Obituaries

Betty L. Podell

August 15, 1933 to January 10, 2024

WINAMAC - Betty Louise Podell, 90, of Winamac, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 10, at Pulaski Health Care Center in Winamac.

She was born Aug. 15, 1933 in Denham, to Kenneth and Rosanna [Rater] Kasten. She graduated from North Judson High School in 1951. On Oct. 24, 1951, she married Orvel W. Podell Jr. at the Methodist Church in North Judson. He passed away Nov. 30, 2018.

Betty Podell

She is survived by:
Rhonda (Jim) Pierrou, Winamac, Daughter
Karen Button, Winamac, Daughter
Laura (Keith) Heigl, Winamac, Daughter
12 Grandchildren: Angela (Charles) Bolen, Brian (Julie) Pierrou, Cody (Hannah) Pierrou, Thomas Button, Kayleen Button, Lizzie Button, David (Melissa) Heigl, Jeff (Cindy) Heigl, Joe (Amber) Heigl, Katy (Jake) Swider, Matt Heigl and Sam Heigl.
21 Great-Grandchildren
Vera Ward, Valparaiso, Sister
John (Joyce) Cooper Jr. Hebron, Brother
Dan (Deb) Cooper, Greenup, IL, Brother
Many Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
Kenneth Kasten, Father
Rosanna [Rater] Kasten Cooper, Mother
John M. Cooper Sr., Step-Father
John Melvin Button, Infant Grandson
Leland T. Howard-Button, Infant Great-Grandson
Thomas Kasten, Brother
William Ward, Brother-in-law

Mrs. Podell was a retired farmer and substitute postmaster in Denham. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Denham and Gideon’s International. She was also a member of the Pulaski County Democrats and Pulaski County Farm Bureau. She served on the Pulaski County Election Board and as the Jefferson Township Trustee for many years. She enjoyed the outdoors, especially farming and gardening. Most of all, she loved being a wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m., Monday, Jan. 15, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Tuesday, Jan. 16, at the funeral home with her grandsons Jeff Heigl and Cody Pierrou officiating. Burial will be at Denham Cemetery in Denham.

 

Edwina Martin

January 21, 1941 to January 8, 2024

WINAMAC - Edwina “Winnie” Martin, 82, of Winamac, passed away Monday, Jan. 8, at her home.

She was born Jan. 21, 1941 in Winamac to the late Joseph and Antonia [Arndt] Gudas. She graduated from Star City High School in 1958 and continued her education at Northwestern University in Chicago. On Sept. 16, 1967, she married Michael Martin in Winamac. He passed away June 22, 2004.

Winnie Martin

She is survived by:
Antoinette “Tina” (Ken) Zuchel, Palatine, IL, Daughter
Michael “Hook” Martin Jr., Coloma, MI, Son
Eric (Iwona) Martin, Plano, IL, Son
Grandchildren: Kaila Zuchel, Colin Zuchel, Robert Winters, Kristin (Josh) Nadolski, Ryan Martin, Brianna “Bree” Thomas, Austin Edgar, and Matthew Martin.
Great-grandchildren: Aiden Grandolfo, Finley Short and Kelsey Nadolski.
Mary (Jim) Perry, Piqua, OH, Sister
Ed (Patty) Gudas, Star City, Brother
Erica Gudas, Muncie, Sister-in-law
Numerous Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
Bette Martin-Edgar, Daughter
Kaitlyn Edgar, Granddaughter
JoJo Gudas, Sister
Al Gudas, Brother
Joseph Gudas, Jr., Brother
Millie Redweik, Sister
Frankie and Johnny Gudas, Infant Brothers

Mrs. Martin was retired from a career in graphic arts. She was a history buff and rock enthusiast who also enjoyed traveling, watching game shows, and gardening. In recent years, she served on the board of Pulaski Human Services. She was a kind and encouraging woman who always served others first. She loved her family dearly and will be sadly missed.

Visitation will be from 2 to 8 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 13, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. The funeral service will be at 2 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 14, at the funeral home with Pastor Jeff Seger officiating. Private entombment will be at Winamac Cemetery (South Lawn Addition) in Winamac.

