Obituaries

Samuel Alva

June 3, 1951 to February 22, 2024

MEDARYVILLE - Samuel Alva, 72, of Medaryville, passed away Thursday, Feb. 22, at IU Health Hospital in Lafayette.

He was born June 3, 1951 in Rensselaer, to the late Benjamin and Naomi [Villalobos] Alva. He graduated from West Central High School in 1969. On June 15, 1974, he married Vicky Koekenberg at the Medaryville Christian Church. They were looking forward to celebrating their golden wedding anniversary in June. She survives.

Samuel Alva

He is also survived by:
Stephanie (Kevin) Miller, Francesville, Daughter
Tiffany (Chad) Jones, Ft. Wayne, Daughter
2 Granddaughters: Aria and Emma
Moses (Colleen) Alva, North Judson, Brother
Rick Koekenberg, Monticello, Brother-in-law
Phil Byers, Wanatah, Brother-in-law
Several Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
Nathan Samuel Alva, Infant Son
Eliza V. Alva, Infant Sister
Febe Byers, Sister
Rachel (Ron) Tanner, Sister
Ofelia Alva, Sister
Jesse Alva, Brother
Bernard and Juanita [Ellison] Koekenberg, In-laws

Mr. Alva was a member of the Medaryville Christian Church. He was retired from Talbert Manufacturing after being a welder for 38 years. He was an avid Miami Dolphins and IU Basketball fan. He proudly supported his daughters throughout their athletic careers. He was a proud “Papa” to Aria and Emma. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, March 2, at the Medaryville Christian Church (112 S. Jefferson St. Medaryville). The funeral service will follow at 2 p.m., at the church with ministers Wes Raley and Tony Schabel officiating. Burial will be at White Post Cemetery in Medaryville.

Memorial donations may be made to the Medaryville Christian Church.

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

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

Rev. Nelda J. Seger

November 29, 1951 to February 21, 2024

WINAMAC - Rev. Nelda Jean Seger, 72, of Winamac, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, Feb. 21, at Pulaski Memorial Hospital in Winamac.

She was born Nov. 29, 1951 in Sparta, IL to the late Rev. Dr. M. James and Marilyn [Williams] Gardiner. She was the daughter of a Presbyterian minister and as such the family moved around the country a lot during her childhood. She graduated from high school in 1969, and later in life she earned a bachelor’s degree in education from IUPUI. Her first marriage was to Colin Buckhardt who died in 2004. With her father officiating, she married Jeff Seger on Oct. 9, 2010, at Macon Presbyterian Church. He survives.

Rev. Nelda Seger

She is also survived by:
John (Kelly) Quakenbush, Noblesville, Son
Matthew (Crystal) Quakenbush, Noblesville, Son
Carin Vergobbe, Sandwich, MA, Daughter
Charley (Linsie) Seger, Westphalia, IN, Son
Emily Vergobbe, Brattleboro, VT, Daughter-in-law
14 Grandchildren
Barbi (Kevin) Lockhart, Shelbyville, IL, Sister
Earlene Stevens, Stillwater, OK, Sister-in-law
Brenda Colber, Birdseye, IN, Sister-in-law
Gary (Michelle) Seger, Jasper, IN, Brother-in-law
Mike (Diane) Seger, Celestine, IN, Brother-in-law
Pat (Vicki) Seger, Ferdinand, IN, Brother-in-law
Marsha Seger, Bretzville, IN, Sister-in-law
Roger Brown, Huntingburg, IN, Brother-in-law
Many Nieces and Nephews
Doris Matthews, Columbia, IL, Paternal Aunt
Numerous Cousins

Preceded in death by:
Adam Vergobbe, Son
Gary Stevens, Brother-in-law
Jim Seger, Brother-in-law
Rick Seger, Brother-in-law
Karen Brown, Sister-in-law

Following the death of her husband Colin Buckardt in 2004, Nelda began her journey to Christian ministry. The Winamac community was first introduced to her in 2009 as a student pastor at the First Presbyterian Church. She earned a Master of Divinity from Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis. During her studies at seminary school she met her future husband, Jeff. They were the perfect team, always supporting one another in all of life’s adventures. Her first ordination was as a minister with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). She studied clinical pastoral education at Deaconess Hospital in Evansville, and served less than a year as interim pastor of Westphalia United Church of Christ before returning to the First Presbyterian Church in Winamac where she served as pastor until her first retirement. After a brief hiatus from full time work, she took on the part time duties of administrator at the First Christian Church in Winamac. It was during this time, St. James Salem/St. John United Church of Christ called her to serve as their interim pastor and after becoming ordained with the UCC, she served as their full time pastor until retirement in August 2023.

