Gerts, Windler & Keller Funeral Homes & Cremation Services

05/16/2026

Mark Kern

Mark Andrew Kern, 73, of Fowler, passed away in his home on May 12, 2026.

Born in Tippecanoe County on May 30, 1952, Mark was the son of June and Andrew Kern. He grew up in the area and graduated from Benton Central High School.

Mark was a man of many talents and interests. An incredibly handy and practical person, he had a gift for remodeling houses and was even a bit ahead of his time—installing a windmill long before they became a staple of the Benton County landscape. In his free time, Mark enjoyed computer games, bowling, gardening, and spending time coaching softball.

Mark’s legacy lives on through his family. He is survived by his daughter; four granddaughters; a great-granddaughter and a great-grandson; his sisters; and his ex-wife, Deb Kern.

There will be a visitation for Mark on Monday, May 18, 2026, from 5:00 - 6:00 PM (ET) at Gerts, Windler & Keller Funeral Home ~ Fowler Chapel. Mark’s cremated remains will be interred at Fowler Cemetery on Friday, May 22, 2026, with a graveside service beginning at 12:30 PM (ET).

Mark's care has been entrusted to Gerts, Windler & Keller Funeral Home ~ Fowler Chapel | 506 E Main St Fowler, IN 47944 | (765)864-0110 | www.KellerFH.com

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05/02/2026

Glenda Villegas

Glenda Joyce Stout Villegas, 71, of Brook, Indiana, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 30, 2026, surrounded with the love of her family.

She was the beloved wife of Pio Villegas, with whom she shared 34 years of marriage that was full of adventures, great memories and a lot of love. Their partnership was a great foundation to raise their children and they were blessed to raise their three daughters Leti, Cassandra, and Yolanda and one son Roberto. A loving mother of four, Glenda raised her children while working diligently to help provide for her family. As a mother, she was always showing up to ensure that her children felt loved and supported. Her grandson Mateo could make Glenda’s eyes sparkle at any moment and she was continually proud of the young man he has become. Glenda could often be found spoiling and supporting Mateo or on an adventurous trip with her daughters, trying to find something special to bring home to cherish the memory. Glenda loved spending time with her large family and the laughter that was always had when they were together.

Glenda was a member of the First Christian Church of Brook, Indiana. Her hobbies were coloring pictures, diamond dots, playing bingo, and cheering on her beloved Cubbies. She loved playing cards, but was always happiest with her family, especially with her grandson.

Glenda will be remembered for her infectious laugh, sweet smile, and beautiful face. Glenda could always make those around her laugh with her quick humor. Her kindness, warmth, and love will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew her.

She is survived by her children: Leticia Villegas of Milford, Illinois; Cassandra Villegas of Milford, Illinois; Yolanda Villegas of Brook, Indiana; and Roberto (Kristen) Villegas of Rensselaer, Indiana. She is also survived by a treasured grandson, Mateo Villegas of Rensselaer, Indiana.

Glenda is further survived by her siblings: Bobby Stout, Don (Judy) Stout, Shirley Hamilton, Larry (Marilyn) Stout, Lynn (Jackie) Stout, Cheryl Perkins, and Gayle (Jose) Reyes; and several dearly loved nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Pio Villegas; parents, Robert and Edith Arlene Stout; her sister, Norma Stout; and her brothers, Kenny Stout and Rex Stout.

Glenda will be deeply missed and forever loved by her family and all who had the blessing of knowing her.

Please join us for a visitation at Gerts, Windler & Keller Funeral Home ~ Brook Chapel on Friday, May 8, 2026, from 5:00 - 7:00 PM (CT). Glenda's funeral service will take place the following morning, Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 11:00 AM, at the First Christian Church in Brook, Indiana. After services are concluded Glenda will be buried beside her husband, Pio, at Riverside Cemetery in Brook, Indiana.

Memorials in her honor may be made to Iroquois Memorial Hospice or to the First Christian Church of Brook, Indiana.