Memorial donations may be made to Pulaski County Human Services.

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

 

Margaret A. Reid

 

June 10, 1955 to January 3, 2004

WINAMAC - Margaret Ann Reid, 68, of Winamac, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 3, at Franciscan Health Hospital in Lafayette.

She was born June 10, 1955 in Winamac to the late Chris E. and Roseann [Hein] Ols. She graduated from Winamac Community High School in 1973. On April 19, 1975, she married Michael Reid in Monticello.

Margaret Reid

She is survived by:
Michael Reid, Star City, Former Spouse
Tonia (Jeremy Wegner) Reid, Winamac, Daughter
Erin (Chris Lease) Reid, Bruce Lake, Daughter
Beth (Dave Fellers) Reid, Bruce Lake, Daughter
Penelope Wegner, Granddaughter
Celia Wegner, Granddaughter
Charlie Lease, Granddaughter
Chris A. (Lee) Ols, Greentown, Brother
Several Nieces and Nephews

Mrs. Reid worked at BraunAbility for over 25 years. She enjoyed cooking, sewing, and traveling. Most of all, she loved her family and spoiling her granddaughters.

A private graveside service will be held at Mt. Zion–Franklin Twp. Cemetery in Winamac, with Chaplain Teri White officiating. A celebration of life event will be from 4 to 6 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 13, at the Opera House in Winamac.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests planting a tree in memory of Margaret or making a memorial donation to the Arbor Day Foundation.

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

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.

 

Larry G. Hoover

Larry Hoover

July 29, 1941 to December 31, 2023

KEWANNA - Larry G. Hoover, 82, of Winamac passed away at 8:50 a.m., Sunday, Dec. 31, at Hickory Creek of Winamac.

Born July 29, 1941 in Winamac, he was the son of the late Cecil and Jessie (Tyler) Hoover. He was a 1959 Star City High School graduate.

Survivors include several nieces and nephews and numerous great-nieces and nephew.

He was preceded in death by brothers Steven Hoover and Terrill “Tate” Hoover and sister Sandra Knebel.

Mr. Hoover was retired from the state highway department after 37 years. He enjoyed the outdoors and mushroom hunting.

Services will be at 1:30 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 13, at Rans Funeral Homes & Crematory, Metzger Chapel, Kewanna. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Burial will be at Pleasant Hill Cemetery.

Mr. Hoover’s online guestbook is available and condolences may be shared with the family at www.ransfuneralhomes.com.

 

Naomi Starr Hoffman

February 12, 1961 to December 29, 2023

ROCHESTER - Naomi Starr Hoffman, 62, Winamac, passed away Friday, Dec. 29, at Pulaski Health Care Center, Winamac, after a lengthy battle with multiple sclerosis.

Starr Hoffman

She was born Feb. 12, 1961, to Joy Byers and William Sheridan. Growing up in Kewanna, she shared her childhood with her younger sister, Twyla. She graduated from Winamac Community High School in 1979.

She is survived by her mother Joy Byers of Rochester, her sister Twyla (Bill) Rader of Danville, a nephew Wil (Madison) Beaty of Coatesville, uncles Dale (Jeannie) Byers  of Logansport, Dean (Clarisse) Byers of Plymouth, and Jay (Martine) Byers of Logansport, and many cousins.

To pursue her dream of caring and helping others, Starr graduated from Lutheran Hospital School of Nursing in Ft. Wayne in 1983. Following her education at Fort Wayne, she pursued her bachelor’s degree in nursing at St. Joseph’s College in Rensselaer, 1991. She provided care to many patients at Pulaski Memorial Hospital, Logansport Memorial, and St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center in Plymouth. She furthered her education by obtaining a master’s degree in management from Indiana Wesleyan University in 1996. She worked in many different areas of nursing which included oncology, critical care, home health care and was an early pioneer for organ procurement. At home, she was passionate about her cats, dogs and any furry creature that needed food and bed to sleep. She never turned away a stray animal that needed a home.  

Graveside services will be conducted at 11 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 6, at Mount Hope Cemetery Chapel, Logansport. Service arrangements are under the direction of Zimmerman Brothers Funeral Home, Rochester.  

