Obituaries

Doyle R. Dinkens

May 21, 1940 to May 18, 2020

FRANCESVILLE - Doyle Ray Dinkens, 79, of Indianapolis (formerly of Francesville), passed away Monday, May 18, at Franciscan Health Hospital in Indianapolis. 

He was born May 21, 1940 in Lutesville, MO to the late Roy W. and Lovie Oletha Dinkens.

He is survived by:
Michael Dinkens, Hobart, Son
Bryan (Kimberli) Dinkens, Greenwood, Son
Katie (Cedric) McConnell, Fountaintown, Daughter
Erin Donnelly, Lafayette, Step-Daughter
2 Grandchildren - Ezra and Aiden Dinkens
Dale Dinkens, Indianapolis, Brother
Mary Bierly, Walkerton, Sister
Several Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
Steven Dinkens, Son
Jill Roth, Step-Daughter

Mr. Dinkens was a longtime industrial arts teacher at North Judson-San Pierre High School, having retired in 1998. He was a devoted member of the Francesville Lions Club and the Francesville First Christian Church. Most recently, he attended Franklin Park Church on the south-side of Indianapolis with his family. His Christian faith was a very important part of his life, and he tried his best to be in church every Sunday. He was an avid woodworker and was very proud of his workshop and his collection of tools. He enjoyed talking about all things Northwest Missouri State (his alma-mater) and its football team. He loved being a grandpa to two sweet boys who will miss him very much. He had a joy for life; he loved to smile and find ways to make those around him smile as well. His family is thankful that he is now free from sickness and is home with Jesus.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, May 23, at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Francesville. A private service will be held at the funeral home with Rev. Todd Yates (of Franklin Park Church in Indianapolis) officiating. Private burial will be at Roseland Cemetery in Francesville.

Memorial donations may be made to Franklin Park Church in Indianapolis.

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

Patricia D. Bloch

1938 to May 15, 2020

FRANCESVILLE - Patricia “Patty” Dolores Bloch, passed away at 8 p.m., Friday, May 15, at Hickory Creek Healthcare in Winamac. She spent the last 20 years as a proud member of the Francesville community.

She was born in 1938, to the late Alton C. and Anna Marie Wien of Detroit.

She is survived by 10 grandchildren and their families:
Rachael Bloch and  Monica Spurlin - daughters of Cheryl (Bloch) Spurlin
Kelly Bloch - daughter of Jeffrey Bloch
Raymond Bloch III, Samantha Bagley, Justin Braden, Amanda (Aeron) Jimenez, April Bloch and Amy Bloch - sons and daughters of Raymond Bloch II
Also, numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and other loving family members.

Preceded in death by:
Son - Jeffrey Bloch
Daughter - Cheryl (Bloch) Spurlin
Brother - Joseph William “Bill” Wien”
Son - Raymond D. Bloch II
Granddaughter - Trisha Spurlin

Mrs. Bloch was a true “Michigander” and loved all things Great Lakes - especially waves crashing and seagulls. In 1995, she retired from the Parkside Credit Union in Michigan and began making plans for her life after retirement. She has numerous family members, especially her grandchildren, who would like to express their sincerest thanks  to the phenomenal staff at Hickory Creek - and for the care and compassion that was made available to Mrs. Bloch and the family during her last years. “Our Memaw may have forgotten us in the end, but we will never forget her, or her beautiful soul.”

A memorial service will be at 2 p.m., Saturday, June 6, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. Entombment will be at Roseland Cemetery in Francesville.

Memorial donations may be made to Hickory Creek Healthcare in Winamac.

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

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

Gerald L. Ash

October 21, 1938 to May 14, 2020

WINAMAC - Gerald L. “Jerry” Ash, 81, of Kewanna, passed away at 11:32 p.m., Thursday, May 14,  at the Auburn Village Skilled Nursing Facility in Auburn, IN.

He was born Oct. 21, 1938 in Winamac, to the late Argyl and Kathryn Graffis Ash. He graduated from Winamac High School in 1956 and earned his bachelor’s degree at Indiana State University in 1961. He married Judith Lebo on Feb. 5, 1961 at the Methodist Church in Winamac. She survives.

He is also survived by:
Greg (Sue) Ash, South Bend, Son
Brian Ash, South Bend, Son
7 Grandchildren: Teigan Ash, Mishawaka, Macenzie Ash, Bloomington, Haley Ash, Granger, Madison Ash, Granger, Wyatt Ash, South Bend, Brodie Ash, South Bend, and Dane Jordan, South Bend.
Judy (Steve) Skersick, Greenwood, Sister

Mr. Ash taught at Willowdale Elementary, the smallest elementary school in the Elkhart school system, for four years. He was teacher and coach to fifth and sixth graders. One of those years his team won the city championship. While teaching, he was a candidate for “Teacher of the Year.” He went on to work at CTS Corporation in Elkhart for 14 years as personnel director. While employed there he was voted “Boss of the Year” by the American Business Women’s Association. After leaving CTS he was employed by Miles Laboratories which later became Bayer Cooperation. He served as a human resources director/security in their diagnostic division. For many years, he also coordinated their executive development program, a joint venture with the University of Notre Dame. He retired from Bayer Corporation in 2000.

Mr. Ash served on the following boards: Elkhart Industrial Club, president; Elkhart Career Center (also teaching a class at night); United Way, chairman; Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation, board member (16 years); Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation, president (7 years); St. Paul’s United Methodist Church Elkhart, board of trustees; Granger Community Church, administrative board; Lake Bruce Association, board president; Mahseh Center, board of directors; and Newmar Kountry Klub, Indiana state director (with wife Judy for 2 years).

