Robert Eugene “Bob” Peterson 90, Rochester, Indiana, passed away at 9:30 A.M. Saturday, December 19, 2020, at his residence.

Robert Eugene (“Bob”) Peterson was born in Newcastle Township, Fulton County, on March 8, 1930 to Beulah Russell Barkman Peterson and Clarence Cleveland Peterson.  He was raised on his family’s farm.

He graduated valedictorian from Talma High School in 1948.  He graduated from Purdue University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture in 1952, where he belonged to the Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity.  At Purdue, he was on both the livestock and dairy judging teams.

A member of ROTC at Purdue, Bob was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the US Army and joined the 52nd Field Artillery Battalion of the 24th Infantry Division, serving in Japan and Korea in 1953-54.  He was awarded the Bronze Star for meritorious service in reorganizing the Battalion Communications Section.

After farming in Fulton County, Bob received his law degree from Indiana University in 1964.

On September 12, 1965, Bob married Martha Ann Coplen in Rochester’s First Baptist Church.  Their son, Matthew, was born in 1966, and their daughter, Elaine, in 1970.

In 1956, Bob was elected Fulton County Auditor, and in 1960 he was elected a member of the Indiana State Senate.  He was re-elected in 1964 and again in 1976.  In the Senate, he was chairman of the Roads and Transportation Committee and, in 1979-1980, served as Assistant Minority Leader.  He also served on the Education Study Commission that led to the first state funding for public school kindergartens.  In 1980, he was the Democratic Lieutenant Governor nominee for Indiana.

Bob started his solo law practice in Rochester in 1965.  He was a founding partner in the Peterson, Waggoner and Perkins, LLP law firm.  He retired from the practice of law in 2012.

Bob remained involved with his alma mater.  He was President of the Indiana University Law Alumni Association in 1978.  In 2003 he was appointed to serve as a member of the Purdue Board of Trustees by Governor Frank O’Bannon, serving until 2006.

Bob was active in civic activities in both his community and state.  He was lieutenant governor of Indiana Kiwanis and a member of the Board of Managers of the Indiana Association of American Baptist Churches.   He served on the Board of Managers of the Indiana State Bar Association and as Chairman of the Bar’s State Legislation Committee.   Governor O’Bannon named him a Sagamore of the Wabash in 2001.

In Fulton County, he was Chairman of the Courthouse Needs Study Committee in 1992 and the Courthouse Centennial Committee in 1995.    He was on the board of the Fulton County Airport for sixteen years.  He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Fulton County Historical Society.   He was a moderator, trustee and deacon at the First Baptist Church of Rochester.  In 2001, he was presented with the Rochester Chamber of Commerce Community Service Award.

Bob loved and was dedicated to his family, his community, his church, the practice of law and his farms.  Everyone who knew him witnessed his kindness, his friendliness and his integrity.

He is survived by his wife, Martha, by his children, Matthew Peterson (Elizabeth Rambeau) of Pittsburgh and Elaine Goebel (Ernie) of Columbia, Maryland, and by three grandchildren, Sophie, Ben, and Ellie Peterson, all of Pittsburgh.  Also surviving are a number of nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by his brother, Chloris Barkman, and sister, Maleta Borden.

Private services will be conducted at First Baptist Church, Rochester, Indiana.

Public graveside services will be conducted at Noon Wednesday, December 23, 2020, at Odd Fellows Cemetery, Rochester, Indiana, where military graveside services will be conducted by the Fulton County Veterans Honor Guard.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church or the Fulton County Historical Society.

Arrangements by Zimmerman Bros. Funeral Home, Rochester, Indiana.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.zimmermanbrosfh.com A webcast of Bob’s funeral can be viewed starting at 10:55 A.M. Wednesday, December 23, 2020 on Bob’s obituary page on the funeral home’s website.

Jim A. Rentschler 89, Lucerne, Indiana, passed away at 6:00 A.M. Wednesday, December 16, 2020 at his residence.

