Obituaries

Timothy J. Pratt

June 24, 1952 to September 19, 2021

WINAMAC - Timothy Joseph Pratt, 69, of Logansport, passed away Sunday, Sept. 19.

He was born June 24, 1952 to the late Lindle and Cecilia DuBois Pratt of Pulaski County. On July 20, 1990, he married Karen Markley Wade in Logansport, and they enjoyed 31 years of marriage. She survives.

Timothy Pratt

He is also survived by:
Debi Jo (Pratt) and Jon Scott, Argos, Daughter and  Son-in-law
Michelle (Pratt) and Jim Shirley, Kokomo, Daughter and Son-in-law
Timothy Edward (Pratt) and Brandi Reno, Logansport, Son and Daughter-in-law
Christopher and Misty Wade, Delphi, Son and Daughter-in-law
Ambyr (Wade) and Ryan Brooks, West Lafayette, Daughter and Son-in-law
11 Grandchildren: Zackery (Gabby) Smith, Derek (Kayla) Smith, Isaac Smith, Steven (Ashley) Shirley, Skyler Shirley, Jimi Shirley, Keigen Reno, Gavin Reno, Makenna Brooks, Averie Brooks, and Jordyn Brooks.
1Great-Granddaughter: Caroline Smith
Ed (Catherine) Pratt, Royal Center, Brother
Terry (Cindy) Pratt, Winamac, Brother
Gerry Pratt, Winamac, Brother
Louisia Pratt, Monticello, Sister-in-law
Gail Pratt, Burnettsville, Sister-in-law
Betty Kloenne, Logansport, Mother-in-law
Sue Young, Winamac, Sister-in-law
Carol Crist, Logansport, Sister-in-law
Many Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
Jeremy Lane Pratt, Infant Son
Vernon Pratt, Brother
Jerry (Patricia) Pratt, Brother
Linda (Ralph) Garbison, Sister
Ron “Rock” Pratt, Brother
Loren Markley, Father-in-law
Robert Kloenne; Step-Father-in-law
Kathy Webb, Sister-in-law
Lenvel Young, Brother-in-law
Rex Crist, Brother-in-law

Mr. Pratt was a welder/machinist and had worked at Winamac Steel/Monticello Tank. He was a truck driver for many years and retired from Merrill Brothers. He became known for sporting his suspenders at work and in his leisure. He was an avid bowler in many leagues and tournaments over the years. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and mushroom hunting with his family. He spent many hours at the track participating in stock car racing and drag racing. He won numerous trophies and awards in bowling, archery, and racing. He was a passionate NASCAR fan and his favorite driver was Dale Earnhardt. As passionate as he was about NASCAR, he always loved music. He played in a band for several years; playing drums and bass guitar. He drew inspiration from Elvis and Stevie Ray Vaughan. He had Westerns on the TV 24/7 with legends like John Wayne, Clint Eastwood, and Burt Lancaster. He took occasional breaks from Westerns to enjoy football and baseball. He was a born-again Christian. He was baptized on Sept. 1, 2021 and now his faith has become sight.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m., Monday, Sept. 27, at Frain Mortuary, Winamac. The funeral service will be at 1 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 28, at the funeral home with Rev. Rex Lamb officiating. Burial will be at Winamac Cemetery in Winamac.

Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.

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

Bonnie L. O'Donnell

September 20, 1934 to September 18, 2021

ROYAL CENTER - Bonnie L. O’Donnell, 86, Winamac passed away Saturday, Sept. 18, at Pulaski Health Care Center in Winamac.

Born Sept. 20, 1934 in Winamac, she was the daughter of the late Clyde and Dora Poor Fitz. She was a 1953 Winamac High School graduate. She married Robert “Bobby” O’Donnell on Aug. 5, 1967. He preceded her in death on Oct. 30, 2011.

Bonnie O'Donnell

Survivors include her children, Michele Fox of Winamac, Michaela (Kurt) Stout of Pulaski, Connie Duda of Illinois and Bonnie (David) Reinhold of Winamac.