After retirement, the Ashes traveled extensively in their motor home. They moved to Lake Bruce, from Granger, in 2006. He loved the Lord and his family. He loved telling his made-up stories of “Sarah and Levi” to his grandchildren and playing catch with his grandsons. After having brain surgery in 2013, his struggles were many. But, he fought the good fight. We love you Jerry, Dad, and Grandpa; God loves you more. You will be greatly missed. We will see you again in Heaven. “The eternal God is your refuge, and his everlasting arms are under you” – Deuteronomy 33:27

Visitation will be from 3 to 8 p.m., Thursday, May 21, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. The funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m., Friday, May 22, at the funeral home. Burial will follow at 2 p.m., (Friday), at Saint Joseph Valley Memorial Park in Mishawaka.

Memorial donations may be made to Focus on the Family.

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

*Due to COVID-19 restrictions, visitation will be limited to groups of 10 guests and social distancing. You may sign up for visitation at www.frainmortuary.com or by calling the funeral home at 574-946-3222. While there are no longer limitations on the number of guests for funeral services, social distancing must be observed at all times.

Kathleen A. McGriff

May 10, 1934 to May 13, 2020

WINAMAC - Kathleen A. McGriff, 86, of Winamac, passed away at 2:55 a.m., Wednesday, May 13, at the Pulaski Health Care Center in Winamac.

She was born May 10, 1934 in Pulaski County, to the late Arthur and Virgie Rowles Bowers. She was raised in Pulaski, and graduated from Pulaski High School.

Survivors include:
Terry (Debra) Ruff, Star City, Son
Linda (Butch) Sehstedt, Winamac, Daughter
Keith (Carmen) Ruff, Grandson
Michael (Alison) Sehstedt, Grandson
Julie (Johnny) Tijerina, Granddaughter
Steven (Heather) Sehstedt, Grandson
Brett (Kelsie) Zellers, Step-Grandson
Kyle (Sabrina) Zellers, Step-Grandson
17 Great-Grandchildren: Steph, Dillon, Tyler, Hollie, Grady, Adley, Bailey, Rees, Joshua, Karli, Olivia, Tate, Audrey, Lynden, Rylie, Alan and Brooks

Preceded in death by:
Harold “Bud” Ruff, Former Husband

Mrs. McGriff enjoyed needlework, reading, and playing the piano. She was an avid gardener; a love she passed on her to her family. She especially enjoyed being a member of the Red Hat Society and spending time at the Von Tobel Senior Center. She will be dearly missed. The family extends its appreciation for the care Pulaski Health Care Center has provided Mrs. McGriff over the years.

No services will be held.

Memorial donations may be made to Pulaski Health Care Center.

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

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.

Harold J. Oechsle

March 14, 1929 to May 9, 2020

FORT WAYNE – Rev. Harold J. Oechsle, 91, of Fort Wayne (formerly of Winamac), passed away Saturday, May 9.

Born March 14, 1929, in Battle Creek, Mich., he was a son of the late Harold T. and Helen (Wertz) Oechsle. He was a 1947 graduate of Albion High School, a 1952 graduate of Taylor University, and received his masters of theology in 1958, from Wesley Theological Seminary. He married Martha L. Slagg who preceded him in death in 2017. They were married 66 years.

He is survived by his children, Elaine (David) Stowell of Tarzana, Calif., Barbara Oechsle of Columbia City, Douglas Oechsle of Burnsville, Minn., and Janis (Kevin) Davidson of Fort Wayne; daughter of the heart, Joyce Rinker of Marion; sister, Martha L. Counterman of Lakeland, Fla.; nine grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

Rev. Oechsle was a member of Covenant United Methodist Church, Fort Wayne, and retired in 1994 from the Northern Indiana Conference of the United Methodist Church after more than 45 years of service serving as senior pastor of Good Shepherd UMC, Fort Wayne, district superintendent of the Elkhart District, and director of Professional Human Resources for the district. The First United Methodist Church of Winamac was among the churches he served, from 1970-78

A celebration of life service will be held at Covenant United Methodist Church, 10001 Coldwater Road, Fort Wayne, at a later date. Private family burial will be at Greenhill Cemetery, Columbia City.

 Memorial donations may be given to Covenant United Methodist Church, Fort Wayne, or the United Methodist Foundation for Northern Indiana Conference.

For online condolences, visit www.mccombandsons.com

Arrangements have been entrusted to D.O. McComb & Sons Funeral Homes, Fort Wayne.

Joan Smith

April 8, 1931 to May 5, 2020

WINAMAC - Joan “Joanie” Smith, 89, of Winamac, passed away at 6:48 p.m., Tuesday, May 5, at her home.

She was born April 8, 1931 in Logansport, to the late Joseph E. and Dorothy H. Gray Nazerine. She was a 1949 graduate of Logansport High School. On June 26, 1955, she married Arthur L. “Art” Smith in Logansport. He preceded her in death.

She is survived by:
Deborah (Tim) Senesac, Logansport, Daughter
Tracy (Brian) Harper, Winamac, Daughter
Alison Senesac, Atlanta, Granddaughter
Hayley (Josh) Ruff, Fishers, Granddaughter
Ron Nazerine, Logansport, Brother

Preceded in death by:
Hannah Harper, Infant Granddaughter

Together, Mrs. Smith and her husband operated Smith Insurance Agency in Winamac for nearly 25 years. She was a member of the Winamac First United Methodist Church. She lived a very active life and was a member of numerous card clubs. She enjoyed going to Bunco and socializing with her good friends. She and her husband were avid Purdue basketball fans and enjoyed traveling. Most of all she loved her family very much, especially her granddaughters.

A private service will be held at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. Private bBurial will take place at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Logansport.

Memorial donations may be made to the Pulaski Animal Center.

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