Krouse reflects on visit to Easter Egg Roll

By Eric Christiansen

Sam Krouse, coCEO of MPS Egg Farms, along with his family, spent an extended Easter weekend with some big rollers at the annual White House Easter Egg Roll at the White House.

The Easter Egg Roll was Monday, April 10, but the Krouses spent three days in D.C., Sunday through Tuesday.

“It was a neat opportunity,” Krouse said as he explained his role in the festivities. “I serve on the American Egg Board which is Egg Producers check off organization. That just means that every egg producer collectively pays money to the egg board and they use that money to do promotion and research on eggs.”

The egg roll dates back to the 1870s and the tradition continues to this day.

“It’s a decadesold tradition...and it’s Easter and eggs and all things spring,” Krouse said. “Egg Board and egg farmers are are the big sponsor of it. This year, in particular, I think we were the only sponsor. As part of that, we helped to shape the whole event that was happening on the lawn, along with the First Lady.”

Krouse noted that First Lady Dr. Jill Biden’s big passion is education, so her theme was “EGGucation.”

“She kind of turned the whole lawn into a schoollike environment,” Krouse said.

“NASA was also there and they had some cool experiments that they were doing with kids. There was an area that was actually a reading nook where my son got to hear a story from the First Lady. That was very cool.

“Of course, they had all kinds of egg coloring, decorating, and dyeing, all that you would expect,” Krouse said. “There was a lot of fun stuff all over the lawn. It’s a really neat event.”

Krouse added that his son had a different focus from the rest of his family.

“The big bunny with the glasses turned out to be my son’s highlight of the whole thing,” he said. “I think he couldn’t have cared less about meeting the president – he just wanted to see the big bunny.”

Those in atten- dance also heard from President Joe Biden, and Krouse was quick to praise the President for his support.

“Shout out to President Biden,” Krouse said. “He’s one of the very first presidents –maybe the very first – who has stood on the balcony and thanked egg farmers for what we do. It’s so cool to have his support and hear him appreciating farmers, especially with as challenging as this year has been with bird flu.

“We know people are concerned about price of eggs,” he continued. “Egg farmers are still working hard to get people eggs and to do it safely and efficiently because we know how important they are to everybody.

“So, to hear

Biden stand up there and really publicly thank farmers, that was a cool moment. We really appreciated that.”

Krouse looked back at the visit and said it was a memorable event for him, his family, and also egg farmers.

“It was just a great event. We appreciate the support of the White House and everything they do. And for me and my family to be part of such a long tradition, it’s a really neat thing,” Krouse said. “I think it is a great collaboration, too, between egg farmers and the White House, (and) to just have a nice celebration for everybody and have a good time.

“Getting to visit the White House, everything was done to the absolute T,” he added. “It was everything you would hope being there, from the people, the hospitality, the things that they did to make us feel welcome there, and to make it a really nice event, I was really blown away. It was really nicely done by the First Family.”

Howard Fleck, 93 U.S. Army veteran

March 4, 1929 – Feb. 28, 2023

Howard W. Fleck, 93, of Connersville, died Feb. 28, 2023, at his residence.

Howard was born on March 4, 1929, to George and Bertha (Pollex) Fleck in Rensselaer. He attended Laketon High School graduating with the class of 1948. After graduation, Howard enlisted in the United States Army, where he served in the Korean War earning several awards including: Army Occupation Medal, Korean Service Medal, and Bronze Campaign metal. He was honorably discharged in 1951.

Howard married the former Patricia Boardman on Sept. 11, 1954 in Wabash.

In 1958, he received a Bachelor’s of Science from Purdue University. Howard was a career Honeywell employee and worked as a purchasing director before his retirement in 1984. Howard was a faithful member of St. Gabriel’s Catholic Church. He was a former member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks as well as, a chairman for the United Way. Howard was an avid outdoorsman, and in his later years, an exceptional artist. He enjoyed playing euchre and “crazy” bridge, as well as spending time with his neighbors, friends and close lifetime college colleagues. Most of all, Howard found great joy in spending time with his family.

Howard is survived by his children: Sally Godschalk and Joe, Douglas Fleck, Michael Fleck and Nikki, Tracy Fleck and Lisa, Philip Fleck and Mary; eight grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Howard is preceded in death by his loving wife of 59 years, Patricia; two brothers and five sisters.

