The Call Leader

Jack L. Giselbach, 87, of Ora, IN went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, February 16, 2022. He passed away unexpectedly at Northwest Health Porter Hospital in Valparaiso, IN. Jack was born on November 26, 1934 in Elwood, IN to the late Joseph Raymond and Helen Bernice [Green] Giselbach. He loved the outdoors and had fond memories of playing in the family apple orchid in his youth. Jack was a talented young athlete who excelled in basketball, football, and baseball. He volunteered for the US Navy and served during the Korean War. On September 28, 1977, he married the love of his life, Carole York, in Ft. Wayne, IN. Jack retired from the Indiana Department of Corrections after...

Michael Lee Holtsclaw, 77, of Largo, Florida, passed away January 16, 2022 surrounded by family and comforted by his loving wife. Mike was born in Elwood, Indiana on February 23, 1944 to Billy and Louise Holtsclaw. In 1962, Mike graduated from Elwood High School and went to work at Delco Remy in Anderson, Indiana where he retired after 30 years of service. He was a member of UAW Local 662. He married the love of his life Francoise "Chic" Holtsclaw and they spent 45 years together. Mike loved motorcycles, walks on the beach and sports. He was an avid Rays, Bucs & Cubs fan. Family and friends meant the most to Mike. After his retirement Mike & Chic moved to Indian Rocks Beach,...

85, of Indianapolis, passed away October 26, 2021. She was born June 12, 1936 in Elwood, IN, to the late William J. and Mary M. Stone. Shirley was a graduate of Wendell Willkie High School, Elwood. She married Phillip Ripberger, and he preceded her in death October 25, 2011. Shirley was employed with J.F. Molloy & Associates in the insurance processing division for 30 years. Shirley enjoyed shopping, traveling and participating in the Senior Citizens group at the Shortridge YMCA. She was the true matriarch who held the family together. Visitation will be Monday, November 1, 2021 from 12 noon until the time of service at 2:00 p.m. at Shirley Brothers Washington Memorial...

Jean Burton, 96, peacefully passed away at 9:40 a.m. on Thursday, October 21, 2021, with family by her side at Miller's Assisted Living in Plymouth. Born in Elwood, Indiana on June 12, 1925, Jean was the daughter of Herman O. Morris and Esther Gladys (Coe) Morris Ferguson. She graduated from Wendell L. Willkie High School in Elwood, Indiana. Jean was raised by her grandparents, Alonzo "Lon" and Alice Althea Morris and her uncles, Hubert and Wilmer Morris. On April 15, 1944, Jean married her high school sweetheart, Gerald (Jerry) O. Burton. With this union came six children. They would move to Monterey, Indiana where Jerry accepted his first teaching and coaching job in the local high...

James "Jim" David Harris, of Mitchell passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on the early morning of September 29, 2021 at IU Health of Bedford. He was 72 years old. Jim entered this life on August 13, 1949, in Sparksville, Indiana. He was the son of John Harris and Lola (Wheeler) Sanders. He was a loving father and Papaw to his family. Jim was an avid fisherman, and hunter. Jim loved the outdoors just as much as he loved spending time with his family. He was a Cemetery Caretaker for the Elwood City Cemetery. Jim retired after 20 years of caring for grounds of the cemetery. Jim survivors include his children, Dawn Dauenhauer, Shawn Harris and his wife Jennifer, Shanna...

Jack D. Brewer, age 90 of Knoxville, Tennessee passed away on Saturday, September 18, 2021. He was born in Elwood, Indiana in 1930. He graduated from Wendell Willkie High School in 1949. Jack retired from General Motors after working there for 36 1/2 years as a manufacturing engineer. He served his country in the United States Army and was a Corporal in the Corps of Engineers. He served in Korea from 1951-1953. Jack was a member of the Elk Lodge and Woodlawn Christian Church. He is preceded in death by parents, Hillard & Leatha Brewer; wife, Joan Brewer; brother, Joseph Brewer; infant sister; son, Jeffrey Brewer; stepson, Timothy Coston. Jack is survived by daughter, Karen (Dennis)...

Jack D. Brewer, age 90 of Knoxville, Tennessee passed away on Saturday, September 18, 2021. He was born in Elwood, Indiana in 1930. He graduated from Wendell Willkie High School in 1949. Jack retired from General Motors after working there for 36 1/2 years as a manufacturing engineer. He served his country in the United States Army and was a Corporal in the Corps of Engineers. He served in Korea from 1951-1953. Jack was a member of the Elk Lodge and Woodlawn Christian Church. He is preceded in death by parents, Hillard & Leatha Brewer; brother, Joseph Brewer; infant sister; son, Jeffrey Brewer; stepson, Timothy Coston. Jack is survived by daughter, Karen (Dennis) Whitacre;...

