Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home, 1114 S. Ripley Estates Drive , P. O. Box 84, Versailles, IN (2026)

04/02/2026

Harvey N. Franke, 90, of Napoleon passed away at 10:20 a.m., Wednesday, April 1, 2026 at the Manderley Health Care Center in Osgood. He was born near Spades on March 17, 1936, the son of Walter and Madge Crouch Franke. He was married to Claudia Schmidt on December 22, 1956 and she preceded him in death on April 27, 2018. Survivors include two sons Cecil (Andrea) Franke of Dublin and Dexter (Nanette) Franke of Batesville; one daughter Becky (Ed) Tichenor of Napoleon; 6 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. He was also preceded in death by his parents and his son Harevy Franke, Jr. Mr. Franke grew up on his father’s dairy farm and attended school at Sunman. He and Claudia worked their farm near Napoleon and Harvey did custom baling and harvesting for his neighbors. Harvey was also employed with Cummins for 29 years. He enjoyed fishing, trap shooting, and still board shooting. He was a member of the Westport Masonic Lodge for over 50 years. Funeral services will be held on Monday, April 6 at 12 p.m. at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Randy Thieman officiating. Burial will be in the St. John Lutheran Cemetery in Napoleon. Visitation will also be on Monday beginning at 10 a.m. Memorials may be given to the Ripley County Humane Society or the Fishes and Loaves Food Pantry in care of the funeral home.

04/01/2026

Henry E. Nickell, 81, of Canaan passed away at 10 p.m., Tuesday, March 31, 2026 at the Willows of Greensburg. He was born in Ypsilanti, Michigan on June 25, 1944, the son of Virgil and Virginia Wood Nickell. Survivors include one son Josh (Ashley) Nickell of Greensburg; one daughter Jackie (Mike) Ruddick of Seymour; one granddaughter Megan Beville; one brother Clayton Nickell of Cross Plains; one sister Lucille Nickell of Pleasant. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Lawrence, and his sisters Nancy Nickell and Dorothy Knigga. Mr. Nickell was a 1963 graduate of Cross Plains High School. He farmed and raised cattle and had been named the Switzerland County SWCD Farmer of the Year. Henry enjoyed hunting and fishing and was always at home with his cattle on his farm. Henry was a member of the Bear Creek Baptist Church in Friendship and was a former member and past president of the Ripley County Farm Bureau. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, April 7 at 11 a.m. at the Bear Creek Baptist Church with Rev. Sherman Hughes officiating. Burial will be in the Akers Cemetery. Visitation will be on Monday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles and from 10 a.m. until time of services Tuesday at the church. Memorials may be given to St. Jude’s Research or the church in care of the funeral home.

03/30/2026

Mary H. Duebber, 80, of Cross Plains passed away Sunday, March 29, 2026 at the Hospice of Christ Hospital in Cincinnati. She was born in Cincinnati on August 8, 1945, the daughter of Herbert and Lillian Hardinn Deller. She was married to Ronald Duebber on August 27, 1966 and he preceded her in death on August 24, 2006. Survivors include two daughters Michelle Comarata of Cincinnati and Sharon “Beeper” (Eric) Vickers of Cross Plains; four grandchildren Jenna and AJ Comarata of Cincinnati and EJ and Evan Vickers of Cross Plains; four great-grandchildren Vinny, Gabby, Henry, and Ruby; one brother Bill (Janet) Deller of New Marion. She was also preceded in death by her parents, and her sister Lois Zwick. Mrs. Duebber was a 1964 graduate of Seton (Cincinnati) High School. She, along with her family, owned and operated Deller’s Greenhouse in Cincinnati and Mary had also been employed with Weber’s Greenhouse in Sunman. She and Ron bought their Ripley County property in 1980 and built their home in 1997. Mary enjoyed the greenhouse business, horses, four-wheeling, doing crafts, sewing, and taking in yard sales. Graveside services will be held on Thursday, April 2 at 11 a.m. at the Salem Cemetery near Cross Plains with Randy Thieman officiating. Memorials may be given to the Salem Cemetery or St. Jude’s Research in care of the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles.

