Pete Kuzma - Obituary

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

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.

Neil J. Hall Obituary

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

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

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

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

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.

J Carlyle Lee Obituary

J Carlyle Lee
July 14, 1935 – August 3, 2021

J Carlyle Lee, 86, of Bloomington passed away in the early morning of Tuesday, August 3,
2021.

He was born July 14, 1935 in Ossian, Indiana to Mervin and Esther (Baker) Lee. J was a
1953 graduate of Scotch College in Melbourne, Australia, and he graduated with his
Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University. J was also a
member of the Delta Chi fraternity. On June 17, 1961, J married the love of his life, Nina
Grace Bower, in Bloomington, IN. They were happily married for 60 years.

J worked for Johnson Outboard Marine in Waukegan, IL and then for General Electric as a
sales engineer in Wilmington, DE. In 1968, he started B & L Sheet Metal & Roofing with
his father-in-law, George Bower, Sr., and ran the business until 2008. In 1973, J accepted
Jesus Christ as his personal Savior, which was a life-altering moment. From that point
forward, his purpose in life was focused on sharing the love of Christ with everyone. He
was passionate about teaching the Bible and helping people grow in their faith. He and
Nina were also generous supporters of various missions and ministries throughout the
world. J adored his family and prayed for each of them daily. He will be greatly missed.

J is survived by his wife Nina; his children Jayna (Dan) Mirer of Bloomington; Michele
(Robert) Nugen of Columbus, OH; David (Sandy) Lee of Bloomington; Deborah (Jeffrey)
Bundy of Bloomington; and Stephen (Tammy) Lee of Bloomington; his fourteen
grandchildren and their spouses, Jacob (Courtney); Austin (Sarah); Ryan; Caleb; Hannah;
Emily (Johnny); Kevin; Cooper; Ethan; Noelle; Nicholas; Steven (Marilyn); Jackson, and
Carolyn; his great grand-daughter, Eleanor; his brother David (Betty) Lee of Florida; and
many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his grandson Andrew Mirer, and his brother
Michael Lee.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 2:00pm Saturday, August 28, 2021 at the Allen

Funeral Home 4155 S. Old St Rd 37 Bloomington.

“Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to one of Dad’s favorite ministries, The Voice of
the Martyrs: A Bible for Every Believer. Your donation will help put bibles in the hands of
people all over the world.” https://www.persecution.com/2019-04-bibles/?_source_code=
WHPB20K

Allen Funeral Home and Crematory have been entrusted with arrangements. Online cond
olences, photos and memories may be shared with family and friends at
http://www.allencares.com

James “Jimmy” Ford Obituary

It saddens us to share the passing of James Ford, owner of IRCA member company Ford Custom Exteriors out of central Indiana. James was passionate about his work and active member of the roofing community as well as a  member of the Indiana Roofing Contractors Association.

Please keep his family in your thoughts during this time. A Go Fund Me fund has been set up to help support his family through this extremely difficult time. Go Fund Me – https://www.gofundme.com/f/james-ford-memorial-fund

James “Jimmy” Patrick Ford 42, of Indianapolis, passed away June 19, 2020. He was born on December 12, 1977 in Indianapolis, Indiana as the son of Patrick Ford and Rebecca Bates.

Jimmy was a dedicated loving husband and caring father.  He was proud of his sons and loved watching his boys play sports.  He also enjoyed time with his family on well deserved vacations. He was passionate for the business he built and admired the wonderful friendships he made throughout the construction and building community.

Jimmy is survived by his best friend and wife of 18 years, Christina Richardson-Ford; sons: Cyler Ford, Peyton Ford ; his mother, Rebecca Bates and stepfather, Phillip Bates; father, Patrick Ford; his grandfather, Kenneth Hunt;  sister, Amy Ford; brother Randy Strawser; stepbrother, Jason Bates; stepsister, Victoria Bates; stepsister Miranda Ford; nephew, Mackenzie Richardson; along with numerous additional nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his grandmother, Barbara Hunt; grandmother Edith Ford; grandfather Thomas Ford; brother Kenneth Ford; and nephew Noah Strawser.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, June 25, 2020 from 4-9pm at Flanner Buchanan – Washington Park East. A funeral service will be held on Friday, June 26, 2020 at 2pm also at the funeral home. There will be an additional hour of calling before the service on Friday from 1-2pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the family by using the Zelle App. Visit, https://www.zellepay.com/ and use the email: christina11518@yahoo.com.

