Arnita A. Adams, 70, died Saturday at home.
The Adams County native was the widow of Melvin, who died in 1975, and a member of Martini Lutheran Church and its Ladies Aid Society. Surviving are daughters, Bonnie Gallmeyer of Ossian and Susan Bidlack of Defiance, Ohio, seven grandchildren and a great-grandchild. Services are 1:30 p.m. tomorrow in the chapel of Lutheran Home, with burial in Concordia Cemetery Gardens. Calling is noon to 9 p.m. today in Klaehn, Fahl & Melton Funeral Homes, South Anthony Chapel, 5700 S. Anthony Blvd., and 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. tomorrow in the chapel. Preferred memorials are gifts to the church.
News-Sentinel, Allen County, Indiana; November 5, 1990
Contributed by JC

LEO-CEDARVILLE - Gerald M. Amstutz, 77, of Leo-Cedarville, died Wednesday, Sept. 29, 2004, at Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne. Mr. Amstutz was the founder of Amstutz Well Drilling of Leo-Cedarville. He was a member of Leo United Methodist Church, American Legion Post 409, Leo Masonic Temple and Veterans of Foreign Wars. A U.S. Army veteran, he served during World War II. He was born Sept. 22, 1927, in Allen County to Merle and Laura Amsutz. Surviving are his wife, Joan Sauder Amstutz; two daughters, Mollie Amstutz of Huntertown and Melissa Amstutz and her husband, Rick, of St. Joe; three stepchildren and their spouses, Steve and Julie Sauder of Leo, Jan and Merle Halter of Leo and Gary and Sheila Sauder of Fort Wayne; four grandchildren; seven step-grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Janice Maggert of Huntertown and Diane Maggert of Churbusco. Preceding him in death were his parents; a son, Michael; and his first wife, Zola. Services will be Sunday at 3 p.m. in the Leo United Methodist Church, with pastors Toni Carmer and John Newburg officiating. Burial will be at Leo Memorial Park Cemetery with military graveside service by American Legion Post 409 of Leo. Calling will be at the church Saturday from 2 to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 2 to 3 p.m. Carnahan-Baidinger & Walter Funeral Home of Spencerville is handling arrangements. Memorials are to Leo United Methodist Church, 13527 Leo Road, Leo IN 46765. [buried Old Leo Cemetery; Leo-Cedarville, Allen County, Indiana]
JThe News Sun; Noble County, Indiana; October 2004
Contributed by Karin King

Mrs. Alice C. Arnold, 76, R. R. 5, Yellow Water Road, died at 1:18 p.m. yesterday at her residence after an illness of two weeks. She resided in the Fort Wayne area 52 years and was a member of St. Matthew Lutheran Church. Surviving are her husband, Charles; two daughters, Mrs. Martha Lee, Fort Wayne, and Mrs. Esther Snell, Warsaw; a brother, Charles Rudkin, Kokomo; and two grandchildren. Services will be at 1:30 p.m. Saturday in St. Matthew Church, Rev. Lowell Dallman officiating. Burial will be in the Monroeville Memorial Cemetery. Friends may call at the C. M. Sloan & Sons Funeral Home after 4 p.m. today and at the Church from noon Saturday until time of services. Preferred memorials are gifts to St. Matthew Church.
Journal-Gazette, Allen County, Indiana; April 29, 1966
Contributed by Karin King

Mrs. Catherine Arnold, aged 87, a resident of Madison township for 60 years, died at her home Sunday morning after an illness since December 31. She was the widow of Fred Arnold, who died 13? years ago. Surviving are two sons, Charles, of Arcola, and Fred, at home; two daughters, Miss Lois, at home, and Mrs. Anna Peckham, of Union City, and five grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at the Massilon church at 10 o'clock Wednesday with the Rev. A. K. Mumma officiating.
News-Sentinel, Allen County, Indiana; April 15, 1929
Contributed by JC

Funeral services for Fred Arnold, 87, formerly of R. R. 2, Monroeville, will be at 2 p.m. Monday in the Marquart Funeral Home, Monroeville, the Rev. Robert Whitenach officiating. Burial will be in Monroeville IOOF Cemetery. A native of Allen County, he died at 11 a.m. Friday at the Allen County Hospital where he had been a patient for the past 10 years. He was a retired farmer and a member of the Antioch Lutheran Church, Hoagland. Friends may call at the funeral home after 2 p.m. today.
Journal-Gazette, Allen County, Indiana; August 28, 1960
Contributed by Karin King

Funeral services for Miss Louise Arnold, 79, who died late Sunday night at Adams county Memorial hospital in Decatur of complications resulting from a broken hip she suffered in a fall at her home December 3, will be held Wednesday afternoon at 1:30 o'clock at the Van Buskirk funeral home in Monroeville, Rev. Richard Henry Trojan officiating. Burial will be in Monroeville I. O. O. F. cemetery. Friends may view the body at the funeral home. Born in Madison Township, Miss Arnold lived near Monroeville her entire life. She was a member of the Antioch Lutheran church at Hoagland. She made her home with a brother, Fred Arnold of R. R. No. 2, Monroeville. Survivors include two brothers, Fred, at home, and Charles Arnold of near Arcola, and a sister, Mrs. Anna Peckham of Union City.
Journal-Gazette, Allen County, Indiana; December 15, 1942
Contributed by Karin King

RICHARD A. ASHTON, 52, of Sunbury, Ohio, passed away Monday, June 12, 2006 at Kobacker House. He was born Oct. 15, 1953 in Fort Wayne to the late Forrest and Meryl L. (Applegate) Ashton. A graduate of South Side High School class of 1972, he earned a bachelors degree in education from Indiana University. He is survived by Andrea DiOrio of Sunbury; Michelle (Joe) McCague of Columbus; Erik Whitehead of Norwich, Conn.; grandchildren who made him smile: Erika and Rachael McCague; sisters: Anita (Norman) McBride of Bunkerhill, Arlene Repine, Ruth (Bob) Kumfer of Fort Wayne, Alice (Alan) Sasak of Gary, Pamela (Michael) Mason of Nashville, Tenn.; brothers, Jerry (Lori) Ashton and Terry Ashton of Fort Wayne, several nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Life is 8 p.m. today at DeVore-Snyder Funeral Home, SR 3 at SR 61, Sunbury, Ohio, with calling today from 6 to 8 p.m. Memorial contributions can be made to Homereach Hospice, 3724 Olentangy River Rd Ste G, Columbus, Ohio 43214. Send condolences to www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers, Allen County, Indiana from 6/13/2006 - 6/15/2006.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

EUGENE AUGUSTYNIAK, 78, of Largo, Fla., died Thursday, June 8, 2006, in Kindred Hospital, Bay Area. He was employed as a realtor, was a member of St. Matthew Catholic Church, enjoyed golf and working in his yard and living life to the fullest. He was also a member of Fort Wayne Board of Realtors. Surviving are sons, David L. Augustyniak of Fort Wayne, Michael E. Augustyiak of Jacksonville, Fla., Peter G. Augustyniak of Aurora, Ill. and Matthew G. Augustyniak of Bradenton, Fla.; daughters, Susan Neuman, Sandra L. Clarke and Leesa A. Jenkins,, all of Fort Wayne, and Laura D. Augustyniak of Seminole, Fla.; sister, Florence Sturm of Clearwater, Fla.; 25 grandchildren; and 23 great-grandchildren. No Service or Visitation at this time.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers, Allen County, Indiana from 6/14/2006 - 6/15/2006.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

DONALD I. AUMAN, 72, of Fort Wayne died Saturday in Lutheran Hospital. The Fort Wayne native retired in 1991 as an accountant for Reelcraft Corp. in Columbia City, was a veteran of World War II, and member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, American Legion Post 296, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2689 and Benevolent Protective Order of Elks 155. Surviving are sons, James L. of Glen Ellyn, Ill., and Stephen D. of Bradenton, Fla.; brother, Delbert A. of Fort Wayne; and three grandchildren. Services are 11 a.m. Wednesday in Hockemeyer & Miller Funeral Home, 6131 St. Joe Road, where calling is 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday. Burial will be in Concordia Cemetery Gardens. Memorials are to Faith Evangelical Covenant Church building fund in Wheaton, Ill., or St. Paul's Lutheran Church.
News-Sentinel, Allen County, Indiana; November 4, 1996
Contributed by JC

Services for Robert W. Auman, 52, self-employed in real estate investments, will be at 2 pm Monday at DO McComb & Sons Funeral Home. A resident of 1110 Northwood Ave, he died about 3 am yesterday at Sweetwater Lake. He was a veteran of World War II and a member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church. Surviving are two sons, Rob of Pompano Beach, Fla, and William, Indianapolis; a daughter, Debbie Auman, Pompano Beach; his father, Walt Auman, Fort Wayne; and two brothers, Delbert, Van Wert, Ohio and Donald, Fort Wayne. Calling will be at the funeral home from 7 to 9 pm today. Burial will be in Concordia Cemetery.
Journal-Gazette, Allen County, Indiana; May 6, 1973
Contributed by JC

Martinsville, Ind, Sept 5 - Bertha Bailey, the 19-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Mill Bailey of Monrovia, committed suicide by shooting herself through the heart. She had been sick and was despondent. Her mother was in the adjoining room.
Greencastle Daily Banner and Times, Putnam County, Indiana; 5 Sept 1896, p 1
Contributed by Karen Zach

Mary L. Bailey, 67, died Saturday in Woodview Manor Nursing Home, Fort Wayne. She was born Nov. 7, 1921 in Whitley County, the daughter of John and Dora (Yoder) Fulk. On Aug. 31, 1941 she married Ross Bailey. She had lived most of her life in Whitley and Noble Counties and was formerly in bookkeeping at Parkview Hospital, Fort Wayne, for 10 years, retiring in 1964. She was a member of Swan Twp Homemakers' Club. Surviving are her mother in South Whitley; her husband; four daughters, Mrs. Larry (Patricia) Gross of LaOtto, Mrs. Nick (JoAnn) Baker of Frankfort, Mrs. James (Linda) Thatcher of Avilla, and Jacque Bailey of Fort Wayne; a sister, Mrs. Robert (Dorothy) Mosher of Columbia City; four brothers, Lawrence and John, both Columbia City, Dale of South Whitley, and Paul of Albion; seven grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Services today in Sheets Funeral Home, Churubusco. Burial, Riverview Cemetery.
Sheets Funeral Home, Whitley County, Indiana; February 12, 1989
Contributed by JC

A young woman named Elizabeth Barnhart, an idiot inmate of the County Poor House, aged about thirty five years, was burned to death Saturday morning about 5 o'clock. She had been an inmate four years. During the day, these idiotic people are allowed to wander about the premises, and this poor unfortunate, on the occasion alluded to, went too near the oven in which bread was being baked, and her clothing caught fire. The clothing being woolen did not burn very freely; but she inhaled the smoke and hot air, which caused her death in a very short time. Her body was not very badly burned, and death would not have resulted had she not inhaled the smoke. She gave no alarm, and her clothing had burned some time before her condition was discovered. Her parents were sent for and the remains interred in the cemetery on Poor Farm grounds. - Lafayette Journal
Warren Republican, Huntington County, IN; Thursday, Jan. 28, 1875
Contributed by Karen Zach

Mrs. Barbara Beck, widow of the late Henry Beck, died at 9 o'clock Sunday night at the family residence, 1313 Rockhill street. Death was due to the infirmities of old age and occurred at the age of 86 years, eight months and fourteen days. The deceased was born in Germany and came to Fort Wayne in 1852 from Buffalo over the old Erie Canal. Her husband preceded her in death fourteen years ago. Surviving relatives include the following children: William Beck, Mrs. Wm. Young, Mrs. Fred Koeppenhoefer, Mrs. Fred Willroth. Eleven grandchildren and two great grandchildren also survive. The deceased was the oldest member of the St. John's Lutheran church and of the Ladies Aid society of that congregation. Funeral services will be held Wednesday afternoon at 1:30 o'clock from the residence and at 2 o'clock from St. John's Lutheran church. Interment at St. John's cemetery. Friends are requested to kindly omit flowers.
Journal-Gazette, Allen County, Indiana; January 31, 1916
Contributed by JC

