Charles Labbe, 66, father of George Labbe of 2418 East State Boulevard, died early Friday morning at his home in Cleveland, O. Survivors include the son here, and two brothers and four sisters at Akron, O.

Journal-Gazette, May 11, 1940

Marcia M. Ladd, 74, of Ossian, IN passed away Tuesday, December 5, 2017 at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne following complications related to recent surgeries. She was born on Friday, January 1, 1943 in Lima, Ohio the daughter of the late J. Carl Stopher and the late Gertrude (Flanagan) Stopher. At the age of 16, Marcia's mother passed away and following her death, she was raised from that point on by her aunt & uncle, Jim & Charlotte "Chy" Leighner. Marcia married Harold R. Ladd on June 19, 1966 in Delphos, Ohio and he preceded her in death on August 15, 2017. She attended the Zanesville United Brethren Church. Marcia & her husband operated the Village Restaurant in Willshire, Ohio for 15 years. Following her years in the restaurant, she operated the Slimmer Image store in Willshire and also worked for Meijer at the Lima Road Store in Fort Wayne until her retirement in 2005. Survivors include her daughter, Carla (Wally) Mesing of Decatur; two grandsons, Mark Mesing & Paul (fiancee, Sara Williamson) Mesing; & nephew, Steve (Nancy) Stopher of Fort Wayne. She was preceded in death by a brother, Carl J. "Boob" Stopher and a nephew, Kevin Stopher. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, December 11, 2017 at Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home in Decatur with Rev. Tom Datema officiating. Interment will follow in the Walnut Grove Cemetery in Delphos, Ohio. Friends will be received from 2 to 6 p.m., Sunday, December 10 at Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home in Decatur & one hour prior to services Monday at the funeral home. Preferred memorials are to Adams County 4-H or Willshire Park Fund.

Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home online obit (accessed 12/6/2017)

Coldwater, Mich., May 10 – Vincent Lawniczak, 91, a native of Poland and resident of this community since early boyhood, died at his home at Bronson near here today. Survivors include 5 children, 30 grandchildren, 11 greatgrandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

Journal-Gazette, May 11, 1940

OSSIAN MAN'S SISTER, 65, DIES
A patient 11 days in Parkview Hospital, Mrs. Marieda C. Lepper, 65, of Fort Wayne, a sister of Martin Adams of Ossian, died Monday. Surviving, in addition to the brother, are the husband, Alfred G.; seven daughters, Mary Lepper, Barbara Lepper, Deborah Lepper, Mrs. Kenneth Hollopeter and Mrs. Todd Scheerer, all of Fort Wayne, Becky Lepper of Denver, Colo., and Mrs. Richard Nord of Normal, Ill.; another brother, Herman Adams of Fort Wayne; a sister, Mrs. Robert Doerffler of Fort Wayne; a half-brother, Robert Koehlinger of Huntington; two stepsisters, Mrs. Alvin McKeeman and Mrs. Frieda Hobrock, both of Fort Wayne, and two stepbrothers, Arthur and Walter Koehlinger, both of Fort Wayne. Friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m. today and until noon Friday at the D. O. McComb & Sons Funeral Home in Fort Wayne. Services will be at 2 p.m. Friday in Bethlehem Lutheran Church with burial in Covington Memorial Gardens.

News Banner, Wells County, Indiana; December 26, 1973 - Contributed by Karin King

Marjorie J. Lieurance, 94, of Warren, IN, passed away at 2:00 AM on Wednesday, March 15, 2017 at Bluffton Regional Medical Center in Bluffton, IN. She was born on Monday, January 15, 1923, in Clinton Co., IN. Marjorie was a 1941 graduate of Warren High School. She worked at the Sanitary Market in Warren for 25 years and in the Kitchen at the United Methodist Memorial Home (Heritage Pointe). Marjorie was a lifelong member of Eastern Star, a member of Warren United Church of Christ, Tri Kappa, and helped with 4-H club and Girl Scouts. She also attended Boehmer United Methodist Church in rural Liberty Center. She was a strong member of the community and was always happy to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. Marjorie enjoyed flowers, gardening and mowing her yard. Loving survivors: Daughter - Marsha K. Walton, Huntington, IN, Daughter - Sue A. Morgan, Ft. Wayne, IN, Son - Ned K. (June) Huffman, Warren, IN, Son - James E. (Alice) Huffman, Warren, IN, Daughter-Mary L. (Kerry Miller) Bluffton, IN, 9 Grandchildren, 13 Great Grandchildren and 1 Gr. Gr. Grandchild. She was preceded in death by her: Father - Henry Lawrence Herr, Mother - Mary (Barnett) Herr, Husbands-Herman Huffman, Alfred Rupright and Joseph W. Lieurance, Brothers-Robert Herr, Glouster, VA, Harold Herr, Warren, IN, and Sister- Maxine Jones Warren, IN. Family and friends may gather to share and remember at Heritage Pointe Applegate Chapel 801 Huntington Ave. Warren on Thursday, March 16, 2017 from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM. A service to celebrate Marjorie's life will be at Warren United Church of Christ 202 E. 2nd Street Warren at 11:00 AM on Friday, March 17, 2017; viewing will be held one hour before the service. Pastor Scott E. Nedberg will be officiating and burial will follow in the Woodlawn Cemetery in Warren. Preferred memorials: Warren United Church of Christ, 202 E. 2nd St. Warren, IN 46792 Arrangements are being handled by Glancy - H. Brown & Son Funeral Home in Warren.

Glancy Funeral Homes online obit (accessed 3/15/2017)

Van Wert, O., May 11 – Funeral services for Anne Linekkugel (sic), three-year-old daughter of Mrs. Charlotte Linenkugel will be held Sunday at 11 am at the home. Rev. Fr. Gallagher of St. Mary’s Catholic Church will officiate. The body will be taken to Toledo for burial in Calvary Cemetery. The child died after swallowing a quantity of sedative tablets.

Journal-Gazette, May 12, 1940

Mary K. Linn, 94, Berne passed away Sunday, December 3, 2017 at Swiss Village where she was a resident. She was born to Jacob and Virgle Della Moody on January 7, 1923 in Darke County, Ohio. She married Leo Linn on January 23, 1946. Mary was a member of the First Missionary Church. She was a homemaker and assisted her husband on the farm. Special interests included playing cards, quilting and loving her family, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Survivors include daughters: Sandra (Don) Myers of Berne, Brenda Ziminsky of Pendelton, Connie (Bruce) Fisher of Oldtown, Florida; son, Gary (Dana) Linn of Celina, OH, 8 grandchildren, and 9 great-grandchildren. Preceding in death are her parents, husband, and sister, Lucille McClaugh. Funeral services on Friday, December 8, 2017 at 1 :00 pm at the Swiss Village Auditorium with visitation from 10:00 am to time of services. Officiating are Pastors Dathan Foust and Max Haines. Burial at the Swamp College Cemetery, rural Celina at 4:00 pm. Preferred memorials are to the First Missionary Church Missions.

Yager-Kirchhofer Funeral Home online obit (accessed December 3, 2017)

Bonnie L. Lloyd, 86, of Warren, IN, passed away at 4:45 PM on Saturday, June 3, 2017 at Hospice Home in Fort Wayne, IN. She was born on Wednesday, June 11, 1930, in Wells County, IN. Bonnie graduated from Warren High School in 1948. She was a member of the Warren Wesleyan Church. She was a former line type operator for the Warren Weekly and worked at the Herald Press for 10 years. Bonnie enjoyed word search puzzles and bingo. Survivors include: Daughter - Robin King, Uniondale, IN, Son - Charles (Marci) Lloyd, Warren, IN, Daughter - Imogene (Jim) Johnson, Huntington, IN, Daughter - Melissa (Don) Lahr, Huntington, IN, Daughter - Ida (Tod) Berry, Warren, IN, 8 Grandchildren, 14 Great Grandchildren and 1 Gr. Gr. Grandchild. She was preceded in death by her: Father - Frank Simons and Mother - Bertha (Pulley) Simons. Family and friends may gather to share and remember at Glancy - H. Brown & Son Funeral Home 203 N Matilda St. Warren on Tuesday, June 6, 2017 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. A service to celebrate Bonnie's life will be at Glancy-H. Brown & Son Funeral Home at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, June 7, 2017, viewing will be held one hour before the service. Pastor Allen Laws will be officiating. Interment will follow in the Woodlawn Cemetery in Warren. Arrangements are being handled by Glancy - H. Brown & Son Funeral Home in Warren.

