Richard E. “Jacko” Jablonski Sr., 86, Plymouth, passed away with his family by his side at 8:58 a.m. Saturday, April 4, 2015, in the St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, Plymouth.

Richard was born in Albion, Mich. on Sept. 22, 1928, to Maryan and Angelia (Szlosea) Jablonski.

In the fall of 1953, Richard married his first wife, Geraldline R. Lozynski in Chicago.

Richard enlisted into the U.S. Army during WWII as a medic, He then transferred to the U.S. Air Force and served during the Korean Conflict as a supply transporter. He was pulled out of Korea and send on a ship to Japan, where he enjoyed cooking on the ship.

On May 14, 1975, in Chicago, Richard would marry Genevieve Jaskowiak. The couple met while at a club dancing the polka. She would precede him in death on March 5, 1999.

He worked in the printing press industry starting in 1957 and helped set up the press system at the former Glenmark in Plymouth. He would “retire” at 62, but then decided to go and work for AK Industries in Plymouth. The hard worker he was, Richard was just at work this past Monday.

Richard enjoyed listening to polka and dancing to polka. He could be found mowing his yard, building model airplanes and watching the news. He loved time with his family.

He is survived by his children: Richard E. (Lori) Jablonski Jr., Willow Springs, Mo., Ronald Jablonski, Germany, Robert A. (Melissa) Jablonski, Grovertown, and Angela (Eddie) Mooney, Clintwood, Virginia; seven grandchildren: Pam, Westley, Matthew, Bobby, Nathaniel, Gregg and Cordel; his two brothers: Emil (Edith) Dzurkevitz and Edmund Jablonski; and his step-children: Patty Mauro, Nancy Mauro and Judy Amico.

He was preceded in death by his infant daughter: Therese, and sisters: Sophie Lesco and Helen Parton.

Visitation will be from 4-6 p.m. on Thursday April 9, 2015 in the Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home, 1100 N. Michigan Street, Plymouth.

Funeral services will follow in the funeral home on Thursday at 6 p.m. with Chaplain Mary Ann LaPlante officiating. Military Honors provided by members of the American Legion Post 27, Veterans of Foreign Wars- Marshall County Post 1162 and D.A.V will immediately follow.

Michael C. Weaver, 55, passed away Sunday morning, April 5, in the St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Mishawaka.

Mike was born on Feb. 24, 1960 in Plymouth, Indiana to Robert P. and Marilyn R. (Gordon) Weaver. He graduated from LaVille High School.

He worked in Plymouth at Del Monte Foods Inc. for over 30 years as a machinist. Mike enjoyed hunting and fishing, and was a dedicated member of the Plymouth Conservation Club. He would be out every Sunday, rain, shine or snow.

He is survived by his daughter: Kimberly N. Weaver and her daughter: Cailyn Flores, and his son: Scott M. Weaver, all of Plymouth; his father: Robert, Plymouth; sister: Susan R. Weaver, Fla; and his uncle, Charlie Gordon, Plymouth.

Mike was preceded in death by his mother and brother: Dan.

Visitation will be from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. Friday, April 10, in the Johnson-Danielson Funeral home, located at 100 N. Michigan St., Plymouth.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 11, at the funeral home.

Burial to follow in the New Oakhill Cemetery.

Jack O. Miller, 83, Plymouth, passed away in his home of natural causes on Monday, April 6.

Jack was born on April 21, 1931, in Culver, to Bernard “Mike” and Grace (Clemens) Miller. He graduated from Culver High School with the class of 1948. He enlisted into the United States Navy and served our country aboard many ships until his honorable discharge in 1954.

On July 23, 1955, Jack married Carol L. Voreis. He worked for Dean’s Milk Company and then for Bomarko Inc. in Plymouth. He then became a self employed farmer and dairy farmer.

Jack and Carol were in a bowling league in their younger years. They also would take summer trips to Michigan and camp in their trailer, where he would fish every day that he could. He also enjoyed crossword puzzles and attended the Union Church of the Brethren in Plymouth.

Jack is survived by his wife of 59 years: Carol, Plymouth; and their children: daughter: Linda K. (Allen) Jones, Argos; and their children: Jason (Alysha) Jones, Plymouth; and Brent (Courtney) Jones, Plymouth; son: Glen M. Miller, Plymouth; Diane M. (Marc) Hayden; and their children: Danielle; Zachary and Vince, all of Plymouth. Also surviving are his great-grandchildren: Caleb; Colin; expected great-grandchild: Kolton; and his sister: Jane VanHulle, Granger.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will be from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. Friday, April 10, at the Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home, 1100 N. Michigan St., Plymouth. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 11, also at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Burr Oak Cemetery.

Memorial contributions can be made to Center for Hospice Care, 112 S. Center St., Plymouth, or Union Church of the Brethren, 10483 SR 17, Plymouth.

William D. “Bill” Shorter, 80, of Plymouth, passed away on Monday, April 6, at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Bill was born in Marshall County on March 2, 1935, to Charles A. And Gail L. (Martin) Shorter. He married Helen K. Hiss on April 26, 1958, in Saint Michael Catholic Church, Plymouth.

Bill started his career bagging groceries at Kroger’s and worked his way up the ladder, to become the manager of the store. He retired after 40 years with the company. Bill graduated from Plymouth High School in the Class of 1953. He was a member of Saint Michael Catholic Church. Bill loved fast pitch softball and was a well-known pitcher. He loved his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and loved to take them out to eat.

