Obituaries

Sharon R. Breyfogle

July 28, 1957 to December 16, 2021

WINAMAC - Sharon Rose Breyfogle, 64, of Winamac, passed away Thursday, Dec. 16, at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne.

She was born July 28, 1957 in Gary, to the late Houston and Mary Johnson. She graduated from Hobart High School in 1975, and married her middle school sweetheart Allan Breyfogle, on Nov. 8, 1975. He survives.

Sharon Breyfogle

She is also survived by:
Tracy (Jonathan) Jones, Greenwood, Daughter
Gavin Breyfogle, Lafayette, Grandson
Katie Breyfogle, Portage, Granddaughter
Harper Jones, Greenwood, Granddaughter 
Tucker Jones, Greenwood, Grandson
Brenda (Tom) Finnerty, Crown Point, Sister
Sandra (Steve) Powell, Burkesville, KY, Sister
Daniel (Deborah) Johnson, Hobart, Brother
Anne Breyfogle, Denver, CO, Mother-in-law
She is also survived by many cousins, nieces, and nephews whom she loved dearly. 

Proceeded in death by:
Bradley Breyfogle, Son
Nancy Schulz, Sister
Dwayne Breyfogle, Father-in-law

Mrs. Breyfogle worked at Eastern Pulaski Elementary School as a teacher’s aide for many years, and then became a preschool teacher and the director of Kingdom Kids Daycare until she retired. Although she dearly loved these jobs and the families that she worked with, being a devoted wife, mom, grandmother and homemaker was always her main focus. She took much pride in having a home that made everyone feel comfortable and welcome, and she often helped others do the same by sharing her talents and creativity. Since retiring she enjoyed spending time watching her grandson coach football for Lafayette Central Catholic every Friday night during football season. She also enjoyed walking at the park, playing with her younger grandkids, and enjoying all of the extra time with her husband. She had many talents, but the most significant was making everyone she came into contact with feel loved, and spreading the word of God. After she passed, the family reports the nurses and doctors in the hospital were crying and consoling each other, because she touched them so deeply in such a short amount of time. They testified how her faith made theirs stronger. She had a giving spirit and was always doing random acts of kindness for those in her life, and even strangers. The family asks “that you please help spread kindness in her memory.”

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 21, at Church of the Heartland in Winamac; and one hour prior to services at the church Wednesday. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Wednesday, Dec. 22, at the church with Pastor Heath Hiatt officiating. Burial will be at Winamac Cemetery (Bridegroom Addition) in Winamac.

Memorial donations can be made to The Care Ministry at Church of the Heartland or Winamac Church of the Nazarene food pantry.  

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.

William S. Rowe

November 19, 1953 to December 15, 2021

MEDARYVILLE - William S. “Bill” Rowe, 68, of Medaryville, passed away Wednesday, Dec. 15, at IU Health Hospital in Lafayette.

He was born Nov. 19, 1953 in Lafayette to Warren and Marie McCoy Rowe. In 1972, he graduated from Indian Creek High School in Trafalgar, IN. On May 10, 1975, he married Nancy D. Kain, in Medaryville. She survives.

Bill Rowe

He is also survived by:
Scott (Jennifer) Rowe, Kokomo, Son
Claire Rowe, Granddaughter
Seth Rowe, Grandson
Sean Rowe, Grandson
Marie McCoy Rowe Fogler, Brook, Mother
Karen Brown Rowe, Greenwood, Step-Mother
John Rowe, Attica, Brother
Robert (Janie) Kain, Kouts, Brother-in-law
Several Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
Warren Rowe, Father
John Fogler, Step-Father
Karen Beth Rowe, Sister