Glenda's care has been entrusted to Gerts, Windler & Keller Funeral Home ~ Brook Chapel | 129 E Main St, Brook, IN 47922 | (219)275-6161 | KellerFH.com | Info@KellerFH.com

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04/28/2026

Ga***rd James Lawrence

Ga***rd “Gay” James Lawrence, 101, passed away on Sunday, April 26, 2026, at his home in rural Brook, Indiana. Born in Brook, Indiana, on August 25, 1924, he was the son of Roy Esson Lawrence and Mellie V. Little. A lifelong resident of Brook, Ga***rd was a WWII veteran. He served as a radio operator on mine sweeps USS Hazard and USS Execute from January 9, 1945, to July 15, 1946.

On April 28, 1946, he married the love of his life, Ardis Reed. They spent 77 years together until her death in 2023. He is survived by his children, David Lawrence (wife, Mary Catherine), Marilyn Ignatowicz (husband, Mike, deceased), Robert “Bob” Lawrence (wife, Maria), and Linda Weiss (husband, Dana); daughter-in-law, Peg Lawrence; 10 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son, John "Jack" Lawrence; a son lost at birth; and his great-granddaughter, Hazel Smart.

Gay’s passion was being a farmer, a love that he passed on to his son, Jack; grandson, Seth; and great-grandson, Ryan. He loved working outdoors and still mowed with his John Deere riding mower until the age of 99. He was a bus driver at South Newton High School for many years.

Gay was a devout Christian who served in various roles through the years at the United Methodist Church in Brook. He was a role model to many, sharing his faith in God with anyone who might need lifting up. He loved a good joke and would often have one to tell. He loved his God, his family, and his country. He loved people and showed a true interest in those he met.

He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He will truly be missed by many, but is surely celebrating in heaven with those who have gone before him.

Visitation for Gay will be held at Gerts, Windler & Keller Funeral Home ~ Brook Chapel on Saturday, May 2, 2026, from 6 - 8 PM (CT). The funeral service will take place at the First Christian Church in Brook the following day, Sunday, May 3, 2026, starting at 1:30 PM (CT). Gay will be buried at Riverside Cemetery. The committal service and military honors will be held on Monday, May 4, 2026, beginning at 9 AM (CT).

In lieu of flowers, Gay's family asks that you consider donating to one of the organizations that meant a great deal to him: Brook Christian Church, Mashindi Medical Mission Orphanage, or Samaritan's Purse.

Gay's care has been entrusted to Gerts, Windler & Keller Funeral Home ~ Brook Chapel | 129 E Main St, Brook, IN 47922 | (219)275-6161 | KellerFH.com | Info@KellerFH.com

View Ga***rd James Lawrence's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/19/2026

04/14/2026

Shirley Ann Wolford

Shirley A. Wolford, 78, of Brook, formerly of Wheatfield, passed away peacefully on Saturday morning, April 11, 2026, at George Ade Care Center.

Shirley was born on December 3, 1947, in Tyrone, Pennsylvania. She was the daughter of the late Leonard and Anna (White) Umholtz.

She worked previously as a nurse’s aide, home health aide, and at Subway, where she loved to bring home cookies to her grandchildren.

She attended Full Gospel Church of Wheatfield. She had a very strong faith in the Lord and enjoyed daily bible study and prayer group. She brought the word of God to anyone who would listen and opened her home to many in need. She had the ability to love you like Jesus would, give great encouragement and enjoyed helping others.

Many of fun nights were had with family playing card games and of course “Umholtz” Yahtzee. Most recently, she enjoyed spending time with friends at George Ade, playing games, listening to music and enjoying arts and crafts. She absolutely loved to color and share her masterpieces with family and friends.

