Handwritten-Fri. Aug. 31, 1956
Mrs. Daisy Roth Albro of Swanton, Ohio, died at 8:15 pm. Wednesday in the Detweiller Hospital at Wauseon, Ohio. She was the wife of the Rev. Arthur Albro. Mrs. Albro was born near Berne and attended Fort Wayne Bible College. She and her husband have served Missionary Church congregations in Indiana, Ohio and Michigan. Mrs. Albro was the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. John Roth. Surviving in addition to her husband are a son, Robert of Swanton; two daughters, Mrs. Ruth Hostetter of Gary and Mrs. Lois Rommel of St. Louis; two brothers, Andrew Roth of Grabill and Truman Roth of Canton, Ohio; three sisters, Mrs. Addie Regier of Monterey, Calif.; Mrs. Lillie Schmucker of Phoenix, Ariz., and Mrs. Marie Diller of Van Nuys, Calif., and two granddaughters. Friends may call at the Walter Funeral Home in Spencerville after 6 p.m. today. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday in the Grabill Missionary Church, the Rev. Burley Clay officiating, with burial in Leo Cemetery. The body will be taken to the church to lie in state until time of the services. [Buried Leo Memorial Park; Leo-Cedarville, Allen County, Indiana]
Adams County (IN) Historical Museum 1955 March-April 1958 Scrapbook, image 57-60
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski

RICHARD L. ANDERSON, 80, of Angola, died Saturday, April 29, 2006. Born in Fort Wayne son of William and Margaret (Borrows) Anderson, on Sept. 4, 1925. He was retired from Joslyn Slater Steel Co, FW, and he was also a U.S. Army Veteran. Surviving are wife, Janis (Emerick) Anderson; sons, David Anderson of Fremont, Steve Anderson of Bonita Springs, Fla., and Stan Anderson of Angola; daughters, Jane Smith of LaGrange, Lori Ramey of Fort Wayne, and Lisa Anderson of Albion; brother, Gerald Anderson of South Milford; 18 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren. Private family service will be held Friday. Visitation is from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, at Johnson Funeral Home, Hudson. Burial in Brushy Chapel Cemetery.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers on 5/2/2006.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

FRANCES O. ASHTON, 92, passed away Monday, May 1, 2006, at Renaissance Village, with her loved ones at her side. Born in Steams, Ky., in 1914, she was a member of Monson Chapel United Methodist Church. Moving to Indiana in 1921, she lived the remainder of her life in Harlan and Fort Wayne. She married George Ashton on Jan. 1, 1933. They were married 65 years before his death, in 1998. Surviving are a daughters, Doreen (Jim) Radabaugh of Fort Wayne, whom she lived with for several years, and Sharon (Bob) Shuler of New Haven; sons, Vaughn (Jan) Ashton of Fort Wayne and Earl Ashton of Bay St. Louis, Miss.; 17 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchild-ren; five great-great-grandchildren; sister, Helen Hitzeman; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her youngest son, Lewis, in 1996; and sister, Imogene Derck. Service is 11 a.m. Friday at Klaehn, Fahl & Melton Funeral Home, Winchester Road Chapel, 6424 Winchester Road, where friends may call from 2 to 8 p.m. today. Preferred memorials to Monson Chapel United Methodist Church.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers from 5/3/2006 - 5/4/2006.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

FLOYD D. BALLIET, 72, of Surprise, Ariz., formerly of Decatur, died Friday, April 28, 2006, in Tucson, Ariz. Surviving are his wife, Corda Balliet of Surprise, Ariz.; three sons, Jim Balliet of Decatur, Mike Hanson and Ray Hanson, both of Arizona; five daughters, Vickie Balliet, Nancy Nern Jr., Laurie Balliet-'lice and Linda Balliet, all of Decatur and Janet Davison of Monroeville; and two daughters, Kelly Arnold and Lisa Egner, both of Arizona. He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Patricia (Kable) Balliet; son, Stephen M. Balliet; and 12 brothers and sisters. Prayer service is 9:20 a.m. Monday at Haggard & Sefton Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial is 10 a.m. Monday at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church. Visitation is from 2:30 to 5 p.m. Sunday the funeral home. Memorials to Korean War Vets or donor's choice. To sign Our guestbook, click on www.haggardandsefton.com
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers from 4/30/2006 - 5/4/2006.
BALLIET, FLOYD D.: Prayer service is 9:20 a.m. today at Haggard & Sefton Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial is 10 a.m. today at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers from 5/5/2006 - 5/8/2006.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

HORTENSE L. BANKS, 100, of Fort Wayne died yesterday at home. The Huntington native was the widow of Fred N., who died in 1973, and was a member of the Plymouth Congregational Church Altar Guild and the Woman's Club. Surviving are her son, Carl of Fort Wayne; four grandchildren; 11 great- grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and three stepgrandchildren. Graveside services are 1 p.m. tomorrow at Chapel of the Cross, Greenlawn Memorial Park. There is no calling. Preferred memorials are gifts to the church.
News-Sentinel, Allen County, Indiana; January 4, 1994
Contributed by JC

Handwritten-Mon. Aug. 6, 1956
Word has been received here of the death yesterday of Mrs. Arthur Baum of Carlock, Ill., mother-in-law of Mrs. Richard Baum, the former Marjorie Moser. Mr. and Mrs. Palmer Moser will leave tomorrow to attend the funeral. [Loretta Schrock-Baum buried East Lawn Memorial Gardens Cemetery; Bloomington, McLean County, Illinois]
Adams County (IN) Historical Museum 1955 March-April 1958 Scrapbook, image 48
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski

Mrs. Elizabeth Baxter, 84 years of age and a pioneer resident of Allen county, died Friday morning at her home in Eel River township from the infirmities of age. Mrs. Baxter had been in failing health for some time. She was a native of England and is survived by the aged husband and an adopted son, William Baxter. Funeral services Sunday.
Fort Wayne Sentinel, Allen County, Indiana; November 25, 1905
Contributed by JC

Norbert George Bellis, 87, passed away Tuesday, June 12, 2012, at Miller's Merry Manor. Born in Monroe-ville, he worked as a A.O.D. Vessel Operator with Slater Steel for 40 years, retiring in 1987. He was a member of VFW 857 and American Legion 420. He enjoyed bowling, golf, and taking care of his yard. Norbert and Ruth had two children who survive, Steven (Vertus) Bellis of Web City, Mo. and Rosalie A. (Charles) Ercolino of Onsted, Mich. Also surviving are brothers, Ervin Bellis of Woodburn and Frederick Bellis of Waynedale; sisters, Delores Clevenger of Woodburn, Mary Ann Ternet of Monroeville and Catherine Lothamer of Woodburn; seven grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandson. He was preceded in death by parents, Frederick and Margarite Bellis; brothers, Donald, Joseph, Paul and Robert Bellis; and sister, Teresa. Service is 2 p.m. Friday, June 15, 2012 at D.O. McComb & Sons Covington Knolls Funeral Home, 8325 Covington Road with calling from 10 a.m. until time of service. Calling also from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, June 14, 2012 at the funeral home. Burial in Covington Memorial Gardens, Fort Wayne, Ind. Memorials may be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation..
D.O. McComb & Sons Funeral Home, Allen County, Indiana; June 13, 2012
Contributed by JC

PATRICIA L. BERNDT, 75, died Friday, April 28, 2006 at Lutheran Hospital, Fort Wayne. She was born in Fort Wayne. She was a "Loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother." A homemaker who loved reading, crafts and gardening. Surviving are sons, Thomas W. (Cynthia) Berndt, Richard A. Berndt, Gary. W. (Barbara) Berndt, Roger L. Berndt, Douglas S. (Susan) Berndt all of Fort Wayne, Jeffery L. (Janet) Berndt of Harlan; daughter, Linda K. (Tom) Whitmore of St. Augustine, Fla.; sisters, Rita Straley and Doris Jacoby both of Minnesota, Phyllis Hite of Decatur; brother, William Wyatt of Marion, Ind.; 15 grandchildren and five great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, William Berndt, in 1985; granddaughter, Nora L. Berndt; three brothers, Richard, Robert and Paul Wyatt; and sister, Ruth Hamm. Memorial calling 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at D.O. McComb & Sons Lakeside Park Funeral Home, 1140 Lake Ave. Burial in Highland Park Cemetery, Fort Wayne. Memorials to Cancer Services of Allen County.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers from 4/30/2006 - 5/1/2006.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

Last evening's issue of the Fort Wayne Sentinel contained the following concerning the death of Mrs. Ida Brecheisen, nee Kemmer, an account of which appeared in the Times-Democrat last evening. "Yesterday afternoon at the St. Joe Hospital occurred the death of Mrs. Ida A. Brecheisen, wife of J. H. Brecheisen of 62 East Williams Street. Mrs. Brecheisen had been ill only since Friday. She was suffering from an obstruction of the bowel and was taken to the hospital for the purchase of having an operation performed. She died yesterday while preparations were being made for the operation. The lady was 40 years of age and besides her husband, leaves five children to mourn her death. Last summer, a son was killed by a Pennsylvania train at Lima, Ohio while riding with an aunt. The funeral will occur at 10 o'clock Wednesday morning from the residence, Rev. Eagenhals officiating at the service."
Fort Wayne Sentinel, Allen County, Indiana; January 31, 1898
Contributed by JC

Instantly Killed
Oliver Edward, 13-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. John H. Brecheisen of 62 East Williams Street, this city, was instantly killed Saturday night on the Pennsylvania Railroad tracks at Lima, O. The boy had been at Lima, the guest of his aunt, Mrs. Augusta Miller. They were driving along the tracks a mile west of Lima, where the road parallels the tracks. It is not known why Mrs. Miller drove on the tracks in front of the train as the railroad is in plain view for a mile. Both Oliver and his aunt were instantly killed. Ollie was 13 years of age, a pupil at the Hoagland School and a member of the Sunday School class of Trinity English Lutheran Church. Mr. Brecheisen is the proprietor of a grocery on South Fairfield Avenue. The remains arrived here this morning.
Fort Wayne Sentinel, Allen County, Indiana; August 29, 1897
Contributed by JC

Mrs. Caroline Brecht, sister-in-law of Mr. Gottlieb Rapp, died last evening at his residence, 107 Fairfield Avenue. She was 31 years old and had been residing in Kansas City, from which place she arrived two weeks ago, on a visit. Funeral tomorrow at 1:30 p.m., from Mr. Rapp's residence.
Fort Wayne Daily News, Allen County, Indiana; March 28, 1883
Contributed by JC

