Ray J. Crisler, 84, of Buffalo, IN (formerly of Kentland, IN) passed away at 4:30 PM Monday, January 25, 2021 at Pulaski Health Care Center in Winamac, IN. 

He was born on April 2, 1936 in Kentland, IN to the late Charles L. and Anna Ruth [Spangle] Crisler. 

When Ray was in the fourth grade, his father fell ill with Dropsy, causing Ray to have to quit school and work on the farm.  Needless to say, he learned how to work hard at a young age.  Ray was a farmer and bridge builder.  He lived most of his life in Kentland until he retired to Buffalo in 1998. 

Ray was an avid fisherman and coon hunter.  He had a special gift for training coon dogs.  Although Ray never had any children or grandchildren, he adopted Jenni at a young age and would later adopt her children, all of whom he loved as his own.  He was a kind and patient man who will be sadly missed. 

He is survived by:

Jenni (Rob) Richie, Winamac, IN Daughter

Travis Foulks, Buffalo, IN Grandson

Ryan (Brittany) Foulks, Royal Center, IN Grandson

Kara Richie, Noblesville, IN Granddaughter

6 Great Grandchildren

Esther Emory, Sister

Barbara Remick, Sister

Preceded in death by:

Charles L. and Anna Ruth [Spangle] Crisler, Parents

Roy J. Crisler, Twin Brother

Daril Richie, Grandson

In keeping with Ray’s wishes, cremation will take place.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Indiana DNR.

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

Cremation Arrangements have  been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac, IN.

Delvona M. Davis 66, Rochester, Indiana, passed away at 5:45 P.M. Sunday January 24, 2021 at her residence.

She was born on July 23, 1954 in Chicago, Illinois, the daughter of Melvin and Frankie (Snell) Davis.

Delvona had worked many years as a machine operator for Riddell Football Company and had attended the Mount Pilgrim Church both in Chicago. In her spare time she enjoyed visiting with friends, playing cards and collecting Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse memorabilia and spending time with her family.

Survivors include her son, Antonio (Kate) Davis, Rochester, Indiana, grandchildren, Trey Davis, Kendal Davis, Cheyenne McIntire, Antonio “A.J.” Davis, Jr., Brendan Sutton, Harper Davis, all of Rochester, great grandchild, Dragan Bowens, Rochester, Indiana, brother, Melvin (Lynn) Davis, Rochester, Indiana. She was preceded in death by her parents, an infant daughter and infant son, Derrick Davis.

Private services will be observed. Friends may visit from 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. Thursday, January 28, 2021, at Zimmerman Bros. Funeral Home, Rochester, Indiana.

Visitors are reminded to follow State COVID-19 guidelines while at the funeral home including social distancing and wearing a mask.

Burial will be in the Odd Fellows Cemetery, Rochester, Indiana.

Memorial contribution may be made to the Shriners Hospitals for Children, Chicago, Illinois.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.zimmermanbrosfh.com

Michael A. “Mike” Casper, 56, Rochester, passed away unexpectedly on Jan. 16, 2021 at Lutheran Hospital, Fort Wayne.

One of five children, Mike was born on Nov. 22, 1964, in Wabash to Lawrence A. “Larry” and Sharon Kay (Cormany) Casper.

After graduating from Manchester High School in 1983, Mike married Kimberly Kaye “Kim” Creager on Aug. 23, 1986. The two began dating when Mike was 18 and were wed for 34 years. After their wedding, Mike and Kim moved to the Mentone/Rochester area where Mike became a member of Indiana Freemasons Masonic Lodge 576, Mentone, Indiana.

For the last 38 years, Mike worked for MPS Egg Farms, most recently as Director of Service. He was proud of the fact that he could say he only ever received a paycheck from one place.

Mike was a family man and dad, first and foremost, who enjoyed coaching his children in various sports. His children were his best friends and he enjoyed teaching them lessons in hunting, sports, and life like being humble and passionate. Mike had high expectations for his children and expected them to live their lives with integrity. “Pap Mike”, as his grandchildren called him, loved being with his grandkids. To his wife, children, and family, Mike was the best and was always there for anyone who needed him. Mike’s caring nature didn’t stop at his family, though, as he had a great love for his dogs as well. To Mike, they were more than pets.

