Mrs. Echoe Allen

Carmel - Mrs. John (Echoe) Allen, 96, former owner of Central Coal Co in Muncie. She was a member of the Business & Professional Woman and Hazelwood Christian Church. Services at 1:30 p.m. tomorrow in Meeks Mortuary,Muncie. Survivors - daughters Jeanne Stark, Rachel Hurst, Mary Kleinfelder.
Unknown source
Contributed by Karen Zach


George W. Allison

Lafayette, May 12 -- George W. Allison, aged 84 years, a veteran of the Civil War, died suddenly early Sunday morning at his home, 435 wood Street, West Lafayette. He retired in apparently good health and was found dead Sunday morning.
Crawfordsville Review, Montgomery County, Indiana; May 13, 1924, p. 6
Contributed by Karen Zach


Forest F. Baker

Forest F. Baker, 77, Tucson, Arizona, a native of Decatur, died May 12 in St. Mary's Hospice. He resided in Decatur for many years before moving to Arizona. Among survivors are his wife, the former Helena Rayl of Decatur, and a daughter. Funeral services and burial were held in Tucson. [buried Cochise Gardens of Rest Cemetery; Benson, Cochise County, Arizona]
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams County, Indiana; June 8, 1993
Contributed by Karin King


Mrs. Marilyn D. Baker

Marilyn D. Baker dies at hospital
Mrs. Marilyn D. Baker, 48, of Hoagland, died at 2:45 p.m. Monday at Lutheran hospital in Fort Wayne, following an illness of two weeks. She was a lifelong resident of the Hoagland area and a member of St. John's Lutheran church, Flatrock. Surviving are her husband, Wayne Baker, co-owner of the Waynedale Lumber Co.; two sons, Larry W. and Stanley L., both of Hoagland; a sister, Mrs. Glenn Genth of Monroeville; her mother, Mrs. Catherine Rietdorf of Hoagland; and one grandchild. Services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday at St. John's Lutheran church at Flatrock, with Rev. Donald Frank officiating. Burial will be in Covington memorial gardens. Friends may call at the Elzey home for funerals in Waynedale from 7 to 9 p.m. today, 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, and at the church after 1 p.m. Thursday. Preferred memorials are gifts to the church building fund.
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams County, Indiana; Tuesday, Nov. 7, 1972
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski


Sam Baumgartner

Sam Baumgartner Dies in Colorado
Word had been received by Mrs. Nathan Sprunger of the death of Samuel Baumgartner, 70, who passed away at the State Hospital at Pueblo, Colorado, early July 12. Death was attributed to a stroke of paralysis. He had been in ill health many years. Mr. Baumgartner was the husband of Dina Scheidegger, sister of Mrs. Sprunger. For many years Mr. and Mrs. Baumgartner resided at Woodburn, Indiana. In 1908, they moved to Blue Springs, Nebraska, and have since lived at Fort Morgan, Colorado. Mr. Baumgartner leaves to mourn his wife, a son, Franklin, and a daughter, Mrs. Rolland King. Mrs. Baumgartner's present address is 525 Grand Street, Fort Morgan. Burial will be made at Fort Morgan, where David Scheidegger and son Lloyd are buried. [buried Riverside Cemetery, Fort Morgan, Morgan Co., Colorado]
Adams County (IN) Historical Museum 1941a Jan-June Scrapbook; handwritten date: Wednesday, July 16, 1941
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski


Mrs. Ethel Steele Beaumont

Ethel Beaumont dies in Florida
Mrs. Ethel Steele Beaumont, 78, a former Adams county resident, died Oct. 25 in Sebring, Fla., after a long illness of heart trouble. She was buried in the Crown Hill cemetery at Indianapolis Oct. 28. Mrs. Beaumont was an aunt of Miss Wilma Andres, a teacher in the Southeast school. Mrs. Beaumont was formerly married to Earl Steele of Kirkland township, who died several years ago.
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams County, Indiana; Wednesday, Nov. 8, 1972
Marion County, Indiana, U.S., Marriage Index, 1925-2012

Name: Louie Beaumont; Gender: Male; Marriage Date: 6 Mar 1959; Marriage Place: Marion, Indiana, USA; Spouse: Ethel Steele
Florida, U.S., Death Index, 1877-1998
Name: Ethel Mae Beaumont; Race: White; Age at Death: 78; Birth Date: 31 Jan 1894; Death Date: 25 Oct 1972; Death Place: Highlands, Florida, United States
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski


Arthur Burton Berkheiser

BERKHEISER-Funeral services for Arthur Burton Berkheiser of 211 W. Chippewa Ave., who died Wednesday, will be held at 10 a.m. Monday in the Welsheimer Funeral Home. Charles W. Hahn of the First Church of Christ Scientist, will read the service. The body will be taken to Chicago for cremation. Friends may call after 4 p.m.
The South Bend Tribune, St. Joseph County, Indiana; Saturday, September 8, 1962, page 10
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser


Cora (Kizer) Berkheiser

Mrs. Cora Berkheiser, 56 years old, wife of James Berkheiser, of South Bend, a former resident of Mishawaka, died yesterday morning, following a three months' illness with dropsy. Mrs. Berkheiser was born at Sumption Prairie, Aug. 10, 1863, and moved to South Bend from Mishawaka 27 years ago. Besides her husband, she survived by one daughter, Hazel, at home; one sister, Mrs. John Seaby, of Chicago; and two brothers, Willis and Trollis Kizer, Mishawaka. The funeral will be held at the residence Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock, Rev. B. Earle Parker, of Mishawaka, officiating.
Mishawaka Enterprise, St. Joseph County, Indiana; Friday, April 30, 1920, page 1
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser


David P. Berkheiser

David P. Berkheiser, 68, 136 West Grove street, died at his home on Saturday, Sept. 6, following an illness of one year. Mr. Berkheiser was until his retirement was a foreman at the Ball Band plant for 43 years. He was born in Mishawaka on Dec. 17, 1879 and lived here his entire lifetime. On June 28, 1899 he married Miss Daisy E. Reed in Mishawaka. Mr. Berkheiser is survived by his widow and one son and a daughter. The son is O. E. Berkheiser and the daughter, Mrs. Adah Anderson, both of Mishawaka. Two sisters, Mrs. Lottie Snow of Centerville, Mich., and a sister in Denver, Colo., also survive. Four grandchildren and one great-grandchild are left by Mr. Berkheiser. Funeral services were held in the First Baptist church on Tuesday afternoon with Rev. K. F. Dodson officiating. Burial was in the Mishawaka city cemetery.
Mishawaka Enterprise, St. Joseph County, Indiana; Wednesday, September 10, 1947, page 6
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser


Mrs. Eva Maude Berkheiser

Mrs. Eva Maude Berkheiser, 52, a life long resident of St. Joseph county died, Saturday after an illness of four years. She is survived by her mother, her husband [John A.], two children, three brothers and a sister.
The Elkhart Truth, Elkhart County, Indiana, Monday, January 21, 1924, page 2
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser


Floyd Berkheiser

Floyd Berkheiser Rites - At Mexico On Tuesday
PERU-Graveside services for Floyd Berkheiser, 74, of Kenosha, Wis,, who died there Friday morning, will be held at the Greenlawn cemetery, Mexico [Miami County], at 1 o'clock Tuesday afternoon. The Rev. Floyd Seibert will officiate. The casket will be opened at the grave. Mr. Berkheiser had been ill six years after suffering a stroke. He was born in Mexico, Aug. 23, 1885, the son of John and Ivy (Kerschner) Berkheiser. The family lived in Mexico for a number of years before moving to Sheldon, Ill. Mr. Berkheiser was a traveling salesman for a grocery wholesaler. Survivors include his wife, Ethel, a daughter, two sons and a sister. Funeral services will be held at the Hanson Funeral Home in Kenosha at 2 p.m. Monday.
The Pharos-Tribune and Logansport Press, Cass County, Indiana; Sunday, February 14, I960, page 11
Word has been received here of the death of Floyd Berkheiser, 74, of Kenosha, Wisc., which occurred there on Friday, Feb. 12. He had been bedfast six years after suffering a stroke. Mr. Berkheiser, a native of Mexico, had been a travelling salesman for agrocery wholesaler. He is survived by his wife, a daughter, two sons, and a sister. Funeral services were conducted in Kenosha on Monday, Feb. 15, and the body was brought to Mexico for graveside services in Greenlawn Cemetery on Tuesday, Feb. 16.
The Denver Tribune, Miami County, Indiana; Friday, February 19, 1960, page 6
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser


Harold A. Berkheiser

Services for Harold A. Berkheiser, 66, of 5619 Old Dover Blvd. will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday in Trinity United Methodist Church. He died at 1:05 a.m. yesterday in Parkview Memorial Hospital. Mr. Berkheiser was a native of Rochester and had lived in Fort Wayne since 1940. He was an electrical engineer with Indiana & Michigan Electric Co. for 34 years. Surviving are his wife, Isabel; a son, Jerry; two daughters, Mrs. Jeanette Boerger and Mrs. Julia Davis, both of Fort Wayne; a sister, Mrs. Mildred Jeffrey, Schererville; and two brothers, Russell, Ossian and Warren, New Haven. Friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m. today and 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. at C. M. Sloan & Sons Funeral Home and after 9:30 a.m. Friday at the church. Sol D. Bayless Lodge will conduct masonic services at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Burial will be in New Haven IOOF Cemetery. Preferred memorials are gifts to the church.
Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, Allen, County, Indiana; Wednesday, October 22, 1975
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser


Hattie May Berkheiser

Hattie May, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Berkheiser, of 1014 west Napier street, died at 2:30 Tuesday morning of summer complaint, aged 14 months and 10 days. The funeral occurred Wednesday at 3 p. m. from the house, Rev. N. D. Williamson officiating.
The South Bend Weekly Tribune, St. Joseph County, Indiana; Saturday, August 27, 1892, page 12
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser


Ivy (Kerschner) Berkheiser

Mrs. Ivy (Kerschner) Berkheiser, 78, former resident of near Denver, died at her home in Sheldon, Ill., last Thursday evening. Surviving are: two sons, Floyd Berkheiser of Duluth, Minn., and Dr. Elvin J. Berkheiser, of Chicago; and a daughter, Vernie Berkheiser, at home. Funeral services were conducted at the Mexico Baptist church at 1 p.m. Saturday. Burial was made in the Green Lawn cemetery there.
The Denver Tribune, Miami County, Indiana; April 11, 1940, page 5
Ivy Clendenning Berkheiser was born in Miami County Indiana on May 14, 1867 and died after a short illness at her home in Sheldon, Ill., on Thursday evening, April 4, 1940 being 72 years, 11 months and 21 days of age. On August 26, 1884 she was married to John Berkheiser at Mexico, Ind., who preceded her in death on July 17, 1932. To this union were born three children, namely: Vernie Berkheiser, of Sheldon, Dr. Olvin J. Berkheiser, of Chicago and Floyd L. Berkheiser, of Duluth, Minn. In addition to these she leaves one half-brother, William Moore, of Claypool, Ind., and two half-sisters, Mrs. Mary Warren, of Mishawaka, Ind., and Mrs. Elnora Berger, of Macy, Ind., and three grandchildren, born to Mr. and Mrs. Floyd Berkheiser at Duluth, Minn. In June 1892 the deceased moved to Sheldon, Ill., where the children were all educated and raised to maturity. Funeral services were held at the residence at 10 o'clock Saturday morning conducted by Rev. David Creighton, pastor of the Presbyterian church. After a short service at the house the remains were taken overland to Mexico, Ind., where services were held in the Baptist church, burial being made in the family lot at Greenlawn cemetery. Dr. Creighton, the flower girls and a number of other sympathizing friends accompanied the body to the scene of burial where a host of relatives and friends awaited.
The Peru Republican, Miami County, Indiana; Friday, April 12, 1940, page 4
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser


John Berkheiser

John Berkheiser, the son of John and Margaret Bressler Berkheiser, was born in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, May 11, 1862, and died Sunday afternoon, July 17, 1932, being 70 years, 8 months and 16 days of age. He had been in ill health for several years and seriously ill since last Nov. 10. He was one of a family of twelve children and when he was five years old, at the close of the Civil War he came west wtih his parents and settled in Miami County, Indiana, where he grew to manhood. On August 26, 1884 he was married to Ivy Clendenning, who survives him. In June, 1892, forty years ago, the family moved to Sheldon, Ill. Mr. Berkheiser was a mason and engaged in the manufacture of cement blocks. Surviving besides the widow are two sons and a daughter: Floyd Berkheiser, grocery merchant in Duluth, Minn.; Dr. Elven Berkheiser of Chicago, a noted bone specialist, and Miss Vernie Berkheiser at home; a brother, Joseph Berkheiser, and a sister, Mrs. Alice Francis of Mexico. Funeral services were held at the residence at 9:30 o'clock Wednesday, conducted by Rev. David Creighton, pastor of the the Presbyterian Church. After a short service at the house, the remains were taken overland to Mexico, Ind., where services were held in the Baptist Church, burial being made in the family lot in Greenlawn cemetery.
The Denver Tribune, Miami County, Indiana; July 28, 1932, page 4
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser


John LeRoy Berkheiser

John LeRoy Berkheiser, 21475 W. Ireland Rd., died Saturday in St. Joseph's Hospital. He had been ill since Aug. 21 with leukemia. He was born in South Bend May 19, 1927. He lived here all his life for two years when he was in the Army. He was married in South Bend on June 10, 1950, to Beverly Large. He was a truck driver for the Indiana Lumber Co. Surviving besides his widow are two sons, John and Michael, and two daughters, Mary Kaye and Sue Ann, all at home; his mother, Mrs. Luella G. Berkheiser; a brother, Richard E., and a sister, Mrs. Joyce Rankin, all of South Bend. Friends may call at the Orvis Funeral Home. Services will be at 2 p. m. Tuesday in the funeral home, Rev. Daniel Thornhill, pastor of the Auten Chapel, officiating. Burial will be in Southlawn Cemetery.
The South Bend Tribune, St. Joseph County, Indiana; December 21, 1958
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser


Jonathan Berkheiser

AGED FARMER DIES AT HOME IN MISHAWAKA - Jonathan Berkheiser Starves to Death, Tongue and Throat Being Paralyzed.
Jonathan Berkheiser, aged 76 years, who died from paralysis this afternoon at 1:25 at the family home, practically starved to death, his tongue and throat being paralyzed. He suffered a second stroke about two weeks ago and his first stroke in May 1911. He was born in Schuylkill county, Penn., August 13, 1836, and was married to Miss Maria Dress in Pennsylvania in 1889. Forty-five years ago he came to Mishawaka and had farmed at different places in the vicinity ever since. He was a member of the United Brethren church. Besides his wife, three daughters survive him, Mrs. John Austin, of Mishawaka, Mrs. Matthew Goldie, of Chicoa, Cal., and Mrs. Albert Snow, of Barlamont, Mich., two sons, George, of San Francisco, and David Berkheiser, of Mishawaka, one sister, Mrs. Elizabeth Berger, of South Bend, and one brother, Abraham Berkheiser, of South Bend. The funeral arrangements have not yet been made.
The South Bend Tribune, St. Joseph County, Indiana; Thursday, May 9, 1912, page 11
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser


Mrs. Lealda Berkheiser

Mrs. Lealda Berkheiser, 90, formerly of New Haven, died at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Methodist Memorial Home at Warren. Mrs. Berkheiser is the widow of Louis Berkheiser. She was a member of the New Haven Methodist Church. Surviving are one daughter, Mrs. L. J. Jeffery, Merrillville; three sons, Harold of Fort Wayne, Russell of Ossian and Warren of New Haven; and 11 grandchildren. Friends may call at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Methodist Memorial Home Chapel where funeral services will be conducted at 10 a.m. Friday. The body will then be taken to the Harper Funeral Home at New Haven where friends may call after 2 p.m. Friday. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at the New Haven United Methodist Church.
Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, Allen, County, Indiana; Thursday, May 4, 1972
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser


Lewis A. Berkheiser

Lewis A. Berkheiser, 78, 1007 Bell Ave., New Haven, died at 8 a.m. today at Parkview Memorial Hospital where he was a patient 12 days. He had been in failing health four months. Born near Denver, Ind., Mr. Berkheiser came to New Haven 39 years ago. He belonged to the New Haven Methodist Church and the official church board. Survivors include his wife, Lealdae; three sons, Harold A., Fort Wayne, Russell F., Ossian, and Warren E., New Haven; a daughter, Mrs. Mildred Mafit, New Haven; two brothers, Howard H., Miami, Fla., and Harvey E., Argos: two sisters, Miss Emma Berkheiser, Flora, and Mrs. Dora Murphy, Fort Wayne, and 11 grandchildren. Friends may call at E. Harper & Sons Funeral Home, New Haven, after 7 p.m. Saturday and after 12 noon Monday at New Haven Methodist Church. Services will be at the church at 2 p.m. Monday with Dr. Neuman.
Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, Allen, County, Indiana; Friday, January 6, 1961
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser


Louis Grover Berkheiser

Louis Grover Berkheiser, aged 62, of Ottumwa, Ia., a former resident here, died in Ottumwa last Saturday. Funeral rites were held there Monday with burial in the Ottumwa Shrine cemetery. Mr. Berkheiser was born in South Bend Sept. 19, 1880. For years he travelled with the Polack Bros. circus. He leaves three brothers, William and Allen Berkheiser, of South Bend, and George, of St. Cloud, Fla., and two sisters, Mrs. Rose McArdle, of South Bend, and Mrs. Mabel Knapp, of Buchanan, Mich.
The South Bend Tribune, St. Joseph County, Indiana; Saturday Evening, December 5, 1942
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser


Mrs. Margaret Berkheiser

Mrs. Margaret Berkheiser, a widow of John Berkheiser. died at her home near Weasaw and will be buried in that cemetery The funeral services will be held in the Weasaw church at 2 o'clock tomorrow.
The Denver Tribune, Miami County, Indiana; Thursday, June 11, 1903
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser


Myron Z. Berkheiser

ROCHESTER: Myron Z. Berkheiser, 81, died at 6:05 a.m. Friday at Life Care Center, Rochester. He retired as a self-employed grocer after 46 years and was a World War II Army Veteran. He was past president Woodland Hospital board of trustees and twice president of of Rochester Kwanis. Surviving are his wife, Helen M.; a daughter, Nancy Sue of Fort Wayne; and a brother, Herschel of Palo Alto, Calif. Services at 2 p.m. Sunday at Trinity United Methodist Church, Rochester. Calling from 2 to 8 p,m. today at Zimmerman Brothers Funeral Home, Rochester and one hour before services Sunday at the church. Burial in IOOF Cemetery, Rochester. Memorials to church.
Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, Allen, County, Indiana; February 17, 1990, page 5A
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser


Mrs. Pauline C. Berkheiser

Mrs. Pauline C. Berkheiser, aged 68, of 521 N. Cushing street, died of a heart attack at 3 p. m. Tuesday in her residence. Born in Bremen, Ind., Sept. 12, 1877, she came here 18 years ago from Bremen. On Oct. 23, 1808, in Bremen, she was married to William H. Berkheiser, who survives. Other survivors are two sons, Karl O. and Robert W., both of South Bend; two grandchildren, and a sister, Mrs. A. Tirmenstein, of Evansville, Ind. Friends may call after 7 p. m. today in the residence and until noon on Friday when the body will be taken to St. Paul's Lutheran church to lie from 1 p. m.until the hour of funeral services there at 2 p. m. Rev. E. W. Broders, pastor, will officiate. Burial will be in Highland cemetery. She was a member of the Women's Sewing circle of the St. Paul's church.
The South Bend Tribune, St. Joseph County, Indiana; February 6, 1946
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser


Mrs. Sarah J. Berkheiser

Mrs. Sarah J. Berkheiser, wife of Henry Berkheiser, died at 7:45 this morning at the family home, 1014 West Napier street. The cause of death was consumption with which she had suffered for a considerable length of time. She was 46 years of age. The funeral will take place from the residence at 2 o'clock Friday afternoon and from St. Paul's Lutheran church, Jefferson and William streets, at 2:30 o'clock. The pastor, Rev. T. Thieme, will officiate.
The South Bend Weekly Tribune, St. Joseph County, Indiana; March 19, 1898, page 7
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser


William Henry Berkheiser

William Henry Berkheiser, aged 74, 6117 South Main street, died at 2 a. m. Sunday in his residence after three years illness. He was born in South Bend May 15, 1876, and lived all his life here. He was married here in 1898 to Pauline Breunlin, who died in 1946. He was a retired cabinet maker and had been employed by the South Bend Toy Works and the Polar Fuel & Ice company. Surviving are two sons, Karl and Robert, of South Bend; five grandchildren, and a sister, Mrs. Roy Knapp, of Buchanan, Mich. Friends may call after 7 p. m. today in the Orvis funeral home and until noon Wednesday. Then the body will be taken to St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran church for funeral services at 2 p. m. Wednesday. Rev. E. W. Broders, pastor, will officiate. Burial will be in Highland cemetery. Mr. Berkheiser was a member of St. Paul's church.
The South Bend Tribune, St. Joseph County, Indiana; Monday, July 31, 1950
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser


William Henry Berkheiser

William Henry Berkheiser, Box 83, Rt. 2, South Bend, died at 7:30 p. m. Thursday en route to Memorial Hospital after he became ill in his home. He was born in LaPorte County, Indiana, Aug. 12, 1892, and lived most of his life here. He was married in South Bend in 1919 to Luella Smith, who survives. He leaves also two sons, Richard and John L., and a daughter, Joyce, South Bend; three grandchildren and a sister, Mrs. Warren Smith, Fruitport, Mich. He was a machine repairman for the Bendix Products Division of the Bendix Aviation Corp. He was a member of Bendix Aviation Post 284, American Legion. Friends may call after 7 p. m. today in the Orvis Funeral Home where the funeral will take place at 2 p. m. Sunday. Rev. Buel Horn, Immanuel Methodist Church, will officiate. Burial will be in Southlawn Cemetery with rites there in charge of members of Bendix post.
The South Bend Tribune, St. Joseph County, Indiana; Friday Evening, December 2, 1955, page 44
BERKHEISER--Pallbearers for William H. Berkheiser will be fellow members of Bendix Post 289, American Legion. They are Frank Russell Wilcox, Steve Koler, Ray Summers, Marvin Wise and Lee Fisher. Funeral services will be conducted in the Orvis Funeral Home at 2 p. m. today and burial will be in Southlawn Cemetery.
The South Bend Tribune, St. Joseph County, Indiana; Sunday Morning, December 4, 1955, page 62
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser


Howard D. Biltz

FORT WAYNE - Howard D. Biltz, 71. Services at 10 a.m. Wednesday in the C. M. Sloan & Sons Funeral Home, 1327 N. Walls St. Calling from 6-8 p.m. today. [buried Highland Park Cemetery; Fort Wayne, Allen County, Indiana.
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams County, Indiana; Tuesday, June 8, 1993
Contributed by Karin King


Armella B. (Coy) Blew

ARMELLA B. BLEW, 78, of Angola died Friday at home. The Columbia City native was the widow of Merle, who died in 1974. Surviving are a daughter, Joy Blew of Angola; sisters, Wilma Hearld, Helen Keller, Eilene Bentz, June Leslie and Charlotte McKenney; and brothers, Ernest Coy, Bernard Coy and Ben Coy. Graveside services are 10 a.m. Tuesday in South Park Cemetery, Columbia City. Calling is 4 to 8 p.m. today in Shoda-Wilkinson Funeral Home, Columbia City. Memorials are to Steuben County Hospice.
Fort Wayne Sentinel, Allen County, Indiana; July 1, 1996, Page 10A
Contributed by Jim Cox


Mabel (Breckbill) Blosser

Mabel Blosser dies at home
Mrs. Mabel Breckbill Blosser, 81, died at a nursing home in Goshen, after an extended illness. Surviving are two daughters, Mrs. Donald Young of Berne, and Mrs. Paul Fry of Bristol, and three sons, Paul, Fred and John Blosser. Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday at the Reth-Rohrer funeral home in Goshen. [buried Violett Cemetery; Goshen, Elkhart County, Indiana]
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams County, Indiana; Saturday, Nov. 16, 1972
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski


E. L. (Bud) Borne

E. L. (Bud) Borne, 47, native of county, dies
E.L. (Bud) Borne, 47, of 7019 Maplecrest road, Fort Wayne, a native of Adams county was dead on arrival at 7:55 a.m. Wednesday at Parkview memorial hospital. He was a supervisor for General Telephone Co., where he had been employed 26 years. A veteran of World War II, Mr. Borne was a member of Grace United Church of Christ, American Legion Post 499, Eagles lodge, Pioneers club of America, and the American Bowling Congress. Surviving are his wife, Meredith; two sons, Garry Lew and Larry Dean, both at home; two daughters, Mrs. Lynn Myers of Fort Wayne, and Kathy Dianna Borne of Asbury Park, N.J.; his mother, Mrs. Garnet Borne of Fort Wayne; a brother, Brooks Borne of Fort Wayne; and two sisters, Mrs. Hazel Battenberg of Sacramento, Calif., and Mrs. Hope Richey of Ossian. Rites will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at D. O. McComb & Sons funeral home, with Rev. Marvin Deerhake officiating. Burial will be in Highland Park cemetery. Friends may call at eh funeral home after 7 p.m. today.
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams County, Indiana; Thursday, Nov. 2, 1972
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski


Charles H. Brouwer

CHARLES H. BROUWER IS TAKEN BY DEATH - Former Operator of Store At Boston
Charles H. Brouwer, 72, well known Allen county resident, died at 1:30 a.m. Sunday at his home four and one-half miles southwest of Monroeville. Mr. Brouwer operated a general store at Boston Corners for 38 years before ill health forced his retirement two years ago. He was a member of the Marquardt Lutheran church in Madison township, Allen county. Surviving are his wife, Dollie; a son, Russell, of Monroeville; two grandchildren; a brother, George P. Brouwer of Fort Wayne, and a sister, Mrs. Elizabeth Hodle Bohnke of Decatur. Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at the residence, and at 2 o'clock at the church, the Rev. George H. Volkmar officiating. Burial will be in the New Haven IOOF cemetery.
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams County, Indiana; Monday, June 9, 1952
Contributed by Karin King


Sophia (Lampe) Busche

Mrs. Sophia Busche, aged 69, died at 5:20 o'clock this morning at St Joseph's hospital after a three weeks' illness of complications. She was a member of St Peter's Lutheran church, at Goeglein. Her father Diedrich Lampe, died September 18, 1928. Surviving are her husband, Ernest; seven children, Mrs Louise Pierre, of this city; Louis and Herman Busche, of Milan township, and Fred and Otto of St Joseph township; Alfred of this city, and Lawrence, at home; four sister, Mrs Louise Hauschild and Mrs Fred Gerke, of Fort Wayne; Mrs William Dressler, of St Joseph township, and Mrs William Goeglein of Milan township; five brothers, Fred, Diedrich and Louis Lampe, of Milan township, and Herman of this city, and 20 grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at the home Sunday, at 1:30 o'clock, standard time, and at St Peter's Lutheran church at 2 o'clock, the Rev AC Doerfler officiating. Burial in church cemetery, K Mumma and the Rev AL Weaver officiating. Burial in Lutheran cemetery.
Fort Wayne Sentinel, Allen County, Indiana; February 6, 1929
Contributed by Jim Cox


