Obituaries

William S. Fisher

July 5, 1950 to November 28, 2024

WINAMAC - William S. “Wild Man” Fisher, 74, of Winamac passed away at 6:12 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 28, at Lutheran Hospital in Ft. Wayne.

Born July 5, 1950 in Rochester, he was the son of the late Lloyd and Vonda (Vanscoyk) Fisher. He was a 1968 Monterey High School graduate and a U.S. Army veteran.

Survivors include his son Todd Fisher of Winamac, sister Carolyn Schmidt of Culver and grandchildren Austin Cole, Makenna Fisher and Sydney Fisher.

Mr. Fisher retired from Lau Industries in Rochester after 47 years.

Per his wishes there will be no visitation or service at this time.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Rans Funeral Homes.

Marcella M. Gudeman

September 7, 1930 to November 27, 2024

FRANCESVILLE - Marcella Marie Gudeman, 94, of Francesville, passed away at 7:10 a.m., Wednesday, Nov. 27.

She was born Sept. 7, 1930 in Francesville to the late Frederick and Katie [Munz] Gutwein. She graduated from Francesville High School and the Indiana Business College. She married Wendell Gene Gudeman on Dec. 31, 1950. He preceded her in death.

Marcella Gudeman

Survivors include:
Daniel (Rebecca) Gudeman, Westfield, Son
Tom Gudeman, South Holland, IL, Son
Wendy (Jon) Schwab, Remington, Daughter
Randy (Becky) Gudeman, Plantation, FL, Son
Matthew (Tracey) Gudeman, Grayslake, IL, Son
Grandchildren: Ben (Rachel) Gudeman, Katie (Scott) Klopfenstein, Jennifer (Rodney) Ross, Garrison (Katie) Gudeman, Ashlyn (Terrance) Johnson, Tiffany (JR) Sauder, Brandy (Seth) Beer, Lance (Ashley) Schwab, Brett (Sheila) Schwab, Britni (Darren) Eisenmann, Luke (Natalie) Gudeman, Quentin Gudeman, Lexi Gudeman, Samuel (Keiley) Gudeman, Caleb (Ashlyn) Gudeman, and Elias Gudeman.
40 Great-Grandchildren
Fern Leman, Francesville, Sister
Suzanne Cook, Francesville, Sister
Many Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
Louise Albrecht Heinhold, Sister
Esther Gray, Sister
Francis Gutwein, Brother
Harvey Frederick Gutwein, Brother
James Carl Gutwein, Brother
Edwin Conrad Gutwein, Brother
Dorothy Arlene Beer, Sister
Glen Munz Gutwein, Brother
Willis (Margaret) Gudeman, Brother-in-law

Mrs. Gudeman received Jesus as her Lord and Savior and was baptized Oct. 17, 1948 in the Francesville Apostolic Christian Church. She enjoyed singing and served as drum majorette in high school. She was a lover of reading and the use of proper English. She was quick with numbers and enjoyed bookkeeping. She was a loving, selfless, encourager who influenced many. She and her husband loved their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, creating so many precious memories. With joy, they served in ministry, traveled and opened their home to so many.

Visitation will be from 3 to 8 p.m., Monday, Dec. 2, at the Apostolic Fellowship Center in Francesville. The funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, Dec. 3, 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 Parkview Haven Retirement Home.

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

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

Phyllis Lowry Knapp

April 12, 1928 to November 24, 2024

FRANCESVILLE - Phyllis [Lowry] Knapp, 96, of Greentown (formerly of Francesville), passed away Sunday, Nov. 24, at Century Fields in Greentown.

She was born April 12, 1928 in Francesville to the late Hugh H. and Anna I. [Hall] Lowry. She graduated from Francesville High School in 1946.