Mike loved to hunt deer, which was more of a passion for him than a hobby. He enjoyed working for the upcoming deer season and making sure everything was ready to go. Mike loved teaching his grandchildren to hunt as well. He found joy in sharing something he loved with them and watching them enjoy it for themselves.

The loving memory of Mike Casper will be forever cherished by his mother, Sharon Casper, North Manchester; wife, Kim Casper, Rochester; son, Blake (Emily) Casper, Rochester; daughter, Corinna Kaye (Tyler) Bruner, Rochester; brothers, Mark (Sage) Casper, North Manchester, Gary (Yvonne) Casper, East Troy, Wisc., and Adam (Angie) Casper, North Manchester; sister, Kristi (Dan) Renz, North Manchester; six grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Mike was preceded in death by his father, Larry Casper, who passed away on Oct.10, 2020.

Family and friends may call on Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2021 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at McKee Mortuary, 1401 State Road 114 West, North Manchester.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021 at 10 a.m.

Burial will be held at Mentone Cemetery, South Morgan Street, Mentone, at a later date. Pastor Hedgel “Lee” Perry will officiate.

For those who wish to honor the memory of Mike A. Casper, memorial contributions may be made to Mad Anthony’s Children’s Hope House, 7922 West Jefferson Blvd., Fort Wayne, Indiana 46804.

Due to the CDC and Wabash County Health Department mandates, masks are required

The family of Mike A. Casper has entrusted McKee Mortuary with final arrangements.

Condolences may be emailed to mckeemortuary.com

Linda K. Rhoads, 74, of Rochester was surrounded by her loving family, when she passed away at 12:30 PM, January 15, 2021 at Lutheran Hospital of Ft. Wayne.

On September 1, 1946 Linda Kay Sickmiller was born in Mansfield, Ohio.  She was a treasured daughter of Merle and Anna Katherine McLeod Sickmiller.  Growing up she shared her childhood with two sisters, Julie and Marta.  Linda graduated with the class of 1964 from Ashland High School, Ashland, OH.  She continued her education to achieve her life dream of becoming a registered nurse at Ashland's Samaritan School of Nursing graduating in 1967.   Linda initiated her nursing career specializing in trauma at the Ashland Samaritan Hospital emergency department.  

In Ashland, Ohio Linda married Mr. Thomas C.  "Tom" Rhoads on July 12, 1986.   Following their move to Rochester, she volunteered for Kindred Hospice as a care giver.  In 2009 Hope Hospice conveyed the coveted "Hope Hospice Service Award" to Linda with sincere appreciation for distinguished service to Hope Hospice and our community.

Left to cherish Linda's memory are her husband Tom at home; seven children:  Jeff Talsma (Michelle) of the Upper Peninsula, MI, Chad Spangler (Misty) of Cape Coral, FL,   Shawn Spangler (Vicki) of Crestline, OH, Jennifer Fisher (Tommy) of Toano, VA, Stephanie Berry (Shawn) of Albuquerque, NM, Nancy Rhoads, of Richmond, VA, and Jessica Rhoadmond (Chris) of Staunton, VA;  12 grandchildren: Jordan, Caden, Bella, Anthony, Cameron, Evan, Caulen, Braden, Norah, Lucas, Kylee and Arbor;  two sisters: Julie Hinz  and Marta  Moore both of Lexington, OH; and many cherished nieces, nephews and cousins.  Also surviving is her treasured canine companion Sam, the yellow Lab.

A celebration of the life of Mrs. Linda K. Rhoads will be held from 2:00 - 4:00 PM, on February 20, 2021 in the Good Family Funeral Home, 1200 West 18th Street, Rochester, IN  46975.  Memorials may be made to Kindred Hospice,  1476 West 18th Street, Rochester, IN  46975. 

John Scott Moore,  56, of Noblesville; husband of Marie, father of Melissa, Scott and twins Giuli and Marcy, passed away at 8:09 PM Saturday, January 16, 2021 at Ascension St. Vincent's Hospital-Indianapolis.   This followed a valiant six-week battle from complications of pneumonia and COVID-19.

