Duesterberg Fredrick Funeral Home

01/05/2026

Obit for Mary Alice (Adams) Gerhart
Mary Alice (Adams) Gerhart passed peacefully into the arms of her Lord
and Savior on January 1, 2026, at the age of 96. She was born on
September 19, 1929, in Vincennes, to J. Clarence and Mary Annalee
(Cantwell) Adams. Mary Alice graduated from Monroe City High School in 1947, then entered Good Samaritan Hospital School of Nursing, graduating in 1950. She started her extensive nursing career at Good Samaritan Hospital in 1950-51, leaving to work for Dr. Virgil McMahan through 1965, then back to the ICU unit at GSH until Dr. McMahan’s return to orthopedic practice in 1968. Mary Alice retired from her long nursing career on September 30, 1992, after also working at Vincennes Surgery Clinic for several years. Mary Alice was a lifelong member of Indiana Presbyterian Church, having faithfully served in many capacities. She recounted from her earliest days of cleaning the church with her family and stoking the furnace on Saturday nights in preparation for Sunday morning. She was a children’s Sunday School teacher for many years as well as an elder, treasurer, and board secretary.

Mary Alice was the “fun” aunt. Having no children of her own, she was involved in all her nieces‘, and nephews’ lives from the time they were born until she was no longer able to recognize and remember them. There was always a party to plan, a state park to explore with a picnic to be enjoyed, or a movie to take in.

On November 2, 1993, Mary Alice married the love of her life, Max W.
Gerhart, and she moved to the Illinois side of the Wabash where they
lived until Max’s passing on February 12, 1998. She and Max traveled extensively in the few years they shared together and when not traveling, Mary Alice hosted many dinner parties for family and friends.

Mary Alice expressed a real love for entertaining and feeding the masses. A year and a half after Max’s passing, she moved back to
her Vincennes family home.

Preceding her in death was her husband, Max, as well as her parents
and siblings John, James, Jerry, and Ann Coonce. She was also preceded
in death by her first born niece.

Mary Alice is survived by her step-daughter, Caryn Gerhart, of Vincennes, as well as eight nieces and nephews, 22 great nieces and nephews, 44 great-great nieces and nephews and 4 great, great, great nieces and nephews.

The family would like to express our deepest appreciation to the staff of the Lodge of the Wabash for their care and kindness to Mary Alice over the last several years and to the staff of Aseracare who have cared for her needs the past several months.

The family will receive friends from 1-3 P. M. Sunday, January 11, with a memorial service following at 3:00 PM at Duesterberg-Fredrick Funeral home. Burial will immediately follow at Indiana Presbyterian Church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Indiana Presbyterian Church Cemetery Fund or to the VU Foundation for Mary Alice Gerhart Nursing Scholarship.

12/31/2025

Obit for Billie Pearl Booher

Billie Pearl Booher, 93, formerly of Carlisle, IN, passed away Tuesday December 30, 2025 at the Good Samaritan Health Center in Oakland City, IN. Billie was born April 15, 1932 in Vincennes the daughter of Sylvester O’Brien and Virginia Combs Ikerd. She was a graduate of Arsenel Tech High School in Indianapolis, IN and she married Dennis Booher who preceded her in death on January 7, 2015. She and her husband owned and operated Booher Trucking where she was the office manager. She had formerly worked at Trio Pet Shop and Forbes nursery. She lived her Christianity in her everyday life. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother.

Billie is survived by her children, Mary Halter (Terry) Todd of Oakland City, IN, Dennis Eric Booher of Carlisle, IN and David Glen Booher of Carlisle, IN., her grandchildren, Tesha (Mitchell) Doerner, Jennifer (Trevor) Johnson, John Booher and Katie (Bruce) Laslie. 6 Great Grandchildren also survive

Billie was preceded in death by her husband, Dennis Booher, a daughter, Rebecca Halter Page and a son Jeffery M. Halter.

Funeral services will be held on Friday January 2, 2026 at 2:00 PM with Pastor Nathan Rastel officiating at the Duesterberg-Fredrick Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 11:00 until the time of service at 2:00 PM. Memorial contributions can be made to the donor’s charity of choice. Duesterberg-Fredrick Funeral Home is honored to assist the Booher family during their time of loss.