Glancy Funeral Homes online obit (accessed 6/5/2017)

Viola B. Lloyd, 72, 2309 Florida Drive, who retired in 1970 from Fort Wayne Paper Box Co after 44 years, died at 11:04 am Wednesday in Parkview Memorial Hospital, where she had been a patient seven weeks. Mrs. Lloyd was a native of Berne and lived here since 1936. Surviving are her husband, Russell; a stepson, Russell Lloyd II of Waterloo; a stepdaughter, Rosemary Steding of Fort Wayne; six sisters, Elva Melick of Hartford City; Selma Wulliman of Berne, and Mrtha Smith, Lucinda Pettit, Lillian Pearson and Verena Peek, all of Fort Wayne; and two brothers, Alton Burry of Fort Wayne, and Villase Burry of Pennville. Services are at 2 pm Saturday in D O McComb & Sons Lakeside Park Funeral Home, where friends may call from 2 to 4 and 6 to 9 Friday, where Star of the East, Chapter 514, will hold services at 7:30 pm. Burial will be in Lindenwood Cemetery. Preferred memorials are gifts to North Highlands Presbyterian Church.

Journal-Gazette, Fort Wayne, IN; 12-24-1980

Bluffton, May 24 - Horatio S. Logan, 77, a partner of Robert Worster in the operation of a package liquor store here, formerly operator of a moving picture theater in this city, died early today at his home after an illness of two years. He was a native of Wabash. Surviving are a son, Lawrence of Wabash; two daughters, Mrs. P. H. Dickson of Wabash and Mrs. H. C. McPike of Monroe, Mich.; seven grandchildren and a great grandchild. Mr. Logan was a member of the First Presbyterian Church. Funeral services will be held at the residence at 1 pm Sunday (CST) in charge of Rev. W. J. Lichau of the Presbyterian Church, and burial will be in the Falls Cemetery at Wabash. The body was returned to the residence this afternoon from the Thoma Funeral Home.
[buried Wabash County, IN]

Journal-Gazette, Fort Wayne, Allen, IN; May 25, 1940

Mrs. Mary E. Lung, 72, wife of Thomas Lung of Perry Township, died yesterday afternoon at the Dr. Bonnell M. Souder Hospital at Auburn, where she had been a medical patient for 10 days. Surviving are her husband; two sons, Roscoe F. Lung of Fort Wayne and Rev. Archie M. Lung of Harrisburg, O.; two grandchildren; one brother, August Kistler of Perry Township; and one sister, Mrs. William Surfus of Perry Township. The body is at the Gerig-Kaylor Funeral Home at Auburn and will be returned to the residence Saturday evening. Funeral services will be held Monday at 2 pm (CDT) at Cedar Chapel in DeKalb County with burial in the church cemetery.

Journal-Gazette, May 10, 1940

Rome City, May 13 – William J. Malle, 65, former resident of Fort Wayne and former tavern owner here, died at 4 pm today at his home north of Rome City after a long illness. Surviving are the widow, Mrs. Fernie Malle; one son, William Malle, Jr., of Waterloo and one grandchild. Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 9 am (CDT) at the Kneipp Sanitarium Chapel with burial in Orange Cemetery.

Journal-Gazette, May 14, 1940

Mrs. Selma Gertel of 2031 Smith Street has received word of the death Tuesday of her sister-in-law, Mrs. John Martin, 63, in Holyoke, Mass., where she resided. She was a former resident here. Funeral services and burial will take place Friday at Holyoke.

Journal-Gazette, May 9, 1940

Local Furniture Dealer is Dead
Louis Masurksy, 54, proprietor of a used furniture shop at 1302 South Hanna Street, died at 4 o’clock Friday afternoon at the Methodist Hospital where he was taken after suffering a stroke of apoplexy at 10 o’clock Friday morning. A native of Russia, Mr. Masursky had resided here 33 years. His home was at 310 North Cornell Circle. He was a member of B’nai Jacob Congregation. Survivors include the widow, Cella; six children, Sarah, Charlotte, Dorothy, Rose and Jane Masursky and Harold Masursky, all at home, and a brother and a sister living in New York. The body was removed to Scheumann’s Funeral Home where funeral services will be held Sunday afternoon at 2 o’clock, Rabbi Irving Weingart officiating. Burial will be in the Orthodox Jewish Cemetery.

Journal-Gazette, May 11, 1940

DONALD McAFEE, 73, ROCKCREEK NATIVE, HAS FATAL HEART ATTACK
Rockcreek Twp. native Donald McAfee, 73, died suddenly of a heart attack at 1 p.m. Sunday at his home at 1212 Leesburg Rd. in Fort Wayne. Eleven years ago, Mr. McAfee suffered a heart attack, but he had been in his usual good health, with the attack coming unexpectedly. Mr. McAfee had owned and operated the past 50 years the Ideal Welding Co. located at his home address and was currently active in the business operation. A member of the Fort Wayne Masonic Lodge, he attended the Lutheran Church. Born Sept. 15, 1911 in Rockcreek Twp., he was a son of John and Hazel McCleery McAfee. His marriage was to Helen Sorghen, who survives. Also surviving are a son, Gary McAfee, of Elkhart; three sisters, Miss Elizabeth McAfee, Mrs. Lyle (Gladys) Cotton, both of Bluffton, and Mrs. Richard (Maxine) Moser of Berne Route 2; two brothers, Jack Lee McAfee of Fort Wayne and Harry McAfee of Phoenix, Ariz., and four grandchildren. After noon Tuesday friends will be received at the Klaehn Funeral Home on West Wayne St., in Fort Wayne. Services there will be Wednesday afternoon and burial will be in Greenlawn Cemetery at Fort Wayne.

News Banner, Wells County, Indiana; Dec. 31, 1984 - Contributed by Karin King

Huntington, May 7 – John M. McCarty, 83, former local grocer and brother of the late Patrick M. McCarty, former Huntington mayor, died today at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Chicago, where he had been a patient several years. The wife is dead. A brother, Edward P. McCarty, Beverly Hills, Cal., survives. The body will be brought to the W. W. Briggs Funeral Home tomorrow night and funeral services will be conducted at 9 am (CDT) Thursday at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Rev. T. E. Dillon officiating. Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

Journal-Gazette, May 8, 1940

Funeral services for Mrs. Emma T. McKinney, 72, who died of coronary thrombosis early Saturday at her home, 3028 Webster Street, will be held Tuesday 2 pm at Klaehn & Sons Funeral Home. Rev. A. P. Bourns will be in charge and burial will be in Greenlawn Cemetery. Mrs. McKinney was a member of Anthony Boulevard Presbyterian Church, Shiloh Chapter No. 141, Order of Eastern Star, and the auxiliary of the Brotherhood of Railway Engineers. She is survived by her husband, John, a retired Pennsylvania Railroad engineer; two daughters, Mrs. J. Harry Richards of Fort Wayne and Mrs. W. J. Schnedler of Huntington; three grandchildren and two sisters, Mrs. A. W. Rittenhouse of Bourbon and Mrs. C. C. Lucas of Fort Wayne. Members of Shiloh Chapter will hold twilight services at Klaehn & Sons Funeral Home Monday at 7:30 pm.

Journal-Gazette, May 12, 1940

Iona Melchi, 92, passed away Saturday, November 11, 2017 in Fort Wayne. Born in Berne, IN, Iona worked as a nurse with St. Joseph Hospital for 17 years. She was a member of Good Shepherd United Methodist Church. Surviving are her 4 sons, Ned (Vicki) Melchi of Fishers, IN, Rex (Lisa) Melchi of Fort Wayne, Jay (Kerry) Melchi of Fort Wayne, and Max (Beth) Melchi of Fishers, IN; 11 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and her sister, Sarabelle Zeigler of Berne, IN. Iona was preceded in death by her husband, Eugene Melchi; parents, Harvey and Rosa Beer; 1 brother and 2 sisters. Service is 10:30 am, Friday, November 17, 2017 at D. O. McComb & Sons Maplewood Park Funeral Home, 4017 Maplecrest Rd with calling one hour prior. Calling also Thursday, November 16, 2017 from 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm at the funeral home. Burial in Greenlawn Memorial Park. Memorials may be made to the The Towne House Retirement Community Employee Christmas Fund.

