Pancake day raises thousands

The Wabash Kiwanis Club officials announce that its largest annual fundraiser raised thousands of dollars for children.

The 2023 Pancake Day event that took place on March 25 at the Bruce Ingraham building at the Wabash County Fairgrounds featured the sale of the club’s pancakes, as well as sausages and drinks.

Through sponsorships, ticket sales and donations, the local organization raised approximately $6,000. In all, 45 members of the Wabash Kiwanis Club and the Key Clubs of Wabash and Northfield high schools, served thousands of pancakes to nearly 500 attendees. The club also boasted 36 sponsors for the event.

“The event was a huge success and we are extremely grateful to all those that sponsored and attended to allow us to continue our work supporting kids and family here locally,” Club Board PresidentElect Tenille Zartman, who oversaw the event this year, said.

Sponsors for the 2023 fundraiser included Beacon Credit Union, Bulldog Battery Corp., City of Wabash, Crossroads Bank, Dawes & Pugh CPAs, LLC, Eads & Son Bulldozing,

Inc., Edward Jones, Elks Lodge No. 471, Flagstar Bank, Ford Meter Box, Gaunt & Son Asphalt, Inc., Gebhart Holdings, Grandstaff-Hentgen Funeral Service, Inc., Grow Wabash County, Halderman Real Estate and Farm Management, Hoosier Jiffy Print, Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance, Investment Center at Crossroads, J.M. Reynolds Oil Company, John Deere TTG Equipment, Josiah White’s, Larry C. Thrush, Lundquist Appraisals & Real Estate, Midwest Eye Consultants, MSD of Wabash County, OswaltThomas Sales & Service, Robert J Mattern DDS, Schlemmer Brothers Metalworks, Inc., Terrell Realty Group, Tulip Tree Title, Wabash Carnegie Public Library, Wabash City Schools, Wabash MPI,

Wabash Valley Chrysler LLC, and Zoomers RV of Indiana LLC.

“Thank you to our sponsors, who without this fundraiser wouldn’t be nearly as successful,” Board President Josh Blossom said. “We were also thankful for the hundreds of people who came to the Ingraham Building on a cold, rainy Saturday to enjoy some delicious breakfast food and simultaneously support all that we do as an organization that gives back directly to children.”

The event allows the Club to continue its many service projects in the area, including support of Key Clubs at Wabash and Northfield high schools, support of K-Kids clubs at O.J. Neighbours and Sharp Creek ele-

Children, the Eagles Theatre renovation, FAME Festival, the Honeywell Summer Arts Camps (formerly VPA) and Arts in Education programs, the Wabash County Scholarship Pageant, Founder’s Day, Wabash Area Community Theater, the Wabash High School volleyball team’s Kills for a Cure fundraiser and more.

“These two men who have done so much for their communities - and Manchester - have agreed to help us celebrate this important milestone for our students,” said President Dave McFadden.

Each will receive an Honorary Doctor of Humanities and offer brief remarks to graduates, Packnett will be honored during health science graduate and professional commencement exercises at 9 a.m. and Hines at the undergraduate ceremony at 11 a.m., both in Cordier mentary schools, renovating local park playgrounds, continuing the Club’s fifth grade book program, supplying the Kate’s Kart book cart at Parkview Wabash Hospital and more.

Auditorium on the North Manchester campus.

Hines is a 1973 Manchester graduate and a longtime civic leader in Fort Wayne.

He retired in 2016 from Brightpoint, where he taught high school students workforce readiness and college preparation skills.

Hines is a recipient of the Manchester Alumni Honor Award, the highest recognition the Alumni Association can bestow on a graduate.

Packnett joined Parkview Health as president and CEO in June 2006 and retired at the end of 2022.

Known for his servant leadership, Packnett led the organization through times of growth and helped shape its culture.

Wabash Kiwanis also supports youth- and community-focused initiatives like Riley Hospital for

Karen Long, 52 Owned Designs at the Cabin Nov.