Bill is survived by his wife of almost 57 years: Helen; their daughter Rebecca “Becky” (James) Wolfe, Huntertown; her children: Adam (Krista) Griewank; Andrew (Sara) Griewank; and Anne Griewank; their son: William “Bill” Shorter (Sue Curtis) of Morrow, Ohio; and his children: Monica (Tino) Sebastiani and Erich Shorter; their daughter: Patricia “Patty” (Steve) Welch, Plymouth; their children: Stephanie Welch; and Ryan (Shelly) Welch; six great-grandchildren; and his brother: James (Linda) Shorter, Plymouth. He was preceded in death by his brothers: Charles “Bob” Shorter; John “Jack” Shorter; and Louis “Dick” Shorter; and his sister: Brydis Elouise Shorter.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Saint Michael Catholic Church or Riley Children’s Hospital.

Visitation will be from 3 p.m. until 8 p.m. Thursday, April 9, at Van Gilder Funeral Home, Plymouth. A service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, April 10 at Saint Michael Catholic Church, Plymouth, with Rev. Father John Korcsmar and Rev. Father Eloy Jimenez officiating. Burial will be at Saint Michael Cemetery.

Margaret “Margie” Rose Koehler, age 56, Plymouth, passed away on Tuesday, April 7, 2015, at her home.

Margie was born on Sep. 7, 1958, in South Bend, to David and Pauline (Bilinski) Koehler. Margie worked at the Plymouth Wal-Mart as a customer service representative. She had lived in the Plymouth area for the past ten years. She graduated from LaSalle High School, in South Bend, and was a member of the Polish Falcon Club.

Margie is survived by her mother: Pauline Koehler, South Bend; her sisters: Alice (Michael) Blakesley, South Bend, and Julie (David) Yoder, Osceola; her brothers: David (Vicki) Koehler, South Bend, and Fred (Pam) Koehler, Detroit, Mich. Also surviving are nieces and nephews: Grace Koehler; Brennon Koehler; Marissa Koehler; Dagny Koehler; Tad Koehler; Miles Blakesley; and Madison Blakesley; and Margie’s companion: Dan Ganshorn. Margie was preceded in passing by her father, David Koehler.

Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday, April 11, at Van Gilder Funeral Home, with a service immediately following. Pastor James Gilmore will officiate.

Memorials may be made to The Marshall County Humane Society, Post Office Box 22, Plymouth, IN 46563.

Dorothy E. McAllister, 96, of Plymouth, passed away at 11:30 a.m. Monday, April 6, 2015, at Catherine Kasper Life Care Center, in Donaldson.

Dorothy was born on Sep. 24, 1918, in Frankfort, Ky. to James William and Elsie Jane (Wachter) Edwards. Neville McAllister took Dorothy to be his bride on Dec. 5, 1936, in Frankfort, Ky. He preceded Dorothy in passing in 1989. She had lived in the Plymouth area for the past five years. Dorothy retired from the Link Belt Company, of Indiana, where she served as a union steward. She was a member of the New Vision Worship Center, in Plymouth, and was a long time member of the Lakeview Temple, in Indianapolis, before coming to Plymouth.

Dorothy is survived by her sisters: Viola Flack, Illinois; Mary Wainscott, Plymouth; and Stella Kasten, Illinois. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews.

Dorothy was preceded in passing by her brothers: Earl; Jimmy; David; and Everett Edwards; and her sisters: Nellie Edwards and Maudie Adams.

Friends and family may call from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Monday, April 13, at Van Gilder Funeral Home, 300 W. Madison St., Plymouth. Services will begin at 1:30 p.m. with pastor Martha Wainscott officiating. Burial will be at Washington Park North Cemetery, Indianapolis.

Memorials may be given to New Vision Worship Center, 629 Thayer St., Plymouth, IN 46563.

Darlene R. “Kaye” Capron, 92, a Plymouth resident most of her life, passed away at 3 p.m. Sunday, April 12, 2015, at Pilgrim Manor Nursing Home, Plymouth.

Kaye was born in Leavenworth, Kan., Feb. 15, 1923, to Rolland and Bessie (Vyskocil) Kinch. She attended the Plymouth School systems.

On Aug. 31, 1946, Kaye became the bride of Lester L. Capron. He would precede her in death on May 30, 1998.

Kaye worked as a nursing assistant at the Parkview Hospital in Plymouth for three years until 1972. She was a past active member of the Marshall County Mental Health and Marshall County Hospice for 27 years, and a volunteer for many other efforts.

Both Lester and she were members of the North Salem Church of God in Plymouth for over 40 years. She enjoyed quilting and times spent with her family.

She is survived by her daughter: Margaret “Peggy” (Dana Shaulis) Smith, Perry, Mich.; and her children: Eric (Tamera) and Jeremy (Dee) Smith, both of Eaton Rapids, Mich.; grandchildren: Andrea (Robert) Conrad and Brenda (James) Kennedy, both of Fort Wayne; son-in-law: Jim Ammons, Fort Wayne; and seven great-grandchildren: Bradley Fletcher, Knickolas Fletcher, Jacob Brumfield, Ethan Smith, Lily Smith, Talia Smith and Jimmy Ammons.