He was born on March 24, 1931 in Fulton County, Indiana, the son of Elgy V. and Mervine C. (Hubert) Rentschler. He graduated from Fulton High School in 1949 and on November 25, 1951 at the Fulton Evangelical United Brethren Church, he married Doneta Riemenschneider and she survives. He served with the United States Army during the Korean War from 1952-1954.

Mr. Rentschler had been a farmer and had worked at the Sale Barns in Rochester and Logansport on the weekends. He had been a member of the Fulton Masonic Lodge, Shrine Club, American Legion and attended the Metea Baptist Church. He enjoyed reading, playing golf, woodworking, playing cards, computers, basketball, visiting, and most of all enjoyed his family.

Survivors include his wife, Doneta Rentschler, Lucerne, Indiana, sons, Wayne A. Rentschler, Houston, Texas, Dale B. Rentschler, Fulton, Indiana, granddaughter, Ryvrle, Houston, Texas, great granddaughter, Ariya Rose Salazar, Houston, Texas, brothers, Ned (Juanita) Rentschler, Rochester, Indiana, David (Nancy) Rentschler, Paris, Missouri, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Shelly Kay Rentschler, brother, Phillip Rentschler and his parents.

Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 P.M. Sunday December 20, 2020, at Zimmerman Bros. Funeral Home, Rochester, Indiana.

Friends may visit from 2-5 P.M. Saturday at the funeral home and one hour prior to service.

Burial will follow in the Fulton Cemetery, Fulton, Indiana, where military graveside rites will be conducted by the Fulton County Veterans’ Honor Guard.

State guide lines for COVID-19 including, mask wearing, social distancing, and a limited amount of visitors allowed in the facility will be followed.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Metea Baptist Church, Parkinsons’ Foundation or Donor’s Favorite Charity. Online condolences may be expressed at www.zimmermanbrosfh.com

Steven R. “Duffy” Duff, 75, formerly of Rochester, passed away at 5:00 AM on Friday, December 18, 2020 at his son’s home in Plymouth.

On December 30, 1944, Steven was born in Fulton County to Harold and Doris Dillman Duff. He was a graduate of Caston High School.

Steve and Donna Harper married on December 29, 1963. Their union produced four children. They later divorced but remained friends over the years.

For over 30 years, Steve worked in industrial maintenance at Kralis Brothers Foods of Mentone. To relax he enjoyed watching westerns and Christmas movies on TV.

Left to cherish the memories of Steve are a daughter, Erin Trusty and husband Mike of Rochester; two sons:  Keith A. Duff and wife Tina of Plymouth, Shane Duff of Rochester; eight grandchildren; three great grandchildren; and the mother of his children, Donna Good of Rochester.

Preceding Steve in death are his parents, son Steven “Stevie” Duff on March 25, 2014 and daughter-in-law Kristine K. Lemler Duff.

Private services will be held for Steven R. Duff. Interment will be in the Rochester IOOF Cemetery.

Kathryn Ann Parris, 67, of Rochester passed away at 10:28 AM, on Saturday, December 12, 2020 at Majestic Care of New Haven.

On June 4, 1953, Kathryn was born in Detroit, MI to Paul Steven and Jennie Habrick Damer.

 In Rochester, in April 2002, Kathryn and Lester Parris were married. Sadly, he passed away on September 22, 2008.

Many will remember, Kathryn as a cashier at Ames and Advanced Auto Parts of Plymouth. She also worked at Ristance of Argos and retired from Pizza Hut of Rochester in 2019.  Reading a James Patterson thriller novel was a great way to spend a weekend. Listening to Clint Black, Ronnie Millsap and Elvis was always enjoyed.

Left to cherish the memories of Kathryn are six daughters, Christina Rhoads and husband John of Plymouth, Lorelei Whittington of Dayton, TN, Rebecca Trayer and husband Scott of Martinsville, WV, Peggy Guzzo of Oregon, Cheryl Bower and fiancé Sam Williams of North Judson, Tanya Pine and husband Michael of Rochester; two sons, Thomas Guzzo Jr and wife Jessica of Plymiuth, Jamie Guzzo and wife Tinisha of Rochester; a brother, David Damer and wife Jackie of St. Clair Shores, MI,

Private family services for Kathryn Ann Parris will be held.