14, 1970 – April 2, 2023

Karen Sue Long, 52, North Manchester, passed away surrounded by family on April 2, 2023, at her home. The daughter of Donald and Donna (Cripe) Long, Karen was born Nov. 14, 1970, in Wabash.

Karen graduated from Manchester High School in the spring of 1989. She attended Heartland Career Center in Wabash, where she learned the art of being a beautician. After graduation she worked at Heckman Bindery for a short period before transitioning to Trendz in North Manchester. In 1999 Karen created her own business in North Manchester, Designs at the Cabin. For Karen, cutting and styling hair was a means to connect with people on a deeper level, and her customers became her friends and family. When she wasn’t at her shop Karen enjoyed gardening, spending time with her family, and had a soft spot for all animals—especially dogs and bison. In more recent years, Karen was baptized at Life Church in Huntington, where she was a member.

For the last 20 years Karen found companionship with her love, Chris Brown. The two share a daughter, Cora, whom they both adore and love deeply. Karen had boundless energy, running 5K races for charity with Cora, sister Brenda, and niece Shanna, no matter how bad the weather. She had a strong moral compass and was companionate, fair, and selfless. Those around her knew that they were especially loved.

The loving memory of Karen Sue Long will be forever cherished by her father, Donald Long, Roann; mother, Donna (Cripe) Long, North Manchester; companion, Chris Brown, North Manchester; daughter, Cora Brown, North Manchester; sister, Brenda Helvey, North Manchester; several nieces and nephews; cousins; and all the friends she made over the years.

Visitation and services were April 8 at McKee Mortuary, 1401 State Road 114 West, North Manchester. Pastor Mike Hill and Elder Larry Cripe officiated. Burial was at the North Manchester Old German Baptist Brethren Cemetery.

For those who wish to honor the memory of Karen Sue Long, memorial contributions may be made to: the Wabash County Animal Shelter, 810 Manchester Ave., Wabash, Indiana 46992; St. Jude Children Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105; or the Wabash County Cancer Society, P.O. Box 144, North Manchester, Indiana 46962.

The family has entrusted McKee Mortuary with care and final arrangements.

Condolences may be emailed to mckeemortuary.com.

Betty Lawrenz, 96 Worked at jewelry store

June 10, 1926 – April 1, 2023

Betty June Lawrenz, 96, North Manchester, entered the Kingdom of Heaven on April 1, 2023. The daughter of Earl and Mary (Specht) Johnson and eldest sister to Joyce and Patty; Betty was born June 10, 1926, in Diller, Neb. Betty and her family lived in Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico; moving often as her father helped build Army bases. Betty met her soulmate, Ralph Lawrenz, at a roller-skating rink in Cheyenne, Wyo., where he was stationed. The two married on July 3, 1944. After Ralph was honorably discharged from the Army, the couple moved to his hometown, Plainview, Minn., where they lived for 50 years before moving to Winona Lake. Betty was first a homemaker, raising their two children, Connie and David, and then worked as a clerk in a jewelry store. On Oct. 19, 2009, after 65 years of marriage, Betty lost the love of her life, Ralph. She then moved to North Manchester and the Timbercrest Senior Living Community.

Betty enjoyed arts and ceramics, especially free hand drawing; a skill she used to personalize her letters, cards, and envelopes.

She also enjoyed reading Christian and Amish themed books. She had a strong faith in her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and loved singing in the choir and teaching Sunday School and Bible School. She still receives cards from her students from Plainview, Minnesota, who fondly recall her kind and faithful teaching. Currently she was a member of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in North Manchester.

Betty is survived by her son, David (Tammy) Lawrenz, North Manchester; son-in-law, Ron Guetlein, Liberty Hill, Texas; five grandchildren; Michael Guetlein, San Pedro, California, Jon Guetlein, Austin, Texas, Sean Guetlein, San Angelo, Texas, Faith Miller, North Manchester, and Bethany Breitland, Burlington, Ver.; and six great-grandchildren.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ralph; daughter, Connie Guetlein; and sisters, Joyce Bryant and Patty Hunter.

