BIRDIE KNECHT
Birdie Knecht, age 90, Brookville, died Tuesday, November 9, 2021, at Shawneespring of Harrison. Arrangements are pending, and will be posted when available.
Obituary for Sr. Rose Marie McCann OSF
SR. ROSE MARIE MCCANN OSF
Sr. Rose Marie McCann, age 87 of the Sisters of St. Francis in Oldenburg, died November 5, 2021, at the convent. Born on January 26, 1934, in Dover, she was the third of nine children born to Loretta (Nee: Vogelsang) and Leroy McCann.
Sr. Rose Marie met the Franciscan Sisters attending St. John the Baptist school in Dover. She spent two years at Guilford High School and graduated from the Oldenburg Academy. She entered the Franciscan Community in 1951, and took her final vows in 1957. She went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in education from Marian University and a Master’s degree in education from Xavier University.
In an interview at the time of her 60th jubilee, Sr. Rose Marie noted, “How can one be so blessed in one lifetime? I was born into a wonderful family of nine children. Then at age 17, I was born into a loving family of approximately 800 religious women. I was very young. The result is 60 wonderful years of ups and downs, and much joy, peace and happiness.”
During her retirement at the Motherhouse she volunteered her time as she was able. One of her greatest joys was gathering with her family for card games that were played into the night as humorous stories were shared and memories were made. In reflecting on her career, she smiled as she recalled, “After teaching primary grades for 34 years, I felt a need for change. For nine years I dispensed medications as a QMA to the residents of Marquette Manor Health Care Center and later, as a receptionist there. I loved working with senior citizens, listening to their wisdom and life stories. They are a gift.”
She is survived by sisters Anne Reisman of Sunman, Patricia Schuman of Brookville, Indiana, Linda Auel of Sunman; brothers Russell and Thomas McCann, both of Guilford, Indiana as well as numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she is also preceded in death by sisters Edith Baxter, Carol Niese and brother Vernon McCann.
Visitation is Friday, November 12, from 1 – 3 p.m. at the convent. Funeral services follow at 3 p.m. with Rev. Bob Ross officiating. Guests who have been vaccinated are welcome to attend but masks are mandatory. For those unable to attend the service will be live streamed at https://youtu.be/UqYMjpww3fQ. Memorials may be made to the Srs. of St. Francis, P.O. Box 100, Oldenburg, IN, 47036 (www.OldenburgFranciscans.org).
Obituary for Billy “Bill” Edwin Sweeney
BILLY “BILL” EDWIN SWEENEY
Billy “Bill” Edwin Sweeney, 89, of Liberty, passed away on Tuesday, November 9, 2021, surrounded by his loving family at home. He was born on January 6, 1932, in Washington County, Indiana, to John R. Sweeney and Edna B. Martin Sweeney.
Bill served in the United States Army from July 1952 until April 1954, where he served during the Korean War as a combat engineer.
On September 15, 1957, he married Carol Jean Booth Sweeney, together they raised three children.
Bill was a faithful member of Liberty Church of Christ, where he was very active in the church as an elder and also taught Sunday school amongst other things.
Bill drove a school bus for Washington County for four years before moving to Union County where he then drove a school bus for the Union County School Corporation for 25 years. He was also a farmer most of his life until his son, Lee, took over the farming for him.
Bill enjoyed tinkering with antique cars and trucks. He also loved his time spent on the farm. Most importantly he cherished the times spent with his family.
Along with his loving wife of 64 years, he will be greatly missed by his children, Christy (Matt) Sands, Lee (Monica) Sweeney and Dee Ann (Barry) Steward; three grandchildren, Craig (Lindsey) Sweeney, Rachel (Dallas) Dorrel and Andrew (Rebecca) Steward; five great grandchildren, Noelle, Connor and Grace Sweeney, Dierks and Davanee Dorrel; three sisters, Betty Gray, Nancy Worley and Rena (Denny) Brown.
Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by twin daughters, Betty Lou and Mary Sue Sweeney; brothers, Loren Sweeney, David Sweeney and Roger Sweeney.
Visitation for Bill will be held on Friday, November 12, 2021, from 11 am until 1 pm at Liberty Church of Christ, 102 S. Main St., Liberty, Indiana 47353. The funeral service will begin at 1 pm at the church with Pastor David Soper officiating. Burial will follow in Dunlapsville Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Liberty Church of Christ or your favorite charity.
Urban Winkler Liberty Funeral Home is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements.
FC arrests November 3 through November 7
Provided by Franklin County Sheriff’s Department
November 3
Desiree E. Callahan, 30, Peal Drive, Connersville, was arrested at 1:35 p.m., at the Fayette County Jail, by Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Ryan Young on an Arrest Warrant.
