Obituaries

Ronald E. Nelson

February 24, 1941 to October 3, 2020

FRANCESVILLE - Ronald Eugene “Ron” Nelson, 79, of Francesville (formerly of Portland, OR), passed away at 3:38 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 3, following surgery at LaPorte Hospital in LaPorte.

He was born Feb. 24, 1941 in Emmetsburg, IA, the youngest of three boys born to the late Sophus and Margaret Doty Nelson. In 1959, he graduated from Mason City High School in Mason City, IA. That summer, he traveled the Midwest with the carnival. Upon returning home, he joined the U.S. Air Force. After completing basic training and tech school for Doppler radar, he was assigned to a base in Oklahoma City, OK. He was honorably discharged in 1963, just days before the start of the Vietnam War.

He is survived by:
Karen May Smith Nelson, Francesville, Wife
Joseph (Amanda) Nelson, Son
Ronald Nelson, Son
Camerin (Anna) Nelson, Francesville, Son
Kendra (Kurt) Dresner, Kirkland, WA, Daughter
5 Grandchildren: Isaac, Zoe, Jazmine, Keziah, and Kasimir
Several Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
Carol Pittman Nelson, Former Spouse
William “Bill” Nelson, Brother
1 Infant Brother

In their youth, Mr. Nelson and his older brother Bill learned to play the accordion. They won many contests throughout northern Iowa and shared the stage with Myron Florin and Lawrence Welk at the Clearwater Lake Ballroom in Iowa. He returned to Iowa after the service and explored many jobs from working in the Land-O-Lakes Creamery to truck driving. He eventually ended up in San Francisco when he landed a job with Western Union as an installer. After working throughout the western United States, he settled in Portland, Ore. He was the CEO and co-founder of Parents Anonymous Northwest, a self-help group for the prevention of child abuse.

On Nov. 22, 1974, he married wife Karen in Portland and they had two children. By 1986, he discovered his talent for home renovation and became a general contractor and licensed real estate agent. He remodeled hundreds of homes for HUD and the Department of Oregon Veterans during the 1980s recession. He retired from construction in 1994. From 1995-1997, he served as a Graphics Rep at US West Direct, alongside his wife. For a hobby, they bought a square dancing clothing store in 1995 and operated it together until 2007. After retiring again, the couple moved to a 55-plus community in Portland. But after having too much fun, they became lonely for their family and so, in 2017, they moved to Francesville to be near their son and grandkids. Mr. Nelson was a loving husband, dad, and grandpa who will be dearly missed.

No services will be held.

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

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

Jon S. Gast

June 7, 1939 to September 24, 2020

KEWANNA - Jon S. Gast, 81, of Rochester, formerly of Kewanna and Winamac, passed away at 12:09 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 24, at Woodlawn Hospital in Rochester.

Born on June 7, 1939 in Logansport, he was the son of the late Karl (Stuart) and Imogene Huddleston Gast. He was a 1957 Winamac High School graduate. He was also U.S. Army veteran. On July 8, 1970 he married Barbara J. Carr. She preceded him in death on Nov. 14, 2012.

Survivors include his daughter, Angela (Glen) Scott of Shipshewana; stepchildren, Randy Neidig of Bourbon, Coralynn Weller of Star City, Richard “Rick” (Belinda) Weller of LaPorte and Donald Weller of Georgia; and granddaughter, Zoe Scott. He is also survived by step-grandchildren, Brent Wagoner, Chad Weller, Megan Gimlin, Doug Sutton, Kim Sutton, Donnie Weller and 14 step-great-grandchildren.

He was also preceded in death by step-granddaughter, Melissa Weller and sister, Roselyn Ann Paul.

Mr. Gast retired from the U. S. Postal Service where he was a longtime mail carrier in Logansport and prior to that in Kewanna. He attended Kewanna United Methodist Church, and he enjoyed writing, reading, bowling and playing softball in his younger years. He was also an avid Cubs fan. He was passionate about mushroom hunting and taking care of his pets, along with any stray or hurt animal that came along. He truly was blessed to spend his later years at Wynnfield Crossing in Rochester. He so enjoyed the camaraderie with fellow residents and the great care given him by the staff there.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 29, at Rans Funeral Homes & Crematory, Metzger Chapel, Kewanna. The funeral service will be at 11:30 a.m., Wednesday, Sept. 30, at the funeral home. Burial will be at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Bruce Lake.

