Joe W. Kestle

Joe W. Kestle, 68, of Winamac, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, April 22. 

He was born on Sept. 17, 1956 in Knox to the late James M. and Carol A. (Downey) Kestle. Joe graduated from Winamac High School in 1976. While in high school, he was a conference champion wrestler. Joe was baptized in the First Christian Church in Winamac where he sang in the church choir. After high school, Joe worked at Wilson Foods in Logansport and Monon Trailer in Monon. He retired from The Braun Corporation (BraunAbility) in 2024 after 39 years of dedicated employment. Joe took great pride in being a member of the “Quarter Century Club” at Braun’s. 

Joe was an avid gardener and an excellent cook! He was also an avid fisherman who lived most of his life along the banks of the Tippecanoe River. He enjoyed spending time with this friends and family. Joe will be deeply missed by those who loved him.

Survivors include daughters: Magdalena Jo [husband: Jason] Hershman, Medaryville and Emily Jean Kestle, Winamac; grandson Ryan M. Fischer; granddaughters: Hazel G. Hershman, Avery L. Hershman and Adalynn L. Hershman; brothers: Alan [wife: Robin] Kestle and Michael [wife: Sherry] Kestle, Winamac; sister Arlene [husband: Todd] McAchren, Monticello; and several nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by mother Carol A. (Downey) Kestle; father James M. Kestle; step-mother Clara Mae (Good) Kestle; and paternal grandmother Cletha (Lane) Kestle.

Visitation was from 12-3 p.m., Friday, April 25 at Frain Mortuary in Winamac.     

Services were held at 3 p.m., Friday, April 25 at Frain Mortuary in Winamac.     

Cremation took place at Frain Crematory in Winamac following services.

Entombment will take place at Tippecanoe Cemetery in Winamac at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Online tributes may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.

(Pulaski County Journal — April 30, 2025)