Earl Brenn, an executive with Huntington Laboratories for more than a half-century and a world traveler, died Thursday (Aug. 23, 2001) at his home in Fort Wayne. He was 84. Mr. Brenn retired from Huntington Laboratories in 1991 after a 52-year career. He joined the company, which had been founded in 1919 by his father, Jacob L. Brenn, in 1939 after graduation from the University of Michigan. He became vice president in 1950 and president of the company in 1960. In 1982 he became chairman of the board, a post he held until Huntington Laboratories was sold to an investor group in 1990. The company was purchased in 1996 by Ecolab. Mr. Brenn and his wife, Ruth, enjoyed traveling, and visited 257 countries around the world. He was a member and past president of the Huntington Rotary Club, Temple Achduth Vesholom, the Fort Wayne Jewish Federation, the Indiana Jewish Historical Society and the Israel Bond Organization. He was past treasurer of Catholic Charities and chairman of the Chemical Specialty Manufacturing Association. He was also a member of the Fort Wayne Country Club and The Century Club. He was born June 19, 1917, in Chicago, to Jacob L. and Fannie Feldman Brenn. His marriage was to the former Ruth Alpert, who died in October, 1997. Survivors include five daughters, Susan Mullennix, Fort Wayne, Bonnie Brenn-White, Tiburon, Calif., Janni Brenn, Venice, Calif., Shamira Lolly Tartell, Santa Fe, N.M., and Lisa Elkin, St. Petersburg, Fla.; four granddaughters; a great-grandson; and a sister, Lorraine Goldenberg, Huntington. Calling is one hour prior to the funeral services, which will be held at 1:30 p.m. Sunday at Achduth Vesholom Temple, 5200 Old Mill Rd., Fort Wayne. Burial will be at the Lindenwood Cemetery, Fort Wayne. Preferred memorials are to Visiting Nurse Service's Hospice Home or to the Leukemia Society of America, Indiana Chapter.
Huntington Herald Press, Huntington County, Indiana; August 24, 2001
Contributed by JC

Handwritten-Mon. Aug. 27, 1956
Uncle Killed in Auto Accident
Mr. and Mrs. Paul Hawkins today attended the funeral at West Unity, Ohio, of Glen Bretthauer, aged about 60, an uncle of Mr. Hawkins who was fatally injured in an auto accident Friday morning. Mr. Bretthauer was thrown out of an auto when the machine turned over in loose gravel. Other occupants in the car were not hurt. The deceased was the husband of the former (rest is missing)
Adams County (IN) Historical Museum 1955 March-April 1958 Scrapbook, image 52
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski

Handwritten-Wed. Jan. 18, 1956
MRS. FRIDA BROUER DIES IN GERMANY - SON, RESIDING HERE, LEAVES TODAY TO ATTEND FUNERAL
Fritz Brouer of 358 N. Jefferson Street is leaving late this afternoon to attend his mother's funeral in Germany. He will arrive there Friday afternoon. His mother, Mrs. Frida Brouer, 81, died on Monday. She had not been well for some time and lived with her granddaughter, Mrs. Antje Von Mark, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Brouer of Berne. Her husband, Gerhardt Brouer, died in 1937. Before his marriage he was a United States citizen and was a farmer in Minnesota. After his marriage he resided in Germany where he was a factory owner and manager. The local man is the only child. Another son of the deceased, Nicolas, was killed in 1918 in World War I. Mr. Brouer plans to be gone three or four weeks to settle his mother's estate. Mrs. Brouer was a member of the Mennonite Church at Leer where services will be held Saturday, Jan. 21. She was a lifelong resident of the Leer community.
Adams County (IN) Historical Museum 1955 March-April 1958 Scrapbook, image 38
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski

This obituary is being republished to provide corrected service information. ELIZABETH "BETTY" R. BURKE, 77, of Fort Wayne, died unexpectedly Monday, April 24, 2006, at Sherman Hospital, Elgin, Ill. where she was visiting family. She graduated from Montpelier High School, Montpelier, Ind., in 1946 and from Ball State University and Ball Memorial Hospital, in 1951, with a B.S. in Nursing Education. She was a registered nurse for 55 years and served as Head Nurse of Pediatrics at Ball Memorial Hospital and as a nursing instructor at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, Ann Arbor, Mich. She also served as the Nursing Home Ombudsman for northeastern Indiana. She retired after 12 years as Director of Health Services at Wood Youth Center, in 1995. She was a former member of the Board of Directors of The Family and Children's Services of Fort Wayne and Allen County. Surviving are her husband of 53 years, Larry J. Burke; five children, Kevin (companion, Jung Hsi) Burke of Sherman Oaks, Calif., Dennis (wife, Connie) Burke of Ann Arbor, Mich., Timothy (wife, Sarah) Burke of Brown County, Nancy (husband, Todd) Nahrwold of Sarasota, Fla. and Amy (husband, Scott) Kosnoff of Indianapolis; 10 grandchildren, Dustin Burke, Colleen Burke, Casie Burke, Jamie Burke, Claire Burke, Margaret Burke, Hannah Nahrwold, Allison Nahrwold, Kathleen Kosnoff and Cameron Kosnoff. Memorial service is 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 6, 2006, at Unitarian-Universalist Meeting House, 5310 Old Mill Road. The Rev. Jay Abernathy officiating. Interment in Godlove Cemetery near Albany, Ind. Preferred memorials to Unitarian-Universalist Congregation of Fort Wayne, Inc. Endowment Fund.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers on 5/2/2006.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

DOROTHY K. BURNS, 85, died Sunday, April 30, 2006 at Parkview Hospital. She was a resident of Heritage Park. Born on September 24, 1920 in Fort Wayne, she is the daughter of Martin and Goldie Kimble, a graduate of South Side High School, and member of North Christian Church. "She was a loving and devoted daughter, wife, mother, and grandmother who always did whatever she could to be helpful and supportive of others." Surviving are her husband, Thag of 64 years; sons, Steve (Janie) Burns and Jerry (Debbie) Burns of Fort Wayne; five grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; nephew David Schele of Austin, Texas; and niece Sandy Quance of Merrillan, Wis. She was preceded in death by her sister, Jane (1994); brother-in-law, DeWayne (2004); and three great-grandchildren (2004 and 2005). Service is at 10:30 a.m Wednesday at D.O. McComb & Sons Lakeside Park Funeral Home, 1140 Lake Avenue with calling one hour prior to the service. Calling is from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Burial in Greenlawn Memorial Park. Preferred memorials to North Christian Church 5201 Camden Drive, Fort Wayne, IN 46825.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers on 5/2/2006.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

At Fort Wayne last week, John Butler shot and killed himself because discouraged about health.

John Butler, the suicide, will be buried this morning at 9 o'clock in Lindenwood.
Fort Wayne Sentinel, Allen County, Indiana; May 20, 1881
Contributed by JC

Dorothy Marie (Howard) Calhoun, 86, of Fort Wayne, departed this life on Friday, August 23, 2013 at home surrounded by her loving family. She was born June 24, 1927, in Tilden, Alabama. She was a member of Providence Missionary Baptist Church. Surviving are her nieces and nephews; and a host of friends. Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, Henry Calhoun; son, James Calhoun; parents, Richard and Lucinda Howard; brothers, Lawrence Howard, James Howard and Shepard Howard; sisters, Rosie Howard-Hinds, Julia Mae Moody, Janie Perkins, Lois Howard, Alice Thigpen and Dorothy Kidd Calhoun. Funeral service is 11:00 a.m. Saturday, August 31, 2013 at Providence Missionary Baptist Church, with visitation two hours prior. Burial in Highland Park Cemetery.
Journal-Gazette, Allen County, Indiana; August 24, 2013
Contributed by JC

Brownsburg, Ind., Oct 15 - Mrs. Elizabeth Little Canary is dead at the residence of her grandson, near this place. She was 89 years old. She was born in Franklin County, Ky, in 1806 and she came to this state in 1810.
Greencastle Daily Banner & Times, Putnam County, Indiana; 15 Oct 1895, p 1
Contributed by Karen Zach

This obituary is being re-published to provide corrected information. BROCK A. CARTEAUX, 19, of Fort Wayne, passed away Friday, April 28, 2006 at his home. Born in Kendallville on Sept. 1, 1986, he was the assistant manager of Glamour Shots and was a member of the Horizon Youth Group in Fort Wayne. He is survived by mother, Kim (Oliver) Carteaux of Huntington; father and step-mother, Russell Jr. and Laura Carteaux of Avilla; four brothers, Brent (Nicole) Carteaux of Auburn, Brad (Cammie) Carteaux of Kendallville, Bryce Cateaux of Fort Wayne, and Bruce (Lorette) Carteaux of Jacksonville; two step brothers, Derek Dahlman of LaOtto, and Zane Anderson of Avilla; Grandparents, Russell Sr. (Nelle) Carteaux of Avilla, Gray (Dorlas) Oliver of Huntington; great-grandparents, Lillian Oliver of Redondo Beach, Calif.; and many aunts; uncles; and cousins. Service is 10 a.m. Wednesday with Pastor Chris Mosley officiating, at Feller Funeral Home, Waterloo. Calling is from 3 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Burial in Sedan Cemetery, Corunna. Memorials directed to the family.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers from 5/2/2006 - 5/3/2006.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

TERESA D. CHAPPEL, 49, of Columbia City, died Monday, May 1, 2006. Arrangements by DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, Columbia City.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers on 5/2/2006.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

CLAXTON, DONALD J.: Service is 10 a.m. today at Sheets & Childs Funeral Home, Churubusco.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers from 4/30/2006 - 5/2/2006.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

Handwritten-Wed. Aug. 22, 1956
RITES TODAY FOR MRS. ISAAC COLVARD - WELL KNOWN FORMER RESIDENT DIES MONDAY AT MT. SUMMIT
Word has been received here by Mr. and Mrs. Cyrus Liechty of the death of Mrs. Isaac Colvard, aged about 70, of Mt. Summit, which is near New Castle. Mrs. Colvard passed away on Monday following an extended illness caused by carcinoma. The Colvards are well known here by many of the older people of this community, Mr. Colvard having barbered here for a number of years. He was associated with the shop know at the time as the Big Four, at the present location of the Palmer House. The Colvard family left here about thirty years ago and have since resided at Mt. Summit. Mrs. Colvard had been in a coma for a week and a half prior to death. She had been seriously ill for several months and had submitted to surgery. She is survived by her husband and five children. (missing) [Buried Mount Summit Cemeter, Mount Summit, Henry County, Indiana]
Adams County (IN) Historical Museum 1955 March-April 1958 Scrapbook, image 57-60
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski

Handwritten-Mon. Aug. 20, 1956 FUNERAL TODAY FOR MRS JAMES DANNER - BLUE CREEK TP LADY DIED FRIDAY P.M. AFTER LONG ILLNESS
Mrs. Mae Danner, 69, wife of James O. Danner, of Blue Creek Township, one mile southwest of Willshire, died at 2:25 o'clock Friday afternoon at the Van Wert, O., County Hospital. She had been a semi-invalid for 25 years and had been hospitalized the past two weeks. She was born in Mercer County, O., Feb. 13, 1887, a daughter of Phillip and Elizabeth Dellinger-Deitsch, but had spent most of her life in Blue Creek Township. Mrs. Danner was a member of the Union Evangelical United Brethren Church. Surviving in addition to her husband are one son, Forest Danner of Terre Haute; one grandchild, Janet Danner of near Berne, and two brothers, Charles Deitsch of Blue Creek Township and David F. Deitsch of St. Mary's, O. Three brothers preceded her in death. Funeral services were conducted this afternoon at the Zwick Funeral Home in Decatur with burial at Willshire Cemetery. [Katherine Mae Danner buried Willshire Cemetery, Willshire, Van Wert County, Ohio]
Adams County (IN) Historical Museum 1955 March-April 1958 Scrapbook, image 56
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski

ROBERTA M. DAWSON, 84, of Monroeville, died Sunday, April 30, 2006 at Village of Heritage, Monroeville. She was a member of Monroeville Seniors, Lincoln Life Loyal Service Club, and American Legion Auxiliary unit 420. She worked in the office at Lincoln Life Insurance, in Fort Wayne where she retired in 1981 after 25 years of service. Surviving are sisters, Marium R. Goelz of Monroeville and Carol J. Dawson of Monroeville; 14 nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by brother, Albert Dawson; and sister, Edith L. Boltz. Service is 11 a.m. Wednesday at Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home, Jacobs Chapel. Visitation is from 2 to 5 and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Preferred memorials to, Monroeville EMS or Monroeville Fire Dept. www.zwickjahn.com
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers on 5/1/2006.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

FERN M. DIERKES, 93, of Decatur, died Sunday, April 30, 2006. Arrangements by Haggard & Sefton.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers on 5/2/2006.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

RUSSELL W. DREYER, 80, died Monday, May 01, 2006 at his home in Fort Wayne. Born in Fort Wayne, he retired in 1991 from Slater Steel after 41 years of service. Surviving are wife, Carolyn Dreyer of Fort Wayne; daughters, Lynn (Scott) Patton, and Renee (Thom) Moore of Fort Wayne; sons, Jon (Marsha) Dreyer of Fort Wayne, and Steven (Lynette) Dreyer; nine grandchildren; four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Lisa K. Dreyer. No service. Calling is from 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at D.O. McComb & Sons Maplewood Park Funeral Home, 4017 Maplecrest Road. Memorials to St Jude Children's Hospital Leukemia Research.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers on 5/2/2006.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

WILLIAM J. DRIESSEN, 83, of Fort Wayne, died Friday, April 28, 2006, at Heritage Park Nursing Home, Fort Wayne. Born in Dehehague, Netherlands Aug. 24, 1922, he was a toolmaker, retired from Industra, Fort Wayne, he was a member of Immaculate Conception Church. Surviving are son, Alex Driessen, Henniker N.H.; brothers, Jan and Cor Driessen, both of Holland; grandchildren, Jennifer of Newberryport, Mass., and Douglas of Salt Lake City, Utah. He was preceded in death by wife, Maria Driessen in April 2002. Graveside service is 1 p.m. Tuesday at Covington Memorial Gardens Cemetery. There is no visitation. Arrangements by Elzey-Patterson-Rodak Home For Funerals, 6310 Old Trail Road, Fort Wayne, Ind.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers from 4/30/2006 - 5/1/2006.
DRIESSEN, WILLIAM J.: Graveside service is 1 p.m. today at Covington Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Arrangements by Elzey-Patterson-Rodak Home For Funerals, 6310 Old Trail Road, Fort Wayne, Ind.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers on 5/2/2006.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

ROBERT L. DUKE, 96, of Fort Wayne, died Friday, April 28, 2006 at Canterbury Nursing Home, Fort Wayne. Born May 24, 1909, son of Otto J. Duke and Rose Zella Kilsozah, he was employed by Marion Police Dept. He served as chief of police and retired in 1963 as captain, after 20 years of service. He was a member of North Christian Church, Samaritan lodge 105, F&AM Marion and Fort Wayne Valley of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite. Surviving are wife, Irma C. Duke of Fort Wayne; sons, Richard B. Duke of Fort Wayne and Robert E. Duke Sr. of Kokomo; grandsons, Robert E. Duke Jr., Micheal S. Duke, and Michael A. Sample; granddaughter, Kimberly K. Sample; six great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two sisters; and four brothers. Service is 2 p.m. Tuesday at North Christian Church 5201 Camden Drive, Fort Wayne with the Rev. Peggy Edge officiating. There is no visitation. Burial in I.O.O.F Cemetery, Marion, Ind. Preferred memorials to the Scottish Rite Learning Center or A.S.P.C.A. Arrangements by Klaehn, Fahl & Melton, Wayne St. Chapel, Fort Wayne.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers from 4/30/2006 - 5/1/2006.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

Handwritten-Mon. Dec. 19, 1955
MRS. WILMA EMERY DIES AT AKRON - FUNERAL TODAY FOR FORMER LOCAL WOMAN
Word was received here Sunday of the death Friday night of Mrs. Wilma Wilson Emery, 70, a former Berne woman, at Akron, Ohio. She died in City Hospital at Akron, following a stroke. She had not been well for some time. Mrs. Emery was a native of this community and left here about 25 years ago. Her husband, John Emery, a former local business man, died 15 years ago. Surviving are two sons, Thomas and John, both of Akron, and a daughter, Mrs. Charlene Valley, also of Akron. Services were held today at Akron and burial was in Crown Hill cemetery in that city. Several relatives reside in Berne and community. [Buried Crown Hill Cemetery; Twinsburg, Summit County, Ohio]
Adams County (IN) Historical Museum 1955 March-April 1958 Scrapbook, image 53
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski

NOEL E. EWERT, 91, of Roanoke, died Sunday, April 30, 2006. Born Jan. 19, 1915, in Allen County, he graduated from Lafayette Central High School. He retired in 1979 from Sheet Metal Local 20, with 30 years of service. Survived by his wife of 65 years, LaVerne L. (Stein) Ewert; daughters, Dora-Lee Duck-worth of Granby, Colo., Nola-Kay (Charles) Jetmore of Roanoke and Beth-Ann (Mike) Welch of Jacksonville, Fla.; seven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and brother, Robert W. Ewert of Port Charlotte, Fla. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Alma-Louise Enz; son, Lawrence A. Ewert; one brother; and one sister. Service is 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. Calling is from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Burial in Greenlawn Memorial Park. Memorials to Trinity Evangelical Presbyterian Church or Hospice Home. Condolences to www.smithandsonsfuneralhome.com.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers on 5/2/2006.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

Daniel Falk Dies At Home In Peru - Native of Decatur Is Taken By Death
Daniel L. Falk, 58, a native of Decatur, died at 12:40 o'clock Monday afternoon at his home in Peru following an illness of several months. He was born in Decatur Dec. 10, 1895, a son of John S. and Clara Dailey-Falk, and was associated with his father in the drug business in this city. The family moved to Peru about 35 years ago, where they operated a drug store. Mr. Falk had been owner and manager of the Falk drug store in that city for the past 27 years. Mr. Falk was a member of the Presbyterian church at Peru, the Masonic lodge, the Rotary club and the Elks lodge at Peru, the Scottish Rite at Fort Wayne and the Murat Temple at Indianapolis. He was a veteran of World War I. Survivors include his wife, Mosaine, one daughter, Mrs. John Boyle of Peru; two grandchildren; one brother, Robert Falk of Vermillion, S. D., and one sister, Mrs. M. D. Zoll of Portsmouth, Va. Funeral services will be conducted at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Eikenberry funeral home in Peru, the Rev. Paul A. Chalfant officiating. Burial will be in Mt. Hope cemetery at Peru. Friends may call at the funeral home until time of the services.
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams County, Indiana; August 10, 1954
Contributed by Karin King

DONNA D. FAIRCHILD, 77, of Decatur, died Sunday, April 30, 2006. She was born June 15, 1928. Service is 2 p.m. Thursday at Haggard & Sefton Funeral Home, Decatur. Calling is from 2 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Memorials to Zion Lutheran Radio Ministry. To sign our guest book, click on www.haggardandsefton.com.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers on 5/2/2006.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

JUDITH L. FEASEL, 56, died Sunday, April 30, 2006 at Hospice Home in Fort Wayne. Born in Fort Wayne, she was employed by Verizon from 1988 until the time of her death. She was a graduate of South Side High School in Fort Wayne. Surviving are son, Scott (Sarah) Robinson of Fort Wayne; granddaughters, Rachael, Erica and Nicole Robinson all of Fort Wayne; grandson, Jacob Robinson of Fort Wayne; sisters, Susan Murphy and Sandra Walling both of Fort Wayne; brother, David McPherson of Stueben County; step-mother, Janet McPherson of Fort Wayne; four nephews and one niece. She was preceded in death by her father, Guy McPherson; mother, Betty Machon; sister, Nancy Hoskins; and nephew, Gerrid McPherson. Service is 2 p.m. Thursday at D.O. McComb & Sons Lakeside Park Funeral Home, 1140 Lake Ave. with calling 2 hours prior with the Rev. Scott Davis officiating. Calling also from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Burial in Scipio Cemetery, Harlan. Memorials to Visiting Nurse & Hospice Home.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers on 5/2/2006.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

Handwritten-Wed. Aug. 8, 1956
MOTHER OF MRS. G.R. SHAW DIES - FUNERAL IN OHIO FRIDAY FOR MRS. ELVA JANE FLOOK, 80
Mrs. Elva Jane Flook, 80, mother-in-law of Rev. G. R. Shaw, pastor of the Pleasant Valley Wesleyan Methodist Church southeast of Monroe, died at 12 noon Tuesday at the South View Rest Home near Bluffton. Mrs. Flook had been ill since March when she suffered a cerebral hemorrhage. Her condition was critical the past four days. She had resided with Rev. and Mrs. Shaw and family near the Pleasant Valley Church the past year. A native of Darke County, O., Mrs. Flook was born Oct. 20, 1875, the daughter of William B. and Leatha A. Vance Dell. She was married to George A. Miller, who died in 1910. In 1922 she married John Flook and he preceded in death Sept. 6, 1951. Surviving are the following children: Mrs. G.R. Shaw, Monroe; Ralph Miller, Dayton, Ohio; Howard Miller, Chicago Heights, Ill.; Mrs. Ruth Altie, Monroeville and Mrs. Lena Coleman, Fort Wayne. The following step-children survive; W. D. Miller Elkhart; Mrs. Faye Hollinger, Cando, S.D.; Mrs. May Lawshe, Leesburg, Mrs. Eva Stanger, Greentown, and Mrs. Mary Lawson and Mrs. Helen Shockney, both of Marion; 48 grandchildren and 58 great-grandchildren; a brother Pearly Dell, Greenville, Ohio and two sisters, Mrs. Lillie Thompson of Packerton, Indiana and Mrs. Dennimin Sintra, Greenville, Ohio. Two sons, three brothers and two sisters are deceased. The body is at the Zwick Funeral Home in Decatur where friends may call after 7:00 p.m. today. Services will be held at the funeral home at 9:30 a.m. Friday after which the body will be taken to the E.U.B. Church near Greenville, Ohio where it will lie in state until services. Burial will be at Abbottsville Cemetery [Darke County, Ohio].
Adams County (IN) Historical Museum 1955 March-April 1958 Scrapbook, image 57-60
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski

J. H. FONNER, 86 DIES IN PITTSBURG
J. H. Fonner, 86, a native of Decatur, died of a heart attack in a Pittsburgh, Pa., hospital at 7:30 p.m. Saturday evening following a short illness. The son of Mr. and Mrs. John A. Fonner, who owned the present McMillen farm east of Decatur, he is survived by his widow, Barbara Gras Fonner. Mr. Fonner was formerly a member of the First Presbyterian church here. The Fonners moved to Fort Wayne about 50 years ago, where he was employed by the Bowser Company. They have lived in Pittsburgh, Pa., for many years since he retired. One daughter, Elizabeth Fonner, of Fort Worth, Tex., survives. Three sisters, Mrs. A. J. Smith and Miss Mary Fonner of Decatur, and Mrs. Edith Christian, of Marion, preceded him in death. Mrs. W. P. Shrock is a niece of the deceased. The body was taken to the Branch funeral home in Pittsburgh, where services will be held at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday.
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams County, Indiana; August 17, 1959
Contributed by Karin King