D.O. McComb & Sons Funeral Home online obit (accessed November 13, 2017)

Mentone, May 11 – Isaac Meredith, 72, of Mentone, died Friday night at the Woodlawn Hospital in Rochester after a short illness. Meredith was a former school teacher. Surviving are the widow, Adeline; two daughters, Erma in Egypt and Ruth in San Diego, Cal. Funeral services will be held Sunday at 2 pm (CST) at Rochester. Burial will be in the Mentone Cemetery.

Journal-Gazette, May 12, 1940

Mrs. Minnie Miesen, a resident of Woodburn, died at 12:30 pm yesterday at a local hospital. A cerebral hemorrhage was the cause of death. Mrs. Miesen was a member of St. Andrew’s Catholic Church and surviving are three daughters, Mrs. Katherine Noble of Huntertown, Mrs. Isabelle Mahar of Grand Rapids, Mich., and Mrs. Anna Beck of this city; three sons, Peter, Bernard and Ambrose Miesen, all of Fort Wayne; two sisters, Mrs. P. J. Hartman of Oak Park, Ill., and Mrs. Frank Schincel of Leonore, Ill.; a brother, Peter Hart of San Diego, Cal.; 21 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. The body was taken to the Ankenbruck Funeral Home where it may be viewed after 2:30 pm today. Funeral services will be held there at 8:30 am Tuesday and at 9 am at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church with Rev. H. A. Hoerstman officiating and interment will be at the Maumee Cemetery at Antwerp, O.

Journal-Gazette, May 13, 1940

Funeral services for Charles Moad, 56, of 1707 Bayer Avenue, will be held Monday, 2 pm at Mungovan & Sons Mortuary with Rev. Howard Brown in charge. Burial will be in Lindenwood Cemetery. Moad died early Saturday morning at his home following an illness since October. He was a native of Leavenworth, and resided here since 1910. A registered pharmacist and a chemist, he had been employed at the City Filtration Plant the past five and a half years. Moad was graduated from Purdue University, Class of 1913, and was a member of the Leavenworth Masonic Lodge. During the administration of Mayor Cutshall, he was chemist fort the City Board of Health. Surviving are the widow, Isabella; a sister, Mrs. John Mix of Leavenworth and a brother, Creigh, also of Leavenworth. The body may be viewed at the funeral home after 1 pm today.

Journal-Gazette, May 12, 1940

Denny F. Morgan, 71, of Geneva, IN, passed away at 2:35 PM on Monday, December 04, 2017 at Lutheran Hospital of Indiana in Fort Wayne, IN. He was born on Tuesday, October 08, 1946, in Decatur, IN. He married Marian (Jamieson) Morgan on Saturday, February 20, 1993 in Decatur, IN. Denny worked for GE in Decatur for 21 years. He owned the Pioneer restaurant in Decatur for 1 year. He was a member of the First U.M. Church in Geneva. He was an avid hunter and fisherman; he enjoyed RVing, camping, barbequing, antiquing, and his dogs Billie & Lucky. Denny had been a scout leader at St. Marks and a member of the Berne American Legion Post # 468. He had a very strong faith and loved his family. Loving Survivors Include his Wife - Marian (Jamieson) Morgan, Geneva, IN, Son - Tim (Teri) Morgan, Huntington, IN, Son - Ted (Dusty) Morgan, Van Buren, IN, Son - Paul (Robin) Ryan, Decatur, IN, Son - Chris Ryan, Fort Wayne, IN, , Daughter - Tanya (Derrick) Cannon, Decatur, IN, Daughter - Sarah Derosett, Geneva, IN, Daughter - Trisha (Dusten) Shoaf, Decatur, IN, Son - Shawn (Suzanne) Osborne, Fort Wayne, IN, Daughter - Teresa Morgan, Berne, IN, 24 Grandchildren, 5 Great Grandchildren , and Brother - Karl Wayne Morgan and his family. He was preceded in death by his Father - Clarence "Red" Morgan, and Mother - Helen (Sheets) Morgan. Family and friends may gather to share and remember at First United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall 100 W. Line St Geneva on Thursday, December 07, 2017 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM and one hour prior to the service on Friday, December 8, 2017 at the church. A service to celebrate Denny's life will be at First United Methodist Church at 11:00 AM on Friday, December 08, 2017 with Pastor Linda Jo Powers officiating. Interment will follow in the Marion National Cemetery in Marion. Preferred memorials: The Lord's Table Food Pantry at the First United Methodist Church, Geneva, IN. Arrangements are being handled by Downing & Glancy Funeral Home in Geneva. Online condolences may be made at www.glancyfuneralhomes.com

Glancy Funeral Homes online obit (accessed 12/5/2017)

LaGrange, May 7 – Funeral services for Mrs. Daniel D. Moser, 67, of Topeka, will be held Wednesday at 2:30 pm at the Mennonite Church in Topeka, with Rev. Earl Salzman officiating. Burial will be in the Maple Grove Cemetery. Mrs. Moser died at her home in Topeka Monday. Surviving are her husband; three brothers, J. J. Zook of St. John’s, Mich., Milo W. Zook of Gilmore, Ida., and Oscar Zook of New Paris and four sisters, Mrs. Jesse Smucker, Mrs. Clarence Shrock, Mrs. Daniel Honderich and Mrs. Mahlon Hartzler, all of Goshen.

Journal-Gazette, May 8, 1940

Doris Northam, age 98, a former Portland resident, passed away on Thursday, November 9, 2017, at her son's home in Fishers. Doris was born on February 22, 1919 in Rush County, Indiana the daughter of Delbert and Letha (Marshall) Winkler. She married Charles Northam on October 18, 1941 and he passed away November 10, 2004. Doris was an avid Indiana High School Basketball fan attending 55 consecutive state championship games. As the tournament moved to different locations over the years she attended games at Hinkle Fieldhouse, Indiana University's Assembly Hall, Market Square Arena, RCA Dome and Conseco Fieldhouse. She was also in attendance for the Milan Miracle, which inspired the movie Hoosiers. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Portland, Eastern Star in Winchester, Jay County Historical Society, Jay County Conservation Club and Do-A-Lot Home Ec. Club. Doris worked as a seamstress in her home for many years. Survivors include: 2 sons: Maurice Northam (wife Susan) - Fishers, Indiana Bruce Northam - Fishers, Indiana 1 daughter-in-law: Maryann Northam - Winchester, Indiana 1 sister: Linda James - Isle Palms, South Carolina 7 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandson Her son Carl Northam preceded her in death. Visitation will be held on Sunday from 1-3 p.m. at the Williamson and Spencer Funeral Home in Portland. Funeral services will follow at 3 p.m. on Sunday at the funeral home. Burial will follow on Monday at 2 p.m. in East Hill Cemetery, Arlington, Indiana. Memorials to First Presbyterian Church in Portland.

Williamson & Spencer Funeral Home online obit (accessed 11/9/2017)

(Handwritten date: Wednesday, July 7, 1954)
EMMET ORR DIES IN TEXAS SATURDAY
Word was received here today by Mr. and Mrs. H. M. Reusser of the death of Emmet Orr at Raymondsville, Texas. He died Saturday, July 3. He was the father of the Orr children of Rockford, Illinois. Death was due to cancer and a stroke. He will be buried at Rockford today at the side of his first wife, the former Adina Reusser Orr.

Adams County Historical Museum 1933-1953 Scrapbook, Image 025 - Transcribed by Karin King

Warsaw, May 8 – Mildred Delores Oswalt, 11, daughter of John Oswalt, former star Warsaw baseball pitcher, died in the White Pigeon, Mich., hospital, according to word received here. Death was due to rheumatic fever. Funeral services will be held Wednesday afternoon at 1 pm at the Mennonite Church at Scott, Ind. Burial will be at Scott.

