Obituaries, July 30, 2026

Written on 07/30/2026


Larry Lee Opp, Kevin Daniel Schafer, James Joseph “Jim” DiPrima, Judy Ann Frazier

Larry Lee Opp

Celebration of Life update: Friday, July 31, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Izaak Walton League in Peru, 700 West 10th St.

Larry Lee Opp, age 68, of Peru, Indiana, passed away on July 1, 2026, in the same hometown where he was born on July 1, 1958, and where he spent a life that was full of love, laughter, hard work, and a little bit of perfectly timed mischief.

He was born to Joseph and Mary Myers Opp, and from the beginning, Larry had the kind of personality that could fill a room without even trying. He was loving, funny, and passionate, which is a pretty good trio if you are going to make your way through life with a smile, a story, and a plan. Larry had a gift for making people laugh, often with the kind of humor that sneaks up on you, catches you off guard, and leaves you laughing long after he has moved on to the next topic. He had a way of turning ordinary moments into memorable ones, and he never seemed to waste an opportunity to enjoy a good joke or share one.

Larry spent over 30 years working for Owens Corning, also known as Thermafiber, where his strong work ethic and dependable nature were well known. He took pride in what he did, and he carried himself with the kind of steady commitment that made him someone others could count on. Outside of work, Larry had a special talent for working on small motors and lawnmowers, and he worked on so many that people would stop by just to see what he had in the shop. It did not take long for him to become known as “Lawnmower Larry,” a nickname that fit him so well it might as well have been printed on a business card. If something had an engine, a spark, or a stubborn attitude, Larry probably had a way of convincing it to cooperate.

He enjoyed fishing, going to garage sales, and spending time with his kids and grandkids, which was one of the true joys of his life. He also loved taking trips to Michigan with his family, making memories along the way that will be treasured for years to come. Larry was the kind of man who could turn a simple outing into a story worth telling, and he had a knack for making everyday adventures feel just a little more entertaining than they had any right to be.

Larry is survived by his wife of 46 years, Rhonda Lennon Opp, who shared a lifetime of love, laughter, and partnership with him. He is also survived by his daughters, Alicia Gallahan and Christy Brock and her husband Grant, and his son, James Opp and his wife Stephanie Ostafin. He leaves behind a large and loving family of grandchildren, including Candace Jett, Kelsey Foreman, Kyra Foreman, Cody Brock and his wife Shayna Fuqua, Erica White, Armand White, Grayson Opp, and Caden Opp, as well as great-grandchildren Zeriah and Zendaya Foreman, Evan, Brad, and Connor Brock, and Serenity and Harmony White. He is also survived by his siblings Jeannie Hughes and her husband Charlie, Joe Opp, Terry Opp and his wife Colleen, sister-in-law Peggy Opp, brother-in-law Jay Mosely, and several extended loving family members who will carry his memory forward with affection and gratitude.

He was preceded in death by his son, Larry Lee Opp Jr., his brother Rick Opp, his sister Marlene Turnpaugh and her husband Hobert “Tub,” as well as Connie Bloomfield and her husband Kelly, and Kate Jones and her husband Bob, Barb Mosley and her husband Jay. Though their absence was felt deeply, Larry carried the love of family with him throughout his life, and that love now remains part of the legacy he leaves behind.

Larry Opp lived a life that was full, faithful, and undeniably his own. He was the kind of man who could fix a lawnmower, tell a story, make you laugh, and then somehow leave you feeling better just for having spent time with him. He will be remembered for his humor, his heart, his hard work, and the many ways he showed love to the people around him. If heaven needed someone to keep the engines running and the jokes coming, Larry probably arrived ready to get to work.

City of Firsts Cremation and Funeral Services has been trusted with arrangements for the Opp family. Please visit www.cityoffirstscremations.com to leave the family a memory or messages of condolence.



Kevin Daniel Schafer

Kevin Daniel Schafer, 39, passed on July 26, 2026, having been born May 11, 1987, in Savannah, Georgia, and residing in Greenfield, Indiana.