Grace (Herriman) Buswell

Kentland, Nov. 9 - Mrs. Grace (Herriman) Buswell, 74, wife of Abraham Buswell, died at 6 p.m. Thursday in Home Hospital, Lafayette. She had been ill several months. Born near her, she was a life-long resident of Newton County. She was married Nov 24, 1898 and was a member of Mt. Zion EUB Church. Surviving besides the husband are two daughters, Mrs. Harold Spangler of Anderson and Mrs. William Sutton of Mulberry; a son, Vernon of Kentland; five brothers, Alva Herriman of Kentland; William of Milford, Ill; Arthur of Pemberville, O; Harry of Macy and Clyde of Chicago. Friends may call at the Towers-McMullan Funeral Home, Kentland, after 8 p.m. Friday. Body to be taken to residence at Kentland at 9 a.m. Sunday. Services at 2 p.m. Monday in Mt. Zion EUB Church, Washington Township, Newton County. Rev. E.C. Reidenbach and Rev. C.L. Davis will officiate. Burial in Mt. Zion Cemetery.
Lafayette Journal and Courier, Tippecanoe County, Indiana; Friday, 9 Nov 1951, p. 10
Contributed by Karen Zach


Miss Mary A. Carll

Sister of city resident dies
Miss Mary A. Carll, 75, of 222 East Patterson street, Hartford City, died Tuesday at the Clinic hospital in Bluffton. Miss Carll, sister of Paul Carll of Decatur, was a member of St. John's Catholic church, Queen of All Hearts study club, Rosary society and Catholic Ladies of Columbia. She was a retired employee of the Fort Wayne Corrugated Paper Co. Surviving are three brothers, Paul Carll of Decatur, James Carll of Hartford City, and G. Majel Carll of Upland, and one sister, Mrs. E.C. Sample of Mishawaka. Services will be held t 10 a.m. Friday at St. John's Catholic church, with Rev. A. Leonard Reemmer officiating. Burial will be in the Hartford City IOOF cemetery. Friends may call at the Richman-Markin mortuary in Hartford City from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. today.
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams County, Indiana; Saturday, Nov 30, 1972
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski


Mrs. Alice L. Conrad

Alice L. Conrad, 78, Fort Wayne, a native of Berne, died on Friday at home. She lived most of her life in Fort Wayne and was a retired bookkeeper. Her husband, Clinton Conrad, is deceased. Surviving are three sons, one daughter, 10 grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. Funeral services are at 11 a.m. Tuesday in D.O. McComb and Sons Lakeside Park Funeral Home, Fort Wayne, with burial in Greenlawn Memorial Park, Fort Wayne. Visiting hours are 6-9 p.m. today at the funeral home.
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams County, Indiana; Monday, January 7, 1991
Contributed by Karin King


Augusta G. (Reitze) Cook

Yesterday afternoon at 1 o'clock at her late residence in Arcola, occurred the death from consumption, of Mrs. A. P. Cook, formerly Miss Augusta G. Reitze, of this city. She leaves a husband, son, and daughter to mourn her loss. The funeral will take place from the family residence in Arcola, at 10:30 a.m. Sunday. Interment in Lindenwood Cemetery at about 1 p.m.
Fort Wayne Gazette, Allen County, Indiana; July 4, 1896
Contributed by Karin King


Edith & Thurlow Couts, William Page Blackburn

Two Killed, 26 Hurt In Auto Crashes Here - Mrs. Edith Couts, W. P. Blackburn Fatally Injured South Of City
Two persons are dead and 26 injured as a result of automobile accidents in and near Fort Wayne over the week end. The dead are: MRS. EDITH COUTS, 29 1815 Winter Street and WILLIAM PAGE BLACKBURN, 55, Monroeville.
Adams County (IN) Historical Museum 1941b Jan-Dec Scrapbook; handwritten date: April 27, 1941
THIRD WRECK VICTIM DIES - Therlow Couts Dies Tuesday; Double Funeral Thursday
The bodies of Therlow Couts and his wife will be buried in the Decatur cemetery Thursday afternoon, following funeral services at the Schone funeral home in Fort Wayne at 1:30 o'clock. Couts, the driver of one vehicle in a two-car Allen county crash which has claimed three lives and injured three others, died late Tuesday afternoon at the Fort Wayne Methodist hospital from injuries sustained in the accident. His wife died Sunday shortly after the accident. Their son, Therlow, Jr., 6, is the only survivor of the three riding in the Couts car. Mrs. Couts was a native of Pleasant Mills and a sister of Mrs. Ray Venis, of this city. Mrs. Venis has been making the burial arrangements here. William Page Blackburn, 55, of Monroeville, who was riding the in the other car involved in the accident, driven by Rev. Theodore Fettig, also of Monroeville, was the other victim. Funeral services for him were held this morning. The Couts lad was severely cut about the face. Mrs. Blackburn and Rev. Fettig were both reported to be improving. [William Blackburn buried Catholic Cemetery; Fort Wayne, Indiana]
Adams County (IN) Historical Museum 1941b Jan-Dec Scrapbook; handwritten date: April 30, 1941
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski


Miss Estelle C. Cover

Miss Estelle C. Cover, 70, of 3905 S. Michigan St., died early today in her home after an extended illness. She was the owner of the H. S. Cover Co., manufacturer of rubber goods specialties. Her late father, Harvey C., was one of the developers of the gas mask. Surviving is a brother, Harold S., of Glendale, Calif. Arrangements are being handled by the Welsheimer Funeral Home.
The South Bend Tribune, St. Joseph County, Indiana; Saturday, August 28, 1971, page 13
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser


Harvey S. Cover

HARVEY COVER DIES AT AGE 94 - Invented Goggles for Industrial Workers.
Harvey S. Cover, inventor of industrial goggles, died at 3:15 a. m. today in the River Park Nursing Home at the age of 94. He resided at 3905 S. Michigan St. where he operated the firm of H. S. Cover Manufacturers. Born in Genners, Pa., on March 1, 1867, Cover had lived in South Bend since 1890, coming here from Goshen. He attended Purdue University, West Lafayette, and graduated from Armour Institute, Chicago, with an engineering degree. Cover became interested in dust protection for industrial workers while he was employed as a youth in a flour mill. In 1894 he made his first respirator, a face mask to protect industrial workers from dust. Several models of his respirator were used in factories throughout the world and in the diamond mines of South Africa and the nitrate mines of Chile. His work also was adapted to the manufacture of gas masks in World War I.
Copied by Germans.
In the early 1900's Cover also invented goggles for motorists. The goggles, which grew out of his invention of a face protector for firemen, were copied by German manufacturers and from 1908 to 1912 Cover sued his imitators five times in federal courts, winning two of his suits and collecting a 10-cent royalty for each pair of German goggles shipped into the United States. In later years he also made goggles for swimmers. His inventions first were manufactured by the former Western Rubber Co. of Goshen. "Life begins at 65," Cover once said, explaining that he had done his best work since that age. He maintained an experimental laboratory in his home.
Funeral on Saturday.
Cover married Katie Berkheiser on June 26, 1895. She died in 1950. Surviving are a daughter, Miss Estelle C. Cover, of South Bend; a son, Harold, of Anaheim, Calif.; two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, and a sister, Miss Lillie Cover, of Warren, Ind. Friends may call after noon Friday in the Welsheimer Funeral Home where services will be conducted at 2 p. m. Saturday by Rev. Kenneth R. Hemphill, pastor of First Methodist Church. Entombment will be in the Highland Mausoleum. Cover was a member of the church, the Indiana Academy of Science, the South Bend Round Table and the Octogenarian Club.
The South Bend Tribune, St. Joseph County, Indiana; Thursday, September 21, 1961, page 49
COVER -- Pallbearers for Harvey S. Cover, 94, of 3905 S. Michigan St., were Dallas Miller, Robert W. Latta, Fred B. Lyddick, William Trowbridge, F. B. Curtis and Rudolph Campbell. Funeral services for Mr. Cover, who died Thursday, were held today, with entombment in the Highland Mausoleum.
The South Bend Tribune, St. Joseph County, Indiana; Thursday, September 23, 1961, page 49
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser


William Scott Cunningham

Bismarck - William Scott Cunningham, 66, a life resident of the Walnut Corner community, died last night (July 19, 1966) in his sleep at his home, southeast of Bismarck. He had been ill several years. Ralph Sargent, Vermilion County coroner, investigated and attributed death to natural causes. Born July 5, 1900, in the same home, he was the son of W.O. and Etta Clem Cunningham. He was married Sept. 19, 1923, to Beatrice Young, who survives. Mr. Cunningham was a prominent area farmer. He graduated from Bismarck schools and Brown Business College. He was a member of the Walnut Corner Church of Christ, Masonic Lodge, Scottish Rite and Elks Lodge 332. Other survivors include a daughter, Mrs. Barbara Jones of Fithian rural route; a son, W.O. Cunningham of Alvin rural route; two brothers, Lowell of Ithaca, N.Y., and Roy of Fort Wayne, Ind.; two sisters, Mrs. Harry Badewitz of Alvin and Mrs. Earl Payton of Bismarck; and six grandchildren. He was preceded in death by three brothers and four sisters. The body is at the Morrison Funeral Home. Arrangements are incomplete.
Bismarck - Services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Walnut Corner Church of Christ for William Scott Cunningham, 66, a life resident of the Walnut Corner Community. He died Tuesday night in his sleep at his home, southeast of Bismarck. Robert Huxtable and the Rev. Glenn Patton will officiate. Burial will be in Walnut Corner Cemetery. The body is at the Morrison Funeral Home in Bismarck. Friends will be received from 7 to 9 p.m. today and tomorrow. The body will be taken to the church at noon Saturday.
Unknown newspaper clippings from the Fauniel Harshbarger scrapbook
Transcribed by Ginny A. and provided by Karen Zach


Miss Eleonore H. Daehnke

Eleonore H. Daehnke, retired nurse, dies
Miss Eleonore H. Daehnke, 84, R.N., a member of the nursing staff at the Adams county memorial hospital for more than 30 years, died at 12:30 a.m. today at the Decatur Community Care Center. Miss Daehnke had resided for more than 50 years with Mrs. Ethel Krick, 203 South Monroe street, Monroeville. She was a native of Pennsylvania but had resided in this area since 1914. Miss Daehnke graduated from the Lutheran hospital school of nursing, Fort Wayne, in 1917, and was on the nursing staff at the local hospital more than 30 years before retiring. She was a member of St. Mark's Lutheran church in Monroeville, the Ladies Aid of the church, and the Lutheran Nurses Association of Fort Wayne. Surviving are three brothers, Irvin, Herman and George Daehnke, all of York, Pa., and a sister, Mrs. Marie Lehman, also of York, Pa. Funeral services will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at St. Mark's Lutheran church at Monroeville, with Rev. Frank Barcus officiating. Burial will be in the Monroeville Memorial cemetery. Friends may call at the Marquart funeral home in Monroeville after 2:30 p.m. Friday.
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams County, Indiana; Tuesday, Nov. 14, 1972
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski


Mrs. Mary M. DeHaven

Mary M. DeHaven, 95, of Fort Wayne died Saturday in University Park Nursing Home. The Fort Wayne native was the widow of Ralph D., who died in 1989. Surviving is a daughter, Betty J. Beyhnan of Fort Wayne; sons, Ralph L. of Fort Wayne and Richard W. of Leo-Cedarville; nine grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. Private services are in Lindenwood Cemetery. Memorials are to Crescent Avenue United Methodist Church or University Park Nursing Home.
Fort Wayne Sentinel, Allen County, Indiana; July 1, 1996, Page 10A
Contributed by Jim Cox


Albert A. Derheimer

Body of Missing Man Is Located
Angola, Ind., June 17.-The body of Albert A. Derheimer, 56, Fort Wayne plumbing contractor, was found in Lake James shortly before noon today by an airplane piloted by John Laferty. A trail in the mud on the lake bottom marked Derheimer's struggles toward shore before he apparently became exhausted and was overcome. He had been missing since early Monday evening when he went fishing. [buried Catholic Cemetery; Fort Wayne, Indiana]
Adams County (IN) Historical Museum 1941b Jan-Dec Scrapbook; handwritten date: June 17, 1941
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski


Jacob Diffenbaugh, Welker F. Earhart, John Stowe House, W. Eugene Wire, J. Yoseloitz

Ft. Wayne, May 19 - Five were killed and two persons were probably fatally hurt and approximately 20 received injuries in a head-on collision between two cars on the Indiana Service Corporation Lines at Roanoke - 15 miles south of here early tonight. The dead are: JACOB DIFFENBAUGH, Huntington; WF Erhart, Huntington; J. House, Ft. Wayne; WE Wire, Andrews, Ind.; J. Yoseloitz, Chicago, salesman, home address unknown. The inured were taken to hospital in Huntington, Ft. Wayne and other nearby cities and officials have been unable to make an accurate check of the number although it was estimated about 30. One of the cars was said to have been backing out of a siding when the other, a limited, bound for Indianapolis, crashed into it. The limited was loaded with passengers but the other car was empty. Ambulances, doctors and nurses arrived here from many surrounding towns, a short time after the accident and assisted in caring for the injured. The crew of the ill-fated car, Bert Kohn, conductor, Ft. Wayne and Kenneth Hollingsworth motorman also of Ft. Wayne were injured seriously but probably will recover. Hollingsworth jumped just before the crash. Survivors of the wreck are unable to give any coherent account.
Crawfordsville Review, Montgomery County, Indiana; May 20, 1924, p. 1
Contributed by Karen Zach