Good Family Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Electronic expressions of sympathy may be made to her family at www.goodfamilyfh.com.

John “Johnny”/ “JT” Thomas 74, Rochester, Indiana, passed away at 7:27 A.M. Sunday, December 13, 2020 at his residence, after a courageous battle with liver disease. He was surrounded by his loving family as he was welcomed into Heaven.

He was born on August 31, 1946 in Berrien Springs, Michigan the son of John Monroe and Jessie Elizabeth (Groves) Thomas. On August 1, 1987 in Rochester, Indiana, he married the love of his life, Sandra Pugh and she survives.

John, a man of many talents and trades had been a truck driver, worked for Rochester Metals and his most treasured occupation had been as sexton for Odd Fellows Cemetery, Rochester. A man of God, he had attended Rochester Church of God where he enjoyed teaching Sunday School and Wednesday night bible study. He enjoyed playing the guitar and singing, drawing, fishing and camping. He was always ready for a “roadtrip” with his wife and looked forward to trips to Menards to simply browse the aisles. He was known as the “Neighborhood Grandpa” sitting on his front porch visiting with neighbors and conversing with any passerby out and about. He enjoyed grabbing his favorite Dunkin Donuts cake donuts and coffee and taking long drives in the country every Tuesday with his daughter, stopping to talk to every cow and horse they passed by. He was known for being a man of great advice and always looked forward to the frequent phone calls he received from his son. The most cherished part of his life was simply being a family man. To know him was to love him and he spent his time with those that loved him the most. 

Survivors include his wife, Sandra Thomas, Rochester, Indiana, children, Derek John (Christina) Thomas, Peru, Indiana, Jessica Louann (Jason) Urbin, Rochester, Indiana, Lonnie Thomas, Michigan, Tammy Anders, Michigan, grandchildren, Brayden John Thomas, Peru, Indiana, Emma Audrey Marie Thomas, Peru, Indiana, Sophia Louann Urbin, Rochester, Indiana, Macie Jo Urbin, Rochester, Indiana, Caleb Thomas, Mikayla Thomas, Cynthia Moody, sisters, Janet (Jerry) Beaird, Rochester, Indiana, FayAnn (Alton) Mitchell, Princeton, Kentucky, “Neighborhood son and daughter” Jeremy and Kellie Jo Swango, Rochester, “Neighborhood Grandchildren”, Elizabeth, Noah, Aaron and Eli Swango, all of Rochester, Indiana, feline friend, Annie Lou and canine friend, Lucy Lou. He was preceded in death by his parents, and four sisters and five brothers, and one grandchild, and canine pals, Buffy Lou and Baby Bear Bear.

Friends may call or visit from 4-8 P.M. Thursday at Zimmerman Bros. Funeral Home, Rochester, Indiana. 

State guide lines for COVID-19, including mask wearing, social distancing, and a limited amount of visitors allowed in the facility will be followed.

Private services will be observed. Public graveside services will be conducted at approximately 10:45 A.M. Friday December 18, 2020 at Odd Fellows Cemetery, Rochester, Indiana.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.zimmermanbrosfh.com

Jane Sturgeon,  99 years, 1 month and 1 day departed this life on Friday, December 4, 2020 at The Estelle Peabody Memorial Home of North Manchester.

On November 3, 1921, Betty Jane Sturgeon was born in Richland Center to Clyde Orland and Fannie Krathwohl Sturgeon. Growing up she shared her childhood with a sister, Mary Ruth.  

After graduating from Richland Township High School in 1940, she furthered her education at the Chicago College of Commerce. For 18 years she worked for Swift & Co. and then retired after 13 years of service at Hart Schaffner & Marx in 1984.