Family and friends may call April 15, 2023 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Timbercrest Chapel, 2201 East Street, North Manchester. Funeral services will begin at the conclusion of calling with her son, David Lawrenz officiating. Graveside services will be at 1:00 p.m. at Oakwood Cemetery, 421 N. Maple St., Warsaw.

For those who wish to honor the memory of Betty Lawrenz, memorial contributions may be made to Timbercrest Charitable Assistance Fund, P.O. Box 501, North Manchester, IN 46962.

The family of Betty Lawrenz has entrusted McKee Mortuary with care and final arrangements.

Condolences may be emailed to mckeemortuary.com

Billy Joe Simpson, 65 Owned BJS Services

July 10, 1958 – April 2, 2023

Billy Joe “Bill” Simpson, 64, of Wabash, died at 7:58 pm, Sunday, April 2, 2023, at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne. He was born on July 10, 1958, in Wabash, Indiana, to Robert and Betty (Penisten) Simpson.

Bill was a 1977 graduate of Northfield High School and received his bachelor’s degree in agriculture education in 1982. He owned and operated BJS Services, in Wabash, since 1995. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church, in Wabash.

He is survived by two children, Zachery (Andrea) Simpson of Wabash, and Janelle (Robert) Potchka of Fort Wayne; five grandchildren, Gabriel Arthur of Amboy, Kyndle Potchka, Noah Potchka, and Dawson Potchka, all of Fort Wayne, and Lincoln Simpson of Wabash; sister, Diana (Gary) Ebbinghouse of Bluffton, and brother, James (Jeanette) Simpson of Arley, Ala. He was preceded in death by his parents. There will be a celebration of Bill’s life at a later date. Arrangements by Grandstaff-Hentgen Funeral Service, Wabash.

The memorial guest book for Bill may be signed at www.grandstaff-hentgen.com.

Robin Stanton, 51 Enjoyed baking

July 18, 1971 – April 3, 2023

Robin Elizabeth Sturgill Stanton, 51, Roann, passed away April 3, 2023

Born July 18, 1971, Robin was the daughter of Billy R. and Molly (Brock) Sturgill.

Visitation will be April 15, from 1 to 3 p.m. at McKee Mortuary, North Manchester. Service to follow with Bernice Pickering officiating. Burial will be at Memorial Lawns, Wabash.

Liz Bauer Retired educator

Liz (Elizabeth Ann) Hoffman Bauer has passed away.

She was born to Ralph and Tressie (Heeter) Hoffman on Aug. 11, 1930. She married Robert Bauer, who preceded her in death in 2006.

Surviving are children, Richard Dean (Debrah Daugherty) Bauer of North Manchester and Beth Anne (Mark Goldsmith) Bauer of Weaverville, Calif.; grandchildren Shawn Bellinger, North Manchester, Joanna and Benjamin BauerGoldsmith, Weaverville; great-grandchildren Mia Tisoto, Regan (Austin Hiatt) Bellinger, Marley Bellinger, and Violet Sutton; one great-greatgrandchild, Harlow Hiatt.

A Celebration of Life will be at the North Manchester Church of the Brethren at 4 p.m. May 6.

Earl-Love Funeral Home, Akron, handled arrangements.

John Bower, 84

Was a mechanic

Aug. 26, 1938 – April 6, 2023

John R. Bower, 84, of rural Wabash, died at 8:02 p.m., Thursday, April 6, 2023, at Parkview Wabash Hospital.

He was born on Aug. 26, 1938, in Wabash, to Jacob Bower and Marion J. (Gaston) Bower Egolf. John was a 1957 graduate of Urbana High School. He married Judith E. Roth in Wabash on Nov. 23, 1957. He was a trailer mechanic for Brown from Wabash Trucking, retiring in 2000, and also worked as a mechanic for Warsaw Trucking Company and Unger Trucking Company.

John enjoyed working on old cars and trucks, and restoring old furniture, but his main hobby was talking to people.

