Obituaries
Charles K. Thomas
September 18, 1947 to December 20, 2024
WINAMAC - Charles Keith Thomas, 77, of Winamac, passed away Friday, Dec. 20, at Northwest Health Hospital in LaPorte.
He was born Sept. 18, 1947 in Frankfort, to the late Charles Henry and Margaret Irene [Terry] Thomas. He attended Sharpsville High School in Tipton County with the class of 1965 and earned a GED in 1986 – the same year his daughter graduated from high school. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving in Europe during the Vietnam War. On May 21, 1971, he married Sharon Kay Burger in Kokomo. She survives.
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Charles Thomas |
He is also survived by: April (fiancé: Paul Hobbs) Starr, Hamlet, Daughter Tyler Reed, Grandson Delton (Krissy) Reed, Grandson Kaysey Reed, Granddaughter Rebecca Reed, Granddaughter 2 Great-Grandchildren: Summer and Asher Ruth (George) Sanchez, Middleburg, FL, Sister Several Nieces and Nephews
Preceded in death by: Parents
Mr. Thomas worked hard throughout his entire life. For many years, he owned and operated various businesses, served as manager of numerous apartment and housing communities, and worked in road construction. He excelled at whatever he did whether it was playing baseball as a boy, to cards as an adult, to whatever he put his mind to. When he wasn’t working, he enjoyed vacations with Sharon - visiting many wonderful places and making amazing memories. He enjoyed the outdoors, especially hunting, fishing, and camping. Later in life, he insisted on doing all the cooking for his wife. He had a great sense of humor and was very ornery. He was also very devoted to his family and friends. He enjoyed helping anyone who was in need. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Visitation will be from 1 to 2 p.m., Monday, Dec. 30, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. A celebration of life will follow at 2 p.m. (Dec. 30), at the funeral home with Pastor Elizabeth Reed officiating. The VFW and American Legion will conduct military honors at the funeral home.
Memorial donations may be made to the family.
Online tributes may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com.
Cremation arrangements entrusted to Frain Mortuary.
Gloria K. Jenkins
August 4, 1938 to December 19, 2024
WINAMAC - Gloria K. Jenkins, 86, of Winamac, passed away peacefully, Thursday, Dec. 19, at Pulaski Health Care Center in Winamac.
She was born Aug. 4, 1938 in North Judson, to the late Gerald W. and Phyllis G. Mosher] Hellinga. She married Billy G. Jenkins Oct. 4, 1958, in Knox.
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Gloria K. Jenkins |
She is survived by: Cathy L. (Duane) Field, Winamac, Daughter Laura L. Mundell-Jenkins, Winamac, Daughter-in-law Cheryl L. (Nathan) Raymond, Granddaughter Amanda (Brian) Kirkland, Granddaughter Max Mundell, Grandson Nolan Jenkins, Grandson Rachael (Stan) Mundell, Granddaughter Alyssa Jenkins, Granddaughter Zane Jenkins, Grandson 6 Great-Grandchildren: Taelynn, Katelynn, Jason, Jacoby, Serena, and Genevieve Roger (Sally) Hellinga, Brother Jerry (Lynn) Hellinga, Brother Many Nieces and Nephews
Preceded in death by: Billy G. Jenkins, First Husband David L. Jenkins, Son Daniel Duane Field, Infant Grandson George E. Burton, Second Husband
Mrs. Jenkins and husband Billy made their home in Winamac where they worked hard, loved their family, and enjoyed square dancing and traveling amongst other things. He passed away Jan. 22, 2004 after 45 years of marriage. The following year, she married George Burton, and they enjoyed 11years of companionship before he passed away in 2016. She was retired from Key Bank in Winamac where she had worked as a teller for 30 years. Prior to her career in banking, she was a deputy in the Pulaski County Recorder’s Office. She was a member of the First Christian Church in Winamac, as well as the Tippecanoe Twirlers, Pegs & Joker Club and Gideon’s International. She was a talented seamstress who enjoyed sewing and crocheting. She also enjoyed jigsaw puzzles and reading. Most of all, she loved her family dearly. She will be sadly missed.
Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 26, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Friday, Dec. 27, at the funeral home. Burial will be at Winamac Cemetery (McKinley Addition) in Winamac.
Memorial donations may be made to the family c/o Cathy Field.
Online tributes may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com.
Marvin D. Franscoviak
February 26, 1959 to December 15, 2024
ROYAL CENTER - Marvin D. Franscoviak, 74 of Logansport, passed away at 8:50 a.m., Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024 at Healthcare Center, Winamac.