Kaye was preceded in death by her husband: Lester; parents; daughters: Rebecca Ammons and Sharon Kinch; and siblings: John and David Kinch; and Judith Barrs.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Friday, April 17, in the Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home, 1100 N. Michigan St., Plymouth. Funeral services will immediately follow at noon in the funeral home with Pastor Bob Collier officiating. Graveside services will be at 1 p.m. Friday, April 24, in the Oakhill Cemetery, Plymouth.

Memorial contributions can be made to the North Salem Church of God, 13263 4th Road, Plymouth, IN 46563 or Center for Hospice Care 112 S. Center St., Plymouth, IN 46563.

Jacob Hutchinson lands firmly into a third place finish in the long jump for the Warriors in Thursday’s loss to Plymouth. (Photos by Nick Goralczyk)

PLYMOUTH – Oh to be finally be outdoors! That was the feeling for the Wawasee boys track team as it finally competed in its first outdoor meet of the season. The Warriors traveled to the Rock Pile for their season opener against Northern Lakes Conference foe Plymouth. Wawasee lost ground in a few areas leading to a 71-61 Plymouth victory.

“We knew coming in that Plymouth and us are very similar,” began Wawasee head coach Scott Lancaster. “We have good athletes in some events and then we have holes that are very difficult for us to fill.”

Tyler Courter gets up to speed during the 100 meter dash.

That was truly the story of the meet for both teams. Wawasee was able to capitalize on its talent to win seven of the evening’s 16 events, but a poor exchange during a relay and some other less-than-stellar performances left the Warriors with a little to be desired when the final score was announced.

“I think, for the most part, we did a good job at finding some people to fill spots. We did have some letdowns in some areas,” Lancaster continued. “But give Plymouth credit. Their long jumper had the best jump of his career and they just did the little things that they needed to do to win the meet and we had some little things that helped us lose the meet.

“I’m not necessarily disappointed with the loss. You drop a baton, you drop a baton. The kids didn’t drop it because they did anything wrong, they did it because they were trying to run fast, I’m not faulting them for that.”

Little mistakes hurt Wawasee in close competition but the Warriors shined when they won events.

Clayton Cook comfortably placed first in all three of his events. The senior had the top time in the 110 meter hurdles (14.75), 100 meter dash (11.22) and 300 meter hurdles (40.31).

Wawasee’s 4×8 relay team also finished with time to spare. The squad made up of Zach Cockrill, Jaxon Bame, Erik Diaz and Stori Bright finished with a time of 9:33.09, well ahead of Plymouth’s 10:13.76.

Clayton Cook took first in three event for Wawasee, including the 110 hurdles.

Cockrill would later take first in the 800 meter run with a time of 2:05.50. Tyler Courter won the final track event of the day for Wawasee by sprinting to a 23.69 finish over Plymouth’s Jack Barron in the 200 meter dash.

In field events the Warriors showed well, but could not crack the top spot in more than one event. JJ Gilmer took first in the high jump for the Warriors at 6-02. Gilmer claimed second in the long jump (20-04) to Plymouth’s Taylor Fulton’s career-best (20-06). Jacob Hutchinson took third for Wawasee (19-01) in the event. Gilmer also tried his luck at pole vault for the first time since middle school, bringing home a third place finish (9-06).

Jon Walker had a disappointing day but still earned second in both the discus throw (119-11) and shot put (40-09). Dylan Elpusan took third in discus for the Warriors (119-02).

It was not a great day for the Wawasee track team, but it was not poor either. It was just a day of learning.

“We’re just not going to ‘out-stud’ people like we did last year because we lost some kids,” Lancaster remarked. “We’re going to face this every week, trying to figure out how to score points.

“We’ve got a lot of positive things to build on and I think the positives outweigh the negatives.”

Wawasee (0-1, 0-1) will travel to Fort Wayne this Saturday for the North Side Relays beginning at 10:00 a.m.

Taylor Fulton had a career-best jump at 20-06 in Thursday’s meet against Wawasee.

A bid from Country Auto Center, Plymouth,  on a 2015 Dodge Ram 550 truck cab and chassis was accepted for the Warsaw Public Works at today’s Warsaw Board of Public Works and Safety meeting.

The bid was one of two bids received, with the other bid from Glenbrook Dodge, Fort Wayne, being determined non-compliant with the bid specifications. Other bids had been received but withdrawn prior to bid opening.

Country Auto’s bid, the highest bid, totaled $182,372 for four chassis. The urgency for bid acceptance is due to the switch of vehicle model years. The order needed to occur before April 30.

Applications by two taxi cab companies: David and Holly Cesaretti with A & A Taxi, Warsaw, and Larry and Mary Rock with Rocks Yellow Cab, Tippecanoe, were also approved. It was noted A & A will provide airport transportation to Fort Wayne, South Bend, O’Hare and Indianapolis according to the application. Rocks Yellow Cab will be providing regular taxi service. It was pointed out Rocks Yellow Cab is not associated with the company, which recently had its permit revoked.