Surviving are three daughters, Robin Carter, Denise (Rodney) Myers, and Kimberly (William) Glacken; sixteen grandchildren, Amber, Amy, Bryan, Christina, Jennifer, Kristen, Rodney, Jaimee, Ashlie, Daniella, Breanna, Emily, Bradley, Zachery, Harmony and Riley; and 17 great-grandchildren. She is survived by her sister Rose (Ron) Dawson, and brother Wally (Cindy) Umholtz, as well as several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her daughters, Jessica Hanlon, and Bobbie Lynn Hanlon; brothers, Leonard Umholtz, and Edward Umholtz; sister, Carol Atkisson; granddaughter, Keirsten; and great-granddaughter, December.

The family will receive visitors on Friday, April 17, 2026, from 10-12 AM (CT), at Gerts, Windler & Keller Funeral Home~ Brook Chapel. The funeral service will begin at 12 PM (CT) with interment to follow at Riverside Cemetery.

Shirley's care has been entrusted to Gerts, Windler & Keller Funeral Home ~ Brook Chapel | 129 E Main St, Brook, IN 47922 | (219)275-6161 | KellerFH.com | Info@KellerFH.com

View Shirley Ann Wolford's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/11/2026

David Eugene Cox

David Eugene Cox, 85, passed away suddenly of natural causes on the evening of April 8, 2026. He was born on April 28, 1940, in Lafayette, Indiana, to the late Melvin M. and Rozella (Dowling) Cox.

After graduating from Fowler High School, Dave and three of his friends went out to California to work in the firefighting and forestry service. He hoped to generate enough funds to allow him to return home and attend Purdue University. He did, and came back home to earn a degree.

He married the love of his life, Hanne Hermansen, and together they were married for nearly 65 years.

He began farming full-time in 1961, with his new wife, Hanne. His passion was the farm business and all that it entailed. He approached everything he did in a pragmatic way, a virtue he instilled in others. He was both a thinker and a doer; he would often say that we take a hard job and make it look easy.

Dave loved his family, and held an unshakeable trust in God. He also loved his community, and believed deeply in cooperative systems. He stood for the values of hard-working, thoughtful people, working together to achieve common goals. He was a very big supporter of his rural electric company, Newton County REMC, where he served for many years as a proud director on both state and local boards. He was also a member of the Freemasons for over 50 years. He enjoyed everyone for who they were and would encourage others to advance themselves and seek personal growth.

In addition to being a farmer, he was also in the banking business as a branch manager, opening the former Newton County Production Credit Association, PCA, in Kentland, Indiana. Dave brought his finance experience back home and contributed to the successful farming legacy that his sons, daughter, and their growing families continue today.

Dave held many of his former high school classmates in high regard and would get together with a group of them about once a month. They would meet in various locations and chat about the latest news.

Dave and Hanne found great pleasure in their travels throughout the years. They over-wintered in Port Aransas, Texas, for a while before they found a home in Estero, Florida.

Dave prayed he would not meet his end in a hospital, or at the conclusion of a long-suffered illness. He got his wish when he passed away suddenly, with the love of his wife and family in his heart. They will carry on the values he held so deeply of family, faith, and farm life.

Left to carry on his legacy are his wife, Hanne; sons, Michael (Debbie) Cox, and Steve (Gena) Cox; daughter, Janet (Tom) Gretencord; seven wonderful grandchildren, Brent (Natasha) Cox, Stefanie (Trent) Hall, Joseph (Suzanne) Cox, Jordan (Amy) Cox, Nicole (Mitch) Sparenberg, Brittany (Bryce) Henschel, and Ryan (Emily) Cox; fifteen wonderful great-grandchildren, Brody Cox, Molly Cox, Tyler Cox, Alex Cox, McCabe Sparenberg, Henry Henschel, Carter Cox, Lydia Cox, McKaylyn Sparenberg, Beau Henschel, Colten Cox, Jackson Cox, David Hall, Fletcher Cox, and Blair Cox; and siblings, Arthur Cox, Howard (Sandy) Cox, John Cox, Lois (Ron) Francis, and Nancy (Ted) Macy.

In death, Dave joins his parents and sister, Florence Gayle Cox.

