Obituaries

Melinda F. Mayer

Melinda Mayer

1968 to November 6, 2023

WINAMAC - Melinda Faye Mayer, 55, of Winamac, passed away Monday, Nov. 6. 

She was born in 1968.

Ms. Mayer loved nature, especially Monarch butterflies. She was a kind and caring woman who loved the Lord. Her last request was that her friends and family embrace one another and all of God’s creation in love and unity. 

There will be no services or burial.

Memorial donations may be made to Ascent 121 or Spark of Opportunity.

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

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.

Corbett M. Stamper

January 13, 1963 to November 5, 2023

Corbett Stamper

KNOX - Corbett Michael Stamper, 60, Monterey, passed away Sunday, Nov. 5, at his home.

He was born Jan. 13, 1963. in Campton, KY, the son of McClellan Stamper Jr. and Peggy Pauline (Caudill), both of Kentucky.

He is survived by sisters: Pearlie Bailey of San Pierre, Edith Fletcher of Plymouth,  Sylvia Vician of Knox, Kathy Bailey of Knox, Myra Fawley of San Pierre, and Rhonda Salyer of Knox; brothers Kelly Stamper of Walkerton, Keith Stamper of Patterson MO, and Kendall Stamper of Knox.

He was preceded in death by one brother Calvin C. Stamper and two sisters, Ruthie May Stamper, and Janet C. Black.

Mr. Stamper was employed by Community Service of Starke County. He was an outdoorsman who was especially fond of fishing. He had two dogs and one cat that he loved dearly. His pets accompanied him in his heavenly ascent. He loved to eat, enjoyed family gatherings, listening to music, making others laugh and being the life of the party. He also loved his family and adored his nieces and nephews. He had a big heart and an affinity for helping those in need. Our loss is Heaven’s gain and he will be missed by all who knew him.

M.C. Smith Funeral Home in Knox is handling the arrangements.

Daniel A. Disinger

August 7, 1934 to November 4, 2023

FRANCESVILLE - Daniel Alvin Disinger, 89, of Francesville, passed away unexpectedly Saturday, Nov. 4, at Parkview Haven Retirement Home in Francesville.

He was born Aug. 7, 1934 in Pulaski County, to the late Harry and Ada [Clinger] Disinger. He married Loretta Louise Gross on June 19, 1954.  After 67 years of marriage, she passed away Sept. 16, 2021.

Daniel Disinger

He is survived by:
Doug (Cathy) Disinger, Francesville, Son
Debra (Don) Dobson, Winamac, Daughter
Cathy (Chris) Kopka, Francesville, Daughter
Grandchildren: Russell (Sydney) Disinger, Heather (Brian) Sanders, Travis (Melony) Dobson, Brad Dobson, Joshua (Ashley) Kopka, and Amanda (Ron) Force
Great-Grandchildren: Taylor (fiancé: Eli Roller) Sanders, Kailey Sanders, Michaela (Kaleb) Pierce, Matt Jimenez, Andrew Jimenez, Nate Jimenez, Emma Dobson, Addie Dobson, Great Josie Dobson, Dominic St Clair, Sebastian St Clair, Emily Kopka, Jacobie Mills, Christopher Kopka, Kaelyn Kopka, and Brynlie Kopka.
Great-Great-Grandson: Briggs Pierce
Eleanor Lucy, Sister-in-law
Kay McOwan, Sister-in-law

Preceded in death by:
Ron Kopka, Son-in-law
Heidi Kopka, Infant Granddaughter
Charles (Violet) Disinger, Brother
James (Doris) Disinger, Brother
Peg (Pete) Johnson, Sister
Mark Disinger, Infant Brother
Emma Disinger, Infant Sister
Helen and Herman Barton, In-laws

Mr. Disinger worked many years as a mechanic for Hauptli’s Garage in Francesville. In 1972, he started his own business, Disinger Truck Parts and Service Inc. During retirement, he and his wife spent countless days on the lake fishing. He enjoyed collecting guns and spending time with family. Skeet shooting was a favorite Thanksgiving morning activity with his son, sons-in-law and grandsons. He was a former member of Pleasant Ridge Bible Church and a current member of Bethel Bible Church. He served various roles at church, including a youth leader, deacon and elder. He was always a helping hand for whatever the church needed. He was a kind, gentle spirit who will be dearly missed. The family wishes to thank the staff at Parkview Haven for the kindness they showed to dad while he was there.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Friday, Nov. 10, at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Francesville. The funeral service will follow at 2 p.m. (Friday), at the funeral home. Burial will be at Roseland Cemetery in Francesville.

Memorial donations may be made to the Shriner’s Hospital for Children or Gideon’s International.

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

Darlene M. Smith

November 18, 1957 to November 3, 2023

Darlene Smith

WHEATFIELD - Darlene M. Smith, 65, Francesville, passed away Friday, Nov. 3, with her loving family around her.

