Obituaries

Wesley Waszczyk

December 22, 1950 to February 17, 2025

WINAMAC - Wesley Waszczyk, 74, of Winamac, passed away, Monday, Feb. 17, at home surrounded by his family.

He was born Dec. 22, 1950 in Krakow, Poland to the late Józef and Antonina Waszczyk. He served in the Polish army for several years before moving to the U.S. He married Theresa Gurga on Feb. 15, 1975, in Chicago. She survives.

He is also survived by son Christopher (Amy) Waszczyk of Shorewood, IL, sister Krystyna Martynowska of Poland, and his cherished granddaughter, Alexis Marie.

Mr. Waszczyk retired from Krack Corporation in Addison, IL. He will be remembered for his love of fishing - always introducing his family and friends to one of his favorite pastimes. While he was fishing, it seemed like he was at peace with the world and one with nature. He enjoyed showing off his skills and passing them on to his extended family. You were extra special if he took you to his favorite spots - that meant you were a part of his inner circle. Playing soccer was another love of his. It was a way of making awesome friends and competing to be the best. Now, he wasn’t a world cup player but you couldn’t tell him that. Soccer was in his heart from the time he was a little boy. He spent many days going to World Cup games or Polish National games with his son, but he enjoyed playing and building friendships the most. During the winter, his focus turned to hockey. Similar to soccer, except on ice. He was a big Chicago Blackhawks fan. He also had a love for beer; rarely seeing him without one. Whether he was mowing the lawn or just sitting back on his deck, a cold brew was always nearby. It was his tradition to dump a little Busch beer into the waters of Rainy Lake to improve the chances of a successful fishing trip. If you knew him, it was usually through one of these loves of his.

Mr. Waszczyk was a dedicated family man who worked hard to make sure his family was taken care of - at one time working two jobs to make ends meet. His son remembers him coming home late at night and sitting in front of the wood burning stove and just falling asleep. A hard thing for a child to understand, but as a grown man himself, his son now does. Wes was never a rich man but he was very wealthy. He could usually make friends with anyone, and everyone remembers his smile. From the soccer field, to the lake, or the coffee shop, he impacted everyone he came across. He will be greatly missed by all those who love him. Dad, please keep an eye on all of us and steer us from danger. Especially your granddaughter Alexis Marie. Love you and see you soon. Have a cold one ready for me and an extra fishing pole by your side.

A celebration of life event will be held at a later date.

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

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.

Terry A. Pratt

October 27, 1960 to February 10, 2025

ROYAL CENTER - Terry A. Pratt, 64, Winamac, passed away Monday, Feb. 10, at home, surrounded by his family.

Born Oct. 27, 1960 to Lindle and Cecelia Pratt, he was the youngest of eight children. He married Cindy Ritter on Jan. 31, 1981.

Their children are Diana M. (Russ) Fletcher, Beth A. Pratt, and Terry L. (Courtney) Pratt. He has two grandchildren Jace L. and Luke D (Terry L. & Courtney). His siblings are Ed, Vern, Jerry, Linda, Tim, Ron and his twin Gerry).

Mr. Pratt worked in auto detailing for most of his life and was very dedicated to his profession. He was able to take vehicles in the worst conditions and make them look new. He wanted everyone to know what it was like to have a brand-new vehicle, even if it was used. He passed along many of his interests and hobbies to his children and grandchildren, including motorcycle riding, playing drums, dirt track racing, drag racing, hunting/fishing and music. Sharing all of his passions was what made it worth doing. Building, playing and listening alongside the ones he loved is what completed these passions for him. He loved his family with all his heart and was so proud of who they have become. His grandchildren were the completion of his heart. His sister-in-law Ann Fagner once said that he was made to be a “papaw.” Truer words have never been spoken.

The family will hold a celebration of life, but there will not be any open services. Friends and family are welcome to stop by the home and send cards to express condolences. 

Mr. Pratt’s online guestbook is available, and condolences may be shared with the family at www.ransfuneralhomes.com

Arrangements have been entrusted to Rans Funeral Homes, Royal Center.

Dennis A. Wilson

December 2, 1960 to February 9, 2025

MEDARYVILLE - Dennis A. Wilson, 64, of Medaryville, passed away peacefully Sunday, Feb. 9, at his home.

He was born Dec. 2, 1960 in Gary to the late Howard and Sandra (Crossman) Wilson.

Dennis Wilson

He is survived by:
Jackie Heckman, Life Partner
Brian Cox, Son
Amanda (Keith) Hammon, Daughter
Bradley Wilson, Son
Lisa (Jason) Goble, Daughter
17 Grandchildren
1 Great-Grandson
Robin Witt, Sister
Rhonda Ogiego, Sister
Dean Wilson, Brother
Several Nieces and Nephews
Vivian Wilson, Former Spouse

Preceded in death by:
Rachelle Wilson, Infant Daughter
Michael Wilson, Grandson
Danny Wilson, Brother
Anthony Herrera, Nephew

Mr. Wilson was a master carpenter who could build anything from the ground up and taught many others his craft. He had previously served as president of the Portage Jaycees. He had a green thumb, loved gardening, and was a collector of many things. Most of all, he was a loving dad and “pawpaw.”

A celebration of life event will be at 2 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 22, at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Medaryville.

Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or Pulaski Animal Center.

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

Myralin J. Fox

July 7, 1939 to February 8, 2025

MEDARYVILLE - Myralin Joan Fox, 85, of Medaryville, passed away Saturday, Feb. 8, at White Oak Health Campus in Monticello.