Please join us in honoring Dave on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at Journey Christian Church in Fowler, Indiana. Visitation is from 11:00 A.M. - 2:00 P.M. (ET), with the funeral service, led by Minister Kirk Zimmerman, to begin at 2:00 P.M.

Memorial Contributions in Dave’s honor may be made to Sacred Heart School, Riley Children’s Hospital, or the Towers to Tunnels Foundation.

Dave’s care and services have been entrusted to Gerts, Windler & Keller ~ Fowler Chapel | 506 E Main St Fowler, IN 47944 | (765)864-0110 | www.KellerFH.com

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04/07/2026

Hallie R. Whaley

Hallie R. Whaley, 55, of Brook, Indiana, passed away April 2, 2026, at IU Health University Hospital in Indianapolis, Indiana. She was not able to overcome liver failure that was caused by a long term covid hospitalization of six months in 2021.

Hallie was born in Middletown, Ohio, on November 10, 1970, to Wesley and Patricia (Chapman) Knepp. She graduated from South Newton High School in 1990, then attended Vincennes University. She then worked in medical billing. On July 8, 1995, she married James A. Whaley and they shared 30 years of marriage and memories together.

Most important to Hallie were her children. Hanna, born July 27, 2005, and Jacob, born March 12, 2009. Hallie enjoyed travelling and vacations with her family, going to the beach, and shopping. She was a talented painter, loved to sing, and was a great cook.

Hallie had a beautiful smile and positivity that brought joy to anyone she met. She touched many lives with her strength and grace recovering from covid in 2021, a battle that took her to three different hospitals over six months before making it back home. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to know and love her.

Hallie is survived by her parents, Wesley Knepp of Watseka, Illinois, and Patricia (Chapman) Knepp of Kentland, Indiana; her husband, James Whaley; her children, Hanna and Jacob Whaley; her sisters, Tamme (Dean) Childress of Fowler, Indiana; Tracy (Dave) Deno, of Lafayette, Indiana; her brother Deron (Amber) Knepp of Lafayette, Indiana.

Visitation for Hallie will be held on Monday, April 13, 2026, from 5:00-7:00 pm (cst) at the Brook United Methodist Church. Funeral services will be held the following morning, Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at 11:00 AM (cst).

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made in Hallie’s honor to The American Liver Foundation or to the Iroquois County Animal Rescue.

Hallie's care has been entrusted to Gerts, Windler & Keller Funeral Home ~ Brook Chapel | 129 E Main St, Brook, IN 47922 | (219)275-6161 | KellerFH.com | Info@KellerFH.com

View Hallie R. Whaley's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/06/2026

https://www.kellerfh.com/obituaries/norb-cyr

View Norb Cyr's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/28/2026

Jack L. Schriner

Jack L. Schriner, 75, of Goodland, IN, passed away on March 20, 2026.

Jack was born to Ralph and Juanita Schriner on May 24, 1950, in Rensselaer, IN, and was a proud graduate of South Newton High School, Class of 1968. He dedicated over 20 years of his career to working in maintenance at Adkev, where he was known for his strong work ethic and reliability.

Jack found joy in the simple pleasures of life. He enjoyed fishing, mowing, farming, and watching NASCAR. One of his greatest joys was supporting his son in go-kart and stock car racing, where he could often be found cheering from the pits.

He is survived by his mother, Juanita Schriner; his sons, Jordan and John (Angie) Schriner; his daughter, Jessica Schriner; his brothers, Denny (Roslyn) and Wayne (Teresa) Schriner; and his sisters, Marsha (Mike) Cooley and Janell (Nathan) Bohlmann. He also leaves behind several grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

Jack was preceded in death by his father, Ralph Schriner, and his daughter, Jennifer Schriner.

A celebration of Jack’s life will be held at a later date.

He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved him.

Arrangements entrusted to Gerts, Windler & Keller Funeral Homes ~ Goodland Chapel | 119 W. Union St. Goodland, IN 47948 | (219) 297-3583 | KellerFH.com

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