She was born Nov. 18, 1957, in Rensselaer, to William and Nola (Allen) Smith. She graduated from West Central High School in 1978.

She is survived by her daughter Lillian (Kyle) McTeigue, two grandchildren Landyn and Liam, and siblings Dale (Suzanne) Smith, Georgina Archambeault, and Edwina (John) Guffey.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Darlene worked for PerPac, and West Central Schools. She enjoyed music, attending church, and loved her family, especially spending time with her daughter and grandchildren.

Friends are invited to visit with the family from 3 to 7 p.m. (ET), Tuesday, Nov. 7, at Amazing Grace Fellowship Church in Francesville. Services will follow at 7 p.m. at the church Tuesday evening. A graveside service will be at 10 a.m. (ET), Wednesday, Nov. 8, at Independence Cemetery, Medaryville.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Boersma Funeral Home, Wheatfield.

Albert R. Gawell

December 4, 1946 to November 3, 2023

UPPER ARLINGTON, Ohio - Albert R. Gawell, 76, passed away Friday, Nov. 3.

He was born Dec. 4, 1946 in Winamac, to the late Robert and Violet (Green) Gawell.

He is survived by his wife of 15 years, Terri, sons Jeffrey, Marc (Shyna) and Scott (Ellie); grandchildren Kailee, Matthew, Nate, Faith, Gregory and Gena, Noah, Zachary, Dylan, Jacob and Gage. He has three great-grandchildren, Cullen, Cameron and Stetson. He is also survived by sister Beverly, and Maryella. He also considers Harold, Garold, and Kay Toumine as siblings.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Edwin and sister Marietta.

Mr. Gawell was an amazing jack of all trades. He was very adept and fixing and repairing just about everything. He loved his family, loved to fish and build things. He was always ready for a new adventure. He served in the U. S. Air Force and enjoyed his time there.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 9, at Schoedinger Northwest Funeral Home, Upper Arlington, Ohio.

Seph Matthew Wright-Wentz

December 31, 1987 to November 1, 2023

 LAFAYETTE - Seph Matthew “Matt” Wright-Wentz, 35, passed away suddenly Wednesday, Nov. 1, in Brunswick, GA.

He was born Dec. 31, 1987, in Lafayette. He spent the majority of his schooling years in Lafayette before graduating from Winamac Community High School in 2006. During his time in high school, he thrived while playing football. Following his graduation, he pursued studies in nursing at Ivy Tech for two years.

Matt Wright-Wentz

He is survived by his mother Shannon (Todd) Wagner of Lafayette, father Jeremy (Tricia) Wentz of Winamac, as well as brother Grant (Mckenzie) Wagner of Lafayette; sisters Shelby Wagner of Lafayette and Hannah Wentz of Winamac; maternal grandfather Allen (Janet) Wright of Clarks Hill; paternal grandmother Marilyn Wentz of Winamac; and companion Lorinne Herron of Brunswick.

He is preceded in death by maternal grandmother Susan Wright and paternal grandfather James Wentz.

Mr. Wright-Wentz embarked on a career in industrial technology. He dedicated eight years, ending as an inspector at SIA in Lafayette. It was during this time that he crossed paths with Lorrine, who would become his cherished companion. His past year of work brought him to Wallenius Wilhelmsen in Brunswick as operations supervisor. He was very knowledgeable of the auto logistics industry. He will be greatly missed by his WW family. He was a beloved son, brother, companion, and friend to many. He was known for his gentle and kind-hearted spirit and never judged people. Beyond his professional pursuits, Matt found solace and joy by spending time outdoors. As a child, he shared precious moments with his Grandpa on the farm while helping and learning from him. These experiences instilled in Matt a deep appreciation for nature and its beauty.
One of his most recent cherished rituals was spending every morning before work chatting with his mom while watching the ocean sunrise. This simple routine reflected the warmth and love that radiated from his heart toward his family. Family was an essential part of his life, providing unwavering support and love throughout the years. As we mourn the loss of Matt, let us remember his calm demeanor and kind-heartedness, inspire us as we reflect on the beautiful life he lived. We honor Matt not only in our grief but also in celebrating the moments of joy he brought to our lives. His memory will forever remain etched in our hearts.

Friends & family may call at Hahn-Groeber Funeral Home, 1104 Columbia St., Lafayette from 9 a.m. until 12 noon, Saturday, Nov. 11. A private family service will be held with Pastor Daniel Eggold officiating. Interment will be at a later date at Johnson Cemetery, Stockwell.

Memorials may be made to an animal shelter of donor’s choice in honor of Matt.

Hahn-Groeber Funeral Home, Lafayette is caring for the Wright-Wentz family. Please leave memories and condolences at www.hahngroeberfuneralhome.com