She is also survived by grandchildren, Cody (Deb) Fox, Don (Lori) Stout, Megan (Chitrak) Banerjee, Kyla (Isaac) Stout, Stephanie (Connor) O’Keefe, Christopher Duda, Ashley (Tyler) Bentlage and Ross (Niki) Reinhold; plus great-grandchildren, Lucas, Kathryn, Collins, Brody and Wrenley. Survivors also include step-children, Robert (Sugil) O’Donnell of Florida, Stephen (Karen) O’Donnell of New Carlisle, Anita (Gary) Geyer of LaPorte and Michelle O’Donnell of Florida; plus 12 step-grandchildren and four step-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by step-daughter, Kimberly O’Donnell, brother, Jon Fitz and sister, Clydette Nicolas.

Mrs. O’Donnell was a lifelong beautician and formerly owned and operated Beauty by Bonnie for over 50 years. She loved her greyhounds and Chihuahuas, watching movies, camping and reading.  She was also active as secretary for the Winamac Class of 1953 Alumni.  She enjoyed her children and grandchildren.

A graveside service will be at 1 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 26, at Winamac Cemetery with Pastor Ed Clark officiating.

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

An 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, Royal Center.

Connie S. Jamieson

December 11, 1958 to September 15, 2021

WINAMAC - Connie S. Jamieson, 62, of Star City, passed away at her home Wednesday, Sept. 15.

She was born Dec. 11, 1958 in Winamac, to the late Gerald Lloyd and Shirley A. Schneider Weaver. In 1977, she graduated from Winamac Community High School. She married Michael L. Jamieson on July 8, 1988, in Winamac. He survives.

Connie Jamieson

She is also survived by:
Michael S. (Danielle) Jamieson, Monon, Son
Matthew L. (fiancée: Lindsey Taylor) Jamieson, Greenwood, Son
Lloyd Weaver, Kewanna, Brother
Many Nieces and Nephews
Several Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins

Mrs. Jamieson worked as a beautician for a few years, and she also worked at Plymouth Tube in Winamac for 38 years before retiring in 2017. She enjoyed floating in the pool, decorating her Christmas tree, and entertaining guests at her home. She always made people feel welcome. She loved spending time with her family. She will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Visitation will be from 3 to 7 p.m., Friday, Sept. 17, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. The funeral service will follow at 7 p.m., Friday, at the funeral home with Rex Allman officiating. Final disposition will be cremation.

Memorial donations may be made to Pulaski County Human Services: CLASP Toy Store (a community based program that assists low-income families at Christmas time) or to the funeral home to assist the family with final expenses.

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

Orvan D. Fitz Jr.

August 24, 1944 to May 16, 2021

WINAMAC – Word has been received of the death of Orvan Deweight “O.D.” Fitz Jr., 76, of Huntsville, TX who passed away Sunday, May 16, at his home in Huntsville.

He was born Aug. 24, 1944 in Liberal, KS to the late Orvan and Laura Pilgrim Fitz Sr. He graduated from Star City High School in 1962. He served in the US Air Force during the Vietnam War.

Orvan Fitz Jr.

He is survived by:
Heather (Scott) Dolezal, Daughter
Shane Fitz, Son
Hailey Bagby, Granddaughter
Hannah Dolezal, Granddaughter
Garry (Marsha) Fitz, Brother
Beth (Jerry) Brooks, Sister
Many Nieces and Nephews

Upon discharge from military service, Mr. Fitz moved to Texas to attend college. He. earned a bachelor’s degree from Sam Houston State University in 1974. He worked at the Texas Department of Corrections in Huntsville for 34 years before retiring. He was a Past Master of John Sims Lodge #458 F&AM in New Waverly, TX.

A graveside service will be at 11 a.m., Thursday, Sept. 30, at Paul’s Chapel Cemetery in rural Winamac, with Rev. David Broad officiating. The American Legion and VFW will conduct military graveside services. Burial of cremated remains will follow at the cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to Memorial Swinging Bridge Project or a charity of the donor’s choice.