During other business the board:

• Approved a street closure request for the St. Regis Club Cancer Benefit, Sunday, May 3. The request is to close between the city hall and the business from noon until 11 p.m. The benefit is for their bar manager. There will be food trucks/vendors, live music and seating in the alley.
• Approved closure of Center Street from Indiana to Lake Street and Buffalo Street between Main and Market from 5 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Friday, May 15, and Lake Street from Center to Market streets and Market Street to the round-a-bout at Zimmer on West Center Street from approximately 7:45 p.m. until dark. The closing will be for the Fat & Skinny Tire Festival including a 3.2 mile time trial. Bicyclists are expected to reach speeds up to 40 miles per hour during the time trial. Residences and businesses along the time trial route will be notified by letter or in person.
• Approved the application for the police department to apply for a bulletproof vest partnership grant through the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance. If approved the grant will reimburse the city for one-half the cost of the purchase of seven vests.
• Approved an agreement with FireCatt LLC for hose and ground ladder testing and CFS Inspections for the annual aerial inspection, pressure test and flow test. The total cost for both agreements is $7,345. (Related: WWFT Approves Inspection Agreements)
• Granted the application for the annual Amusement Entertainment Permit for the parks department. The cost of the application is $738. The permits, through the Department of Homeland Security Division of Fire Safety-Permit Division, are required to allow rental and concert use of the facilities.
• Clerk-Treasurer Lynn Christiansen was given the approval, with a stipulation, to drop the city’s current natural gas supplier, IGS Energy, formerly Border Engery, and sign a two-year contract with Realgy Energy. A study showed the city has been paying IGS more than what NIPSCO would charge and a switch would save the city $10,000 to $15,000 a year on gas costs. The stipulation is if the drop fee charge by IGS is reasonable. There is no cost to sign the contract.
• Travel requests for Gordon Allen, Phillip Hawks and Ross Minear to a proactive criminal patrol conference  at the military base in Hattiesburg, Miss., was approved. The total cost of $240 is for fuel and food for the trip there and back.

The next meeting of the board will be 10:30 a.m. May 15.

By LINDSAY JANCEK
Communications Director, Office of Jackie Walorski

Congresswoman Jackie Walorski, reminds constituents a member of her staff will be holding office hours to assist constituents with casework and official business.

The Rochester district office, located at 709 Main St., is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday. Stop by or call (574) 780-1330 to schedule an appointment.

Hours in the local area include:

Tuesday, April 21

Argos Public Library, Public Meeting Room, 142 N. Michigan St., Argos.  1 p.m. until 3 p.m.

Wednesday, April 22

Bremen Public Library, Public Meeting Room, 304 N. Jackson St., Bremen. 10 a.m. until noon.

Friday, April 24

Wabash City Hall, Chamber of Commerce Small Conference Room, second floor, 202 S. Wabash St., Wabash. 9 a.m. to Noon.

Peru City Hall Board of Works room, second floor, 35 S. Broadway, Peru. 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Monday, April 27

Starke County Court House Commissioners’ Office, first floor, 53 E. Washington St., Knox. 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Winamac Municipal Utility Building (Council Chambers), 623 W. 11th St., Winamac. 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Wednesday, April 29

Syracuse Town Hall Small Board Room, 310 N. Huntington St., Syracuse. 9 a.m. to Noon.

Plymouth City Hall Common Council Chambers, 124 N. Michigan St., Plymouth. Enter through Garro Street entrance. 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Laverna Mundy Geraghty, Plymouth, died Sunday, April 19.

Our mother changed our lives by the way she lived her life. An awesome mother, successful business owner, dependable friend, average golfer, and humble role model, she set high standards without trying. Those who were fortunate enough to know her will understand. She believed love never ends.

Born Laverna Mae Bess on July 20, 1925, to Bertha (Fowler) and Otis Bess in Stoddard County, Mo., Mom told the story of 16 people living in her Grandma Fowler’s house during the Great Depression. A small house, each family lived in one room. Laverna, being an energetic four year old, visited all the families every day. She thought having everyone together was great fun. From her near-poverty childhood, she always remembered the importance and the joy of family.

Laverna married Bruce Lewis Mundy on Sept. 2, 1943 who preceded her in death on Feb. 6, 1967. In 1955, Bruce and Laverna moved their family from Detroit to Plymouth and started their own restaurant business. Mundy’s Restaurant was founded on the belief that success was achieved by serving good food in a people friendly environment. Laverna operated Mundy’s Restaurant with this philosophy until it was sold in 1977.

Laverna leaves behind the four Mundy children and their families. Each integrated her family values, her kindness, and her loving spirit into their own families: Lynn (Jeff) Annis, Mishawaka; Debbie (Bob) Wise, Plymouth; Brian (Karen) Mundy Leesburg, Fla; and Cathy (Johnny) Catoe, Hilton Head, S.C.

Her children’s fondest memories include making breakfast together on Christmas mornings, and summer vacations to inexpensive destinations including factories and historic landmarks. Most precious were the summer holidays when the restaurant was closed. The family played softball and cooked out in the backyard. She belonged to the Order of Eastern Star, was a campfire leader and a den mother, for Boy Scouts. She also worked part-time for the Voter Registration Office at the Court House and worked on the Travel Board for the Registration.

Most important, Laverna made sure all her children received a college education. More than graduating from college, she encouraged her children to choose a career in education or healthcare, as she believed the only jobs worth doing were jobs that served others.