Died on Friday, Dec 18, 1891 at 7 o'clock a.m. at the residence of his son, on Third Street in this place, Nicholas Becker, aged 74 years 8 months and 20 days. He was born in Edarr, Germany, Firsdendom (on edge - hard to read) Birkenfield, Groshartzochdum, Koldenburg March 27, 1817. The funeral will take place from the residence of Charles Becker, on Sunday the 20th inst at 9:30 o'clock a.m. Burial at St. Johanas cemetery, two miles east of Boonville.
Boonville, Warrick County, Indiana; Sat., 19 Dec 1891, p 4
Contributed by Karen Zach

Mrs. Emma P. Bellinger, 69, of R. R. 2, Fort Wayne, a native of Allen County and prominent in women's work of the EUB Church, died at 12:15 p.m. yesterday in the Souder Hospital at Auburn. Mrs. Bellinger was a member of the First EUB Church, its Women's Missionary Society, the Mary and Martha Class, Ladies Aid Society, the Board of Stewards, Ridge Road Economics Club and the Ladies Aid of Robison Chapel. Surviving are her husband, Andrew J. (Fred) Bellinger; a son, Wayne H. Bellinger of Fort Wayne, a daughter, Mrs. Romayne Carnahan, also of Fort Wayne; three grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter. The body was taken to the D. O. McComb & Sons Funeral Home where friends may call after 7 p.m. today. Services will be at the funeral home at 1 p.m. Saturday, Rev. A. L. Keller officiating. Burial will be in the Leo Cemetery.
Journal-Gazette, Allen County, Indiana; January 10, 1963
Contributed by Karin King

MARY C. BERGMAN, 77, of Fort Wayne, died Monday, June 12, 2006, at Parkview Hospital, Fort Wayne. She is survived by her husband, Wayne; son, Tom Baldwin of Kissimmee, Fla.; sisters, Edna Elliott of Bristol, Va.; JoAnn Wichman of Celina, Ohio; and sister-in-law, Betty Palmer of Jacksonville, Fla. She was preceded in death by five brothers; and one sister. Services will be private. Preferred memorials to Parkview Heart Institute.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers, Allen County, Indiana on 6/14/2006.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

BEATRICE BILLOW AUBURN - Beatrice G. "Bea" Platter Billow, 89, of Auburn died Wednesday, Sept. 29, 2004, at the Laurels of DeKalb Nursing Home in Butler. She was employed as a Stanley Home Products representative for 10 years, retiring in 1962. She was a member of the Auburn Church of the Nazarene, the Auburn Women of the Moose, and DeKalb County SeniorPak. She was born Aug. 24, 1915, in Toledo, Ohio, to Cecil L. and Nora E. (Geisinger) Harwood. She married Sheldon Platter in 1933 and he died in 1968. She married Rollin Billow in 1972 and he died in 1984. She is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law, Philip and Marie Platter of Cary, N.C., and Keith and Eloise Platter of Hamilton; a daughter and son-in-law, Jane and Walter Henry of Las Vegas, Nev.; 10 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and six great-great-grandchildren. Services will be Saturday at 11 a.m. in Feller Funeral Home, 875 S. Wayne St., Waterloo, with the Rev. Ken Yingling officiating. Burial will be in Roselawn Cemetery at Auburn. Calling will be from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. today at the funeral home. Memorials are to DeKalb County SeniorPak or the Heimach Center.
News-Sun, Noble County, Indiana; October, 2004
Contributed by Karin King

A. GERTRUDE BLANCHARD, 72, of Columbia City died yesterday in Whitley County Memorial Hospital. The Tipton native was a former waitress for Ten Pin Restaurant and widow of Frank, who died in 1982. Surviving are sons, Larry C. Sievers of Columbia City and Richard W. Sievers of Fort Wayne; a sister, Lucile Sysinging of Dunlap; a brother, Ralph Tharp of Elkhart; and three grandchildren. Services are 11 a.m. tomorrow in Elzey & Haggard Home for Funerals, 6810 Old Trail Road, Fort Wayne, where calling is 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. today. Burial will be in Greenlawn Memorial Park, Fort Wayne. Preferred memorials are gifts to New Life Christian Center, Fort Wayne.
News-Sentinel, Allen County, Indiana; January 7, 1993
Contributed by JC

Handwritten date: : Monday, August 13, 1934
WIFE OF JOHN BOLLENBACHER DIES SATURDAY - Mother of Local Woman is Victim of Cancer - FUNERAL IS TUESDAY P.M.
Mrs. Emma Bollenbacher, aged 56, wife of John Bollenbacher of Jefferson Twp., died Saturday morning at 12:30 o'clock at the Adams County Memorial Hospital, following an operation for cancer last Thursday morning. Mrs. Bollenbacher had been failing for some months, but her condition did not become serious until a week or ten days ago. She suffered much during her illness. Mrs. Bollenbacher's husband was formerly trustee of Jefferson Twp. and the family is well known here. Mrs. Bollenbacher was born on April 1, 1878, in Mercer County, O., a daughter of Jacob and Caroline Schott Bollenbacher. On Aug. 9, 1900 she was married to John Bollenbacher. Soon after their wedding they moved to Jefferson Twp., Adams Co., where they resided since. Surviving are the husband and the following children: Victor, Jefferson Twp.; Mrs. Helen Kuhn, Jefferson Twp.; Lucille and Ralph, at home; and Mrs. Chester (Esther) Heare of Berne. One son, Martin, is deceased. The following sisters and brothers remain: Mrs. Phoebe Garres, Van Wert; Adolph, Merrill, Mich.; Mrs. Henrietta Garres, Van Wert; Fred, Celina; William, Jefferson Twp.; John and Mrs. Elizabeth Bollenbacher, Celina; Mrs. Miriam Baker, Berne; Mrs. Hulda Linn, Rockford; Dan, Celina and Jacob, Rockford. One brother and three sisters preceded. The deceased was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church. The funeral will be held Tuesday afternoon at 1:30 p.m. at the house and at 2 o'clock, EST, at the Zion Lutheran Church [Chattanooga, Mercer County, IN], Rev. Carl Yahl officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery.
Adams County Historical Museum 1934 Scrapbook
Indiana, U.S., Death Certificates, 1899-2011
Name: Emma Bollenbacher; Gender: Female; Race: White; Age: 36; Marital status: Married
Birth Date: 1 Apr 1878; Birth Place: Liberty, Twp., Ohio; Death Date: 11 Aug 1934; Death Place: Jefferson, Adams, Indiana, USA
Father: Jacob Bollenbacher; Mother: Caroline Schaadt; Spouse: John M. Bollenbacher; Informant: V. F. Bollenbacher; Geneva, Indiana
Burial: August 14, 1934; Chattanooga, Ohio
Contributed by Karin King

BEATRICE C. BOXBERGER, 92, of Fort Wayne, died Tuesday, June 13, 2006. Born in Hammond, she lived in Fort Wayne for 70 years. She was a waitress at the Elks Club and Club Olympia for several years, retiring years ago. She was a member of Abundant Life Tabernacle. Surviving are her daughters, Judy Jugloff of Fort Wayne and Dianne Mertz of New Haven; sisters, Dorothy Brown of Pierceton and Betty Grant of Merritt Island, Fla.; brother, Howard Fleck of Texas; five grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Boxberger, in 1972. Funeral service is 10 a.m. Friday at Klaehn, Fahl & Melton Funeral Home, Winchester Road Chapel, 6424 Winchester Road. Visitation is from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Burial in Catholic Cemetery.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers, Allen County, Indiana from 6/14/2006 - 6/15/2006.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

MOTHER DIES SOON AFTER BIRTH OF BABY - Mrs. Christine Branning Passes Away at Lutheran Hospital from Tumor of the Brain
A few hours before Mrs. Christine Branning, 38, wife of Fred Branning, 3231 South Harrison street, died of tumor of the brain at an early hour yesterday morning at the family home, she gave birth to an eight-months child. For two days, medical men had seen that the tumor would cause the woman's death. The stork was winging his way to the home. It was a race between death and the life of the living baby. Mrs. Branning had been unconscious for hours. The stork's flight was heard and the attending physician did all in his power to facilitate the youngster's arrival. Medical skill won and a short time before the mother died a new soul was brought in the world. The babe was taken to the Lutheran hospital where reports last night were that the baby was doing well. Mrs. Branning was born in Wisconsin. She had been a resident of Fort Wayne for the last decade and belonged to the Emmaus Lutheran church. She is survived by her husband and three daughters, Freida, Estella and the baby girl, her parents, Mr. and Mrs. William Bade and three brothers, Fred, George and William Bade.
Journal-Gazette, Allen County, Indiana; August 24, 1916
Contributed by JC

Many be the friends of mourn the premature death of that promising young man, Donald G. Brooks, son of Rev. R. N. Brooks, who died at his father's at Pine Village last Monday.
Crawfordsville Journal Review, Montgomery County, IN; Saturday, 12 September 1874
Contributed by Karen Zach

HENRY BROUWER IS CALLED BY DEATH - The End Come Unexpectedly, Although He Had Been Ill For Six Months
Henry Brouwer, aged sixty-seven years, died at his home 131 Madison street. Monday afternoon at 1:15 o'clock from creeping paralysis. While he had been suffering for six months with his fatal illness, he was bedfast but three days and death came unexpectedly. The deceased was born in Marion township but had resided in Madison township until ten years ago when he moved to Fort Wayne. In his early days, he had followed farming but was leading a retired life when he died. He affiliated with the St Paul's Lutheran church soon after his arrival in Fort Wayne. On October 9, 1907, he married Miss Dora Hans, who survives. There are also six children: Otto S Hans, of South Bend, Larua, Lydia, Adam, Erwin and Walter, all of this city and two sisters, Mrs Harmon Franke and Mrs William Moldthan of Madison township, left to mourn their loss. Funeral services will be held at 1:30 o'clock Thursday afternoon at the residence and at two o'clock at St Paul's Lutheran church, Revs Jacob and Paul Miller officiating. Sermons will be delivered in both English and German. Burial is to be made in Concordia cemetery.
Journal-Gazette, Allen County, Indiana; January 23, 1917
Contributed by JC

BROWN, Clyde E. - Services at 3 p.m. today in Klaehn Funeral Home, the Rev. Raymond Betcher officiating. Burial in Greenlawn Memorial Park.
Journal-Gazette, Allen County, Indiana; February 17, 1968
Contributed by Karin King

GREGORY K. BROWN, 49, died Sunday, June 11, 2006, at Parkview Hospital, Fort Wayne. Born in Huntington, he was a member of Third Street Church of God. Survivors include son, Andrew (Andrea) Brown of Fort Wayne; daughter, Christina Brown of Huntington; father, James Brown of Fort Wayne; brother, Gary Brown of Huntington; sisters, Sheryl Rea and Cindy Hubartt, both of Huntington; one grandaughter, Onalease. Service is 10 a.m. today at D.O. McComb & Sons Lakeside Park Funeral Home, 1140 Lake Ave., with calling one hour prior. Memorials to the family.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers, Allen County, Indiana on 6/15/2006.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

Judge Joseph H. Brown, of Denver, Colorado, formerly of Williamsport, died at Denver on Sunday, the 18th inst.
Crawfordsville Weekly Journal, Montgomery County, IN; Thursday, 5 February 1874
Contributed by Karen Zach