Joshua A. King, 40, Sidney, Ohio, was arrested at 7:42 p.m., at a residence on Fairfield Avenue, by Brookville Police Department Officer D. Forsee for Invasion of Privacy.
November 4
Laurel L. Collins, 33, W. 9th Street, Connersville, was arrested at 3:30 p.m. along Fairfield Causeway Road, by Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Deputy J. Robinson for Driving while Suspended Prior Suspension within 10 Years.
November 7
Paige R. Christenberry, 20, Snail Creek, Metamora, was arrested at 3:43 p.m., at the intersection of Indiana 121 and Old U.S. 52, by Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Maxie for Theft.
https://www.remax.com/real-estate-agents/dennis-kolb-brookville-in/100081480
Obituary for Debra Kay Vickers
DEBRA KAY VICKERS
Debra Kay Vickers, 61, of Everton, died peacefully in her sleep at her mother’s residence early Friday morning, November 5, 2021, following a long, courageous battle with cancer.
Debbie, as most knew her, was born on December 18, 1960, in Connersville, to James Paige Kirby and Linda Lou Harper Weaver. Debbie’s father passed away when she was two months old. She was raised by her mother and maternal grandmother until she was 8 when her mother remarried. At the age of 15, she began working at Fayette Memorial Hospital in the Dietary Department. She graduated with the Class of 1979 from Connersville High School. On March 24, 1983, she married Kevin C. Vickers and were later divorced. They had one child, Justin Lee Vickers, who survives. In addition to working 20 years at the hospital, she also worked at Container Kraft, J & J Packaging in Brookville, and Randall Textron in Morristown. During her leisure, Debbie loved spending time with her family and friends, raising rabbits and chickens, and being outdoors enjoying nature.
Besides her son and mother, she is survived by her “little” sister and brother-in-law whom she called her “homie,” Tammy, and Doug Freeman of Connersville; nephews: TJ Steele and Caden Freeman of Connersville; great-niece: Aubriella Steele of Connersville; aunts and uncles: Ray and Lil Harper of Connersville, and Carolyn Walcott and David Pardue, of McCordsville; and several cousins.
In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by her stepfather, James Edward Weaver; maternal grandparents: Cledis Harper and Roy and Louise Wilkins; and Uncle Delmar Walcott.
At Debbie’s request, no services will be held. Interment will be at Dale Cemetery at the convenience of the family.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Fayette County Cancer Society, and American Cancer Society.
Urban Winkler Funeral Home is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements.
Obituary for Sheila (Hurley) Wilhelm
SHEILA (HURLEY) WILHELM
Sheila (Hurley) Wilhelm, 74, of Connersville, passed away on November 5, 2021, in Richmond. She was born on March 17,1947 to her parents Lindon Hurley, and Georgia Bennett in Jackson County, Kentucky.
She completed high school and worked at Daum’s Dairy Mart, and Visteon.
Sheila leaves behind her daughter Melissa Barrett, her brothers; Lyle (Mary) Hurley of Connersville, Benny (Debby) Hurley of Connersville, sister; Jeanette of Bailey NC, and several nieces and nephews who will miss her dearly. Sheila also leaves behind a very close friend Marie Callahan, and a special friend and her employer Neal Jaral as well as several grand dogs.
Along with her parents, Sheila was preceded in death by her sister Brenda Bowman, and her brother, Kenneth Hurley.
Visitation for Sheila will be held on Thursday, November 11, 2021, from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Urban Winkler Funeral Home, 513 W. 8th St Connersville, IN 47331. The funeral service will begin at 1 p.m. at the funeral home. A graveside service will immediately follow in Dale Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Fayette County Animal Shelter.
To sign the online guestbook or to leave the family with a personal message visit www.urbanwinklerfuneralhome.com.
Obituary for Theresa (Terry) Rosiello
THERESA (TERRY) ROSIELLO
Theresa “Terry” Rosiello, 74 years old of Cincinnati, passed away on Friday, October 29, 2021. Terry grew up in Ft. Lauderdale, where she graduated from St. Thomas Aquinas High School. After moving to Cincinnati in the 1980s, Terry did very well selling condos in the real estate market. She eventually invested in a little restaurant, called Buffalo Wings & Rings, to which she devoted herself and later franchised into a popular sports-themed restaurant. Terry created many of the recipes still used today, including their famous bleu cheese.