John's formative years were spent in California near the city of Lynwood. In 1982 he graduated from Downey High School, Downey CA.  John served a short stint with the US Army during 1984 until he was honorably discharged.  After a job transfer and returning to Indiana, he worked primarily for loan institutions.

On November 29, 2003, John married the love of his life Miss Marie Guevara at Upland, CA.  They have shared over seventeen years of life's adventures.  In the early years John shared his passion for nature, introducing Marie to camping expeditions.  A few years later came their beautiful twin daughters and an opportunity to share their enthusiasm for camping, building a great campfire, enjoying S'Mores, telling stories and fishing.

An outdoorsman, fishing and spending time on the shooting range were John's primary ways of relaxing.  He also always enjoyed a good round of golf.  An American patriot, John loved his country and to fly the flag.  He was an avid Colts fan, either attending games with his family or watching together on TV.   John enjoyed listening to the Eagles, 70's classic rock and AC-DC.

Survivors in addition to the earlier mentioned family include his parents,  Frankie and Richard Oldenburg  of??? Tehachapi, CA,  Joe and Terry Moore of Rochester; siblings: Rusty Moore (Connie) Rochester, Cris Moore of Rochester, Mindy Martynowicz of North Manchester; brothers & sisters-in-law, the seven Guevaras:  Jasmine and fiancée' Ricky Tapia,  Kenia, Daniel, Adolfo, Martha and husband Kevin,  Delmi and husband Alex; his mother-in-law Elena Guevara of Greenwood; and his treasured canine companion Luna, the black Miniature Schnauzer.

Private family services will be held at 12:00/Noon EST to celebrate John S. Moore's life, on Friday, January 22, 2021, at the Good Family Funeral Home, Rochester. 

His services will be live streamed.  Go to Facebook and search "JD Good" to view the service.  Mr. Daniel Guevara will officiate. 

Memorials may be made to the John S. Moore Trust Fund for his twin daughter's education. 

Floyd Allen Podell, 89, of Winamac, IN passed away on Wednesday, January 13, 2021 at Hickory Creek Healthcare in Winamac.

He was born on November 10, 1931 in Winamac to the late Isadore L. and Martha Lucille [Hendry] Podell, Sr.  

He graduated from Winamac High School in 1949 and was an alternate for the Marshall Carper Scholarship Award.  

Floyd was a Staff Sergeant in the US Air Force.  He served for four years during the Korean Conflict and was stationed at Kimpo Air Base in Japan.  In 1956, Floyd received an honorable discharge at Westover Air Force Base in Springfield, MA. 

During this time, Floyd met the love of his life while attending a big band dance with his military buddies.  He decided to stay and take a job at United Aircraft and attend Western New England College.  On Thursday, November 28, 1957 (Thanksgiving Day), Floyd married Jeanette Cargel in Agawam, MA.  In the spring of 1958, they moved to Winamac where they dedicated their life to farming. Together, they raised three children, Annette, Ted, and Cheryl.  Just last year, they celebrated 63 years of marriage.

Floyd was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Denham, IN.  He was also a member of the Pulaski County Aviation Board, Pulaski County Farm Bureau, and Eastern Pulaski School Board.  He served as Franklin Township Trustee and Pulaski County Commissioner.  Floyd was a founding member and Past President of the Kankakee Valley Workforce Development Services.  He was a lifetime member of the Winamac VFW Post #1728 and the Winamac American Legion Post #71. 

Floyd had a passion for flying and owned his own aircraft, a Cessna 170 (Charlie).  He truly enjoyed being a member of the Indiana Flying Farmers organization, giving airplane rides, and flying over his farm to check out his crops. 

Floyd loved his family very much, especially his grandchildren.  He will be sadly missed.