George G. Drabenstot

HUNTINGTON - George G. Drabenstot, 72. Services at 11 a.m. Thursday at the First Church of the Nazarene, Huntington. Calling from 6-8 p.m. tonight at the Hart Funeral Home, Huntington, and one hour prior to services at the church. [buried Mount Hope Cemetery; Huntington, Huntington County, Indiana]
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams County, Indiana; Wednesday, April 2, 1997
Contributed by Karin King


Mrs. Gail M. Dunifon

Mother of city resident killed in traffic mishap
Mrs. Gail M. Dunifon, 70, of Garrett, mother of Mrs. Thearl Stults of Decatur, died at 7 a.m. Sunday of injuries suffered in a traffic accident in Phoenix City, Ala. No details of the accident have been learned here. The accident victim was born in Berne June 14, 1902, and lived in Fort Wayne for many years before moving to Garrett three months ago. Mrs. Dunifon was a member of the Ben Hur auxiliary lodge and was active for many years in Republican party affairs in Fort Wayne. Surviving are her husband, Samuel Doty Dunifon; two sons, Jack K. Dunifon of Fort Wayne, a state legislator, elected Nov. 7, and Eugene S. Dunifon of Auburn; one daughter Mrs. Thearl (Ellen) Stults of Decatur; six grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Her first husband, Orlie Dunifon, preceded her in death Feb. 6, 1962. Funeral rites will be conducted at 1:30 p.m. Friday at the Klaehn funeral home in Fort Wayne, with Rev. Harold Neel officiating. Burial will be in Lindenwood cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home after 2 p.m. Thursday.
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams County, Indiana; Tuesday, Nov. 14, 1972
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski


Frank D. Erwin

Funeral On Thursday
Funeral services for Frank D. Erwin, 52, who operated the Erwin Studio here [Fort Wayne] for 20 years until his retirement three years ago due to failing health, will be held Thursday at 10 a.m. at the Getz & Cahill Funeral Home. Burial in Greenlawn Memorial Park. Mr. Erwin was born in Decatur Nov. 22, 1888, the son of Mr. and Mrs. John Erwin. Mr. Erwin died of peritonitis Monday at 1:30 p.m. at the Lutheran Hospital where he had been a patient since undergoing an operation two weeks ago. His home was at 1301 West Washington Boulevard. The deceased operated the photographic and camera business at 610 South Calhoun Street, which still bears his name, until he sold the business three years ago. He was born in Decatur and came here in 1918 to open a studio. Surviving are the widow, Kathryn; a son, Frank D. Erwin Jr., and a daughter, Carol, all at home, and the mother Mrs. Jennie Shilts, of Fort Wayne. The body may be viewed after 7:30 p.m. today at the funeral home.
Adams County (IN) Historical Museum 1941b Jan-Dec Scrapbook; handwritten date: May 6, 1941
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski


Merril E. Floyd

Valparaiso, Ind., May 12 - Merril E. Floyd, 45, prominent farmer of this county died in a local hospital today from injuries received last night when his automobile over turned into a ditch. He lay in the ditch along the road several hours before being found by passing motorists.
Crawfordsville Review, Montgomery County, Indiana; May 13, 1924, p. 1
Contributed by Karen Zach


Mrs. Esther A. Godfroy

Esther A. (Grandma) Godfroy, 90, died at Miller's Merry Manor Nursing Home, Huntington, on Sunday at 3:20 p.m. She was the mother of Mrs. Richard (Doris) Myers, of Decatur. She lived in Huntington all her life and was a member of the St. Mary's Catholic Church, Huntington, and the Rosary Society. She was the widow of James M. Godfroy. Survivors include three daughters; three sons; 23 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren. Services will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the St. Mary's Catholic Church, Huntington, and friends may call at the Hart Funeral Home, Huntington, from 7 to 9 p.m. today and from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday Burial will be in the Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Huntington The Rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. Tuesday. The Ladies Auxiliary of the VFW will hold a memorial service at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams County, Indiana; Monday, December 15, 1980
Contributed by Karin King


Ford Hall

FORT WAYNE - Ford Hall, 72, of Fort Wayne, active in boy's work and a retired Foreman for Indiana & Michigan Electric Co., died at 2 p.m. Wednesday in Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne. He resided in Fort Wayne 50 years and was employed by I & M 25 years. Mr. Hall was a member of the First Baptist Church, Sol D. Bayless Masonic Lodge, Elec. Square Club, Old Timers Club and Employees Club of I&M. A member of Electrical Workers Local 1392, he served three terms as director of Local 9 in Indianapolis, was a member of the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, a life member of the Fort Wayne Foreman's Club, was a member of Starr Commonwealth Boy's School of Van Wert and Albion, Mich. Surviving are his widow, Ethel M., and two brothers, Homer T. and Herman P., both of Indianapolis. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday in the D.O. McComb & Sons Funeral Home. Burial will be in Lindenwood Cemetery in Fort Wayne. Friends may call at the funeral home in Fort Wayne from 7 to 9 p.m. today. Masonic services are scheduled for 8 o'clock tonight at the funeral home.
Van Wert Times Bulletin, Van Wert County, Ohio; January 12, 1973
Contributed by Karin King


Dr. Morse Harrod

LOCAL LADY'S BROTHER DIES - Dr. Morse Harrod Dies Thursday At Home In Fort Wayne
Dr. Morse Harrod, 75, prominent Fort Wayne physician, brother of Mrs. Daniel Sprang of this city, died Thursday at his home in Fort Wayne after a 10-day illness of erysipelas. Dr. Harrod was a 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason, a member of the Allen county medical society, was on the staff of St. Joseph hospital, was a member of state and national Eclectic societies nd the First Baptist church. He was well known in Decatur, having visited here on numerous occasions. (missing) two daughters, Mrs. Camilla Karn and Mrs. (missing) Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday at Klaehn & Sons' funeral home in Fort Wayne, Rev. L. R. Berry officiating. Burial will be in Lindenwood cemetery at Fort Wayne.
Adams County (IN) Historical Museum 1941b Jan-Dec Scrapbook; handwritten date: May 16, 1941
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski

HARROD RITES ARE SATURDAY - Veteran Physician Dies Thursday
Funeral services for Mr. Morse Harrod, 75, veteran Fort Wayne physician who died of erysipelas at 1:15 o'clock Thursday morning at his home at 534 East Washington Boulevard, will be held Saturday afternoon at 3 o'clock at Klaehn & Sons' Funeral Home, Rev. Linwood R. Berry officiating. Burial will be in Lindenwood Cemetery. Friends may view the body at the funeral home. Death followed a 10-day illness. Dr. Harrod had practiced medicine in Fort Wayne for the last 60 years. He was a Thirty-second degree Scottish Rite Mason, was a member of the Allen County Medical Society, a member of the State and National Eclectic Societies, the First Baptist Church, and was on the staff of St. Joseph's Hospital. Survivors include the widow Bertha; two daughters, Mrs. Camilla Karn and Mrs. June Archibold of this city; a son, Wayne Harrod of Vallegjo, Calif.; three grandchildren; one great-grandchild; three brothers, Clark of this city, Theron of Lansing, Mich., and Mills Harrod of Morristown, S. D., and a sister, Mrs. Daniel Sprang of Decatur.
Journal Gazette, Allen Co, Indiana; Friday, May 16, 1941
HOSPITAL STAFF HONORS HARROD
Resolutions honoring the memory of Dr. Morse Harrod, 75, prominent Fort Wayne physician who died early Thursday at his home at 634 East Washington Boulevard, were passed Friday by the staff of St. Joseph's Hospital, of which Dr. Harrod was a member. Funeral services for Dr. Harrod will be held this afternoon at 2 o'clock at Klaehn & Sons funeral home, Dr. Linwood R. Berry officiating. Burial will be in Lindenwood Cemetery. The resolutions, signed by Dr. Herbert A. Ray, Dr. William R. Clark and Dr. Phillip Titus, follows: "Dr. Morse Harrod died at his residence in this city on May 15, 1941. His span of life of 75 years was spent in this community. We knew him well, therefore we mourn his passing. Dr. Harrod graduated from the Eclectic Medical institute 50 years ago and has been associated with medicine in this city and this hospital which continued to his death. He has always served with credit whenever called upon. His loyalty to this hospital organization was unfailing and his devotion to the progress of this staff and hospital unflagging. He was always found to be a good physician, a wise and kindly gentleman and a valued colleague. His work embraced the wide field of general practice including a large obstetric practice in early years. He was always intensely interested in his patients. Dr. Harrod was a religious, conscientious, happy man and was influenced in his work by his kindly feeling of the sick and their well-being and has left his patients and the hospital his debtors. Therefore, be it resolved by this staff of St. Joseph's hospital that this expression of our appreciation be sent to the family of Dr. Morse Harrod, also that it be spread upon the minutes of our organization."
Journal Gazette, Allen Co, Indiana; Saturday, May 17, 1941
Both Journal Gazette articles contributed by Karin King


F. L. Hartmann

F. L. Hartmann, aged 69, a lifelong resident of Allen County, died at 9 o'clock Monday night at his home on the Trier road, St. Joseph Township, seven miles northeast of the city, after an illness of a complication of diseases. He suffered a light stroke of apoplexy 10 days ago. Mr. Hartmann was born in Adams township, the son of Henry Hartmann, formerly an Allen county commissioner. He moved to Fort Wayne and lived here for many years, moving to St. Joe Township four years ago. Mr. Hartmann was a member of St. Peter's Lutheran church at Goeglein. Surviving is his widow, Wilhelmine; two daughters, Mrs. Dora Knapp, at home, and Mrs. Ben Saurer, of this city; five grandchildren; two brothers, Henry, of this city, and August, of Preble, and one sister, Mrs. Otto Bengs, of this city. Funeral services will be held at 2 o'clock (Standard time) Thursday afternoon at the home and at 2:30 o'clock at St. Peter's Lutheran Church, with the Rev. A. C. Doerfler, officiating. Burial in Concordia.
Fort Wayne Sentinel, Allen County, Indiana; May 3, 1927
Contributed by Jim Cox


Adrian W. Hawk

ADRIAN HAWK EXPIRES TUESDAY - BROTHER-IN-LAW OF ALBERT HUSER DIES TUESDAY IN PIQUA, OHIO
Word was received today by Albert Huser, northeast of town, of the death of his brother-in-law, Adrian W. Hawk, of Piqua, Ohio. The message stated that Mr. Hawk passed away at 7:30 o'clock Tuesday evening. It is thought here by relatives of the family that death must have occurred suddenly and unexpectedly. A week ago last Sunday Mr. and Mrs. Hawk visited at the D. D. Habegger home in Blue Creek twp., Mrs. Hawk and Mrs. Habegger being sisters. Mrs. Hawk before her marriage was Katie Huser of this place, a daughter of Mrs. Jacob Huser and the late Mr. Huser. Mr. and Mrs. Hawk moved to Piqua about a month ago where they were operating a fruit store. They had previously lived in Anderson. Surviving are the widow and a daughter, Mrs. Albert (Mildred) Dilworth. ?? Charles and Rufus Hawk of Rockford, Ohio, are brothers. The parents, Mr. and Mrs. Abel J. Hawk, at one time lived on Behring street here in the house owned by Earl Farlow. He operated the old hoop mill, was a former president of the Town Board and started a newspaper, Adams County Times, which was published for seven months. Funeral arrangements have not been learned. The deceased was 58 years old. [buried in Riverside Cemetery, Rockford, Mercer County, Ohio]
Adams County (IN) Historical Museum 1941a Jan-June Scrapbook; handwritten date: Wednesday, July 23, 1941
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski


David Henning

Michigan City, Ind. - State police joined in an investigation of some strange circumstances after a 12-year-old Lakeland boy's body was recovered today from a Trail Creek swimming hole. Coroner Sterling Peak said the boy, David Henning, died from drowning about 4 p.m. Tuesday. Two neighbor boys, Robert White, 12, and McKenzie Thomas, 13, told police seven older youths chased them off when they went to the swimming hole about 5:30 p.m. The Coast Guard search for the boy wasn't started until his mother, Alice returned home and found his clothes on a porch. The landlord, Melvin Timberlake, 77, said a man on a bicycle had brought the clothes to the house saying, "You might be able to use these." Timberlake couldn't identify the man except for a speech impediment. The mother said her son couldn't swim.
Rushville, Rush County, Indiana; Wednesday, 2 July 1958, p. 2
Contributed by Karen Zach


Myrtle (Wildermood) Hindenlang

ADAMS COUNTY WOMAN DIES - Mrs. George Hindenlang Dies Friday After Extended Illness
Mrs. Myrtle Hindenlang, 58, of route three, died at 4 o'clock last evening at the Adams county memorial hospital. Death was attributed to carcinoma, following an illness of three years. The deceased was born in Bellmore, Ohio on June 3, 1882, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Wildermood. She was a member of the Calvary Evangelical church of near this city. Surviving are the husband, George, and the following children: Mrs. Thelma Railing of Decatur, Ora Fell of Fort Wayne, Earl Fell of Decatur, Paul Hindenlang, Mrs. Mildred Swygart, at home; eight step-children, Burley Hindenlang of Avilla, Emory Hindenlang of Fort Wayne, Mrs. Minnie Shie of Fort Wayne, Mrs. Mary Bartlett of Fort Wayne, Mrs. Florence Zimmerman of Decatur, Mrs. Myrtle Cramer of Fort Wayne, John Hindenlang, George Hindenlang, Jr., both of Decatur, and a brother, Alonzo Wildermood of Somerset, Michigan. Funeral services will be held Sunday afternoon at 12:30 o'clock at the Gillig & Doan funeral home at 1 o'clock at the Calvary church. Burial will be at Fostoria, Ohio. Rev. George S. Lozier will officiate. The body may be viewed at the Gillig & Doan funeral home after 7 o'clock tonight, until time for the services. [buried Fountain Cemetery, Fostoria, Hancock County, Ohio]
Adams County (IN) Historical Museum 1941b Jan-Dec Scrapbook; handwritten date: April 19, 1941
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski


Mrs. Elsie Hormann

Mrs. Elsie Hormann, 72, of 7447 Maysville Road, died at 12:10 pm yesterday in Parkview Memorial Hospital. She had been ill four weeks. The widow of Herman F. Hormann, she made her home with a daughter, Mrs. Norman (Delores) Hartman the past 10 months. She was a member of Trinity Suburban Lutheran Church and the Ladies Guild. Other survivors include another daughter, Mrs. Delmer (Arnella) Zelt, RR2, Monroeville; a son, Delbert H. of Eldon, Iowa; 13 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Services will be at 2 pm Monday at Trinity Suburban, the Rev. Rolland H. Fritz officiating. Burial will be in the Church cemetery. Friends may call the Zwick Funeral Home in Decatur after 7 pm today and until 11 am Monday and after 1 pm at the church.
Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, Allen County, Indiana; August 19, 1972
Contributed by HoosierGirl88

Elsie Hormann dies at hospital
Mrs. Elsie Hormann, 72, of 7447 Maysville road, Fort Wayne, died at 12:10 p.m. Friday at the Parkview memorial hospital after an illness of four weeks. Born in Allen county Aug. 13, 1900, she was a daughter of Henry and Wilhelmina Landrea-Bradtmueller, and was married to Herman F. Hormann Oct. 21, 1923. Her husband preceded her in death Oct. 19, 1971. Mrs. Hormann, a former resident of Tri-Lakes, had made her home for the last 10 months with a daughter, Mrs. Norman Hartman. She was a member of the Trinity Suburban Lutheran church and the Ladies Guild of the church. Surviving are two daughters, Mrs. Norman (Delores) Hartman of Fort Wayne, and Mrs. Delmer (Arnella) Zelt of Monroeville route 2; one son, Delbert H. Hormann of Eldon, Ia.; 13 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Three brothers and one sister are deceased. Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Monday at the Trinity Suburban Lutheran church, with Rev. Rolland H. Fritz officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Friends may call at the Zwick funeral home from 7 p.m. today until 11 a.m. Monday, and at the church from 1 p.m. until time of the services.
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams County, Indiana; Saturday, Aug. 19, 1972
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski


Coy Huff

DEAF AND DUMB MUTE DROWNS AT TELL CITY
Tell City, Ind., Aug. 27 - Coy Huff, a deaf and dumb mute, was drowned yesterday when a boat overturned in the Ohio River near here. Huff's two brothers, Clyde, 15, Sherman, 13, and a companion, David Alvey, 18, were rescued by Jess Masterson, a fisherman. The victim recently had completed a course at the state school in Indianapolis. Her (sic) brother, Sherman, also is deaf and dumb. [buried Greenwood Cemetery; Tell City, Perry County, Indiana]
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams County, Indiana; Friday, August 27, 1937
Contributed by Karin King


Mrs. Mattie May Jacks

Monon, Nov. 8 - Mrs. Mattie May Jacks, 79, wife of Otis A. Jacks, died this afternoon at the family home at Lee, six miles northwest of here, following an illness of two years. Mrs. Jacks was a native of Jasper County and member of the Methodist Church at Lee. Survivors include the husband, a son, Morris of Rensselaer; a daughter, Mrs. Dollie N. Morton of Hoopeston, Ill; a brother, Abel of Remington and a sister, Mrs. Dora Jacks of Lee.
Lafayette Journal and Courier, Tippecanoe County, Indiana; Friday, 9 Nov 1951, p. 10
Contributed by Karen Zach


Chester N. Johnson

Rites are held for Mr. Johnson
Funeral services were held this morning at the C.M. Sloan & Sons funeral home in Fort Wayne for Chester N. Johnson, 88, of Shriner Lake, who died Tuesday afternoon at the Allen county Health Center. He resided in Fort Wayne most of his life, and retired from the General Electric Co. in 1952 after 25 years of service. He was a member of the G.E. Quarter Century club. Surviving are a daughter, Mrs. Geneva Shaw Disler of Florida and Shriner Lake; a brother, Otto Johnson of Decatur, and a sister, Mrs. Hilda Vance of Fort Wayne.
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams County, Indiana; Friday, Nov. 24, 1972
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski
Indiana, U.S., Death Certificates, 1899-2011

Name: Chester N Johnson
Gender: Male; Race: White; Age: 88; Marital status: Widowed
Birth Date: 4 Sep 1884; Birth Place: Indiana; Death Date: 21 Nov 1972; Death Place: Ft Wayne, Allen, Indiana, USA
Father: Lewis Johnson; Informant: Mrs. Betty Boxberger; granddaughter; Fort Wayne, Indiana
Burial: November 24, 1972; Greenlawn Memorial Park; Fort Wayne, Indiana


Bernadine (Ehlerding) Johnston

Bernadine Johnston dies at hospital
Mrs. Bernadine Johnston, 45, of Grayling, Mich., daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Herman Ehlerding of Decatur route 1, died Thursday morning in Mercy hospital at Grayling. She had been ill for the past year. She was born in Preble township and formerly resided in Fort Wayne. Mrs. Johnston was a member of St. Joseph United Methodist church at Fort Wayne. Surviving are her husband; James Johnston; two daughters, Cheryl and Jennifer, at home; a stepdaughter, Janne Sue Leland of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; her parents; one sister, Mrs. Olga Verrone of Decatur route 1; and two brothers, Floyd Ehlerding of Decatur route 2, and Elmo Ehlerding of Decatur route 1. Services will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday at the St. Joseph United Methodist church in Fort Wayne with Rev. A.C. Underwood and Rev. Marvin Lesley officiating. Burial will be in Parker cemetery. Friends may call at D.O. McComb & Sons funeral home in Fort Wayne after 3 p.m. today.
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams County, Indiana; Friday, Oct. 6, 1972
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski


Mrs. Georgia Jones

FORT WAYNE - Mrs. Georgia Jones, 66, of Fort Wayne, died at 2:15 a.m. Thursday in St. Joseph's Hospital where she had been a patient for three weeks. Born in Marion, Ind., she resided in Fort Wayne for 35 years and was an employee of Hall's Smorgasbord before retiring in 1968. Mrs. Jones was a member of the First Wayne Street United Methodist Church. Surviving is a daughter, Mrs. R. W. Batchelder of Fort Wayne, with whom she resided; and two grandchildren, including William Batchelder of Van Wert. Services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday in the Chalfant-Perry-Klaehn Funeral Home in Fort Wayne with Dr. Lycurgus M. Starkey Jr. officiating. Burial will be in Lindenwood Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home.
Van Wert Times Bulletin, Van Wert County, Ohio; ; November 21, 1969
Contributed by Karin King


Vida M. (Hoffman) Kaiser

Vida M. Kaiser taken by death
Mrs. Vida M. Kaiser, 74, widow of Godfred Kaiser, died about 2:30 p.m. Monday at her home, Hoffman road in Monroeville. She was a member of St. John's Lutheran church at Flatrock. Surviving are two sons, August Kaiser of Monroeville, and Howard Kaiser of Fort Wayne; two daughters, Mrs. John LaMiller of Albion, and Mrs. Walter Koester of Monroeville; three brothers, Orville Hoffman of Monroeville, and Glenn and Walter Hoffman, both of Hoagland; two sisters, Mrs. Grace Sorg and Mrs. Nora Otto, both of Fort Wayne, and eight grandchildren. Services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday at St. John's Lutheran church at Flatrock, with Rev. Donald Frank officiating. Burial will be in the IOOF cemetery at New Haven. Friends may call at the Marquart funnel home in Monroeville from 7:30 p.m. today until 11:30 a.m. Thursday and at the church after 12:30 p.m. Thursday.
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams County, Indiana; Tuesday, Nov. 14, 1972
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski


Gerald F. Kever

Gerald F. "Jerry" Kever, 52, of Harlan and formerly of Monroeville died Sunday, Sept. 27, at Parkview Hospital. The Fort Wayne native worked at Zollner Corp. as machine operator for 26 years and was a member of UAW Local 2357. Surviving are his wife, Janice A.; daughters, Melinda R. and Amanda M., both at home; a sister, Diane L. Galligher of Monroeville; and brothers, Dennis E. of Fort Wayne and Gregory T. of Tucson, Ariz. Prayer services at 9:30 a.m. Thursday at Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home, Jacobs Chapel, Monroeville, precedes Mass of Christian burial at 10 a.m. Thursday at St. Rose Catholic Church, Monroeville. Calling is from 2 to 4 and 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday with a 8 p.m. rosary service at Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home, Monroeville. Memorials are to Masses or Grabill EMS. Information provided by Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home,Jacobs Chapel, Monroeville, 623-3279.
Fort Wayne Sentinel, Allen County, Indiana; September 29, 1998, Page 6S
Contributed by Jim Cox


Katina Lutz, Michael Klepinger, Steven Smith, John Ellis, William Prindiville, David B. Winn

Portland men killed in mishap
Five persons were killed in the first few hours of the weekend, counting period in Indiana raising the 1972 traffic fatality toll to 944 compared with 960 a year ago. Among the dead were two young men killed early today when their car skidded out of control on a curve of Indiana 26 in Jay County near Portland, struck a pole and overturned several times. Both the men, Steven Smith, 21, and John Ellis, 23, of Portland, were hurled out of the vehicle in their deaths. Two-month-old Katina Sue Lutz, Connersville, was killed early today when two cars collided in Connersville. The baby was riding in a car with her mother, Kathryn, 17, driven by Kenneth Tollit, 18, Connersville, when the vehicle collided with one driven by Robert Johnson, 19, Connersville. Investigators said Johnson lost control on a curve. William Prindiville, 23, Rensselaer, was killed Friday night when his car swerved off Indiana 114 west of Rensselaer in Jasper County and hit a mail box and utility pole. The car, traveling at high speed, flipped over several times and Prindiville was thrown out. Michael Klepinger, 25, Logansport, was killed Friday evening when his farm tractor plunged down on embankment along a Carroll County road near Delphi after hitting a tree. State police arrested Orville W. Hornbeck, Cayuga, Friday and charged his with reckless homicide in the hit-run death of David B. Winn, 29. Newport. [Lutz buried Dale Cemetery, Connersville, Fayette County, Indiana; Klepinger buried Keeps Creek Cemetery, Clymers, Cass County, Indiana]
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams County, Indiana; Saturday, Aug. 19, 1972
Contributed by Karin King


Rev. Harry Louis Krueckeberg

Services are held for Rev. Krueckeberg
Funeral services and burial were held in Indianapolis Thursday for Rev. Harry Louis Krueckeberg, 68, a native of Decatur, who died suddenly Monday at the home of a son in Terre Haute. Rev. Krueckeberg had retired only a few weeks ago after serving 27 years as pastor of the Emmaus Lutheran church in Indianapolis. A son of Fred and Emma Krueckeberg, he was born in Decatur March 31, 1904, and was married in Fort Wayne in 1932 to Irma Vollmer. Rev. Krueckeberg had served as vice president of the Indianapolis district of Lutheran churches from 1963 to 1970. Surviving are his wife; one son, Dr. Harry F. Krueckeberg of Terre Haute; two daughters, Miss Mary L. Krueckeberg, an instructed at Valparaiso University, and Mrs. Charles Beyer, whose husband is pastor of St. James Lutheran church at Showano, Wis.; two sisters, Mrs. Lewis (Mathilda) Springer of Ossian, and Mrs. Richard (Louise) Kreiselmeyer of New Haven; two brothers, Emil Krueckeberg of Convoy, O., and Ferd Krueckeberg of Fort Wayne; and six grandchildren. Two sisters and three brothers are deceased. Also surviving are two brothers-in-law, Edwin Steele of Convoy route 2, and Walter Bleeke of Decatur route 5; and three sisters-in-law, Mrs. Gustav Krueckeberg of Decatur route 5, Mrs. Fred Krueckeberg of Convoy, and Mrs. Marie Krueckeberg of Decatur route 5. [buried Concordia Cemetery; Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana]
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams County, Indiana; Saturday, Oct. 28, 1972
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski


Glenford Lantz

Services are held for Glenford Lantz
Funeral services were held Wednesday at Brooksville, Fla., for Glenford Lantz, 68, former resident, who died suddenly Monday. He and his wife, Lela, formerly operated a restaurant and service station in Fort Wayne. Mrs. Lantz died six months ago. Surviving are a brother, Dale Lantz of Berne, and a sister, Mrs. Jeanette McCune Harvey of Bluffton. [born Jan 4, 1904; buried Brooksville Cemetery; Brooksville, Hernando County, Florida. The wife is Lela Mae Walser born Aug. 30, 1900; died May 10, 1972; buried same place]
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams County, Indiana; Thursday, Nov. 16, 1972
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski


Loris LeFever

Loris (Red) LeFever dies in Florida
Word has been received here of the death last Saturday in Orlando, Fla., of Loris (Red) LeFever, 51, native and former resident of Berne. He had been ill for some time. Survivors include his wife, Emma; three brothers, Russell of Berne, Robert of Fort Wayne, and Ralph of Orlando, and a sister, Mrs. George (Mabel) Fann of Fort Wayne.
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams County, Indiana; Thursday, Nov. 16, 1972
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski


Dwight J. Livengood

Dwight J. (Brub) Livengood, 58, succumbed unexpectedly following a heart attack at 8:30 p.m. Thursday in his rooms at the Columbia apartments. For the last 20 years he had been employed as a salesman for the Peter Anderson Company and previous to that was a sales representative in this territory for a tire company. Born at Dayton, he was married to Helen Maher in 1928. He was an active member of the Lafayette Elks Lodge. The widow is the only survivor. Friends may call at Soller-Baker Funeral Home after 6 p.m. Friday. Services there Sunday at 2 p.m., Dr. WR Graham officiating. Interment in Dayton Cemetery. Elks services at the funeral home Saturday at 7:30 p.m.
Lafayette Journal and Courier, Tippecanoe County, Indiana; Friday, 9 Nov 1951, p. 10
Contributed by Karen Zach


Florence C. (Johnson) Locker

Florence C. Locker, 83, Fresno, Calif., a native of Pleasant Mills, died at 9:15 p.m. Sunday at her residence. She was born in Pleasant Mills on Sept. 30, 1897, the daughter of Walter P. and Lulu Beam-Johnson, and was married on July 23, 1918, to Warren P. Locker; he died Dec. 30, 1971. Survivors include four children, Ted Locker, Fresno, Calif.; James Locker, Lakeville, Ind.; William Locker, Indianapolis; Mrs. Robert (Marabelle) Vore, Plymouth; four sisters, Mrs. Edith Morrison, Rt. 1, Berne; Mrs. Robert (Dorothy) Eichar, Celina, O.; Mrs. Noble (Mary Ada) Raudenbush, Rt. 7, Decatur; Mrs. Ralph (Thelma) Stove, Willshire, O.; 18 grand- (cut off) [buried Willshire Cemetery; Willshire, Van Wert County, Ohio]
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams County, Indiana; Tuesday, September 8, 1981
Contributed by Karin King


Mrs. Margery Lower

Services for Mrs. William (Margery) Lower, 59, Indianapolis, a second grade teacher at School 92, will be at 10 a.m. tomorrow in St. Luke Catholic Church. Calling will be until 9 tonight at Leppert & Copeland Mortuary. Mrs. Lower, who died yesterday at her home, taught for Indianapolis Public Schools 21 years. A graduate of Indiana University and Indiana University-Purdue University at Indianapolis, Mrs. Lower was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority. Survivors husband; sons, James, William Jr; daughter Barbara Maurath.
Indianapolis News, Marion County, Indiana; Thursday, 21 Feb 1985, p. 37
Contributed by Karen Zach


Wilford Marshall

Services for Wilford Marshall, 66, Indianapolis, will be at 11 a.m. tomorrow in Flanner & Buchanan Broad Ripple Mortuary. Calling will be until 9 tonight. Marshall, who died yesterday in St. Vincent Hospital worked 21 years for Commercial Filters, Lebanon. He retired in 1983 as industrial sales coordinator. A graduate of Butler University. Marshall was a member of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity. He was a WWII and Korean War Army veteran. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or a favorite charity. Survivors - wife Barbara; daughters Mrs. Richard Neumeyer, Mrs. Ross Jabaay, Mrs. Jerry King, sister Mrs. Herbert Spencer.
Indianapolis News, Marion County, Indiana; Thursday, 21 Feb 1985, p. 37
Contributed by Karen Zach


Major Marion A. Meckstroth

Maj. Meckstroth killed in crash
Major Marion A. Meckstroth, 40, was killed in a plane crash in France Monday as he and other men from the Air Force were en route to Greece to deliver a flying boxcar. A member of the Air Force reserves for the past 16 years, Maj. Meckstroth was the son of Rev. and Mrs. Henry H. Meckstroth of West Palm Beach, Fla. Rev. Meckstroth served as pastor of St. John's United Church of Christ at Vera Cruz and St. Luke's United Church of Christ, northwest of Monroe, from 1930 until 1954. Maj. Meckstroth is also survived by his wife and three-year-old son, who reside at Columbus, O., and a brother, Dr. Spencer Meckstroth of West Palm Beach, Fla. The body has been returned to Columbus, O., for funeral services and burial.
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams County, Indiana; Monday, Nov. 6, 1972
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski


Fred K. Miller

Fred K. Miller, 63, of Fort Wayne died Friday in St. Joseph Medical Center. The Iron Gate, Va., native formerly worked at Falstaff Brewing Corp. and was a veteran of the Army. Surviving is a sister, Lucy Novell of Iron Gate; and brother Charles of Alaska. Services are noon Tuesday in C.M. Sloan & Sons Funeral Home, 1327 Wells St., where calling is 10 a.m. to noon Tuesday. Burial will be in Lindenwood Cemetery.
Fort Wayne Sentinel, Allen County, Indiana; July 1, 1996, Page 10A
Contributed by Jim Cox


Dr. Thurman B. Morris

Dr. T. B. Morris dies at hospital
Dr. Thurman B. Morris, 69, former district superintendent of First United Methodist churches of the Richmond, Warsaw and Muncie districts, died at 5:08 p.m. Wednesday at Parkview hospital, Fort Wayne, where he had been a patient one month. He had served congregations in Marion, Larwill, Claypool, Redkey, New Haven, Kokomo and First church in Fort Wayne, and was senior chaplain at Parkview hospital from 1965 until his retirement in 1970. Surviving are his wife, Carol; two sons, John W. of Stamford, Conn., and T. Paul of Fort Wayne; two daughters, Mrs. Frank Vail of Kokomo, and Mrs. James Friddle of Fort Wayne; two brothers, Durward Morris of Fort Wayne, and Frank Morris of Warsaw; and 10 grandchildren. Friends may call at D.O. McComb & Sons funeral home after 7 p.m. today. Arrangements have not been completed. [buried Greenlawn Memorial Park; Fort Wayne, Allen County, Indiana]
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams County, Indiana; Thursday, Nov. 2, 1972
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski


J. Lane Moser

Pallbearers at the funeral for J. Lane Moser, 35, Willshire, Ohio, who died Saturday, will be Troy Chapman, Chad Chapman, Kevan Owens, D'Wight Sheets, Mike McGinnis, and Doug ZImmerman. Funeral services will be at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday in Zwick-Sefton and Jahn Funeral Home, with burial in Woodland Cemetery, Van Wert, Ohio. Visiting hours are until 8 p.m. today.
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams County, Indiana; Tuesday, June 8, 1993
Contributed by Karin King


Miss Adda Mowery

Rites are held for Miss Mowery
Miss Adda Mowery, 93, former Geneva resident, died Saturday at the Sylvester nursing home in Muncie. Funeral services were held this morning at the Hardy & Hardy funeral home in Geneva.
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams County, Indiana; Monday, Nov. 13, 1972
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski


Nathan Mull

DEATH CLAIMS NATHAN MULL - Services This Afternoon For Uncle Of Local Man
Nathan Mull, 83,of 1205 East Wayne street, Fort Wayne, an uncle of I. A. Kalver of this city, died at 6 o'clock last night at St. Joseph's hospital after an illness of six weeks. Mr. and Mrs. I. A. Kalver and Mr. and Mrs. Roy Kalver left this noon to attend funeral services which were held at 3 o'clock this afternoon at the Ankenbruck funeral home. Rabbi Irving A. Weingart officiated with burial in the Orthodox cemetery on the Decatur road. The deceased was in business in Monroeville until 20 years ago when he moved to Fort Wayne. He was a member of the Schduth Vesholom congregation. He is survived by the widow, Elizabeth; three sons, A. B. Mull of Fort Wayne, Samuel of Cleveland and Louis of San Francisco, and one daughter, Mrs. Bert Sicanoff of Indianapolis. [buried in Fort Wayne Jewish Cemetery; Fort Wayne, Indiana]
Adams County (IN) Historical Museum 1941b Jan-Dec Scrapbook; handwritten date: June 20, 1941
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski


Mrs. Margaret Ellen Noble

Margaret Noble dies at home
Mrs. Margaret Ellen Noble, 92, of Monroeville, died Monday afternoon at the Lutheran home in Fort Wayne. Mrs. Noble was a member of St. Rose Catholic church at Monroeville. Surviving are a son, Frank Noble of Calimesa, Calif.; a daughter, Mrs. Russel Hoelle of Monroeville; five grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren, and 17 great-great-grandchildren. Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday at the St. Rose Catholic church, with Rev. Richard Urbine officiating. Burial will be in the Poe cemetery at Poe. Friends may call at the Marquart funeral home in Monroeville after 2 p.m. Thursday.
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams County, Indiana; Tuesday, Nov. 14, 1972
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski


Mrs. Mary E. O'Brien

Mary E. O'Brien, aged 78, wife of Charles O'Brien, 1714 St Mary's avenue, died at her home at 3:15 o'clock this morning after an illness of four weeks' duration. Surviving, besides the husband, are two daughters, Blanche, at home, and Mrs WH McCurdy, also of Fort Wayne; a son, Byron, of Goshen; a sister, Mrs Anna Gordon, of Fort Wayne, and two grandchildren. Private funeral services will be held at the home at 10 o'clock Friday morning, the Rev. CO Shirey officiating. Burial in Riverview cemetery. Friends may call at the home until the time of the funeral.
Fort Wayne Sentinel, Allen County, Indiana; January 19, 1927
Contributed by Jim Cox


Edna Janette (Boughton) Oppy

Kentland, Nov. 8 - Mrs. Edna Janette (Boughton) Oppy, 65, died Thursday at 11:30 a.m. in a hospital at Watseka, Ill where she had been a patient one day following a brief illness. Born in Iroquois County, Ill, she had lived in Kentland the past 35 years where she was a member of the Trinity Methodist Church. Surviving are the husband, James Oppy; two sisters, Miss Alice Boughton of Watseka, and Mrs Lizzie Martin of Iroquois County, Ill; two brothers, John Boughton of Watseka, and Robert of Stillwater, Okla. Friends may call after 1 p.m. Friday at the Towers-McMullan Funeral Home, Kentland. Body to lie in state one hour before services at 2:30 p.m. Sunday in Trinity Methodist Church, Kentland, Rev. Gilbert L. Piker officiating. Burial in Fairlawn Cemetery, Kentland.
Lafayette Journal and Courier, Tippecanoe County, Indiana; Friday, 9 Nov 1951, p. 10
Contributed by Karen Zach


Walter Paul

Mr. and Mrs. F W Paul, 1421 East Creighton avenue, have received word of the death of their son, Walter, aged 19, in Los Angeles, Cal. He died at 4 o'clock this morning of typhoid fever. The body will be brought to this city for burial.
Fort Wayne Sentinel, Allen County, Indiana; March 28, 1927
Contributed by Jim Cox


John C. Peoples

John C. Peoples Is Taken By Death
John C. Peoples, 93, of 327 West Wildwood Avenue, Fort Wayne, died at 2:15 p.m. Sunday at the Roanoke nursing home, where he had been a patient 11 weeks. He was a native of Pleasant Mills but had lived in Fort Wayne most of his life. He was employed in the Pennsylvania Railroad Shops from 1900 to 1930, and then until 1940 with the Standard Lumber Co., until his retirement. Mr. Peoples was a member of the Simpson Methodist Church. Surviving are two daughters, Mrs. Sam C. Miller of Fort Wayne and Mrs. George D. Seibert of Madison Heights, Mich.; a granddaughter and two great-grandsons. Services will be held at 3 p.m. Tuesday at the Chalfant-Perry Funeral Home, Dr. Evan H. Bergwall officiating. Burial will be in Lindenwood Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home after 7 p.m. today.
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams County, Indiana; September 10, 1962
Contributed by Karin King


William Plew

Terre Haute, May 13 - William Plew of near Shelburn, died at a hospital here today from burns received Sunday when a kerosene explosion set fire at his home, causing fatal burns to his stepdaughter, Josephine Boles, 17 and destroyed the residence.
Crawfordsville Review, Montgomery County, Indiana; May 13, 1924, p. 1
Contributed by Karen Zach


Mrs. Perl Riker's mother

Attend Funeral Of Local Lady's Mother
Mr. and Mrs. Perl Riker and daughter, Mrs. Stanley Kenworthy, of this city, will go to Homer, Michigan Sunday to attend funeral services for Mrs. Riker's mother, who died Thursday at Jackson, Michigan.
Adams County (IN) Historical Museum 1941b Jan-Dec Scrapbook; handwritten date: May 17, 1941
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski


Mrs. Maud A. Robbins

MOTHER OF FORMER DECATUR LADY DIES
Mrs. Maud A. Robbins died Monday morning at the home of a daughter, Miss Pauline Robbins, 903 Warren street, Huntington, where she made her home. She had been in failing health several years and was serious for the last eight weeks. Mrs. Robbins was a member of the Methodist church at South Whitley. Her husband, Charles Robbins, whom she married in February of 1901, preceded her in death in 1935. Surviving are two daughters, Miss Robbins, and Mrs. George (Marie) Thoms, of Chicago; three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Mr. and Mrs. Thoms resided in Decatur for several years, while he was affiliated with Cloverleaf Creameries, Inc. Services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Briggs-Merck funeral home in Huntington, the Rev. N. G. Talbott officiating. Burial will be at South Whitley. Friends may call at the funeral home until time of the services.
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams County, Indiana; Tuesday, January 17, 1961
Contributed by Karin King