Mrs. Anna Brueggemann, 79, of Milan Township, died at 12:45 am yesterday at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Henry Moehring, in St Joseph Township. She was a member of St Peter's Lutheran Church, in Goeglein, and its Ladies Aid Society. In addition to Mrs. Moehring, she is survived by two sons, A. J. and Walter C. Brueggemann, both of Milan Township; six grandchildren, and 10 great grandchildren. The body has been taken to the Rodenbeck-Pook Funeral Home and will be returned to the residence of Walter C. Brueggemann where friends may call after 7 pm today. Services will be at 2 pm Wednesday at the residence and at 2:30 pm at St Peter's Church, the Rev Henry Abram officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery.
Journal-Gazette, Allen County, Indiana; September 12, 1949
Contributed by JC

Mrs. Louise Korte Bruick, 68, died at 4:40 pm Sunday at her home on the Maysville road east of the city. She had been in failing health for months and under went a surgical operation last November. She was born in Allen county and had resided all her life in and near Fort Wayne. She was a member of the St Paul's Lutheran church and the Ladies' Aid society of the congregation. Surviving are the husband, Jacob, who is bedfast with a broken hip; a son, Lew F. Bruick of this city; a daughter, Mrs. Charles Koons of Fort Wayne; four grandchildren; a sister, Mrs. Sophie Zollinger of this city; three brothers, William, Henry and Ernest Korte, all of Fort Wayne. The body was taken to the Rodenbeck-Trier funeral home where services will be held at 2 pm Wednesday and at 2:30 pm at St Paul's church with Dr. Paul F. Krauss officiating. Burial will be in Concordia cemetery. Friends may view the body at the funeral home after 1 pm Tuesday.
Journal-Gazette, Allen County, Indiana; January 25, 1943
Contributed by JC

The following obituary is being republished to provide information regarding services. LAWRENCE L. "LARRY" CAGNET, 63, of Fort Wayne, died Tuesday, June 13, 2006, 10:25 p.m., at Parkview Hospital, after he was hospitalized one day following complications from surgery. Born Sept. l3, 1942, in Allen County, he was the son of Betty J. Hoelle and the late Oris N. Cagnet. He married Jeraldine E. Poisel on June 22, 1960, in Kentucky. He was a member of Our Lady of Good Hope Catholic Church, Fort Wayne; and coached basketball for the Catholic Youth Organization for 28 years (13 years at St. Rose, Monroeville and 15 years at St. Charles, Fort Wayne). His family always came first. He loved fishing and hunting. He retired in 1998 from Phelps Dodge Magnet Wire following 34 1/2 years of service. Surviving are his wife, Jeraldine E. Cagnet of Fort Wayne; mother, Betty J. Cagnet of Fort Wayne; daughter, Anne A. Cagnet of Fort Wayne; sons, Chris L. (Natalie) Cagnet of Fort Wayne, Kevin F. (Maureen) Cagnet of Angola, Chad M. (Robyn) Cagnet and Larry K. (fiance', Heather) Cagnet, both of Fort Wayne; sister, Becky J. Wilson of Fort Wayne; brother, Steve F. (Monica) Cagnet of Jacksonville, Fla.,; sister, Mrs. Dale (Sherry J.) Lucas of Cincinnati, Ohio; and five grandchildren, Adam, Jackie and Drew Cagnet, Ashley Everidge and Eric Connelly. He was preceded in death by one daughter, Lisa J. Cagnet. Prayer service is 9:20 a.m. Saturday at Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home, Jacobs Chapel, Monroeville. Mass of Christian Burial is 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Rose Catholic Church, Monroeville, with Father Stephen Colchin officiating. Visitation is from 2 to 4 and 6 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home, with Rosary at 4 p.m. today. Burial in St. Rose Catholic Cemetery. Preferred memorials to Catholic Youth Organization. For complete obituary information and to sign the online guestbook, visit www.zwickjahn.com
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers, Allen County, Indiana from 6/15/2006 - 6/16/2006.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

Vorhees Campbell of Terre Haute, 12 years old, was kicked by a mule and fatally injured. He is a relative of Senator Voorhees.
Greencastle Daily Banner and Times, Putnam County, Indiana; 11 Sept 1896, p 1
Contributed by Karen Zach

CHARLES C. CRAIN, 89, of Fort Wayne died Sunday at his daughter's home in Fort Wayne. The Hamilton native retired in 1965 from General Electric Co., as a tool designer after 40 years of service. He later worked at S&R Tool and Die for three years. His wife, Josie, preceded him in death. Surviving are a daughter, Sharon D. Relue of Fort Wayne; and five grandchildren. Services are 10 a.m. Wednesday at Elzey & Haggard Home for Funerals, 6810 Old Trail Road. Calling is from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. today. Burial will be in Highland Park Cemetery. Memorials are to Westview Alliance or First Missionary Church.
Journal-Gazette, Allen County, Indiana; September 23, 1997
Contributed by JC

Handwritten-Mon. Oct. 17, 1955
GOSHEN-Mrs. Caroline Delagrange, 50, R.R. 4, Goshen, died at 4:15 p.m. Sunday in her home at R.R. 4, Goshen, after a heart attack. She was a former resident of Leo and Harlan, moving to the Goshen address nine years ago. She was a member of the Pleasant Grove Mennonite Church east of Goshen. Surviving are the husband, Peter; three daughters, Mrs. Floyd Kauffman, Goshen, Mrs. Paul Schrock, Benton, and Miss Helen Delagrange, at home; three sisters, Mrs. Valentine Slabaugh, R. R. 4, Goshen, Mrs. Victor Steury, Topeka, and Miss Hannah Lengcher, Goshen; one brother, William Lengcher, Ligonier; and four grandchildren. The body was taken to the family home, where friends may call after 7 p.m. today. Services will be conducted at 10 a.m. Wednesday in the church, the Rev. Clarence Yoder and the Rev. Noah Zehr officiating. Burial will be in the Alwine Cemetery, south of ??. The Yoder Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. [Buried Elkhart Prairie Cemetery; Goshen, Elkhart County, Indiana]
Adams County (IN) Historical Museum 1955 March-April 1958 Scrapbook, image 28
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski

RONALD "RON" DeWITT, 62, of Bluffton, died Tuesday, June 13, 2006, 5:07 p.m., due to an automobile accident. Surviving are his wife, Janet J. (Overholt); mother, Marcelline Jane (Meyer) of Roanoke; daughter, Mrs. Kerry (Michelle) R. Gentis of Bluffton; son, Matthew R. (Shan-non) DeWitt of Fort Wayne; daughter, Mrs. Cecil (Beth Ann) Greck of Asheville, N.C.; four grandchildren; sister, Mrs. Linda Molfenter of Fort Wayne; and brothers, Brent DeWitt of Churubusco, Gary DeWitt of Roanoke and Michael DeWitt of Huntington. Funeral service is 2 p.m. Saturday at Bluffton High School, in the gymnasium, with visitation from 10 a.m. until time of service. Pastor Cindy Osgood officiating. Visitation also from noon to 9 p.m. Friday at Thoma/Rich, Hewitt & Chaney Funeral Home, 308 W. Washington St., Bluffton. Preferred memorials to Ron DeWitt Memorial Scholarship Fund or First We Care.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers, Allen County, Indiana on 6/15/2006.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

DIEHM SR., CHRISTOPHER W. "DINO": Service is 1 p.m. Thursday at D.O. McComb & Sons Lakeside Park Funeral Home, 1140 Lake Ave. Calling is from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers, Allen County, Indiana from 6/14/2006 - 6/15/2006.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

GARY L. DOLBEY, 63, of Urbana, Ohio, died Tuesday, June 13, 2006, 9:04 a.m., at his residence. He was employed at International Harvester Corp., Fort Wayne and then International Truck & Engine Corp., Springfield, Ohio for 42 years. He was a member of Salem Presbyterian Church, Venedocia, Ohio. Surviving are his wife, Sandy (Roemer) Dolbey of Urbana; stepson, Tom (Jackie) King of Indianapolis; and sister, Martha (William) Fisher of Brookville, Fla. Funeral service is 10 a.m. Saturday at Salem Presbyterian Church, Venedocia, Ohio, with visitation one hour prior to service. The Rev. Wendy Pratt officiating. Visitation also from 2 to 5 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home, Van Wert, Ohio. Preferred memorials to Community Mercy Hospice, Springfield, Ohio.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers, Allen County, Indiana on 6/15/2006.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

DUFFEY, CAROLYN M.: Funeral service is 10:30 a.m. today at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 3705 S. Anthony Blvd., with visitation one hour prior. Arrangements by Hockemeyer & Miller Funeral Home, 6131 St. Joe Road.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers, Allen County, Indiana from 6/14/2006 - 6/15/2006.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

DURR JR., WILLIE LOUIS: Service is 11 a.m. today at Reeves Funeral Home, Mt. Olive, Miss., with calling one hour before service. Arrangements by Ellis Funeral Home, 1021 E. Lewis St.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers, Allen County, Indiana from 6/14/2006 - 6/17/2006.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

Handwritten-Sat. Jan. 14, 1956
Last rites for Noah E. Eicher, Sr., 66, R. R. 1, Woodburn, will be held at 9 a.m. Monday in the Eicher residence, the Rev. Clarence Lenagracher officiating Burial will be in Amish Cemetery near Grabill. Mr. Eicher, a Milan Township ??? died in Parkview Memorial Hospital where he had been a patient since Tuesday. He had been ill two years. He was a member of the Amish Church. Surviving are the widow, Christina; nine sons, Joseph E., David, Daniel and Michael, all of Grabill; Noah E., Jr., and Andrew, New Haven; Menno, Woodburn, and Simon and Raymond, at home; three daughters, Mrs. Barbara Graber, Fort Wayne; Mrs. Lydia Delegrange and Mrs. Rose Witmer, Grabill; a brother, Christ Eicher, Newton, Ont., and 47 grandchildren. Friends may call at the residence and are asked to omit flowers. The Walter Funeral Home, Spencerville, is in charge of arrangements. [Buried Roth Road Amish Cemetery, Grabill, Allen County, Indiana]
Adams County (IN) Historical Museum 1955 March-April 1958 Scrapbook, image 37
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski

Crown Point, Ind., May 14 - Henry Ellwanger, a well known and wealthy contractor of this city, committed suicide yesterday by shooting himself in the right temple at his office. A year ago last April his son, Barney, killed his wife and self at Cedar Lake, since which time Mr. Ellwanger has often been despondent. Another cause given is his failure to secure the contract for the new Methodist Episcopal Church of this city which as let to another man Tuesday night. He leaves a wife and two sons, one of whom is superintendent of the Chicago Telephone Company.
Greencastle Daily Banner and Times, Putnam County, Indiana; 15 May 1896, p 5
Contributed by Karen Zach

Handwritten-missing
DON W. ESSEX, 54 IS TAKEN BY DEATH IN TEXAS
Don Walter Essex, 54, former Adams County resident, died Monday at Scott White Hospital, Temple, Texas, after an illness of 15 months, relatives in Adams County were informed late Monday. Burial will be Thursday afternoon in his home town of Stuttgart, Ark. Death was attributed to cancer. The deceased was born April 1, 1901, in Monroe Township, Adams County, a son of Jesse V. and Anna M. Essex. He was married in 1923 to Cora Baker, Angola. A graduate of Monroe High School and Angola Teachers College, Essex taught for several years in the rural schools of Adams County. He later was graduated from Askin's School of Embalming. (Missing) grandchildren also survive, as do the following brothers and sisters: Harry Essex, Decatur; Mrs. John Nelson, Decatur; Sherman Essex, Monroe; Merl Essex, Monroe; Clifford Essex, Monroe; Mrs. Dan Kauffman, Monroe; (missing) [Buried Lone Tree Cemetery; Stuttgart, Arkansas County, Arkansas]
Adams County (IN) Historical Museum 1955 March-April 1958 Scrapbook, image 29
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski

MICHAEL D. EVANS, 56, of Fort Wayne, died Saturday, June 10, 2006, at Lutheran Hospital, Fort Wayne. Born Oct. 7, 1949, in Fort Wayne, he worked for TFE Group. He was a member of Kekionga V.F.W. Post 1421, American Legion Post 241 and N.R.A., and served in the Army during the Vietnam era. "He was a loving father, brother and friend and many called him dad." Surviving are his daughters, Taryn K. Ealey and Adrienne M. Evans, both of Fort Wayne; sons, Michael D. Evans and Alexis A. Blevins, both of Fort Wayne; brother, Bob Evans of Coesse; and sisters, Beverly Tustison of Washington. Celebration of Life is 2 p.m. Saturday at Elzey-Patterson-Rodak Home For Funerals, 6810 Old Trail Road, Fort Wayne, with visitation two hours prior. Visitation also from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Memorials to N.R.A.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers, Allen County, Indiana on 6/14/2006.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

HELEN M. FIGLEY, 88, of Pioneer, Ohio, formerly of Reading, Mich., died Monday, June 12, 2006. Arrangements by Thompson Funeral Home, Montpelier, Ohio.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers, Allen County, Indiana on 6/14/2006.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

Jerry C. Finney, 80, of 616 1/2 S. Clinton St., a custodian at the Allen County Courthouse, died at 12:30 a.m. yesterday at the Lutheran Hospital. He had been ill five weeks and hospitalized three and a half weeks. A resident of Fort Wayne most of his life, Mr. Finney was a native of Ari. The wife, Josephine, died in 1949. Surviving is a step-daughter, Mrs. Mabel Hilgemann of this city. Funeral services will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. Friday in the Mungovan & Sons Mortuary, the Rev. George Wascovich officiating. Burial will be in Greenlawn Memorial Park.
Journal-Gazette, Allen County, Indiana; February 13, 1958
Contributed by Karin King

Roland Martin Fishbaugh Sr., 67, passed away Wednesday, July, 14, 2021. Born in Huntington, IN to the late Donald Fishbaugh and Katherine (Mckinzie) Fishbaugh. Roland enjoyed doing jig saw puzzles. He is survived by special friend, John Huitt, sons, Roland Fishbaugh, Jr., Derek Fishbaugh, daughter, Julie Fishbaugh, sisters, Beverly Asher, Betty (Andy) Cox and Sharon Rivers, brothers, Donald, David, Harry, Larry, Henry and Lloyd Fishbaugh and one grandchild and several nieces and nephews. Funeral service is 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 21, 2021 with calling from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. prior at Covington Memorial Funeral Home, 8408 Covington Road. He will be interred at Covington Memorial Gardens.
Muncie Evening Press, Delaware County, Indiana; Monday, 9 Nov 1959, p 2
Contributed by JC

The 2-day-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Franke died yesterday afternoon. The funeral will be held this afternoon. The father is a brother of City Marshal Franke.
Fort Wayne Gazette, Allen County, Indiana; April 14, 1894
Contributed by Karin King

Mrs. Charles Freeman, aged 84, of 517 West Ft. Wayne street died at 8:20 a.m. Wednesday at the Murphy Medical Center where she was admitted for treatment for a broken hip. Mrs. Freeman had lived in this city for many years. She was born Nov. 12, 1866 four and one half miles east of Warsaw, the daughter of Samuel P. and Martha (Hiner) Elder. She was Margaret Ann Elder before her marriage to Mr. Freeman in 1889. Surviving relatives included her daughter, Miss Helen Freeman, at home, a son Kenneth Freeman of 401 North Union street and two brothers, Lawrence Elder of Niles Michigan and Bert Elder of Carp Lake, Mich. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday at the Bibler funeral home, Rev. G. H. Watson pastor of the Presbyterian church will be in charge. Burial will be in Oakwood cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home after 2 p.m. Thursday.
Warsaw Times Union, Kosciusko County, Indiana; October 3, 1951
Contributed by Karin King

OLD RESIDENT DIES - Mrs Elise Gallmeier, 82, Succumbs After Month's Illness
Mrs. Elise Gallmeier, 82, a native of Germany, and a resident of this city since she came here at the age of 18 years, died at 1:45 o'clock Sunday afternoon at her home, 1160 Francis street. She had been ill for about one month. she was a member of St Paul's Lutheran church and of the Ladies' aid of that church. Mrs Gallmeier is survived by the husband, William Gallmeier, a former contractor here; five daughters, Mrs WF Kruse, MRs EW Luecke and Mrs George Weller, all of this city, Mrs WH Koss of Spokane, Wash and Mrs CW Koss of Indianapolis; a sons, Paul Gallmeier of this city; 23 grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. Mr and Mrs Gallmeier were married in June, 1870, and observed their sixtieth wedding anniversary last year. The body was removed to Rodenbeck's funeral home.
Journal-Gazette, Allen County, Indiana; September 21, 1931
Contributed by JC

GATES, DR. JAMES O.: Memorial service is 11 a.m. today at Summers Auditorium Canterbury High School, 3210 Smith Road. Arrangements by D.O. McComb & Sons Covington Knolls Funeral Home, 8325 Covington Road.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers, Allen County, Indiana from 6/14/2006 - 6/17/2006.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

Mrs. Lydia E. Gemmer, wife of Maj. Philip Gemmer, of Williamsport, died at that place on Tuesday of last week.
Crawfordsville Weekly Journal, Montgomery County, IN; Thursday, 27 March 1873
Contributed by Karen Zach

MRS. LEWIS GILES Mrs. Lewis (Margaret) Giles, aged 91, of Nappanee, died at 2:20 a.m. Wednesday at the Coyle convalescent home in Goshen, where she had been cared for since January of 1949. She had been ill three years, due to complications. Mrs. Giles previously resided at East Chicago. She was born at Leesburg Dec. 10, 1859, the daughter of Thomas A. and Julia Ann (Atterbury) Edgar. In 1893 she was married in East Chicago to Mr. Giles, who died in 1947, while in New York City. She had been a member of the Methodist church since 1870 and was affiliated with the Order of the Eastern Star in East Chicago, since 1904. Surviving relatives include one brother, Frederick Edgar, of Warsaw, and two sisters, Mrs. A. I. Miller, of Nappanee, and Mrs. Pearl Strohm, of Indianapolis. Funeral services will be held at 2:30 p.m. Friday at the Wright funeral home in Nappanee. Burial will be in the Leesburg cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home.
Warsaw Times Union, Kosciusko County, Indiana; October 3, 1951
Contributed by Karin King

Andersonville, Ind., Sept 4 - Israel Goble is dead at his home near here. He was the father of the present education system of the state. When a member of the legislature he introduced and carried through a bill giving state and county superintendencies to the schools, the bill becoming a law in the face of the bitterest opposition. This opposition so disgusted Mr. Goble that he withdrew from politics and spent the remainder of his life in retirement on his farm.
Greencastle Daily Banner and Times, Putnam County, Indiana; 4 Sept 1896, p 1
Contributed by Karen Zach

FRANCES V. GORDON, 95, of Winona Lake, died Monday, June 12, 2006. Arrangements by Titus Funeral Home, Warsaw.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers, Allen County, Indiana on 6/14/2006.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

DOROTHEA T. "DOT" GOULD, 96, of Fort Wayne, died Tuesday, June 13, 2006, at Golden Years Homestead, Fort Wayne. Born in Elizabeth City County, Va., she was the daughter of Fredrick Lee and Lillian May Tennis. She is survived by her grandchildren, D. Stephen (Adrianna) Gerkin of Orlando, Fla., Jeffrey G. (Elizabeth) Gerkin of Knoxville, Tenn. and Pamela L. (Todd) Callahan of Dublin, Va.; and great-grandchildren, Meredith, Alexandra, Jake and Jaxson. She was preceded in death by her husband, Rev. Kenneth Gould, in 1994; and daughter, Patricia Gerkin, in 1996. Graveside service is 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Lebanon Church of Christ Cemetery, Lee Hall, Va., with Pastor Thomas E. Garman officiating. Preferred memorials to Golden Years Homestead, Fort Wayne.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers, Allen County, Indiana on 6/15/2006.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

GRIMM, HOWARD E.: Service is 11 a.m. today at Edgar-Grisier Funeral Home, Wauseon, Ohio, where the family will receive friends one hour prior to service today. Arrangements by D.O. McComb & Sons Maplewood Park Funeral Home, 4017 Maplecrest Road.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers, Allen County, Indiana from 6/14/2006 - 6/16/2006.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

Handwritten-Wed. April 18, 1956
BERNE NATIVE DIES IN OHIO - FUNERAL TODAY FOR MRS. METTA CLARA HEUSELMAN GRIMM
Word has been received here of the death of Mrs. Metta Clara Grimm, 56, at Aultman Hospital, Canton, Ohio, at 8:00 a.m. Sunday. Death followed an illness of two months. Mrs. Grimm was born near Berne August 15, 1899. In 1920 she moved to near Orrville, Ohio and later to Canton. She was a daughter of the late August and Adeline Kneuss Heuselman. She is survived by her husband, John Grimm; two sons, Clarence Hanni of Daytona Beach, Florida and Eugene Hanni of Orrville, Ohio; four grandchildren; three brothers, Otto Heuselman, Wilmot, Ohio; Albert, Orrville; Herman, Cleveland, Ohio; four sisters, Mrs. Albert Schram, North Canton, Ohio; Mrs. Jacob Zaugg, Orrville; Mrs. David Hofstetter, Fort Wayne, and Mrs. Myron Denbrook, Williston, N. Dakota. Services were held this afternoon at a funeral home in Mt. Eaton, Ohio, with Rev. James Reusser, pastor of the Salem Mennonite Church in charge. Rev. Reusser is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Reusser of Berne. Interment was in the Salem Mennonite Church Cemetery [Kidron, Wayne County, Ohio].
Adams County (IN) Historical Museum 1955 March-April 1958 Scrapbook, image 41
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski

Anderson, Ind., April 3 - Levi Gross, 62, an employe of the Union Traction power station at Daleville, died suddenly this morning of acute indigestion, following an attack of illness while at work.
Morning Star, Marion County, Indiana; April 4, 1923
Contributed by Karin King

Fredericka Grote, 75, of East Esmond Street, died at 6:30 pm Wednesday at her home after an illness of several months. She had been bedfast one week. She was a lifelong resident of Fort Wayne and the widow of Herman Grote, who died in 1940. She was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church and its ladies aid and sewing society. Surviving are six children, Elmer, Arthur, Walter, Raymond, Robert and Mrs. Joseph Auer, Fort Wayne; 10 grandchildren; two brothers, Charles Wietfeldt, New Haven, and Herman Wietfeldt, Fort Wayne; and three sisters, Mrs. Martin Grotrain, Rockford Ala, Mrs. Martin Kiefer, Decatur, and Mrs. Henry Lassen, Fort Wayne. The body was taken to the Scheumann-Van Buskirk Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held Saturday afternoon at a time to be announced later. The Rev. Paul Dannenfeldt will officiate and burial will be in Concordia Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home after 7 pm today.
Journal-Gazette- Allen County, Indiana; December 9, 1948
Contributed by JC