Throughout her nearly 20-year career in ministry, Rev. Seger touched numerous lives through her loving kindness and sincere friendship. She enjoyed reading, knitting and quilting. She shocked her family with her canning skills, especially her legendary spaghetti sauce. She loved music, and always said she felt closest to God when worshipping through music. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. as well as a beloved sister, aunt, and niece who will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m., Friday, Feb. 23, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac, and one hour prior to the services at the church on Saturday. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 24, at First Christian Church in Winamac with Pastor Stephen Sundquist officiating. Private entombment will be at Pulaski Presbyterian and Community Cemetery in Pulaski.

Memorial donations may be made to First Christian Church or St. James Salem/St. John United Church of Christ or First Presbyterian Church.

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

Gene L. Austin

September 11, 1931 to February 21, 2024

FRANCESVILLE - Gene L. Austin, 92, longtime resident of Monon, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 21, at The Springs of Lafayette.

He was born Sept. 11, 1931 in Indianapolis, to the late Lucien and Flora [Stark] Austin. He graduated from Southport High School in 1949. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. On Oct. 16, 1954, he married Charlotte A. Weilhammer at St. Roch’s Catholic Church in Indianapolis. She passed away Feb. 4, 2013.

Gene Austin

He is survived by:
Keith (Gloria Royer) Austin, Lafayette, Son
Elizabeth (Al) Zalam, Indianapolis, Granddaughter
Keaton (Baylea) Lyons, Indianapolis, Grandson
Riley Zalam, Great-Granddaughter
Katherine Kamiya, Tallahassee, FL, Sister-in-law
Several Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
Angela Austin, Daughter
Rochelle Austin, Daughter
Dr. James Weilhammer, Brother-in-law
Joseph Weilhammer, Nephew

Mr. Austin was a talented, self-employed mason and was considered one of the best in the area. He had previously owned and operated Austin Plumbing and Heating in Monon and briefly worked as a salesman for Williamson Heating & Cooling Products. Additionally, he and his wife sold Anrochkei Log Homes for several years. From an early age, he was a talented mechanic and carpenter. He had a strong work ethic and took pride in all that he did. He was a devoted community servant, having served as a volunteer fireman, deputy town marshal, town board president, North White Building Trades board member, and was a lifetime member of the American Legion. He also ran for county councilman at-large. If there was a building project in town, he would always step up and give of his time and talents. He enjoyed playing cards, listening to the police scanner, and watching Westerns. He also enjoyed arrowhead hunting, fishing, feeding the birds and squirrels, and nature in general. His favorite fishing locale was the Tippecanoe River and he cherished fishing trips to Spooner, WI and St. George Island, FL.

Visitation will be from 12 noon to 2 p.m., Monday, Feb. 26, at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Francesville. A military graveside service will follow at 2:30 p.m. (Monday), at Chapel Cemetery in Monon. Burial will take place at the cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to Monon Volunteer Fire Department, Francesville American Legion, Indiana State Police Alliance, or Humane Society.

Online tributes may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com

Fafalene "Fluff" Howard Jenkins

September 20, 1937 to February 21, 2024

ROYAL CENTER - Fafalene “Fluff” Howard Jenkins, 86, of Winamac passed away Wednesday, Feb. 21st, at Pulaski Healthcare Center.

She was born Sept. 20, 1937 to the late Homer and Edna Mae Howard. On April 29, 1972 she married William T. Jenkins. He preceded her in death on Jan. 12, 2024.

Fluff Jenkins

Survivors include her children Susan (Jeff) Foust of Rochester, Mark (Diane) Kolish of Winamac, daughter-in-law, Linda Kolish of Winamac, Melissa (Josh) Behny of Fishers; sister Iva Jean Minix, brother Roger (Phyllis) Howard, sister Sharon (Jim) Baker, sister-in-law Donna Howard; grandchildren Chad (Monica) Kolish of Winamac, Beth Kolish of Winamac, Ryan (Lindsey) Kolish of Winamac, Austin (Emily) Foust of Rochester, Matthew (Laura) Kolish of Winamac, Jordan (Jess Bank) Kolish of Winamac, Kaitlin Foust of South Bend, Finian Behny of Fishers and Cameron Behny of Fishers; and great-grandchildren Jackson, Sawyer, Charlotte, Cale and Ava Kolish and Zander, Rowan and Cason Foust. 

She was preceded in death by sons William Kolish and Kevin Kolish, grandson Liam Behny, brothers Clifton Howard, Fred Howard and Justin Howard, sisters Joyce Sallee, Carolyn Minix, and Mandy Howard. 