Journal-Gazette, May 9, 1940

WELLS COUNTY NATIVE, ROBERT OSWALT, AGE 73, DIES MONDAY
Robert M. Oswalt, 73, of Fort Wayne, died t 9:58 a.m. Monday at Covington Manor Nursing Home. Born in Nottingham Twp., Wells County Oct. 21, 1918, he was a son of Cecil J. and Fern Marshall Oswalt. His marriage to the former Betty L. Williams, who survives, took place July 22, 1950 in Muncie. Mr. Oswalt retired in 1975 after 28 years as a glazer with Enterprise Glass Co. and in 1990 after 12 years in the maintenance department at the Fort Wayne City-County Building. He was a World War II U.S. Army veteran and graduate of Petroleum High School. In addition to the wife, survivors include three sons, Steven R. Oswalt and Scott M. Oswalt, both of Fort Wayne, and Mark J. Oswalt of Jacksonville, Fla.; two daughters, Mary Ellen Teders of Jupiter, Fla., and Ann Marie Klopfenstein of Harlan; a brother, Dale Oswalt of Fairfield Glade, Tenn., formerly of Bluffton; two sisters, Mary Noble of Geneva, and Peggy Mills of Reno, Nev.; and five grandchildren. Friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at Elzey & Haggard Home for Funerals in Fort Wayne, where services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday. Burial will follow in Covington Memorials Gardens with military graveside honors scheduled. Preferred are memorials to the Allen County Hart Association or American Lung Association.

News Banner, Wells County, Indiana; Tuesday, Aug. 11, 1992 - Contributed by Karin King

Martelle D. Palmer, 93, of Warren, IN, passed away at 12:42 PM on Monday, July 03, 2017 at Heritage Pointe in Warren, IN. She was born on Tuesday, August 21, 1923, in Jackson Twp., Wells County, IN. Martelle had worked for Essex Wire in Van Buren for 7 years. She was a homemaker and also helped newborns and their families. She babysat and cleaned houses. Martelle devoted her life to help her parents. Loving Survivors Include: Brother - Robert (Mary) Palmer, Van Buren, IN, Niece - Donna Runkle, Warren, IN, Nephew - David (Jo) Lacey, Bristol, IN, Nephew - Larry (Amy) Palmer, Marion, IN, Niece - Pam (Doug) Gehrke, Muncie, IN, Nephew - Tate (Cathy) Plachecki, Liberty, MO, Niece - Julie (J.D.) Pearson, East Pieora, IL, Nephew - Mike (Amy) Palmer, Buford, GA, and several Great Nieces & Nephews and Cousins. She was preceded in death by her Father - LeLand Palmer, Mother - Belva Mae (Garrett) Palmer, Brother - John Palmer, and Sister - Wilma Lacey Crouch. A graveside service to celebrate her life will be at the Van Buren Cemetery at 1:30 PM on Monday, July 10, 2017 with the Rev. Dewey Zent officiating. Interment will be in the Van Buren Cemetery in Van Buren. Preferred memorials: Van Buren Cemetery. Arrangements are being handled by Ferguson & Glancy Funeral Home in Van Buren. Online condolences may be made atwww.glancyfuneralhomes.com

Glancy Funeral Homes online obit (accessed 7/6/2017)

Huntington, May 10 – William M. Pashong, 78, died yesterday at his home here after eight months’ illness. He was a member of the Moose Lodge and had lived in Huntington 64 years. He was the last of a family of nine brothers. Surviving are the widow, Minnie Christ; a daughter, Mrs. Earl Glanton, Huntington; a sister, Mrs. Elizabeth Scheablin, Huntington and two grandchildren. Funeral services will be conducted at 3:30 pm (CDT) Saturday at the residence, Rev. R. B. Meckstroth officiating. Burial will be in the St. Peter’s Reformed Church Cemetery.

Journal-Gazette, May 11, 1940

Mentone, May 8 – Harmon E. Paxton, 71, of Mentone was found dead in bed at his home here. Death was attributed to angina pectoris. Surviving are the widow, three children, William, Mary Ellen and Howard, at home, and a brother, Silas Paxton of near Mentone. Funeral services will be held Thursday at the Reed Funeral Home with Rev. C. G. Vincent officiating. Burial will be in the Mentone Cemetery.

Journal-Gazette, May 9, 1940

Allen H. Pence, 91, of South Whitley, one of Whitley County’s last two surviving war veterans, died at his home in South Whitley. Funeral services will be held Thursday at 2:30 pm (CST) at the Miller Funeral Home at South Whitley with L. L. Eve, principal of schools at South Whitley officiating. Surviving are one daughter, Mrs. Sue A. Parker of South Whitley, three grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and one brother, Joseph Pence of Three Rivers, Michigan.

Journal-Gazette, May 9, 1940

South Milford, May 8 – Ms. Wilma Case Peterson, 45, wife of Albert Peterson, near here, died at Lakeside Hospital at Kendallville today of diabetes. Born near here, she had resided in this county all her life. She had been twice married. Surviving are her husband, two children by her first marriage, one brother, Perry Case of Wolcottville, and one sister, Mrs. Merle Eminger of this city. Funeral services will be held at 2 pm Saturday at the residence with burial in the Woodruff Cemetery.

Journal-Gazette, May 9, 1940

Hartford City, May 11 – Burial of Robert Junior Philebaum, 12, son of Mr. and Mrs. Delmar Philebaum, who died Friday at the home of his parents in Marion, will be made in the Wayman and Blackenbeker Cemetery east of Hartford City, Sunday afternoon following funeral services at 1:30 o’clock at the Pilgrim Holiness Church in Marion. A number of relatives of the child live here.

Journal-Gazette, May 12, 1940

VATICAN CITY (UPI) -Pope John XXIII, one of the greatest Popes in the history of the Roman Catholic Church, died today in the fifth year of his reign. The 81-year-old Pope went to his death slowly, in prayer and suffering, his stout peasant's heart carrying him through more than three days of final agony that was relieved only by lapses into comas. Vatican Radio said the pontiff died at 7:49 p.m. (2:49 p.m. EDT). The spiritual leader of the world S half billion roman Catholics died without seeing the end of his great project, Ecumenical Council, which was suspended with his death. Had Stomach Tumor For nearly four days the heart of the pontiff continued beating after doctors had given up hope of saving him from the stomach tumor that was believed to be cancerous. As his condition worsened, peritonitis, an inflammation of the abdominal cavity set in, and his temperature rose dangerously while his blood pressure fell. Last Friday he sank so close to death that he asked for and received Extreme Unction, the last rites of the church. As he lingered in the valley of the shadow of death in the days that followed, the Pope slipped in and out of a coma, rallying at times to bless those at his bedside with a weak wave of the hand, then drifting again into deep unconsciousness. Before the end came he was too weak to move. Pope John's illness first become evident last November, but he rallied and returned to his work in the Vatican offices until May 21, when the tumor's lethal effects began forcing him into the final surrender. An altar had been set up on the ramp leading to St. Peters Basilica beneath the balcony where on Nov. 4, 1958, Angelo Giuseppe Cardinal Roncali had been crowned Pope John XXIII. Bernucci ran into the Vatican press room with tears running down his cheeks and said; "At 7:49 the pope died." Accepted It Serenely The Pope had been aware of approaching death and accepted it serenely. During a lucid period on Saturday he told an aide: "I could observe my death step by step. Now I am gently moving toward the end." Last Thursday, he told one of his doctors: "My bags are packed and I am ready to leave." In his final hours prayers were said for him around the world-by Catholics, Protestants, and Jews. Buddhists wished him well. Atheist Nikita Khrushchev sent him his best wishes. In making the announcement Bernucci said: "The Pope of goodness expired religiously and serenely after he received the sacraments of the Holy Roman Church in his apostolic palace at 7:49 pm of today, June 3, 1963, carefully attended by the most intimate assistants and doctors." The Vatican Radio, in a special linkup with the Italian state radio, gave the news at 7:53 p.m. (2:53) p.m. EDT). "With profoundly moved soul we give you the following sad announcement," the radio said in Italian. "The supreme pontiff, John XXIII, is dead. The Pope of goodness expired in a saintly way and serenely after receiving the sacraments of the Holy Roman Church." Saw Public May 23 The public saw him for the last time on May 23 when he blessed a cheering crowd of 15,000 from the window over St. Peter's Square. The death of the Pope was announced by Giorgio Luigi Dernucci, an editor of the Vatican City newspaper Observatore Romano. As the Pope died, 80,000 mourners were gathered below his window in St. Peter's Square hearing an open air Mass offered up for him. The celebrant was Luigi Cardinal Traglia. (Wednesday, June 5, 1963)

Berne Library Heritage Room Adams County (IN) Obits 1962-1964 - Transcribed by Janice Vasilovski

Ligonier, May 7 – Rev. Edwin N. Prentice, 75, retired Presbyterian minister and former resident of Noble County, died at his home at Rochester, Minn., after an illness of three years. Surviving are the widow, Mrs. Rae Prentice; three sons, Loyal Prentice of Oak Park, Ill., Wilbur Prentice of Bombay, India and Eldon Prentice of West Bend, Wis.; two daughters, Miss Lucy Prentice of Oak Park and Mrs. Zella Sims of Idaville and two sisters, Mrs. Laura Low and Miss Lucy Prentice of Topeka. Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 10 am (CDT) at the Kerr Funeral Home here with Rev. G. H. Bachelor of Albion officiating. Burial will be in Oak Park Cemetery here.