He is survived by his wife, Judith E. Bower of Wabash; two children, Tracy (Scott) Berkshire of Amboy, and Tony Bower of Wabash; three grandchildren, Erin Reahard of Wabash, Stephanie (Jeremy) Fisher of Roann, and Brittany (Isaac) Evers of Wolcottville; six greatgrandchildren, Dylan Bower, Kaylee Hall, Madison Hall, Jaxtyn Fisher, Lillian Evers, and Oliver Evers; and his sister, Beatrice Reed of Kokomo.

He was preceded in death by his parents, infant son John Bower Jr., and three sisters, Elvajean Rouch, Doris Bever, and Muirel Tyson.

Funeral services will be 10 a.m., Tuesday, April 11, 2023, at GrandstaffHentgen Funeral Service, 1241 Manchester Ave., Wabash, with David Phillips officiating. Burial will be in Speicher Cemetery, Urbana. Visitation was Monday, at the funeral home.

Preferred memorial is Alzheimer Association.

The memorial guest book for John may be signed at www.grandstaff-hentgen.com.

Motorists urged to be alert for farm traffic

Planting season is quickly approaching for Indiana’s 94,000 farmers. With the warm weather and sunshine, Hoosier motorists will also see more large slow-moving farm equipment traveling Indiana’s rural roads and highways.

The Indiana State Department of Agriculture, Indiana Department of Homeland Security, Indiana Department of Transportation, Indiana State Police and Hoosier Ag Today want to encourage motorists to slow down, be alert and be patient on roadways this spring.

“Indiana is the eighth largest farming state in the country and a national leader in the production of traditional row crops like corn and soybeans,” said Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development. “Whether you live in rural, urban or suburban Indiana, remain alert on the road this spring as Cont. on Page 10.

Terry Copeland, 76

Worked for Penske in Wabash

Oct. 8, 1946 – Dec. 22, 2022

Terry E. Copeland, 76, of Wabash, passed away on Thursday, Dec. 22, 2022, at his residence.

He was born to Glenn Eugene and Betty (Tate) Copeland on Oct. 8, 1946, in Wabash.

Terry was a 1965 graduate of Northfield High School. He married Jo Van Camp on September 23, 1967. He worked for Penske in Wabash for 30 years, then worked part time at Wabash True Value. Terry was a member of the Wabash Church of the Brethren.

Terry is survived by two sisters, Mrs. John (Margo) Layman of Logansport, and Mrs. Richard (Denise) Rayburn of White Lake, Mich.

He is preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Jo.

A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 15, 2023, at Falls Cemetery in Wabash.

Preferred memorials can be directed to the Wabash County Animal Shelter in care of McDonald Funeral Home.

McDonald Funeral Homes, Wabash Chapel, 231 Falls Avenue, Wabash, have been trusted with Terry Copeland’s final arrangements.

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

Michael Venosky, 54 Was a softball player

Dec. 29, 1968 – April 7, 2023

Michael T. Venosky, 54, a lifetime resident of Wabash, passed away at 5 a.m. Friday, April 7, 2023, at Waters of Wabash West.

He was born on Dec. 29, 1968, to Walter Ansel and Debra (Hamilton) Beeks in Wabash.

Michael was a 1988 graduate of Wabash High School. Michael married Stacie Elaine Daugherty on Oct. 28, 1995. She passed away on Oct. 15, 2004. He attended Christian Heritage Church in Wabash. He played softball in a traveling league and loved the outdoors.

Michael is survived by his daughter, Madison Venosky (Chase Bickel) of Wabash; his mother, Debra Beeks of Wabash; one brother, Terry Hamilton of Wabash; one sister, Traci (Greg) Thompson of Wabash.

He is preceded in death by father, his wife, two brothers, David and Scott Brackett, and his grandparents, Stan and Jackie Venosky, who adopted Michael and raised him.

Funeral services will be at 4 p.m. Friday, April 14, 2023, at McDonald Funeral Home, 231 Falls Avenue, Wabash, with Pastor Tim Prater officiating.

Visitation for family and friends will be from 2 to 4 p.m. on Friday, April 14, 2023, at the funeral home.

McDonald Funeral Homes, Wabash Chapel, 231 Falls Ave., Wabash, have been trusted with Michael Venosky’s final arrangements.

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