Obituaries

Lennie LeRoy Sager, age 84 from Brownsburg, Indiana, left his earthly body here to join Jesus His Savior at 7:30 a.m. on January 18th, 2023.

He was born March 27, 1938, in Centerville, Iowa, to Arthur Edwin Sager and Anna Ercil (Garretson) Sager. He was the youngest of 6 children. From a young age, Lennie preferred to be called LeRoy.

He graduated from Seymour Community High School in Seymour, Iowa, in 1955. He served in the Army Reserves from 1957 to 1964. On February 8, 1959, he went on a blind date and met the love of his life, Betty Lou Baker. They were married on September 20, 1959. They have four children: Kathy (Jon) Carter, Polly (Bob) Morrow, Marge (Greg) Thompson, and Daniel (Dorothy) Sager.

LeRoy was always a farmer at heart even after his years of farming in Plano and Lineville, Iowa, were past. He held a variety of jobs: as a hired hand for multiple farmers, the Co-op Feed Store, Miracle Recreation, Young’s Radiator, and Locksmithing as well as helping in the cafe he bought for Betty’s 37th Birthday. They owned/operated the cafe known as Sager’s Dairy Sweet (later renamed Sager’s Cafe) in Seymour, Iowa, from 1977-1996. He worked at FedEx and John the Butler while living in Key West, Florida. Then at the Walmart in Brownsburg, Indiana.

When LeRoy was 10 years old, he accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior. This decision of faith led to a life of devoted service to the local church wherever he lived. He was a long-time member of First Baptist Church Seymour, Iowa, where he served as a Youth leader, Sunday school teacher, deacon, and other areas of service. When he and Betty moved from Seymour to Key West, Florida, to be near their daughter and son-in-law, Jon & Kathy Carter they became faithful members of Key West Baptist Temple. Then in 2005, Hurricane Wilma hit and they lost everything, except one another. They chose to move to Brownsburg, Indiana, to be near their daughter and son-in-law, Bob & Polly Morrow. LeRoy and Betty joined Brownsburg Baptist Church and have thoroughly enjoyed being part of their church family.

In his final days, his family gathered around in his hospital room to worship and sing songs of praise to God. He told anyone who came into the room he was ready to go home to heaven. He passed peacefully with his wife by his side on January 18th, 2023.  He had been diagnosed with cancer less than 3 weeks earlier. Several years ago he had told his family he wanted to be cremated.

LeRoy is survived by his wife Betty, their children and their families, 13 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, as well as his brother Ralph Sager and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Arthur and Anna Sager; siblings: Harold, Helen, Verna, & Dean, and Son-in-law Bob Morrow.

Memorial Service for Lennie LeRoy Sager:

January 28, 2023, 1:00 pm at
Brownsburg Baptist Church
3331 N County Road 900 E
Brownsburg, IN 46112

In remembrance of his life, the family asks in lieu of flowers, etc. that charitable donations be made to Brownsburg Baptist Church

Barbara Louise Gurtler Kuni Branch Reed went to Heaven on January 10, 2023, at the age of 91 in Fishers, IN. She was born on July 18, 1931, to Ruth Louise Wernert and William August Gurtler in Wilkinsburg, PA.  The family moved frequently as her father was a civil engineer, involved in building bridges across the country.  In 1937, her mother died of leukemia, and Barbie and her younger brother, Bill, went to live with their paternal grandparents, Charles and Mary Gurtler, in Chicago, IL. They were German immigrants who were fiercely patriotic about their new country. Her grandfather took great pride in voting in every election which led Barbie to become very interested in politics.

From an early age, Barb accepted Christ as her personal Savior, thanks to the spiritual counsel and witness of her Uncle Lester Gurtler. She always trusted God and looked to the Lord to direct her path.

Barbie was in marching band and graduated as valedictorian from Reynoldsburg High School in Ohio in 1948. She graduated as salutatorian from Hillsdale College in Michigan in 1952 with a BA teaching degree in child development. While in college, Barbara worked as a college switchboard operator, was active in the Chi Omega sorority, on the editorial staff of the college yearbook and newspaper, a cheerleader, nominated for homecoming court, and involved in the International Relations Club, which presented mock assemblies to colleges and high schools in Michigan of the then-newly created United Nations. She also received a scholarship to the Merrill-Palmer School in Detroit, MI, for post graduate child development studies.

In April 1952, Barbara married her college sweetheart, William H. Kuni, from Detroit, MI. Bill worked as a finance manager for Household Finance. To this union were born eight children: Denise Ruth (Mike) Charlston; William Henry Kuni, III; Diane Marie (Paul) Thorsell; David Wayne Kuni; Bruce William (Kim) Kuni; Donna Louise (Matt) Rollins; and twins, Deborah Jean Kuni Hines and Daniel Paul (Jill) Kuni. Throughout the years the family lived in Chicago, IL; Long Island, NY; Cleveland, OH; Atchison, KS, and East Peoria, IL.

