Obituaries

Margaret Roth Burzinski

July 19, 1942 to October 27, 2023

WINAMAC - Margaret “Peggy” Burzinski, 81, of Arlington Heights, IL passed away at 8:15 a.m., Friday, Oct. 27, at her place of residence. 

She was born July 19, 1942 in Pulaski County, to the late Harry Joseph and Iva Lucile (Degner) Roth. She graduated from Pulaski High School in 1960 and Ball State University in 1966.

Peggy Burzinski

She is survived by:
Laura (Chris) McDaniel, Gloucestershire, England, Daughter
Kara (Matt) Kulak, Arlington Heights, IL,  Daughter
Stephen Burzinski, Chicago, Son
Nathan, Morgan and Kate Kulak, and Makenzi Poulos, Grandchildren
Harold “Sonny” (Patty) Roth, Pulaski, Brother
Carolyn Witham, Logansport, Sister
Richard “Bub” (Sandy) Roth, Winamac, Brother
Robert (Kathy) Roth, The Villages, FL, Brother
Rebecca (Chuck) Zellers, Winamac, Sister
Patricia J. “Peach” Roth, Pulaski, Sister-in-Law

Preceded in death by:
Patsy Ann Shoemaker, Sister
Mary Lea “Dee Dee” Sass,  Sister
William R. “Bill” Roth, Brother
James Witham, Brother-in-Law

Mrs. Burzinski taught preschool for a number of years before staying home to raise her three children. Later in life, she worked for Chicago Freight Car Leasing until she retired to help care for her grandchildren. She volunteered in her community in many different capacities in order to help others in need, or simply provide them with companionship. She enjoyed gardening, bird watching, and baking, but most dear to her was her love for her grandchildren. She held her faith close to her heart, and found solace and strength through her faith in God. Her kindness, patience and love for her family and friends will live on in our hearts forever.  

A memorial mass will be at 11 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 18, St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pulaski, with Rev. Dennis Faker officiating. Burial will be at St. Joseph Cemetery South in Pulaski.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Little Sisters of the Poor

Online tributes may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com.

Local arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.

Jean Calvert

August 31, 1930 to October 27, 2023

WINAMAC - Jean Calvert, 93, of Park Falls, WI passed away Friday, Oct. 27, at Park Manor Nursing Home in Park Falls.

She was born Aug. 31, 1930 in Chicago to the late Joseph and Santa [Scro] Penicaro. On June 22, 1949, Jean married Marsden “Mark” Calvert. He passed away May 24, 1987.

She is survived by:
Deborah “Debbie” Christie, Daughter
2 Grandchildren
4 Great-Grandchildren
Numerous Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
Patricia “Patty” Stevens, Daughter
Grace (John) Scrol, Sister
Marie (Max) Price, Sister
Rose Penicaro, Sister
Jennie (Howard) Bodden, Sister
Jesephine “Penny” (Sidney) Karras, Sister
Dorothy “Anne” (John) Hartnett, Sister
Frank (Arnabelle) Penicaro, Brother
Julie Penicaro, Twin Sister

Private burial will be at Winamac Cemetery in Winamac.

Online condolences may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.

Janet L. Robinson

December 7, 1929 to October 26, 2023

WINGATE - Janet L. Koebcke Robinson, 93, of Francesville, passed away peacefully Thursday evening, Oct. 26, surrounded by family.

She was born Dec. 7, 1929, in Francesville to the late Chris and Eva Page Koebcke. She married Wayne T. Robinson on Dec. 12, 1948 in Francesville. He preceded her in death Oct. 24, 1993.

Janet Robinson

Surviving are a daughter Sandy Papszycki of Lafayette and a son Dennis (Terry) Robinson of rural Francesville; grandchildren: Matthew (Kelley) Papszycki, Thomas Papszycki, Terra (Brian) Moore, Sean Robinson, Dana (Chris) Nunley, Andrew (Cassidy) Feldhaus, Amber Riegle, Stacy (John) Bings and Jake Chapman. Also great-grandchildren Brady (Breanna) Eagle, Bailey and Coleson Papszycki, Addistyn and Cade Nunley, Tate Papszycki, Blain Moore, Connor and Ethan Riegle and Hayden Feldhaus, Tia Brings, Joshua (Eleanor) Brings; plus great-great-grandchildren Finley Swore, Jett Wilks and Lainey Eagle. Also surviving are many nieces and nephews.  

She was also preceded in death by siblings Ruby Pardue, Kay (Bill) Rater and Richard Koebcke. Her biggest heartbreaks were the loss of two daughters Shari Robinson and Trudi Robinson Riegle and great-granddaughter Riley Papszycki  

Mrs. Robinson graduated from Francesville High School and worked for a while as a telephone operator until she settled with her husband on their family farm west of Francesville. She relished being a mother and loyal wife. Having grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren was the icing on the cake for her. Family was always first, and she loved family holiday celebrations and never forgot a birthday or special occasion. Outside her love for family and God was raising, riding, training and showing horses - a passion that brought her great joy. She was known as “drill sergeant” when instructing her grandchildren on handling horses. Besides her beloved horses, she enjoyed playing cards, line dancing with her sister, playing guitar, crocheting, long camping trips and cooking for her family. Homemade noodles and Chex Mix were two family staples of hers that no one dared to imitate.

