF, Ret. and Gerald “Jerry” Cramer.
Services were held Saturday, January 31 at Frain Mortuary. Burial was in the Hanna Cemetery in Hanna, Indiana. Memorials may be made to Gideon’s International.
Arrangements were made by Frain Mortuary in Winamac.
MARK SMITH
NORTH JUDSON, IN - Mark Smith, 66, died Thursday, January 8, 2026 in Lafayette, Indiana.
Mark loved to be with family and friends.
He is survived by two step-children: Nicholas Hamilton and Christina Lucas, two grandchildren and siblings: James Smith Jr., Jamie York, Dawn Smith, Jeff Smith and Scott Smith. He was preceded in death by his parents, James E. Smith Sr. and Geraldine Smith and siblings: Kenneth Smith, Kathy Pacelt and Sandy Westfall.
Services will be held at a later date.
Arrangements were made by O’Donnell Funeral Home, Inc. in North Judson.
CHARLES A. HOUSEHOLDER
KNOX, IN - Charles A. Householder, 70, died Saturday, January 24, 2026 in Knox, Indiana. He was born April 23, 1955 in Hammond, Indiana to the late Otho and Charlene (Brown) Householder.
Charles worked as a boilermaker and was known as “Housecat” to his fellow workers. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and spending time with his family.
He is survived by three daughters: Angela Householder of South Bend, Indiana, Heather (Paul) Hurrell of Kingman, Arizona and Hope (Tom) McCoy of Diana, Texas, two sons: Charles Householder of Lowell, Indiana and Michael (Casey) Householder of North Judson, Indiana, fifteen grandchildren, six great grandchildren and ten siblings. He was preceded in death by one sister, Reva Spoor.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Arrangements were made by Braman & Son Memorial Chapel in Knox.
SHARON DARLENE PFOST
NORTH JUDSON, IN - Sharon
Darlene Pfost, 74, died Wednesday, December 31, 2026, due to complications from a sickness. She was born January 15, 1951 to the late James and Mildred Budka. On October 25, 1969, she married Kenneth Pfost.
Sharon had battled multiple sclerosis for many years and she never allowed it to diminish her spirit. She loved spending time with her family, listening to audio books, watching Criminal Minds and Hallmark movies and Notre Dame football.
She is survived by her children: Tamara, Wendy and Kenny, eight grandchildren, six great grandchildren and siblings: Nancy Foushi, Joyce VanKley and Bruce. She was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth and one brother, Richard Budka.
Services were held on Saturday, January 3, at the O’Donnell Funeral Home. Burial was in the St. Jacob Cemetery in North Judson. Memorials may be made to the National MS Society.
Arrangements were made by O’Donnell Funeral Home, Inc. in North Judson.
ROGER D. MADSEN
KNOX, IN - Roger D. “Butch” Madsen, 75, died Friday, January 9, 2026. He was born January 17, 1950 in North Judson, Indiana to the late Morris and Dorothy Madsen. On January 11, 1975, in North Judson, he married Rose Fort.
Roger attended North Judson High School and was a veteran of the US Army. He cherished time spent with his family and friends. He had a lifelong love of motorcycles and owned two because one wasn’t enough.
He is survived by his wife, Rose, one son, Kenneth (Kristin) Madsen of Valparaiso, Indiana, two daughters: Barbara (Curtis) Burkett and Pamela (Jay) Callahan, both of North Judson, eleven grandchildren, one great granddaughter and siblings: Robert (Joanne) Madsen of San Pierre, Indiana, Michael Madsen of North Judson and Carol (John) Karsten of Winamac, Indiana. He was preceded in death by one daughter, Angela M. Shook and one brother, Richard A. Madsen.
Memorials may be made to the DAV, Gentiva Hospice Care or the charity of your choice.
Arrangements were made by O’Donnell Funeral Home, Inc. in North Judson.
JOSEPHINE JORDAN
NORTH JUDSON, IN - Josephine Jordan, 83, died Tuesday, January 20, 2026. She was born March 3, 1942 in Hyden, Kentucky to the late Hazel Browning and Henry Lewis. On March 29, 1958, in North Judson, she married Alvin Jordan. Josephine was a homemaker and will be remembered for her kindness and integrity for her family. She loved spending time with her family.
She is survived by three daughters: Theresa (Eugene) Harper, Connie (Keith) Jordan and Jennifer (Ronnie) Jordan, six grandchildren, eleven great grandchildren and two sisters: Bethel Fisher and Jean Hoskins. She was preceded in death by her husband, Alvin and ten siblings: William Browning, Paul Osborne, Arley Osborne, Clarence Osborne Jr, Faye Kearns, Matt Osborne, Steve Osborne, Glenna Osborne, Ruth Baker and Janette Baute.
Services were held Wednesday, January 28 at the O’Donnell Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to the Toto Mennonite Church.
Arrangements were made by O’Donnell Funeral Home, Inc. in North Judson.
OLIVE COLLINS
NORTH JUDSON, IN - Olive Collins, 87, died Thursday, January 29, 2026. She was born September 29, 1938 in Salyersville, Kentucky to the late Henry and Ida (Cole) Rowe. On July 9, 1955, in North Judson, she married A.B. Collins Olive’s life was steeped in her faith and family. She was a founding member of the gospel group “The Rowe Family” and traveled throughout the Midwest for nearly 30 years singing the gospel. She was a perfectionist in the kitchen and hers was a place of love, tradition and unforgettable meals. She loved her family very much. She is survived by two sons: Greg (Edie) Collins and Jeff Collins, one daughter, Donna (Ron) Faris, five grandsons and six great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, A.B. three grandsons: Jonathan, Christopher and Justin Collins and siblings: Tressie Jordan, Ivory Fugate, Hester Rowe, Alberta Minix, Naomi Rudd, and Aaron, David, Mike and Abe Rowe.
Visitation from 11am-1pm on Wednesday, February 4 at the O’Donnell Funeral Home with funeral services beginning at 1pm. Burial will be in the Highland Cemetery in North Judson.
Arrangements were made by O’Donnell Funeral Home, Inc. in North Judson.
MELVIN D. KERSTING
NORTH JUDSON, IN - Melvin D. “Mel” Kersting, 93, died Thursday, January 22, 2025 in Peru, Indiana. He was born September 12, 1932 in South Bend, Indiana to the late Charles and Alma (Kirsch) Kersting.
Melvin lived most of his life in North Judson and co-owned and managed the Kersting Saw Mill and Pallet company in North Judson. He loved his family and the outdoors. He was the first quarterback on the North Judson High School football team and enjoyed trap shooting at the Oakwood Gun Club. He was a veteran of the US Army. He was an active member of St. Peter Luteran Church and was a generous benefactor to the church and school.
Services were held at the O’Donnell Funeral Home on Thursday, January 29. Burial was in the Highland Cemetery in North Judson.
Arrangements were made by O’Donnell Funeral Home, Inc. in North Judson.
ERIC JAMES SARGENT
MARION, IN - Eric James Sargent, 38, died Friday, January 30, 2026 at his home. He was born January 19, 1988 in Knox, to Vickie Miler and the late Tom Sargent. Eric loved music, being outside, taking walks and spending time with his family.
He is survived by his mother and stepfather, Vickie and Michael Miller of North Judson, Indiana, three sisters: Kari Miller of North Judson, Jenny (Ray) Timmons of Francesville and Heather (Justin) Kanney of Greentown, Indiana, one brother, Ryan (Erica) Sargent of Knox, Indiana. He was preceded in death by grandparents, Rodney and Charlotte Bliss.
Visitation will be held on Friday, February 6 from 11am to the time of service at 12pm at the O’Donnell Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Highland Cemetery in North Judson.
Arrangements were made by O’Donnell Funeral Home, Inc. in North Judson.
WILBUR EDWARD THOMPSON
NORTH JUDSON, IN - Wilbur Edward “Joe” Thompson, 66, died Tuesday, January 27, 2026. He was born February 9, 1959 in Martins Ferry, Ohio to the late Jed and Louise (Talarovich) Thompson. In June of 1986, he married Terry Russell. She died in April of 2024. Joe attended William A. Wirt High School in Gary, Indiana. He was quick with a joke and liked to tell stories about pulling pranks with his brothers and being friends with a young Michael Jackson. He enjoyed spending time with his family, attending car shows and showing his 1969 Mustang, riding his motorcycle and watching TV. He is survived by stepdaughter, Kelly Anderson, two grandchildren and siblings: Jerry (Rebecca), Dennis (Denise) and Harvey (Kelly) and Dixie (George) Schlink. He was preceded in death by siblings: Tina and Randy.
A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, February 22 at the Nancy J. Dembowski Community Center in Knox, Indiana from 1-5pm. Arrangements were made by O’Donnell Funeral Home, Inc. in North Judson.
The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread.
Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.
Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.
HILLARD MINIX
Hillard Minix, 80 passed away on Saturday, January 24, 2026 in Valparaiso, IN. He was born on May 16, 1945 in North Judson, IN to Earn and Myrtle Minix. On October 28, 1967 he married Judy Craft. Hillard was a graduate of North Judson High School. He worked at Ford Motor Company for a short time before enlisting in the U.S. Army. He was a spec 5 from 1963-1966 serving the country that he loved and respected wholeheartedly. He considered every veteran his brother and dedicated his life to helping his fellow veterans in any way that he could. Hillard worked at Allis Chalmers until they shut down and then worked at various places until he retired. Hillard was an avid sports fan. He loved the Chicago Cubs and anytime there was a North Judson game, you would find him in the stands. He was their #1 fan. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Judy. He was proceeded in death by his parents, Earn and Myrtle and siblings: Dixie, Fay, Phyllis, Bob, Ocie, Carson, Opal and Hattie.
Services were held Friday, January 30 at the Denham Freewill Baptist Church, with Pastor Mike Noble officiating. Burial was in the Highland Cemetery in North Judson. Hillard was loved dearly by family and friends alike and will be greatly missed by all.
Never Forgotten...
Christina Leigh Franks
January 7, 2000-February 8, 2014
Those special memories of you, Will always bring a smile. You are missed each and everyday, Who meant more than words can say God has you in His arms, We have you in our hearts!
Loving you with every heartbeat, Missing you with every breath!
We miss you and Dad so much. Take care of each other till we see you again, as God’s promise. We love you Christina & Rich. You are both dearly missed and forever remembered.
Love, Mom, Family & Friends
NOTICE:
Round Lake Cemetery is taking bids for the lawn care (mowing and trimming) for both the North side & South side Cemeteries for the 2026 season
We require 5 regular mowingsbid price per mowing: Mother’s Day Memorial Day
Father’s Day
Fourth of July Labor Day
Optional mowing only if contacted by the Cemetery Board. You must be insured and show proof. Please include insurance information when sending back the bids.
Bids are due by February 27, 2026.
Send BidS To:
Terri Belcher 1140 E 250 S Knox IN 46534
Our Food Pantry Is In Need Of The Following: Salt- Pepper-Any And All Types Of Spices-Toothbrushes-BBQ Sauce Condiments to Go With Any Sides Any & All Food Items Are Welcome As Well As Any Personal Hygiene Items