Robert L. Foreman, 69, died yesterday at home.
The Decatur native was a veteran of World War II, retired in 1977 as a truck decker for Kenosha Auto Transport and was a life member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10006. Surviving are his wife, Dorothy; daughter, Barbara J. Kinsey of St. Petersburg, Fla.; sons Charles W., James L. and Richard L., all of Fort Wayne; brother, James L of Fort Wayne; half sister, Shirley Hilbish of Fort Wayne; and 15 grandchildren. Services are 10 a.m. tomorrow in D.O. McComb & Sons Lakeside Park Funeral Home, 1140 Lake Ave., where calling is 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. today. Burial will be with military honors in Covington Memorial Gardens. Preferred memorials are gifts to VFW Post 10006.
News-Sentinel, Allen County, Indiana; July 28, 1989
Contributed by Karin King

Angina pectoris caused the death of Mrs. Hazel Foreman, 43, of Garrett, whose body was found at 7:05 a.m. Friday in an apartment at 614 1/2 South Clinton Street, Dr. D. R. Benninghoff, deputy county coroner, reported after an investigation. The body was taken to the Julian Schone funeral home. The body will be sent to Garrett today. Mrs. Foreman, who had filed divorce proceedings against her husband, Lloyd, a Baltimore & Ohio railroad engineer, came to Fort Wayne Thursday night with Atty. F. W. Plummer of Wabash and Charles Drabenstot of the Clinton street address. After arriving in the city, Mrs. Foreman decided not to stay with a sister and was offered a room in the Drabenstot apartment. Drabenstot discovered the Garrett woman was dead when he entered her room and attempted to awaken her. The police ambulance was called there. No marks of violence were found on the body, Detective Sergt. Raymond Towsley reported after an investigation.
Note: Burial list and death certificate have her last name spelled FORESMAN - but the obituary has it spelled FOREMAN. Burial in Barkers Chapel Cemetery, DeKalb County, IN.
Journal-Gazette, Allen County, Indiana; April 17, 1943
Contributed by Karin King

GABRIELLE M. FRAUHIGER, infant daughter of Brian and Abbey Frauhiger of Fort Wayne died Friday, April 28, 2006 at her home in Noblesville. She was born on March 06, 2006. Surviving are maternal grandparents, Tim and Darcy Coffel of Leo; paternal grandparents, Gary and Carol Frauhiger of Fort Wayne; maternal great-grandparents, George and Shirley Polinuk of LaOtto; paternal great-grandparents, Brice and Vera Sheets of Decatur; maternal great-grandparents, Larry and Linda Coffel of Fort Wayne; paternal great-grandma, Bernice Frauhiger of Decatur; maternal great-great-grandmother, Lillian McConnell of LaOtto. Service 1 p.m. Thursday at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 2417 Getz Rd with calling one hour prior. The Rev. Kent Lundy officiating. Calling also from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at the D.O. McComb & Sons Covington Knolls Funeral Home, 8325 Covington Road. Burial in Riverview Cemetery. Memorials to Gabrielle M. Frauhiger Memorial Fund.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers on 5/2/2006.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

Handwritten-Sat. Dec. 29, 1956
Graveside Service Held for Gase Twins
Graveside services were held Friday for Dorene and Stephen Gase, twin children of Raymond and Dorothy LaFontaine-Gase, who died shortly after birth at the Parkview Memorial Hospital in Fort Wayne. (rest is missing) [Buried Catholic Cem., Fort Wayne, Allen County, Indiana]
Adams County (IN) Historical Museum 1955 March-April 1958 Scrapbook, image 55
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski

Jimmy R. Geiger, 64, former Churubusco businessman and a resident of rural Churubusco, was pronounced dead on arrival at 1:24 a. m. on Wednesday, January 16, 2008, at Parkview Whitley Hospital in Columbia City, after collapsing unexpectedly at the family residence in Green Township. Mr. Geiger was born on April 19, 1943 in Green Township in Noble County, a son of Tonny and Venus E. (Herron) Geiger. He spent his formative years on the family farm there, and graduated from Churubusco High School in 1961. On September 31, 1963 he was married in Churubusco to Diane Boggess, and lived all of his married life in the Churubusco community. As a young man he was employed at International Harvester in Fort Wayne for 23 years, and was the owner and operator of Geiger Amoco in Churubusco from 1986 until the station closed in 2004. He had been employed as a machinist at C&A Tool and Engineering in Churubusco for the past three years. He was a member and trustee of the Sugar Grove Church of God, and bowled for many years with the Churubusco Men's Bowling League. In addition to his church activities and bowling, he enjoyed fishing, country gospel music, and various sporting activities. He will long be remembered by his family as a wonderful and devoted husband, father, and grandfather. The surviving relatives include his wife Diane; two daughters Amy (Cary) Blake of Decatur and Annette Pitz of Fort Mitchell, Ky; three sons Brent (companion J. R. Hopkins) of New York City, Deron Geiger of Decatur, and Brock Geiger of Churubusco; six brothers Jack (Joan) Geiger of Hernando, Miss., Bill (Wavelin) Geiger of Prescott, Ariz., C. L. "Pete" (Chris) Geiger of Marysville, Ohio, Larry (Kathy) Geiger and Roger "Hump" (Barbara) Geiger, both of Phoenix, Ariz., and Richard "Louie" (Valerie) Geiger of Churubusco; and nine grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister Marilyn J. Fulk; and by five brothers J. D. "Jake" Geiger, Duane Geiger, Glenn Geiger, Don Geiger, and Gerald Geiger. Funeral services will be held at 2 p. m. Sunday, January 20, at the Sugar Grove Church of God with Pastor Timothy Grable, officiating. The family will receive friends at Sheets & Childs Funeral Home in Churubusco on Saturday from 2 to 7 p. m., or at the church one hour prior to the service. Interment will be in the Riverview Cemetery, south of Churubusco.
Sheets & Childs Funeral Home, Whitley County, Indiana; January 17, 2008
Contributed by JC

CLYDE L. GERBER, 79, of Decatur, died Saturday, April 29, 2006. Prayer service is 9:20 a.m. Wednesday at Haggard & Sefton followed by a 10 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church. A rosary service is 2:30 p.m. Tuesday and visitation is from 3 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Funeral Home. Memorials to St. Joe School or Family Hospice of NorthEast Ind.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers from 4/30/2006 - 5/1/2006.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

Handwritten-Mon. Dec. 17, 1956
Dies at Lima
Mrs. Lydia E. (Goldsmith) Gerig, 84, formerly of Leo, died at 2:45 a.m. Wednesday in the Lima, O., Memorial Hospital, where she had been a patient four days. She had been ill eight months. Mrs. Gerig had been making her home with a daughter, Mrs. Verda Nussbaum (missing)
Also surviving are the husband, Benjamin P.; three sons, Solomon Gerig, Sydney, N.Y.; J. B. Gerig, Fort Wayne, and R. F. Gerig, Indianapolis; another daughter, Mrs. Burl DuVall, Fort Wayne, and five grandchildren. Services were held at 2:30 (missing) [Buried Old Leo Cem., Leo-Cedarville, Allen County, Indiana]
Adams County (IN) Historical Museum 1955 March-April 1958 Scrapbook, image 54
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski

Handwritten-Fri. July 27, 1956
SAMUEL S. GIROD TAKEN BY DEATH - NATIVE OF THIS VICINITY DIES IN ALLEN COUNTY AT AGE OF 46
Samuel S. Girod, 46, Springfield Township, Allen County, a native of this community, died unexpectedly at 11:00 p.m. Wednesday at his farm home a mile south of Spencerville. Death followed a heart attack. Girod, the son of Samuel P. Girod of northeast of Berne, had been ailing for a long time with diabetes but he was in Berne a week ago and appeared in his usual health. Girod was born near Berne, June 11, 1910, the son of Samuel P. and Josephine Schwartz Girod. He was married to Maggie Gerig of Allen County, May 26, 1938. He had resided in Allen County since his marriage. Surviving are the wife; the father and step-mother of near Berne and the following brothers and sisters: Peter and Reuben Girod and Mrs. John M. Schwartz, all of Curryville, Mo.; Mrs. Joe Eicher and John and Jacob Girod, of Berne R. R.; Mrs. William Schwartz, Geneva R.R. and Menno and Enos Girod, both of Monroe R. R. 1. The following half-brothers and half-sisters survive: Ben, Ernest, Emanuel and Lavina Girod, all of near here; Mrs. John Wickey, Berne R. R.; Simon Troyer and Cornelius Troyer of Monroe R. R. 1 and Mrs. Samuel Troyer of Mt. Pleasant Mill, Pa. Mr. Girod belonged to the Amish Church. Services will be at 9:00 a.m. Saturday at the residence and burial will be in the Amish Cemetery near Grabill. [Buried Roth Road Amish Cemetery; Grabill, Allen County, Indiana]
Adams County (IN) Historical Museum 1955 March-April 1958 Scrapbook, image 50
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski

GRABILL, EDGAR D.: Service is 11 a.m. Monday at LaOtto Wesleyan Church. Visitation is from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Thomas Funeral Home, Garrett.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers from 4/30/2006 - 5/1/2006.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

Handwritten-Mon. Aug. 6, 1956
Word was received here of the death last week of Mrs. J. W. Groce of High Point, North Carolina. Mrs. Groce was the mother of Mrs. Ernest Steury of Indianapolis.
Adams County (IN) Historical Museum 1955 March-April 1958 Scrapbook, image 53
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski

BURDETTE "BUD" HAAG, 76, of Mongo, died Saturday, April 29, 2006. Arrangements by Frurip-May Funeral Home, 309 W. Michigan St., LaGrange.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers from 4/30/2006 - 5/1/2006.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

Handwritten-Wed. Jan. 18, 1956
REV. ALFRED HABEGGER DIES EARLY TODAY - Berne Native Dies at Billings, Montana Hospital
Word was received here early today of the death shortly after midnight last night of Rev. Alfred Habegger, 63, missionary at Lame Deer, Montana. Rev. Habegger was a native and former resident of this community and died at a hospital at Billings, Montana. His death was unexpected and was attributed to a heart ailment. Rev. Habegger had been in fairly good health until about two months ago when a heart condition developed. He was hospitalized a few weeks at that time at the Billings Hospital, then was permitted to go home. He worked just a little and rested a lot and two weeks ago went for a check-up. His condition showed some improvement. His condition became worse and he returned to the hospital. Alfred Habegger was the son of the late David and Elizabeth Lehman Habegger and was born July 26, 1892, in Monroe Township, northeast of Berne. His early education was in the Monroe Township Grade School and he graduated from the Berne High School in 1912 after which he taught one year in a rural school in the community. On August 17, 1913, he was married to Barbara Hirschy and together they went through Bible College at Newton, Kansas in preparation for missionary work. They also took some work at the Witmarsum Seminary at Bluffton, Ohio. On May 19, 1918, they were ordained as missionaries by Rev. J. W. Kliewer. Soon afterwards they entered mission work among the American Indians at Busby, Montana and served there until recent years when they were transferred to nearby Lame Deer for similar work. Rev. Habegger is survived by his widow, Barbara; six children, Marden C., an M.D. at Reedley, California; Jeane, wife of Rev. John W. Boehr, Chicago; Helen, wife of Rev. Herbert Fretz, Freeman, South Dakota; Esther, wife of Paul Sauder, Van Nuys, California; David, a minister at Allentown, Pa., and Lois, Meadows, Illinois; 19 grandchildren; a brother, Frank Habegger, Berne, and five sisters, Metta, wife of S. T. Moyer, missionaries in India; Ella, wife of Rev. A. S. Rosenberger, Quakertown, Pa.; Cora Habegger, Franklin, Ohio; Elizabeth, wife of Ralph Blosser, Youngstown, Ohio; Victoria, Wife of William Wells, Lima, Ohio. [Buried Busby Cemetery; Busby, Big Horn County, Montana]