Prior to moving to North Manchester, the Fulton County community had been her home.  While residing in Chicago for 14 years and in Texas for 4 years, she was always happy to return to familiar faces.

Jane served as President of the Board of Directors for the Council of Aging from 1983 to 2003.  She also served as President of the Woodlawn Hospital Auxiliary from1983 to 2003 and assisted with the Woodlawn Volunteers.

While in Rochester, Jane was a member of the Trinity United Methodist Church. Currently, she had been a member of the North Manchester United Methodist Church. The Caring Circle at Peabody was also dear to her heart.

To relax Jane enjoyed trying out new recipes.  Her specialty and ALWAYS in demand was her AMAZING fudge!   Only those who were lucky enough to try it and savored this delicious treat can attest to her greatness with fudge! 

Left to cherish Jane's memory are her nephew Gary Overmyer of California, her treasured friends from the Richland Center and Burton communities, the Senior Center, Woodlawn Hospital and her Peabody family, especially her friends from the Caring Circle. 

Preceding Jane in death are her parents and sister Mary Ruth Overmyer.

A celebration of the life of Miss Jane Sturgeon will be at 2:00 PM on Thursday, December 10, 2020,  in the Good Family Funeral Home, 1200 West 18th St., Rochester.

Friends may visit with the family one hour prior to her services in the funeral home. 

Memorials in lieu of flowers may be made to the Fulton County Council on Aging, 625 Pontiac St., Rochester, IN  46975.   

Interment will be in the Richland Center IOOF Cemetery.

Trenton J. Goff 58, Macy (Nyona Lake), Indiana, passed away at 9:59 A.M. Friday, December 4, 2020, in Rochester, Indiana.

He was born on August 18, 1962 in Logansport, Indiana, the son of H. Franklin and Roseanne (Beck) Goff.

On March 19, 1994 in Galveston, Indiana, he married Jennifer Grube and she survives.

Trent worked for United Parcel Service retiring after thirty four years of service. He was currently working for O’Reilly Auto Parts, Rochester. He had been a member of Teamsters #710 of Chicagoand enjoyed doing small engine repair and fishing.

Survivors include his wife, Jennifer Goff, Macy, Indiana, children, K.C. Sines, New Castle, Indiana, Logan Goff, Indianapolis, Indiana, Jory Goff, Louisville, Kentucky, Jordan Goff, Macy, Indiana, Quinn Goff, Plymouth, Indiana, Wren Chenoweth, Macy, Indiana, Kota Chenoweth, Macy, Indiana, grandchildren, Xander Wicker, Rochester, Indiana, sisters, Michelle Moulton, Galveston, Indiana, Marta (Rob) Hedding, Indianapolis, Indiana, brother, Ted (Paula) Goff, Carmel, Indiana. He was looking forward to the arrival of his grandchild, Baby Uyhelji, this spring. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law, Skip Moulton.

Funeral services will be conducted at 4:00 P.M. Wednesday December 9, 2020 at Zimmerman Bros. Funeral Home, Rochester, Indiana.

Friends may call from 1:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. Wednesday at the funeral home. State guidelines for COVID- 19 will be required including, masks, social distancing and minimum visitors within the facility.

Memorial contributions may be made to Manitou Training Center.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.zimmermanbrosfh.com

Sandra Louise (Parker) Denton 73, Rochester, Indiana, passed away at 2:21 P.M. Saturday, December 5, 2020, at her residence.

She was born on September 29, 1947 in Rochester, Indiana, the daughter of Phil and Pat (Troutman) Parker.  In her youth, she enjoyed being part of the Lake Manitou Ski Club.She graduated from Akron High School in 1965 and attended Manchester College where she received her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Education.

Sandy began her professional teaching career at Manchester Elementary School where she spent two years. She spent the next thirty four years teaching elementary education in the Rochester Community School system teaching at both Riddle Elementary and Columbia Elementary schools before retiring.