Marilyn J. (Doan) Barnett, 87, of Elwood, Indiana passed away July 10 in Indianapolis. She was born January 14, 1934 in Hensley Township in Johnson County to the late Roscoe and Nellie (Betts) Doan. Marilyn graduated from Ball State University 1972 with a Masters degree in Education and went on to teach business at Elwood High School until she retired in 1993. She married her late husband, Joe A. Barnett, and together they raised a son, Michael. Marilyn had a passion for mentoring young people and was, for many years, a sponsor of Future Business Leaders of America in Elwood. Over the years, she received many accolades for her work in education. When Marilyn wasn't busy with work, she...

Paulette Fleenor, 72 of Seymour passed away at her home on June 27, 2021. She was born August 17, 1948 in Ottawa, Illinois to Orville Edward and Florence Jackson Fleenor. She came to Indiana at the age of 17 and then moved to McCleary, Washington where she spent the next 19 years before returning to Indiana. She worked as a bartender for the VFW and the Knights of Columbus and worked in the cafeteria at Schneck Medical Center for five years before retiring. Paulette loved life. She enjoyed crocheting, gambling, farm animals, camping and especially her grandchildren. She will always be remembered for her jokes and making people laugh. She was a member of Cornerstone Community Church. She...

Jack Lee Williams completed his life's journey peacefully on March 20th, 2021. Jack was born on September 26, 1935 in Elwood. The son of Clarence and Lillie (Bell) Williams, he was a 1953 graduate of Elwood High School. He moved to Anderson in 1979, where he resided until his death. Jack served in the U.S. Army, worked as a foreman in the Ventura Trailer Factory in Elwood and retired from Delco Remy/Delphi on January 1st of 1996 after 36 years. He had raced "stock cars" at various speedways in Indiana during the 1950 and 60's. A fan of NASCAR, the Indianapolis Colts, the Pacers, and the Chicago Bears. He was also a "Die hard Cub fan". He also enjoyed IU basketball and the Phoenix Suns. His...

Peggy Jean Rockhill Smith, 83, of Greenwood, passed away unexpectedly on Feb. 5. 2021. She was born on October 13, 1937, in Flora, IN to the late Clarence and Lottie Rockhill. She graduated from Wendell L. Wilkie High School in 1955 in Elwood, IN. She married the love of her life, Robert Smith on May 4, 1957. Peggy was a member of Our Lady of the Greenwood Catholic Church for 40 years and was a loving and encouraging wife/mother/mamaw/aunt. As the matriarch of her family, she led with fierce love and loyalty, always in support of her family. She was an avid Colts football fan and supported any Indiana sports team. Peggy retired from Wurth Service Supply in 2002 after 20+ years of...

Frederick Leo Prus Jr. 83, passed away at Schneck Medical Center in Seymour, Indiana, after a month long battle with COVID-19. Frederick was Navy Veteran who served in Japan and he retired from General Motors after 25 years of service. Also, Frederick was the owner of MP Tax Service for 40 years. In 1937, Frederick was born to the late Frederick Leo Prus Sr. and Ada (Freds) Prus. Frederick married the love of his life Marion Hoyle in 1957 in Elwood, Indiana and she preceded him in death. He is survived by daughter Lorrie (Jeff) Elder, grandsons Brandon (Destiny) Elder and David Long, granddaughter Katrina (Bobby) Page and Shelby Ellis. Frederick is also survived by his...

Madonna J Huff, 86, passed away on January 29, 2021 at Ascension St. Vincent hospital in Indianapolis. Madonna married her high school sweetheart, Robert E. Huff, on April 10, 1954. They shared their lives for 64 years until Bob preceded her in death in 2018. She is survived by two daughters, Vickie Hoffman and Diana (Robert) Abbott; 7 grandchildren, David Hoffman, Elizabeth (Caleb) Zeutschel, Stephanie (Garrett) Butcher, Michelle (Robert) Olson, Amanda (Robert) Cusic, Kristin (Cole) Short and Stacia Abbott; 9 great-grandchildren, Corbin Hoffman, Olivia Zeutschel, Lyra Butcher, Hattie Butcher, Harrison Cusic, Hannah Zeutschel, Jayden Short, Everett Olson and Nolan Butcher. She was born to...

On Tuesday, January 19th, 2021, Kaitlin BriAnna Leeman, loving daughter, sister, aunt, and granddaughter, went home to be with the Lord at the age of 27. Katie was born on October 19th, 1993 in Anderson, Indiana to Louis and Patricia (Bowman) Leeman. She graduated from John Hinds Career Center in 2016. Katie had a love for children and was a loving and nurturing childcare provider. She had previously worked as a cashier at the Morgantown IGA and as a bus aide for the MSD of Martinsville transporting special needs children, a job she absolutely adored! Katie was loved by everyone who knew her. She was a selfless young lady who was always ready to help anyone with a beautiful smile and a...

