Pete Kuzma - Obituary

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Pete Kuzma

April 11, 1956 — March 2, 2025

Pete Kuzma, 68, of Barbee Lake Indiana peacefully passed away on March 2, 2025 surrounded by his family.

Pete was born on April 11,1956, to Leo and Louann Kuzma (Kraker) in Muncie, IN. A lifelong resident of Muncie before retiring to his beloved lake home, Pete was a graduate of Muncie Northside High School, class of 1974, where he excelled in basketball and baseball. After high school Pete chose to continue his basketball career and education at Ball State University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree and had a successful basketball career.

Pete married the love of his life, Andrea (Sheridan) on April 18, 1980, together they built a strong and loving family. He was a devoted father to Laura, Pete Jr., Nicholas, and Bethany. He took great pride in his family and was always present as a coach, mentor, and supporter. Pete and Andi’s house and cottage were always open to friends and extended family, creating a welcoming space where many felt at home and loved.

Pete was the owner and operator of McGuff Roofing Inc. in Muncie, IN for over 40 years where he fostered a company culture rooted in loyalty and respect.

A lifelong fan of many sports Pete enjoyed watching the Yankees, Notre Dame Football, and college basketball. Although Pete loved sports what made him most happy in life were activities that involved his family and friends like jungle cruises, happy hour at the end of the pier, hanging out on his deck listening to the godfather of soul James Brown, watching Donald Trump dominate the democrats on Fox News, and enjoying a good ole’ Schlitz Beer. 

Pete is survived by his beloved wife of 45 years, Andi Sheridan Kuzma, of Barbee Lake; their children, Laura (Jack) Strombeck of Jacksonville, Florida, Peter Kuzma Jr. of Warsaw, Nicholas (Christina) Kuzma of Yorktown, and Bethany (Chase) Chanley of Leesburg; and his beloved grandchildren, JP and Ellie Strombeck, Laken Kuzma, and Piper and Baker Chanley. He is also survived by a very special nephew, which he considered his third son Ryan (Marie) Sheridan of Carmel.

Additionally he is survived by his brothers, Larry (Mary) Kuzma, Tim (Sharon) Kuzma, and John Kuzma; brothers in law Philip Vernon “Slim” Sheridan of North Carolina, Danny (Meng) Sheridan of South Carolina; several cherished nieces and nephews Frank (Diane) Alberson, Joe (Amy) Alberson, Sara Alberson, Fr. Donnie Kuzma, Tim (Katherine) Kuzma, Kristi Kuzma, Kimberly Kuzma, Karyn (Rick) Coyle, Jennifer (Kasey) Terran, Emmett (Feng) Sheridan, Lewis (Anna) Sheridan; several great nieces and nephews; his aunts, Jeanette McManus (Marsnik) of Arkansas and Ruth Mahin (Marsnik) of Oregon.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leo and LouAnn Kuzma, his in-laws Robert and Betty Ann Sheridan, and his beloved niece, Molly Sheridan.

Arrangements are entrusted to Titus Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 8056 E. 500 N. North Webster, IN. A Private Family Mass of Christian Burial will be held in Pete’s Memory in April, a celebration of life will be held at a later date for friends. 

In lieu of flowers, his family kindly requests that donations be made to the North Webster American Legion Post 253 in his honor.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Pete Kuzma, please visit our flower store.

Michael A. Miller Obituary

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In Loving Memory of Michael A. Miller

Michael was born May 22, 1950 in Indianapolis, IN to David and Mae Miller. A graduate of Indiana State University, he went on to work, and later retire, from Henry C. Smither Roofing Company. Mike is survived by his loving wife, Leslie Miller, children, Jeremy Miller (Kristen Self) and Erica Miller, and siblings, Myrna Sausser and Jim Miller (Peggy Miller).

Mike, a man of quiet strength and boundless kindness, passed away on February 17, 2025 at age 74. He was a beloved husband, father, brother, and friend, and his presence brought warmth and steadiness to all who knew him.

A man of few words but deep wisdom, Mike embodied stoicism, grace, and unwavering love. His kindness was not loud but ever-present, a gentle reassurance to those needing it most. He had a way of making the world feel a little safer and softer simply by being in it.

To his family, he was a pillar of strength, offering love in the quiet moments, a reassuring smile and witty demeanor, a steady hand, and an unspoken understanding. To friends, he was loyal and true, always there when it mattered most. To everyone who had the honor of knowing him, he was simply a good man.

Though he was not one to seek attention, the love he gave will never be forgotten. His legacy lives on in the hearts of those he touched, in the kindness he showed, and the quiet but profound impact he had on the world around him. He is deeply loved and missed.