Laverna married John S. Geraghty on December 23, 1972 in Plymouth, Indiana. John preceded her in death on March 20, 2015. She also leaves behind step Children Steve (Connie) Geraghty, Mishawaka; Kevin (Christine) Geraghty, Arlington Heights, Ill.; Susan (Tom) Frisz, South Bend; David (Ruth) Geraghty of South Bend; and Margaret (David) Elkins, Bloomington.

Laverna was also preceded in death by her parents, her sister: D. Maurine (Joseph) Summerlin; step son: John Geraghty; and step grandson: David Frisz.

Laverna was a life fan of Plymouth High School Athletics, Indiana University athletics, and Notre Dame athletics. She lived the last two years of her life at Catherine Kasper Home in Donaldson. Their loving care of our mother as we lost her to the ravages of Alzheimer’s Disease, will forever remain in our hearts.

Visitation 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, April 23, at Van Gilder Funeral Home, Plymouth. Services will begin at 10:30 a.m. Friday, April 24, also at the funeral home. Services will be officiated by Pastor Larry Marhanka. Burial will be at New Oak Hill Cemetery, Plymouth.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Catherine Kasper Home, Donaldson, IN or to Plymouth High School Athletics. Memories may be shared at www.vangilderfuneralhome.com.

Carolyn R. Ellis, 73, a Plymouth resident since 1963, passed away Monday, April 20, in the Catherine Kasper Life Center, Donaldson.

Carolyn was born in South Bend on March 19, 1942, to Harry H. Zeigler and Dorothy Bell Hoover Zeigler Silvers. SHe worked for the Lear Corporation for 12 years before her retirement in 1990. She was a member of the Plymouth Wesleyan Church, Plymouth.

A lover of crafts, Carolyn enjoyed quilting, cross stitching, painting, crocheting gifts for others, and making jewelry that she would sell out of her home. At Catherine Kasper Life Center, she was the head of her hall to help decorate for the holidays. She loved spending time with her grandchildren, having sleepovers when they were younger, and she always enjoyed a visit from them when they would come into town.

She is survived by her sons: Rob (Tonda) Ellis, Plymouth; and Keith (Melinda) Ellis, Argos; grandchildren: Tristan (Chad) Comer; Jarrod Ellis; Kory Ellis; Marcus Ellis; and James Ellis; and great-grandchildren: Eden; Adelyn and Levi Comer. She is also survived by her sisters: Barbara Knepper, Plymouth; Sandra Kaser, Mishawaka; Sheron (Dave) Snyder, Osceola; and Susan Silvers, Mishawaka; and her sister-in-law: Sue Zeigler; Plymouth.

She was preceded in death by her parents and brothers: Harry Zeigler Jr; David James Zeigler; and Richard Zeigler Sr.

A memorial visitation will be held from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. Thursday, April 23, in the Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home, 1100 N. Michigan St., Plymouth. A private burial will be held in the Fairview Cemetery, Mishawaka.

Memorial contributions can be made to Center for Hospice Care 112 S. Center St. Plymouth.

Hannah Haines (right) is congratulated by Kylee Rostochak after scoring a run in the second inning at Warsaw. The Lady Warriors rolled to a 25-6 win. (Photo by Nick Goralczyk)

Lady Warriors Cruise To Win At Warsaw

The Wawasee softball team avenged a loss from 2014 in a very big way Tuesday evening. The Lady Warriors blasted rival Warsaw 25-6 in the conference opener behind a 24-hit effort.

Wawasee was led by five hits from Paige Hlutke. The lone Wawasee senior also had a pair of RBIs. Danielle Gunkel had three hits and four RBIs for the Lady Warriors thanks to a three-run home run. Cristina DeLaFuente added another four hits and four RBIs for the visiting squad.

Riley Bloemendaal and Sidney Hernandez each homered for Warsaw (0-6, 0-1 NLC), accounting for five of the six runs driven in for the Lady Tigers.

Wawasee (6-2, 1-0) has now won its last three games and will travel to Elkhart Memorial tomorrow evening. Warsaw will visit Goshen tomorrow.

The JV softball team downed Warsaw 10-8 and are now 3-3 on the season. Nicole Cannon drove in four runs to lead Wawasee.

Jazlyn Gehlhausen opened her 2015 season at two doubles against Concord. (Photo by Mike Deak)

Concord Sweeps Tennis Match

It was a rough night on the court for the Wawasee girls tennis team. The ladies suffered an 0-5 loss to Northern Lakes Conference foe Concord Tuesday night in Syracuse.

Jenna Landis took the No. 1 singles court for Concord over Wawasee’s Jada Antonides 6-0, 6-0 while at No. 1 doubles the same score led to a victory for Holyn Eldridge and Mandy Meserve over Wawasee’s Charity Parker and Ashley Larson.

The junior varsity team took a 1-6 loss to Concord’s JV team. Brianna Haessig was the lone Lady Warrior to win on Tuesday as she won 6-0 over Aubrey Hanes. The JV team is now 0-3-1.

Wawasee (1-4, 0-2) will play its next varsity match Thursday at Manchester.

Boys Golf Navigate Wind, Cougars

The best part of Tuesday’s match for the Wawasee golf team was that it ended. The Warriors started their nine-hole season by welcoming Central Noble to South Shore Golf Club while the howling winds and 50-degree temperatures left both teams with plus-40 scores. Wawasee was able to escape with a 171-199 victory, but that score was far from the team’s goal.