Richard Mockovak Obituary

Indianapolis – Richard (Dick) M. Mockovak passed away on March 11, 2020 in Carmel, Indiana at the age of 89.

Dick is survived by his sister, Ann Mockovak of Danbury, Connecticut; daughters, Elizabeth Ekelof (John), Mary Noble, and, Katherine Mockovak; grandchildren Meredith Werne (Adam), Jack Ekelof (Beth), Rick Ekelof (Molly), Mallory Noble, Katie Noble and Kelly Garcia; and his great-grandchildren Teddy Werne and John Ekelof. He is preceded in death by his parents Michael and Anna Mockovak, brother Michael Mockovak, and wife Jane Mockovak.

Dick was born on May 25, 1930 in Danbury, Connecticut. He graduated from Yale University in 1952. Dick was an accomplished golfer and member of Crooked Stick Golf Club in Carmel, Indiana. He was an active and dedicated member of Junto Society of Indianapolis. In his spare time, Dick love spending time with his grandchildren, traveling and reading.

A private service for the family will be held in the coming weeks. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation (https://tunnel2towers.org/). Arrangements were entrusted to Simplicity Funeral and Cremation Care of Zionsville.

Published in the The Indianapolis Star from Mar. 13 to Mar. 15, 2020

Mary Ann Huntington Obituary

Our prayers and condolences are with the Huntington and AAA Roofing family….

Indianapolis – Mary Ann Huntington was born September 13th, 1935 to Coletta and George Busemeyer. She attended Little Flower Catholic School, St. Agnes Academy, graduated from Marian College with a Bachelor of Education and went on to Butler University to earn her a Master of Education while raising three children and teaching kindergarten. Mary Ann had a special dedication and commitment to her alma mater Marian University.

She was always a teacher; once she retired she spent her extra time volunteering at various schools teaching, helping, and guiding children in need.

She greeted everyone with a smile and wanted to know what was going on in their lives and how they were doing. She will leave a positive imprint on many. Her sincere thank you’s made us all feel special.

Her favorite place to be was her home in Northern Michigan where she had many friends, volunteering at the local schools, and was involved in numerous clubs and activities.

Mary Ann is preceded in death by her parents and son David Michael Huntington.

She is survived by the love of her life – her husband Bob, whom she shared 61 years of love and adventure; children, daughter Lynn Dimond (Dan), son Jim Huntington (Jeri), her brother David Busemeyer (Gale); eight grandchildren; Will, Patrick and Lucy Dimond, Michael, Christopher, Joseph, Katie, and Gregory (Boo) Huntington and five great grand children; Noah, Waylon, Robert Cooper Huntington (Michael) and Reese and Morgan Huntington (Chris.)

Calling hours are from 4-8 p.m. Wednesday, March 27, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 317 N. New Jersey Street, Indianapolis.

A mass will be celebrated at the church at 11 a.m. Thursday, March 28. A one-hour visitation will precede the mass.

You are invited to visit www.feeneyhornakkeystone.com where you may arrange a memorial contribution to Marian University or to IU Simon Cancer Center .

Published in the The Indianapolis Star on Mar. 26, 2019

Peter Andrew Sovinski Obituary

Greenfield – Peter Andrew Sovinski, 66, Greenfield, passed away February 15, 2019.

He was born in South Bend, IN to Richard and Betty Sovinski. He graduated from Indiana University-South Bend with his bachelor’s degree in business. He went on to serve in the US Army in Vietnam. Peter enjoyed fishing and camping and was an avid sports fan. His favorite teams were Notre Dame Football, the Indianapolis Colts, the Indiana Pacers, and IU Basketball.

He is preceded in death by his parents and sister, Kathleen. Survivors include his wife of 27 years, Debbie, son, Noel, daughter, Adrian, stepson, Clayton Harrison, granddaughters, Morgan and Riley, brothers, Paul and Pat, and sisters, Jan and Peggy.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Visitation will be held Wednesday from 4-8pm at Flanner Buchanan-Oaklawn Memorial Gardens (Conner Suite), 9700 Allisonville Rd. Indianapolis, IN.

Funeral services will be held there on Thursday at 11am, with visitation one hour prior.

Online condolences may be shared at www.flannerbuchanan.com.

Published in the The Indianapolis Star on Feb. 19, 2019