Terry was very generous with everyone she knew, whether it was with her time or money. She had smiling eyes that would light up a room and exuded kindness and compassion. Terry had an amazing impact on those around her. She had such positive karma and made everyone feel special. She made you feel like she had known you her whole life, when in reality you had just met her. She was very spiritual and desired to only speak good of people and encouraged others to do the same. She loved animals and her dogs were everything to her. Terry loved to travel and explore new places, finding her experience at the Red Sea one of the most incredible places she had ever visited.
Upon moving into Adam’s Landing, a high-rise condo in Cincinnati, Terry met the love of her life, Frank Rosiello. They were married on October 4, 1998, only six months after meeting one another. Because it was important to include everyone they loved in their special day, Terry and Frank had 18 bridesmaids and 18 groomsmen in their wedding. Their wedding was the talk of the town and they were the first couple to be married on Fountain Square. Never a big celebrator of holidays growing up, Frank introduced the joy and fun of holidays to Terry, and together, they made wonderful memories each and every holiday.
Terry will be deeply missed by her husband of 23 years, Frank Rosiello; brothers Mark (Kathy) Cueto and George (Brenda) Cueto; many nieces and nephews, and too many friends to count. She is preceded in death by her parents Margaret and George Cueto and sisters Jacqueline Brown, Mary Johnson, Stella Hall, Andrea McGinnis, and Patricia Wink.
A Celebration of Life will be held on November 14, 2021, at Great American Ballpark in the Bally Sports Club Room from 1pm – 5 pm with a service at 2 pm. Friends are encouraged to visit www.andres-wuestefeldfh.com to leave condolences and sign the online guestbook.
Obituary for Sr. Joan Luerman OSF
SR. JOAN LUERMAN OSF
Sr. Joan Luerman, age 86 of the Sisters of St. Francis in Oldenburg, died on November 4, 2021, at the convent. Born on August 17, 1935, in Richmond, to Hilda (Nee: Mauer) and Anthony Luerman, she grew up with four sisters attending St. Andrew School where her father was the parish choir director. Sr. Joan noted how the Luerman family attended all services and appreciated getting to know the clergy and educators. She graduated from Richmond High School in 1953.
She came to know the Oldenburg Franciscans during her grade school education and spoke highly of her eighth grade teacher and principal, Sr. Georgine Bocklage, who began a sodality for the young women of the parish. Participation in the sodality combined with her admiration for her aunt, Sr. Frances Romaine Mauer, greatly influenced Joan’s call to religious life. She also expressed her appreciation for Sr. Estelle Nordmeyer’s care and guidance through her novitiate years.
Sr. Joan went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in education from Marian University, a master’s degree in reading clinician from Clarke College and a master’s degree in pastoral ministry from Seattle University.
She estimated that she’s taught approximately a thousand students as her ministries took her to Ohio, Indiana, Missouri and Michigan. She had an enduring love for the youngest students and taught the early grades. One of her happiest mission experiences was being one of the four Sisters who opened the school at New Buffalo, Michigan. Later she returned there to serve as the school’s principal.
In 1981, Sr. Joan wanted to return to teaching and taught at St. Vincent de Paul School in Bedford, where she also served as pastoral associate for the parish, serving for 29 years before returning to Oldenburg in 2010.
In 2003, Sr. Joan received the Indianapolis Archdiocese’s Catholic School Values Career Achievement Award in recognition of her lifetime devotion to Catholic education and in 2009 she was awarded the Medal for Excellence in Religion in the community of Indiana’s Lawrence County. This award recognizes women for their exemplary life and example to others.
In addition to her work in education, while serving as a pastoral minister in Bedford, she served as a counselor to women and a much-needed compassionate assistant to the terminally ill and dying. She worked alongside local ministers and ministerial associations, and she affirmed the transformation of an old home into a shelter for women and children while encouraging groups to “adopt a room” to enable the project to be completed. She sang in the choir, served as lector and Eucharistic minister, lead prayer services at nursing facilities, visited those in hospitals and those who were homebound. She was a compassionate presence in Bedford for almost three decades.
Sr. Joan retired in 2010 and returned to Oldenburg. When interviewed about her religious vocation she commented, “When I entered our Community I found the peace for which I was searching. I praise the Lord for this gift to me and for giving me a much larger family with which to share my love. God is good!”
She is survived by her sisters Frances Romaine (Paul) Richmond; Jean Antonia (Russell) Krebs Wisconsin, Mary Anita Coblentz of Florida and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she is also preceded in death by her sister Joan Marie Luerman.
Visitation will be Wednesday, November 10, from 1 – 3 p.m. at the convent chapel. Funeral services follow at 3 p.m. with Rev. Bob Ross officiating and burial in the convent cemetery. Guests who have been vaccinated are welcome to attend, but masks are mandatory. For those unable to attend, services will be live-streamed at https://youtu.be/AeqRHatIsUE. Memorials may be made to the Sisters of St. Francis, P.O. Box 100, Oldenburg, Indiana, 47036 (www.OldenburgFranciscans.org).