12/31/2025

Obit for Dorothy Eileen McCune
Dorothy Eileen McCune, 98, of Vincennes, passed away December 28, 2025 at Gentle Care Nursing Center at 1:20 PM. Dorothy was born December 3, 1927 in Knox County the daughter of Benjiman and Pearl Opal Thompson Beamon. She was a high school graduate and worked for over 32 years at Osage Woodworking. She was a former member of the Presbyterian Church.

Dorothy is survived by her son, Larry (Patricia) Twitty of Vincennes, 6 grandchildren, a sister, June Carr of Fairfield, IL and a nephew, who took care of her, Dale (Sherry) Beamon of Monroe City, IN.

Dorothy was preceded in death by 2 son’s, Luke Twitty and Lee Twitty, her parents, 4 brothers, Frank, Harry, Paul and Dale Beamon and 4 sisters, Irma, Betty, June and Donna.

Services will be private. Duesterberg-Fredrick Funeral Home is honored to assist the McCune family during their time of loss.

12/31/2025

Obit for Tommy R. Westfall
Tommy R. Westfall, 63, of Bicknell, passed away December 29, 2025 at his home. Tommy was born January 11, 1962 in Vincennes, IN, the son of Lawrence “Tom” and Nancy Davisson Westfall. He enjoyed fishing, mushroom hunting and being with his family at any gathering.

He is survived by his mother, Nancy Westfall, his brothers and sisters, Mickey Westfall, of Freelandville, IN, Netta Jeffris and Cheryl (Ben) Barnett, both of Bicknell, IN. His nieces and nephews, Aaron Westfall, Mary Westfall and her partner Ted Holmes, Laura Jimenez and her husband Juan, his great nieces and nephews, Zachary, Macklin, Jake-Marie and Logan Westfall, Bryton Shaner, Ryker Holmes, Trista Kershner, Erik Kershner, Jayce (Mackenzie) Jimenez and Hope Cutsinger, He is also survived by his great great neice’s Adeline Jimenez and Kali Robertson

He was preceded in death by his father and a brother, Robert Westfall.

A memorial to celebrate his life will be announced at a later date. Duesterberg-Fredrick Wampler Shaw Chapel is honored to assist Tommy’s family during their time of loss.

12/24/2025

Obit for Mary Jeanette Yochum
Mary Jeanette Yochum, 91, of Vincennes, passed away at BridgePointe Nursing Home in Vincennes. She was born April 10, 1934, in Vincennes, the daughter of Oscar and Corine (Geschke) Westfall. A 1952 graduate of St. Rose Academy and a 1985 graduate of Vincennes University. Mary was a lifelong member of St. John's Catholic Church. On May 25, 1957, she married Paul E Yochum, and together they shared 46 years of marriage until his death in 2003. She was also affiliated with St. Francis Xavier Parish. Mary worked at Vincennes Steel for 5 years before starting her family and worked 20 years at Good Samaritan Hospital until retiring in 2008. She was active in church ministries, especially the Ladies Altar Society, and she was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
Survivors include her children, Douglas (Candus) Yochum of Vincennes, Patrick (Marie) Yochum of Grovetown, Ga, Steven (Gail) Yochum of Johnsburg, IL, Rebecca (Paul) Douglass of Fort Washington, MD, Joanne (David) Holscher of Fort Wayne, IN, and Jennifer (John) Curry of Vincennes, 12 grandchildren and 19 great- grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother, Oscar Westfall Jr. of Bridgewater, VA, a brother-in-law, Raymond (Shirley) Yochum, of Vincennes and a sister-in-law, Carol Yochum.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Paul, her parents, Oscar and Corine Westfall, six brothers in-law, George (Rita) Yochum, Aloysius (Helen) Yochum, Lawrence (Barbara) Yochum, James (Norma) Yochum, Robert (Betty) Yochum, John Yochum, sisters in-law, Veronica (Lawrence) West and Helen (Ralph) Bouvy

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00, a.m. December 29, 2025, at St. John's Catholic Church. She will be laid to rest next to her husband Paul in Mt Calvary Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Sunday December 28, 2025 from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Duesterberg-Fredrick Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Vincent de Paul or St. Francis Xavier Parish. Duesterberg-Fredrick Funeral Home is honored to assist the Yochum family during their time of loss.