Janet will be remembered as a ’tough old bird’ who went through more than most could handle. She was a strong-willed woman and was never one to complain or be afraid of hard work. She was a frugal woman but when it came to family, she would give everything she had. She genuinely held onto her Christian faith and for that she will always be with family. Her deep faith was evident in her lifetime membership of the First Christian Church of Francesville, where she sang in the choir and held the title of the oldest living member. She was last of the “Grand Ladies of Gillam Township” and was lovingly referred to as ‘Blondie’ by neighbors and friends. The friendships and memories that Janet and Wayne built were her treasures. She leaves a legacy that lives on forever in those she leaves behind. Her family has lost a beautiful and integral piece of its family tapestry. She wove her family together with threads of love, loyalty, selflessness, humor, sophistication, passion and grace.  

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m., Monday, Oct. 30; and one hour prior to the funeral service at 11 a.m., Tuesday, Oct. 31, with Pastor James Ketchen officiating; all held at the First Christian Church of Francesville. Burial will follow in Roseland Cemetery, Francesville. Those attending are invited back to the church following the graveside service for a luncheon.  

Memorial donations may be made to the First Christian Church of Francesville.  

Family and Friends Funeral Home of Wingate is assisting with arrangements.  Visit online at www.familyandfriendsfh.com to sign the guestbook or share a condolence.

Arthur E. Coburn

October 29, 1940 to October 25, 2023

MEDARYVILLE - Arthur E. “Art” Coburn, 82, of Monticello (formerly of Medaryville), passed away Wednesday, Oct. 25, at Cumberland Pointe Health Campus in West Lafayette.

He was born Oct. 29, 1940 in Medaryville to the late Chester and Marjorie [Timm] Coburn. He loved his parents deeply and always honored them. He graduated from Medaryville High School in 1959. On March 23, 1963, he married Mary M. Saltsman at the Medaryville Christian Church. She survives.

Art Coburn

He is also survived by:
Sue Ann Grimes, Logansport, Daughter
Tammy Lynn (Brian) Barnhart, West Lafayette, Daughter
Scott Michael (Catherine) Coburn, West Lafayette, Son
Grandchildren: TJ Grimes, Brittany (Scott) Powell, Ashleigh (Garret) Hoover, Kyle Grimes, Alexis Tharp, Allison (Justin) Proctor, and Casie Tharp.
4 Great-Grandchildren: Rylan, Porter, Brooks, and Dean
William R. (Peggy) Coburn, Logansport, Brother
Many Nieces and Nephews and their families

Mr. Coburn was a talented woodworker and carpenter. His passion for all things John Deere began as a child when his Grandpa Coburn opened a John Deere shop in Medaryville. He enjoyed baking (especially zucchini bread) and making homemade fudge. He also enjoyed raising flowers and had a beautiful array of irises. Most of all, he loved his family very much. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

Visitation will be from 2 to 3 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 29, at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Medaryville. The funeral service will follow at 3 p.m. (Sunday), at the funeral home with Pastor Tod Masters officiating. Private burial will be at White Post Cemetery in Medaryville.

Memorial donations may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Online tributes may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com.

Judy Tunis

February 25, 1941 to October 25, 2023

MEDARYVILLE - Judy Tunis, 82, of Valparaiso, passed away Wednesday, Oct. 25. 

She was born Feb. 25, 1941 in Chicago to the late William A. and Eleanor F. [Peters] Wolff.  She married Leroy Tunis who passed away Nov. 13, 2013. 

Judy Tunis

She is survived by:
Eugene Lovely, Valparaiso, Son
Katelynn Tunis, Monticello, Daughter
6 Grandchildren: Mindy, Jason, Robbie, Connor, Tonya, and Sonya
Many Great-Grandchildren and Great-Great-Grandchildren
2 Siblings: Charles and Nancy
Several Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
Judy Kay Baker, Daughter
10 Siblings

Mrs. Tunis was loved deeply by her family and will be sadly missed.

Private burial will take place at St. Mark Cemetery in Medaryville.

Memorial donations may be made to the family.  

Online tributes may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com.

Local arrangements are entrusted to Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Medaryville.

Linda K. Fritz

March 10, 1944 to October 24, 2023

WINAMAC - Linda K. Fritz, 79, of Star City, passed away Tuesday, Oct. 24, at Pulaski Memorial Hospital in Winamac.

She was born March 10, 1944 in Winamac to the late Charles F. and Gladys L. [Bridegroom] Hartwick. She graduated from Winamac High School in 1962. On April 26, 1963, she married Kenneth G. Fritz in Winamac. He survives.

Linda Fritz

Survivors also include:
Christine (Timothy) Olson, Shorewood, IL, Daughter
Laurie (Keith) Kruger, Kokomo, Daughter
Matthew (Sarah) Olson, Grandson
Corie (Jacob) Gatewood, Granddaughter
Brandon (Ashley) Kruger, Grandson
Allison (David) Pilkinton, Granddaughter
Madison Kruger, Granddaughter
4 Great-Grandchildren: Annabelle, Eugene, Lincoln and Charlotte
Several Nieces and Nephews and their families

Preceded in death by:
Charles F. Hartwick Jr., Infant Brother
Donald Wayne Hartwick, Brother
Marcella Ann Schultz, Sister
Frederick Eugene Hartwick, Brother

While working as a teacher’s aide at Winamac Community High School, Mrs. Fritz decided to pursue a degree in education and become a teacher. Working full time and having a family to care for made this no easy task. Enduring late night drives to Lafayette and summer school, she achieved her goal and received her degree from Purdue University. She taught nearly 30 years - first at West Central Elementary school and later at Rensselaer High School. After retirement, she was a member of the Pulaski County Retired Teachers Association. She was also a member of the Pulaski Memorial Hospital Auxiliary and the Winamac High School Alumni Association. Her children have fond memories of their mom coaching their softball team and helping them with their horses in 4-H. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

A celebration of life service will be from 1 to 4 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 4, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Online tributes may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.