For those residing in Tennessee, a Celebration of Life will be held on May 24, 2025 at the Rarity Bay Golf Club (Vonore, TN) from 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM. For friends and family located in Indiana, there will be a Celebration of Life with location and time yet to be determined. Updates, when available, will be posted to his obituary on the Washington Park Cemetery website. Local arrangements by Biereley-Hale Funeral Home, Madisonville.

For friends and family located in Indiana, there will be a Celebration of Life from 4-7 PM Friday, April 4, 2025, at the I-Town Church Olsen Farms location, 12491 E. 136th St. Fishers, Indiana 46038. Updates, when available, will be posted to his obituary on the Washington Park Cemetery website.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Michael, please visit our floral store.

Guestbook Signing & Memory Sharing

Mike was very involved in the IRCA during his career at Smither Roofing.

He served on our Board of Directors and also served as our President. Even after his terms in office expired, he would continue to serve by sharing his thoughts and participating in our events.

Mike also served on the Board of Directors of the Midwest Roofing Contractors Association (MRCA) and served as their President in 2013.

Mike was a gentle giant in the roofing industry and will be greatly missed.

2024 Charity Selections

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Each year, our membership approves gifting a total of $3,000 to three different charities. The charities must be a current INDIANA 501(c)(3) organization. Duplicate votes will only count as one vote.

The charity with the most votes will receive $1,500, the charity with the second highest votes will receive $1,000, and the the charity receiving the third highest votes will receive $500

This year’s winners:

  1. $1,500: Riley Children's Foundation, LLC

  2. $1,000: Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana

  3. $500: Wheeler Mission

Vote For Your Favorite Charities

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Each year, our membership approves gifting a total of $3,000 to three different charities.

Please vote for your first, second, and third choice. The charities must be a current INDIANA 501(c)(3) organization. Duplicate votes will only count as one vote.

The charity with the most votes will receive $1,500, the charity with the second highest votes will receive $1,000, and the the charity receiving the third highest votes will receive $500

Voting is limited to IRCA members in good standing.

Voting will end on  12/22/2024 so we can get the three donations out by the end of the calendar year.

Past recipients include:

  • American Red Cross-Indianapolis

  • Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana

  • Julian Center

  • Little Wish Foundation

  • Riley Children’s Foundation, LLC

  • Special Olympics Indiana, Inc.

  • Wheeler Mission Ministries, Inc.

Click here to vote

New Officers and Directors

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Please welcome our newly elected Officers and Board of Directors:

OFFICERS:
President- Brian Doyle (CE Reeve Roofing)
Vice President- Sean Cutrell (HRC Roofing and Sheet Metal Co., Inc.)
Treasurer/ Executive Director- Bill Bubenzer

DIRECTORS:
Director- Stacy Agnew (CE Reeve Roofing)
Director- Rob Amos (Amos Exteriors)
Director- Dan Becker (Danco Roofing)
Director- Joe Huntington (AAA Roofing)
Director- Ron Phelps (Horning Roofing)
Director- Scott Price (AAA Roofing)
Ken Sage (Midland Engineering)
Director- Nicole Schwedler (Porter Roofing and Restoration)
Past President- Greg Griffin (South Central Roofing)

DELEGATES:
Delegate Board- Eric Armstrong (Beacon)
Delegate Board- Randy Brawley (ABC Supply)
Delegate Board- Butch Lockhart (Roof Solutions)
Delegate Board- Nicole Schwedler (Quality Edge)
Delegate Board-Jim Tierney- (Architectural Construction Products)
Delegate Board- Jim Wallen (AAdvanced Building Products, LLC/ Carlisle)

2024 Hall of Fame Inductees

The officers, directors, and members of the Indiana Roofing Contractors Association would like to acknowledge individuals who have given of themselves, above and beyond, to the service of our association and industry.

  • The only requirement: Nominees, and or their company, must be, or have been, a member of the Indiana Roofing Contractors Association.

  • Contractor and Delegate members, or previous members, are eligible to receive this recognition.

  • Only members, and prior members in good standing will be considered.

Please welcome our newest members to the IRCA Hall of Fame:

Robert L. Bubenzer (Henry C. Smither Roofing Company)
J Carlyle Lee (B&L Sheet Metal and Roofing)

Previous recipients:

  1. 2024 Robert L. Bubenzer

  2. 2024 J Carlyle Lee2021 John Hinshaw

  3. 2023 Bruce Bubenzer

  4. 2023 Fred Helmen

  5. 2022 Robert E. Bubenzer

  6. 2022 Dorwin Burdine

  7. 2022 Tom Hinshaw

  8. 2021 John Hinshaw

  9. 2021 Bob Huntington

  10. 2021 Russ Love Sr.

  11. 2021 John Reese

  12. 2021 Ed Reeve

  13. 2021 Bill Steinmetz

Neil J. Hall Obituary

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Neil J. Hall

May 9, 1953 – July 4, 2024

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Neil J. Hall, a devoted husband, father, and renowned roofing contractor, who left us on July 4, 2024, at the age of 71. Neil was a beloved member of the community, known for his unwavering work ethic, integrity, and the pride he took in his craft.