A celebration of life will be conducted by the family and a Mass is planned at St Bernard’s Catholic Church at 10:30 a.m. April 29 in Wabash, where Howard will be interned with his beloved wife. Visitation will be held one hour preceding the Mass. Prayers and fond remembrances for a life well lived are welcomed by the family. For more information, or to leave memories and condolences for the family please visit, www.ShowalterBlackwellLong.com ( Connersville) who has been entrusted with his final care.

Roger Cramer, 84 U.S. Air Force veteran March 3, 1939 – April 15, 2023

Roger A. Cramer, 84, of Fort Wayne, passed away at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 15, 2023, at Markle Health and Rehabilitation.

He was born to Edward and Martha Ivan (Haley) Cramer on March 3, 1939, in Wabash.

Roger was a 1957 graduate of Wabash High School. He served in the United States Air Force. Roger retired from General Electric Company in Fort Wayne after 25 years.

Roger is survived by four daughters, Brenda (Seth) Turrin of Ossian, Jacqueline (William) Davis of Mt. Etna, Lisa (Kevin) Decker of Van Wert, Ohio, and Marcia (Charlie) Cramer-Hodle of Tanner, Ala.; six grandchildren, Torrie Bartalone, Lorrie Decker, Brett Davis, Jessica Davis, Paul Turrin, Samuel Turrin; five great-grandchildren, Daniel Bartalone Jr., Jay Jeter Bartalone, Violet Dressler, Camille Dressler, Vincen Dressler.

He is preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, Melvin Cramer, Donald Cramer, Philip Cramer, and three sisters, Virginia Cox, Janice Ann King, and Thelma Bianco.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 19, 2023, at McDonald Funeral Home 231 Falls Ave. Wabash. Burial will follow at Falls Cemetery.

Calling hours will be one hour prior to the funeral service from 10-11 a.m., Wednesday, April 19, 2023, at the funeral home.

Preferred memorials can be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17 Chicago, IL 60601 in care of McDonald Funeral Home.

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

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

Mark L. Helfin

Mark L. Helfin passed away unexpectedly at his home April 12, 2023.

He is survived by sister Kathy; sister in law, and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Eleanor Helfin and brothers, Gary and Jon Helfin.

No services are planned.

Grandstaff-Hentgen Funeral Service, Wabash, handled arrangements.

Janice Smith, 93 Enjoyed golf

Dec. 12, 1929 – April 13, 2023

Janice Mae Hoff Smith, 93, North Manchester, passed away on April 13, 2023.

She was born Dec. 12, 1929, the daughter of Harold A. and Mabel Lydia (Price) Hoff. She married W. Dwight Smith on June 3, 1931; he preceded her in death on Dec. 14, 2009.

Surviving are her son, Jeff (Maureen) Smith, Warsaw; grandson, William Sean (fiancé, Amanda Ousley) Smith, Macy; and great-grandson, Mathis Ousley.

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband.

Visitation 1-2 p.m. April 19, at Timbercrest Chapel, North Manchester; services will follow.

McKee Mortuary handled arrangements.

Clifford Marsh, 81 U.S. Navy veteran

July 27, 1941 – April 11, 2023

Clifford Allen Marsh, 81, of Wabash, died at 8:25 a.m., Tuesday, April 11, 2023, at his home surrounded by his family. He was born on July 27, 1941, in Wabash, to Clifford Carl and Naomi I. (Pries) Marsh.

Clifford attended Chippewa High School and Noble High School, and later earned his GED. He was a U.S. Navy veteran serving four years during the Vietnam War.

Clifford married Shirley Ann Blessing in Wabash on Feb. 27, 1965; she died May 9, 2015. He was a member of the UAW Local 1166 and retired from Chrysler Corporation Kokomo Casting Plant with 30 years of service as a Tool & Die/Mold Maker Journeyman. He taught 7 years at Ivy Tech Community College in Warsaw, as an adjunct faculty member in the Machine Tool Program. He was a member of the St. Charles Catholic Church in Peru, a member of the American Legion Post 15 in Wabash for over 50 years, and the National Association of Fleet Tug Sailors. He is survived by his special friend, JoAnn Barrows, Wabash; two children, Robert (Connie) Marsh of Columbia City, and Sandra Marsh of Wabash, three grandchildren, Robert Scott Marsh of Morristown, Tenn., Elias A. Marsh of Huntington, . and Josiah Marsh of Columbia City.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 50 years, Shirley Ann Marsh, and two brothers, John and Philip Marsh.