Phyllis Knapp

She is survived by:
Annie (Donn) Larrison, Converse, Daughter
Misha (Clay) Watkins, Lafayette, Granddaughter

Preceded in death by:
Adam R. Pfledderer, Annie’s Father
Fermin L. Cox, Husband
Irvin A. Knapp, Husband
Stanley D. Lowry, Brother
Billie E. Lowry, Brother

Mrs. Knapp attended the Apostolic Christian Church in Francesville for many years. She worked hard throughout her life, retiring from Parkview Haven as the activity director. For many years, she owned and operated her own beauty shop in Sweetser (IN). She was a talented seamstress, making dresses for her granddaughter, Misha. She also crafted Cabbage Patch Dolls, including their outfits. The family wishes to thank the staff at Century Fields and Gentiva Hospice for their tender loving care of Phyllis.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday, Dec. 2, at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Francesville. The funeral service will follow at 1 p.m. (Dec. 2), at the funeral home with ministers of the church officiating. Burial will be at Roseland Cemetery in Francesville.

Memorial donations may be made to the Apostolic Christian Church in Francesville.

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

Jan McIlvain

December 3, 1959 to November 19, 2024

WINAMAC - Jan McIlvain, 64, of Winamac, passed away Tuesday, Nov. 19, at Ascension St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis.

She was born Dec. 3, 1959 in Hobart, to the late Jim and Janet [Strong] Hansell. She married Rich McIlvain Sr. on Nov. 19, 1999 in Crown Point. He passed away Nov. 24,  2023.

She is survived by:
Zack Norris, Winamac, Son
Andy Norris, Aurora, IL, Son
Sam Norris, Melbourne, Australia, Son
Rich (Kay) McIlvain Jr., Medaryville, Step-Son
Ron (Lori) McIlvain, Medaryville, Step-Son
Travis McIlvain, Winamac, Step-Son
Grandchildren: Justin (Tiffany) Shepperd, Tyler Shepperd, Tim Shepperd, Quinton (Alyssa) McIlvain, Wyatt (Brittany) McIlvain, Griffin (Trina) McIlvain, Shelby (Will Planck) McIlvain, Sidney McIlvain, Trace McIlvain and Ryker McIlvain.
9 Great-Grandchildren: Emma, Mayleigh, Pae, Riley, Emberlynn, Leeland, Callahan, Montana and Rhett.
Jill Kloppenburg, Sister
Heidi Kloppenburg, Niece
Rob Kloppenburg, Nephew

Preceded in death by:
Autumn McIlvain, Step-Daughter

Mrs. McIlvain liked spending time outdoors, especially floating the river and camping with her husband. They spent a lot of time antiquing together as well. She enjoyed reading books and listening to music. She also enjoyed doing Indian crafts and attending the Feast of the Hunters Moon and Trail of Courage events. Most of all, she was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her.

The family will host a celebration of life event from 3 to 6 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 24, at the Winamac Eagle’s #2580. There will be a dinner buffet open to guests in attendance.

Memorial donations may be made to the Pulaski Animal Center or Pulaski County Public Library.

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

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.

Randy T. Miller

April 22, 1966 to November 11, 2024

WINAMAC – Word has been received of the sudden passing of Randy T. Miller, 58, of Naples, FL, on Monday, Nov.11, due to health-related issues.

He was born April 22, 1966 in Winamac. He graduated from Winamac Community High School in 1984 where he was a stand-out high school athlete and an avid golfer. He attended Valparaiso University, later passing the CPA exam. He also received a master’s degree from Indiana University. He was previously married to Leslie (Straw) Coatie with whom he shared five children and a partnership for 23 years.

Randy Miller

He is survived by four daughters, Ashley [Rob] Rosenberger of Indianapolis, Jamee Miller of Denver, CO, Abbey Miller of Elkhart, and Julee Miller of Elkhart; a son, Joel [Elizabeth] Miller of South Bend; a brother, Greg [Lorna] Miller of Winamac; his former spouse, Leslie [Will] Coatie of Elkhart; an aunt, Evonne Robertson of Clinton Twp., MI; as well as cousins, nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Miller and Norma [Leslin] Miller; as well as two aunts, Irene Leslin and Gloria Rife, and an uncle, Cliff Robertson.