Mr. Rowe was a longtime member of the St. John United Church of Christ in Medaryville. He was an Advanced EMT and retired from Pulaski EMS after 20 years of service. Through the years, he had worked as a corrections officer at Westville Correctional Facility, welder at Monon Trailer, construction worker at Hamstra’s, and bus driver for West Central School Corporation. He also worked for the Medaryville Police Department, Pulaski County Coroner’s Office, and Pulaski County EMA. He was a devoted member of the Medaryville Volunteer Fire Department, where he served as a fireman and former chief of the rescue squad. He was also a member of the San Pierre Lion’s Club. He enjoyed woodworking, cooking, and entertaining family. He will be most remembered for his “awesome” fireworks displays on the 4th of July. He was outgoing, kind, and friendly. He loved his family very much, especially his grandkids. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 19, at Frain Mortuary Querry­Ulbricht Chapel in Francesville; and one hour prior to services at the church Monday. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Monday, Dec. 20, at St. John United Church of Christ in Medaryville with Rev. Nelda Seger officiating. Burial will be at St. John’s Cemetery in Medaryville.

Memorial donations may be made to the Medaryville Volunteer Fire Department or St. John’s Cemetery.

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

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Medaryville.

Donald C. Drach

January 16, 1933 to December 15, 2021

WINAMAC - Donald Clinton “Doc” Drach, 88, lifelong farmer from Winamac, passed away Wednesday, Dec. 15, at Pulaski Memorial Hospital in Winamac.

He was born at home Jan. 16, 1933 in Star City, to Clinton E. and Esther L. Schultz Drach. As a toddler learning to speak, he gave himself the nickname “Doc Drach” which stayed with him throughout his life. He attended Star City School through the eighth grade, leaving school to help on the family farm. He married Gloria Dawn Gardner on Nov. 29, 1952 in Burnettsville. She survives.

Doc Drach

He is also survived by:
Donald R. (Lucinda) Drach, Davenport, IA, Son
Deborah D. Drach, Rochester, Daughter
Douglas William Drach, Winamac, Son
Dixie D. (Michael Jr.) Weldon, Kewanna, Daughter
15 Grandchildren
38 Great-Grandchildren
3 Great-Great-Grandchildren
Betty Danford, Winamac, Sister
Several Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
Clinton E. Drach, Father
Esther L. Schultz Drach Murphy, Mother
3 Infant Grandsons
Joshua Kilgore, Great-Grandson
Phyllis (Joe) Nufer, Sister

Mr. Drach and his wife enjoyed many years of camping at the Tippecanoe River State Park. They celebrated 69 years of marriage this year. He enjoyed farming as well as competing in tractor pulls. Most recently, he enjoyed driving his golf cart around town. He was an avid Indiana Hoosiers basketball fan. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Visitation will be from 2 to 6 p.m., Monday, Dec. 20, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. The funeral service will be at 10 a.m., Tuesday, Dec. 21, at the funeral home with Pastor Dave Broad officiating. Private burial will be at Star City West Cemetery in Star City.

Memorial donations may be made to Pulaski Memorial Hospital Auxiliary.

Online tributes may offered at www.frainmortuary.com.

Earl K. Anliker

January 26, 1932 to December 12, 2021

FRANCESVILLE - Earl K. Anliker, 89, of Winamac, passed away peacefully Sunday, Dec. 12, at IU Health Hospital in Lafayette.

He was born Jan. 26, 1932 in Francesville, to the late Benjamin and Sarah Kuebler Anliker. He graduated from Wolcott High School in 1950. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. On March 20, 1955, he married Elizabeth Kendall in Wolcott. She survives.

Earl Anliker

He is also survived by:
David (Debbie) Anliker, Savannah, GA, Son
Debbie Anliker, Indianapolis, Daughter
Doug (Karin) Anliker, Cypress, TX, Son
Deann (Brian) Mustard, New Palestine, Daughter
Katie (Kenton) Little, Granddaughter
Kara Mustard, Granddaughter
Alysa Anliker, Granddaughter
Gracelynn Anliker, Granddaughter
Eleanor Bogart, Francesville, Sister
Several Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
Mildred (Bob) Clauss, Sister
Emma Jean (Oliver) Stieglitz, Sister
Charles (Margaret) Anliker, Brother
Jim Bogart, Brother-in-law

Mr. Anliker was a lifelong dairy and grain farmer in Pulaski County. After retiring from farming, he enjoyed many years working at the Leman Cabinet shop. He also enjoyed serving others through his work with Habitat for Humanity. He accepted Jesus Christ as his personal savior on Nov. 12, 1972 and was a longtime member of the Apostolic Christian Church in Francesville. Faith and family were the cornerstone of his life. Earl loved his family very much, especially his grandchildren who brought him great joy. He will be sadly missed by all who loved him.