He is survived by:

Jeanette M. [Cargel] Podell, Winamac, IN Wife

Annette (Jeff) Dixon, Calico Rock, AR Daughter

Cheryl McGovern, Winamac, IN Daughter

Stefanie McGovern, Granddaughter

Quinn McGovern, Grandson

Lois Alfeld, Sister

Arlene Luehrs, Sister

Thelma Pace, Sister

Phyllis Wall, Sister

Kenneth (Shelley) Podell, Brother

Robert (Marsha) Cargel, Jr., Brother-in-law

Many Nieces, Nephews, and Cousins

Preceded in death by:

Isadore L. and Martha Lucille [Hendry] Podell, Sr., Parents

Theodore “Ted” Podell, Son

Richard Podell, Brother

Carl Podell, Brother

Isadore L. Podell, Jr., Brother

Robert and Mary [Kielec] Cargel, In-Laws

Visitation will be from 4-8 PM EST Friday, January 22, 2021 at Frain Mortuary in Winamac, IN. 

Funeral Services will be held at 11 AM EST Saturday, January 23, 2021 at Frain Mortuary in Winamac, IN with Rev. Mark Fakih officiating.

Burial will take place at St. Peter’s Cemetery in Winamac, IN.  The VFW and American Legion will conduct Military Graveside Services.

Memorial Contributions may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice. 

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

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac, IN.

Johnny L. Bradshaw, 78, of Winamac, IN (formerly of Knox, IN) passed away unexpectedly at 1:03 PM Wednesday, January 13, 2021 at Northwest Health Starke Hospital in Knox. 

He was born on April 6, 1942 in High Point, NC to the late Paul and Iva Lee [Mills] Bradshaw. 

Johnny served in the US Army and US Air Force during the Vietnam War.  He retired from Polygon Manufacturing in Walkerton, IN in 2006.

Johnny enjoyed doing crossword puzzles, playing solitaire, and going back to the pond to fish. 

He also enjoyed playing the lottery.   Johnny loved his family very much, especially his grandchildren.  He will be deeply missed.

Survivors include:

Jeffrey John Bradshaw, Bruce Lake, IN Son

Lynn (Wes) Terry, Winamac, IN Daughter

Joaunpaey Davis, Logansport, IN Granddaughter

McKenzie Terry, Winamac, IN Granddaughter

John Terry, Winamac, IN Grandson

Cora Linback, Logansport, IN Great Granddaughter

Patricia Proctor, Thomasville, NC Sister

Paul Richard Bradshaw, Thomasville, NC Brother

Many Nieces and Nephews

Dianna [Swayze] Wilder, Winamac, IN Former Spouse

Preceded in death by: 

Paul and Iva Lee [Mills] Bradshaw, Parents

Darrell Bradshaw, Brother

Visitation will be from 12 Noon – 2 PM EST Wednesday, January 20, 2021 at Frain Mortuary in Winamac, IN.

Funeral Services will be held at 2 PM EST Wednesday, January 20, 2021 at Frain Mortuary in Winamac, IN with Rev. Edward Clark officiating. 

Burial will take place at Pro Cemetery in Winamac, IN.  The American Legion and VFW will conduct Military Graveside Services. 

Memorial Contributions may be made to Pro Cemetery.

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

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac, IN. 

Lois K. Gorton 76, Plymouth, Indiana, passed away 5:10 A.M.  Sunday, January 3, 2021 at her residence.

She was born on October 16th, 1944 in Allen Park, Michigan the daughter or Gordon Laatz and Kathleen Laatz. She married Thomas G. Gorton in June of 1963 in Detroit, Michigan.

Lois had worked as an Executive Secretary for Alexander Hamilton for ten years and had done specialty advertising sales. Her and her husband owned and operated Gorton House Bed and Breakfast for thirty years as well as acting as buiosness manager for Good News River Lodge in Alaska. She also worked a few years as Medicare Representative Surveyor and President of the Lewiston Chamber of Commerce and owned and operated Pine Tree Quilt Shoppe. Her hobbies include quilting, sewing, and cooking.

Survivors include husband Thomas Gorton, children Karen Gorton, Wasilla, Alaska, Timothy Gorton, Chicago, Illinois, Koreen (David) Immen, Napa California, and Michael (Dawn Vincent) Gorten, Sugarloaf Key, Florida. She is also survived by brother Arthur (Cathy) Laatz of Harrisville Michigan, thirteen grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents.