Bill and Barb greatly enjoyed entertaining with a local bridge card club. Barb was very involved in leadership of both Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts. She served in her local church as pianist, Sunday school teacher, Ladies Bible studies leader, Youth for Christ leader, Vacation Bible School Director, and other ministries.

Barb worked as a substitute teacher in Atchison, KS, then later as a full-time teacher at Lowpoint Washburn Elementary School in Illinois. She always had a special interest in history and government, and was an avid reader. In 1989, Barbara received a grant from the National Endowment of the Humanities on teaching the US Constitution to elementary students. The grant included educational trips to Gettysburg, PA and Washington, DC. In 1990, she earned the “Outstanding History Teacher” award by Daughters of the American Revolution.

Later in life, Barb married Maynard Branch in December 2001. She enjoyed caring for his six adult children and grandchildren. Barb and Maynard traveled around the U.S., seeing sites and visiting family members. After Maynard passed away in November 2012, Barb moved to Fishers, IN, to be closer to family.

In 2019, Barb reconnected with an old friend, Dr. John Reed, from Dallas Theological Seminary. They were married in March 2020 and lived in Fishers, IN. They were thankful to God for the time they had together before John went to Heaven in September 2020.

During her lifetime, Barb enjoyed traveling: to Reynoldsburg, OH, for high school reunions; to Europe with daughter Debby; to Noah’s Ark in KY, with daughter Donna; to Williamsburg, VA, with daughters Donna and Debby; to Atchison, KS, with Denise, Diane, and Donna; to a Chicago Cubs game with sons, Bruce and Dan, plus grandsons; and a very memorable trip to Israel. A special highlight from Barb’s life was the weekly calls from her son Bill and the many visits from her son Dave who would always mow her yard. Barbara also enjoyed God’s creation, animals, and especially birds as they fed from her window.

Barbara was preceded in death by her beloved: husbands, parents, grandparents (Wernert and Gurtler), sister-in-law Jean Lou Gurtler, Uncle Lester and Aunt Stephanie Gurtler, cousin Judy Gurtler Wallin, niece Lisa Gurtler Henry, and, sister Jean Gurtler Might. She is survived by her eight children, two brothers, Bill Gurtler and Paul Gurtler (Kimberly), 21 grandchildren, 32 great grandchildren, and many relatives and dear friends.

Barbara had a deep love for the Word of God and a strong desire to share Christ’s love with whomever she met. Her greatest desire was for everyone she knew to have a personal relationship with our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Barbara’s life will be celebrated at these times:
• Visitation at 6 PM-8 PM EST on Wednesday, January 18, 2023
• Visitation at 9:00 AM-10:00 AM on Thursday, January 19, 2023
• Celebration of Life Service at 10:00 AM-11:00 AM on Thursday, January 19, 2023

Visitations and funeral service will take place at Trinity Baptist Church at 1010 E. 126th St., Carmel, IN 46033. Interment will follow afterwards at Marion National Cemetery in Marion, IN. Pastor Kurt Larson will officiate.

Per Barbara’s request, she would like memorial gifts to be made to the ministry, H.O.P.E., INC. (Home of Parent-directed Edification) at https://www.parentshope.org/donate.

Barbara wished to share this verse with you:
“And this is His command: to believe in the name of His Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as He commanded us.” 1 John 3:23

Larry Neil Felts, age 70, of Anderson, passed away on January 13th, 2023, at the Beaumont Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center following a prolonged illness. Larry was born in Anderson on September 17th, 1952, to Willard & Ellen Felts, originally of Corbin, KY. They lived on Brookline St in Anderson where he came of age playing in the woods by the river and eventually graduating from Anderson High School. Larry formed many life-long relationships growing up in this area and became especially close with the family of Tom and Sherry Walker who he always regarded as “family”.

In his younger years, Larry was an avid fisherman and enjoyed the great outdoors. He also enjoyed mushroom hunting in the spring, good times with friends, tinkering on various projects, arrowhead hunting, antiquing, and watching old westerns.

Larry is survived by his former spouse, Virginia Owens Kinser; their two sons, Joshua Neil Felts (Susan) and Matthew Lee Felts (Christina); his two grandchildren, Annabelle Grace Felts and Maverick Paul Felts; his brother, J.R. Felts; his nieces and nephews, Sandra Felts, Lisa Felts, Michael Felts, and Tim Hamilton.