Albert W. Roe

Albert Roe, 65, dies at hospital
Albert W. Roe, of Yoder, former owner of the Southside Floor Covering Service in Fort Wayne, died at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday at Lutheran hospital, where he had been a patient one month. Mr. Roe, an employee of the Strahm Floor Covering Co., was a member of St. Therese Catholic church and Carpenters Local 232. Surviving are his wife, Regina; a son, Leslie A. Roe of Yoder; two daughters, Mrs. Vaughn Benjamin of Lighthouse Point, Fla., and Mrs. W.E. Monschein of Louisville, Ky.; three brothers, Irvin Roe of Fort Wayne, and Leo and Lloyd Roe, both of Decatur; two sister, Mrs. Dick Alverson of Decatur, and Mrs. Austin Tarr of Tucson, Ariz.; 10 grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at St. Therese Catholic church, with Rev. Larry Bernard officiating. Burial will be in Prairie Grove cemetery. Friend may call at the Elzey home for funerals, Waynedale, from 7 to 9 p.m. today and 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday. A rosary service will be held at 8 p.m. Friday. [born Dec. 26, 1906 ND]
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams County, Indiana; Thursday, Nov. 16, 1972
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski


Catherine (Eyanson) Rogers

BURIAL IN WEST - Body of Mrs. Catherine Rogers Laid to Rest at Paragould, Ark.- Was Decatur Lady - Passed Away a Week Ago After Attack of Apoplexy---Well Known.
Decatur friends who know of the death of Mrs. Catherine Eyanson King Rogers, which occurred a week ago Tuesday at her home in Paragould, Ark., were much interested in hearing whether the body would be brought back to her old home for burial. Relatives have received word that the funeral was held at Paragould, and that interment took place there. Mrs. Rogers was a former Adams county woman, and visited here last, about three years ago. Her maiden name was Catherine Eyanson, and her first husband was John King, the well known blacksmith, of this city. She was seventy-four years of age at death. She had been feeble for some time, but apoplexy was the cause of her death. Her adopted daughter, Mrs. Bertha Bremer, of St. Louis, Mo., whom she reared from the age of five, was with her at death. One son, Charles King, died a few years ago at Chicago at the age of twenty-eight. She leaves the following brothers and sisters: Ed Eyanson, of Chicago; Joy Eyanson, Mrs. James Ball, of Decatur; Nancy Kelley, Portland; Theresa Durbin, Muncie; Mrs. Scott Hughes, Fort Wayne; Mrs. Tom Woodruff, Paragould, Ark. Mrs. Rogers spent her girlhood days her, and indeed the greater part of her life was spent in this city and county, and she is quite well and favorably known here.
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams County, Indiana; Wednesday Evening, April 23, 1913
Contributed by Karin King


Heber F. Rollins

HERBER F. ROLLINS, 80, of rural Columbia City died Sunday in University Park Medical Center, Fort Wayne. The Whitley County native was a farmer and also worked at LM&L in Columbia City 25 years. Surviving are his wife, Anna; daughters, Mary Kahn of Fort Wayne and Marie Boothroyd of Columbia City; son, Roger of Athens, Ohio; seven grandchildren; five stepgrandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and five stepgreat-grandchildren. Services are 10:30 a.m. Wednesday in Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City, where calling is 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday. Burial will be in Troy Presbyterian Cemetery. Memorials are to the Troy Presbyterian Church or Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Foundation.
Fort Wayne Sentinel, Allen County, Indiana; July 1, 1996, Page 10A
Contributed by Jim Cox


Mammie Mildred Rumple

Mammie Mildred Rumple, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Rumple, niece of Mrs. C. B. Ford, this city, was born December 26, 1910, departed this life July 6, 1916, age 5 years, 6 months and 20 days. Mammie was a sweet little sunbeam and loved by all who knew her. She was a member of the (cut off) [buried Van Buren Cemetery; Van Buren, Grant County, Indiana]
Decatur Daily Democrat; Adams County, Indiana; Saturday, July 8, 1916
Contributed by Karin King


Robert E. Sauer, Jr.

Robert Sauer, 15, dies at hospital
Robert E. Sauer, Jr., 15, son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. Sauer, Sr., of 9315 Wayne Trace, Fort Wayne, died at 2 a.m. Saturday at Parkview memorial hospital, where he had been a patient one month. He was a sophomore at Heritage high school and a member of St. Henry's Catholic church. An avid swimmer, he swam competitively for Orchard Ridge Country club, Pine Valley Country club, and Club Olympia. Surviving in addition to the parents are a sister, Teri; a grandmother, Mrs. T.J. Sauer of Fort Recovery, O.; and a grandfather, Albert Leavell of Bryant. Funeral services were held this morning at St. Henry's Catholic church. [buried Catholic Cemetery; Fort Wayne, Allen County, Indiana]
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams County, Indiana; Monday, Nov. 13, 1972
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski


John Schaefer

Roane Man Dies, 94 descendants
Roane, Ind., May 23,- Funeral services will be held Saturday for John Schaefer, 82, who died yesterday. He is survived by 94 descendants-10 children, 68 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. [buried France Cemetery; Huntington County, Indiana]
Adams County (IN) Historical Museum 1941b Jan-Dec Scrapbook; handwritten date: 1941
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski


Edward Schafer

Edward Schafer Dies At Home In Florida
C. C. Schafer received a te3legram today telling of the death Monday of his uncle, Edward Schafer, at his home in Miami, Florida. Funeral services will be held at South Bend Friday afternoon. Mr. Schaefer was reared here and was a brother of the late Frederick and Jacob Schafer. He and Frederick Schafer sold the farm where the county infirmary is now located to the county and he was formerly interested in the Schafer store. He resided at South Bend many years, where he was engaged in the insurance business until about 10 years ago when they moved to Miami. He was about 82 years old, the youngest and the last member of the original Schafer family. The widow survives. [buried Riverview Cemetery, South Bend, St. Joseph County, Indiana]
Adams County (IN) Historical Museum 1941b Jan-Dec Scrapbook; handwritten date: June 2, 1941
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski


Robert A. Schomburg

Robert Schomburg, Yost Co. employee, dies at Fort Wayne
Robert A. Schomburg, 41, of 424 West William street, Fort Wayne, director of public relations and safety for Yost Companies, Inc., for the past eight years, was dead on arrival at the Lutheran hospital, Fort Wayne, at 11 p.m. Sunday. He had suffered two heart attacks previously, but had been working at the local office of the company. Mr. Schomburg was a native of Ohio, but had resided in Fort Wayne most of his life. The family resided in Decatur for about two years when he first joined Yost. He was a Navy veteran of the Korean war and a member of the Elks lodge. Surviving are his wife, Margaret; a daughter, Darlene, of Fort Wayne; his mother, Mrs. Laura Schomburg of Fort Wayne; his stepmother, Mrs. Violette Schombug of Fort Wayne; and two sisters, Mrs. John Etterling of Portsmouth, O.; and Miss Betty Schomburg of Fort Wayne. Funeral rites will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Eikenberry funeral home in Fort Wayne, with Rev. Vernon Rosenthal officiating. Burial will be in the Catholic cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home until time of the services.
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams County, Indiana; Tuesday, Nov. 7, 1972
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski


Mrs. Rex Schug

ATTEND RITES FOR MRS. REX SCHUG
Funeral services were conducted for Mrs. Rex Schug of Detroit this morning. Mrs. Schug passed away after a two-year illness from cancer. There were no children. Several brothers and sisters survive with the husband who was formerly of Berne. Attending the final rites from here were Rudolph Schug, daughter Miss Emma and Mr. and Mrs. Nelson Schug.
Adams County (IN) Historical Museum 1941a Jan-June Scrapbook; handwritten date: Friday, March 21, 1941
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski


Margaret (Frysinger) Scott

Mrs. Margaret Scott, 72, widow of Rev. Clifton W. Scott, and a former resident of Van Wert, died Tuesday at East Tawas, Mich. Mrs. Scott was the former Margaret Frysinger of Fort Wayne. She was a registered nurse, having graduated from nurses training at Hope Hospital in 1907. She was prominent in nursing circles in Fort Wayne and Van Wert until the time of her marriage to Rev. Scott November 15, 1932. She is survived by two sisters, Mrs. Eva Woodward of Fort Wayne and Mrs. Walker Spayd of South Walnut Street. She was an aunt of Mrs. G. E. Hallam of Darwin Street. Funeral services will be held at 2:30 p.m. Friday at the Klaehn's Funeral Home, 420 West Wayne Street, in Fort Wayne. Burial will be in Lindenwood Cemetery, Fort Wayne.
Van Wert Times Bulletin, Van Wert County, Ohio; March 24, 1954
Contributed by Karin King


Annie (Elliott) Shurtleff

At Huntington, December 3, at 10 o'clock p.m., ocurred the death of Mrs. Annie Shurtleff, wife of Charles Shurtleff, and sister of L. D. Elliott, of this city. Deceased leaves a family, consisting of a husband and five children. The remains will be brought to this city today at 11:45 a.m. on the Wabash railroad, and taken to the First Baptist church, where funeral services will be held. Interment will be in Lindenwood Cemetery.
Fort Wayne Gazette, Allen County, Indiana; December 5, 1896
Contributed by Karin King


Don K. Smith

MISSING MAN'S BODY IS FOUND - Body Of Don K. Smith, Decatur Native, Found In Ohio River
Louisville, Kentucky authorities reported Thursday of the finding of the body of Don K. Smith, 49, Indianapolis theater representative, and Decatur native, in the Ohio river. A body, one of several washed ashore following a storm in that vicinity, was identified as the former local man, who had been missing since January 20. At the time of his disappearance an empty wallet, a hat and overcoat were found on the Louisville bridge over the Ohio river. Notes in a hotel room indicated despondency and suicidal intent. The deceased was born in Decatur December 16, 1891, the son of William and Nancy Rice-Smith. Surviving besides the widow, Gretel Shoemaker-Smith, are the following sisters and brothers: Frank of LaGrange, Mrs. Kathryn Lachnit of Indianapolis, Mrs. Irene Vaneil of Cincinnati, Robert of Indianapolis and Fred Smith of Decatur. Two brothers, Harve and Earl, are deceased. Funeral services will be held Saturday afternoon at Indianapolis and burial will be in the Crown Hill cemetery there. Mr. and Mrs. Fred Smith will leave this city in the morning to attend the services.
Adams County (IN) Historical Museum 1941b Jan-Dec Scrapbook; handwritten date: May 1, 1941
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski


Mrs. Linnie May Smith

Mrs. Linnie May Smith, 77, of 59390 Locust Rd., died at 5:50 a.m. today in the Carlyle Nursing Home after a three-year illness. She was born on Sept. 6, 1890, in South Bend, where on Oct. 20, 1909, she was married to Warren I. Smith, who survives along with two daughters; Mrs. Pearl Frisbie of Gibsonton, Fla., and Mrs. Florence LeBlanc of South Bend; a son, Warren, Jr., of South Bend; 11 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday in the Forest G. Hay and Son Funeral Home, Rev. Kenneth Foulke, pastor of All Saints United Methodist Church, of which she was a member, officiating. Burial will be in Southlawn Cemetery. Friends may call in the funeral home from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday.
The South Bend Tribune, St. Joseph County, Indiana; Friday, July 12, 1968, page 29
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser


Robert Fulton Snyder

FORT WAYNE - Robert Fulton Snyder, 73, of Fort Wayne, died Wednesday at Richmond, Ind. He was a native of Willshire. Mr. Snyder was a member of the First Baptist Church in Fort Wayne. Surviving are his widow, Myrtle; two sons, Richard and Donald, both of Fort Wayne; a daughter, Mrs. Mary Jane Hildreth of Grove City, Ohio; his mother, Mrs. Ione Snyder of Fort Wayne; five grandchildren; four brothers, Boyd of Fort Wayne, J. L. of Osceola, Ind., Harold of Columbia City, and Bill of Decatur; and two sisters, Mrs. Edith Adams of Celina, Ohio and Mrs. Grace Platt of Huntington, Ind. Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Saturday in the Chalfant-Perry-Klaehn Funeral Home in Fort Wayne, the Rev. Phillip Philbrook to officiate. Burial will be in Lindenwood Cemetery in Fort Wayne. Friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home.
Van Wert Times Bulletin, Van Wert County, Ohio; March 12, 1971
Contributed by Karin King


Della G. (Roehm) Spaw

FORT WAYNE - Mrs. Della G. Spaw, 88, of Fort Wayne, died at 5:50 p.m. Tuesday in Turtle Creek Nursing Home North where she had been a patient for two years. Born in Schumm in Van Wert County, she resided in Fort Wayne for 70 years and was a member of Westfield Presbyterian Church. Surviving are a daughter, Mrs. Virginia Call of Fort Wayne; a son, Richard G., of Fort Wayne; three sisters, Mrs. Meda Schott of Tri-Lakes, Ind., Mrs. Louise Sites of Fort Wayne and Mrs. Alvina Fisler of Pittsburgh, Pa.; two brothers, Theodore and Edward Roehm, both of Fort Wayne, and four grandchildren. Funeral services will be at 3 p.m. Thursday in Chalfant-Petty-Klaehn Funeral Home in Fort Wayne. Burial will be in Lindenwood Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home.
Van Wert Times Bulletin, Van Wert County, Ohio; June 16, 1971
Contributed by Karin King


John Spencer

Brother-in-law of city residents dies on Tuesday
John Spencer, about 50, of Leesburg, route 1, brother-in-law of Mrs. Marie DeLong, William and Raymond Huston of Decatur, died suddenly at his home Tuesday at 6:30 p.m., apparently from a massive brain hemorrhage. Married to the former Audrey Huston, he had been in failing health but was not acutely ill, and death was entirely unexpected. The couple had visited in Decatur with the DeLongs and Hustons just a few weeks ago. Funeral arrangements are pending until notification of relatives in Florida. [buried Oswego Cemetery; Oswego, Kosciusko County, Indiana]
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams County, Indiana; Wednesday, Nov. 15, 1972
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski


Xavier Taylor

Xavier Taylor was stillborn Wednesday in Parkview Memorial Hospital. Surviving are the mother, Casandra Taylor of Fort Wayne; father, Walter D. Arrington of Fort Wayne; brothers, Quentin Taylor at home and Shaqueal Arrington of Marion, Ala.; and grandparents, Pearlie Taylor of Fort Wayne, and Annie and Walter Reed of Marion. Graveside services were today in Lindenwood Cemetery.
Fort Wayne Sentinel, Allen County, Indiana; July 1, 1996, Page 10A
Contributed by Jim Cox


Gilbert Francis Titus & Anthony Brincefield

Father of Monroe lady is killed
Gilbert Francis Titus, 65, of Chicago, father of Mrs. Barbara McKean of Monroe, and his three-year-old grandson, Anthony Brincefield, also of Chicago, were fatally injured in a three-car crash on Indiana 43 south of Lafayette Saturday. The child was killed instantly in the accident, and his grandfather died about 6:45 p.m. Saturday in a Lafayette hospital, several hours after the crash. Mrs. Nancy Sue Brincefield, mother of Anthony, and daughter of Mr. Titus, was seriously injured and is in a Lafayette hospital. Surviving Mr. Titus are seven daughters, one son, and several grandchildren. Funeral services will be held Wednesday afternoon at the Jenkins funeral home in Bloomfield, where Mr. Titus formerly resided. [Titus buried Walnut Grove Cemetery, Park, Greene County, Indiana; Brincefield buried Grandview Cemetery; Bloomfield, Greene County, Indiana]
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams County, Indiana; Tuesday, Nov. 14, 1972
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski


Max "Hermie" Updike

Max "Hermie" Updike, 65, Albany, brother of a Berne woman, died Friday in a Muncie hospital. Among survivors are three brothers and two sisters, including Peggy Robinette, Berne. Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday in Baird-Freeman Funeral Home, Portland, with burial in Gardens of Memory, Muncie. Visiting hours are 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Wednesday.
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams County, Indiana; Tuesday, June 8, 1993
Contributed by Karin King


Hilda (Johnson) Vance

Hilda Vance, 92, Fort Wayne, a native of Decatur, died on Friday at home. She lived most of her life in Fort Wayne. Her husband, Ollie Vance, died in 1981. Surviving are one son, three daughters, 10 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren. Funeral services were this afternoon, with burial in Greenlawn Memorial Park, Fort Wayne. [married Lewis Miller first]
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams County, Indiana; Monday, January 7, 1991
Hilda Vance, 92, died Friday at home.
The Decatur native retired in 1955 from General Electric Co. after 16 years, was a member of St. Luke's Lutheran Church and widow of Ollie, who died in 1981. Surviving are daughters, Betty Scott and Bonnie Subzda, both of Fort Wayne, and Juanita Schrecongost of Park Ridge, Ill.; son, Howard G. Miller of Skowhegan, Maine; 10 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. Services were today in D.O. McComb & Sons Lakeside Park Funeral Home, 1140 Lake Ave., with burial in Greenlawn Memorial Park. Preferred memorials are gifts to the church.
News-Sentinel, The (Allen County, Indiana) - January 7, 1991
Contributed by Karin King


Son of Harriet Walrath

WILL COME HERE - Mrs. Walrath Coming For The Remains of Her Son
Yesterday afternoon Superintendent Ligget received a letter from Mrs. Walrath, mother of the man shot last May in the battle of the east yards. The letter was mailed at Frankfort, N. Y., and was as follows: Mr. Ligget: DEAR SIR: - I am that boy's mother, and I will come out there and take care of his body. I want to know if he is buried in that cemetery or if the doctors have his remains. Please write me the full particulars of the accident. Very truly, Harriet Walrath This letter was written in reply to newspapers forwarded by Superintendent Ligget, containing particulars of the bloody affray at the east yards. It will be remembered that only a few days ago the superintendent received a telegram from Mrs. Walrath in which she stated that she had only just heard of the fate of her son. It is only a melancholy pleasure, but Superintendent Ligget will be able to inform the bereaved mother that her son's remains were not claimed by the votaries of science, but were given a decent burial in Lindenwood Cemetery. Mrs. Walrath will doubtless be in Fort Wayne in a few days.
Fort Wayne Gazette, Allen County, Indiana; December 20, 1895
Contributed by Karin King


Rex G. Ward

REX G. WARD, 64, of Fort Wayne died Friday in St. Joseph Medical Center. The Whitley County native retired from Dana Corp. in 1965, and formerly worked for Town & Country Foods and Franger Gas Co. Surviving are his wife, Colleen; daughter, Christine Shinneman of Columbia City; sons, David of Fort Wayne, and Douglas and Timothy, both of Columbia City; sisters, Janice Kile of Columbia City, and Sheran Terman of Corvallis, Ore.; and nine grandchildren. Services are 10:30 a.m. Tuesday in Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City, where calling is 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. today. Burial will be in Lakeview Cemetery, Larwill.
Fort Wayne Sentinel, Allen County, Indiana; July 1, 1996, Page 10A
Contributed by Jim Cox


Edith (Pratt) Warfel

Edith (Fern) Warfel dies at hospital
Mrs. Edith (Fern) Warfel, 84, of Andrews, mother of Fred Warfel of Berne, owner of the Midtown Flowerhouse, Decatur, died at 4:55 p.m. Monday at the Huntington memorial hospital, where she had been a patient one month. A lifelong resident of the Andrews area, she was born Nov. 18, 1887, a daughter of William and Mary Stanton-Pratt, and was married to Howard Warfel May 5, 1906. Her husband preceded her in death in 1933. Mrs. Warfel was a member of the First Christian church at Andrews. Surviving are the son; two daughters, Mrs. Henry (Betty) Lahr of Huntington route 9, and Mrs. Harold (Phyllis) Rethlake of Roanoke route 2; a sister, Mrs. Clare Miller of Huntington; a brother, Loren Pratt of Marion; 12 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. Funeral rites will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Deal funeral home in Andrews, with Rev. Michael Armstrong officiating. Burial will be in Riverside cemetery at Andrews. Friends may call at the funeral home after 2 p.m. today.
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams County, Indiana; Tuesday, Nov. 14, 1972
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski


Mrs. Maude S. Webster

Maude S. Webster, 95, Fort Wayne, a longtime resident of Monroeville, died on Friday in Golden Years Homestead, Fort Wayne. Her husband, Howard E. Webster, died in 1987. Surviving are one daughter and one granddaughter. Funeral services were this afternoon, with burial in Monroeville Memorial Cemetery.
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams County, Indiana; Monday, January 7, 1991
Contributed by Karin King


Christian C. Welty

LOCAL LADY'S FATHER DIES - Christian C. Welty Dies Suddenly Thursday At Fort Wayne
Christian C. Welty, 68, father of Mrs. Royle Sprunger of this city died unexpectedly of a heart attack Thursday at his home, 4006 Arlington avenue, Fort Wayne. A native of Pandora, O., he had been employed for the past 26 years at the Wayne Paper Box company. He had been a congregation deacon and trustee of the First Missionary church for a number of years. Surviving are the widow, Alberta; four sons, Edison, Oliver and Ivan, all of Fort Wayne, and Clarence A. Welty, of Denver, Colo.; six daughters, Mrs. Royle Sprunger of Decatur; Mrs. E.E. Sprunger and Mrs. R. E. Roth of Fort Wayne, Mrs. G. P. Kliewer of Binghamton, N. Y., Mrs. C. E. Liechty of South Bend, Mrs. R. W. Ehrsman of Dayton, O.; two brothers, John J. Welty of Phoenix, Ariz., and Peter P. of Pandora, O.,; 23 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Monday at the home and at 2 o'clock at the First Missionary church, Rev. H. E. Wiswell officiating. Burial will be in Prairie Grove cemetery.
Adams County (IN) Historical Museum 1941b Jan-Dec Scrapbook; handwritten date: May 2, 1941
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski


Charles Wietfeldt

Charles Wietfeldt is taken by death
Charles Wietfeldt, 86, formerly of 7512 Tillman road, Fort Wayne, and a native of Decatur, died t 6:25 a.m. Friday at the Allen county Health center. He was a retired construction worker and a member of the Emanuel Lutheran church at New haven. Surviving are a daughter, Mrs. Louise Dieckman of Fort Wayne; a sister, Mrs. Clara Kiefer of Decatur, and a nephew, Elmer Braun, with whom he lived before entering the health center. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday at the Emanuel Lutheran church in New Haven, with burial in the church cemetery. Friends may call at the E. Harper & Son funeral home in New Haven from 7 to 9 p.m. today and 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday and at the church after 10 a.m. Monday.
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams County, Indiana; Saturday, Nov. 4, 1972
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski


Mrs. John Wilson, nee Smith

FORMER LOCAL RESIDENT DIES - Mrs. John Wilson Dies This Morning At Garrett Hospital
Mrs. John Wilson, 53, formerly of this city, died early this morning at Sacred Heart hospital, Garrett, following an extended illness. Mrs. Wilson, whose home was in Avilla, was moved to the hospital last week and her condition was considered critical for several days. Born in Decatur, the deceased was a daughter of the late Joseph and Anna Smith, pioneer residents of this city. She was a sister of Mrs. Charles Christen, Lawrence and Vincent Smith, of this city, and lived here for many years. She is survived by the husband, two sons, and two daughters, Deward of Fort Wayne, Woodrow of Avilla, Ruth Ann and Mrs. Albert Lash. Besides the brothers and sisters in this city, she is survived by Mrs. Lee Hindman of Fort Wayne and a half-sister, Mrs. Frank Lose of Milwaukee, Wis. Funeral services will be held at 9 o'clock Thursday morning from the Catholic church in Avilla. Burial will be made in Avilla. [buried Saint Mary's Catholic Cemetery, Avilla, Noble County, Indiana]
Adams County (IN) Historical Museum 1941b Jan-Dec Scrapbook; handwritten date: April 21, 1941
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski


Esther (Straw) Wolf

Mrs. Esther Wolf Dies at Hospital
Mrs. Esther Wolf, 69, a native of Wells County, died at 6:40 p.m. Tuesday at the Richmond State Hospital at Richmond, where she had been a patient for 22 years. Born in Wells County May 18, 1903, she was a daughter of Charles and Emma Masterson-Straw. Her husband, Melvin Wolf, preceded her in death. Surviving are a son, Joseph LaTurner of Decatur; a daughter, Mrs. James (Edna) Kitzmiller of New Haven; a brother, Ralph Straw of Tocsin; eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday at the Thoma Funeral Home in Bluffton, with Rev. Wesley Dupin officiating. Burial will be in Lindenwood Cemetery, Fort Wayne. Friends may call at the funeral home after 2 p.m. Thursday.
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams County, Indiana; Wednesday, November 29, 1972
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski


Payton Woosley

Shoals, Ind., May 12 - Payton Woosley, nine-year-old boy of this place was drowned late today when he fell from a sand barge into White River. The body has not been recovered.
Crawfordsville Review, Montgomery County, Indiana; May 13, 1924, p. 1
Contributed by Karen Zach


Miss Mary Louise Youse

Driver In Fatal Auto Accident To Be Arrested - Mary Louise Youse, 18, Hoagland High School Senior, Is Killed.
An arrest will be made on John W. Pitts, 63, 2408 Woodward Avenue, as soon as he is able to leave the hospital as a result of his car figuring in a collision with another in which Mary Louise Youse, 18, Rural Route No. 1, Decatur, Hoagland, High School senior, was killed seven miles south of the city on Road No. 27 at 7 o'clock Wednesday evening. Announcement that charges would be preferred against Pitts was made today by Sheriff Walter A. Felger, who, with Deputy Sheriffs Walter Adams and Frank Fuhs and State Police Officer mark Nelson, are investigating the accident. The exact nature of the charges had not yet been determined by authorities, but Sheriff Felger stated that it was certain that Pitts would be placed under formal arrest as soon as he is able to leave the Methodist Hospital.
Await Blood Test Result.
The sheriff said a sample of Pitts blood was sent to the Indian State Police Laboratories at Indianapolis for analysis. The nature of the charges will not be determined until the report of the blood test is received here. The sheriff said the investigation already has established that Pitts was driving at a high rate of speed when he approached the car in which Miss Youse was riding with Florence Brown, 25, Rural Route No. 7, Fort Wayne, English and Latin teacher at the Hoagland High School.
In Wrong Lane, Claim.
A witness told officers Pitts veered into the wrong lane of traffic twice before the accident, first swerving to the left, then back to the right, then back to the left again into the front and side of the school teacher's auto. Miss Youse and Miss Brown were pinned under the wreckage of the demolished automobile. Miss Youse was dead when she was brought to the Methodist Hospital in the Julian Schone ambulance. Miss Youse suffered a fractured skull and her death is believed to have occurred a few minutes after the accident. Miss Brown suffered cuts above the hands, knees and legs and abrasions about the body.
Pitts Not Seriously Hurt.
Pitts' car tumbled down a 2-foot embankment, but he was not seriously hurt, his injuries being confined to lacerations above the forehead. A number of witnesses declared Pitts was driving at a high rate of speed. Miss Brown and Miss Youse were on their way to a reception at the Hoagland High School. Surviving relatives include the mother, Mrs. Dwight Youse, Rural Route No. 1 Decatur; two brothers, Richard and Ray Youse, both at home; and two sisters, Mrs. Jeanette Meyer, 1119 McKee Street; and Madeline Youse, also of Fort Wayne. Miss Youse's death was the fourth traffic fatality in rural Allen County so far this year. [buried Antioch Lutheran Cemetery, Allen, Allen County, Indiana]
Adams County (IN) Historical Museum 1941b Jan-Dec Scrapbook; handwritten date: April 17
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski