Gene E. Riggs

Gene E. Riggs, 87, of LaFontaine, passed away on Thursday, September 10, 2020 at his home.  Gene was born on December 20, 1932, in Anderson, Indiana to the late Chester W. and Alma (Beaty) Riggs, Sr.

Gene served in the United States Army.  He married Marilyn V. Chambers; she passed away on December 21, 1982.  Gene then married Patricia A. Leahy on July 4, 1986; she passed away on September 27, 2004.  Gene worked as a supervisor in HR at Foster Forbes.  He attended First Church of God in Fairmount.

Gene is survived by four sons, Robin (Sheila) Riggs, of LaFontaine, Guy (Linda) Riggs, of South Bend, Indiana, David Riggs, of Elkton, Maryland and Xen (Stephanie) Riggs, of New Albany, Ohio; one brother, Robert Riggs, of Brownstown, Indiana; eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by two brothers.  

A memorial service is pending and has been entrusted to McDonald Funeral Homes, LaFontaine Chapel, 104 South Main Street, LaFontaine, Indiana 46940. 

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.mcdonaldfunerals.com

Stanford L. Hamilton

Stanford L. Hamilton, of LaFontaine, Indiana, passed on September 7, 2020 at Rolling Meadows Health & Rehab in LaFontaine, Indiana.

Stanford was born to Howard and Mary Margaret (Hambleton) Hamilton on July 1, 1927 in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He married Alta Terrel on August 22, 1948. She passed away in 2009. Stanford retired from being a farmer and truck driver. He was a member of the Dora Christian Church. He served in the United States Navy. 

He is survived by 4 daughters, Trudy Kaye Walker, of LaFontaine, Indiana, Mrs. Terry (Toni Lynn) Schaaf, of Marion, Indiana, Mrs. Mickey (Kim Leigh) White, of Terre Haute, Indiana, and Mrs. Larry (Dana Rae) Camble, of Eureka, Michigan; 15 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; and 3 great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, his parents, 1 son; Keli Dee Hamilton, 3 brothers, and 4 sisters. 

Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, September 11, 2020 at McDonald Funeral Home, LaFontaine Chapel, 104 South Main Street, LaFontaine, Indiana 46940, with calling one hour prior to the service starting at 9:00 a.m.  Pastor Mark Wisniewski will be the officiant. Burial will follow at Center Grove Cemetery in Lincolnville, Indiana.

Visitation for friends and family will be from 5:00 - 7:00 pm Thursday, September 10, 2020 at the funeral home.

Preferred memorials are to the Donor's Choice. 

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.mcdonaldfunerals.com

Sarina M. Bitzel

 Sarina M. Bitzel, 70 of Lincolnville passed away at 10:47 a.m. on Monday September 7, 2020.

She was born in Wabash County to Orville and Doris (Carpenter) Tucker on September 19, 1949. Sarina married James Bitzel in 1967. He passed away in 2003.

Sarina enjoyed reading, cross word puzzles, watching movies, mushroom hunting, and hanging out with her family. 

She is survived by 1 son. Dave Bitzel of Warsaw, Indiana; 1 daughter-in-law, Karen Bitzel, of LaFontaine, Indiana; and 2 granddaughters, Amanda and Alyssa Bitzel of Lafontaine, Indiana; 2 sisters. Sherry (Roger) Baumbauer of Lincolnville, Indiana; and Doretta Tucker, of Wabash, Indiana. She was proceeded in death by her parents, husband, son (Dean Bitzel), and a brother (Dan Tucker). 

Per Sarina's request, there will be no services. 

Arrangements are entrusted to McDonald Funeral Home Lafontaine Chapel 104 South Main St. LaFontaine, Indiana.

F. Louise Friermood

 F. Louise Friermood, 92, of Wabash, passed away on Wednesday, September 2, 2020 at Bickford Cottage in Wabash.  She was born in Wabash, on September 12, 1927, to the late Warren and Lora (Lawson) Ogan.  

Louise was a 1946 graduate of Linlawn High School.  She married William H. Friermood on August 23, 1947; he passed away on December 15, 2005.  Louise was a homemaker and worked as a cook at Southwood Elementary.  She was a member of Church of Christ at Treaty, Tri-Township Club and the Senior Center of Wabash County.  Louise and her husband loved camping with friends and family.

Louise is survived by five sons, Ron Friermood, of Wabash, Gary (Kathy) Friermood, of Wabash, Joe Friermood, of LaFontaine, Lester (Vickie) Friermood, of North Manchester and Greg (Jody) Friermood, of LaFontaine; sister, Vivian Proffitt, of Wabash; sisters-in-law, Coleen Campbell and Nancy Ogan, both of Wabash; grandchildren, Alissa (Eric) Stalter, of Fort Wayne, Heidi (Kevin) Gusa, of McKinney, Texas, Kyle Friermood, of Indianapolis, Kevin Friermood, of New Orleans, Louisiana, Lori Groves, of McKinney, Texas, Andy Friermood, of Wiley, Texas, Kris Friermood, of Van Buren, Kristie (Stan) Carlson, of Gas City, and Justin (Keri) Friermood, of Wabash; eight great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by four brothers and five sisters.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 9, 2020 at McDonald Funeral Home, 231 Falls Avenue, Wabash, Indiana 46992 with Pastor Brad Wright officiating.  Burial will follow at Mississinewa Memorial Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 8, 2020 at the funeral home.

Preferred memorials are to the Living Well Senior Center of Wabash County, P.O. Box 447, Wabash, Indiana 46992.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.mcdonaldfunerals.com