Visitation will be from 3 to 7 p.m., Friday, Dec. 17, at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Francesville; and one hour prior to services at the church on Saturday. The funeral service will be at 10 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 18, at the Apostolic Christian Church in Francesville, with ministers of the church officiating. Burial will be at Roseland Cemetery in Francesville.

Memorial donations may be made to Life Wise Academy or Humanitarian Distribution Center.

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

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Francesville.

Joan E. Ayersman

January 25, 1939 to December 10, 2021

ROYAL CENTER - Joan E. Ayersman, 82, of Star City passed away at 11:18 a.m., Friday, Dec. 10, at Pulaski Memorial Hospital.

Joan Ayersman

Born Jan. 25, 1939 in Gary, she was the daughter of the late Frank and Helen Kissinger Hedges. She married Walter Ayersman on March 30, 1985. He preceded her in death.

Survivors include her children, James "Bo" Gill of Star City, Jon Gill of Winamac and Dava Mays of Star City; grandchildren, Jon (Jamie Statler) Gill Jr. of Florida, Jerri (Christopher) Klein of Monticello, Alexa Gill of Florida, Libby Gill of Florida, Mitchell Bonnell of Star City, and Kaley Bonnell of Star City; great-grandchildren,  Kaden Klein, Alex Gill, Zane Gill, Jerad Klein and Lucy Klein; brother Rex Hedges of Indianapolis and sister, Judi Lafleur of New Mexico.

Mrs. Ayersman formerly worked as the manager at Speedway the majority of her life. She enjoyed crocheting, cooking, taking care of her dogs and cats and most of all spending time with her family.

Per Mrs. Ayersman’s wishes, there will be no visitation or service.

Her online guestbook is available and condolences can be shared with the family at www.ransfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Rans Funeral Homes & Crematory, Harrison Chapel, Royal Center.

John W. Ortman

January 19, 1945 to December 10, 2021

WINAMAC - John W. Ortman, 76, of Winamac, passed away Friday, Dec. 10,at Woodlawn Hospital in Rochester.

He was born Jan. 19, 1945, at home in rural Pulaski County, to the late Julius G. and Lois B. Meiser Ortman. He attended Fairview School through eighth grade and Star City School through12th grade. He worked on the family farm alongside his father and brother. In 1966, he joined the Indiana Army National Guard and served six years. On Nov. 18, 1967 he married Rachelle Lain in Lawton. She survives.

John Ortman

Survivors also include:
John Ortman Jr., West Lafayette, Son
Jeff Ortman, Winamac, Son
Scott Pratt, Charleston, SC, Son-in-law
Abigail (Caleb) Johnson, Granddaughter
Michaela (Taylor) Jordan, Granddaughter
Haylee Patton, Granddaughter
Bonnie (Paul) Weaver, Royal Center, Sister
Donald (Teresa) Ortman, Winamac, Brother
Several Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
Tammy Pratt, Daughter
Joan Army, Sister

Mr. Ortman was a member of Bethel Bible Church in Winamac for nearly 50 years, where he served as an usher and greeter. He was also a member of Northern Indiana Power from the Past, where he served as a director. He was employed as a deliveryman at CFS in Kewanna. He had formerly worked at Wilson Foods in Logansport, as well as at Galbreath, Inc. in Winamac. He raised hogs for 24 years and was proud to be a farmer. He enjoyed collecting farm toys and was a tractor and tool enthusiast. He was kind and never met a stranger. He thoroughly enjoyed sharing the Gospel with others. He was a loving husband and devoted father and grandfather. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 18, at Bethel Bible Church in Winamac. The funeral service will follow at 2 p.m., Saturday at the with Pastor Don Whipple officiating. Burial will be at Winamac Cemetery (McKinley Addition) in Winamac. The American Legion and VFW will provide military graveside services.

Memorial donations may be made to the Bethel Bible Church Missionary Fund.

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

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.