MILFORD-Ralph Junior Groves, 66, of 796 E. Mock Road, Milford, died at 6 p.m. July 24, 1994, at Kosciusko Community Hospital following an extended illness. He was born July 13, 1928 in Nappanee to Ralph and Audrey Roop Groves. On May 11, 1963, he married Janet Lippincott, who survives. He was a lifetime area resident and retired as a trucker for Metzler & Sons in Silver Lake. He was a member of the Wawasee Community Bible Church in Milford and a U. S. Army veteran of the Korean War. Other survivors include four daughters; Mrs. Dennis (Jeri) Brown and Tracy Watkins, both of Milford; Mrs. Roger (Cindy) Kent, Weaverville, N. C.; and Karen Stebbins, Lakeland, Fla.; and five grandchildren. He was preceded in death by one brother. Services will at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Wawasee Community Bible Church with pastors Tom Speicher and Ned Speicher officiating. Burial will be in Milford Cemetery. Calling is from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the church. Eastlund-Mishler Funeral Home, Milford, is in charge of arrangements. Memorials to Wawasee Community Bible Church.
Times Union, Kosciusko County, Indiana; July 25, 1994
Contributed by Karin King

FORT WAYNE - Geneva M. Harris, 89, died Tuesday. Services at 11 a.m. Saturday in Klaehn's Wayne Street Chapel, 420 W. Wayne St., with calling 6-8 p.m. Friday.
The Evening News, DeKalb County, Indiana; December 8, 1988
Contributed by JC

ROBERT J. "BOBBY JOE" HARTMAN, 70, of Monroeville, died Monday, June 12, 2006, 9 p.m., at his residence. He was a member of F.&A.M. Lodge 740, New Haven; former member and former past master of Masonic Lodge 293, Monroeville; member of Monroeville United Methodist Church, Van Wert Amateur Radio Club, and Scottish Rite, Fort Wayne. He was a retired farmer and retired from International Harvester Company after 30 years of service in 1985. Surviving are his wife, Diana S. Hartman of Monroeville; daughter, Mrs. Michael (Anna M.) Pruden of Monroeville; son, Ralph E. Hartman of Monroeville; daughter, Peggy J. McCoy of Monroeville; son, Carl L. Hartman Jr. of Fort Wayne; brother, Charles H. Hartman Jr. of Monroeville; sister, Mrs. Robert (Susan) Green of Easley, S.C.; seven grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by one sister, L. Irene Grabner. Service is 11 a.m. Friday at Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home, Jacobs Chapel, with visitation one hour prior. Visitation also from 2 to 5 and 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home, with Masonic Lodge service at 8 p.m. Thursday. Burial in Monroeville Memorial Cemetery. Preferred memorials to Monroeville EMS, Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana or Parkview Home Health & Hospice. For complete obituary information and to sigh the online guestbook, visit www.zwickjahn.com.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers, Allen County, Indiana on 6/14/2006.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

BETTY J. HAVILAND, 72, of Fort Wayne died Sunday. The Decatur native owned Betty Jane's Beauty Shop for more than 40 years and was a member of the American Business Women's Association. Surviving are a daughter, Terrie K. Tschantz of Fort Wayne; a son, Nick D. of Fort Wayne; sisters, Marjorie Leazier of Hamilton and Marilyn Beyhan of Fort Wayne; six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Services are 10 a.m. Wednesday in D.O. McComb & Sons Maplewood Park Funeral Home, 4017 Maplecrest Road, where calling is 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday. Burial will be in Covington Memorial Gardens. Memorials are to the Visiting Nurse Service and Hospice Foundation or Cancer Services of Allen County.
News-Sentinel, Allen County, Indiana; August 5, 1996
Contributed by JC

Joseph T. Hilligoss, pioneer citizen and leading farmer, was found in a dying condition in his barnyard near Rushville, Ind. He died in 15 minutes after he was found from apoplexy.
Greencastle Daily Banner and Times, Putnam County, Indiana; 11 Sept 1896, p 1
Contributed by Karen Zach

ANITA ELIZABETH JARRAD, 79, of Holt, Mich., died Monday, June 12, 2006. Arrangements by Estes-Leadley Funeral Home, Holt/Delhi Chapel.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers, Allen County, Indiana on 6/14/2006.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

Merritt Jones, an aged citizen, formerly of Grass Township, Spencer County, died here last Monday morning, after a brief illness of pneumonia. He was about 60 years of age and leaves a family. His remains were taken to the Mt. Valley Cemetery at Midway and buried on Tuesday.
Boonville, Warrick County, Indiana; Sat., 19 Dec 1891, p 4
Contributed by Karen Zach

Edward Kaehr, 55, a native of Adams County and a brother of Lores Kaehr of Bluffton, died Friday at his home in Fort Wayne following a brief illness. He was born in Nov. 21, 1905 in Adams County to Dan and Ida Kaehr. Surviving are one son, Richard of Fort Wayne; one daughter, Lee Ann of Indianapolis; five brothers, Harry Kaehr of Fort Wayne, Roy, Ivan and Lester Kaehr, all of Decatur, and Lores Kaehr of Bluffton, and three sisters, Mrs. Carl Hirschy, Mrs. Estella Gilliom and Mrs.True Gephart, all of Decatur. The body is at the D. O. McComb and Sons Funeral Home in Fort Wayne. Services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday at the funeral home with Rev. Arno C. Scholz officiating. Burial will be in the Concordia Gardens Cemetery.
Bluffton News-Banner, Wells County, Indiana; June 24, 1961
Contributed by JC

Services for Harvey D. Kaehr, 49, native of Adams County, will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday at the D. O. McComb & Sons Funeral Home in Fort Wayne. Burial will be at the Concordia Memorial Gardens. Kaehr was found dead Monday morning at the home of a brother, Harry Kaehr, 2941 Alexander Ave., Fort Wayne. He had not been ill and his death was entirely unexpected. Born in Monroe Twp., March 16, 1911, he was a son of Dan and Ida (Baumgartner) Kaehr. He had resided in Fort Wayne for the last 25 years and had been employed at International Harvester for 15 years. He was a member of the American Legion. Surviving are his mother; three sisters and six brothers.
Bluffton News-Banner, Wells County, Indiana; August 31, 1960
Contributed by JC

This young man was born December 8th, 1860 in Berks County, Penn., near Reading, his parents being Thomas and Mary Keiffer. He was the eldest of six children-two daughters and four sons. In 1867 his parents with their family of sons and daughters moved to Indiana, locating in Warren County, where Mr. Keiffer Senior, purchased what was generally known as the "old poor farm." The father some years since died, leaving the charge of the farm to the son now gone, who showed from the first a ready genius for successful management and the affairs of the field and home prospered under his industrious and frugal hand. When a child in the Pennsylvania home, he was baptized into the Lutheran Church, of which his parents were strict members. All the children except one are single, the married child being Mrs. Eliza Hedrick, who lives in Neoska County near Chenute, Kansas, who arrived in season to attend her brother's funeral. William died on the afternoon of Tuesday, July 30th, 1895, by drowning in the Wabash River, the body being recovered 2 hours after, within ten feet of where he went down. He was 34 years, 7 months and 22 days of age. The funeral services were conducted at the residence of the family in Liberty Township on Thursday at 10 o'clock a.m., Rev. Wm Wilmer officiating; interment in Hillside at this place. The pallbearers were: Tilman Owen, Martin Houpt, Wm Hamilton, Thomas Johnson, Al McCabe, Wm Marlatt and George Pierce.
Warren Republican, Huntington County, IN; Thursday, Aug. 15, 1895
Contributed by Karen Zach

The following obituary is being republished to provide additional information. DORIS L. KEMP, 94, of Fort Wayne, died Tuesday, June, 13 2006, at Hospice Home. Born in Forest, Ohio, she was a homemaker and member of South Wayne Street Baptist Church. She is survived by a daughter, Joan (Greg) Callahan of Indianapolis; sons, Donald (Ruth Ann) Kemp and David (Mary) Kemp, both of Fort Wayne; daughter-in-law, Mary Margaret Kemp; daughter and caregiver, Sherri L Kemp and fianc Joe Green; 18 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Floyd E. "Bob" Kemp, in 1975; and son, Robert L. Kemp, in 1999. Funeral service is noon Friday, with visitation one hour prior, at Covington Memorial Funeral Home, 8408 Covington Road. Visitation also from 6 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home. Burial in Covington Memorial Gardens. Memorials to North Christian Church or Visiting Nurse & Hospice Home.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers, Allen County, Indiana from 6/14/2006 - 6/15/2006.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

Mrs. Helen Kenline, 32, of 4006 Weisser Park avenue died suddenly at her home yesterday morning at 10:30 o'clock. Dr. Joseph C. Lill, deputy county coroner, stated death resulted from an embolism of the liver. She was a member of the Zonita society. Surviving are the husband, Carl Kenline; a son, Billy Kenline, at home; the parents, Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Archer of this city; and four brothers, Floren Archer, Isaac Archer, Lloyd B. Archer and Dwight Archer, all of this city. The body was removed to the D. O. McComb & Sons' funeral home and will be returned to the residence at 2 o'clock this afternoon. Funeral arrangements will be made later.
Journal-Gazette, Allen County, Indiana; May 12, 1936
Contributed by JC

RETHA M. KETCHAM, 72, of Syracuse, died Tuesday, June 13, 2006. Arrangements by Owen Family Funeral Home, 1001 S. Huntington St., Syracuse.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers, Allen County, Indiana on 6/14/2006.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

Don M. Keys, a bright young newspaper man and local editor of the Princeton Ind Clarion died in that town on the 8th after an illness of several weeks.
Note: FindAGrave dates: 22 May 1855 - 8 Dec 1891; buried Warnock Cemetery in Princeton.
Boonville, Warrick County, Indiana; Sat., 19 Dec 1891, p 4
Contributed by Karen Zach

KING, EVELYN J.: Service is noon today at D.O. McComb & Sons Lakeside Park Funeral Home, 1140 Lake Ave.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers, Allen County, Indiana on 6/14/2006.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

Handwritten-Fri. Dec. 2, 1955
WIDOW OF REV. SOL KLOPFENSTEIN SUCCUMBS TODAY
Mrs. Sarah Klopfenstein, 86, widow of Rev. Sol Klopfenstein, passed away at 11 o'clock this forenoon at her home in Grabill following an extended illness with cancer. She is remembered here as Sarah Luginbill and was a daughter of Christian and Mary Moser Luginbill and was born a mile south of Berne. She was a sister to Mrs. Noah Ellenberger of this place. Following her marriage to Rev. Klopfenstein, the couple resided in Berne on two different occasions when he served as pastor in the community. From 1903 - 1905 while Rev. Klopfenstein was pastor of the First missionary Church here and again from 1913 - 1929 while he served the West Missionary Church. The family moved to Grabill following the last pastorate here, where they have resided since. Surviving are two daughters, Mrs. Mary Ann Ackerman and Miss Orpha, both at home. Among the brothers and sisters she was the eldest in the family. Those surviving are Joe of Fort Wayne; Mrs. Sol Stucky of Geneva, Mrs. Ellenberger of this place and Mrs. Rufus Schindler of Hartford Township. She was preceded in death by her husband and by three sisters, Mrs. Joe Zehr, Mrs. Paul Felber and Mrs. Phil Sauder and two brothers, Henry and David Luginbill. The body was taken to the Walters Funeral Home in Spencerville. Burial will be in Leo Memorial Park.
Adams County (IN) Historical Museum 1955 March-April 1958 Scrapbook, image 36
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski

Handwritten-Fri. Feb. 10, 1956
YOUNG MAN DIES SUDDENLY IN GYM - HUSBAND OF FORMER CAROLYN HANNI DIES AT COLDWATER, OHIO
Charles L. Kneib, 32, of R. R. 2, Rockford, Ohio, collapsed and died on the basketball floor in the Coldwater, Ohio High School gymnasium Wednesday evening. He was shooting baskets with a number of friends when he suddenly became ill and died almost immediately. His wife is the former Carolyn Hanni, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Hanni of Celina, Ohio, formerly of this community. Mr. Kneib was a junior tool engineer with the New Idea Implement Company at Coldwater for the past eight years. He had gone to eh gymnasium with a group after bowling. Dr. Donald Fox, Mercer County, Ohio Coroner, said that Mr. Kneib had rheumatic fever as a child and that his death was caused by acute cardiac dilatation. Mr. Kneib was a World War II veteran and attended the Grace Missionary Church in Celina. Surviving are the widow, Carolyn; a son, Charles Louis, at home; his mother, Mrs. Mary Kneib, Westfield, N. J., and two sisters, Mrs. Mary Dakes, his twin, and Mrs. Jesse Heckman, both of Mahonoy, Pa. The body is at the Dick & Stallter Funeral Home, Celina, where friends may call. Burial will be at the North Grove Cemetery, Celina.
Adams County (IN) Historical Museum 1955 March-April 1958 Scrapbook, image 39
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski

Louis C. Kramer, 78, 2310 S. Hanna St, retired Fort Wayne grocer, was pronounced dead on arrival at Lutheran Hospital at 8:25 pm yesterday. He was a lifelong resident of the city and owned and operated Kramer's Food Shop, 829 E Lewis St until last March, when he retired. He was member of Zion Lutheran Church and the BUV. Surviving are one son, Edgar F. Kramer, and one brother, Paul H. Kramer, both of Fort Wayne. The body was taken to the DO McComb and Sons Funeral Home, where friends may call after 7 pm today.
Journal-Gazette, Allen County, Indiana; November 30, 1957
Contributed by JC

Services will be at 1 p.m. Friday in C. M. Sloan & Sons Funeral Home for Calvin Kreigh, 66, who retired in 1971 from Erie-Haven Inc. He died at 6:30 p.m. in his home at 10505 Lima Road. Surviving are his wife, Marian a son, Thomas of Fort Wayne; a daughter, Eleanor Huffman of Union City, Mich.; and a sister, Florence Copeland of Decatur. Friends may call from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home. Burial will be in Covington Memorial Gardens.
Journal-Gazette, Allen County, Indiana; August 14, 1980
Contributed by Karin King

Funeral services for Mrs. Sophia Kruse, 83, who died at the Lutheran hospital yesterday morning, will be held Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock at the home of the son, William Kruse on the Leesburg road and at 2:30 o'clock at the Bethlehem Lutheran church with Rev. Alfred Boester officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Mrs. Kruse was born in St Joseph township, but spend most of her life in Washington township. She was a charter member of the Suburban Bethlehem Lutheran church. The deceased was the widow of Ernest Kruse, who died in 1928. Surviving are five sons, C. W. and Henry C. of this city; Earnest F. of Lake township; August H. of Washington township, and William E. with whom she made her home, five miles northwest of the city on the Leesburg road; 17 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. The body was removed from the Scheumann's funeral home to the home of the son, William, yesterday afternoon.
Journal-Gazette, Allen County, Indiana; June 13, 1936
Contributed by JC

LOFTUS, BERNICE: Mass of Christian Burial is 10:30 a.m. today at St. Augustine Cathedral, Kalamazoo, Mich. Following the mass, food and fellowship will be shared at the Fr. Crowley Cathedral Center. Arrangements by Life Story Funeral Homes, Betzler-Kalamazoo.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers, Allen County, Indiana from 6/14/2006 - 6/15/2006.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

Deceased was an inmate of the Warren County Asylum and died from paralysis Wednesday, November 28, 1900, after a short illness. Remains were interred in the cemetery at the poor farm the same day of her death. Deceased was a widow.
Warren Republican, Huntington County, IN; Thursday, Dec. 6, 1900
Contributed by Karen Zach

LONGENBAUGH, GENEVA G.: Service is 3 p.m. today at Titus Funeral Home, Warsaw.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers, Allen County, Indiana from 6/14/2006 - 6/15/2006.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

Handwritten-Fri. Oct. 7, 1955
INJURIES IN FALL ARE FATAL TO DAN LUGIBIHL - Services at Pandora, Ohio Today for Local Resident
Daniel Lugibihl, 69, a resident of Berne for the past 15 years died t 10:40 p.m. Wednesday at the Parkview Memorial Hospital in Fort Wayne where he had been a patient since Monday. Lugibihl made his home with his sister and brother-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. H. M. Reusser. Death resulted from injuries he received in a fall down a flight of steps in the Reusser house early Monday morning. Lugibihl suffered a severe fracture of his skull and a massive brain hemorrhage which resulted in two blood clots on his brain. He was taken to the hospital at noon Monday where surgery was performed. Lugibihl never regained consciousness and all efforts to save his life failed. He was placed in an oxygen tank but never rallied. An autopsy was performed Thursday morning which revealed the extent of Lugibihl's head injuries. He had not been sleeping well lately and apparently wanted to go downstairs in the Reusser home when he had his fatal fall. His head struck a window sill and also the corner of a mopboard in his headlong plunge down the steps. A native of Ohio, Lugibihl came to Berne in 1940. He did various kinds of odd jobs. In his early years here he cut corn for farmers and in recent years he operated a power lawn mower and roller and took care of numerous lawns in town. In addition, he was employed part time by the City of Berne to clean the streets. Born July 2, 1886, near Pandora, Ohio, in Putnam County, Lugibihl was the son of Christian and Marie Schumacher Lugibihl He joined the Grace Mennonite Church at Pandora in 1906 through baptism. (missing) Reusser of Berne and Mrs. Will S. Steiner of Bluffton, Ohio, and two brothers, Alvin C. And Orville Lugibihl, both of Pandora Ohio. ??? and three brothers, Peter, Frank and Gideon preceded in death. The body was taken from the Fort Wayne Hospital directly to Pandora. Burial will be in Pleasant Ridge Cemetery, Pandora.
Adams County (IN) Historical Museum 1955 March-April 1958 Scrapbook, image 31
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski

G. ALEX MAHORNEY JR., 63, of Montpelier, died Monday, June 12, 2006. Arrangements by Glancy Funeral Homes-Walker Chapel, Montpelier.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers, Allen County, Indiana on 6/14/2006.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

Mrs. Minnie Idessa Malin, 91, died at 12:30 a.m. yesterday at the home of her daughter, Mrs. A. C. Stecher, 3406 S Webster. St., where she had been residing. She lived here 50 years, moving from Monroeville. Surviving besides her daughter, are five grandchildren, including Mrs. Robert Mumbaugh and Mrs. Warren G. Brown, both of Fort Wayne, and four great-grandchildren. Friends may call at the D. O. McComb & Sons Funeral Home, where services will be at 1 p.m. Friday, the Rev. Ervin Petznik officiating. Burial will be in Lindenwood Cemetery.
Journal-Gazette, Allen County, Indiana, December 1, 1960
Contributed by JC

Isaac Manley of Sylvania, Parke County, who served in the War of 1812 and 1813, died on the 8th inst., at the age of 80 years. Mr. Manley enlisted in Capt. McGowan's company of the 28th U. S. Inft., and served twelve months, and during his service he was wounded in the right arm at the battle of the River Thames. He was poor and had been on the charities of the county for some time, and was properly cared for by the township trustee during his recent illness, and at death received a decent burial.-Newport Hoosier State
Crawfordsville Weekly Journal, Montgomery County, IN; Saturday, 4 July 1874
Contributed by Karen Zach

Many of our readers will remember the young man, Mr. W. T. Mason, who attended school at this city, under the management of the Messrs. Hopkins. His home was near Lafayette. Last Sunday a week ago, he was killed by lightning, at about 5 o'clock in the evening. He was an excellent young man and was engaged to be married to a young lady of this city, who went to his late home to be present at the funeral. Mr. Mason, after he attended school here, read law in this city, in the office of N. Vanhorn for several months. He also taught three terms of school in this county. He was at home alone at the time of his death, and had gone out, as is supposed, to take a walk. The lightning struck a hedge within ten feet of him and he was found upon his face, killed by the concussion. He lacked one month of being 21 years old. He had extraordinary talent for one of his age; and would have been taken for a person considerably older. Mr. J. O. Garr, who attended school with him and was his warm personal friend, accompanied Miss Eva Nicholson, of this city, to the late home of her affianced, the deceased, his parents knowing and approving the engagement, having telegraphed the sad news and an invitation to come. Her acquaintance with the deceased began at the house of Mrs. Garr, the mother of Mr. J. O. Garr. The latter, on account of his strong friendship, offered to accompany Miss N. and the two went, but they were so delayed the funeral had occurred before their arrival. Mr. Mason had only been six days gone from a visit here at the time of his death, and it is remarkable that in the very last conversation he had with Mr. Garr, the subject of being struck by lightning was discussed, and Mr. Mason expressed the absence of all fear of lightning. Mr. Garr and Mr. Mason's mother accompanied Miss Nicholson to the grave. Of this visit, most affecting as it was, we will say nothing because the awful solemnity of such an occasion can only be felt, not described. At the time of his death the ink was not dry upon an envelope which contained an affectionate letter addressed to Miss Nicholson. It was sealed and was given to Miss N. while she was there. Who can imagine the heart throbbing and heart aches that must have been experienced while she read that letter, the writer, her affianced husband, having been consigned to the tomb?
Crawfordsville Weekly Journal, Montgomery County, IN; Saturday, 22 August 1874 -- From the Kokomo Tribune, June 30
Contributed by Karen Zach

Mrs. Catherine Mathis, of this place, mother of Samuel B. Mathis, of Jordan Township, died last evening at 5 o'clock while sitting in her chair. The old lady had not been well and yesterday she had a chill, but in the morning was able to walk to Wm Warbritten's, a distance of some fifty or sixty steps. She was in her 72d year.-Williamsport Republican
Crawfordsville Weekly Journal, Montgomery County, IN; Thursday, 27 February 1873
Contributed by Karen Zach

John May died at Williamsport on Sunday morning of last week of delirium tremens. He was attacked the night before. He died in a fit, raving terribly, and lacerating his face with his finger nails. He had an attack a month or so since, and was then warned by his physicians that the next would likely prove fatal, but it seems that his appetite was so strong that he was powerless to heed the caution. For a long time he has kept the only saloon in Williamsport, and it was discontinued at the last sitting of the County Board.
Crawfordsville Weekly Journal, Montgomery County, IN; Saturday, 26 September 1874
Contributed by Karen Zach

MEO, Felix A. - Services at 8:30 a.m. today at D. O. McComb & Sons Funeral Home and at 9 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, the Rt. Rev. Msgr. Thomas L. Durkin officiating. Interment in the Catholic Cemetery.
Journal-Gazette, Allen County, Indiana; February 13, 1958
Contributed by Karin King

Handwritten-Feb. 22, 1956
HAROLD G. MERKLE TAKEN BY DEATH - SERVICES FRIDAY FOR FARMER OF NEAR WILLSHIRE, OHIO
Willshire, O., Feb. 22-Harold G. Merkle, 51, a farmer and an employee for the past 10 years of the Container Corporation at Van Wert, died unexpectedly shortly before 4 p.m. Tuesday at his home four miles northeast of here in Willshire Township following a heart attack. He was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church at Schumm. Surviving are the widow, Mildred; a daughter, Mrs. Charles Johnson, Decatur, Ind.; two sons, Eugene F. Merkle and H. LaVaugh Merkle, at home; a brother, Edwin Merkle, Toledo; two sisters, Mrs. Oscar Germann, Harrison Township, Van Wert County, and Mrs. Esther Reinking, Preble, Ind., and a grandchild. The body is at the Zwick Funeral Home, Decatur, where friends may call after 7 p.m. today. Services will be conducted Friday at 1:15 p.m. in the funeral home and at 2 o'clock at the Zion Lutheran Church at Schumm, the Rev. Andrew Mak?? officiating. Burial will be made in the church cemetery.
Adams County (IN) Historical Museum 1955 March-April 1958 Scrapbook, image 37
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski

Clause Meyers, a prominent farmer near Valparaiso, Indiana died suddenly in his home. He was 60 years old and had resided on his farm for 30 years.
Greencastle Daily Banner and Times, Putnam County, Indiana; 11 Sept 1896, p 1
Contributed by Karen Zach