Funeral services were Tuesday, April 18, 2023, at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, 58 W. Fifth St., Peru, with Father Adam Mauman officiating. Burial will be in Ever Rest Memorial Park, Logansport.

Visitation was Monday, April 17, 2023, at Grandstaff-Hentgen Funeral Service, 1241 Manchester Ave., Wabash. There also was a prayer service Monday at the funeral home.

Preferred memorial is Friends of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Lagro. The memorial guest book for Clifford may be signed at www.grandstaffhentgen.com.

Charles Valentine, 98

U.S. Army veteran

May 5, 1924 – April 11, 2023

Charles Eugene “Gene” Valentine, 98, North Manchester, passed away April 11, 2023.

He was born May 5, 1924, a son of Rosil L. “R.L” and Nellie (Stahl) Valentine. He married Helen JoAnne Newcomer on Feb. 14, 1948; she passed away Dec. 25, 2011.

He is survived by his grandson, Seth Valentine, Milford, Mich.; great-grandchildren, Luke and Lydia Valentine; daughter-in-law, Viv Valentine, Bluffton, S.C.; and his many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; son; and five sisters.

A celebration of life was Saturday, April 15, at Timbercrest Chapel, North Manchester.

McKee Mortuary handled arrangements.

Helene Snider, 100

Taught English as a Second Language

Aug. 7, 1922 - March 30, 2023

Helene Blough Crill Snider, 100, passed away March 30, 2023.

She was born Aug. 7, 1922, the daughter John Howard Blough and Mae (Hersch) Blough.

She was married to Ed Crill, who preceded her in death. She later married Don Snider, who also preceded her in death.

Surviving are her daughters and sonsin-law: Carol Crill Russell and Hugh Russell, Guelph, Ontario; Linda Crill, Chico, Calif.a; Anita Crill Wooley and Bruce Wooley, 29 Palms, Calif.; and Debby Browne and Berny Strom, Fort Collins, Colo.; her grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and her brother, Dr. J. Bernard Blough of Tucson, Ariz..

She was preceded in death by her sister. A private family remembrance service will be held at a later date.

McKee Mortuary handled arrangements.

Darl Willcox, 96

Urbana Yoke Parish member

April 5, 1927 – April 9, 2023

Darl C. Willcox, 96, Warsaw, passed away on April 9, 2023.

She was born April 5,1927, the daughter of the late Hobart and Thelma (Yoder) Wagner Sr.

She married Claude R. Willcox on April 1, 1948; he passed away Jan. 16, 1978.

She is survived by her son, Tyler Willcox, Warsaw; daughter, Jennifer (William) Chapman, Woodburn; brother, Duane Wagner, North Manchester; nine grandchildren; twenty-one great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, two brothers and three sisters.

Visitation and services were April 15 at McKee Mortuary, North Manchester.

Wabash County Sheriff’s Department Accidents

A vehicle driven by Robin M. Cooper, 54, LaFontaine, struck a deer on State Road 218 at 5:23 a.m. April 7.

Damage was estimated at between $1,001 and $2,500.

Vehicles driven by Sierra R. Oldfather, 17, North Mancheter, and Barbara S. Betten, 52, North Manchester, collided at the intersection of SR 114 and County Road 200 W at 9:55 a.m. April 8. Damage was estimated at between $25,001 and $50,000.

Vehicles driven by Jean A. Howard, 71, North Manchester, Michael L Swisher, 30, West Lafayette, and Seth Cussen, 35, Wabash, collided at the intersection of U.S. 24 and old U.S. 24 at 3:48 p.m. April 10.

Howard and Swisher’s vehicles collided, causing Swisher’s vehicle to collide with Cussen’s vehicle.

Damage was estimated at between $10,001 and $25,000.

Vehicles driven by Teresa M. Owens, 50, Wabash, and Corey M. Massey, 36, North Manchester, collided at the intersection of U.S. 24 and SR 115 at 5:57 p.m. April 10. Damage ws estimated at between $25,001 and $50,000.

Arrests

Michael Alvin Wood, 38, North Manchester, was