Obituaries

Madaline L. Sommers

March 22, 1933 to January 25, 2024

ROYAL CENTER - Madaline L. (Fisher) Sommers, 90, of Star City passed away peacefully at 4:35 a.m., Thursday, Jan. 25, at Woodbridge Health Campus in Logansport.

Born on March 22, 1933 in Logansport, she was the daughter of the late Lawrence and Leal (Hall) Fisher. She was a 1951 Star City High School graduate. On Nov. 25, 1951 she married her high school sweetheart, Richard I. Sommers. He preceded her in death on Jan. 19, 2014.

Madaline Sommers

Survivors include her children, David L. (Dottie) Sommers of Kewanna, Daniel L. Sommers of West Lafayette and Betty L. (Steve) Anderson of Lafayette; sister, Katherine (Leroy) Moore of New Mexico; sisters-in-law, Carol (Ron) Martin of Lewisville, Texas and Mary (Ed) Sayers of Winamac; grandchildren, P.J. (Chris) Brucker of Winamac, Lynn (Todd) Edgell of Monticello, Nicholas (Amanda) Sommers of Kewanna, Christopher (Amy) Sommers of Lucerne, Abby (Jeremiah) Evilsizer of Kokomo, Kassie Clawson of Lafayette and Aaron (Brittany) Anderson of Montana. She is also survived by 24 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great-grandchildren.

Mrs. Sommers worked in various bookkeeping positions while her husband served in the U.S. Army. She was an active member of Star City United Methodist Church and the Fletchers Lake Church. She enjoyed playing Euchre, playing golf, wintering in Florida and Texas, being a Purdue basketball and Chicago Cubs fan, and most of all spending time with family and friends. She was the Caston Cross Country “grandma” for many years as the team ventured to Brown County State Park for the preseason training camp. She was the head cook for the team and was instrumental in setting the menu and organizing the camp. She enjoyed watching her kids and grandkids in all their activities including running cross country, basketball, baseball and golf, along with 4-H and school programs. Above all her time spent hosting and volunteering, she was most known for baking and decorating cakes. Wedding cakes, birthday cakes, graduation, you name it, she would decorate a cake for your occasion and always make it special.  “Madaline’s cakes” were always a treat.

Visitation will be from 3 to 7 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 28, at Rans Funeral Homes & Crematory, Harrison Chapel, Royal Center. The funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m., Monday, Jan. 29, at the funeral home. Burial will be at Star City West Cemetery.

Memorial donations can be made to the Fulton County Community Foundation in memory of Madaline Sommers supporting the Caston Cross Country program.

Mrs. Sommers’ online guestbook is available and condolences can be shared with the family at www.ransfuneralhomes.com.

Carolyn S. Redlin

August 25, 1953 to January 24, 2024

NORTH JUDSON - Carolyn Sue (Fites) Redlin, 70, of Winamac, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, Jan. 24, surrounded by her loving family.

Carolyn Redlin

She was born Aug. 25, 1953 to the late William and Delores Fites. She graduated from Winamac Community High School in 1971. On March 22, 1975, she married Charles “Chuck” Redlin at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Denham. He survives.

Also surviving are two children Christine (Michael) Lawbaugh, Highland, and Craig (Mallory) Redlin, Rensselaer, and grandchildren. She is survived by her brother Steve (Minner) Fites, Winamac, and sisters Lois Reynolds, Winamac, Marilyn Krieg, Indianapolis, and Nancy Abraham, Valparaiso.

Mrs. Redlin was a tireless worker, having many different jobs around town. She was a lover of BINGO and all games of chance. She enjoyed going on girls trips with Chrissy and attending all of Craig’s band functions. She loved to travel with the family; however, her greatest joy was being a grandmother to her three grandchildren, Hunter and Haley Lawbaugh and Lauren Redlin.

Visitation will be from 9 to 11a.m., EST (8 to 10 a.m. CST), Monday, Jan. 29, at St.
Paul Lutheran Church, Denham. The funeral service will follow at 11 a.m., EST (10 a.m. CST), at the church with Rev. Mark Fakih presiding. Burial will be at St. Paul
Lutheran Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to the St. Paul Lutheran Church.

O’Donnell Funeral Home, North Judson, is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Timonthy P. Hammond

June 25, 1961 to January 23, 2024

WINAMAC - Timothy Paul Hammond, 62, of Winamac (formerly of North Judson), passed away Tuesday, Jan. 23.

He was born June 25, 1961 in Chicago Heights, IL to the late Elmer D. and Catherine W. [Hohner] Hammond.

He is survived by his son Jesse and 12 siblings: Elizabeth, Dan, Jim, Ed, Catherine, Marian, Marty, Rita, Eileen, Robert, Paul and Joe, as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by an infant brother, Thomas.

Mr. Hammond graduated from Wheeler High School and Valparaiso Tech. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. He worked most of his life as an electrical engineer at Bethlehem Steel.

Cremation will take place at Frain Crematory in Winamac. His ashes will be scattered in the Tippecanoe River with a private ceremony.

Online tributes may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com where a tree can be planted in memory of Tim. No flowers please.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary, Winamac.

JD Danford

August 31, 1936 to January 20, 2024

WINAMAC - JD Danford, 87, of Star City, passed away Saturday, Jan. 20, in Evansville.

He was born Aug. 31, 1936 in Monon, to the late John and Daisy [Watson] Danford.