Journal-Gazette, May 8, 1940

(Handwritten: "Summer 1970")
MRS. NOAH H. REDIGER [Amelia Oyer], 84, died July 5 in Glendora, California, where she was residing with her daughter, Frieda. Funeral services were conducted in Glendora by Rev. Daniel Dyck of the Pomona Missionary Church. Burial was in Memory Lawn, Phoenix, Arizona. She was preceded in death by her husband, Noah. Surviving are four children: Mrs. Homer Price of Lake Havasu, Arizona, Dr. Milo Rediger of Upland, Indiana, Lloyd Rediger of Fort Wayne and Frieda Rediger of Glendora, California.

Adams County Historical Museum 1933-1953 Scrapbook, Image 022 - Transcribed by Karin King

(Handwritten date: Jan. 15, 1952)
OBITUARY OF MR. BENJAMIN REDIGER
Our Heavenly Father has seen fit to will home our husband and father Benjamin Rediger. He passed away after a brief illness on Saturday morning, the 2nd of December, at 1:30 o'clock, in the Mennonite hospital, in Bloomington. He was born in Livingston County, Ill., the son of Joseph and Fannie Rediger, on Dec. 27, 1867. He attained the age of 83 years, 11 months, 26 days. In the year 1907 he was married in Peoria, to Miss Carrie Mae Lucas. To this union were born four daughters, of which one, Alverda, preceded him in death in the year 1920. He leaves to mourn: his wife, Mrs. Carrie Mae Rediger, Meadows; three daughters, Mrs. Caroline Schaer, Medows; Mrs. Kathryn Couper, a missionary in Kota, India; Mrs. Veronica Stefan, Youngstown, Ohio; four grandchildren; three sisters, Miss Anna and Miss Katty Rediger, both of Meadows and Mrs. Elizabeth Oyer, Montpelier, Ohio. In the year 1925, he was baptized upon the confession of his faith in Christ as his Savior, and joined the Salem Mennonite Church. He was a faithful member of this church until his death. Though we shall miss him, we know that the burden of our loneliness will be alleviated by the assurance that his lot is now (cut off) Funeral services were conducted on Monday Dec. 24 at 2 p.m.at the Froelich funeral home in Gridley, Illinois, by Rev. Ed Emms, pastor of the Salem church where he was a member. Miss Donna ?? of Flanigan played organ (cut off)

Adams County Historical Museum 1933-1953 Scrapbook, Image 025 - Transcribed by Karin King

Huntington, May 13 – Clyde W. Reeves, 64, died yesterday at his home on the Blitter Farm southwest of the city after a long illness. Surviving are the widow, formerly Ella Leavell; two sons, Ernest J. Reeves, Montpelier and Francis O. Reeves, at home, and two grandchildren. Funeral services will be conducted at 2 pm (CST) Tuesday at the Christian church in Andrews; Rev. J. J. Bare of Treaty and Rev. Charles Naftzger of Andrews officiating. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery at Andrews.

Journal-Gazette, May 14, 1940

Bluffton, May 9 – George E. Reiff, 84, retired farmer and contractor died at 11 am today at the home of a daughter, Mrs. L. L. Bender of this city following a heart attack. He had been in poor health. Surviving are the daughter; two sons, Jesse and John Reiff of Bluffton; 11 grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; two brothers, Henry Reiff of Geneva and Lewis Reiff of Berne, and two sisters, Mrs. Emma Banning of Economy and Mrs. Mollie Kiser of Fort Wayne. Mr. Reiff was a member of the Friends Church. Funeral services will be held at 2 pm Saturday at the home of the daughter and burial will be in Elm Grove Cemetery.

Journal-Gazette, May 10, 1940

Ligonier, May 10 – David Elmer Rench, 66, Spanish-American War veteran, died at his home here last night after a long illness. Surviving are the widow, Mrs. Marie Rench; two sons, Joseph of Carlsbad, N.M., and Francis of Portland, Me. Funeral services will be held Monday morning at 9 o’clock at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church here with burial in Oak Park Cemetery. Brown Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Journal-Gazette, May 11, 1940

Bronson, Mich., May 7 – John Reynolds, 82, a resident of this vicinity his entire life, died at his home here this morning after an illness of several months. Surviving are four sons, Jesse, Ernest and Warren of Bronson and Cleason of Coldwater; four daughters, Mrs. Myrtle Strachly and Mrs. Diffenbaugh of this city, Mrs. Iva Filkins of Birmingham and Mrs. Pearl Bowes of Union City.

Journal-Gazette, May 8, 1940

Portland, Nov. 4 - Funeral services for Walter J. Richardson, 62, well-known Madison Township farmer, who died Sunday at his home in Madison Township, six miles southwest of Fort Recovery, will be held Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock (EST) from the Disciple Chapel. Burail will be in the Fort Recovery Cemetery. Mrs. Richardson had been in failing health for the past year, suffering from heart trouble. Surviving are the widow, one son, Landis Richardson of Fort Wayne and two grandchildren.

Journal-Gazette, Fort Wayne, IN; November 5, 1940 - Contributed by Jim Cox

Funeral services for James Arthur Robinson, 61-year-old Waynedale resident who died of apoplexy early Saturday at Methodist Hospital, will be held Monday 2 pm (CDT) at the Elzey Funeral Home at Waynedale. Dr. Charles M. Houser will be in charge and burial will be in Lindenwood Cemetery. The body may be viewed at the Waynedale Funeral Home after noon today. Robinson was admitted to Methodist Hospital Thursday evening following a stroke. He was a native of Belleville, O., and was a civil engineer. At the time of his death he was employed as a draftsman at the crippled children’s school at the Hanna Homestead, Lewis and Hanna Streets. He was a member of Plymouth Congregational Church. He is survived by his wife, Ada May; four brothers, Homer L. Robinson of Shelby, O., John C. Robinson of Mansfield, O., Ward W. Robinson of Circleville, O., and Harry K. Robinson of Cleveland Heights, O.; two sisters, Mrs. Edith Ernsberger of Mansfield and Mrs. Dorothy E. Wagner of Canton, O.

Journal-Gazette, May 12, 1940

Hartford City, May 8 – Jacob Rodgers, 85, widely known retired Blackford County farmer, died last night after an extended illness. He is survived by his widow and five children, Mrs. Jonah Roads, Mrs. Verna McColly and Ashford, Harvey and Alonzo Rodgers, all of Hartford City or vicinity. The funeral will be held Thursday afternoon at 2:30 o’clock at the McColly home here.

Journal-Gazette, May 9, 1940

Funeral services for Mrs. Annie Sauders, 67, who died Thursday night at her home three miles east of Harlan following a heart attack, will be held Sunday afternoon at 2:30 o’clock (DST) at the Harlan Methodist Church, Rev. C. R. Gerig officiating. Burial will be in the Leo Cemetery. Survivors include the husband, Samuel; a daughter, Mrs. Gladys Moore of Springfield Township; a grandson and his wife, Mr. and Mrs. Paul Moore of this city.

