North Judson Mourns Death of Longtime Community Servant

Posted on November 14, 2016
Author Mary Perren, WKVI

A lifelong North Judson resident recognized for his service to both his country and Starke County died on Veterans Day. Perry Lucas was 89. He was born on Sept. 2, 1927 in Knox to Perry Franklin and Mary Frances (Baughman) Lucas and lived in Starke County his entire life.

He married Marian Jean Johnson in LaCrosse on May 20, 1951. She survives, along with his daughter, Pam Stalbaum; Sister, Lila Cowley; three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son, Gary.

Perry was a member of the North Judson United Methodist Church, American Legion Post 92, VFW Starke Memorial Post 748, 40/8 Voiture 1472, North Judson Lodge 438 F&AM, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, Valley of South Bend, Orak Shrine Temple, Pulaski-Starke Shrine Club, Order of Eastern Star, Round Lake Cemetery Association and many other organizations. He  also served on the Starke County Council for 20 years.

Perry was chosen to carry the Bicentennial Torch from Bass Lake to the Caifornia Township School, but his health prevented him from doing so. Instead his daughter, Pam, and family friend, Peggy Bohac, did the honor.

Funeral services for Perry Lucas will be Friday, Nov. 18 at 7 p.m. CST at O’Donnell Funeral Home in North Judson, with visitation there from 4 p.m. until the time of the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorials to be made to Children’s Hospitals or Disabled Veterans charities.

Celebration of Life Scheduled for WKVI’s Tom Berg

Posted on September 12, 2016
Author WKVI

Tommy “Tom” Berg, 53, of Knox, won his battle against Stage 4 metastatic colon cancer on Sept. 11, 2016 as he peacefully passed away in his sleep at Cancer Treatment Center of America in Zion, Ill.

On June 3, 1963, in Baton Rouge, La., Tom was born to Larry Berg and Judith (Schoenherr) Collins.

Tom was a U.S. Army Veteran, and lifelong, avid Star Wars Fan. Tom’s life was radio. His first “job” was as a child, giving news reports of his backyard happenings. He grew into bigger and better things in the radio world and beyond, acting in numerous plays, commercials, television shows and a movie.

Tom landed his dream job as host of the morning show at WKVI-FM in Knox six years ago. Prior to that, he worked with numerous media outlets, including WFBQ, WRTV, WCBK, QMIX, WZPL, WMYS, WCVL, WIRE, WTPI, WNTR, WNYS, WKLU, and Armed Forces Radio. Tom adored his listeners, and the feeling was mutual.

In 2012, Tom broke the Guinness World Record for longest continuous run of one DJ on a single air shift, going for 187 hours straight.

Tom was a member of GEN CON, POP CON, Indy Knights, the Merrimac Players, Indiana  Broadcasters Association, Nap Town Stomp Lindy Hop Society, and a faithful supporter of The Good News Clubs of Starke County.

Tom is survived by his mother: Judith Collins and step-father Ted Collins; sister, Jamie Rix, and many extended family members. Tom is also survived by his Eclectic family, including his caregiver of the past 13 months, Sarah Gillard; her husband, James; her daughter, Emma; Liz and Mike Todd; Trudy Perzee, and Julie Gross.

Tom was preceded in death by his father, Larry Berg.

Friends are invited to a Celebration of Life celebration Saturday, Sept. 17, 2016 at the Knox United Methodist Church at 2 p.m., with visitation there from 10 a.m. until the time of the service.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to The Good News Club of Starke County or the Food Bank of Community Services of Starke County.

Boersma Funeral Home in Wheatfield is in charge of arrangements.

RIP Town Marshall Doug Vessely

Town Marshall Doug Vessely

Douglas J. Vessely, 59 years old of North Judson, In, died Friday, April 15, 2016 in Mishawaka, Indiana .

He was born Friday, November 16, 1956 in Knox, Indiana, Son of the late Woodrow Vessely and the late Marie(Baker) Vessely.

Doug was a chairman of the Starke County Democrat party, Kankakee Valley FOP post 129 where he was the secretary and treasurer. Doug was a member of the Starke County CPT and a member of the Sorrowful Mother Catholic Church in Wheatfield. Doug was also a member of the Starke County Council, North Judson Fire Department and was the Wayne Township Trustee. Doug was the owner of Doug's Restaurant in North Judson and the Avenue Bar in Laporte. Doug enjoyed fishing and being a member of the FOP. Doug loved being the Town Marshall and his police work. Doug's greatest passion in life were spending time with his family, his wife Cindy and his "little daughter" Brittney his dog.

He worked as the Town Marshall Of North Judson.

On August 19, 2000  in North Judson, Indiana he married Cindy Rudd she survives.

Surviving are his wife, Cindy Vessely of North Judson, Indiana, Son, Jansen(Sandy) Rudd of North Judson, Indiana, Daughter, Caleen(Charles) Troup of North Judson, Indiana, Daughter, Tweety(Tony) Bailey of North Judson, Indiana, Brother, David(Laura) Vessely of North Judson, Indiana, Brother, Dan(Mona) Vessely of Ankeny, Iowa, 8 grandchildren 6 great-grandchildren and Brittney his dog.

He was preceded in death by by parents Woodrow and Marie Vessely and sister and brother-in-law Diane and Tom McCallum..

Friends will be received 3-9 PM, Monday, April 18, 2016 at the at the Braman & Bailey Funeral Home, North Judson, Indiana.

Services will be held at Sorrowful Mother Catholic Church, Tuesday, April 19, 2016 at 11 AM with Father Paul Cochran and Rev. Art Good officiating.

Interment will follow in the St. Jacobs Cemetery.

Contributions may be made to the North Judson Police Department.