She was born July 7, 1939 in Lafayette, to the late Jesse Hulon and Wilma Mary (Menn) Wheeler. In 1957, she graduated from Dayton High School in Dayton, IN. She married George Joseph Fox on Dec. 15, 1957, in Dayton. He survives.

Myralin Fox

She is also survived by:
Joe (Andrea) Fox, Lowell, Son
Garry Fox, Medaryville, Son
Richard Fox, West Lafayette, Son
Melinda Fox, Lebanon, Daughter
Ben (Leah) Fox, Grandson
Jessica Fox, Granddaughter
4 Great-Grandchildren: Joe, Rhett, Chester and Ford
Ray (Carol) Wheeler, Spokane, WA, Brother
Charles (Carol) Wheeler, Noblesville, Brother
Several Nieces and Nephews and their families

Preceded in death by:
Jesse and Wilma Wheeler, Parents

Mrs. Fox was a member of Brushwood Church in rural Rensselaer. She was also a member of the Daughter’s of the American Revolution in Lafayette, as well as a former member of the Order of the Eastern Star in Medaryville. She enjoyed gardening, canning, and cooking, as well as bird watching and caring for her cats. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Friday, Feb. 14, at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Medaryville. The funeral service will follow at 1 p.m. (Friday), at the funeral home with Pastor Tom Dewlen officiating. Burial will be at Independence Cemetery in Medaryville.

Memorial donations may be made to Brushwood Church or the Indiana United Methodist Children’s Home Foundation. Donation envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

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

Jean M. Hollenberg

February 22, 1929 to February 5, 2025

GOSHEN - Jean Marie Hollenberg, 95, formerly of Winamac, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 5.

Jean Hollenberg

She was born Feb. 22, 1929 in Kankakee, IL to Paul and Effie Harrison. She grew up in Lucerne, IN with her identical twin Shirley Ann and sisters Marilyn Sue and Thelma Lu. Her sisters and parents preceded her in death. She met Edward Lowell Hollenberg when she was at Indiana University Nursing School. They married Feb. 4, 1951. Dr. Hollenberg preceded her in death in October 2020.

After two years of alternative service in Crossville, TN, they settled in Winamac where they raised their family: Steve (Kathy Barr), Sherri (Galen) Plank, Lori (Phil) Bontrager, Jenny (David) Almdale, Sandy (Tim) Morgan, and Holly (Chris – deceased) Liechty; plus exchange students Christian (Karin Schreiber) Willnow and Deepika Tillekeratne.

The Hollenbergs moved to Peoria, IL 1987-1994, after which they were happy to return to Winamac. Mrs. Hollenberg celebrated even smallest moments of life. She enjoyed camping, reading, traveling, planning a party, and sports. She devotedly supported Ed’s family medical practice. She was active in church, giving leadership to children’s choir, various programs, and hospitality. Her support was palpable – and she greeted all she met with her effervescent smile and hugs. The Hollenbergs created a welcoming sanctuary at their Walnut Hills Farm which they offered to so many people. They cherished their 23 grandchildren and partners, and 21 great-grands, all who are proud to carry their grandparents’ legacy forward: (Steve) Scott, Julia, Stephanie; (Sherri) Laura, Brian, Meleah; (Lori) Andrea, Rachel, David, Darin; (Jenny) Annalise, Kali, Kristofor; (Sandy) Emily, Elyse, Lucas; (Holly) Caleb, Joshua, Rebekah; (Christian) Sophie, Leoni; (Dee) Arjuna, Rehan. We give her back to our Creator with gratitude for her life and generous love. 

A memorial service for Ed and Jean will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, April 12 at the First United Methodist Church in Winamac. 

Memorial donations can be made in lieu of flowers to Deputy Director for Stewardship, IN State Parks, 402 W Washington St Room W298, Indianapolis, IN  46204  ATTN: Pokagon State Park Ed/Jean Hollenberg Memorial Fund. OR to Winamac First UMC  201 E Spring St.,  P.O. Box 343, Winamac, IN 46996 in their honor.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Yoder Culp Funeral Home, Goshen.

William E. Hahn

October 14, 1946 to February 4, 2025

WINAMAC - William Elmer Hahn, 78, of Park Forest, IL passed away Tuesday, Feb. 4,  at Franciscan Health – Olympia Fields.

Born Oct. 14, 1946 in Chicago Heights, IL, he was the son of Elmer Arnold and Marie Catherine (Gunther) Hahn.

William Hahn

He is survived by:
Judith C. “Judy” Hahn, Lisle, IL, Sister
Charlotte A. “Shotsie” Hahn, Culver, Sister-in-law
Jeff Hahn, Nephew
Dylan Hahn, Nephew

Preceded in death by:
Elmer and Marie Hahn, Parents
James O. “Jim” Hahn, Brother
Thomas “Tom” Hahn, Brother

Affectionately known as Billy to his family, Mr. Hahn’s siblings thought him the epitome of grace. He was innocent and sweet, with a touch of their dad’s sense of humor. He was well-loved by his God-given family, as well as his extended family at the Elizabeth Ludeman Center in Park Forest where he resided for many years. The staff at Ludeman, who called him Willie, were familiar with his harmless pranks like pretending to steal his roommate’s food. Eternal Rest Grant Unto Him O’ Lord and Let Perpetual Light Shine Upon Him

Private graveside services and burial will be at Culver Masonic Cemetery in Culver with Rev. Stephen Felicichia officiating.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Mary of the Lake Catholic Church.

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

Local arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.