Mr. Miller was an enthusiastic sports fan, including the Indianapolis Colts and IU basketball, and he enjoyed attending different sporting events, especially his kids’. He  was a loving father, leaving behind a legacy of love and cherished memories created with his children through traveling and shared joy in activities such as mini golf, going to the movies, enjoying a nice steak dinner, visiting amusement parks, and appreciating a beautiful sunset. He valued time spent with his friends and family and will be missed by all who knew and loved him. Thoughts and love, always and forever. x 5

A graveside service will be at 11 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 11, at Winamac Cemetery (Southlawn Addition) in Winamac.

Instead of a traditional funeral, the family will honor Randy’s spirit with a celebration of life event from 2 to 5 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 11, at the Winamac VFW (1066 S Monticello St, Winamac, IN 46996).

Memorial donations may be made to Conservation International to honor Mr. Miller’s birthday which fell on Earth Day.

Frain Mortuary, Winamac, is assisting the family with local arrangements.

MSG Larry C. Utterback

May 19, 1938 to November 9, 2024

WINAMAC - MSG Larry Core Utterback, U.S. Army, Ret., 86, of Charlotte, NC passed away Saturday, Nov. 9.

He was born May 19, 1938 in Bargersville (IN), the son of (former Indiana state senator) Earl Morris Utterback and Dorothy Edel [Core] Utterback. He grew up in Kokomo, and graduated from Kokomo High School in 1956. He received a bachelor’s degree from Purdue University and earned a master’s degree from Indiana State University. On Jan. 1, 1960, he married Marian Bartlett. She passed away in 2012 after 52 years of marriage.

Larry Utterback

He is survived by:
Mary Olive [Boardman] Swayze, Star City, Second Wife
Neal Allen Utterback, State College, PA, Son
Lee Ann (Mario) James, Charlotte, NC, Daughter
2 Grandchildren: Lili James and Nate James
E. Lennis (Janis) Utterback, Stuart, FL, Brother
Michael D. (Susie) Utterback, Nashville, TN, Brother
Jo Ellen (Patrick) Cain, Greentown, Sister
Larry Campbell, Brother-in-law
Numerous Nieces and Nephews
Many Cousins and Friends

Preceded in death by:
Earl Utterback, Father
Dorothy [Core] Utterback Paddack, Mother
Maurice Deer Paddack, Step-Father
Nancy (Don) Babb, Sister
Barbara Campbell, Sister

The Utterbacks raised their children in Monticello. He had an illustrious military career spanning 30 years with service in the U.S. Army, Indiana National Guard, and U.S. Army Reserves. He was a lifelong educator, having taught school for four decades. His teaching career began at Twin Lakes High School in Monticello and continued there almost 20 years. In 1990, he moved to Darlington, SC where he taught for a number of years before finishing his career in North Carolina. Over the years, he taught social studies, media, and driver’s education. He was an avid runner and enjoyed coaching the track team. He competed in numerous races - but was most proud of his 10K time of 38:20 at a race in Logansport. He was a car and motorcycle enthusiast and loved talking about the numerous cars and motorcycles he owned. Following the death of his wife, Marian, Larry found companionship with Mary Swayze. He and Mary were married March 3, 2017. Together, they enjoyed life with friends and family as they split their time between Star City and Dunnellon, FL. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle who will be dearly missed.

Visitation will be from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., Friday, Dec. 13, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. The funeral service will follow at 10:30 a.m. (Dec. 13), at the funeral home with Jon Frain officiating. Burial with full military honors will be at 2 p.m., Dec. 13, at Marion National Cemetery in Marion, IN.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation (www.parkinson.org) or Pulaski County Human Services Food Pantry. Online tributes may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com.