12/20/2025

Obit for Phyllis J. Kocher
Phyllis J. Kocher, 80, of Lawrence County, IL, passed away Thursday December 18, 2025 at 8:45 pm at the Lodge of the Wabash nursing center. Phyllis was born May 28, 1945 in Vincennes the daughter of Jack and Jean Primus Glass. She was a graduate of St. Rose Academy, and she received a degree in business from Lincoln Trail College. She married John Kocher on June 4, 1966 and they made their life together until his death on December 27, 2022. Phyllis was a member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, the Altar society, Sand Ridge Home Extension Club and was a proud farm wife who worked the farm as well as her husband. Her love of the land was as strong as John’s all of their married life.

She is survived by her children, Andrew (Gwen) Kocher of Evansville, IN, Anne (Matt) Horrall of Lawrenceville, IL and Keith (Melanie) Kocher of Lawrenceville, IL. She was blessed with 7 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. She is also survived by a sister, Janice Clark of Vincennes, IN, and a brother, Larry (Trish) Glass of Vincennes, IN.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her husband, John Kocher, 2 grandchildren, her parents Jack and Jean Glass and a brother, Tom Glass.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday December 23, 2025 at St Francis Xavier Catholic Church at 10:00 AM with Fr. Tony Ernst officiating. She will be laid to rest next to her husband in Mt. Calvary Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Monday December 22, 2025 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Duesterberg-Fredrick Funeral Home. Duesterberg-Fredrick Funeral Home is honored to assist the Kocher family during their time of loss.

12/19/2025

Obit for Beth Ann (Baker) Lee
Beth Ann (Baker) Lee, 76, of Vincennes, passed away December 18, 2025 at the Good Samaritan Hospital. Beth was born November 14, 1949 in Vincennes the daughter of Elmer and Peggy Shappard Baker. She attended Lincoln High School. On November 7, 1967, she married Tom Lee, and they made their life together for over 58 years. She was an accomplished seamstress having done alterations from her home. She fellowshipped at Morris Chapel Church for over 33 years and she and Tom were members of the Christian Motorcycle Assn. She and Tom visited 48 states on the motorcycle together. Beth was active in various motorcycle events and was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother.

Beth is survived by her husband, Tom Lee, their son, Tommy J. “TJ” Lee and his wife Cyndi of Washington, IN, a niece that she thought of as her daughter, Brittany Wright Yarbrough and her husband Butch of Oaktown, IN, her grandson’s Cody (Natalie) Lee and Michael (Sarah) Lee, her great grandchildren, Peyton Lee, Lennon Lee, Declan Lee and Jack Lee. She is also survived by her brothers and sisters, David Baker of Oaktown, IN, Douglas Baker of Vincennes, Tom Wayne (Diane) Baker of Vincennes, Nancy (Bill) Hendrixson of Oaktown, and Janet (Bart) Wagner of Bruceville, IN.

Her parents, a brother, Robert Baker and a sister Judy Garner, preceded her in death.

A gathering to celebrate her life will be held Monday December 22, 2025 at Morris Chapel Church from 11:00 to 12:00 Noon with gravesite services to follow in Morris Chapel Cemetery with Brother Rex Chattin officiating. Memorial donations can be made in her memory to Morris Chapel Church or the donor’s chiarty of choice. Duesterberg-Fredrick Funeral Home is honored to assist Beth’s family during their time of loss.

12/11/2025

Obit for Gregory “Greg” Risley
Gregory Byron “Greg” Risley, 76, a lifelong resident of Bicknell, IN, passed away Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at 6:33 pm at his residence with his family at his bedside. Greg was born February 2, 1949, in Vincennes, IN, the son of Jack Byron and Elizabeth “Betty” Rockwell Risley. He was a graduate of North Knox High School and continued his education, having received a Master's Degree in Interior Design from Oxford University in England. He joined his father in 1974 at Risley Furniture in Bicknell and transformed a local furniture store into a national interior design enterprise--Risley’s Furniture & Design and Risley Enterprises, Inc. Greg was named in the 1999 edition of Who’s Who in the World and the Millennium Edition in 2000. He was awarded the Outstanding Room Design by The Interior Design Society in 1980. Innovation was a key to his success--he was among the first to create full-room-design displays in his business. Greg’s love for his hometown was evident in everything he was active in--Bicknell Merchants Association, The French Club, KCARC, 32nd Degree Mason, Scottish Rite, Old Town Players (charter member), Elks (where he served as past exalted ruler), and the American Contract Bridge League (where he served in various offices of the organization). He enjoyed coaching P*e Wee League baseball, was a cub pack Boy Scout Leader, and was instrumental in keeping the Labor Day activities in Bicknell going. Greg's steadfast dedication to both his craft and his community truly embodied the spirit and heart of Bicknell, earning him the Bicknell Man of the Year award this August 2025.