He is survived by his mother Jeanette Hascall and his father Dave Hascall; his daughter Arissa Rabbits; his brothers Jessie Schafer (Brenda), Christopher Schafer, and Michael Schafer; his aunts Sandy Deig (Scott), Helena Fasbender (Jayson), and Carla Wertz; his nephew Braeden Schafer; his nieces Angelika Pyle, Eros Lincoln (Nick), Ellison Schafer, Amanda Dupay, Avelynn Schafer, Lilly Schafer, and Svenja von Damnitz; his nephews Ryne Hascall and Nathaniel Grainger; his cousins Sam Fasbender, Trista Roushar, Kyleigh Klima, Skyler Klima, Bryce Rose, Erick Frazier, Michael Frazier, Shannon Frazier, and Ryder Deig; his second cousins Brelyn Shaner and Sadi Gazard; his great-nephews Donnie Clark, Joshua Clark, Jr., and Kashton Schafer; his ex-sister-in-law Ashlee Schafer; and his beloved pets Bunky and Gigi, and Sassy and Harlow.

He was preceded in death by his sister Cindthia Krippenstapel; his grandfathers George Coty, Carl Schafer, and James Biddle; his grandmothers Jewel Schafer and Christa Biddle; and his cousin Andrew Rose.

A Celebration of Life gathering will be held at Ellers Mortuary & Cremation Center, 3400 S. Webster Street, Kokomo, on August 1, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., with a Celebration of Life Service at 3:00 p.m.



James Joseph “Jim” DiPrima

James Joseph “Jim” DiPrima, 71, of Kokomo, passed away at 3:55 p.m. on Sunday, July 26, 2026, at Ascension St. Vincent Hospital in Kokomo. He was born June 10, 1955, in Kokomo, to the late Joe and Sheila DiPrima. On May 2, 2015, he married Jan (Powell) DiPrima, and she survives.

Jim graduated from Kokomo High School in 1973 and attended Ivy Tech Community College. He began his career at General Motors on September 1, 1973, and dedicated more than 34 years of service there before retiring on October 3, 2007. Jim loved the Lord and would spend time in prayer daily. He had an easygoing nature and could strike up a conversation with anyone and made friends with everyone. He was known for saying that he liked to “put a little juice on it,” a phrase that brought a smile to those who knew him. He had a passion for music, football, NASCAR, and Harley-Davidson motorcycles, of which he currently owned four. Jim also loved the ocean, and he and Jan visited Panama City Beach every opportunity they got. And he adored his beloved dogs Boozie, Shellie, and Katie Jo, who held a special place in his heart.

In addition to his wife Jan DiPrima, survivors include his daughter Alisha (Bryan) Cantwell; grandsons Malcolm and Samuel Cantwell; sister Kim Hatchert; nephew Adam Jacobs; niece Amanda Jacobs; several great-nieces and nephews; and friends too numerous to count.

A celebration of life and time of sharing will begin at 7 p.m. on Friday, August 7, 2026, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home, 1315 W. Lincoln Road, Kokomo, with Deacon Chuck Springer officiating. The rosary to be offered at the end of the time of sharing. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.



Judy Ann Frazier

Judy Ann Frazier, 78, of Kokomo, passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday, July 26, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. She was born on July 30, 1947, to Elbert Ware and Mary Jewell (Stephens) Carter.

Judy dedicated 33 years of her career to General Motors, where she proudly worked until her retirement as an inspector. She was a devoted member of American Legion Post 6 and enjoyed an active life filled with the things and people she loved most. She loved traveling, taking long walks, and above all, spending time with her family. Nothing brought her greater joy than cheering on her grandchildren and great-grandchildren at their sporting events, school activities, and life’s special moments. She was happiest when surrounded by those she loved.

Judy will be deeply missed by her children Robin (Jim) Miller, Troy (Stacey) Frazier, Nicole Frazier, Tonya Frazier, and Angie Frazier; her grandchildren Brittney Frazier, Jeramy Frazier, Natalie (Tommy) Bender, Nathan Frazier, Aubrie Granson, Tyler (Cindy) Greer, Jacob Smitherman, Gavin Eaker, and Devon Eaker; her eight great-grandchildren; her siblings Marcella Pavese, Opal Johnson, Wilma (James) Fraley, Sandy (Joe) Winkleman, James (Linda) Carter, and Brenda Whitt; as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her siblings Bernie Bitner, Junior Carter, Carl Carter, Johnny Carter, and Faye Carter.

In keeping with Judy’s wishes, no public services will be held. Arrangements have been entrusted to Shirley & Stout Funeral Homes. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Judy’s memory to St. Andrew’s Church in Kokomo, Indiana.

Judy will be remembered for her strength, her love of family, her kind heart, and the unwavering support she gave to those she loved. Her legacy lives on in the family she cherished so deeply, and she will be forever loved and missed.