Lowell Houston Wilson, Gene A. Paschka, Adrian V. Burger, Michael A. Mavrick, Ruth Margaret Mutran
Lowell Houston Wilson
Lowell Houston Wilson, 90, of Kokomo, passed away on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at Maple Park Village in Westfield. He was born on July 20, 1935, to Lowell Harvey Wilson and Frances (Gilpin) Wilson in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Lowell received a bachelor’s degree from Purdue University. He was a military officer in the United States Air Force and received a master’s degree in biological science and K-12 administration as well. Lowell was a teacher for Lagro, and a principal for All Saints in Logansport and St. Charles in Peru. He also owned a pizza parlor in Rushville. Lowell was a member of Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church of Noblesville, the Knights of Columbus, the VFW, and the American Legion. He enjoyed farming and was a big supporter of 4-H. Lowell and his wife, Rebecca, enjoyed square dancing and were officers in state and national square dance conventions.
He is survived by his daughters Evelyn (Bob) Burton, Debbie (Jeff) Chinn, and Kathy (Roger) Garrett; nine grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, Lowell was preceded in death by his wife Rebecca Sue Wilson; son Lowell Howard Wilson; brother Maurice Wilson; and his sister,Kay Turoczy.
Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., with Mass at 11:30 a.m., on Monday, January 26, 2026, at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, 9900 East 191st Street, in Noblesville. Burial will follow at Albright Cemetery in Kokomo.
Memorial contributions may be made to Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675 (https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org).
Condolences: www.randallroberts.com
Gene A. Paschka
Gene A. Paschka, 71, of Roanoke, Indiana, passed away on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne.
He was born November 15, 1954, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, to the late Theodore and Marcella (Heine) Paschka. Gene was united in marriage to Joyce A. Hartman on August 14, 1982, at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Kokomo, Indiana.
Gene and Joyce were members of St. John Lutheran Church- Bingen, and previously attended St. Peter’s Lutheran Church and St. Paul Lutheran Church, both in Fort Wayne, where he served as an usher and a deacon. Following their move to Roanoke, they became members at Faith Lutheran Church. An Eagle Scout and Boy Scout, Gene remained active in service throughout his life as a member of the Canal Society of Indiana, where he served on the board.
Gene graduated from Concordia Lutheran High School in 1973. He attended trade school for plumbing and heating and then continued his education at Ivy Tech in Culinary Arts. He was employed by W.C. Borchelt as a heating and plumbing installer and also worked as an assistant chef at Goeglein’s Catering, the Fort Wayne Coliseum, and Ceruti’s, as well as a produce clerk at Kroger.
Gene loved his Lord and Savior and found great joy spending time with his friends and family. Among the most cherished times he spent with his nephews and nieces, involved taking them to Chicago Cubs games and the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo. He was also a member of the Fort Wayne Ice Skating Club and enjoyed ice skating and synchronized skating. In his free time, Gene found great pleasure in gardening and tending to his flowers. Gene and his wife Joyce ushered for several years at the Embassy Theater.
Survivors include his wife of 43 years Joyce A. Paschka of Roanoke, Indiana; mother-in-law Opal Hartman of Kokomo, Indiana; Joyce’s sisters Linda (John) Alley of Rochester, Indiana, Marge Bunn of Kokomo, Indiana, and Patti (Tom) Stout of Kokomo, Indiana; along with 17 nieces and nephews and 44 great-nieces and nephews.
Gene was preceded in death by his brother Stanley Paschka.
A funeral service will be held at 12 noon on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at St. John Lutheran Church, Bingen, with Pastor Berett Steffen and Pastor Peter Brock officiating. Burial will follow in St. John Lutheran Cemetery- Bingen.
Family and friends will be received two hours prior to the service on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at St. John Lutheran Church, Bingen.
In lieu of flowers preferred memorials can be given to St. John Lutheran Church- Bingen, Worship Anew, or Turnstone.
Arrangements by Zwick and Jahn Funeral Homes of Decatur, Indiana
Adrian V. Burger
Adrian V. Burger, born on December 29, 1934, in Arizona, passed away on January 21, 2026, at the age of 91. Adrian was a resident of Kokomo, Indiana.
A visitation will be held at Ellers Community Mortuary & Memorial Center, Inc., located at 3400 S. Webster Street, Kokomo, IN 46902, on January 30, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
The funeral service will follow at the same venue from 11:00 a.m. to 11:40 a.m.
Entombment will take place at Ever Rest Memorial Park, 8315 Logansport Road, Logansport, IN 46947, on January 30, 2026, at 12:30 p.m.
