Thomas W. Gautschi

 

Thomas “Tom” W. Gautschi, 84, of Wabash, Indiana, passed away at 4:45 a.m. on Tuesday, December 27, 2022, at his residence.  He was born on July 25, 1938, to John and Elizabeth Gautschi in Warren, Ohio.

Tom was a graduate of Holland High School. He was a self-employed flooring mechanic for many years and owned Gautschi and Chain Floor Covering in downtown Wabash. Tom was a perfectionist and enjoyed building model driving horses, trains, and airplanes. Tom loved the Lord and was a God-fearing man, he spread the Gospel in many countries throughout his lifetime. He loved camping, horseback riding, and sitting around the campfire. In his younger years he was an avid sportsman, playing basketball, softball, bowling, archery, and water skiing. He married Delores Roth on September 19, 1959.

Tom is survived by his wife, Delores Gautschi of Wabash, Indiana; three daughters, Cathleen (Larry) Wilke of Hamlet, Indiana, Diane Barton of Wabash, Indiana, Cindy Gautschi of South Whitley, Indiana; six grandchildren, Brandon (Tera) Barton of Winchester, California, Trishina (Greg) Johnson of Milan, Ohio, Keith (Jenifer) Gautschi of Claypool, Indiana, Sonya Wilke of St. Petersburg, Florida, John (Katelynn) Wilke of Rolling Prairie, Indiana, and Addison Wilke of Fort Wayne, Indiana; 11 great-grandchildren; and one sister, Marilyn Gautschi of Warren, Ohio. He is proceeded in death by his parents, one brother, Sonny Gautschi, and one grandson, Wyatt Wilke.

Per Tom’s request there will be no services. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Memorial donations can be made to McDonald Funeral Home to help offset final expenses.

McDonald Funeral Homes, 231 Falls Avenue, Wabash, Indiana, 46992, have been trusted with Thomas Gautschi's final arrangements.

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

Leonard D. Drook

 

Leonard D. Drook, 90, a lifetime resident of Wabash, Indiana passed away at 4:22 a.m. on, Friday, December 23, 2022, at his residence. He was born to Donald C. and Mary L. (Renbarger) Drook on June 29, 1932, in Wabash, Indiana.

Leonard was a 1950 graduate of Wabash High School. He married Mary Kaiser on February 14, 1952. He was a truck driver for Wabash Alloys and retired in 1994. Leonard had a great love for horses, dogs loved him, and later in life he was a crew member for a national motorcycle racing champion. Most of all he loved his family. He was a member of Saint Bernard Catholic Church in Wabash and Teamsters Union in Marion, Indiana.

Leonard is survived by his wife, Mary Drook of Wabash, Indiana; two daughters, Cathy Drook (Mel Crichton) of Big Sky, Montana, Amy Drook of Wabash, Indiana; one son in law, Jeff Claire of Watseka, Illinois; seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. He is proceeded in death by his parents, two sons, Donald Drook and Richard Drook, and one daughter, Marybeth (Drook) Claire.

Mass of Christian Burial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 29, 2022, at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Wabash, with Father Jay Horning officiating. Burial will follow at Falls Cemetery.

Calling hours will be Wednesday, December 28, 2022, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with Recitation of the Rosary at 6:45 p.m. at McDonald Funeral Home, 231 Falls Avenue, Wabash, Indiana 46992.

Preferred memorials are to be directed to Wabash County Cancer Society in care of McDonald Funeral Homes.

McDonald Funeral Homes, Wabash Chapel, 231 Falls Avenue, Wabash, Indiana 46992, have been trusted with Leonard Drook’s final arrangements.

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

Lori D. Rietman

 

Lori D. Rietman, 60, of Wabash, Indiana, passed away at 7:15 a.m. on Wednesday, December 21, 2022, at her residence.  She was born on November 26, 1962, to Gary and Sally (Swanson) Dionne in Marquette, Michigan.

Lori had worked at Tower Farms at Josiah White’s in Wabash, Indiana as a student mentor since February of 2022. She loved gardening, art, photography, fashion, and was an amazing cook. Lori loved the children at Josiah White’s, and they definitely loved her back.

Lori is survived by her daughter, Sara Rietman of Dekalb, Illinois; her mother, Sally Dionne of Marquette, Michigan; ex-husband, Keith Rietman; two brothers; one sister; and her beloved friend, Lisa (Jeff) Cook of Wabash, Indiana. She is proceeded in death by her father. 

A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.

McDonald Funeral Homes, 231 Falls Avenue, Wabash, Indiana, 46992, have been trusted with Lori Rietman's final arrangements.

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

Connie Dewey

 

Connie J. Dewey, 56, of Milford, Indiana, passed away at 10:50 p.m. on Thursday, December 15, 2022, at her residence.  She was born on August 16, 1966, to Vivian Collins in Bloomington, Indiana.

Connie was a graduate of Southwood High School. She worked as a factory worker for many years. Connie married Charles Jr. Dewey on January 2, 2015.

Connie is survived by her husband, Charles of Milford, Indiana; one son, Justin S. Davis of Wabash, Indiana; one stepson, Charley Dewey III; one stepdaughter, Kayla Dewey; and one step grandson, Leland Dewey.

Funeral service will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, December 22, 2022, at McDonald Funeral Home, 231 Falls Avenue, Wabash, Indiana 46992. Burial will follow at Friends Cemetery in Wabash, Indiana.

Visitation will be one hour prior to the funeral service from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, December 22, 2022, at the funeral home

McDonald Funeral Homes, 231 Falls Avenue, Wabash, Indiana, 46992, have been trusted with Connie Dewey's final arrangements.

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

Joseph Salvatore Savarino

 

Joseph Salvatore Savarino, 85, of Somerset, Indiana passed away at 2:15 p.m. on Sunday, December 18, 2022, at his home. He was born to Vincent James and Phyllis (Panepinto) Savarino on December 22, 1936, in Monessen, Pennsylvania.

Joseph graduated from Monessen High School in Pennsylvania in 1954. He worked at Pittsburgh Steel Co. following graduation He served in the United States Army from 1958 to 1964 as a cook to feed his fellow soldiers. Joe loved to be on the Monongahela River (PA) as a child and an adult.  He married Mary Victoria Gretz on October 26, 1960, then moved to Marion, Indiana and worked as a millwright and retired from Chrysler Casting Plant Local 1166 in 1999. He enjoyed fishing, telling stories, and catch phrases. He loved the outdoors and being in his garage. Joe was known as “Mr. Fix It”. He was best friends with Danny Williams, and there wasn’t anything they couldn’t get done together. Joe was a loving, caring husband, father, and grandfather. He simply adored his grandsons. He was also an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan. Go Steelers!

Joe is survived by his wife, Mary Victoria Gretz-Savarino; three daughters, Victoria (James) Savarino-Tarpley, Diana (Phillip) Savarino-Sullivan, Consetta (Jeff) Savarino-Conn, four grandsons, Joseph Savarino, Samuel (Dana) Savarino, Brandon Wensley, Patrick Wensley; one sister, Consetta Savarino-Sucevich of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He is proceeded in death by his parents, and one son, Joseph S. Savarino Jr.

A Catholic Funeral Mass will be held at a later date to be announced at Saint Bernard Catholic Church in Wabash, Indiana.

Memorial contributions can be directed to anything that helps someone or brings you joy.

McDonald Funeral Homes, Wabash Chapel, 231 Falls Avenue, Wabash, Indiana 46992, have been trusted with Joseph Savarino’s final arrangements.

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

Phillip R. Speicher

 

Phillip R. Speicher, 82, of LaFontaine, passed away at 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, December 18, 2022, at Rolling Meadows Health and Rehabilitation Center in LaFontaine. Phillip was born in Wabash County to Raymond and Charlotte (Black) Speicher on January 9, 1940.

Phillip was a 1958 graduate of LaFontaine High School. He married Marilyn Holder on January 6, 1961. He worked for General Motors in Marion, Indiana for 40 plus years, then retired in 2005. He was a member of LaFontaine United Methodist Church, LaFontaine Town Board Member from 1980-1992, a Sunday School Teacher, and UAW Member Marion.

Phil grew up with his brothers living and working on the farm. He enjoyed sitting on his front porch watching the birds and sunsets and also loved watching basketball and football. Gardening and mowing his yard, vacationing with family and friends, and staying home were also a favorite pastime. Phil had a passion for collecting LaFontaine Memorabilia and antique toys and tractors.

Phillip is survived by his wife, Marilyn Speicher of LaFontaine, Indiana; two daughters, Denise (Gregg) Wood of LaFontaine, Indiana, Lisa Carpenter of Wabash, Indiana; five grandchildren, Tiffany Harrell of LaFontaine, Indiana, Caleb (Lauren) Carpenter of Muncie, Indiana, Kylie (Scott) Mercer of Marion, Indiana, Megan (Chris) Anderson of Columbia City, Indiana, Michael (Lauren) Wood of Marion, Indiana; 13 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and two brothers, Robert (Connie) Speicher of Alexandria, Indiana, Dean (Sandy) Speicher of LaFontaine, Indiana. He was proceeded in death by his parents and one brother, Richard Speicher.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 22, 2022, at LaFontaine United Methodist Church, 2 West Kendall Street, LaFontaine, Indiana 46940 with Pastor Susan Shambaugh officiating. Burial will follow at LaFontaine I.O.O.F Cemetery in LaFontaine, Indiana.

Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 21, 2022, at LaFontaine United Methodist Church.

Preferred memorials can be directed to Samaritan’s Purse P.O. Box 3000 Boone, North Carolina 28607 in care of McDonald Funeral Home.

McDonald Funeral Homes, LaFontaine Chapel, 104 South Main Street, LaFontaine, Indiana 46940, have been trusted with Phillip Speicher's final arrangements.

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

Rodney D. Zellers

 

Rodney D. Zellers, 61, of Wabash, Indiana, passed away at 2:36 p.m. on Sunday, December 18, 2022, at Parkview Wabash Hospital in Wabash, Indiana.  He was born on January 13, 1961, to Larry J. and Janice L. (Wagoner) Zellers in Rochester, Indiana.

Rodney was a graduate of Southwood High School. He married Rebecca Conaway on April 28, 1984. They were friends for 39 years and married 38 years. Rodney formerly worked at Charley Creek Inn Twenty as a chef. He was a member at New Song Church in Wabash, Indiana. Rodney was an avid outdoorsman, enjoyed feeding the squirrels at the park, playing disk golf and cards, but most of all he loved his family, his cat, and his church family. Rodney’s favorite saying was “I love you more than words can say.” He adored his wife with all his heart.

Rodney is survived by his wife, Rebecca of Wabash, Indiana; his mother, Janice Zellers of North Manchester, Indiana, two brothers, Steve (Mary) Zellers, Wabash, Indiana, Daniel (Donna) Zellers, Rochester, Indiana; one sister, Kandy Vicini, Indianapolis, Indiana.  He is preceded in death by his father.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, February 18, 2023, at 12 p.m. at New Song Church 619 IN-13, Wabash, IN 46992.

Visitation for family and friends will be two hours prior to the service from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the church. 

McDonald Funeral Homes, 231 Falls Avenue, Wabash, Indiana, 46992, have been trusted with Rodney Zeller's final arrangements.

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

Myra Lee Robinett

 

Myra Lee Robinett, 80, of Wabash, Indiana passed away at 5:20 p.m. on Wednesday, December 7, 2022, at her daughter’s home in Indianapolis, Indiana surrounded by her family. She was born to Wesley and Edna (Highley) Crandall on May 1, 1942, in Wabash, Indiana.

Myra was a 1960 graduate of Roann High School. She married Randall Bolen in 1963, he passed away in 1966; she then married Max Robinett, he passed away on March 27, 2017. Myra was a homemaker.

Myra is survived by one son, Randall Bolen (Eileen Hansen) of Portage, Indiana; one daughter, Tamara Lundy (Greg Dyer) of Indianapolis, Indiana; three grandchildren, Amber Bolen (Mike Sier) of Avon, Indiana, Rachael (Josh) Stewart of Plainfield, Indiana, and Christopher Dyer (Cortnie Wadsworth) of Plainfield, Indiana; five greatgrandchildren, Avrie, Ellie, Raygen, Jaxson, and McKenna; one sister, Marilyn Prickett of Wabash, Indiana. She was proceeded in death by her parents, one brother, LeRoy Crandall, one sister, Martelle Purdy, and one granddaughter, Nicole Lundy.

Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, December 12, 2022, at McDonald Funeral Home, 231 Falls Avenue, Wabash, Indiana 46992. Burial will follow at Falls Cemetery in Wabash, Indiana.

Visitation will be two hours prior to the funeral service from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Monday, December 12, 2022, at the funeral home.

Preferred memorials are to be directed to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Indiana Chapter 14350 Mundy Drive Suite 800-199 Noblesville, Indiana 46060.

McDonald Funeral Homes, Wabash Chapel, 231 Falls Avenue, Wabash, Indiana 46992, have been trusted with Myra Robinett’s final arrangements.

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