Obituaries

Berniece L. Trapp

April 29, 1921 to May 16, 2022

WINAMAC - Berniece L. Trapp, 101, of Lafayette (formerly of Winamac) passed away Monday, May 16, at Creasy Springs Health Campus in Lafayette where she had resided since 2016.

Berniece Trapp

She was born April 29, 1921 in Winamac to the late Orville M. and Mary Nierzwicki Smith. She attended a one-room schoolhouse in Ripley, and graduated from Monterey High School. After high school, she lived with and worked for the Capper family on their farm in Star City. On Feb. 1, 1941, she married Albert J. Trapp at the Smith home place in rural Monterey. He passed away May 25, 1994.

She is survived by:
Janey (Kenneth) McGlothlin Jr., Lafayette, Daughter
Michael (Rachel) McGlothlin, Lafayette, Step-Grandson
Rosie Smith, Rochester, Sister-in-law
Many Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
Leona P. Rausch, Sister
Deloris Moore, Sister
Orville M. Smith Jr., Brother

Mrs. Trapp was a loving and devoted farmer’s wife, caring for the home and helping on the farm. The couple celebrated 53 years of marriage before his death. She was a lifelong member of the First Christian Church in Winamac where she was always willing to lend a helping hand. She was a 50-year member and Past Worthy Matron of Tippecanoe Chapter OES #96. Berniece and Albert were members of a local Pinochle club for over 40 years. She was happiest when she was surrounded by friends and family. She was a talented cook and baker who loved to share with others.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, May 21, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. OES services will be held at 12 noon The funeral service will follow at 2 p.m. (Saturday), at the funeral home with Pastor Jeff Seger officiating. Burial will be at Winamac Cemetery (McKinley Addition) in Winamac.

Memorial donations may be made to the First Christian Church in Winamac,.

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

James C. Bennett

November 25, 1970 to May 15, 2022

WINAMAC - James C. Bennett, 51, of Monterey (formerly of Lake Station) passed away Sunday, May 15, at Pulaski Memorial Hospital in Winamac.

He was born Nov. 25, 1970 in Valparaiso, to John W. and Brenda G. Overby Bennett.

He is survived by:
Tiffany Tarter, Daughter
Robert Bennett, Son
Trisha Bennett, Daughter
Crystal Berns, Daughter
Lakota Bennett, Son
3 Grandchildren: Sky, Ariella, and Ariah
John and Brenda Bennett, Parents
John W. Bennett II, Brother
Cindy Wirick, Sister
Several Nieces and Nephews

Mr. Bennett liked to work on cars, hunt, fish, and float the Tippecanoe River. He worked at Direct Transit for many years.

Visitation will be from 3 to 5 p.m., Friday, May 20, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac.

Memorial donations may be made to Friends of the Tippecanoe River State Park.

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

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.

Beverly J. Hooper

August 23, 1949 to May 9, 2022

WINAMAC - Beverly J. “Bev” Hooper, 72, of Rensselaer, formerly of Star City, passed away Monday, May 9, at Franciscan Health Hospital in Lafayette.

She was born Aug. 23, 1949 in Lafayette, to the late Lee E. and Merlene F. Linback Kiser. She graduated from Star City High School in 1967 and served in the U.S. Navy from 1967 to 1970. On May 31, 1969, she married Layne Hooper in Pulaski. He survives.

Bev Hooper

She is also survived by:
Shannon (Jennifer) Hooper, Thornton, CO, Son
Trisha Giombetti, Lindenhurst, IL, Daughter
Peyton Hooper, Granddaughter
Chase Hooper, Grandson
Andrea L Childs, Florida, Sister

Mrs. Hooper enjoyed cooking, antiquing, and attending auctions. She enjoyed meeting new people and spending time with her friends. She especially enjoyed traveling to see her kids and grandkids. As a phenomenal cook, she could conjure warmth and love through food and baked goods. Cakes, cookies, and large meals were a labor of love and something that was always being prepared to delight anyone lucky enough to be close when they were fully prepared. She was a kind and compassionate mother, and her children felt a special bond with her well into their adult years. To know Beverly was to know a friend. She could strike up a conversation with anyone, at any time, on any topic, and they were left with the warmth of her humor and kindness. Bev will be tremendously missed by all who were privileged enough to know her; rest peacefully, Bev.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Friday, June 3, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. A celebration of life service will follow at 1 p.m., (June 3), at the funeral home with Rev. Leroy Kinnaman officiating. The VFW and American Legion will conduct military honors following services at the funeral home.

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

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

Richard T. Myers

December 20, 1936 to May 8, 2022

WINAMAC - Richard Ted “Dick” Myers, 85, of Monticello, passed away at 3:05 p.m., Sunday, May 8, at Franciscan Health Hospital in Crown Point.

He was born Dec. 20, 1936 in Francesville, to the late Ted and Lura Weltzin Myers. He graduated from Francesville High School in 1955. On Oct. 27, 1956, he married Wanda May “Sis” Shidler in Francesville. She passed away Feb. 13, 2011.