Memorial donations can be made to the Fulton County Animal Shelter.

Mr. Gast’s online guestbook is available and condolences may be shared at www.ransfuneralhomes.com.

Edgar Miranda Mora

September 12, 1988 to September 27, 2020

WINAMAC - Edgar Miranda Mora, 32, of Chicago, passed away from injuries resulting from an automobile accident on Sunday, Sept.27, in Monterey.

He was born Sept. 12, 1988 in Morelia, Michoacán, Mexico.

He is survived by:

Edgar Jordan Miranda Mora, Son
Nathan Miranda Mora, Son
Dominick Miranda Mora, Son
Daniela Diaz, Fiancé, Lake Bruce
Maria Carmela Mora Perdomo, Mother
Eleuterio Miranda Vergara, Father
Victor Miranda Mora, Brother
Lourdes Miranda Mora, Sister
Angelina Miranda Mora, Sister
Maria del Rosario, Sister
Elva Miriam, Sister
Raul Miranda, Cousin
Many Nieces, Nephews, Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins

Mr. Mora worked in construction in Chicago. He was hardworking and very outgoing. He had a good sense of humor and enjoyed making others laugh. Most of all, he was a loving father to his three children.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m., Friday, Oct. 2, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. A funeral mass will be at 11 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 3, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Winamac, with Rev. Daniel Shine officiating in Spanish. Burial will be in Morelia, Michoacán, Mexico at a later date.

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

Harold D. Wallace

May 6, 1936 to September 23, 2020

WINAMAC - Harold D. Wallace, 84, of Monterey, formerly of Union Mills, passed away peacefully Wednesday, Sept. 23, at Fountainview Terrace in LaPorte.

He was born May 6, 1936 in Clay, KY to the late Tommy and Virginia Owen Wallace. After graduating from high school in Kentucky, he moved to Gary to find work. Not only did he accomplish that, he met Nancy L. Campbell. They were married March 23, 1957 in Hebron. She passed away Sept. 10, 2010.

He is survived by:
Karen Wallace, LaPorte, Daughter
Mark (Debra McCombe) Wallace, Monterey, Son
Michael (Dollie) Wallace, Valparaiso, Son
Richard (Donna) Wallace, Monterey, Son
Amanda (Lou Young) Wallace, Granddaughter
Courtney (Jack) Granger, Granddaughter
Scott (Kim) Bailey, Grandson
Jason (Joy) Jurgenson, Grandson
9 Great-Grandchildren
JoNell (David) Kyler, Cadiz, KY, Sister
Elsie Wallace, Clay, KY, Sister-in-law
Several Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
David Wallace, Brother

Mr. Wallace retired in 1994 after 30 years with Bethlehem Steel as a millwright foreman. He and his wife moved to Monterey after retirement. They spent every summer at Nelson Lake in Hayward, WI and many winters in Zephyrhills, FL. He was a former member of the Union Mills Lion’s Club and a former volunteer fireman for the Noble Township Volunteer Fire Department. He was well known as a local expert around Nelson Lake when it came to finding fishing holes. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and building birdhouses. He loved his family and friends and was always willing to help others. He will be sadly missed. The family wishes to thank Debra McCombe and the staff of Fountainview Terrace for faithfully caring for our father on his journey to the great fishing hole in the sky.

Visitation will be from 12 noon to 4 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 27, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Monday, Sept. 28, at the funeral home with Pastor Jay Loucks. Private burial will be at Riverside Memorial Cemetery in Monterey.

Memorial donations may be made to Monterey Tippecanoe Township Volunteer Fire Department in Monterey, or Lambs Chapel in LaPorte.

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

Shannon J. Bretzinger

July 17, 2003 to September 18, 2020

MONTICELLO – Shannon J. “Sheng Sheng” Bretzinger, 17, Francesville, passed away very unexpectedly Friday evening, Sept. 18, while attending a high school football game at West Central High School in Francesville.

She was born July 17, 2003, in Monticello, the daughter of Jon K. and Sonita Y. Ysik Bretzinger. She had lived in the Francesville area all of her life.