Handwritten-Fri. Jan. 27, 1956
REV. ALFRED HABEGGER BURIED IN MONTANA
Rev. Alfred Habegger, 63, of Lame Deer, Montana, who died recently, was buried beside his deceased son at Busby, Montana. Services were held last Saturday at the Petter Memorial Mennonite Church at Lame Deer with Rev. Herbert Fretz officiating.
Adams County (IN) Historical Museum 1955 March-April 1958 Scrapbook, image 38
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski

ELIJAH D. HALSEY, infant son of Darnell Stewart and Cherone Halsey, died Sunday, April 30, 2006. Arrangements by Carmichael Funeral Service, 831 E. Jefferson Blvd, Fort Wayne.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers on 5/2/2006.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

HAMILTON, DAVID A.: Service is 11 a.m. today at Faith United Church of Christ, 10707 Coldwater Road, Fort Wayne, Ind. Friends will also be recieved from 10 a.m. until time of service today. Local arrangements by D.O. McComb & Sons Pine Valley Park Funeral Home, 1320 E. Dupont Road.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers from 4/30/2006 - 5/2/2006.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

Valparaiso, Ind., Oct 15 - Emma Hanner, Lucy Hanner and Joseph McGee, while driving home from a social I Chesterton, 11 miles from here were struck by a passenger train on the Wabash Road. Emma Hanner was killed and the other two are seriously injured.
Greencastle Daily Banner & Times, Putnam County, Indiana; 15 Oct 1895, p 1
Contributed by Karen Zach

HANTZ, JANICE E.: Service is 2 p.m. today at Beams Funeral Home, Fremont, with calling one hour prior to service.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers on 4/30/2006.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

DELLA MAE HARDY, 79 of Fort Wayne, died Monday, June 12, 2006, at Saint Anne Home. Born in Sadalia, Mo., she made Fort Wayne her home at an early age. For many years she worked as a Social Worker at ACEOC. She accepted Christ at an early age. Surviving are her children, Carol (Howard) Wilbourn, Ora Jackson, Elaine (Andre') Hamilton, Kevin (Debra) Blunt, Lisa (Ronnie) Collins and James Hardy Jr.; siblings, Vandetta Starnes and Ollie Lee Bassett; 34 grandchildren; 45 great-grandchildren; and other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, James Hardy Sr.; sons, Raymond Blunt and Ned "Tommy" Terry; and brother, Clifford Bassett. Service is 11 a.m. Saturday at Kingdom Door Worship Center, with viewing one hour prior to service. Burial in Highland Park Cemetery. Arrangements by Ellis Funeral Home.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers on 6/15/2006.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

LOUISE POLLOCK HARSCH, 98, died Thursday, April 20, 2006 at Country Manor Nursing Home in Newburyport, Mass. Born in Cromwell, she lived in Fort Wayne since childhood until 1997. She was a member of the first graduating class of South Side High School in 1925 where she later worked in the school cafeteria. She was a member of Plymouth Congregational Church. Surviving are her daughters, Becky (Michael) Hegerfeld of Mount Dora Fla., Beth (Robert) Altenkirch of Maplewood, N.J.; grandchildren, Chris (Shannon) Hegerfeld of Union City, N.J., Scott Hegerfeld of Byfleld, Mass., Erich Altenkirch of Palm City, Fla., and Allison (Brian) Moroney of Washington, D.C.; and great-grandchild, Jackson Moroney of Washington, D.C. She was preceded in death by her husband, Leonard in 1954; her sisters, Corrine Gregg in 1971 and Virginia Ralston in 1997. Notes of condolence may be sent to Beth Altenkirch, 74 Durand Road, Maplewood, NJ, 07040.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers on 5/2/2006.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

Handwritten-Mon. June 25, 1956
Walter Hawbaker, 45, Is Taken by Death Sunday - Native of Community Dies at Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Walter Raymond Hawbaker, 45, of 3817 B. Avenue, N.E., Cedar Rapids, Iowa, died at 10:21 a.m. Sunday at his home in that city following a long illness. Mr. Hawbaker is a native and former resident of this community. Death was caused by extensive carcinoma. He had been ill 18 months and in a serious condition for some time. Mr. Hawbaker was born in Wabash Township, south of Berne, July 31, 1911, the son of Charles D. and Pearl Meshberger Hawbaker. He was confirmed at the local Cross Evangelical and Reformed Church at the age of 13. He received elementary and high school education in the Wabash Township schools and graduated in 1929 from Geneva High School. He attended Notre Dame University and graduated from Northwestern University. He received his Masters Degree from Purdue University in 1946. A veteran of World War II, Hawbaker served in the Army four years, seeing duty in the European theater. He participated in the Normandy Invasion and the Battler of the Bulge. He was discharged in September of 1945 with the rank of captain. On March 4, 1943, Hawbaker was married to Janice Holland of Independence, Iowa. After receiving his M.A. he went to Cedar Rapids, Iowa and taught in the high school there for nine years until he was forced to discontinue because of ill health. Surviving are the wife, Janice; a son, Charles Robert, at home; the father, Charles D. Hawbaker, Geneva R. R. 1; a sister, Mrs. Clyde (Lola) Gould, Decatur; a brother, Jerome Hawbaker, Geneva R. R. 1, and many other relatives and friends. (rest is missing) [Buried Mount Hope Cemetery; Independence, Buchanan County, Iowa]
Adams County (IN) Historical Museum 1955 March-April 1958 Scrapbook, image 48
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski

LOIS "JOAN" HETTINGER, 72, died Wednesday, June 14, 2006, at University Park Nursing Center, Fort Wayne. Born in Muncie, she was a manager for Mr. Coney for 35 years and loved computers. Survivors include daughters, Deborah (Joseph) Higi and LeAnn (Danny) Weeks, both of Fort Wayne; sons, Leroy (Dora) Hettinger Jr., Michael (Brenda) Hettinger, Mark (Lisa) Hettinger and Douglas Hettinger, all of Fort Wayne; brother, Ronald Minton of Fort Wayne; sisters, Maxine Book, Rosemary Cordes, Doris Hettinger, Phyllis Reinking and Judy Wheeler, all of Fort Wayne; nine grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Leroy F. Hettinger, in 1999; and brothers, Philip Minton and Donald Minton. Service is 11 a.m. Saturday at Trinity United Methodist Church, 609 Putnam St. Pastor Dave Ballinger officiating. Calling is from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at D.O. McComb & Sons Lakeside Park Funeral Home, 1140 Lake Ave. Burial in Lindenwood Cemetery.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers on 6/15/2006.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

MARJORIE D. HIDAY, 86, of Bryant, died Saturday, April 29, 2006. Arrangements by Thoma/Rich, Hewitt & Chaney Funeral Homes, 308 W. Washington St., Bluffton.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers from 4/30/2006 - 5/1/2006.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

HELEN P. HOLMES, 88, of Warren, died Wednesday, June 14, 2006. Arrangements by Glancy Funeral Homes-H. Brown & Son Chapel, Warren.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers on 6/15/2006.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

MICHAEL A. HOUSEHOLDER SR. of Fort Wayne, died Saturday, April 29, 2006 at Parkview Hospital. Born in Fort Wayne, he was a U.S. Marine Corp. veteran. Survived by a son, Michael A. Householder Jr. of Fort Wayne; daughters, Angela R. Householder of Fort Wayne and Christina Sowles of Ohio; mother, Rosemary; three brothers, William Householder Jr., John Householder and Steve Householder; and seven grandchildren. Private service. Arrangements by Covington Memorial Funeral Home 8408 Covington Rd.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers on 5/2/2006.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

KAY L. JOHNSON, 64, died Friday, April 28, 2006 at Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne. She was born in Fort Wayne, was a secretary with Magnavox for 25 years, retiring in 2005. She was a member of New Beginnings Community Church, South Side Alumni Association; Sweet Adelines and Allen County Homemakers Association. Surviving are husband, Robert E. Johnson of Fort Wayne; sons, Russell Johnson of Fort Wayne, Robin Johnson of North Manchester, Richard Johnson of Columbia City; father, Ernest W. Krause of Fort Wayne; brothers, Karl Krause of Santa Palo, Calif, Kenneth Krause of Rochester Hills, Mich; sister, Karalee Schmidt of Colorado Springs Colo.; and seven grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her mother Kathryn Krause. Service is 1 p.m. Wednesday at D.O. McComb & Sons Lakeside Park Funeral Home, 1140 Lake Avenue, with Rev. Roger Abels officiating. Calling Tuesday 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial in Covington Memorial Gardens, Fort Wayne. Memorials to New Beginnings Community Church.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers from 4/30/2006 - 5/1/2006.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

Handwritten-Fri. July 27, 1956
Rev. J. C. Kaufman Dies Early Today
A message has been received here of the death of Rev. John C. Kaufman, 76, of Freeman, South Dakota. He passed away at 1:00 a.m. today. He was the husband of the former Bertha Sprunger of this place. They were married January 22, 1933. Survivors are his widow; six sons, all of the Freeman community; one daughter, Mrs. Orlando (Florence) Claassen of Whitewater, Kansas, and a number of grandchildren and hosts of relatives and friends in the Freeman community. Rev. Kaufman was a diabetic for many years and never fully recovered from a ruptured appendix in early April. Rev. Kaufman was born October 11, 1879. [Buried Salem Mennonite Church Cemetery; Turner County, South Dakota]
Adams County (IN) Historical Museum 1955 March-April 1958 Scrapbook, image 50
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski

Handwritten-Fri. July 20, 1956
HUSBAND OF FORMER ODA BAUMGARTNER DIES
Word has been received here of the death earlier this week of Anthony Kaufmann, 42, of 248 Van Koevering Street, Rialto, California. He was the husband of the former Oda Baumgartner, a native of this community and the daughter of Mrs. Dora Baumgartner, now of San Bernardino, Calif., and the late Albert Baumgartner. Mr. Kaufmann died after an illness since last March. [Buried Rialto Park Cemetery, Rialto, San Bernardino County, California]
Adams County (IN) Historical Museum 1955 March-April 1958 Scrapbook, image 54
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski

HERMAN W. KOENIG, 76, of Monroeville, died Tuesday, June 13, 2006, at home. Born in Fort Wayne, he was a member and congregational vice chairman of Martini Lutheran Church, New Haven; and president of Maumee Valley Antique Steam & Gas Association. He was a lifetime farmer and retired in 1995 from East Allen County Schools. He is survived by his daughter, Diane (Steve) Rohlf of Monroeville; brother, Kenneth Koenig of Fort Wayne; and grandchildren, Nick and Elizabeth. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lois A., in 1984; son, Mark A. Koenig, in 1991; and brothers, Richard and Norbert Koenig. Service is 10 a.m. Monday at Martini Lutheran Church, 333 Moeller Road, New Haven, with calling one hour before service at church. Calling also from 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday and from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday at E. Harper & Son Funeral Home, 740 Indiana Hwy. 930 E., New Haven. Burial in Martini Lutheran Cemetery, New Haven. Preferred memorials to Martini Lutheran Church.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers on 6/15/2006.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