Larry was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Willard Arnold Felts and Mary Ellen Myers Felts; his beloved sister, Linda Kay Felts Hastings; his niece, Wendy Felts Anderson; and Tom & Sherry Walker.

A Memorial Service will be held at a later date following cremation, and his ashes will be placed with his parents at Memorial Park Cemetery in Anderson, IN.

Terry Joe Nanney, Jr, 36, of Muncie, died unexpectedly on January 3, 2023 at St. Vincent Randolph Hospital. He was born in Muncie on May 27, 1986 to Terry and Sonya (Smith) Nanney.

Terry worked in area restaurants and loved to make people laugh! He enjoyed fishing, playing basketball with his brother, and spending time with his family. His sense of humor and caring spirit will be sorely missed.

Terry is survived by one daughter, Katelynn (Jaron Hollingsworth) of Muncie; three sisters, Crystal Valentine of Muncie, Donna Hogarth of Baltimore, MD, and Jennifer (Judah) Baguma of Rock Springs, WY; two brothers, Billy (Elizabeth Taylor) Nanney of Muncie and Doyle Valentine of Muncie; one step-daughter, Ashley (Dallas Norris) Michael; one grandchild, Skyler Norris; eight nieces, Kyla (David Norris) Valentine, Cassandra Valentine, Autumn Nanney, Alannah Nanney, Azlynne Gregory, McKinley Valentine, Lindsay Banderob, Olivia Baguma; three nephews, Devon (Kyleigh) Valentine, Julius Nanney, Josiah Baguma, and Jaxson Morrison; and lifelong friends, Aaron (Britany Cook) Sheffer of Muncie and Josh (Brandi Phipps) Morrison of Muncie.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Danielle (Burton); his father; one brother, Kevin Valentine and his best friend, Chris Neal.

Funeral services will be conducted on Wednesday, January 18, 2023 at 2:00pm at the Greater Kingdom Builders Life Center Church (901 E 29th Street, Muncie, IN 47302) with Apostle Iry Hogan officiating. Visitation will be held from 1:00pm until the time of service.

Michael Locke, 59, of Muncie, peacefully passed away on January 3, 2023 surrounded by loved ones, after a difficult six month battle with hydrocephalus.

Michael was a kind and giving man, always willing to lend a hand. His hobbies included camping and fishing with his grandchildren, cooking up gourmet meals, and shopping on QVC.

Michael will live on in the memories of his family. He is sorely missed.

Michael was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Petro. He is survived by his two children, Jeniffer and Austin, seven grandchildren, one great grandson, his aunts Molly, Bonnie, and Gabriella, as well as his uncle Mark, and brother Larry. He also left behind his long time friend and companion, Harley (his beloved yorkie).

A private memorial service will be scheduled at a later date.

Paul Charles Hoerst, 87, of Indianapolis, passed away in his home surrounded by family on Sunday, December 25, 2022. He was born on October 23, 1935 in Winchester, IN to George and Juanita (Grater) Hoerst.

Paul graduated from Winchester High School (1953) where he played trumpet in the band. He was a talented musician and learned to play on a bugle from World War II that his uncle gave him. Paul enlisted in the US Navy where he honorably served his country as a Radar Technician aboard the USS Bon Homme Richard. He retired from General Motors in Muncie as a Tool & Die Maker in 1996 after working there for 30 years. He was a proud member of UAW Local 499 in Muncie.

Paul and his wife, Jane, were long-time members of the Bi-State Steppers, a square dancing club in Winchester, Indiana. They danced throughout central Indiana; They commonly visited other clubs and loved to attend dance conventions in Myrtle Beach, FL. Paul also enjoyed bowling with his friends and had been a member of several bowling leagues throughout his life. He was very proud of his nearly 20 gal blood donations throughout his lifetime.

Paul’s favorite hobby was woodworking. He often crafted cradles, hobby horses and games for his children and grandchildren. He loved spending time with his family and friends; his famous grilled chicken and homemade bread will definitely be missed!

Paul is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Jane Stiverson; four children, Natalie (Jeff) Fulk of Portland, TN Michael (Michelle) Hoerst of Anderson, IN, Kathryn (Tracy) Crum of Stilesville, IN and Kimberly (Anthony) Puma of Mannheim, Germany; three sisters, Sandy Barrett of Selma, IN; Janet (Roy) Homan of Parker City, IN and Terri (Rick) Holmes of Muncie, IN. Ten grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews also survive.

He is preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Dorothy (Smithson) Beeson; and one brother, Donald Hoerst.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Winchester Community High School Band (700 Union Street, Winchester, IN 47394).

Per Paul’s wishes, no services will be scheduled.