Online condolences may be expressed at www.zimmermanbrosfh.com

 

Rudolph W. Rose Jr.

October 29, 1930 to December 24, 2023

ROYAL CENTER - Rudolph “Rudy” W. Rose Jr., 93, of Winamac passed away at 3:30 a.m., Sunday, Dec. 24, at Hickory Creek of Winamac.

Born Oct. 29, 1930 in Pulaski County, he was the son of the late Rudolph and Mollie (Rater) Rose Sr. He married Geraldine “Jerry” Fredel on April 18, 1953, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Winamac.  She preceded him in death on Dec. 8, 2019.

Rudy Rose Jr.

Survivors include his children Susan (Darwin) Knebel of Winamac, Jeff (Emily) Rose of Lexington, NC and Laurie (Dewain) Davis of Winamac; brother James “Jim" (Bertha) Rose of North Judson; grandchildren Matthew (Trisha) Knebel, Eric (Jennifer) Knebel, Jordon Rose, Justin Rose, Brittany (Steven) Larson and Brandon (Shelby) Davis. He is also survived by 8 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by brothers Charles Rose and Edward Rose.

Mr. Rose formerly owned and operated Rudy Rose Construction Company since 1977. He enjoyed cutting wood, woodworking, playing guitar, traveling with his wife in their motor home and square dancing. He was devout in his faith and was a longtime member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church.

A mass of Christian burial will be at 1p.m., Thursday, Dec. 28, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until the time of the mass at the church. Burial will be at St. Peter’s Cemetery, Winamac.

Memorial donations can be made to St. Peter’s Catholic Church.

Mr. Rose’s online guestbook is available, and condolences may be shared with the family at www.ransfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Rans Funeral Homes, Royal Center.

 

 

Bryan M. Conner

March 30, 1971 to December 22, 2023

WINAMAC - Bryan M. Conner, 52, of Star City, passed away Friday, Dec. 22, at his home, surrounded by his family.

He was born March 30, 1971 in Winamac to Dick E. and Ruth Ann [Lutes] Conner. He graduated from Winamac Community High School in 1990. He married Marla L. Lloyd on Dec. 25, 2005 in Winamac. She survives.

Bryan Conner

He is also survived by:
Robert (Jenny) Tirey, Winamac, Son
Devin (Lindsay) Ball, Kewanna, Son
Tiffany Maddox, Winamac, Daughter
Dakota (Kyle) Garland, Winamac, Daughter
Samantha (fiancé: Dakota) Conner, Star City, Daughter
10 Grandchildren: Reagan, Jada, Aureah, Brantley, Justice, Ryker, Caleb, Grant, Hadley, Zeek, and Van.
Ruth Ann Conner, Star City, Mother
Ruth Lutes, Star City, Maternal Grandmother
Andy Conner, Pulaski, Brother
Frank Lloyd Jr., Pulaski, Brother-in-law
Elvin Lloyd, Winamac, Brother-in-law
Neal Lloyd, Winamac, Brother-in-law
Several Nieces and Nephews
Many Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins

Preceded in death by:
Dick E. Conner, Father
Marion and Violet Conner, Paternal Grandparents
Jim Lutes, Maternal Grandfather
Linnea Lloyd, Mother-in-law

Mr. Conner was an electrical journeyman NIPSCO for 11½ years and was capable of repairing just about anything. He cared deeply for his NIPSCO family. He was an avid hunter and NASCAR fan. He was well-known as a practical joker and recently demonstrated how he could “bust a move.” He enjoyed walkabouts with his grandchildren on the family farm. Most of all, he was compassionate, giving of himself, and loving towards others. We will miss him beyond comprehension. Our Bryan fought the biggest fight of his life for two years - all the while as selfless as he was; his only concern throughout his illness was his wife, children, and grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 3 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 27, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Thursday, Dec. 28, at the funeral home with Chaplain Tim Lee officiating. Burial will be at Mt. Zion-Franklin Twp. Cemetery in Winamac.

Memorial donations may be made to the family for a memorial bench to be placed at the town park.

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