Mrs. Jenkins had a love for adventure. As a young girl, she took trips to Chicago on the train by herself, and as an adult she traveled across Europe with the Sounds of Hope Mission. She often went to Fanfare for concerts, sporting events to watch her beloved Chicago Cubs and interesting landmarks across the U.S. She was a voracious reader and a closet romantic. She could be found curled up in a chair at any hour of the day reading a romance novel, watching the Hallmark Channel or Days of our Lives or blasting Newsmax. She was always in motion. She loved traveling, shopping and socializing. She enjoyed helping out where she could and volunteered with many organizations over the years. Recently she could be found at the front desk at the hospital signing people in. She even volunteered while wintering in Lake Placid, Fla. at the Salvation Army and Manna Mission. The most important thing to Fluff was her family. She loved her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren with single-minded devotion. She was your fiercest supporter, your loudest cheerleader, your warm embrace, the squeeze on the arm when you needed it. She tried to make every event and if she couldn’t, she listened on the radio or wanted to see pictures. She was a baked good or an attentive ear over a sacred kitchen table, the miracle worker with laundry, the costume maker and the “patcher of all things holey.” She was a treasure and will be treasured always.

A celebration of life service will be at 11a.m., Saturday, March 9 at Celebration Station (opera house) Winamac, with Pastor Heath Hyatt officiating. Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service.

Memorial donations may be made to Pulaski Memorial Hospital Auxiliary or to a charity of the donor’s choice.  

Mrs. Jenkin’s online guestbook is available and condolences can be shared with the family at ransfuneralhomes.com. Rans Funeral Homes & Crematory, Royal Center, has been entrusted with arrangements.

Lena S. Hopfinger

May 13, 1943 to February 20, 2024

WINAMAC - Lena Sue “Hoppie” Hopfinger, 80, of Winamac, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 20, at Pulaski Memorial Hospital in Winamac.

She was born May 13, 1943 in East St. Louis, IL to John Alvin and Margaret Levina [Kelley] O’Harrow. She attended Lewis & Clark High School where she met her future husband, Paul Hopfinger, in 1956. The couple wed on Feb. 18, 1994.

Lena S. Hopfinger

She is survived by:
Betty Sue (Bill Foster) Anderson, Winamac, IN Daughter
Margaretta Sue “Gretta” Koplen, Centerton, AR Granddaughter
Austin Steven Hayden, Seattle, WA Great Grandson
Frances Kay (Robert) Gonstal, Morton, IL Sister

Preceded in death by:
John O’Harrow Sr., Father
Margaret O’Harrow Elder, Mother
Paul Hopfinger, Husband
John Alvin O’Harrrow Jr., Brother
James Alvin O’Harrow, Brother
John William O’Harrow, Brother
Clarence Michael O’Harrow, Brother

Mrs. Hopfinger worked as a machine operator at Eaton Controls in Winamac for 17 years until its closing. She then found employment as a correctional officer at the Indiana State Juvenile Correctional Facility in Logansport - retiring in 2007. She was a member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Winamac, as well as Victorian Ladies of the Knights of Columbus. She was also a member of Winamac FOE #2580 Auxiliary and Razzle Dazzle Red Hats. She enjoyed volunteering at Pulaski Memorial Hospital and participating in TOPS. She was an avid BINGO player and longtime bowler. She loved her family dearly and cherished numerous travels with those she loved. She was incredibly proud of her family members who had served or were serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends.

Private burial will be at St. Peter’s Cemetery in Winamac.

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

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.

Mary E. Swartzell

July 9, 1939 to February 20, 2024

WINAMAC - Mary E. Swartzell, 84, of Winamac, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 20, at Pulaski Memorial Hospital in Winamac.

She was born July 9, 1939 in Winamac to the late Joseph J. Sr. and Agnes G. [Braun] Nicolas. She graduated from Winamac High School in 1958, and married Donald R. Swartzell on July 5, 1958. He passed away Dec. 31, 2012.

Mary Swartzell

She is survived by:
Steven (Bonnie) Swartzell, Monterey, Son
Constance (Kevin) Roe, Winamac, Daughter
James (Cletha) Swartzell, Winamac, Son
Donna (Dale) Lindstrom, Winamac, Daughter
8 Grandchildren
11 Great-Grandchildren
Paul Nicolas, Indianapolis, Brother
Steve (Linda) Nicolas, Winamac, Brother
Several nieces and nephews

Preceded in death by:
Matthew R. Lindstrom, Infant Grandson
Joseph J. Nicolas Jr., Brother

Mrs. Swartzell was a member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church and the Ladies of Charity. She enjoyed gardening and making crafts. She sold Stanley Home Products and made woven rugs for many years. Most of all, she was a devoted wife and mother who doted on her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

A private graveside service will be held at Reed Cemetery in Winamac, with Rev. Leroy Kinnaman officiating. Burial will be at the cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Peter’s Catholic Church or Reed Cemetery.

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

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.