“It was just so tough with the winds tonight,” began Wawasee head coach Steve Coverstone. “The wind was just relentless. Then you have the cold weather and we had a little rain mixed in there as well. It affected our short game a little bit. The guys said that the wind would wobble the ball a little on the green. It just wasn’t a great night. I actually thought we shot the ball well, the scores just weren’t where we wanted them.”

Mason Germonprez led Wawasee with a 41. Germonprez highlighted his round with pars on holes two, four, five and six. Jeffrey Moore and Cal Heinisch both turned in a 43 for the Warriors while Maclain Herr shot a 44 and Tristen Atwood finished with a 47. Kaleb Smith led Central Noble with a 46.

Wawasee (1-0) will play this coming Saturday in the Whitko Invitational at Sycamore GC in North Manchester.

Wawasee Wins Baseball Game With Football Score

The Wawasee C-team picked up its first win Tuesday night. The Warriors traveled to Plymouth and outlasted the Pilgrims for a 33-22 victory. No, this was not a football game.

Wawasee was led by good hitting from Jacob Garcia while Blake Norris and Cayden Wegener threw consistent games for the visiting team. Zak Linnemeier also contributed to the win with solid defense and good at-bats, according to coach Taylor Burkhart.

Wawasee (1-3) will host Warsaw next Tuesday night.

Ronnie W. Burleson, 77, of Plymouth, passed away on Wednesday, April 22, at home with his family by his side.

Ronnie, who just celebrated his 77th birthday, was born in Bakersville, N.C., on April 19, 1938, to Grant Walter and Veni K. (Harrell) Burleson. On March 6, 1955, Ronnie married Yvonne W. Cunningham in Nahunta, Ga. The couple moved to Indiana in 1960. Driven to succeed with his wife of then 20 years at his side, Ronnie received his GED and continued his education with courses in computer management.

Ronnie worked as a supervisor for McGill Manufacturing Company in Monticello, retiring on Jan. 1, 1999. He also worked for Kabelin Hardware and Supply, Plymouth, as an associate supervisor until March of 2011. He loved to build doll houses for his family and dear friends. He also liked to do puzzles and go on camping trips with his family. Any time spent with his family was a precious memory. Yvonne and Ronnie attended New Song Community Church.

Ronnie is survived by his loving wife of 60 years: Yvonne Burleson, Plymouth; their children: Terry W. (Mary) Burleson, Ark.; Kenny W. (Pam) Burleson, Indianapolis; and Teresa A. (Scott) Olds, Plymouth; 14 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings: Walter; Roy; Lloyd and Patsy.

Family services will take place with the assistance of Rev. Justin Chambers. Burial will be in the New Oakhill Cemetery, Plymouth.

The family requests memorial contributions be made to New Song Community Church 410 N. Kingston Avenue, Plymouth.

Floyd “Bud” Johnson, Plymouth, passed away Friday, April 17.

Johnson made his dramatic entrance on Dec. 13, 1927, in the small town of Donaldson.

Born with fiery red thick hair to Luther and Lila (Larsen) Johnson, Bud would grow into that fabulous hair as a mischievous little boy who enjoyed pinching all the pretty girls in school. His knack for trouble eventually led a teacher at West High to assign him, as punishment, to memorize “The Raven” by Edgar Allen Poe. Bud would gladly tell this story and then proceed to recite that very poem with great ease and enthusiasm for years to come.

He would continue his boyhood shenanigans with the assistance of his siblings: Betty (Dusty) Rhodes; Russell William “Bill” (Carol) Johnson (deceased); Charles Duane (Ruthann) Johnson (deceased); and Betty Lee (Guy) Snell. No matter Bud’s hijinks, he remained the apple of his dear grandma Alma’s eyes.

Bud enjoyed adventure but he also had a sense of duty. He begged his father to let him enlist in the military at 17, but with the agreement that Bud would finish high school first. He did so and often bragged that he graduated 10th in his class at West High in 1945. He would wittingly add later that it was out of a class of 10 students.

Bud joined the U.S. Army Air Corps and spent his basic training at Fort Knox, Ky. He was later stationed at Ernest Harmon Air Field in Stephenville, Newfoundland, Canada from 1945 to 1947.

After returning from the service, he saw a young lady, a classmate of his two younger brothers. She instantly caught his fancy. Too shy to ask her out, he got a friend to do it for him. Shirley Mae (Gritten) declined his earlier offers but it wasn’t long before she fell for his boyish good looks and his Scandinavian charm. They were married a year later in a small ceremony on Nov. 4, 1948 and had a 66-year love affair. They remained doting partners and teammates until his death.

Soon after they were married, Bud and Shirley added players to their team, their children: Vicki (Larry) Miller; Susan (Michael) Guljas; Jeff (Kim) Johnson; and Terry Lyn (Kim) Johnson. Bud was proud of his brood, taking them all to different places and sharing with them his love of camping, fishing, but most importantly, his deep affection for the Chicago Cubs. It was rare he missed listening to a game on the radio or watching them on TV or at Wrigley Field. Bud was the forever Cubbie optimist and was sure that every year was the year his Cubs would win the World Series.

Soon his original players multiplied into a full team with the addition of grandchildren: Jennifer (Corey) Rusk; Frederick “Joe” (Allison) Guljas; Trisha Miller; Terina Miller; Scott (Cristina) Johnson; Stephanie Johnson; John Guljas; Amber Pittman; Starr McMahon; and Stacey Johnson and his great-grandchildren: Michael; Morgan; Bryce; Hannah; Blake; Haylee; Jerica; Chayla; Allyson; Lila; and Reece.