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Marvin Franscoviak |
Born Feb. 26, 1950 in Francesville, he was the son of the late Bernard “Ted” and Maxine (Johnson) Franscoviak. He was an Indiana University Kokomo graduate where he received a bachelor of science degree. He married Sandra K. Sterling on Oct. 12, 1974. She survives.
Survivors also include his children Janet (Brian) York, Matthew (Heather) Franscoviak, Ryan (Laura) Franscoviak, Aubrey Franscoviak and Kristen (fiancé Kenny Bishop) Franscoviak; brother Rick (Pat) Franscoviak and sister Peggy Okeley; and sisters-in-law Kay Franscoviak and Judy Franscoviak. He is also survived by numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by siblings Francis, Jerry, Ronnie, Linda and Lisa; and brother-in-law Bob Okeley.
Mr. Franscoviak retired from Smithfield Foods in Peru. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and playing golf.
Services will be private.
Mr. Franscoviak’s online guestbook is available, and condolences may be shared with the Franscoviak family at www.ransfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Rans Funeral Homes.
Barbara J. Parcel
July 28, 1934 to December 9, 2024
WINAMAC - Barbara Jean “Barb” Parcel, 90, of Star City, passed away Monday, Dec. 9, at Pulaski Health Care Center in Winamac.
She was born July 28, 1934 to the late Harold G. and Mary E. [Artrip] Watson. She was a graduate of Logansport High School. She married Darwin W. “Doc” Parcel on Dec. 12, 1954, in Logansport. He passed away Nov. 11, 2013.
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Barb Parcel |
She is survived by: Mick (Kathy) Parcel, Winamac, Son David (Weez) Parcel, Winamac, Son Doug (Michelle) Parcel, DeMotte, Son Aaron (Adriane) Parcel, Chattanooga, TN, Grandson Sarah Chase, Vicksburg, MI, Granddaughter Steven (Katie) Polstra, Winamac, Grandson Tarrah (Matthew) Ledford, Francesville, Granddaughter Abbey (Jake) Berger, Winamac, Granddaughter Danielle (Justin) Dommer, Winamac, Granddaughter D.J. Parcel, Lafayette, Grandson Erika Parcel, DeMotte, Granddaughter 15 Great-Grandchildren 2 Great-Great-Grandchildren Buck Parcel, Winamac, Brother-in-law Several Nieces and Nephews
Preceded in death by: Irene V. Watson, Step-Mother
Mrs. Parcel was a former member of the Star City United Methodist Church and a former den mother for Cub Scouts. Through the years, she worked for Weight Watchers and was also a babysitter, as well as a bookkeeper. She and her husband enjoyed many years of time spent at Foxwood Hills in Middlebury. Her proudest accomplishment was being a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She was an avid bird watcher and enjoyed crocheting. She enjoyed collecting various knickknacks and was known to go over-the-top when decorating for holidays. She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.
Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m., Friday, Dec. 13, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 14, at the funeral home with Aaron Parcel officiating. Burial will be at Star City West Cemetery in Star City.
Memorial donations may be made to Pulaski Animal Center.
Online tributes may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com.
Arthur C. Novotny
July 8, 1931 to December 6, 2024
FRANCESVILLE - Arthur Charles “Art” Novotny, 93, of Francesville, passed away peacefully Friday, Dec. 6, at Parkview Haven Retirement Home in Francesville.
He was born July 8, 1931 in Cleveland (OH) to the late Charles and Katherine [Albrecht] Novotny. He spent most of his youth in Lakewood, Ohio before moving to Francesville as a teen. He graduated from Francesville High School in 1949 and earned an associate’s degree from a business college in Lakewood. Beginning in 1951, he served stateside in the U.S. Army as a non-combatant soldier during the Korean War. During this time, he married Maxine Gutwein on Feb. 10, 1952 in Francesville. She preceded him in death.