She had been a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Grace United Methodist Church where she had played the piano and had been active in the Bell Choir, Beta Mu Sorority, Tri Kappa Sorority, Fulton County Retired Teachers Association, FultonCounty Women’s Chorus. Sandy had also been active in the original Fulton County Players, having the lead role in the “Music Man”.

In her leisure time she enjoyed singing, playing the piano, reading, was an avid animal lover, and enjoyed supporting Notre Dame’s Women’s Basketball.

Survivors include her daughter, Patricia Denton, Rochester, Indiana, dear friend, Ted Denton, nephew, Eric and wife Cathi Parker, Portland, Indiana, niece, Leslie Parker, Muncie, Indiana. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, David Parker.

Private funeral services will take place and burial will be in the Akron Cemetery, Akron, Indiana.

Public visitation will be from 4-7 P.M. Friday December 11, 2020, at Zimmerman Bros. Funeral Home, Rochester, Indiana. Visitors are asked to follow State COVID – 19 Guidelines, including wearing mask, social distancing, and a minimum allowed of visitors in the facility.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Fulton County Animal Adoption and Education Center or the Sandra L. Denton & Patricia M. Denton Music Appreciation Fund. Online condolences may be expressed at www.zimmermanbrosfh.com

Jeannette Heltzel, 97, of Rochester passed away at 9:37 AM on Wednesday, November 25, 2020 at Wynnfield Crossing.

On October 12, 1923, twins Jeannette and Julia were born in Miami County's Perry Township. They were the precious daughters of Earl and Bertha Penrod. They were so small their parents put them in the same bureau drawer to sleep. Growing up Jeannette helped her father with the cows and the farm. In 1942, Jeannette graduated from Gilead High School. After graduation Jeannette became a telephone operator for Rochester Telephone Company.

In Morgantown, Jeannette married the love of her life Gordon E. Heltzel on October 23, 1953. They shared 54 years of life’s adventures. The Heltzel family moved to Rochester in 1978 from Akron.

Jeannette and Gordon found joy in traveling. Some of their favorite destinations include, Canada, Mexico, Cancun. They enjoyed having friends over for an evening of euchre or pinochle.

Jeannette was a devoted member of Akron Church of God. She was an avid reader who enjoyed reading biographies. She was an accomplished pie baker, baking the most amazing hot blueberry pies fresh from her oven. She would always make fruit pies and freeze them to send home with her grandson so he could have fresh baked pie.

Left to cherish Jeannette's memory are: a grandson Gordon Michael Heltzel of Vancouver, British Columbia; daughter-in-law Shirley Zumstein of Floyd Knobs; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Her Wynnfield caregivers had a special place in her heart for all of their friendship over the last 15 years. Especially close to Jeannette during the last year is her nephew Steve, who took over duties when her daughter no longer could.

Preceding Jeannette in death are her parents Earl and Bertha Penrod, beloved husband Gordon, her twin sister, Julia Chaddock, daughter Kelly Heltzel, two sons, Kevin in infancy and Michael Gordon Heltzel.

A celebration of the life of Jeannette Heltzel will be at 1:00PM on Wednesday, December 2, 2020 in the Good Family Funeral Home, 1200 West 18th St., Rochester. Friends may visit with the family one hour prior to the service in the funeral home. Interment will be in the Akron Cemetery. Memorials may be made to D.A.V. 815 Main St., Rochester, IN 46975. Online expressions of sympathy may be made to her family at www.goodfamilyfh.com.

Jeannette Heltzel, 97, of Rochester passed away at 9:37 AM on Wednesday, November 25, 2020 at Wynnfield Crossing.

On October 12, 1923, twins Jeannette and Julia were born in Miami County's Perry Township. They were the precious daughters of Earl and Bertha Penrod. They were so small their parents put them in the same bureau drawer to sleep. Growing up Jeannette helped her father with the cows and the farm. In 1942, Jeannette graduated from Gilead High School. After graduation Jeannette became a telephone operator for Rochester Telephone Company.

In Morgantown, Jeannette married the love of her life Gordon E. Heltzel on October 23, 1953. They shared 54 years of life’s adventures. The Heltzel family moved to Rochester in 1978 from Akron.