Bud was a dedicated worker at the Ford Motor Company and proudly drove his favorite brand. For thirty years Bud traveled to his job in Chicago Heights, Ill. and back to his home in Plymouth, but he always had time to go to his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren’s ball games, soccer matches, swim meets, and musical and theatre performances. Bud was their biggest supporter.

He always had a hanky in his front pocket, a comb in the back, and his wallet buttoned in.

Bud’s famous prime rib and his prize elephant garlic made his family come running.

After his retirement, Bud and Shirley spent a lot of time traveling together, camping all over the United States and cruising the Caribbean.

To the jealousy of his Indiana relatives and friends, as they were buried up to their armpits in lake effect snow, Bud and Shirley would perfect their tan on the shores of Key Largo. Together they spent 19 winters where Bud would deep sea fish in the warm waters off the coast of Florida.

Bud adored many things and would often prefer the children’s table to sitting with the adults. He had a whimsical manner and would make each of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren feel special, even up until the end.

We know that Bud is saving all of his Bud’s Cubs a seat at a future game in which we will all join him again and proudly sing a very enthusiastic Harry Carey rendition of “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” during the seventh inning stretch at the Big Baseball Game in the sky.

Visitation will be from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. Tuesday, April 21, at the Van Gilder Funeral Home, Plymouth. Services will begin at 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 22, at Calvary Lutheran Church, Plymouth. A military burial will be held at New Oak Hill Cemetery, Plymouth.

Memories may be shared at www.vangilderfuneralhome.com.

Ronald Leroy Watkins, 68, of Plymouth, passed away at his home on Thursday, April 23, of natural causes.

Ron was born the son of George H. and Ethel C. (Sutherlin) Watkins in Walkerton on Jan. 10, 1947. He attended area schools.

Having never married, he is survived by three sisters and one brother. They are: Loretta L. Stinger, Spencer; Mary Ann Howard, Jasonville; Donna M. Baker, South Bend; and Henry E. Watkins. Plymouth. Several nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.

He was preceded in death by his parents: George Watkins and Ethel Warner; and a brother: Michael Klein.

No public services will be held and Ron will be laid to rest next to his mother in the New Oakhill Cemetery, Plymouth.

Dorothy Winters Coury, loving wife of Joseph F. Coury, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, April 27, surrounded by her husband and loving family.

Dorothy was born April 18, 1922, in Wheeling, West Virginia. She graduated from Triadelphia High School and Elliott Commercial College.

She married Joseph F. Coury in Boston on April 29, 1944. They lived in Maine, Virginia, South Carolina, California, Florida, Illinois and Indiana. They retired in Plymouth and Fort Myers, Fla., in 1985.

She is survived by her husband: Joe, married 70 years and 363 days; daughters: Susan Jerutis; Mary (Ron) Gifford; Patty (Gerry) Kucera; grandchildren: Jennifer (John Ore) Jerutis; Megan (Brian) Leyes; Sarah (Tim Escudier) Jerutis; Jason (Lindsay) Jerutis; Geoff Gifford; Ben (Claire) Ostrander; Adam (Nora) Gifford; Peter (Kaitlyn) Ostrander; and Sam Ostrander; great-grandchildren: Margaret Leyes; Matthew Leyes; Diego Gifford; Molly Leyes; Eliana Gifford; Teddy Escudier; Veronica Ore; Eleanor Jerutis; Auggie Escudier; Amelia Gifford; Frankie Ostrander; Elizabeth Jerutis; Rosa Ore; Hennessy Gifford; and Lucy Ostrander.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her father: Guy Herbert Winters; mother: Elizabeth Jane Rodecker Winters; sister: Eleanor Lee Weisner; and son-in-law Ronald Jerutis.

In addition to her loving family of children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, Dorothy was an accomplished artist. Painting, needlework, reading and gardening were among her many interests. She loved playing golf with the 18 holers and was recognized in Golf Magazine for her hole in one at St. Charles Country Club in St. Charles, Ill. Her daughters remember her for her wonderful cooking and baking skills. She enjoyed having lunch with her daughters in Geneva, Ill. as well as in Chicago.

Family was important to Dorothy for she cherished the time she spent with her nine grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. They enjoyed the times at Fort Myers Beach and Pretty Lake.

Dorothy was always a kind and thoughtful lady. Her volunteer activities included being a Girl Scout Leader. In Plymouth, she was a St. Joseph Hospital volunteer and auxiliary member, a volunteer at Heart and Hands, a volunteer helping the Plymouth Public Library at the Blueberry Festival and volunteered with her husband at the Boy’s & Girl’s Club. She was also a volunteer in the hospital at Geneva, Ill. She also enjoyed special time with friends as a member of the Red Hat Society.

Because Joseph’s career took the family to many different states at different times in their lives, Dorothy made sure her family was healthy and happy no matter where they ended up living. She always put her husband and children first before herself.

Dorothy was a member of St. Thomas Episcopal Church.

Family services will take place followed by a public visitation to celebrate Dorothy’s life from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 29, in the Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home, located at 1100 N. Michigan St., Plymouth.