Survivors include:
Parents, of Francesville
Janine Bretzinger of Francesville, sister
Nonito Ysik of Philippines, maternal grandfather
Rowena Ashton of Monticello, aunt
Merlina Weaver of Burnettsville, aunt
Numerous friends

Preceded in death:
Zosima G. Ysik, maternal grandmother
John E. and Virginia B. Ezra Bretzinger, paternal grandparents

Miss Bretzinger was a senior at West Central High School. She was a "techie" and loved playing games and was always online with her friends playing games. She loved cats. She loved all of her family and was very protective of her sister, Janine. She was looking forward to furthering her education at Ivy Tech Community College of Lafayette and getting her degree in nursing. Most of all and most importantly, she was a very loving and caring person, and would do anything for anybody. She was the kindest soul and loved animals.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 23, at the West Central High School auxiliary gym, Francesville; and from 10 to 11 a.m., Thursday, Sept. 24, at Miller-Roscka Funeral Home in Monticello. A celebration of life service will follow at 11 a.m., at the funeral home with Pastor Blake Hall of the Monticello Seventh Day Adventist Church officiating. Burial will be at the I.O.O.F Riverview Cemetery in rural Monticello.

Memorial donations may be made to the family. Envelopes will be available at West Central High School or at the funeral home; or donations may be mailed to Miller-Roscka Funeral Home, 6368 E. US 24, Monticello, IN 47960.

Raymond J. Meeks

August 19, 1933 to September 18, 2020

MEDARYVILLE - Raymond Jacob “Ray” Meeks, 87, of Medaryville, passed away  Friday, Sept. 18, at St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis.

He was born Aug. 19, 1933 in Catlettsburg, KY to Stone and Maude Hunt Meeks. At the age of 11, his family moved to rural Jasper County, where he spent the rest of his youth. He graduated from Wheatfield High School. He served as a military policeman in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He met the love of his life, Beverly A. “Bev” Passmore, at church. He pursued his love interest by visiting her at Clark’s Drug Store in Medaryville. The couple was married Jan. 14, 1961, at the Medaryville Methodist Church, and they have been inseparable ever since. That union brought two wonderful children in to this world, both of whom Ray was very proud.

He is survived by:
Beverly A. [Passmore] Meeks, Medaryville, Wife
Robert W. (Nancy) Meeks, Lebanon,Son
William Jacob Cobb, Grandson
Jarred S. Meeks, Grandson
Evan M. Meeks, Grandson
Eddie (Juanita) Allen, Brother
Betty (Harris) Hale, Sister
Larry (Sherry) Allen, Brother
Bob Walter, Brother-in-law
Several Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
Stone Meeks, Father
Maude Hunt Meeks Allen, Mother
Edward Allen, Step-Father
Karen Sue Meeks Cobb, Daughter
Chester “Chet” (Leona) Meeks, Brother
Phyllis Ann (Charles) Fleenor, Sister
Kendle (Sharon) Allen, Brother
Madeline (Tom) Caldwell, Sister
Geraldine Walter, Sister

Mr. Meeks spent most of his life in trucking. He owned four trucks that he leased to Diamond Trucking and also enjoyed driving truck himself. Together, he and his wife ran their business for over 35 years. He was a member Lafayette First Assembly of God Church for many years. For the past 20 years, he has been an active member of Medaryville Assembly of God. He enjoyed being a part of the Lay Witness Mission and sharing God’s word daily. He loved camping with his family as well as spending winters in Lehigh Acres, FL. He was an avid gardener and enjoyed canning. He also enjoyed antiquing. He was a devoted husband, dad, and papaw. He will be dearly missed.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m., Friday, Sept. 25, at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Medaryville; and one hour prior to services at the funeral home Saturday. The funeral service will be at 2 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 26, at the funeral home with Pastor Tom Dewlen officiating. Burial will be at White Post Cemetery in Medaryville. The American Legion will conduct military graveside services.

Memorial donations may be made to Karen’s Angels or Medaryville Assembly of God Church.

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

The family requests that all friends and family who visit the funeral home observe the governor’s mandate to wear facial coverings and observe social distancing. Thank You.