Obituaries

November 20, 1956 to March 16, 2025

WINAMAC - John Frank Newman, 68, Winamac, passed away peacefully Sunday, March 16, at home with his wife and other loved ones by his side.

He was born Nov. 20, 1956, in Winamac to the late Herbert Russell and Norma Rosemary (Good) Newman. He graduated from Culver Community High School in 1975. He attended Purdue University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in animal science in 1979. On Aug.11, 1990, he married Jeanne Gay Rickman. She survives.

John Newman

He is also survived by:
Laura Lynn Beth (Donny) Nies, Winamac, Daughter
Kathleen Mae (Donny) Howe, Winamac, Daughter
John Russell Newman, Winamac, Son
Angela Rose Bain, Statesboro, GA, Daughter
Jayden Haluck, Granddaughter
Grandchildren: Isabella Bain, Deagan Howe, Easton Howe, Judd Nies, and Thadd Nies.
Herbert Russell (Janet) Newman Jr., Culver, Brother
Arthur Allen (Melissa) Newman, Winamac, Brother
Barbara Mae (Warren) Penrod, Culver, Sister
Geri Anne Newman, Culver, Sister
Mary Lovina Newman, East Enterprise, Sister
Marilyn (Dave) Newman Gess, Princeton, Sister-in-law
Edward (Lynn) Rickman, Culver, Father-in-law
Eddie (Brenda) Rickman, Rochester, Brother-in-law
Lynn (Lisa) Rickman, Port Charlotte, FL, Sister-in-law
Jane Sheets, Culver, Sister-in-law
Nephews and Nieces: Jason Newman, Matt (Catie) Newman, Brianna Deitrich, Peyton Newman, Shawn Newman, Heather (Gregory) de Jong, Benjamin Newman, Meghan (John Swinford) Newman, Eric (Erika) Newman, Jeremy Penrod, Natalie Newman,  Allen (Janel) Sayger, Wendi (Michael) Wolford, Dominic Powers, Dylan Bettinelli, Daniel Bettinelli, Dawson (Courtney) Bettinelli, Ryan Sheets, Reagan Sheets, and Zach (Brandy) Black.
Numerous Great-Nieces and -Nephews
Many Cousins

Preceded in death by:
Douglas Paul Newman, Son
Edward Anthony Newman, Brother
Adam Deitrich, Nephew
Jeremy Bain, Son-in-law
Justin Haluck, Family Member
Juanita (Flowers) Rickman, Mother-in-law
Cathy Faylor, Sister-in-law

Mr. Newman’s birth was especially memorable, as it won his parents’ doctor a steak dinner. The doctor had predicted that mother Norma would not have children, but father Herb confidently bet a steak dinner that they would welcome their first child within a year. True to his father’s belief, John was born just one day late - sharing a birthday with Herb. As the eldest of seven siblings, he led the way as his six younger siblings arrived in quick succession over the next eight years. The Newman family grew up on a dairy farm in Culver, where hard work, family bonds, and plenty of love surrounded them. John was a hardworking man throughout his life. His strong work ethic began early, as he started helping on the family dairy farm at just five years old, sweeping the milking barn. He continued working through high school. During his time at Purdue, he was actively involved in the Purdue Dairy Club and the Dairy Judging Team, all while passionately cheering on the Boilermakers. After graduating, he returned to the family farm, taking on a key role in management and daily operations. He was responsible for the breeding program, carefully selecting bulls to improve the herd’s genetics. Working alongside his brother, Herb Jr., they grew the herd from 90 to 160 cows and increased milk production from 14,500 to 24,000 pounds per cow. Even after the dairy herd was sold in 1998, buyers frequently reported back to John about the exceptional performance of Newman cattle. Following his time in farming, John spent three years working for DeLaval, selling dairy farm route supplies. He later transitioned to a career as a truck driver with Murray’s Trucking Company, where he worked until his retirement.

Along with saying “I do,” Mr. Newman also wholeheartedly embraced his role as a father to Doug, Laura and Kati. His wife never recalls a moment when he wavered in that commitment - he loved and raised them as if he had been there from the very beginning. His unwavering dedication was one of the many reasons she fell in love with him and continued to love and respect the man she married. The couple later expanded their family with the arrival of son, John Russell and daughter, Angie. Mr. Newman was a loving, loyal and devoted family man, always putting his children first. His daughter Laura fondly recalls how he never hesitated to show up and support them. She cherishes memories of waking up at 2 a.m. to help milk cows, armed with a big jug of Crystal Light, or riding along with him in the tractor out in the fields - simple moments that spoke volumes about his love and dedication as a father.

For the past 30-plus years, the Newmans have been devoted members of Heartland Church where he was deeply involved in the church community. A devoted man of faith, he was an active participant in the men’s group, volleyball, and youth group, always finding ways to serve others. His commitment to the youth ministry was so strong that he even obtained a permit to drive the church bus, ensuring that kids who wanted to attend youth group had a way to get there. He was a true man of God, living out his faith in both words and actions. He was a praying man, always turning to God in times of joy, uncertainty, and hardship. Whether it was a concern, a worry, or a challenge, he was quick to offer a prayer, lifting up those around him with his unwavering belief in God’s power and grace. His kindness, dedication, and steadfast faith left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him, shaping the lives of many and leaving behind a legacy of love and devotion. If there is one thing to take away from John’s faith and devotion to God, it is the simple yet powerful reminder he often shared, “Let’s pray about that.”

 After retiring, the Newmans enjoyed traveling, spending time with their family, and cheering on his favorite teams. His love for sports was a defining part of his life, bringing him joy, connection, and countless memories with family and friends. A devoted fan of the Chicago Cubs, the Chicago Bears (“da Bears”), and the Purdue Boilermakers, he rarely missed an opportunity to watch his favorite teams in action. One of his most cherished sports memories was watching Game 7 of the 2016 World Series when the Cubs finally broke their 108-year championship drought. His brother-in-law Eddie Rickman recalled, “John and I were able to watch the first five innings together at One-Eyed Jacks before a thunderstorm blew through and knocked out the electricity. Determined not to miss the moment, he had me drop him off at the hospital lobby where Jeanne worked so he could finish rooting for the Cubs to victory.” Like any lifelong Cubs fan, witnessing that historic win was something he would never forget. John’s passion for sports was best enjoyed in the company of others. Whether it was watching a Bears game on a Sunday afternoon or cheering on Purdue, he loved sharing the experience with family and friends. This was never more evident than this past Christmas when his family came together to ensure he could watch his beloved Boilermakers play. First, his sister and niece gifted him a new TV, then his son-in-law stepped in to set it up, and finally, multiple family members arrived two hours early just to watch the game with him. It was moments like these - cheering, celebrating and sometimes commiserating - that made sports more than just a pastime for John. It was a way to bring people together, and his love for the game will be remembered by all who shared it with him.

John’s love for his wife of 34 years, his children and their spouses, and his grandchildren was unmatched. Thank you to all our family, friends, and community for your love and support during this difficult time.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m., Thursday, March 20, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Friday, March 21, at Heartland Church in Winamac with Pastor Heath Hiatt officiating. Private burial will be at Zion Cemetery in Culver.

Memorial donations may be made to Heartland Church (https://www.heartland.church/give).

Friends are invited to sign the online guestbook and share memories with the family at www.frainmortuary.com.