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

Local arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.

Billy J. Wireman

Sept. 1, 1952 to September 13, 2021

WINAMAC – Billy Joe Wireman, 69, of Medaryville, passed away at 9:37 a.m., Monday, Sept. 13, at Pulaski Health Care Center in Winamac.

He was born Sept. 1, 1952 in Salyersville, KY to the late William and Julie Mae Salyers Wireman.

Billy J. Wireman

He is survived by:
Teresa Ann Wireman, Daughter
McKenzie Wireman, Granddaughter
Anessa Wireman, Granddaughter
Paisley Wireman, Granddaughter
Oaklynn Darrell, Granddaughter
Carlie Lewandowski, Granddaughter
Haiden Lewandowski, Grandson
Leonardo Figueroa, Great-Grandson
Ronnie Wireman, Brother
Harold Wireman, Brother
Marietta Moss, Sister
Several Nieces and Nephews
Jacqueline Wireman, Former Spouse
Billie Jo Wireman, Step-Daughter

Preceded in death by:
Melissa Sue Wireman, Daughter
Aaron Wireman, Brother

Mr. Wireman worked as a farmhand and laborer. He enjoyed watching football and NASCAR. He also loved working on cars and spending time with his family.

A graveside service will be at 11 a.m., Tuesday, Sept. 21, at the Winamac Cemetery (Town Addition) in Winamac, with Pastor Heath Hiatt officiating. Burial will follow at the cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to the family.

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

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.

James Kersting

April 23, 1936 to September 12, 2021

NORTH JUDSON – James "Jim" Kersting, 85, of North Judson, passed away peacefully in his home Sunday, Sept. 12.

He was born April 23, 1936, in North Judson, to the late Burnell and Catherine Bau Kersting. On July 2, 1960, he married Nella Minix, who preceded him in death on July 27, 2003. In May 2007, he married Roberta Short Chapman. She survives.

Jim Kersting

He is also survived by three children, Sandy (Jansen) Rudd of North Judson,  Randy (Kris) Kersting of Winamac, and Jason (Dawn) Kersting of Winamac; six grandchildren, Alicia (Isaiah) Collins, Andrea (Todd) Jackson, Justin (Jordann) Kersting, Katie (Austin) Polen and Joshua Kersting, all of North Judson, and James Kersting of Indianapolis; four great-grandchildren, Kerslynn Ella, Kash Johnathon, Jarrod David and Poppy Ella and another addition due in December Charles Carson. He is also survived by two sisters Phyllis Rozhon and Lorraine Hughes.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 43 years, Nella, and his parents.

Mr. Kersting was a member of St. Peter Lutheran Church of North Judson. He served in the U.S. Army from September of 1957 to June of 1959. He founded his Harley-Davidson dealership in 1962 alongside his wife, Nella, and eventually added their three children, Sandy, Randy and Jason. He built his World of Motorcycles Museum in 2003 and he loved to take his guests on tours even until more recently. Those who knew him always said they loved to hear his stories - he was the best story-teller. He was a life member of the Harley Owners Group, American Motorcycle Association, Harry L. Keller American Legion Post #92, and served on the WKVI Board of Directors for several years.

Mr. Kersting was a torch carrier for the Indiana Bicentennial in 2016. He was the recipient for the Henry F. Schricker "service before self" award in 2017. He was most recently the grand marshal for the 2021 North Judson Mint Festival in which he helped inaugurate in the late 1970s. He was a proud citizen of Starke County, and he supported many local organization through the years.

Visitation will be from 3 to 8 p.m. (CT), Sunday, Sept. 19, at Braman and Bailey Funeral Home, North Judson. The funeral service will be at 12 noon (CT), Monday, Sept. 20, at St. Peter Lutheran Church, North Judson, with visitation two hours prior at the church. Pastor Dan Speckhard will officiate. Burial will be at St Jacobs cemetery in North Judson.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Nella Kersting Memorial Fund - Northern Indiana Community Foundation.