No services are scheduled at this time.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.zimmermanbrosfh.com

Vicki Sue (Curtis) Harrold, age 65 of Akron entered eternal rest at 9:56 p.m. on Wednesday, January 6, 2021 at Parkview Regional Medical Center, Fort Wayne after a six-week battle with Covid-19.

Vicki was born on February 5, 1955 in Rochester to Ralph E. and Peggy L. (Wagoner) Curtis.  She graduated from Akron High School in 1973 and furthered her education at Indiana University Purdue University, Fort Wayne.

Vicki and Richard Harrold joined their life together 43 years ago on May 21, 1977 at Beaver Dam United Methodist Church in Akron.  She and Richard shared a hope and faith in Jesus Christ, and this was the foundation on which they built their life.  They were blessed with the birth of a son, Jason who with his wife Tonia gave the couple their three beloved grandchildren who were the light of Vicki and Richard’s life.

Family traditions and her home were of great importance to her.  She cherished days spent with her grandchildren watching their soccer games, swimming in the pool and going on their home school field trips.  The family enjoyed many trips to attend tractor shows.  A walk through Vicki’s home reveals many of her passions.  She was a collector from Jason and Dick’s John Deere tractors and Indy 500 memorabilia, to Longaberger baskets and cherished antiques, which included many family pieces.

Vicki loved music of all kinds from sacred to rock and roll.  Even in high school, she was known as a wonderful soloist in the choir and in school musicals.  The love of music continued as she become active in the church again singing solos for all events and duets with Lori Miller.

The music for VBS and the Kings Kids program at Beaver Dam Church was another great love in her life.  She spent hours putting together music for the children that would be fun and inspiring as her desire was to have EVERY child know about Jesus and have music touch their hearts in a very special way.  She was also in charge of the music ministry for the church, selecting music for services and special occasions.

In addition to her love for music, Vicki loved children and taught Sunday school classes for many years.  Her desire to serve God in any way that she could led her to lead the UMW ladies in the annual “Apple Dumpling Day” at church.  She organized the project where they often made 700 apple dumplings.  Vicki was also well known for her yearly gifts of homemade Christmas rings to friends and family.  The production of which had involved every member of the family over the years, and was carried on by her family, in her honor during her hospital stay.

Vicki worked several years for many businesses and organizations:  Farmers State Bank, First United Methodist Church, Harris Drugs, Webbs Pharmacy, Tippecanoe Valley Middle School and Fulton County United Way.  From these associations she made many life-long friends.  Friends were valued by Vicki and she was always willing to do anything she could to come to their aid, until you were challenging her in a game of cards or a dance off to Chubby Checkers’ 1960’s song “The Twist”.  Then it was every man for themselves.

Surviving Vicki is her husband Richard Harrold of Akron; son: Jason (spouse Tonia) of Akron; (3) grandchildren: Noah, Madelyn and Sophia Harrold of Akron; sister: Marsha Arnett of Rochester; brother: Steve (spouse Johanna) Curtis of Rochester; nieces: Shannon (spouse Fred) McGlothin of Rochester; Lindsey (spouse Ryan) Reese of Rochester; Kim (spouse Danny) Hodge of Oklahoma; nephews: Nathan Arnett of Silver Lake; Eric (spouse Lisa) Gray of Kokomo.

Vicki was preceded in death by her father, Ralph E. Curtis, Jr. (November 23, 2018) and her mother, Peggy L. Curtis (December 8, 2020).

A public graveside service will be conducted at Nichols Cemetery, 950 South (off of State Road 19 N.), Akron, on January 16, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. officiated by Pastor Butch Troke of the Beaver Dam United Methodist Church.  There will be a celebration of life held at a late date.

For those who wish to honor the memory of Vicki, memorial contributions may be made to  “Wheels on Fire” c/o Beaver Dam United Methodist Church, 9798 W. 1000 S., Akron, Indiana 46910 or Fulton County United Way, 720 Main St., Rochester, Indiana 46975.

Online condolences may be expressed at earllovefuneralhome.com

The staff of Earl-Love Funeral Home considers it a privilege and an honor to care for the family and friends of Vicki S. Harrold.