03/26/2026

Maria Faye Sturgill, 56, of Versailles passed away Wednesday, March 25, 2026 at the Good Samaritan Hospital in Cincinnati. She was born in Cincinnati on January 30, 1970, the daughter of Fred and Mary Pierce Huddleston. She was married to Albert Sturgill on May 7, 1995 and he survives. Other survivors include two sons David McQueen of Cincinnati and Christopher McQueen of Middletown, Ohio; five daughters Amanda McQueen, Rebecca Cutsinger, and Sarah Childs all of Columbus, and Angela Littrell and Heather Owens both of Versailles; 15 grandchildren; one brother Forest Huddleston of Milan; one sister April (Paul) Schwartz of Middletown, Ohio. She was preceded in death by her father Fred, and her mother Mary Cordell. Maria received her Associate’s Degree in computer IT from Ivy Tech. She was a former employee of McDonalds in Versailles, Hill-Rom, and GECOM. Maria was best known in the community for her pet grooming and boarding business Four Paws that she and her mother operated. Maria enjoyed her motorcycle, going to Gatlinburg, gardening, and tending to her flowers. She was a member of ABATE. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 31 at 5 p.m. at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home followed by funeral services at 7 p.m. with Buddy Lloyd officiating. Maria’s wishes were to be cremated and burial will follow at a later date at the Marble Corner Cemetery in Versailles. Memorials may be given to the Marble Corner Cemetery or the Ripley County Humane Society in care of the funeral home.

03/26/2026

Barbara Iceberg, 79, of Dewberry passed away Wednesday, March 25, 2026 in the morning at her home. She was born in Milan on February 2, 1947, the daughter of Luther Dale Schultz and Bonnie Young Culley. She was married to George Iceberg on August 10, 1968 and he survives. Other survivors include two sons Rick of Dewberry and Jamey (Jamie) of North Eastern Oklahoma, four grandsons; Dylan, Cody (Darian), Austin and Brandon, one great grandson, Noah, two sisters Bonnie Miller and Connie Culley. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister Angie Kingen. Mrs. Iceberg graduated from Versailles High School in 1965 and she was 1965 Miss Ripley County. Barb worked alongside George doing various jobs in their Classic Tractor Shop. Together, they refurbished over 500 tractors and vehicles. Barb’s wishes were to be cremated and a private service will be held at the convenience of the family. The Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles is in charge of the arrangements.

03/24/2026

Michael C. Simon, 63, of Osgood passed away at 4:55 p.m., Sunday, March 22, 2026 at the University of Cincinnati Hospital. He was born in Greensburg on November 22, 1962, the son of Charles and Lucille Schwering Simon. He was married to Janice Wagner on July 12, 1986 and she preceded him in death on May 4, 2024. Survivors include one son Blake Simon of Greenfield; two daughters Tanaha (Barry) Peton and Paige Simon both of Greenfield; two grandchildren Kevin and Austin Peton; his mother-in-law Mrs. Eileen Wagner of Osgood; three brothers Tony (Sandi) Simon, Joe (Renee) Simon, and Paul (Beth) Simon all of Osgood; three sisters Janet (Joe) Wagner and Jenny (Kevin) Ricke of Napoleon and Sandy (Paul) Wenning of Greensburg. He was also preceded in death by his parents, his father-in-law Cletus Wagner, his sister Julie Eckstein, and his brother-in-law Mark Eckstein. Mr. Simon was a 1981 graduate of Jac-Cen-Del High School and he also attended the Southeast Career Center. Mike’s working career spanned many years where he had employment with Osgood Plastics, Delta Faucet, D&S in Aurora, and he retired in 2025 from Honda where he worked in frame assembly. With all of his jobs, Mike was always a farmer at heart and loved tending to his land with his International tractors. Mike enjoyed deer hunting, visiting with his neighbors, playing horseshoes, and was at his best on the front porch taking in a good thunderstorm. Mike was a life member of the St. Maurice Catholic Church in Napoleon where he served as an usher and sang in the men’s choir. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, March 28 at the St. Maurice Catholic Church with Father Binu Mathew officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be on Friday from 5p.m. to 8p.m. at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Rosary services at 4:45p.m. Memorials may be given to the Jac-Cen-Del FFA or the Osgood Fire Department in care of the funeral home.

03/23/2026

Judy Powers, 77, of Holton passed away at 2 p.m., Sunday, March 22, 2026 at Silver Memories Health Center near Versailles. She was born near Benham on February 11, 1949, the daughter of Lawrence and Ruth Hardebeck Cole. She was married to Omer Powers on October 5, 1979 and he preceded her in death on October 19, 2008. Survivors include one brother Lanny (Carolyn) Cole of Versailles; one sister Rita Meisberger of New Marion, along with several nieces and nephews. She was also preceded in death by her parents, and her brother Leon Cole. Mrs. Powers attended school at New Marion and was a long-time employee of the Muscatatuck State Developmental Center at Butlerville. Judy enjoyed doing word searches and for several years had raised and bred Dobermans. She also enjoyed the companionship of her dog H***h. Services will be held at the convenience of the family with burial in the Greendale Cemetery at Osgood. Memorials may be given to the cemetery in care of the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles.

03/10/2026

Pamela Sue Quick, 80, of Versailles passed away at 2:15 a.m., Tuessday, March 10, 2026 at the River Terrace Health Campus in Madison. She was born in Covington, Kentucky on August 27, 1945, the daughter of Russell and Rosemary Robke Quick. Survivors include one son Russell “Rusty” (Erin) Gordon of Versailles; one sister Jan (Terry) Schnell of Covington; and Pam’s companion of 40 years Earl Comer. Pam would always say that she and Earl were “happily unmarried”. She was preceded in death by her parents. Pam was a 1963 graduate of Simon-Kenton High School in Independence, Kentucky. For many years Pam operated the Southwest Art Ceramic Shop and she and Earl owned and operated Broomtail Carriages since 2007. They offered carriage rides in Cincinnati, Covington, Newport, and also in Madison. Pam was well known in the community for her love of horses and mules and she always enjoyed working her farm. She was a founder of the Indiana Wagon Train Club and also belonged to several saddle clubs. In 1991 she rode with the Kentucky Trailblazers and carried the flag from the Cumberland Gap to Boonesboro, and she also had the opportunity to participate in the Pony Express ride at Canaan. Pam had a pen pal in Australia and had the chance to visit her on more than one occasion. She also enjoyed selling her ceramic pumpkins at the Versailles Pumpkin Show. Pam was a devout Catholic. Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 13 at 11 a.m. at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Pastor Michael Layne of the St. John Lutheran Church in Napoleon officiating. Burial will be in the St. John Lutheran Cemetery in Napoleon. Visitation will be on Thursday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Memorials may be given to the cemetery in care of the funeral home.

03/05/2026

Nancy Elaine Wenker was born May 28, 1939 in East Detroit, Michigan to Ray and Natalie Bowen and departed this life on February 12, 2026 in St. James City, Florida. Nancy graduated from Alba High School in Alba, Michigan. She received her undergraduate degree from Central Michigan College. Nancy met her husband Herman while working as a camp counselor for handicapped children. She developed a love for art and attended the Chicago Institute of Art. She became an art teacher in the Cincinnati Public School system and an all-girls Catholic school called Marion High School. Nancy had a passion for her students. She worked at building such strong relationships with her students that her passion grew in to an interest in furthering her education in counseling and psychology. She received her Masters and Doctorate degrees from the University of Cincinnati. A Masters in child psychology and her Doctorate in clinical psychology. While she was working on her Doctorate she taught classes at the University of Cincinnati. Nancy was known for her fun-loving personality and her great sense of humor. She was an avid learner with an ongoing family joke that she was a professional student. She was also a very loving mother and grandmother. She was preceded in death by her husband Herman, her daughter Michelle Wenker, sister Ester Harris, and her brother Lloyd Bowen. She is survived by her sons Gregory and Chris Wenker; her brother Gary Bowen, and her sisters Phyllis Smith and Audrey Mason; grandchildren Noah, Chloe, Jeff, Bradley, Griffen, and Courtney Wenker. A memorial mass for Nancy will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, March 14 at the St. John Catholic Church in Osgood with Father Binu Mathew officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