It falls to us to first announce the sudden departure from this life to the life eternal, of our beloved contemporary, Rev. Griffith Morgan, editor and publisher of the West Lebanon Commonwealth. Rev. Mr. Morgan had been stationed the year before at West Lebanon, but this year was engaged in publishing the Commonwealth, which he had purchased but a short time since. He had not been in good health during his residence at Lebanon, and on last evening was taken with hemorrhage of the lungs, and died this (Thursday) morning at 5 o'clock. He leaves a family of children, but no wife. We remember him as we last met him-a kind, genial Christian gentleman.-Williamsport Republican, 8th.
Crawfordsville Weekly Journal, Montgomery County, IN; Thursday, 8 May 1873
Contributed by Karen Zach

PEGGY N. MORTON, 59, died Sunday at home. Born in Allen County, she is survived by one daughter, Rhonda Hanes, of Fort Wayne; her mother, Zelda Rich, of Fort Wayne; one sister, Rebecca Stevens, of Fort Wayne; and one grandson. Services at 11 a.m. today in Elzey-Dickey-Haggard Home of Funerals, 6810 Old Trail Road, with calling from 9 to 11 a.m. today. Burial in Covington Memorial Gardens. Memorials to Visiting Nurse Service and Hospice.
Journal-Gazette, Allen County, Indiana; December 23, 1986
Contributed by Karin King

NOLL, LOWELL B.: Service is 10 a.m. Friday at Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home, Decatur. Visitation is from 2 to 4 and 5 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers, Allen County, Indiana from 6/14/2006 - 6/16/2006.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

Handwritten-Fri. March 16, 1956
Frank Nussbaum Dies in Oregon
Word has been received here by the children of the late John P. Nussbaum and Ben Nussbaum of the death Thursday, March 8, of their cousin, Frank Nussbaum, Monroe, Oregon. Death occurred from a heart attack while he was working in his yard. Mr. Nussbaum was a native and former resident of this community. Mr. Nussbaum was 70 years of age and owned considerable cutover timber land on which he had a large herd of cattle grazing during most of the year. Mr. Nussbaum visited in this community about 16 years ago when he was on his way to Detroit to buy a new automobile and truck. Nussbaum was a son of Jacob Nussbaum, a brother to John and Ben Nussbaum.
Adams County (IN) Historical Museum 1955 March-April 1958 Scrapbook, image 41
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski

GERALD W. "JERRY" O'KEEFE, 69, passed away peacefully in his sleep Saturday, June 10, 2006, at his home. He was a beloved husband, dad, grandpa, great-grandpa, and brother. Born Nov. 10, 1936, in Fort Wayne, he was the son of Albert and Mary (Federspiel) O'Keefe. He graduated from Central Catholic High School, in 1955. He was a U.S. Army veteran, and was selected to serve in the Honor Guard, in Washington, D.C. He was a letter carrier for the U.S. Post Office, retiring in 1992 after 26 years of service. He was a member of Queen of Angels Catholic Church. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Rosie (Wyss); sons, Kevin (Julie), Randy, Mark, Jim (Michele) and Steve (Deb); grandchildren, Valerie, Vicki, Molly, Abbie, Samantha, Diana, Gabe, ToriRose, Greg and Tim; great-grandson, Ari; sisters, Pat Jordan, Colleen (Rudy) DeVito and Carolyn Holbrook; and brother, Tom (Sharon). He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Don. As he had requested, his body was donated to the I.U. School of Medicine. A Memorial service and celebration of his life is 1 p.m. Sunday, June 25, 2006, at Queen of Angels Church. Memorials to American Heart Association or any Catholic Church for masses.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers, Allen County, Indiana on 6/14/2006.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

PATRICK, ELDA M.: Memorial service is 11:30 a.m. today at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 3425 Crescent Ave. Arrangements by Hockemeyer & Miller Funeral Home, 6131 St. Joe Road.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers, Allen County, Indiana on 6/14/2006.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

Ben Philkins, an inmate of the poor farm, committed suicide Monday night by hanging. He had been an inmate of that institution since the first of November and was a peculiar character, of whom little is known. His mind was unbalanced, and he had tried to commit suicide on several occasions. He was about 60 years of age. (Warren or Fountain County Poor Farm?)
Fountain & Warren Democrat, Huntington County, IN; Thursday, December 29, 1892
Contributed by Karen Zach

Mr. Thomas Piggett, died in Evansville, Dec 15, 1891, of general debility, aged 79 years and 9 months. The funeral took place at Mr. Frederick W. Smith's residence near Elberfeld, this county on Wednesday Dec 16, 1891.
Boonville, Warrick County, Indiana; Sat., 19 Dec 1891, p 4
Contributed by Karen Zach

REINKING, MARIE E.: Service is 11 a.m. today at Martini Lutheran Church, 333 Moeller Road, New Haven, with calling one hour before service at the church. Arrangements by E. Harper & Son Funeral Home, 740 Indiana Hwy. 930 E., New Haven.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers, Allen County, Indiana from 6/14/2006 - 6/16/2006.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

M. LOREEN "BUD" RICHARDS, of Concord, Calif., departed this earth Wednesday, June 7, 2006. Born Aug. 13, 1915, she was raised in North Manchester. A devoted RN, she worked at many hospitals during her career. Surviving are two sons, Michael (Judi) and Stephen; eight grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchild-ren. A Celebration of Life at a later date. Memorials to National Diabetes Association.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers, Allen County, Indiana on 6/14/2006.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

Joseph W. Robbins, formerly of Penn Township, Parke County, was murdered last Thursday night, at about 10 o'clock by Nathan Burgess, of Fayette County, Illinois. Mr. Robbins was watchman on the Vandalia Road, and had been paid his wages that evening by the paymaster of the line; and Burgess committed the dreadful deed to obtain the money, some $31.50, which he did not succeed in getting. He shot him with his (Robbins') own gun, a double barreled shot gun, which he took with him. The murdered man leaves a wife and six children. Burgess was arrested and committed to Jail.-Rockville Patriot
Crawfordsville Weekly Journal, Montgomery County, IN; Saturday, 14 November 1874
Contributed by Karen Zach

MAN FOUND DEAD IN CAR IN GARAGE - Machine Operator With Toledo Firm
Ernest Roop, 55, of 2302 Reo St., died early today, apparently of carbon monoxide poisoning, police reported. Mr. Roop was found unconscious shortly after midnight in his car in a garage, at the Roop residence, with the engine running and the garage doors closed. Mr. Roop's wife called the rescue squad, but he could not be revived. D. Frank Snyder, deputy coroner, is withholding a ruling pending completion of laboratory tests. Mr. Roop was a machine operator at the Dana Corp. He is survived by his wife, Doris; a son Russel, of Toledo; a daughter, Mrs. Sharon A. Dix, of Toledo; a stepson, Thomas E. McGrail, of Toledo; a stepdaughter, Mrs. Marilyn Batson, in Japan; a brother, Paul, of Oregon ; a sister, Mrs. Vivian Miller, of Toledo, and five grandchildren. Services will be at 10 a.m. Friday in the Herman Birkenkamp & Son Mortuary, Tremainsville Road, with burial in Toledo Memorial Park.
Toledo Blade, Toledo, Lucas County, Ohio; Tuesday, August 22, 1967
Contributed by Karin King

Indianapolis, Sept 11 - Thomas E. Ross, whose home is at St. Omer, Ind. was run over by a Big Four Freight Train at North Indianapolis last night and received injuries of such a nature that his death occurred a short time later. He was conscious for a few minutes before his death and in that time told the physicians that he had been knocked unconscious by a footpad, who placed his body on the track.
Greencastle Daily Banner and Times, Putnam County, Indiana; 11 Sept 1896, p 1
Contributed by Karen Zach

EUGENE P. SAALFRANK, 45, died Friday at home. He was owner of Saal Advertising Agency. Surviving are his wife, Robin; a daughter, Kirsty at home; a son, Nicholas at home; sisters, Joan E. Bleke of Hoagland and Lavon K. Koenig of Fort Wayne; a brother, Robert W. of Fort Wayne; and a stepfather, Rolland F. Braun of Fort Wayne. Services are 10 a.m. tomorrow in E. Harper & Son Funeral Home, New Haven, where calling is 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. today. Preferred memorials are gifts to the American Cancer Society.
News-Sentinel, Allen County, Indiana; April 29, 1991
Contributed by JC

While Edward Sanders was playing with his children in Brownstown, Indiana, he complained of a pain in his head and in 15 minutes was dead.
Greencastle Daily Banner and Times, Putnam County, Indiana; 11 Sept 1896, p 1
Contributed by Karen Zach

Handwritten-Sat. Sept. 17, 1955
Schoolboy, 8, Hit, Killed In Crossing So. Anthony
The first school-child fatality of the 1955-56 school year was recorded here about 9 p.m. Friday when eight-year-old Stuart Sauders, son of Mr. and Mrs. Bill J. Sauders of 1526 Eckart Street, was struck by a taxicab in the 4200 block of South Anthony. The child, a second-grade student at the John S. Irwin School was declared dead on arrival at Parkview Memorial Hospital. Dr. H. Paul Mill, Allen County Coroner, said the boy had a fractured skull and a broken neck. An inquest will be held at 10 a.m. Friday. A charge of failing to yield the right-of-way has been filed against the cab driver, Manford Widmeyer, 47, 622 Southview Ave. Police released Widmeyer on his own recognizance pending the outcome of the coroner's inquest. The child and his mother were on their way home from shopping in Anthony Wayne Village when the accident happened. The mother, Mrs. Betty Sauders, had crossed Anthony Blvd. about 100 feet north of McKinnie Ave., form the east to west curbing. She told police she thought her son was with her when she crossed the busy highway. When she reached the west curbing her attention was attracted by the screeching of brakes and as she turned around she saw her son lying in the street. Widmeyer told Traffic Lt. Joseph Meyer that the cab was traveling only 20 miles an hour and didn't see the boy until he was at the cab's fender. Widmeyer said he applied the brakes but the hood hit the child. Surviving are the parents and the grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Earl Sauders, of Fort Wayne, and Mrs. Virgil Cottrell, R.R. 1, Hicksville, O. The boy's body is at the Evans Funeral Home at Payne, O., where it may be viewed after 7 p.m. today. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday in the funeral home, the Rev. D.V. Steinman officiating. Burial will be at Maumee Cemetery in Antwerp, O. [Buried Maumee Cemetery; Antwerp, Paulding County, Ohio]
Adams County (IN) Historical Museum 1955 March-April 1958 Scrapbook, image 28
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski

Mrs. Catherine Scanlon, living in the southeast part of town, is one of the oldest persons in the county. She lives with her son-in-law, Mr. Fitzgibbon, and was 99 or 100 years old, the first week of last month. For about five years she has been blind and has not been able to sit up or work, but her appetite is good and her hearing is remarkably acute for one so old. She replied to inquiries promptly and as cheerily as if she were in her teens. About eleven years ago one of her sons was killed on the railroad, and her mother's heart was so deeply wounded that she wept until her sight and strength both began to fail. Her daughter attributes the loss of her sight to this grief. She is the mother to eleven children, six of whom are yet living, the oldest being 80 years of age. She removed to this country from Ireland twenty years ago, her conversation being strongly marked by the peculiar brogue of that people. To the time of her son's death by violence, she had always been of vigorous strength and good health. Unless attracted by some disease, not now developed, she bids fair to live several years.-Lebanon Patriot
Crawfordsville Weekly Journal, Montgomery County, IN; Thursday, 8 January 1874
Contributed by Karen Zach