Dick Myers

He is survived by:
Richard Ted “Rick” (Mary) Myers Jr., Rensselaer, Son
Brad L. Garling, Winamac, Son-in-law
Richard James (Savannah Eldridge) Myers, Grandson
Christopher Patrick (Tori) Myers, Grandson
Nicholas Anthony Myers, Grandson
Kathryn Mae Myers, Granddaughter
Leslie Marie (Aaron) Disinger, Granddaughter
Matthew Lee Garling, Grandson
5 Great-Grandchildren: Mason, Hayden, Kaylee, Emmalynn, and Lucy (and one on the way).
James Myers, Monon, Brother
Rose (Mike) Salyer, Francesville, Sister
Bill Davis, Francesville, Brother-in-law
Ralph Shidler, Lafayette, Brother-in-law
Richard “Bick” Shidler, Argos, Brother-in-law
Lila Shidler, Argos, Sister-in-law
Many Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
Shelia Kay Garling, Daughter
Sue Allen, Sister
Nina Davis, Sister
Helen Wilson, Sister

Mr. Myers was a lifelong Iron Worker and member of the Ironworkers Local #379 in Lafayette, which later merged with Local #22 in Indianapolis. He also owned and operated Dick & Wanda’s Restaurant and Bar in Chalmers for several years. He was a member of the White County Farm Bureau, Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie #2570, Sons of The American Legion Post #81 and the VFW Auxiliary Post #2231 all of Monticello. He was also a member of the National Rifle Association, Pheasants Forever, and the international Moose Lodge. He enjoyed racing, hunting, and fishing as well as gambling and playing cards. He especially enjoyed family gatherings and was well-known for his relish trays and shrimp platters. He cherished the many breakfasts brought to him daily by his brother, Jim. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 12 noon, Wednesday, May 11, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. The funeral service will follow at 12 noon (Wednesday), at the funeral home with Pastor Jeff Seger officiating. Burial will be at Buck Cemetery in Thornhope.

Memorial donations may be made to the Memorial Swinging Bridge Project.

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

Virginia M. Barr

April 13, 1931 to May 8, 2022

WINAMAC - Virginia M. “Ginny” Barr, 91, of Winamac, passed away Sunday, May 8, at Waterford Place Health Campus in Kokomo.

She was born April 13, 1931 in Chicago, to the late Arthur and Alice Friedland Olson. A few years later, the Olson family moved to a farm in Jefferson Township in rural Pulaski County. She attended Brush College Elementary School and graduated from Winamac High School in1949. After high school, she earned an associate’s degree in accounting from South Bend College of Commerce. She married David W. “Dave” Barr II on April 7, 1951 in Winamac. He passed away in September 2017.

Virginia Barr

She is survived by:
Randy (Debbie) Barr, Willis, TX, Son
Christine (Michael) Gilman, Winamac, Daughter
Craig (Pam) Barr, Kokomo, Son
Chad (Kristy) Gilman, Grandson
Natalie Gilman, Granddaughter
Justin (Megan) Barr, Grandson
Heather (Ronald) Perry, Granddaughter
Angela (Travis) Kovar, Granddaughter
Lauren (Zach) Decker, Granddaughter
Emily Barr, Granddaughter
Great-grandchildren: Landon Barr, Aubrey Barr, Kylie Barr, Blair Perry, Hudson Perry,
Parker Kovar, and Kipton Kovar.
Charlene (Ralph) Fritz, Winamac, Sister
Marjorie Barr Thompson, Sister-in-law
Several Nieces and Nephews

Together, the Barrs operated Winamac Cleaners and Snow White Laundry for 34 years, which they purchased from Dave’s father in 1959. Virginia had previously been employed as a bookkeeper for Von Tobel’s Lumber Co. She was a devoted member of Bethel Bible Church in Winamac where she taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School for many years. She was also a member of Alpha Iota International Honor Society, Lambda Sigma Chi, and Kitchen Kadettes Home-Ec Club. She was an avid Purdue basketball/football fan and lifetime member of the John Purdue Club. She enjoyed traveling, gardening, and sewing. Many wonderful summers were spent at the family cottage on Bass Lake where family and friends have gathered since 1904. Most of all, she loved spending time with her family.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m., Thursday, May 12, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac; and one hour prior to services at the church on Friday. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Friday, May 13, at Bethel Bible Church in Winamac, with Pastors Ron DeGraaff and Don Whipple officiating. Burial will be at Winamac Cemetery in Winamac.

Memorial donations may be made to Bethel Bible Church.

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

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.

Earl W. Zeider Jr.

December 27, 1952 to May 5, 2022

RENSSELAER  - Earl Wayne Zeider Jr., 69, of Rensselaer, passed away Thursday, May 5, at IU Health Arnett Hospital in Lafayette.

Earl Zeider Jr.

He was born in Winamac, on Dec.27, 1952, the son of Earl Wayne Sr. and Mary Weisenburger Zeider. He was a graduate of Winamac Community High School and Purdue University, where he studied agricultural economics. On April 3, 1993, he married Lori Schultz at St. John's Lutheran Church.  She survives.

He is also survived by his daughter, Rielle (Robert) Cole of Monticello; his grandson Castyn, and a grandson on the way; his in-laws, Bernard and Judith Schultz of Morocco; two sisters-in-law, Lisa (Bill) Roozee of Rensselaer and Suzanne (Steven) Rogers of Augusta, MI; three nephews: Joshua (Carli) Roozee of Rensselaer, Ryne Rogers and Brett Rogers, both of Augusta, MI; and one great-niece, Kinzingtyn Roozee.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Joyce (Cain Morgan) Zeider, and his parents.

Mr. Zeider was the owner-operator of EZ Ag Services and did consulting work for Bos Family Dairies. He previously ran the Mt. Ayr Elevator and worked for Dick Clark Ag in Remington. He served on the Rensselaer Central School Board and was a member of St. Luke Lutheran Church. He was a big Purdue football and basketball fan. He also enjoyed watching the Indy 500. His favorite car of all time was driven by Jim Clark, #82. Most of all, he loved being with family, visiting with farmers, being at the farm driving his tractor and playing with his grandson, Castyn.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. (CT), Thursday, May 12, at Steinke Funeral Home of Rensselaer; and also one hour prior to the funeral. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m. (CT), Friday, May 13, at the funeral home with Rev. Marc Cohen officiating. Burial will follow at Weston Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to St. Luke Lutheran Church or the American Cancer Society.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.SteinkeFuneralHome.com.