The family requests that memorial contributions be made to The Center for Hospice Care at 112 South Center St., Plymouth, St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 400 North Center St., Plymouth, or the Boy’s & Girl’s Club of Marshall County, 314 E. Jefferson St., Plymouth.

MaryLou Fritz, 77, passed away at 4:07 p.m. Monday, April 27, in the St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, Mishawaka.

MaryLou was born on Sep. 5, 1937 in Ravanna, Ohio to Paul B. and Maude A.(Heeter) Smith.

She would marry Donald S. Fritz and the couple would soon settle in Plymouth. Together Donald and she would start up F and K Enterprises, where MaryLou would handle all the bookkeeping.

The couple enjoyed traveling to Florida in their RV during the winter months. She loved memories made with her children and many grandchildren. MaryLou volunteered with the local Girl Scouts for over five years, accompanying the girls on many trips so they could earn their badges. Her favorite trip with the girls was to the Grand Canyon. She was one of the original founders of the Maumee Muzzle Loaders of Marshall County and was a member of the National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association.

MaryLou is survived by her husband: Donald, Plymouth; their children: Lonnie A. (Sandra) Stutler, Indianapolis; Shane E. (Shannon) Stutler, Texas; and Bryan W. (Vikki) Stutler, Plymouth; nine grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and eight great-great grandchildren. Also surviving are her siblings: Rosie Mesh, Ohio; JoAnn Smith, Texas; Paul David (Megan) Smith; Arizona; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents; son: Chuck Stutler; brother: Chuck Smith; and grandchildren: Brenda Lee Stutler; and Amber N. Stutler.

Private family services will be held.

Softball Thriving In NLC

Wawasee picked up its 10th win of the season in a big way Wednesday in an 11-0 drubbing of Plymouth.

Allissa Flores closed the door on the game in the fifth with a three-run homer to run-rule the visiting Pilgrims. Hannah Haines and Danielle Gunkel each drove in a pair of runs for Wawasee, which brought around eight runs in the fifth.

Wawasee had eight hits in the game, and drew nine walks on Plymouth pitcher Zoe Keilman. Counterpart Meghan Fretz was masterful in her first win of the season, giving up just two hits and striking out 10 Pilgrims.

The win moves Wawasee to 10-2 overall and 5-0 in the Northern Lakes Conference with Goshen set to visit Syracuse Friday evening.

Wawasee won a seesaw affair with Plymouth on the JV diamond, 12-11. Statistics for the game were not provided. Wawasee improves to 4-5 on the season.

Baseball Struggling In NLC

Wawasee’s run through the Northern Lakes Conference has been difficult of late. After winning its first game last week, Wawasee has since dropped four in a row, the latest a 6-5 score at Plymouth Wednesday night.

Wawasee hasn’t had the struggles from a lack of effort, but largely on bad breaks. After Wawasee tied the game in the seventh with a pair of runs, Plymouth was able to push across the winning run in the bottom half.

Gage Reinhard paced Wawasee with a single, double and two RBIs. Kurtis Liston added a single and stolen base for the Warriors. Bailey Hershberger was tagged for the loss for Wawasee, his first of the season.

Wawasee has lost five of its last six games and sit at 6-5 on the season and 1-4 in the NLC. The Warriors will head to Goshen Friday in hopes to stopping the skid.

Tim Conley had three hits and scored a run and Spencer Prescott added a pair of hits, but Plymouth withstood Wawasee in a 5-2 JV win. Wawasee drops to 2-5 on the season.

Carl Nathan Haag, 83, Plymouth, passed away at his home at 4:54 p.m. Wednesday, April 29,  of natural causes.

Carl was born at home in Tyner,  to Henry “Hank” and Thelma (Baker) Haag on July 30, 1931.

He graduated from Tyner High School in 1949. From 1952-55, Carl served in the U. S. Navy during the Korean Conflict.

On Dec. 19, 1959 he took as his bride the former Theresa M. Young. She would precede him in death on Feb. 10, 1992.

For a time Carl worked at Studebaker and then 20 years as a co-owner and operator of Haag & Haag Excavating. He was also engaged in farming and after retiring he drove a Taxi.

Carl was a member of the Plymouth Moose Family Center, enjoyed playing cards and Sunday dinners spent with his companion of many years Alice Pearson prior to her death in 2013.

Surviving are his children: Thomas (Judy) Haag, Walkerton; James Haag, Plymouth; and Steven (Nina) Haag, Fort Wayne; along with grandchildren: Jeremy Haag; Tina (Matt) Blosser; Elizabeth Blackwood; Lauren Gray; and Justin Blackwood; one great-granddaughter and four great-grandsons.

The family would like to acknowledge the private caregivers of Pam Lamb Home Care.

In addition to his parents and spouse, siblings: Beverly Goldt; and Charles Haag also preceded him in death.

Friends may call from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. Monday, May 4, in the Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home, located at 1100 N. Michigan St., Plymouth. Services will immediately follow in the funeral home at 3 p.m., officiated by Rev. Charles Krieg.

Burial will follow in the Tyner Cemetery with Military Honors provided by members of the Plymouth American Legion Post 27, Veterans of Foreign Wars – Marshall County Post 1162 and the D.A.V.

Memorial gifts may be made to the Alzheimer’s & Dementia Services of Northern Indiana, South Bend, or The American Heart Association.