Frances Baxter, 93 of Rochester was welcomed joyously into Heaven when she passed away at 3:42 AM, Thursday, December 31, 2020 at Wynnfield Crossing.

On October 3, 1927, Frances Castleman was the first born of the Castleman girls. She was a cherished daughter of Vernon "Bill" and Gladys Garner Castleman. Growing up in the Burton neighborhood with her little sister Carolyn "Ginger," the girls attended Burton Elementary School. Fran graduated from Rochester High School in 1945. In pursuit of her dream to become a teacher she graduated from Manchester College with a bachelors degree in secondary education in 1949.

On August 14, 1949, Fran married the love of her life, Mr. E. Parke Baxter at the Burton Methodist Church. They enjoyed over 63 years of life's adventures. From their union came two wonderful children Doug and LeeAnn. The family tree continued to grow with the added blessings of 3 grandsons and 6 great-grandchildren.

Mrs. Baxter's teaching career spanned over three and a half decades and was initiated at the Richland Center High School. Her next teaching stint was at Columbia Elementary. At Rochester Middle School she taught science and typing and served as guidance counselor. Mrs. Baxter also coached 6th and 7th grade girls' basketball. She retired in 1987 and was honored with a lifetime pass to all Rochester Athletics.

Initially formed in 1975, Mrs. Baxter was the first sponsor of the RHS girls huddle for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Her memberships include Rochester Adult Chapter of the FCA and the Grace United Methodist Church. She was a 66-year member of the Beta Mu Chapter of Tri-Kappa. Fran and Parke were inducted as members of the RHS Athletic Hall of Fame in June of 2011 for their many years of financial support and encouragement to the RHS Athletic programs, which extended for many years beyond when their children and grandsons were participating. She also enjoyed many years of league bowling at Quick's Lanes. Most recently she was a Wii bowler at Wynnfield Crossing where she resided since October of 2016.  

Fran and the Baxter Family have been great supporters of the Northern Indiana Community Foundation with the Baxter Inc, M & M Fund and most recently the Fulton County Cancer Fund Endowment Fund and the Baxter Pharmaceutical Scholarship Fund.

The "Patch," a special home away from home in the country, is a rustic locale that offered the family an opportunity to enjoy nature, wildlife and the changing seasons. Fran savored the time spent there with family making memories. She enjoyed the cabin, fishing on O'Blenis Lake, mushroom hunting and gator rides with Parke and the grandsons. Holidays were special there with Easter Egg Hunts and Christmas in the cabin. In later years the great-grandkids joined the memories with campfires, s'mores and feeding the birds.

Left to treasure Fran's memory are a daughter LeeAnn Pollock and husband Buddy of Rochester; a grandson, Dr. George E. "Chip" Pollock IV, Ph.D. and wife Amy of Colorado Springs, CO; 6 great-grandchildren: Imogen Pollock, George E. "Jory" Pollock V, Felix Pollock, and Calvin Pollock all of Colorado Springs, Austin Baxter and Eva Baxter of Edmond, OK; daughter-in-law Christina Baxter of Green Valley, AZ; Janet West of Rochester; and a nephew, Jeff Hunter and wife Kim of Rochester and their children Raeann and Caleb. Others who will miss Fran are her beloved caregivers and her Wynnfield family.

Preceding Fran in death are her parents Bill and Gladys Castleman; beloved husband Parke Baxter November 13, 2012; son Doug Baxter on September 29, 2014; 2 grandsons:  Josh Baxter on April 7, 2015, Chad Baxter on September 2, 2020; and her sister Carolyn "Ginger" Heeter on October 24, 2019.

A remembrance gathering celebrating the life of Mrs. Frances "Fran" Baxter will be held during summer 2021, when family and friends will be able to share fellowship and memories safely.

Memorials in lieu of flowers may be made to the Rochester Chapter of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, 1713 Mitchell Drive, Rochester, IN 46975; Northern Indiana Community Foundation, 227 East 9th Street, Rochester, IN  46975; or the Grace United Methodist Church, 207 West 7th Street, Rochester, IN  46975