JD Danford

He is survived by:
Ronda Denney, Winamac, Daughter
Cindy Rife, Cherokee, IA, Daughter
Diana (Danny) Farris, Logansport, Daughter
Brandon (Lana) Rife, Grandson
Megan (Max) Foster, Granddaughter
Natalie Farris, Granddaughter
Tyler Rife, Great-Grandson
Trista Rife, Great-Granddaughter
Norman Danford, Washington, IN, Brother
Vic Day, Monon, Brother-in-law
Several Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
Betty [Drach] Danford, Wife
Evelyn Clemons, Sister
Angie Day, Sister
Barbara Keiser, Sister
Gwen Bennett, Sister
Cleta Jo Danford, Infant Sister
Larry Danford, Brother
Bob Danford, Brother
Charles Danford, Infant Brother

Mr. Danford drove truck all his life. He also previously worked at Moyer Grain and the Pulaski County Highway Department, as well as for Tony Kasten and Mike McClure. McClure. He was a longtime member of the Star City Volunteer Fire Department. He loved spending time at his shop and listening to Bluegrass music.

In keeping with Mr. Danford’s wishes, a private graveside service will be held at Star City West Cemetery in Star City. Burial will follow at the cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to Star City Volunteer Fire Department.

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

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.

Sherrie L. Hauptli

February 10, 1965 to January 18, 2024

MEDARYVILLE - Sherrie L. [Nightingale] Hauptli, 58, of Medaryville, passed away Thursday, Jan. 18, at St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis.

She was born Feb. 10, 1965, in East Chicago. She was a 1983 graduate of West Central High School in Francesville and attended Central Bible College in Springfield, MO.

Sherrie Hauptli

Sherrie is survived by:
Coltin D. Lynch, Hamlet, Son
Cheyenne R. (fiancé: Seth Dunfee) Lynch, Knox, Daughter
3 Grandchildren: Isabelle, Roweyn and Bristol
Donna R. Hendershot, Billings, MO, Sister
Sandra K. Baker, Billings, MO, Sister
Isaac E. (Mona) Nightingale, Monon, Brother
Rosetta L. Nightingale, Indianapolis, Sister
Many Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
John W. Sr. and Betty L. [Banes] Nightingale, Parents
Nicholas E. Hauptli, Husband
Chastity N. “Chas” Bennett, Daughter
John W. “Sonny” Nightingale Jr., Brother

Mrs. Hauptli worked most of her life in the medical field. She was a gifted musician who was well-known for playing the organ and piano at church. In 1984, she joined Melodyaires which began her singing career spanning over 25 years, concluding with her performance in I Love Lucy. She taught piano for many years and credited her love for music to Josephine Speicher. In addition to her musical talents, she was fluent in American Sign Language and was a talented cook and baker. She was an avid bowler; a pastime she shared with her father. She was a certified storm chaser and covered White County. She loved spending time outdoors and especially enjoyed summers spent working at Indiana Beach. She served her Lord and Savior with all her heart. Her Medaryville Assembly of God church family was precious to her. Most of all, she was a loving and devoted daughter, mom, grandma, sister, and aunt. She will be incredibly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Friday, Jan. 26, at the Medaryville Assembly of God Church. The funeral service will follow at 1 p.m. (Friday), church with Pastor Tom Dewlen officiating. Burial will be at White Post Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to the family.

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

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Medaryville.

William T. Jenkins

December 29, 1935 to January 12, 2024

ROYAL CENTER - William Thomas “Bill” Jenkins, 88, of Winamac passed away at 2:15 a.m., Friday, Jan. 12, at Pulaski Healthcare Center, Winamac.

He was born Dec. 29, 1935 in Winamac, to the late James and Esther (Thomas) Jenkins. He graduated Winamac High School in 1955 and served in the U.S. Army. On April 29, 1972, he married Fafalene Howard-Kolish. She survives.

Bill Jenkins

 Survivors also include his children Melissa (Josh) Behny of Fishers, Susan (Jeff) Foust of Rochester, Mark (Diane) Kolish of Winamac; daughter-in-law Linda Kolish of Winamac; sister Betty (Harry) DePoy of Winamac; 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.

He was also preceded in death by step-sons Kevin Kolish and William Kolish, brother Robert Jenkins and grandson Liam Behny.

Mr. Jenkins spent his early years hunting and fishing alongside his brother Bob. It was during those youthful adventures that he discovered his lifelong passion for fishing, a pursuit that would bring him immeasurable joy throughout the years. His life was marked by a deep love for the outdoors, unwavering friendship, and dedicated service to his community. He was the former owner and operator of Jenkin’s Service. Though the façade and purpose of the business evolved over time from his father to his grandson, the core values Bill cherished remained constant and he loved interacting with his customers. Known for his generosity and willingness to lend a helping hand, he was a true friend who could always be relied upon. He was that neighbor who'd lend you a tool or offer a friendly chat over the fence. His warm-hearted nature endeared him to many, and his willingness to assist anyone in need left an indelible mark on the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know him. Above all, Mr. Jenkins cherished his family. As we say goodbye to Bill, let's remember the guy who loved life, enjoyed nature, worked hard, shared fishing tales, and was always ready to lend a hand. 

A celebration of life service will be at 11 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 27, at the Opera House in Winamac with Pastor Hagin Hiatt officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.

Memorial donations may be made to the Winamac Fire Department.

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

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