Greg is survived by his son, Christopher Byron “Chris” (Kristen) Risley of Clarkesville, GA, his partner, Herb Nomura of Bicknell, IN, and his grandchildren, Meg Risley, Abby Risley (fiancé Brian Francke), Madison Risley, Cecilia Risley, and Miranda Risley.

He was preceded in death by a son, Timothy “Tim” Risley and his parents, Jack and Betty Risley.

A celebration of Greg’s life will be held on Friday, December 12, 2025, from 3:00 to 6:00 PM at Duesterberg-Fredrick Wampler Shaw Chapel in Bicknell, IN, where services will be held at 6:00 PM, with Pastor George Ford officiating. Memorial contributions can be made in his memory to the Bicknell-Vigo Township Public Library or Bicknell Manor. Duesterberg-Fredrick Wampler Shaw is honored to assist the Risley family during their time of loss.

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11/24/2025

Obit for Mary Lou (Richardville) Vieck
Mary Lou Vieck, 90, of Vincennes, passed away Sunday, November 23, 2025, at Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis. She was born November 26, 1934, in Vincennes, the daughter of Arthur and Bernadine (Wissing) Richardville. A 1952 graduate of St. Rose Academy, Mary Lou was a lifelong member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. On June 23, 1957, she married Dr. Charles Vieck, DDS, and together they shared 68 years of marriage. She was also affiliated with St. Francis Xavier Parish. Mary Lou worked at Tip Top Creamery, owned Craft Connection, and assisted in her husband’s dental practice. She was active in church ministries, especially bereavement meals, and volunteered as a Pink Lady at Good Samaritan Hospital. She was also a member of the Ladies Golf League at the Elks Country Club.

Survivors include her husband, Dr. Charles Vieck; their children, Nancy Levinson of Scottsdale, AZ, Jeff (Terri Lynn) Vieck of Vincennes, and Lisa (Randy) Combs of Milan, IN; grandchildren, Logan (Hailee) Vieck, Connor (Ashley) Vieck, Suzanne Louise (Christian) Liebman, Cameron Combs, and Marisa (Josh) Allanson; and great-grandchildren, Jones Vieck, Luke Vieck, and Sloane Louise Liebman. She is also survived by her brothers, Tom Richardville of Vincennes and Jim Richardville of Washington, IN, and her sister, Janet Richardville of Vincennes.

She was preceded in death by her parents; four brothers, Bill, Ted, George “Bud,” and Johnny Richardville; and two sisters, Betty Siewers and Patricia “Pat” Zeabart.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12:00 p.m. Friday, November 28, 2025, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, with Fr. Tony Ernst officiating. Burial will follow in Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Vincent de Paul or St. Francis Xavier Parish. Duesterberg-Fredrick Funeral Home is honored to assist the Vieck family.

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11/18/2025

Obit for Max W. Haney Sr.
Max W. Haney Sr., passed away Monday evening November 17, 2025 at his home with his family at his bedside. Max was born September 4, 1937 in Odon, IN the son of Royal Haney and Genevieve Riggle Irvin. A graduate of Odon high School and a proud veteran, he served in the U. S. Army Rangers during the Korean War and served in the Indiana National Guard. After his service he married Janet Martin on December 24, 1960 and they made their life together for over 45 years until her death on March 10, 2004. Max retired from Crane Naval Depot as head of the night vision department and he was a member of the Bicknell Golf Club where he was club champion twice.

Max is survived by his son, Max (Will) Haney Jr and his wife Diane, his grandchildren, Payton Haney and Paige Sumner. He is also survived by his great grandchildren, Kash Sumner, Koy Sumner, Khale Sumner, Lydia Haney, Marcella Haney and a sister, Timmy Haney Walker.

Max was preceded in death by his wife, Janet, a son, Todd Martin Haney, his parents, 2 brothers, Jerry and Lonnie and a sister, Jennis.