02/28/2026

Esther Eileen Kieffer, 98, of New Marion passed away at 4:10 p.m., Friday, February 27, 2026 at the Manderley Health Care Center in Osgood. She was born in the St. Magdalene Community near New Marion on July 18, 1927, the daughter of George and Dora McNew Gigerich. She was married to Arthur Kieffer on July 22, 1950, and he preceded her in death on April 25, 2014. Survivors include three daughters Kathy Kieffer of Greensburg, Carol (Sam) Byard, and Joan Carter both of Versailles; three grandsons Kile (Kendra) Carter, Craig Byard, and Joel (Kelli) Carter, and great-grandchildren Brayden and Blake Dilk, Briggs Carter, and Ruth and Esther Carter. She was also preceded in death by her parents, her brothers Lawrence and Edmond Gigerich, and her sisters Hilda Effinger, Eva Baurley, and Rosemary Owens. Mrs. Kieffer was a 1946 graduate of New Marion High School and was a former employee of the New Marion School. She was an excellent seamstress, loved gardening, cooking, baking, and had beautiful flower gardens. She loved spoiling her grandsons and baking them their favorite pies. Eileen was a lifelong member of the former St. Magdalene Catholic Church in New Marion and then became a member of the St. John Catholic Church in Osgood and attended as long as her health permitted. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m., Thursday, March 5 at the St. John Catholic Church in Osgood with Father Binu Mathew officiating. Burial will be in the St. Magdalene Cemetery at Madison. Memorials may be given to St. John’s Building Fund in care of the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles.

02/23/2026

Gilbert L. Wilson, 88, of New Marion passed away Sunday, February 22, 2026 at his home and at peace surrounded by his family and his pastor Josh. He was born in Jefferson County near China on October 31, 1937, the son of Lester “Woody” and Marie Schafer Wilson. He was preceded in death by his father, mother, brother Larry A. Wilson, and his brother-in-law Raymond Barron. Mr. Wilson was raised in the Canaan area and lived in New Marion. He was married to Letha Jean Wilson on May 20, 1961 and his wife of 64 years survives. Other survivors include four daughters Regina (Danny) Giltner of Madison, Renee Hunger of Hanover, Reina (Darrell) Simpson of Columbus, and Rachelle Wilson of Madison; 8 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild; one sister Mary Dean Barron of Madison, and sister-in-law Janice Wilson of Hanover. Gilbert graduated from Central High School in Madison in 1955. On November 17 of that year, he enlisted in the US Navy and served for four years with the Airborne Early Warning Squadron. Gilbert was a radioman on WV 2 Aircraft, serving in that capacity for 1,500 hours of flying time. He was stationed in Hawaii. For service to his country Gilbert received the Good Conduct Medal. In civilian life he worked as an inspector and in maintenance for Conn Organ in Madison for 18 years. He then went to work for Robus Leather in Madison until his retirement. Gilbert enjoyed squirrel hunting, attending auctions, car races, collecting Griswold skillets, gardening, and keeping his yard mowed. He served as the first fire chief for the New Marion Fire Department. Gilbert was a member of the St. Anthony Catholic Church in China and had attended the New Marion Baptist Church. Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m., Friday February 27 at the New Marion Cemetery with Rev. Josh Jackson and Michael Grigsby officiating. Military graveside rites will be conducted by the Versailles American Legion. Memorials may be given to the New Marion Cemetery in care of the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles.

02/12/2026

Margaret Lochard, 84, of Milan passed away Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at her home. She was born at Mallie in Knott County, Kentucky on Thursday, October 19, 1941, the daughter of Gordon and Melda Johnson Reynolds. She was married to Dale Lochard on September 23, 1961 and he preceded her in death on January 18, 2007. Survivors include two sons Dale Lochard, Jr. of Versailles and Stanley Lochard of Milan; one daughter Jennifer (Mark) Henson of Ocala, Florida; 6 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren; one sister Catherine (Maurice) Minger of Milan. She was also preceded in death by her parents, her daughter Teresa Laggaman, her brothers Robert, Haskell, Gordon, Ray, and Marion Reynolds, and her sisters Pauline Rohrig, Ruth Hankins, and Sue Reynolds. Margaret and Dale owned and operated Lochard’s Flowers in Milan for 35 years. Margaret also worked in the cafeteria at Milan High School for 25 years where she was affectionately known as the “desert lady”. Margaret was a member of the Milan Easter Star and had attended the Little Memory Old Regular Baptist Church as long as her health permitted. She enjoyed listening to bluegrass music and spending time with her family. Graveside services will be held on Saturday, February 14 at 11 a.m. at the Mud Pike Cemetery near Osgood with Rev. Harris Long officiating. Memorials may be given to the Alzheimer’s Association or the Mud Pike Cemetery in care of the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles.

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