Michael A. Mavrick
Michael A. Mavrick, a cherished soul and beloved resident of Peru, Indiana, departed from this world on January 20, 2026, at the age of 71. Born on March 5, 1954, in the same town that he would breathe his last, Michael’s life was a testament to the enduring spirit of community and the joy of simple pleasures.
As a proud graduate of Peru High School’s class of 1972, Michael’s early years were filled with the promise of a bright future. He married his best friend and love of his life, Gerri Marie (Olson) Mavrick, in 1975. Their union was blessed with two wonderful children, Sarah and Matthew (Natalie), and later, the joy of his life, his grandchildren Ava and Alivia, along with a special girl, Jerzi, who held a dear place in his heart. Although predeceased by his parents, Marjorie and Paul Mavrick, his brothers Thomas and Samuel, and his wife Gerri, Michael’s legacy of love and laughter remains a beacon for his family.
Michael’s career as a Plant Manager for IMI was marked not just by his professional achievements but also by the numerous lives he touched through his work until his retirement. His colleagues remember him not only for his sharp mind but also for his commendable ability to lead with both strength and kindness.
Outside of his professional life, Michael’s passions were many. His love for Disc Golf was more than a hobby; it was a way to connect with others and enjoy the camaraderie that came with the sport. Michael’s enthusiasm for sports was evident to all who knew him from watching sports elementary sports to professional games. He found joy in the simple pleasure of scratching off lottery tickets, and no one could forget his ritual of savoring a Burger King No. 4 combo.
Evenings at home often found Michael comfortably settled in front of the television, where he would cheer on contestants on the Game Show Network or revisit the classic westerns of “Gunsmoke,” his favorite TV show. His love for these simple pleasures was infectious, and he often drew friends and family into his circle to share in these moments.
Michael was the embodiment of selflessness, always putting others before himself. His optimistic outlook on life was contagious, uplifting everyone around him, while his generosity knew no bounds. He gave not only material gifts but also his time, his attention, and his unwavering support.
As we bid farewell to Michael A. Mavrick, we do so with heavy hearts but also with a profound sense of gratitude for the time we shared with him. His memory will live on in the stories we tell, the laughter we share, and the love we continue to give, just as he taught us. Michael’s legacy is one of warmth, kindness, and an unwavering commitment to the people and passions that enriched his life. He will be deeply missed, but the impact of his generous spirit will be felt for generations to come.
City of Firsts Cremation and Funeral Services by Rose and Geiger was entrusted with the arrangements. www.cityoffirstscremations.com
Ruth Margaret Mutran
Ruth Margaret Mutran, 81, Greentown, passed away peacefully at 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 20, 2026, in her home surrounded by her family. She was born April 6, 1944, in East St. Louis, Missouri, the daughter of the late John Boerm & Ruth (Ham) Ohlendorf. On March 10, 1990, she married Thomas S. Mutran, who preceded her in death on December 12, 2015.
Ruth was a 1963 graduate of East St. Louis High School. She went on to build a long and dedicated career at Delco Electronics. She retired in 1998 after 30 years of service. Ruth found great joy in the simple pleasures of life—gardening, decorating her home with flair, tackling DIY projects with enthusiasm, and painting with creativity. She was known for her delicious home-cooked meals and cherished the time spent preparing food for her loved ones. Holidays held a special place in her heart; Thanksgiving and Christmas were especially meaningful times when she could gather with family and create lasting memories.
Traveling was another passion Ruth shared with her husband Tom. Together they explored Las Vegas and Florida and enjoyed a memorable cruise to the Bahamas. Tom delighted in buying jewelry for Ruth—a gesture she adored. She took pride in getting dressed up with her jewelry on, nails polished, and hair perfectly styled.
Ruth is survived by her children Kelly St. Clair Mitchell, Kim St. Clair Morgan, and Kirk (Amanda) St. Clair; stepchildren Dawn Mutran Smith, Tammy Shepherd, and Terri Mutran; grandchildren Jenny (John) Konyesni, Lindsay St. Clair, Nicholas St. Clair, Stefan Morgan, Kyle St. Clair, Ethan Morgan, Madison St. Clair, and Abigail St. Clair; as well as nine great-grandchildren who brought light into her later years; her siblings Jack Boerm and Dorothy Saddler; and will be fondly remembered by several nieces and nephews.
Ruth was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Thomas; and her brother Don Boerm.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Cherish Hospice for their compassionate care during Ruth’s final days—especially Cassie, Monica, Tishelle, Jodi, and Melissa—for their unwavering support that meant more than words can express.
In keeping with Ruth’s wishes, no services will be held. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with cremation. Private burial will take place in Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery at a later date.