Born on May 9, 1953, in Indianapolis, Neil discovered his passion for roofing at a young age. After attending Broad Ripple High School, he pursued a career in sheet metal and roofing at Blackmore & Buckner. Neil also worked for Ray Adams at Adams Roofing and ended his career at Danco Roofing. Throughout his career, Neil completed numerous projects, earning the respect and admiration of clients and peers alike. He was known for his careful attention to detail and commitment to providing top-quality service.

Beyond his long and successful career, Neil was a family man. He cherished his role as a father to his three sons, Brad, Andy and Allen, who were the light of his life. He often spent weekends teaching them the value of hard work and the importance of commitment and quality. He was also a deeply devoted husband to his wife, Debra, who stood by his side for over 50 years. Together, they built a loving home filled with love, kindness, and support.

Neil is survived by his beloved wife, Debra; their three children, Brad, Andy (married to Angela) and Allen; and seven grandchildren: Madison, Aleigh, Kamila, Nayima, Brooklyn, Wanson and Seth.

Neil Hall will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but his legacy of hard work, dedication, and love will live on in the lives he touched.

Kenneth Lee Starkey Obituary

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Ken is survived by his immediate family: Sister, Lisa Guyer, Mother, Beverly Bryan, Father, Norman Lee Starkey and Step Mother, Mary Starkey, Ex-Spouse, Angela (Verdun) Brown, Children: Mike Starkey, Kristen (Starkey) and Cameron Minatel, Kyle and Haley (O’Neil) Starkey, Grandchildren: Ada Starkey and Grace Minatel.

Ken graduated from Lawrence North High School in 1981 where he played football and baseball. Ken continued to play baseball at the University of Evansville before going on to graduate from Ball State University in 1987.

Ken has always been passionate about his family, his work, and, of course, golf. He was known for being an excellent golfer, following in his Father’s footsteps and enjoying many tournaments. His granddaughters were the only thing that could pry him off of a golf course.


CELEBRATION OF LIFE:

Sunday, July 9, 2023
1:00-4:00 PM
2501 E. 56th Street
Indianapolis, IN 46220

(Golf attire encouraged)

DONATIONS:

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Indiana Golf Foundation:
Indiana Golf Foundation
P.O. Box 26159
Indianapolis, IN 46226

Larry Lee Ertel Sr. Obituary

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JULY 18, 1947 – APRIL 30, 2023

Larry Ertel, Sr, a Purple Heart recipient in the Vietnam War, and who later built a successful Indianapolis roofing company, has died.
Ertel, 75, passed away peacefully in his sleep in the early morning hours of Sunday, April 30, 2023. He joins his father, John Charles Ertel III and Maryann Ertel in heaven. He is survived by two siblings, John Charles Ertel IV (Joyce) and Sarah Hensley (Tom, deceased). He is also survived by his son, Dr. Larry Ertel (Gina Lang) and his two grandchildren, John Mac Ertel and Chloe Ertel and nieces/nephews: Dr. Sylvia Ertel (Dr. Sunil Gollapudi), Dr. Nathan Ertel (Logan), Chad Ertel, and Mary Hensley.

During the Vietnam War as a member of the 101st Airborne Division of the United States Army, soldiers in his unit were forced to eat canned rations (MREs) and endure shortages which forced him and other soldiers to go without food for days. Ertel was wounded multiple times, resulting in the Purple Heart, the highest honor the military can convey. One of the bullets that hit him, he carried in his wrist for more than 50 years, until a surgeon finally removed it recently.

After the war, Ertel returned to his beloved Indiana and started a roofing company with two-fisted determination and an unfailing “daylight-to-darkness” seven-day work week. Despite that work ethic, he refused to miss graduations and family functions, even if he had to drive in the middle of the night to show up before promptly leaving to drive home so he could be at work early the next morning.

Ertel graduated from North Central High School in 1965, attended the Culver Military Academy Summer program, and went to college at Indiana University graduating with a bachelor’s degree in business.

Ertel had a strong sense of humor and liked to disarm people he met by telling jokes. It was that sense of humor and a strong work ethic he passed down to his son, Dr. Larry Ertel, Jr. He beamed with pride over his son and always held a special admiration for his son’s mom, Sherry Brumley. He adored his grandchildren, John Mac Ertel and Chloe Ertel, and was a presence in their lives.

He also engendered loyalty. As the proud owner of Ertel Roofing for decades, he worked alongside a great team, including his long-time office manager/right arm, Karen Johnson.

Before his death, Larry was in the midst of restoring his vintage Jaguar convertibles, which upon completion, he planned to give to his family.