Handwritten-Mon. Oct. 31, 1955
PARENTS OF MRS. FRED SOLDNER DIE IN HIGHWAY CRASH - Arthur Schertz and Wife Killed Near Home at Metamora, Ill.
Word was received here this forenoon of the tragic death late Sunday of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Schertz of Metamora, Ill. They are the parents of Mrs. Fred Soldner of Decatur Route 6. Mrs. Soldner is the former Harriett Schertz who taught school at Monroe for several years and who resided in Berne during that time. She stayed at the home of the late C. H. "Wifty" Sprunger and his wife while in Berne. Mr. Schertz was about 65, his wife the former Esther Strubhar, about 60. Mrs. Schertz had spent the weekend at the Soldner home near Decatur. She left Sunday to return to her home, accompanying Mrs. Emma Baughman, who had visited at Markle, as far as Washington, Ill. There Mr. Schertz met her and they were on their way from Washington to their farm home four miles from Metamora, a distance of 14 miles, when tragedy struck at 11:30 p.m. Within a mile of their home, the Schertz car was involved in a head-on crash with a car driven by a soldier. The soldier was killed instantly. Mr. Schertz died at the scene of the wreck, his wife died en route to a hospital at Eureka, Ill. Details of the accident were not received but the crash occurred on Illinois State Highway 116, known as the Chicago-Peoria Road, a heavily traveled highway. Mr. Schertz was a farmer. He and his wife were well known to many in this community. Their daughter, Mrs. Soldner, and Miss Barbara Sprunger of this place were close friends and made a trip to Europe together. Mr. and Mrs. Schertz are survived by the following children; Arthur, Jr., at home; Harold, Metamora; Mrs. Richard (Dorothy) Hostetler, Wonewock, Wis.; Miss Ruth Schertz, a nurse at Denver, Colo.; Mrs. Hale (Catherine) Davis, Jr., Denver, Colo.; and Mrs. Soldner. Mr. Schertz is survived by two brothers and Mrs. Schertz by a brother and three sisters. Mr. and Mrs. Schertz were members of the Calvary Mennonite Church at Washington, Ill.; where double funeral services will be held, probably on Wednesday. Mr. and Mrs. Soldner were making plans this afternoon to go to Metamora. They received word of the death of Mr. and Mrs. Schertz this morning. Mr. Schertz was a member of the Congo Inland Mission Board and former member of the Mennonite Biblical Seminary Board. [Buried Glendale Cemetery; Washington, Tazewell County, Illinois]
Adams County (IN) Historical Museum 1955 March-April 1958 Scrapbook, image 30
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski

VIRGINIA M. SCHUE, 74, of Warsaw, died Monday, June 12, 2006. Arrangements by McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel, Warsaw.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers, Allen County, Indiana on 6/14/2006.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

Paul Eugene Shafer, 66, of 201 Leedy St., Warsaw, died at 9:25 p.m. July 23, 1994, at Mason Health Care Facility, Warsaw, following an extended illness. He was born March 27, 1928, in Wabash County to Ralph and Cleo Hartzler Shafer. On Sept. 24, 1949, he married Bonnie Jean Hubbard, who survives. He was employed in the order department at Zimmer Inc. for 31 years, retiring in 1991. He was past master of Akron Masonic Lodge, Explorer Scout leader in Akron, a member of Akron Lions Club and a ham radio operator. He was a U.S. Navy Air Corps veteran of World War II. Other survivors include one daughter, Mrs. Greg (Paula) Dearborn, Warsaw; one son, Rick Shafer, Warsaw; one brother, John Shafer, Charleston, S.C.; and three grandchildren. He was preceded in death by one brother and one granddaughter. Services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel, Warsaw, with the Rev. Paul Tinkel officiating. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery, Warsaw. Calling is from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral chapel. Memorials to shrine Crippled Children's Hospital.
Times Union, Kosciusko County, Indiana; July 25, 1994
Contributed by Karin King

SIMONE, Mike - Friends may call at Mungovan & Sons Mortuary from 8 to 10 a.m. today. Graveside services in Catholic Cemetery will be conducted by the Rev. Robert H. Hoevel at 10:30 a.m.
Journal-Gazette, Allen County, Indiana; February 13, 1958
Contributed by Karin King

SITCLER, Roy E. - Services at 2 p.m. Friday in Mungovan & Sons Mortuary, Rev. Phillip C. Philbrook officiating. Burial in Covington Memorial Gardens.
Journal-Gazette, Allen County, Indiana; January 10, 1963
Contributed by Karin King

RETHA SMITH, 93, of Kendallville, died Monday, June 12, 2006. Arrangements by Hite Funeral Home, Kendallville.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers, Allen County, Indiana on 6/14/2006.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

Fatal Accident
On last Thursday a son of Hiram Stanton, a lad of some twelve summers, was engaged in hauling wheat, when the mules which he was driving became frightened and started to run, throwing young Stanton off, and under one of the wheels, which passed over him producing instant death.-Delphi Journal
Crawfordsville Weekly Journal, Montgomery County, IN; Saturday, 18 July 1874
Contributed by Karen Zach

From the Delphi Journal we learn that the boy, Rodney Startzman, who tied the halter about his neck after he had caught the horse, died on Sunday morning from the effects of the injuries received. A notice of the accident appears in our neighborhood news.
Crawfordsville Weekly Journal, Montgomery County, IN; Saturday, 6 June 1874
Contributed by Karen Zach

Handwritten-Fri. Nov. 18, 1955
WIFE OF ORLANDO STAUFFER DIES - WORD RECEIVED OF DEATH AT SEATTLE, WASH., ON WEDNESDAY
Word was received here yesterday of the death of Mrs. Orlando Stauffer of Seattle, Washington. Mr. Stauffer is a native of Berne and former local insurance man. His wife was the former Yanie Desbordes and was a French girl. Mr. Stauffer married her while stationed in Europe with the United States Army. He is still in the Army at the present and he and his wife have been living at Seattle for some time. Mrs. Stauffer was about 44 years of age. No details of her death were received here but it is not believed that she had been ill long. The husband, who is a Master Sergeant, and a son, Gilbert Glen, 4, survive. Funeral services will be held at Seattle on Monday. [Buried in Fort Lawton Cemetery, Seattle, King County, Washington]
Adams County (IN) Historical Museum 1955 March-April 1958 Scrapbook, image 30
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski

JACQUETTA "JACKIE" STEELE, 97, of Pleasant Lake, formerly of Angola, died Sunday, June 11, 2006. A resident of Pleasant Lake since 1971, she was a Registered Nurse at Cameron Hospital, Angola for over 21 years. Graveside service is 11 a.m. Saturday at Circle Hill Cemetery, Angola, with Dr. Norman R. Glassburn officiating. Arrangements by Weicht Funeral Home, Angola. Memorials to Cameron Hospice or donor's choice.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers, Allen County, Indiana on 6/14/2006.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

Lexington, Ind., Sept 10 - John L. Stonehouse, a prominent farmer and one of the best known residents of Scott County died suddenly at his home of heart failure. In the evening he attended a political meeting at Concord. During the night his wife heard him making strange noises and tried to arouse him but found that he was dying. He was 49 years old and was born and lived in this county all his life. The deceased as a Methodist and a prominent Mason.
Greencastle Daily Banner and Times, Putnam County, Indiana; 10 Sept 1896, p 1
Contributed by Karen Zach

Mrs. Emilie Marie Thielker, 68, died at 9:15 am Monday at her home on Wells street after an illness of two years. She was a member of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran church at Huffman street and St Marys avenue and the GUV. Mrs. Thielker was brought to Allen county from Germany when 4 years old by her parents. Her husband, Christian Thielker, died 14 years ago. Surviving is a daughter, Mrs. Wilma Dodson of Fort Wayne. The body was brought to Klaehn & sons funeral home. Funeral services will be held at the funeral home at 2 o'clock Thursday afternoon and at 2:30 o'clock at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran church with Rev. Herbert E. Levihn officiating. Burial at Concordia cemetery.
Journal-Gazette, Allen County, Indiana, January 17, 1933
Contributed by JC

Lock Jaw Followed Injury - Charles Treu died at Hope Hospital - Township Road Supervisor Dropped a Brick on One of His Toes a Week Ago - Was Life-Long Resident of County.
Charles Frederick Treu, thirty-six years of age, all his life a resident of Allen county, and road supervisor for Wayne Township, died at 10 o'clock Sunday morning at Hope Hospital, of lockjaw. About a week ago while unloading brick, Mr. Treu was injured on the great toe of the right foot when a brick slipped from his hands and fell upon the member. The injury was considered slight at the time and Mr. Treu paid no attention to it. Within a few days, however, symptoms of blood poisoning appeared and later lockjaw developed. On Saturday the condition of the patient became so alarming that he was removed to Hope Hospital for treatment. In spite of the efforts of skilled physicians, however, he grew rapidly worse and died in great agony. Mr. Treu resided with his family on Piqua avenue, just outside the city limits. He was born in Wayne Township, August 23, 1868. He is survived by his wife and the following children: Pearl, Elsie, Garnet, Cleo, and Edith Treu. Other relatives are his parents, Mr. and Mrs. George Treu, of Piqua avenue, and these brothers and sisters: John and George Treu, Mrs. John Blood, Mrs. Henry Lee and Mrs. Mark Ormiston, all of Wayne township. The decedent was a man of many fine qualities and was widely known in and about Fort Wayne. The funeral services will be held Wednesday at 2 p.m. at the residence.
Journal-Gazette, Allen County, Indiana; July 24, 1905
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SYRACUSE - Ruth G. Turnbull, 81, of 71570 CR 35, Syracuse, died at 1:05 a.m. July 24, 1994, at Miller's Merry Manor, Syracuse. She was born Aug. 27, 1912, in Avon, Ohio, to Robert and Elizabeth Yager Turnbull. She moved to Syracuse in 1968 from Tipton, Iowa. She retired as a teacher from Syracuse Christian School. She was a member of Grace Bible Church, Syracuse. Survivors include one brother, Gordon Turnbull, Cedar Falls, Iowa. Services will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Eastlund-Harris Funeral Home, Syracuse, with the Rev. David Haifley officiating. Burial will be in Syracuse Cemetery. Calling is from 6 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home.
Times Union, Kosciusko County, Indiana; July 25, 1994
Contributed by Karin King

Ellis C. Wilkinson, 65, of 412 North Line street, a retired employee of the maintenance department of the Whitley County Hospital, died at 11:30 a.m. Thursday at the hospital. He had been in failing health for the past 20 years, but was able to continue with his work until last March. Two weeks ago, he suffered the amputation of his left leg due to a circulatory condition. Mr. Wilkinson was a native of Warsaw, and was born on March 16, 1908, a son of Thomas G. and Florence Mae (really Amanda) Beezley Wilkinson. His formative years were spent in the Pierceton and Etna communities. After completing his education in the Larwill High School, he went to South Bend, where on May 15, 1929, he was married to the former Bernice Brown. They established their first home at South Bend where he was employed in the building construction business. They later resided in Monroe, Michigan for 10 years, and in 1953 came to Columbia City. Since 1958 they have resided in their present home on North Line Street. Surviving relatives, in addition to his wife, Bernice, include one son. Lynn Wilkinson, Fort Wayne, one granddaughter, Jody Ann Wilkinson; four brothers Harry, Osceola; Wayne, City; Willard, Elkhart; John, Dundee, Mich; one sister, Mrs. Edith Dusseau, Petersburg, Mich. One brother, Harold, preceded him in death.
Post & Mail Newspaper, Whitley County, Indiana; June 29, 1973
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ZIEGLER, Rush - Services at 10:30 a.m. Friday in the D. O. McComb & Sons Funeral Home, Rev. Dean Scheckau and Rev. L. E. Tucker officiating. Burial in Greenlawn Memorial Park.
Journal-Gazette, Allen County, Indiana; January 10, 1963
Contributed by Karin King