South Bend - Marvin J Janiak, 73, passed on April 11, 2020. Mary Lee (Waters) Janiak, 74, passed on November 12, 2020. Marvin & Mary Lee were married on September 10, 1966. They are survived by their son, Steven (Barbara Jo) Janiak, and many other dear family members. Marvin and Mary were born and raised in South Bend, lived in Elwood, IN for some time, then moved back to South Bend, IN. Friends and family are invited to celebrate their lives on Friday, April 30, 2021 from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm at St. Joseph Funeral Home, Mayflower Rd. followed by an inurnment service at St. Joseph Cemetery.

South Bend - Mary Lee Janiak, 74, passed away Thursday, November 12, 2020 in Memorial Hospital. Mary Lee was born April 20, 1946 in South Bend to the late Joseph and Virginia (Golubski) Waters. On September 10, 1966 Mary Lee married her loving husband, Marvin James Janiak. He preceded her in death on April 11, 2020. Left to cherish the memory of Mary Lee is her son, Steven (Barbara Jo) Janiak; sister, Cindi Martinelli; brother, David Waters; sister-cousin Judy Blake Ciesialka and many dear cousins, nieces & nephews. Mary Lee attended St. Stanislaus Grade school, then graduated from Central High School in 1964. She worked various jobs including real estate and management, then...

Craig Anthony Brunnemer, 47, of Pendleton, passed away on November 9, 2020 at Ascension St. Vincent Mercy Hospital in Elwood. Craig was born on October 20, 1973 in Elwood to Tim and Anna (Callaway) Brunnemer. He was a graduate of Elwood High School and Anderson University. Since 2013, Craig was the Golf Professional at Pebblebrook Golf Course. For those who knew Craig, they knew him to be a sports enthusiast. No matter the sport, Craig came out of his shell to share his knowledge and appreciation for sports. He was blessed that he could share his passion for sports with his children through their involvement in cross country, basketball and softball. Craig was also able to share his...

John Coomer, 60, of Elwood, passed away Saturday, October 17, 2020 at St. Vincent Mercy Hospital, Elwood. He was born October 12, 1960 in Noblesville to John L. Coomer and Ruth Ann (Lamb) Coomer. He married Audrey Fugate on January 12, 1985, and she survives. He is also survived by his children, Donald Fugate of Kendallville, Kristina (Kenny) Bolen of Wolcottville, Amy Reed of Shelbyville, Jamie Wilson of Shelbyville, James Cart of Indianapolis, Tasha Coomer of Noblesville, and Tonya Warren of Elwood, 14 grandchildren, and 9 great-grandchildren, his sister, Lisa Ironmonger of Logansport, his brother, Terry Coomer of Indianapolis, and his best friend, Max, his dog. He was preceded in...

Roberta Lynn Maddox, age 71, of Elwood, passed away Tuesday, October 6, 2020 at IU North Hospital. She was born on Tuesday, February 8, 1949 to Robert and Ruby Mills Moorman, both of whom precede her in death along with her brother: Danny Lee Moorman, and sister: Linda Moorman Hewitt. Roberta grew up in a small town- Alexandria, Indiana, with her mother, father and two sisters. She loved roller skating as a youth, and frequented the Alexandria Roller Rink. Roberta loved going on walks around the neighborhood with her friends. She also loved to sing, and was in the school choir. Roberta was raised a Jehovah's Witness, and remained strong in her faith until the end. She was a member of the...

Leroy McIntyre, age 75 years old of Sevierville, TN, joined the Lord on Sunday afternoon, June 14, 2020. He was reunited with his bride of 44 years, Janalyn Sue, mother and father, Ed and Ruby McIntyre, and sister and brother-in-law Shirley and Bill Hancock. Leroy was a constant presence in the lives of his family, friends, and street rod buddies. He will be remembered and loved by those remaining. His daughters Lisa Stone, Jodi Black and husband Jimmy; grandchildren, Lindsy Rhoten and husband Austin, Whitley Stone, Jessica Black, Jill Clabo and husband Noah, Justin Black; great-grandchildren, Jaelyn and Dominic Rhoten; many special aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family....

South Bend - Marvin James Janiak, 73, passed away Saturday, April 11, 2020 in Signature Nursing Facility. Marvin was born July 13, 1946 in South Bend to the late Harry and Gladys (Isban) Janiak. On September 10, 1966, Marvin married his loving wife of 53 years, Mary Lee (Waters) Janiak. She survives along with their son, Steven Christopher (Barbara Jo) Janiak; brother, Richard (Joyce) Janiak; sister, Barbara (Paul) Barnaby; and several nieces and nephews. Marvin attended St. Adalbert grade school, then graduated from Washington High School in 1964. He served in the U.S. Army reserve for six years. Marvin worked as a paint salesman for many years, owned and operated Janiak's Carpet and...