Obituary for Hilda (Back) Klump
HILDA (BACK) KLUMP
Hilda (Back) Klump, 92 years old, passed away peacefully at her home on Thursday, November 4, 2021. She is fondly described as the best wife and mother ever. Hilda earned her cosmetology license and owned the Elite Beauty Salon in Lawrenceburg until retirement; and worked with her husband John and the Klump family to run Klump’s Tavern in New Alsace. She dedicated her life to caring for her family and friends and actively engaged in the community, always there to support others first and bringing love to many.
Born and raised on a farm in St. Peters, she moved to New Alsace in 1948, upon her marriage to John E. Klump. After the move, they became life-long members of the St. Paul Campus of All Saints Parish. Hilda and John enjoyed spending time with their family, taking vacations with their kids, and attending many U.S. Army 24th Infantry Division conventions where they enjoyed time with friends and remembering those who served our country. Many years ‘snowbirding’ between New Alsace and St. Petersburg, Florida, living an active and full life. Both passed to their children and friends a deep love of God, strong work ethic, and appreciation for those who touched their lives.
Hilda will be greatly missed by her children Mary (Wes) Booker of Lawrenceburg; daughter in law Debbie (son John M, deceased) Klump-Turner of Logan; Rick (Kathy) Klump; Cindy (Bob) Hilty; Tom (Kathy) Klump; Kay (Gerald, deceased) Nocks, all of New Alsace; brother, Ed Back of Harrison, Ohio, and many grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She was blessed with 12 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband John E. Klump (who was the love of her life), son John M. Klump, son-in law Gerald Nocks, and great-grandson Wyatt Yelton, in addition to her parents and her many siblings and in-laws.
Visitation for Hilda will be on Tuesday, November 9, at Andres-Wuestefeld Funeral Home. Rosary will begin at 5 pm with visitation immediately following until 8 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Wednesday, November 10, at 10:30 am at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, All Saints Parish. For those not able to attend, mass will be lived streamed at https://www.youtube.com/user/aspweeklyhomily. Burial will immediately follow at St. Paul’s Cemetery. Memorials can be made to St. Paul Cemetery Fund or the Sunman Area Life Squad – Rescue 20. Memorials will be taken during the visitation or can be mailed to the Andres-Wuestefeld Funeral Home at 25615 State Rt. 1, Guilford, IN, 47022. Please visit www.andres-wuestefeldfh.com to sign the online guestbook or leave condolences.
For those attending the services for Hilda, please follow your personal preferences as we continue to manage to the current COVID situation. Please be mindful of those around you with respect to social distancing. Masks are encouraged, but not required. We welcome you to join our family to pay your respects and want to ensure you personally feel comfortable in attending.
Obituary for Gregory “Greg” Joseph Schaefer
GREGORY “GREG” JOSEPH SCHAEFER
Gregory ‘Greg’ Joseph Schaefer, age 61 of Batesville, passed away on Thursday, November 4, 2021, at Margaret Mary Health. The son of Alfred Jr. and Betty Jo (Gutzwiller) Schaefer was born on March 11, 1960, in Batesville.
Greg as most knew him, was a 1978 graduate of Batesville High School. He was a member of the Batesville Knights of Columbus #1461. Greg worked as a roofer for Imbus Roofing for many years before retiring. In 2003, he married his sweetheart, Jackie in Myrtle Beach, SC.
Greg was an outdoorsman who loved to hunt and fish. He would go camping a lot with his family. Many times he cooked for them over the fire pit but no one was ever sure exactly what they were eating. Greg could also be found spending time working in his garden. In his younger days, Greg was a top swimmer for the Batesville summer swim team.
He always liked to hunt for artifacts while walking in the creek and just loved taking his grandkids to look with him. Most of all he treasured the time he spent with his family.
He will be dearly missed by his wife, Jackie; daughter, Jessica Mize (Brandon) of Columbus, son Christopher J. Powell of Batesville; two grandchildren, Hailey Shaw and Emery Mize; along with his sisters, Debbie Wright (Hoagy) of Batesville, JoAnn Butt (Alan) of Batesville, Kaye Darby (Jed) of Greensburg and Diane Smith (Tom) of Osgood.
Visitation will be Tuesday, November 9, 2021, from 5-7 pm at Meyers Funeral Home. Cremation will follow.
Memorials may be given to the family for Greg’s grandchildren. They may be brought to services or mailed to: Meyers Funeral Home, P.O. Box 202, Batesville, IN 47006.