Funeral services will be celebrated on Thursday November 20, 2025 at 1:00 PM at Duesterberg-Fredrick Wampler Shaw Chapel, Bicknell, IN with Pastor Mike Flynn officiating. Max will be laid to rest next to his wife Janet in Edwardsport Town Cemetery where military gravesite honors will be conducted. The family will receive friends on Thursday form 11:00 AM until the time of services at the funeral home . Memorial Contributions can be made to the North Knox H.S. Golf Team. Duesterberg-Fredrick Wampler Shaw Chapel is honored to assist the Haney family during their time of loss.

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11/11/2025

Obit for Carol Ann Whitesell
Carol was born on November 11, 1941, in Rockville, Indiana, the daughter of John Newton and Mary Elizabeth (Angell) McCord. On November 8, 1957, Carol married the love of her life, Richard Whitesell, and together they shared 68 wonderful years.
Carol was a longtime member of First Baptist Church, Vincennes, where she served as a youth leader and was active on the church’s building committee. She worked at Joseph’s, Morton’s, and Something Special in Vincennes, and also enjoyed a career as an interior decorator.
A master shopper and bargain hunter, Carol loved traveling to Florida and spending time on the beach. She had the rare gift of making friends wherever she went—she could strike up a conversation with anyone and make them feel like family. Above all, Carol’s greatest joy was her family. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.
Carol is survived by her husband, Richard Whitesell, and their children: James Richard Whitesell (Joy), Elizabeth Anne Smith, and Jill Osterhage (Brad). She is also survived by her grandchildren: Jacob Whitesell, Jana Ross (Mike), Stephen Smith (Candace), J. Aaron Smith (Tori), J. Garrett Smith (Whitney), Mark Brandon Smith (Taylor), Michael Osterhage (Brittany), Danielle Osterhage-Douglas, and Mitchell Osterhage (Kayla).
Her great-grandchildren include Jacelyn, Mia, and Charlie Whitesell; Jolie Suits; Harvey James Ross; Conner D. Brooks, Cooper, Diana Joy, Emmie, Beau, Claire, and Josey Smith; Lyla Douglas; Jaxson, Brileigh, Mya, Harper, and Theo Osterhage. She is also survived by her sister, Joann McCord and many nieces and nephews.

Carol was preceded in death by her parents, John Newton and Mary Elizabeth McCord, and her brother, Robert A. McCord.

Funeral services to celebrate her life will be conducted at 1:00 PM Saturday, November 15, 2025, at First Baptist Church, 2625 Wabash Avenue, Vincennes, IN with Pastor Phillip Walthall officiating. She will be laid to rest in Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 11:00 AM until the time of services at 1:00 PM at the Funeral Home. Memorial contributions can be made in her memory to Riley Hospital for Children, 705 Riley Hospital Dr., Indianapolis, IN 46202, Shriners Children Texas Hospital, 815 Market Street, Galveston, TX 77550, or Castle High School Lyla Douglas Fair Share Program 3344 IN-261, Newburgh, IN 47630.

Duesterberg-Fredrick Funeral Home is honored to assist Carol’s family during their time of loss.

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11/10/2025

Obit for Lori A. (Abel) Buzan
Lori A. (Abel) Buzan, 64, of Vincennes, passed away November 4, 2025 at her home. Lori was born June, 17, 1961 in Vincennes the daughter of Charles C. and Vada E. Robinson Abel. She was a graduate of Lincoln High School, Vincennes University and IV Tech. She was a certified Drug Counselor and a proud veteran of the U.S. Army. She was a member of the Episcopal Church.

Lori is survived by her sons, Mickey Abel, Brandon Graeve and Christopher Graeve. Her grandchildren Norah Grace-Davis Abel and Nyahleigh-Davis Abel. She is also survived by her brothers and sister, Donald (Esther) Abel, David (Heidi) Abel and Linda (Chris) Holscher.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a sister, Lisa Alton and a brother, Gary Abel.

Gravesite services will be held Wednesday November 12, 2025 at 11:00 AM in the Veteran Section in Memorial Park Cemetery with Fr. Dennis Latta officiating She will be laid to rest with Military Honors provided by the All Weather Firing Squad. Memorial contributions can be made in her memory to It Takes a Village Canine Rescue, 1417 N. Stockwell, Evansville, IN 47715. Duesterberg-Fredrick Funeral Home is honored to assist Lori’s family during their time of loss.

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