Mark Piekarski, Gary Wayne Elmore, Teresa “Terri” Lynn Wright, Marian L. Hansen

Mark Piekarski

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Mark Piekarski. Mark, 71, passed away on September 16, 2025. He was born September 21, 1953, in St. Louis, MO. Mark attended St. Thomas Aquinas High School and retired from Chrysler after 33 years. Mark was a member of St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church before moving to Punta Gorda, FL, where he was currently a member of San Antonio Catholic Church.

In addition to his beloved wife Marilyn of 48 years, he is survived by his loving children Matthew (Sherri) Piekarski, Melissa Fouts, and Michael (Kwang) Piekarski; his brother Joseph Piekarski; and his cherished grandchildren Mia, Joey, Anna, Noah, Abigail, and Ayla who will continue to treasure his memory.

Mark was preceded in death by his parents Joseph Piekarski, Jane Cattoor, and stepfather Anslem Cattoor.

Friends may have visitation with the family from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Monday, September 29, 2025, at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 3155 County R. S 200 W., Kokomo. A funeral mass will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, September 29, 2025, at the church with Rev. Fr. Shocklee as the celebrant. Following the mass, his ashes will be placed in the niche at Sunset Memorial Gardens. Please join the family and friends at the church for a luncheon following the cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to American Heart Association or American Lung Association in Mark’s memory, or to send flowers to the family, please address to St. Joan of Arc Church for the mass service Monday morning at 9 a.m.

Gary Wayne Elmore

Gary Wayne Elmore, 77, Greentown, passed away at 11:40 p.m. on Sunday, September 21, 2025, at Brickyard Healthcare in Kokomo. He was born in Bedford, IN, on November 7, 1947, to the late Chalmer and Mildred (Johnston) Elmore.

Gary graduated from Northwestern High School in 1966 and earned his bachelor’s degree from IUK. He was a supporter of track and field, participating in the sport throughout his school years and accumulating various awards. Whenever golfing was feasible, he was there, often being on a league. Upon the beginning of hunting season, he eagerly awaited and brought home many deer. He was also an avid archery competitor, often winning trophies at the state level. Gary was a huge enthusiast of old cars, having several of his own. That would lead him to participate in car shows. He introduced his grandchildren to fishing at a young age and created many memories.

He joined the United States Army on August 10, 1970. During his enlistment he served in the Vietnam War, earning a National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with two stars, and Vietnam Campaign Medal with 60 devices. He also wore the Combat Infantry Badge along with his Expert Marksmanship badge. Gary was honorably discharged on March 14, 1972.

Gary is survived by his three daughters Julie (Kristi) Harmon, Michelle (Steve) Arnold, and Amy (Lee) Till; grandchildren Micheal (Jordan) Evans, Matthew Arnold, Tommy (Natalie) Bender, Justin Arnold, Whitney Bender, Ashleigh (Dugan) Till, Tyler (Ashlyn) Till, and Brandon Till; several great-grandchildren; one great great-grandchild; bonus granddaughter Lydia Camp; sisters Marsha (Jack) Payne and Donna (John) Harmon; brothers Steve Elmore, Max (Jeanine) Elmore, David (Barb) Elmore, and Danny (David) Elmore; special sister-in-law, Sandy Elmore; along with many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Chalmer and Mildred; brother Rob Elmore; and the mother of his daughters Judith Elmore.

Friends are invited to visit the family from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday, September 29, 2025, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory, 1315 W. Lincoln Road, Kokomo. A funeral service celebrating Gary’s life will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home, with Chaplain Adam Rinehart officiating. Burial will follow in Marion National Cemetery at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, with military honors provided by the United States Army and the Kokomo VFW Military Rites Team. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.

Teresa “Terri” Lynn Wright

Teresa “Terri” Lynn Wright, 75, of Kokomo, passed away at 1:02 a.m. on Thursday, September 18, 2025, in her daughter’s home, surrounded by family, pets, and lots of love. She was born on February 28, 1950, the daughter of the late Paul E. and Jean E. (Powell) Tucker. On June 17, 1972, Terri married William “Bill” Lee Wright at the First Presbyterian Church. He preceded her in death on December 26, 2011.

Terri had grace and was classy. She was a 1968 graduate of Kokomo High School and received a master’s in education from Ball State University. She was a teacher at Western, YWCA, Taylor, and served in leadership with the Kokomo Academy. She also served on the board for Kokomo Opalescent Glass for many years. Mrs. Wright was well known for her strict nature in the classroom and sweet disposition outside of the classroom. She was an avid equestrian and enjoyed and took care of two horses for years before becoming ill. She was known for her love for her children, grandchildren, family, and her horses. Her knowledge of horses ran deep since she had been in love with the idea since she was a little girl. She was a true animal lover and would rescue and care for anything furry needing a home. Her acts of kindness towards animals were noticed. Terri was known for her lighthearted smile, laughter, beauty, and intelligence. She loved to read at all hours of the night. She loved to discuss and debate anything. She could bake a mean cheesecake, lemon bar, create amazing caramel corn, or be best known for her oatmeal cookies for her children. No one was a stranger, and every stranger would get a smile. As a mother and grandmother, she would always be brave (with a little push) and try anything once if it meant being a part of her children/grandchildren’s adventures. She adored her grandchildren and always spoiled them with pints of fresh berries and warm hugs. She also volunteered for many years within the Howard County community with charities that would support young women in education. Terri believed that education for everyone was very important. She believed that everyone should be kind and lived that way by example.

Her family is requesting everyone to do one small act of kindness for a stranger this month in honor of her life.

She is survived by her children Amanda (George) Wright-Jarrett and Brad Wright; grandchildren Rowan Jarrett and Greylan Jarrett; sister Nancy (Steve) Cook; brother Brad (Stacy) Tucker; many nieces and nephews; one great niece, and many more great nephews.

Terri was preceded in death by her parents and husband.

A celebration of life will be held on Thursday, October 2, 2025, at 12 p.m. at Shirley & Stout Funeral Homes & Crematory, 1315 W. Lincoln Road, Kokomo, with Kim Jarrett officiating. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home. Terri’s family has designated Heartland Equine Rescue located in Southern Indiana for memorial contributions, https://www.heartlandequinerescue.com. Messages of condolences may be made at www.shirleyandstout.com. If anyone would like to share a photo or story privately for the funeral please reach out to Mandy, her daughter directly.

Marian L. Hansen

Marian L. Hansen, age 93, of Carmel, Indiana, passed away on Tuesday, September 23, 2025. She was born to Charles Olds and Bernice (Cook) Olds in Saginaw, Michigan, on July 3, 1932. Marian graduated from Harrisville High School and Michigan State University where she received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music. She was a long-time member of First Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Kokomo, Indiana.

Marian met Al at MSU, and they married on July 14, 1956, in Saginaw, Michigan. Al and Marian raised two children Julie (Paul) Rufus and Dr. Mark (Amy) Hansen, four grandchildren Christine (John) Bell, Charles J. (Mikala) Hansen, Andrew (Hannah) Hansen, and Elizabeth (Nathan) Edwards, and 11 great-grandchildren. Marian was preceded in death by her husband Al on November 6, 2016.

A memorial service and private burial will take place at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made in Marian’s memory to First Evangelical Presbyterian Church. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.sunsetmemorygarden.com.