Journal-Gazette, May 11, 1940

Summer Dawn Schmidt, 36, of Nottingham Twp. Wells Co. (rural Montpelier), passed away at 7:16 AM on Monday, September 25, 2017 at her residence in Wells Co., IN. She was born on Thursday, July 23, 1981, in Bluffton, IN. She married Andrew Schmidt on Sunday, September 19, 2004 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Summer was a 1999 graduate of Blackford High School. She had attended IVY Tech for nursing. She had worked in Home Health Care Services. Summer enjoyed attending her children's multiple sporting events, crocheting, and above all else spending precious time with her family. Loving Survivors Include: Father - Rodney Wayne Myers, Montpelier, IN, Husband - Andrew Schmidt, Montpelier, IN, Daughter - Alexis Noel Schmidt, Montpelier, IN, Sons - Kaiden Michael Schmidt, Montpelier, IN, Karter Drew Schmidt, Montpelier, IN, Sister - Tori Ann (Cory) Hedden, Hartford City, IN Father-In-Law - Paul Schmidt, Hartford City, IN, and several Nieces & Nephews & Cousins. She was preceded in death by her Mother - Patty (King) Myers, Mother-in-law - Shirley Ann Schmidt, and Grandparents - Marion & Barbara King. Family and friends may gather to share and remember at Walker & Glancy Funeral Home 109 W Windsor St Montpelier on Thursday, September 28, 2017 from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM and from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM Friday, September 29, 2017. A service to celebrate Summer's life will be at Walker & Glancy Funeral Home at 10:00 AM on Friday, September 29, 2017 with Pastor Jeremy Stults officiating. Interment will follow in the Brookside Memorial Park in Montpelier. Arrangements are being handled by Walker & Glancy Funeral Home in Montpelier.

Glancy Funeral Homes online obit (accessed 9/27/2017)

Columbia City, May 8 – Mrs. Mary S. Schrader, 70, widow of Charles W. Schrader, died this morning at the Linvill Memorial Hospital here after an illness of 18 months. Surviving are two sons, Nile and Forrest Schrader of this city; six brothers, William H. and Nathan Hartman of Nebraska, and John, Olin, Frank and Ervin Hartman of Whitley County, and three sisters, Mrs. Byron Yohe, Mrs. Harry Steele and Mrs. Charles Gradeless of Whitley County. The body is at the DeMoney Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held Friday at 2 pm (CST) at Trinity Methodist Church here with Rev. G. F. Hubbartt officiating. Burial will be in Nolt Cemetery.

Journal-Gazette, May 9, 1940

W. L. SHADY DIES AT MUNCIE
William L. Shady, a former resident of Wells county, dropped dead at Muncie, Sunday afternoon while running to a fire. Death was due to a heart attack. He was 59 years of age. The funeral will be held at 1:30 o'clock Tuesday afternoon at Muncie.

Bluffton Evening News, Wells County, Indiana; Jan. 14, 1928 - Contributed by Karin King

"Zion's Tidings" (Date cut off)
Mary (Mellinger) (cut)...near Bluffton, Ohio...February...and went to be with the Lord Aug. 3rd, 1951 at 6:03 a.m. at the home of her son, Eldon Shanbeck, Morton, Ill. At the age of fourteen, she with her parents moved near Lafayette, Ind., where she spent her girlhood days, as well as her married life, until a few years after her husband's death, when she moved to Groveland, Illinois near her two daughters who cared for her in her declining years. She was married to Daniel Shanbeck November 25th, 1886. To this union were born six children; three sons and three daughters. Her husband and one daughter, Grace Matilda, preceded her in death. She leaves to mourn her departure, Eldon Shanbeck of Morton, Ill., Alpheus Shanbeck of Warsaw, Indiana, Mrs. Joseph Schnur of Groveland, Ill., Mrs. Aaron Birky of Morton, Ill., Clarence Shanbeck of Tremont, Ill., ten grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren, Mrs. Harry Chapman, and three brothers, John Mellinger, William Mellinger and Levi Mellinger. Her father, mother, one brother, and six sisters preceded her in death. She accepted Christ as her personal Savior and joined the Evangelical Mennonite Church in the year 1914, to which she remained a faithful member until her death.
Dear Mother, Life is now over, the battle done, And you rest "with Christ" until He come, Then with all you love, together again You will join in song to the Lamb once slain, For worthy is He over all to reign, It is well dear Mother, it is well. Our hearts are bowed down with grief today, You were precious to us all along the way, But we bow to the wisdom that orders all. We rest in God's love, we long for the home When He bring's us to join you By "His Mighty Power". It is well dear Mother, it is well.
Funeral services were conducted Sunday August 5 from the Ludwig Mortuary in Morton at 1:15 P.M. by Rev. Peterson of the Groveland Missionary Church and at 2:00 o'clock at the Groveland Evangelical Mennonite Church at Groveland by Rev. Paul Rupp assisted by Rev. Peterson. The funeral sermon was based on II Cor. chapter 5. Interment was in the cemetery by the church.
Karin King note: Mary is buried Groveland Evangelical Mennonite Cemetery, Groveland, Tazewell County, Illinois

Adams County Historical Museum 1933-1953 Scrapbook, Image 025 - Transcribed by Karin King

(Handwritten date: May 15, 1948)
Mary (Moser) Shanebeck, wife of the late David Shanebeck, was born at Geneva, Indiana on September 16, 1871 and passed away at her home in Woodburn, Indiana, April 21, 1948 at the age of 70 years, 7 months and 5 days. On January 14, 1894 she was united in marriage to David Shanebeck of Grabill, Indiana. To this union eight children were born, six of whom remain to mourn her departure. Henry, Clarence and Safara of Fort Wayne; Ezra, Naomi and Mrs. Selma ??cer, of Woodburn; also eleven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Her husband preceded her in death in January 1932, and also two daughters in early childhood. At an early age she accepted Christ as her personal Savior and united with the Evangelical Mennonite Church of which she remained a faithful member until her death. For the past three years she was an invalid, and during this time she bore her affliction patiently. She was a loving Christian mother and the joy and delight of her life was to ??ve for and to serve others.
Dear mother has gone to her home above, Where all is Joy and Peace and Love, She longed to go for Oh! so long, To join up there the ransomed throng, She is resting now from every care, And waiting for us to meet her there And this we know it will not be long, Until we too will joint that happy throng And sing together Redemption's song.
Services were in charge of the pastor Rev. E. M. Rocke, assisted by Rev. E. J. Oyer, a former pastor.
Karin King note: Mary is buried in Woodburn Mennonite Cemetery, Woodburn, Allen County, Indiana

Adams County Historical Museum 1933-1953 Scrapbook, Image 020 - Transcribed by Karin King

Defiance, O., May 11 – The funeral of Mrs. Mary Ida Shepfer, 71, wife of Dr. W. H. Shepfer of Defiance, pastor of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Hicksville and former pastor of Mt. Zion’s Lutheran Church here, was held Saturday at 2:30 pm in Zion’s Church. Besides her husband, she leaves four children: C. V., Defiance, Rev. H. Reed, Rochester, Pa., Mrs. Florence M. Palmer, Defiance and Mrs. Mary McIlyar, Cleveland; one sister, Mrs. Walter Zimmerman, Ragersville and five brothers, Ed Steiner, Baltic and Otto, William, John and Robert Steiner, Tuscarawas County.

Journal-Gazette, May 12, 1940

Defiance, O., May 11 – Funeral services for Paul Gerald Shock, 34, who died in Defiance Hospital following an emergency operation for appendicitis, will be held Monday at 2:30 pm in the Mansfield Funeral Home here. He leaves his widow, the former Margaret Heffner Mohr; his mother, Mrs. Nora Shock, Defiance; a step-son, Phillip Mohr; three brothers, Kenneth, Vernard and Robert, all of Defiance, and two sisters, Mrs. Paul Fifer, Toledo and Mrs. Bessie Keller, Defiance.

Journal-Gazette, May 12, 1940

Hartford City, May 13 – Funeral services will be held Wednesday afternoon at 2 o’clock at the Roll Methodist Church for Homer Shrader, 53, prominent Blackford County farmer who died at the Robert Long Hospital in Indianapolis Sunday after a long illness of abscess of the lung. He was born on the farm on which he resided at the time of his death; the third generation of Shrader’s to own this farm. He is survived by his widow and five children, Mrs. Howard Howe of Indianapolis and Herschel, John George and Ruby Shrader, all of this county.