Jeannette and Gordon found joy in traveling. Some of their favorite destinations include, Canada, Mexico, Cancun. They enjoyed having friends over for an evening of euchre or pinochle.

Jeannette was a devoted member of Akron Church of God. She was an avid reader who enjoyed reading biographies. She was an accomplished pie baker, baking the most amazing hot blueberry pies fresh from her oven. She would always make fruit pies and freeze them to send home with her grandson so he could have fresh baked pie.

Left to cherish Jeannette's memory are: a grandson Gordon Michael Heltzel of Vancouver, British Columbia; daughter-in-law Shirley Zumstein of Floyd Knobs; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Her Wynnfield caregivers had a special place in her heart for all of their friendship over the last 15 years. Especially close to Jeannette during the last year is her nephew Steve, who took over duties when her daughter no longer could.

Preceding Jeannette in death are her parents Earl and Bertha Penrod, beloved husband Gordon, her twin sister, Julia Chaddock, daughter Kelly Heltzel, two sons, Kevin in infancy and Michael Gordon Heltzel.

A celebration of the life of Jeannette Heltzel will be at 1:00PM on Wednesday, December 2, 2020 in the Good Family Funeral Home, 1200 West 18th St., Rochester. Friends may visit with the family one hour prior to the service in the funeral home. Interment will be in the Akron Cemetery. Memorials may be made to D.A.V. 815 Main St., Rochester, IN 46975. Online expressions of sympathy may be made to her family at www.goodfamilyfh.com.

Mr. Randy A. Brown of Rochester was surrounded by his loving family when he passed away at Lutheran Hospital at 10:48 AM on November 28, 2020.

In South Bend, Randy was born on September 4, 1957.  He was the treasured son of Robert "Bob" and Linda Hudson Brown.  Growing up as the oldest sibling, he shared his childhood with four sisters Tina, Sandy, Jackie and Debbie.  With great Viking pride, Randy graduated from Tippecanoe Valley High School in 1975. 

Patriotism beckoned and Randy answered the call serving with the United States Army from 1978 - 1981.

With a strong work ethic, Randy was gifted with his hands being an expert diesel mechanic.   He owned and operated the RB & Son Truck - Trailer Repair.  At home he was very proud to possess the greenest, most beautiful, thick lush lawn.  He fertilized and watered it to perfection then manicured it with meticulous care. To relax Randy enjoyed assembling model trucks and cars.  He collected many things including glass bottle, pennies and vinyl.

With a taste for speed, Randy could be seen cheering in the stands for his favorite sprint car drivers. He loved classic cars and hot rods. At home he set up HO scale models of trains and race cars creating many configurations of a town or racetrack.

Left to cherish Randy's memory are his children: Morgan Brown and fiancé Coty Roe, Cory Brown and fiancée Courtney Houser all of Rochester 6 grandchildren: Ella Roe 6, Lytin Roe 4, Ryland Roe 6 weeks,  Parker Brown 12, Baylee Brown 8, Grayson Brown 2, his mother Linda Walston (Jerry) of Spartanburg SC: father Bob Brown (Janice) of Inman SC: 4 sisters Tina Lawter (Steve) of Chesnee SC,  Sandy Brown of Spartanburg SC, Jackie McQuay (Dennis) of Inman SC, Debbie Jolly of Boiling Springs SC.  Also surviving are many friends including Rodney Wright of Akron.

Preceding Randy in death is his former wife Kara Brown on March 23, 2014.

A sunset celebration of life for Mr. Randy A. Brown will be at 6:00 PM, Thursday, December 3, 2020 in the Good Family funeral Home, 1200 West 18th Street, Rochester.  Pastor Rod Ruberg will officiate. (Face coverings required)  Friends may visit with his family two hours prior to his service.  Military rites will be accorded by the Fulton County Veteran's Honor Guard and the United States Army Honors Team. Online expressions of sympathy may be made to Randy's family at www.goodfamilyfh.com