Rest assured, Larry, you will be missed but know your legacy lives in all of us in some way – whether it’s a lesson in hard work or your comic relief. Deep Peace xo

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial donation to The Wounded Warriors Project at https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/donate

Casual attire has been requested by the family. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.crownhill.org for the Ertel family.

SATURDAY, MAY 27, 2023
Inurnment with Military Honors
2:30 pm
CROWN HILL FUNERAL HOME & CEMETERY
700 W. 38th St.
Indianapolis, Indiana 46208

SATURDAY, MAY 27, 2023
Celebration of Life
3:00 pm
Casual attire requested by family please!

DONATIONS
Wounded Warrior Project
4899 Belfort Road Suite 300
Jacksonville, Florida 32256

Gregg Nichols Obituary

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Greggory Howard Nichols, 52, of Westfield, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, March 29, 2023 at Lake West Hospital in Willoughby. Ohio. He was born on June 26, 1970 to Harold and Dreama (Martin) Nichols in Connersville, Indiana.

Gregg worked as a senior roofing consultant and regional manager for Technical Assurance. He was a very hard worker and always had a project in the works. Gregg loved Jesus and was very involved in his church. He also loved Notre Dame and “bled blue and gold”! Gregg loved to hunt, watch Star Wars and Marvel Movies, collect comic books, and was a rock and roll fan. His most loyal companion was his “Little Buddy”, Baxter. He was a very talented artist and enjoyed coaching his kids in sports. Gregg was an honest guy who was always willing to help others. He had a great sense of humor and enjoyed picking on his family. Gregg was the best dad and loved spending time with his kids and grandkids.

He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Bethany Ellen Nichols; parents, Harold and Dreama Nichols; son, Josh (Allison) Nichols; daughters, Molly (Jackson) Beatty and Hannah (Danilo) Mariona; siblings, Jerry (Kim) Nichols, Garrett (Melissa) Nichols, Kolton Nichols, Cierra (Tanner) Schlichter, and Kyle Evans; and 3 grandchildren, Owen Gray Nichols, Addy James Nichols, and Rhett Hartridge Nichols.

Visitation will be from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, with services at 12:00 pm, on Tuesday, April 4, 2023 at Venture Christian Church, 14501 Hazel Dell Parkway, in Carmel. Pastor Tony Johnson will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Woodburn Christian Children’s Home, 24902 Notestine Road, Woodburn, IN 46797 (https://www.wcchonline.org).

Condolences: www.randallroberts.com

Visitation

Venture Christian Church
Tuesday, April 4, 2023
10:00am – 12:00pm (Eastern time)

View Details

Funeral Service

Venture Christian Church
Tuesday, April 4, 2023
Starts at 12:00pm (Eastern time)

View Details

If you have memories or warm stories of Gregg that you would like to share with his wife or children (and they would appreciate them), please use the form below. They will be collected confidentially by the IRCA and then transmitted to the family. Like most of our families, Gregg’s family probably didn’t know much about what “Dad did at work” or the impact his life had on others. If you have something encouraging to share with them, please take a minute to write a note.

Dorwin Burdine Obituary

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July 29, 1940 – November 10, 2022

Clell “Pop” Dorwin Burdine, age 82, of Fortville, Indiana passed away on Thursday, November 10, 2022. Pop was born in Squibb County, Kentucky to the late Ford and Alice (Baker) Burdine. He was a simple man who was proud of his work and the businesses of his boys. Pop would rotate hats of the companies, making sure he had one on his head even before he had his coffee. He was an avid Nascar fan and regularly went to Florida for Daytona. He was also the proud recipient just in the last week of the IRCA Hall of Fame award that has been handed out on less than 10 occasions.

Pop is survived by his wife, Martha “Marti” (Shively) Burdine; daughter, Rhonda Burdine; sons, Sonny Burdine (Christy), Dale Burdine, and Mike Burdine (Mary Ann); step-children, Cheryl Spencer and Michael Spencer; grandchildren, Adam Burdine, Kyle Burdine, Austin Burdine, Jessica Humphrey, John Burdine, Brandon Burdine, Amanda Burdine, Cynthia Burdine, Hailie Brewer, Doug Campbell, Rob Campbell, and Brian Williams; and many great grandchildren, extended family members, and friends.

Visitation for Pop will be held Tuesday, November 15, 2022 from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Little & Sons Funeral Home, 1301 Main St, Beech Grove, Indiana 46107 with a Memorial Service at 7:00 PM at the funeral home. His Graveside Service will occur Wednesday, November 16, 2022 at 2:00 PM at Chimney Rock Cemetery, Somerset, Kentucky.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Pop’s memory may be made to Autism Speaks, 1060 State Road, Second Floor, Princeton, New Jersey 08540, autismspeaks.org.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.littleandsonsbeechgrove.com for the Burdine family.