Journal-Gazette, May 14, 1940

George W. Shuman, 71, former local resident, died of pneumonia at 2 o’clock Thursday morning at his home in New Orleans, LA., according to word received here. For many years he was employed in the offices of Wing and Mahurin, local architects. During recent years, he was engaged in the insurance business in New Orleans. Survivors include the widow, Catherine; two sons, Henry and George Shuman of New Orleans; two sisters, Mrs. Anna Barbler of this city and Mrs. Catherine Harvout of Hamilton and two brothers, Arthur of Sparta, Mich., and Gilbert Shuman of Long Beach, Ca. Funeral services and burial will take place today in New Orleans.

Journal-Gazette, May 10, 1940

Huntington, May 10 – Walter C. Shurtleff, 90, retired Erie Railroad engineer, died today at the home of a daughter, Mrs. Sam Nave, after nine months’ illness. He was born in Panama, N.Y. in 1849 and was married in 1874 to Amelia Smith in Fort Wayne. The wife died in 1929. His railroad career began at the age of 17 when he was employed by the Baltimore & Ohio. He saw service with the D. & M., Pennsylvania, Wabash, Southern Pacific and other roads before coming to Huntington with the Erie. After 35 years continuous service, he left on a vacation trip with Mrs. Shurtleff in 1923 and never returned to active service. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge and Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers. Surviving are two children, Clarence Shurtleff, Los Angeles, Cal., and Mrs. Nave. A son, Edward, died in naval service in 1900. Funeral services will be conducted at the Nave residence at 3:30 pm (CDT) Monday, the Masons in charge of the rites. Burial will be in Mt. Hope Cemetery.

Journal-Gazette, May 11, 1940

Park Simpson, 70, died at 11:45 pm Monday at the home of his daughter, Mrs. O. R. Miller of 3610 South Harrison Street, with whom he had made his home for several years. He formerly was a farmer in Illinois. Surviving are three sons, Everett Simpson of Bronson, Mich., Elmo Simpson of Garrett and Leslie Simpson of Flora, Ill.; two daughters, Mrs. Miller and Mrs. William Wilfong of North Manchester; 19 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. The body was removed to C.M. Sloan & Sons Funeral Home and may be viewed there after 7 pm today.

Journal-Gazette, May 14, 1940

Funeral services for Mrs. Anna L. Smith, who died suddenly about 4 o’clock Thursday morning at her home at 1906 South Fairfield Avenue, will be held Sunday afternoon at 2 o’clock at the South Side Church of the Nazarene, Rev. Paul Updike officiating. Burial will be at Bluffton. The body will be taken home at 2 o’clock this afternoon from Harry Wilson’s Funeral Home. Death was due to a heart attacking according to Dr. A. P. Hattendorf, Allen County Coroner. Born in Wells County, she has resided here 21 years. Survivors include the husband, Thomas; two sons, Fred and Carl Smith of this city; two daughters, Mrs. Thelma Robbin of this city and Mrs. Juanita Connin of Adrian, Mich.; 17 grandchildren; four greatgrandchildren and a brother, Carl Mills of Fort Wayne.

Journal-Gazette, May 10, 1940

(Handwritten date: Monday, September 22, 1941)
SISTER OF LOCAL WOMAN IS DEAD - Mrs. Lydia Smith, Sister of Mrs. E. H. Baumgartner Buried Today
Mrs. Lydia Smith, 68, died Saturday morning at 1:30 o'clock at the home on South Hackley street, Muncie. Death resulted from a stroke which occurred ten days ago. The deceased was a daughter of William and Mary (Haley) Metzner, and was born northeast of Portland, in Bearcreek township, April 14, 1873. On April 11, 1891, she was married to G. W. Smith, former Portland merchant, who preceded her in death, October 21, 1936. She is survived by one son, Cover Smith, and one daughter, Mrs. Juanita Stewart, both of Muncie. She is also survived by one brother and three sisters, Irvin G. Metzner, of Bryant; Mrs. Amanda Axe, of northeast of Portland; Mrs. E. H. Baumgartner, of Berne, and Mrs. Laura Sanders of Yoder. Mrs. Smith was an active member of the Muncie Friends church. Funeral services were conducted from the Meeks chapel this afternoon. Rev. S. E. Saylor, pastor of the Friends church officiated. The body was placed in a crypt at the Elm Ridge cemetery, west of Muncie.

Adams County Historical Museum 1940-1941a Scrapbook, image 75 - Transcribed by Karin King

Mary Anna Smith, age 90 a resident of Portland passed away Wednesday, September 27, 2017 at Miller's Merry Manor in Dunkirk. She was a member of the Ft. Recovery Church of the Nazarene and worked in the nursery at the church for over 50 years. She retired from Jay Garment Company in Portland. Mary Anna Smith was born January 27, 1927 in Bryant, Indiana the daughter of Daniel and Ethel (Knight) Hardin. She was married on September 3, 1944 to Robert W. Smith and he passed away on March 14, 1989. Survivors Include: 3 Sons- Gary Smith (wife-Judy), Portland Timothy Smith (wife-Lanae), Portland Bob Smith (wife-Linda), Portland 1 Sister- Alice Davidson, California 6 Grandchildren and 7 Great Grandchildren Visitation will be held from 2-5pm on Sunday in the Williamson and Spencer Funeral home in Portland. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00am Monday in the Williamson and Spencer funeral Home in Portland. Rev. Stephen Hundley will officiate the services and burial will follow in Mercer Memory Gardens, west of Celina, Ohio.

Williamson & Spencer Home online obit (accessed 9/28/2017)

(Handwritten date: Monday, Jan. 5, 1953)
FUNERAL TODAY FOR WIFE OF JONAS SOLDNER - Former Local School Teacher, Telephone Operator Dies
Sara Sprunger Soldner, 85, wife of Jonas Soldner, of Fresno, California, died at 11:30 a.m. Friday, January 2, according to word received here by relatives. Mrs. Soldner is a former local school teacher and telephone operator and is known by many of the residents of this community. Mrs. Soldner, who had been frail for many years, fractured a hip and arm in September of 1950 and had failed since. Her death was attributed to complications. Mrs. Soldner was born a mile south of Berne, where George Dynes now resides, January 15, 1867, the daughter of C. P. and Elizabeth Sprunger Sprunger. She taught school in this community in the early nineties. For a number of years Mrs. Soldner was night telephone operator here. She was married to Jonas Soldner in August of 1935. The marriage occurred in California and she had resided there since. Surviving are the husband and a number of nieces and nephews. Brothers and sisters who preceded her in death were D. C. Sprunger, J. F. Sprunger, James Sprunger and Mrs. J. A. Sprunger. Mrs. Soldner was a member of the Mennonite church at Reed?ey, California. The funeral was held this afternoon at a funeral home in Fresno and burial was there. Mrs. Soldner was formerly a member of the First Mennonite church here and was active in the work of the Sunday school and the Missionary Society. A. A. Lehman today submitted the names of the following 54 members of a little girl's class that Mrs. Soldner taught in the Mennonite Sunday school in 1891. (Mr. Lehman, at the same time, was the teacher of the small boys' class, numbering 49): Emma Gilliom, Elma Gilliom, Milka Sprunger, Emma Liechty, Lillie, Agnes, Amalia, Albertina, Ottilia, Levina, Celina, Cora, Della, Meta, Anna, Alwina and Zilla Sprunger, Ada, Hanna and Emma Neuenschwander, Rosa and Esther Kuntz, Bertha Stauffer, Henrietta Welty, Salome and Clara Schug. Alina Habegger, Emilie Zuercher, Salma Augsburger, Aldine and Mathilda Lehman, Cora Schug, Carolina Burkhalter, Rosina ??, Levina and Emma Nussbaum, Rosa and Marian Beer, Laura Bixler, Emilie Schneck, Helena, Martha and Magdalene ??, Amanda and Rhoda Liechty, Mary Yoss, Sarah Baumgartner, Cora and Mathilda Luginbill, Mathilda Soldner, Lillie Aeschbacher, Anna Zuercher, Emma Loser and Mary Moser.