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Art Novotny |
He is survived by: Cathy (José) Cervantes, Tecate, Mexico, Daughter Mark (Kristel) Novotny, Fishers, Son Mary Lyn (Bob) Milford, Fishers, Daughter Grandchildren: Jann (Adam) Snively, Kurt (Mary) Novotny, Ruth (Matt) Gerber, Crystal Cervantes, Rebekah (Nathan) Elliott, Daniel (Natasha) Cervantes, Melody (Jonathan) Kurtz, Matthew (fiancée: Sidni Breese) Milford, and Rachel Milford. 18 Great-Grandchildren Dr. Harold Novotny, Brother Jane (Ralph) Krebs, Sister Rhonda Gutwein, Sister-in-law Edison (Chrisann) Gutwein, Brother-in-law Phil (Carol) Gutwein, Brother-in-law Juanita Norman, Sister-in-law Elden (Mary Lee) Gutwein, Brother-in-law Rodney (Donna) Gutwein, Brother-in-law Karl (Donna) Westfall, Brother-in-law Yvonne Gutwein, Sister-in-law James Denton, Brother-in-law Numerous Nieces and Nephews and their Families
Preceded in death by: Ruth Novotny, Infant Sister Adeline Gutwein, Sister Ray Novotny, Brother Carl and Mary [Farney] Gutwein, In-Laws Nate Gutwein, Brother-in-law Mary Louise Westfall, Sister-in-law Carl Gutwein, Jr., Brother-in-law Sharon Denton, Sister-in-law
Mr. Novotny accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior prior to graduating from high school and was a devoted and lifelong member of the Francesville Apostolic Church. Over the years, he and Maxine enjoyed annual reunions with other families from the church who had lived together at Ft. Sam Houston. From a young age, he worked in the family business, Novotny Furs, in Lakewood, and there is no doubt this experience laid a strong foundation for his future business endeavors. He established, owned, and operated various businesses in Francesville, including Novotny Insurance and The Troy Restaurant. He was the consummate small town businessman who not only sold insurance, but also held a real estate license, did bookkeeping for numerous local businesses, ran a restaurant, and even served as Justice of the Peace. He greeted all with a smile and an outstretched hand. He was always on the go – it was impossible to slow him down. Art kept his phone in hand so he wouldn’t miss an opportunity to have a good conversation. He truly enjoyed talking with everyone. Most of all, he loved his wife of 66 years and their beloved children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He treasured time together with his family and wanted each of them to grow to have a personal relationship with Jesus. He had a warm smile and deep love that will be dearly missed. “A joyful heart is good medicine” - Proverbs 17:22a
Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, Dec.11, at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Francesville. The funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, Dec. 12, at the Apostolic Christian Church in Francesville with ministers of the church officiating. Burial will be at Roseland Cemetery in Francesville. Military graveside services will be conducted by the American Legion.
Memorial donations may be made to:
- Parkview Haven Retirement Home in Francesville, or
- Little Hands Orphanage in Tecate, Mexico (make checks payable to the Apostolic Christian Church Foundation, Inc.)
Online tributes may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com.
Jennifer R. Hibner
March 1, 1976 to December 4, 202
KEWANNA - Jennifer Renee Hibner, 48, of Kewanna passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, Dec. 4, at home in Kewanna.
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Jennifer Hibner |
She was born March 1, 1976 in Winamac, the daughter of Don and Etta Hibner.
Survivors include her daughter Teagan Hibner; mother Etta Hibner; brother Andy (Tina Brown) Hibner, sister, Julie (Tom) Thomas; nephews Isaac, Levi, Quincy, Gabriel, Nekoda, Ethan and Eli Hibner and Justin Strus, and nieces Savannah, Sophie and Sydney Hibner, Missy Haselby and Sara Strus, and family members John and Angie Hibner.
She was preceded in death by her father Don Hibner.
A proud mother, sister, daughter, aunt and friend, she always lived by her own rules and was loyal to those she loved. She was a 1994 graduate of Hearth and Home Christian Academy in Kewanna, which helped continue her lifelong faith in God. She also enjoyed baking, spending time with her loved ones, and was a horror movie and true crime buff.
A celebration of life service will be at 5 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 14, at the Kewanna Union Township Fire Department.
Memorial donations may be made to the family.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Rans Funeral Homes, Kewanna.
William A. Kellems
January 14, 1971 to November 29, 2024
ROYAL CENTER - William Allen Kellems, 53, of Star City passed away unexpectedly Friday, Nov. 29.
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Bill Kellems |
Born Jan. 14, 1971 in Plymouth, he was the son of the late William Pete and Tessie Jean (Rose) Kellems. He married Preachie Mayordomo on Nov.r 23, 2014. She survives.
Also surviving are children Melissa Kellems, Britney Kellems and Michael (Breann) Kellems; grandchildren Branson Allen, Amelia Rater and Kohen Kellems; and brother Joe Smith.
He was also preceded in death by sister Crystal Star.
Mr. Kellems was a former senior technician at Braunability for 26 years. He enjoyed fishing, working on his vehicles and his beloved cat Bella. He loved his family and always went out of his way to bring a smile to their faces. He was a hardworking, loveable husband, father and grandfather.
A celebration of life service will be held at a later date.
Mr. Kellem’s online guestbook is available, and condolences may be shared with the family at www.ransfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted with Rans Funeral Homes, Royal Center.
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