Adams County Historical Museum 1933-1953 Scrapbook, Image 029 - Transcribed by Karin King

Cansas A. Speidel, 21, of Hartford City, IN, passed away at 5:49 AM on Tuesday, March 14, 2017 in Muncie, IN. He was born on Saturday, December 16, 1995, in Wells County, IN. Cansas attended Blackford County Schools. He was a former resident of Tupelo Mississippi. Cansas loved his children. He enjoyed sports. He worked construction with his Dad,on oil riggs, and barges in MS., and for Serta Mattress. His dream was to be a underwater welder. Loving Survivors Include: Father - Allan (Megan) Speidel, Hartford City, IN, Mother - Regina (Ellison) Speidel, Montpelier, IN, Girlfriend - Megan Knight, Tupelo, MS, Daughter - Aubree Speidel, Son - Cayden Speidel, Son - Dae Enyeto Speidel, MS, Maternal Grandmother - Gail E. Brown, Tupelo, MS, Paternal Grandparents - Howard & Jane Hart, Hartford City, IN, Brother - Caleb Speidel, Sister - Adrianna Sowards, Sister - Courtney Ellison, Brother - Jimmy Perkins, Sister - Abby Speidel, and Brother - Chanum Ellison. He was preceded in death by his Maternal Grandfather - Reginald Ellison, and Paternal Grandfather- Allan Speidel I. Family and friends may gather to share and remember at Walker & Glancy Funeral Home 109 W Windsor St Montpelier on Friday, March 17, 2017 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. A service to celebrate his life will be at Walker & Glancy Funeral Home at 11:00 AM on Saturday, March 18, 2017 with the Pastor Troy Kaufman officiating. Interment will follow in the Brookside Memorial Park in Montpelier. Preferred memorials: Hope House, 312 W. Washington St., Hartford City, IN 47348. Arrangements are being handled by Walker & Glancy Funeral Home in Montpelier. Online condolences may be made at www.glancyfuneralhomes.com

Glancy Funeral Homes online obit (accessed 3/15/2017)

Leesburg, May 11 – W. B. Stanton, 86, died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Omer Hawkins, here Saturday morning after a long illness. He formerly resided in Silver Lake and Fort Wayne. Surviving are two daughters, Mrs. Hawkins and Mrs. Bertha Thomas of Warsaw, five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at the Kelly and Dye Funeral Home at Leesburg at 2:30 pm (EST) Monday. Burial will be in Oswego Cemetery.

Journal-Gazette, May 12, 1940

Fort Recovery, O., May 7 – Funeral services for William J. Steinbrunner, 64, well-known Ft. Recovery resident, will be conducted Thursday morning at 9:30 o’clock from the St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Solemn requiem high mass will be held with Rev. Joseph Steinbrunner celebrant assisted by Rev. Rudolph Stoltz, Rev. Iva Wels and Rev. Matthias Schmit. Interment will be in the church cemetery. Mr. Steinbrunner, manager of the office of the Marion Reserve Power Company for the past 30 years and trustee of Gibson township, died today at 12:15 am at his home here following a heart attack. Surviving are the widow, Matilda; two children, Dominic of Hartford City and Mrs. Cleopha Moran of Lebanon, Ind.; five brothers, Rev. Joseph Steinbrunner of Cincinnati, Dan Steinbrunner of Fort Wayne, Nick Steinbrunner of Denver, Colo., Alva Steinbrunner of Akron and Roman St3einbrunner of Ft. Recovery; three sisters, L. A. Graffbaugh of Columbus, Mrs. Rose Tully of Cincinnati and Mrs. Nick Remaklus of St. Henry.

Journal-Gazette, May 8, 1940

(Handwritten date: Sept. 15, 1948)
NOAH FRANKLIN STEINER, son of Rev. Abraham and Mary Ann (Kohler) Steiner, was born three and one-half miles west of Bluffton on Jan. 18, 1873, the youngest of twelve children. He lived on the family homestead until the time of his death on August 15, 1948 at the age of 75 years, 6 months and 27 days. He had been in failing health for several years, but death came after a critical illness of eleven weeks during which time he bore his suffering patiently. In the last weeks of his life, he on a number of occasions, expressed his deep faith in God and his desire to meet the Lord. As a young man he accepted Christ as his Savior and united with the Evangelical Mennonite Church of which he remained a faithful member until his death. He always took an active interest in the program of the church, having served as Sunday School superintendent and as a former member of the Board of Trustees and the Church Council. (Cut off)...Abraham, Jonathan, Glen and Rosella, died in infancy. He leaves to mourn his departure, his life-time companion, five daughters, Mrs. Albert Oyer, Mrs. Adella Oyer, Mrs. Earl (cut off) ....and Mrs. Harry ... fourteen grandchildren. He was a devoted husband and father and will be greatly missed in his home, the church and the community. Funeral services were conducted at the (cut off)...furnished by Mr. and Mrs. Walter Treadway. Burial was made in the church cemetery.
Karin King note: Noah is buried in Evangelical Mennonite Cemetery, Bluffton, Allen County, OHIO

Adams County Historical Museum 1933-1953 Scrapbook, Image 024 - Transcribed by Karin King

Celina, O., May 9 - William Stein, 82, of Celina, died this afternoon at the Gibbons Hospital after a long illness. Surviving are the widow, Mrs. Clara Stein; one son, Albert C. Stein of Celina; two daughters, Miss Caroline Stein and Miss Bernadine Stein, at home; four grandchildren; one brother, Robert Stein of Fort Recovery and one sister, Mrs. Theresa Roeasner of Ft. Recovery. Funeral arrangements are incomplete.

Journal-Gazette, Fort Wayne, IN; May 10, 1940
*****
Celina, O., May 10 - Funeral services will be held at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Monday morning at 9 o'clock for William Stein, 82, who died at the Gibbons Hospital Friday, following an extended illness. Surviving are the widow, Clara Stein; one son, Albert Stein, Celina; two daughters, Caroline Stein and Bernadine Stein, both at home; one brother, Robert Stein, Ft. Recovery; one sister, Mrs. Theresa Roemner, Ft. Recovery, and four grandchildren. Burial in the church cemetery.

Journal-Gazette, Fort Wayne, IN; May 11, 1940

(Handwritten date: May 16, 1949)
MATHILDA KOHM STEVENSON, fell asleep in Jesus at the home of her daughter Anna in New York City, on April 9, 1949. She was born in Germany June 16, 1871, thus having attained the age of 77 years, 9 months and 23 days. She came to America in her late teens. Through the continual coaxing of her older sisters she attended services at the First Methodist Church where a short time later she gave her heart to the Lord. The minister spoke on Ezek. 36:26-27, "A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you; and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh." And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them." Shortly after her conversion she felt that God had saved her for a purpose. She began her work by doing house to house visitation with an older experienced missionary. About this time she visited the Christian Mission (cut off) ...she was married to a fellow missionary, Alvin James Stevenson. They had many difficult but happy years telling of the matchless love of Jesus ....not knowing the Light of the world....and was a left a widow with three small children... During the years she had labored in various fields of Christian service and God has given her a faithful ministry. For a time she was a worker at the Salem Children's Home near ?? She believed in the power of prayer. Her humble, prayerful sincere Christian Life was (cut off) Surviving and mourning her life are her three children (cut off) eight grandchildren and three sisters, Mrs. John Gittinger and Mrs. Minnie Anderson of Meadows, Illinois, Ollilia Schiller of Germany, a brother John Kohm of New York City besides many friends.

Adams County Historical Museum 1933-1953 Scrapbook, Image 024 - Transcribed by Karin King

Warren, May 13 – Frank J. Stuart, 63, died today at the home of a sister, Mrs. Isaac Zent, from an illness that began last November. He was a member of the Odd Fellows Lodge. He never married and the sister is the only surviving relative. Funeral services will be conducted at the Congregational Christian Church, time to be set, Rev. C. A. Duncan officiating. Burial will be in the Masonic Cemetery.

Journal-Gazette, May 14, 1940

(Handwritten date: Tuesday, June 9, 1953)
BERNE - Mrs. Caroline Lehman Swartz, 63, a native and former resident of this city, died Sunday in Elkhart, following several month's illness. Surviving are her husband, Edwin L., two sons, four grandchildren, four brothers and four sisters. Services will be held Wednesday morning in the First Evangelical United Brethren Church, Elkhart.
Karin King note: Caroline is buried in Rice Cemetery, Elkhart, Elkhart County, Indiana

Adams County Historical Museum 1933-1953 Scrapbook, Image 018 - Transcribed by Karin King