VLADIMIR KOSHURIN, 80, of Churubusco, died Tuesday, June 13, 2006, at his home. Born in Bronsk, Russia, he was a welder and construction fabricator for American Hoist for 30 years, retiring in 1993. He was a member of Holy Trinity Eastern Russian Orthodox Church. Survivors include wife, Tania Koshurin of Churubusco; sons, Alex Koshurin and Tony Koshurin, both of Churubusco, and Victor Koshurin of Fort Wayne; and four grandchildren, Elizabeth Koshurin, Adam Koshurin, Eric Koshurin and Kaylynn Koshurin. He was preceded in death by his son, Michael, in 1988. Service is 10 a.m. Friday at Holy Trinity Eastern Russian Orthodox Church, 2402 Smith St. Fr. Daniel Marshall officiating. Calling is from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. today at Mungovan & Sons Memorial Chapel, 2114 S. Calhoun St., with Trisagion service at 7 p.m. today. Burial in Lindenwood Cemetery. Memorials to Heartland Hospice.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers on 6/15/2006.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

EVA LELA KRINN, 99, of Fort Wayne, passed away Friday, April 28, 2006 at Hospice Home. She was the daughter of Frank and Amy White, born July 18, 1906, in Wells County. She married Leonard l. Krinn on March 3, 1928. She was employed by Morrill Motors, Magnavox Cafeteria and Kroger Cafeteria. Surviving are two sons, Richard (Sharon) Krinn, and Robert Krinn; five grandchildren, Deena (Mark) Patten, John (Jannette) Krinn, Rebecca (Jeff) Schmidt, Deborah Krinn, and Timothy Krinn; four great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by husband, Leonard Krinn on Jan. 28, 1972; five brothers; three sisters; and daughter-in-law, Mary Krinn. Service is 1 p.m. at Klawhn, Fahl, and Melton Funeral Home, 420 W. Wayne St., Fort Wayne, with Pastor Aaron Blankenhorn and Pastor Kathleen Haller officiating. Calling is from noon to 1 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Burial in Woodlawn Cemetery, Warren. Preferred memorials to Visiting Nurse Hospice, 5910 Homestead Road, Fort Wayne, IN, 46814.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers from 4/30/2006 - 5/1/2006.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

David H. Lengacher, 53, of Grabill, died, Saturday, April 29, 2006 at his home. Born in Grabill, he was a member of the Old Order Amish Mennonite Church, and the owner of Lengacher Meat Processing. Surviving are his wife, Rebecca; sons, Mervin (Viola), Steven (Clara), Jesse (Malinda), and Daniel (Special Friend: Anna Mary Wittmer) Lengacher at home; daughters, Amanda (Martin) Graber, and Malinda (Steven) Schmucker; brothers, Joe (Mary), Harvey (Salome), Andy (Roseanna), and Henry (Amanda Marie) Lengacher Jr.; sisters, Martha (Samuel) Schwartz, and Rosa (James) Lengacher; grandsons, Marvin Graber, Menno Graber, Maylon Graber, Allan Schmucker, Martin Graber, Jr., Timothy Schmucker, Justin Lengacher; granddaughters, Joanna Lengacher, Lisa Lengacher, Janetta Lengacher, Marilyn Graber, and Regina Lengacher; and parents, Henry and Rosa Lengacher. Service is 9:00 a.m., Wednesday, at the Lengacher Residence, 13601 Antwerp Rd., Grabill, where calling is 12 to 8 p.m. Monday, and Tuesday. Burial is in Cedar Creek Amish Cemetery, Grabill. Arrangements by E. Harper & Son Funeral Home, New Haven, Ind.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers from 4/30/2006 - 5/1/2006.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

BETHANN I. MARQUARDT, 55, of Fort Wayne, died Friday, April 28, 2006. Arrangements by Advantage Funeral & Cremation Service, Fort Wayne.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers from 4/30/2006 - 5/1/2006.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

PHYLLIS L. MARTIN, 85, of Van Wert, died Wednesday, June 14, 2006. Arrangements by Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home, 722 S. Washington St., Van Wert.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers on 6/15/2006.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

MEYER, DELORA B.: Prayer Service is 9:20 a.m. Monday at Haggard & Sefton Funeral Home, followed by 10 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, Decatur. Calling is from noon to 4 p.m. today at the funeral home with Rosary service at 4 p.m. Sunday.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers from 4/30/2006 - 5/1/2006.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

MEYERS, SUSAN K.: Funeral service is 11:30 a.m. today at Covington Memorial Funeral Home, 8408 Covington Road.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers from 4/30/2006 - 5/1/2006.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

Handwritten-Mon. Aug. 1, 1955
ABE MILLER, 57, FATALLY INJURED - BROTHER OF LOCAL MAN, WOMAN, FATALLY HURT IN FALL
Abe Miller, 57, Hartville, Ohio, was fatally injured last week in a fall from the roof of a house, according to word received here. Miller was the brother of Mrs. Joe E. Schwartz of east of Berne and Levi Miller of west of Berne. The funeral was at Hartville Thursday. Miller died at 6:00 p.m. Tuesday. His fall occurred Tuesday morning. He was a painter and while painting a steep roof he was in the act of tying a rope fastened to him, to a chimney, when he slipped in some paint he had spilled and fell to the ground, a distance of 16 feet. He never regained consciousness. Miller was never married and is survived by his mother, two (missing) [Buried Oak Grove Cemetery, Lake Township, Stark County, Ohio]
Adams County (IN) Historical Museum 1955 March-April 1958 Scrapbook, image 57-60
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski

Handwritten-Mon. Aug. 6, 1956
CHRIST MILLER TAKEN BY DEATH - SERVICES TUESDAY FOR FORMER HIGHWAY DEPT. EMPLOYEE
Christ Miller, 73, Union Township, died at 3:30 p.m. Saturday at the Adams County Memorial Hospital after suffering a cerebral hemorrhage a week ago. He was an employee of the Adams County Highway Department for 14 years before retiring in 1954. Surviving are the widow, Hannah; a daughter, Mrs. Fred Bittner, Union Township; two brothers, Ora a nd Forest Miller, both near Monroeville; two sisters, Mrs. Minnie Crissenberry and Mrs. Ruth Shifferly, near Monroeville; a grandchild and a great-grandchild. Services will be conducted Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. in the Zwick Funeral Home, the Rev. Carlyle Seiple officiating. Burial will be in the IOOF Cemetery in Monroe (sic - Monroeville, Allen, IN).
Adams County (IN) Historical Museum 1955 March-April 1958 Scrapbook, image 61
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski

MILLER, PATRICIA K.: Service is 10 a.m. today at Elzey-Patterson-Rodak Funeral Home, 120 West Mill Street, Ossian.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers from 4/30/2006 - 5/2/2006.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

Handwritten-Mon. Aug. 27, 1956
FUNERAL FOR HOMER MOSER WEDNESDAY - RELATIVE OF MANY LOCAL PEOPLE DIES IN MARYLAND
Homer D. Moser, 52, for many years a resident of Fort Wayne, and who has a host of relatives in Berne and community, died in his home at Salisbury, Maryland, at 7:48 Saturday morning. Mr. Moser had been in ill health for about a year and a half. Death was caused by cancer. His ailment is believed to have begun with a bruise to an arm a couple of years ago, which he sustained in a fall while skating with his daughter. In an effort to save his life , he later underwent amputation of the arm, but his disease had spread beyond the arm. A tool designer for the Wayne Pump Co., Mr. Moser left Fort Wayne when he was transferred by the company to Ironton, O. Later he was transferred to Salisbury. A native of Pandora, Ohio, he resided almost all of his life in Fort Wayne. He was a son of the late Christian C. and Carolina Sprunger Moser. His aged mother passed away only a few weeks ago. He was a member of the St. Luke's Lutheran Church in Fort Wayne. Surviving are the widow, Hildred; two daughters, Janis J. and Lana L., at home; two sisters, Mrs. Leo Lehman, Fort Wayne and Mrs. Norman ??ll, Amityville, N.Y., and two brothers, William E. and Gerhart P. of Fort Wayne. The body will be brought to the D. O. McComb & Sons Funeral Home where friends may call after 7 p.m. Tuesday. Services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday in the funeral home, with the Rev. J. Luther Seng officiating. Burial will be in Prairie Grove Cemetery at Fort Wayne.
Adams County (IN) Historical Museum 1955 March-April 1958 Scrapbook, image 61
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski

Handwritten-Fri. July 13, 1956
GRABILL MAN DIES
Nathan Neuenschwander, 62, Grabill, was dead on arrival the Parkview Memorial Hospital Wednesday at 5:20 p.m. after suffering a heart attack in the home of his son, Hubert, also of Grabill. Mr. Neuenschwander had lived in Grabill about 13 years and was a member of the Grabill Missionary Church. He was a guard for the Indiana and Michigan Electric Company. (Rest is missing) [buried Leo Memorial Park; Leo-Cedarville, Allen County, Indiana]
Adams County (IN) Historical Museum 1955 March-April 1958 Scrapbook, image 52
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski

Handwritten-Fri. July 27, 1956
William E. Nussbaum Dies in Oregon
William E. "Billy" Nussbaum, 76, fire chief at Eugene, Oregon, for more than 30 years, died last Monday, according to word received here. He was the son of the late Jacob Nussbaum and a first cousin to the members of the late John P. and Ben Nussbaum families. He was born in Illinois and moved to Oregon many years ago. He became fire chief in 1915 and remained in that capacity until his retirement in 1947. His wife, Florence, died shortly after his retirement. Surviving are four sisters, all living in Oregon.
Adams County (IN) Historical Museum 1955 March-April 1958 Scrapbook, image 52
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski

Handwritten-Thursday Aug. 6, 1956
Elmer M. Pierson, 66, a lifelong resident of Fort Wayne, died at 2:20 a.m. today in the Lutheran Hospital. He had been a patient there one week following a coronary occlusion. Mr. Pierson resided at 308 East Rudisill Blvd. and was a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church. He retired eight years ago. Surviving are the widow, Faye L.; two sons, Victor and Stephen, Fort Wayne; two brothers, Carl H. and Hershel, Fort Wayne; a sister, Mrs. Madonna Baltzell, Eugene, Ore., and six grandchildren. Services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday in Redeemer Church, the Rev. Herbert Lindemann officiating. Burial will be in Lindenwood Cemetery. The body is at the Klaehn Funeral Home, where friends may call after 7 p.m. today until time of the funeral Saturday.
Adams County (IN) Historical Museum 1955 March-April 1958 Scrapbook, image 50
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski

Handwritten-Fri. July 27, 1956
Mrs. Amelia Pluess Succumbs in West
Word has been received here of the death at Long Beach, California, Wednesday of Mrs. Amelia Burkhalter Pluess, 95. She was a native of this community, was the widow of Emil Pluess and moved west in 1920. She was the last survivor of her family. Four sons survive. They are Walter, Detroit; Karl, Indianapolis; Martin, Greenwood, Ohio and Frank of Long Beach, California. Mrs. Pluess was a sister to Mrs. Ed Stahly, Mrs. Fred Eichenberger and Mrs. Eugene Kneuss. Mrs. Pluess was born Dec. 19, 1860. Services will be at Long Beach, and burial will be in Forest Lawn Cemetery at Los Angeles.
Adams County (IN) Historical Museum 1955 March-April 1958 Scrapbook, image 50
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski

Handwritten-Fri. Aug. 17, 1956
Polio Death Is Reported - Mrs. Charles Rauch, 27, Near Hoagland Bulbar Polio Victim
The area's first polio death occurred Thursday morning when Mrs. Lora C. Rauch, 27, wife of Charles E. Rauch of near Hoagland died with the dreaded disease at the St. Joseph's Hospital in For Wayne. Death occurred at 7 a.m. The victim was a resident of Allen County, residing two miles southeast of Hoagland, but is considered included among the 14 (missing)
A native of Madison Township in Allen County, Mrs. Rauch was born Sept. 20, 1927, to Alphonse and Elizabeth DeKoninck, who survive. She was married April 29, 1950, to Charles E. Rauch, who also survives. She was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church at Hessen Cassel. Also surviving are four brothers, Arthur DeKoninck of Hoagland, Joseph DeKoninck of Ossian Route One, Frank DeKoninck of Fort Wayne Route 10, and A. Dale DeKoninck of Hoagland Route One, and three sisters, Mrs. Enos Ruhl of Hoagland, and Miss Marguerite DeKoninck and Mrs. Bruce Macey, both of Fort Wayne. Funeral services will be conducted Monday at 9 a.m. at the Hessen Cassel Church, with the Rev. Mathias J. Bodinger officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. The body has been removed to the Zwick Funeral Home, where friends may call after 7 p.m. Friday. The casket will be glass sealed for viewing. Members of the St. Joseph's Altar Society will recite the rosary at 8 p.m. Sunday. [Buried Saint Joseph Roman Catholic Cemetery, Fort Wayne, Allen County, Indiana]
Adams County (IN) Historical Museum 1955 March-April 1958 Scrapbook, image 57-60
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski

Handwritten-Mon. June 4, 1956
Blue Creek Tp. Farmer Taken by Death Saturday - Funeral Tuesday for Rolla E. Raudenbush
Rolla E. Raudenbush, 68, widely known Blue Creek Township man, died unexpectedly at 6:15 p.m. Saturday at his home, five and one-half miles east and two and one-half miles north of Berne. Death was attributed to a heart attack. He became ill at 2:00 a.m. Saturday and was bedfast all day Saturday but his condition was not considered serious until late in the day. Mr. Raudenbush suffered a heart attack two years ago and had been in failing health since. However, he worked most of the time, raising hogs, chickens and sheep on his farm which is tilled by his youngest son, Harry. He was active in community and church affairs. He was a former Sunday School superintendent and teacher in the Church of God at Willshire, Ohio, where he was a member. He was born October 16, 1887, in Blue Creek Township, the son of William and Ardella Reynolds Raudenbush. He was married to Lulu Meyer, April 11, 1909. She survives. Also surviving are four sons, Dwight Raudenbush, Celina, Ohio; Don N. Raudenbush, Willshire, Ohio R.R. 1; Noble M. Raudenbush, Decatur R.R. 3 and Harry D. Raudenbush, Monroe R.R. 1; 14 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; a sister, Mrs. Earl Sipe of Berne R. R. 2, and the mother who resided with Mrs. Sipe. The body is at the Yager Funeral Home where friends may call. Brief services will be held at the funeral home at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday and at 2:30 p.m. at the Church of God at Willshire, Rev. Earl Patrick officiating. Burial will be in the Willshire Cemetery.
Adams County (IN) Historical Museum 1955 March-April 1958 Scrapbook, image 48
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski

FUNERAL THURSDAY FOR GEORGE RAVER - Native of County is Taken by Death
Funeral services will be held Thursday for George L. Raver, 53, of Huntington county, a native of Adams County, who died Monday at the Robert Long hospital in Indianapolis. He had been in failing health three months. He was born in Adams County Dec. 25, 1901, a son of Isaac and Mary (Merris) Raver, and was married in this city Aug. 23, 1924, to Leah Garnet McConnehey. Mr. Raver was a member of the Eagles and Moose lodges at Huntington. Surviving in addition to his wife are a son, Forrest Raver of near Huntington; a daughter, Marcia Jean Raver, at home; four grandchildren; a sister, Mrs. Basil Rowley of Fort Wayne, and a half-sister, Mrs. Charles Bear, of Fort Wayne. Funeral services will be conducted at 2:30 p.m. Thursday at the Robbins funeral home in Huntington, the Rev. Robert T. Morris officiating. Burial will be in Mt. Hope Cemetery.
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams County, Indiana; July 6, 1955
Contributed by Karin King

Spencer, Ind., Oct 15 - Marguerite Monachia Richards, daughter of the celebrated American artist, the late Samuel Richards, died yesterday of membranous croup, while on a brief sojourn here. Little Marguerite was 11 years old, and was possessed of extraordinary intellectual and artistic ability.
Greencastle Daily Banner & Times, Putnam County, Indiana; 15 Oct 1895, p 1
Contributed by Karen Zach

BARBARA J. RIDER, 80, of Fort Wayne, died Saturday, April 29, 2006, at Heritage Park Nursing Home. Born in Garrett, she graduated from Avilla High School, and spent her adult life in Fort Wayne. She was a homemaker, and formerly worked at General Electric. She enjoyed her grandchildren and watching their baseball games, watching TV, shopping, and spending time with her great-grandchildren. Surviving are her children Richard "Rick" (Amy) Rider and Pamela (K.C.) Spillers, all of Fort Wayne; brother Michael Stonestreet of South Bend; sisters, Delores Arnold and Joan Bolton, both of Avilla; grandchildren, Ryan Spillers, Natalie Rider, and Tyler Spillers; and great-grandchildren, Austin Spillers and Alex Spillers. She was preceded in death by her husband, Milo E. "Buck" Rider in 1995; brothers, Guy Stonestreet, Jay Stonestreet, Robert Stonestreet, and Jack Stonestreet; and sister, Ilene Bryan. Service is 10 a.m. Wednesday at Sheets & Childs Funeral Home in Churubusco. Visitation is from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the mortuary. Burial in Highland Park Cemetery. Memorials to American Cancer Society.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers on 5/1/2006.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

OSCAR RITCHIE, 51, of Rome City, died Wednesday, June 7, 2006. Arrangements by Northeast Indiana Cremation Society.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers on 6/15/2006.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

Handwritten-Wed. Aug. 15, 1956
MRS. S. J. ROBERTS DIES AT WOODBURN - FUNERAL THURSDAY AT WOODBURN MISSIONARY CHURCH
Mrs. Salome E. Roberts, 78, wife of the late S. J. Roberts who was manager of the Woodburn Lumber Company, died at 10:15 p.m. Monday at her home in Woodburn following an extended illness. A resident of Woodburn for 60 years, Mrs. Roberts was a charter member of the Woodburn Missionary Church. She is survived by a daughter, Mrs. Homer Oyer, of Woodburn; a son, Wilmer S. Roberts, of Ferndale, Mich.; two sisters, Mrs. Ezra Yaggy of Fort Wayne and Mrs. Earl Tomlinson of Beulah Beach, Ohio; two brothers, Aldo Sprunger of Fort Wayne and Frank Sprunger of Bristol; eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Friends may call at the residence. Services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday in the Woodburn Missionary Church, the Rev. Arnold Schmidt officiating. Burial will be in ??. [Buried in Old Leo Cemetery, Leo-Cedarville, Allen County, Indiana]
Adams County (IN) Historical Museum 1955 March-April 1958 Scrapbook, image 56
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski

GERALD T. SANDERS, 71, of Newark Del., passed away Saturday, April 29, 2006. He was born in Fort Wayne, Dec. 4, 1931, son of the late Loren and Rosella (Arens) Sanders. Prior to his retirement, he had been employed as a salesman for various companies. Surviving are his children, Roxanne Carter of Avondale, Pa., Mark (Connie) Sanders of Newark,and with whom he lived, and Gregory Sanders (Cynthia) of Stasburg, Va.; grandsons, Sean Carter, Michael, Matthew, Nathan, and Jonathan Sanders; brother, Loren Sanders; sister, Rita Armel; and former wife, Dorothy Sanders. Service is 7 p.m. Tuesday, at Doherty Funeral Home, 3200 Limestone Road, Pike Creek. Family and friends may call at the funeral home beginning at 6 p.m. Interment will be held privately for his family. Memorials in his memory may be made to Heartland Hospice, 261 Chapman Road, Suite 100, Newark, DE, 19702. Condolences to www.dohertyfh,com
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers on 5/1/2006.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

Handwritten-Fri. Sept. 21, 1956
WILLIAM A. SANDERS DIES ON THURSDAY - FUNERAL SATURDAY FOR WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP RETIRED FARMER
William A. Sanders, 76, who resided two miles west of Coppess Corners, in Washington Township, died unexpectedly about 2:00 p.m. Thursday (crunched) Surviving in addition to the son are another son, Donald A. Sanders, Ft. Wayne; 11 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday at the Zwick Funeral Home in Decatur, the Rev. Willis Gierhart, pastor of the Monroe Methodist Church will officiate and burial will be in Brookside Cemetery [Windfall, Tipton County, Indiana].
Adams County (IN) Historical Museum 1955 March-April 1958 Scrapbook, image 54
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski

SCAGNOLI, HELEN I.: Mass of Christian Burial is 10 a.m. today at All Saints Catholic Church. Arrangements by Kroeger Funeral Home, 711 E. Market St., Logansport.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers from 4/30/2006 - 5/2/2006.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

SCHAFER, KATHLEEN M.: Prayer Service is 9:20 a.m. today, followed by a 10 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church. Arrangements by Haggard & Sefton Funeral Home, Decatur.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers from 4/30/2006 - 5/2/2006.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

Handwritten-Wed. July 18, 1956
REV. SCHMUCKER DIES
Mr. and Mrs. Amos A. Neuenschwander, Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Moser and Mrs. Mary Rick left Tuesday afternoon for Hutchinson, Kansas, to attend the funeral of Rev. N. J. Schmucker which will be held Thursday forenoon at the Evangelical Mennonite Church at Sterling, Kansas. Rev. Schmucker, former local pastor, died Monday night.
Handwritten-Wed. July 18, 1956
Former Local Pastor Dies in Kansas Monday - Funeral Thursday for Rev. N.J. Schmucker, 72
Rev. Noah J. Schmucker, 72, Hutchinson, Kansas, pastor of the local Evangelical Mennonite Church for 16 years died Monday evening at a hospital in Hutchinson, according to word received here Tuesday. Death followed a heart attack. Rev. Schmucker was stricken on Tuesday, July 10 and taken to the hospital. Details of his illness were not received but it is believed he rallied for a few days before his condition took a turn for the worse. He was administered oxygen and had a special nurse. The former local pastor was a native of Kansas. He came to Berne in 1935 and succeeded Rev. Henry Klopfenstein as pastor at the church west of Berne. He came here with the intention of remaining six months until another pastor could be named but he remained as pastor until March of 1951. Following him was Emerald Gerig of Woodburn as supply pastor and he was followed later in 1951 by the present pastor, Rev. E. G. Steiner. During Rev. Schmucker's pastorate at the local church, the building was remodeled in 1937 and a new addition added in 1947. His ministry here was very successful and the congregation grew in membership. While living in Berne he and Mrs. Schmucker resided in the fine new parsonage on West Franklin Street after it was built. Rev. Schmucker was active in conference work and filled several conference positions during his ministry. He was an elder in the conference and since retiring from active ministry in 1951 he filled numerous pulpits as the occasion arose. He had been in the ministry for a number of years before coming here. He and his wife returned to Hutchinson in April of 1951 and built a new home on their return there. Rev. Schmucker owned considerable land in Kansas and other property. He had not been in good health for a number of years and this was one of the reasons for his retirement from the ministry. However, he was up and active before the heart attack. Rev. Schmucker was born in Kansas Feb. 28, 1884. He is survived by his wife, Bertha; a son, Lofton Schmucker of Wichita, Kansas and an adopted daughter, Lois, now living in Arizona. A brother and four sisters also survive. Funeral services will be held Thursday forenoon at the Evangelical Mennonite Church at Sterling, Kansas and burial will be there. [Buried Memorial Park Cemetery, Hutchinson, Reno County, Kansas]
Adams County (IN) Historical Museum 1955 March-April 1958 Scrapbook, image 50
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski

EVA C. SCHRIMP, 86, died Friday, April 28, 2006 at her residence in Auburn. She was born in Decatur, Ind. and was an inspector with ITT for 39 years retiring in 1983. Surviving are daughter, Sylvia Longsworth of Uniondale, Ind.; son, Phillip Longsworth of Auburn, Ind., Stephen (Marge) Longsworth of Tenn; former daughter-in-law, Doris Longsworth of Auburn; step-daughter, Nancy Richards of Fort Wayne, and Susan Lambert of Greenville Ala.; step-son, Michael Schrimp of Tampa, Fla..; 13 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and two great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by husband, Harry Schrimp in 1955; two infant children; grandson, Michael Longsworth; three sisters; and two brothers. Service 11 a.m. Tuesday at McComb, Dilgard & Cline Funeral Home, 502 N. Main Street, Rev. William Lyne officiating with calling one hour prior. Calling also from 2 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home. Burial in Cedar Creek Cemetery, DeKaIb. Memorials to donors choice.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers from 4/30/2006 - 5/2/2006.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

Hazel Schultz, 93, died Saturday, April 29, 2006 at her residence. She was born September 27, 1912, in Brooklyn, N.Y. to Herman and Lilly (Cohen) Price. She was a homemaker and a member of Achduth Vesholom Congregation. She was also a past president of Hadassah and a past president of B'Nai B'rith Women's Organization. Surviving are son, Ronald Schultz of Whiting, N.J.; daughter, Marcia Krieger of Highland Park, Ill.; half-sister, Judith L. Price of New York City; half-brother, Monroe Price of Mt. Pleasant, Mich; six grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Haskell B. Schultz in 1985; and 2 brothers. Service is 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 2, 2006 at DO. McComb and Sons Foster Park Funeral Home, 6301 Fairfield Ave. with calling two hours prior to service with Rabbi Jonathon Katz officiating. Burial in Lindenwood Cemetery.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers from 4/30/2006 - 5/1/2006.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

IRMA G. SHARKEY, 94, of Fort Wayne, died Thursday, April 27, 2006 at Provena Sacred Heart Home in Avilla. She was born April 10, 1912, in Tippecanoe County, Monterey, Ind. daughter of Anthony Grindle and Goldie (Henry). She graduated from Winamac high School and Business college in South Bend, Ind. During World War II, she worked for the National Park Service. She and her husband opened the first television store in Fort Wayne (Waynedale) by the name of Sharkey's TV & Appliance, in 1946, they ran the store together until Edward Sharkey passed away in 1974. She then became the school librarian at St. Aloysius Catholic School from 1974 to 1979. Surviving are, step-sister, Joann Yeonam of Bluffton; three nieces, Marlene Girton, Linda Nicolas both of Winamac, and Dena Byrd of Huntsville, Ala.; and one nephew, Michael Yeonam of Peru, Ind. She was preceded in death by husband, Edward Sharkey in 1973; parents; and sister, Dorothy in 2000. Mass of the Resurrection is 11 a.m. Monday, her Health Guardian, Power of Attorney and long time family friend, Father Daniel Leeuw officiating. Visitation is from 9 to 11 a.m. Monday, at Provena Sacred Heart Home in Avilla, 515 N. Main St., Avilla. Burial in Covington Memorial Gardens in Fort Wayne. Preferred Memorials to Masses or to the Chapel at Provena Sacred Heart Home. Arrangements by Brazzell funeral Homes, 530 N. Main St., Avilla.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers from 4/30/2006 - 5/1/2006.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

SALLY M. SHEPHERD, 72, of Claypool, died Friday, April 28, 2006. Arrangements by Titus Funeral Home, Warsaw.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers from 4/30/2006 - 5/1/2006.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

MARY E. SMITH, 74, of Monroeville, died Saturday, April 29, 2006 at home. She was born in Fort Wayne, and was a homemaker. Surviving are her husband, Walter E.; sons, Michael (Kelly) of New Haven; Kenneth (Sherri) of Fort Wayne; David (Michelle) of Fort Wayne; James (Penny) of Decatur; daughters, Brenda (Bob) Schmitt of Edgewater, Fla.; Linda Murphy of Fort Wayne; Patricia (Charles) Wolf of New Haven, Mary (Dennis) Reddin of Harlan; sisters, Pearl Kehr and Phyllis Garman both of Ariz; brother, Robert Bolenbaugh of Bluffton; 33 grandchildren; and 41 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers; and one sister. Service is 10 a.m. Wednesday, at E. Harper & Son Funeral Home, 740 Indiana Hwy. 930 E., New Haven, with calling 1 hour before service time. Calling is also 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., Tuesday at the funeral home. Burial is in the I.O.O.F. Cemetery, New Haven. Preferred memorials are to Parkview Home Health & Hospice or Cancer Services of Allen County.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers on 5/1/2006.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

HELEN L. SNARR, 94, of Bluffton, died Saturday, April 29, 2006. Arrangements by Thoma/Rich, Hewitt & Chaney Funeral Home, 308 W. Washington St., Bluffton.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers on 5/1/2006.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

DONALD E. SNYDER, 79, of Fort Wayne, died Monday, June 12, 2006, at his residence. Born in Fort Wayne, he worked in construction, then in the Shipping Dept. at International Harvester, then returned to construction. He served in the Army. He was a member of First Baptist Church. Surviving are his wife, Lucille; daughter, Jeanne Snyder of Fort Wayne; sister, Mary Jane Hildredth of Toms Brook, Va.; brothers, Richard L. of Fort Wayne; and three nephews. He was preceded in death by a brother, Robert James Snyder, in 1950. Funeral service is 1 p.m. Saturday at Klaehn, Fahl & Melton Funeral Home, Wayne Street Chapel, 420 W. Wayne St., with visitation one hour prior to service. Visitation also from 3 to 6 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Burial in Lindenwood Cemetery. Preferred memorials to First Baptist Church or Parkview Hospice.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers on 6/15/2006.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

SPRAGUE, MITZI L. (NEWVILLE): Service is 10 a.m. Monday at D.O. McComb & Sons Pine Valley Park Funeral Home, 1320 E. Dupont Road, with calling one hour prior.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers from 4/30/2006 - 5/1/2006.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

Handwritten-Mon. July 16, 1956
"Cy" Sprunger Funeral Held Sunday in Ohio - Famed Kidron Auctioneer Takes Own Life; Find Body in Woods
Private funeral services were held at 2:30 p.m. Sunday at the Desvoignes Funeral Home in Mt. Eaton, Ohio, for Silas C. "Cy" Sprunger, 58, Kidron, O., auction man who took his own life some time Thursday night. Rev. James. H. Reusser of the Salem Mennonite Church preached the funeral sermon. Rev. Reusser is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Reusser of this place. Burial was in the Salem Cemetery. Sprunger's body was found at 11:55 a.m. Friday in a sitting position in Sprunger's 120-acre woods. A 38-caliber revolver lay between Sprunger's legs. He was shot in the right temple. The body was found after a search by relatives, friends, Boy Scouts and others. The time of his death was set at some time Thursday. Inquiries concerning Sprunger's whereabouts were made Thursday about 4:00 p.m. when his wife, Helen Stockham Sprunger, called the auction barn and learned he had not been there. Thursday is the day of the famous Kidron livestock sale. Mrs. Sprunger thought her husband might have gone on an errand. Later she became worried and called Russell Beals, secretary of Sprunger's Kidron auction and a close friend. The two drove to Sprunger's woods where they found his automobile. The timberland was a particular favorite place for Sprunger and he often roamed the woods. Beals and Mrs. Sprunger knew they could not find Sprunger that night, and the county sheriff was notified. He organized a small searching party but his body was not found until Friday. Sprunger was the brother of Mrs. Robert U. Liechty of Berne. He was widely known and his Kidron Auction was famous over many states. Relatives said he had no serious financial difficulties. However, he had been in ill health and was reported to have been brooding over this for some time. A 12-page note was found on Sprunger's body but authorities said it was more of a will than a suicide note. The note was scribbled in pencil. The coroner said the tone of the note indicated apologies to his family for not leaving more property. It also said he was in ill health. The note made no mention of Sprunger's intention to kill himself but is believed to have been written just before the shooting. Mr. Sprunger was born June 17, 1898 on a farm two and one-half miles west of Kidron, and lived all his life near that community, for many years as an auctioneer and realtor. Sprunger acquired the auction in 1925 with the purchase of the auction block for $5 from a sales company which operated an auction from time to time in Kidron. He started to work on the farm at age six, by milking cows. He stayed on the family farm until 1920, when he took a job at the Experiment Station at Wooster, in the dairy department. Mr. Sprunger's formal education included three semesters in the academy at Bluffton College, correspondence course from the American Auction College at Davenport, Iowa, and in 1929, graduation from Reppert School of Auctioneering. From 1923 to 1930 he worked part time in the E. P. Gerber Lumber and Hardware Store at Kidron. He was a member of the Salem Mennonite Church, Cedar Lodge F. and A.M. of Orrville ant Nazir Grotto of Canton. Mr. Sprunger served as president of the Auction sales Association, Inc., from 1939 to 1945, and as secretary of the Auctioneers Association of Ohio from 1942 to 1945. Mr. Sprunger is survived by his wife; two sons, John Earl of the U.S. Coast Guard, stationed at Cedar Point, and Walter Frederick at home; a daughter, Donna Belle, at home; four brothers, Harvey of Kidron, Clyde of Reedurban, William of Apple Creek; and three sisters, Mrs. Robert U. Liechty of Berne, Mrs. Bruce Weaver of Orrville, and Mrs. Ross Wyre of Philadelphia, Pa. [Buried Salem Mennonite Church Cemetery, Kidron, Wayne County, Ohio]
Adams County (IN) Historical Museum 1955 March-April 1958 Scrapbook, image 51
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski

BETTY L. STATON, 63, of North Manchester, died Saturday, April 29, 2006. Arrangements by DeLaughter-McKee Mortuary, North Manchester Chapel.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers from 4/30/2006 - 5/1/2006.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

Handwritten-Fri. June 10, 1955
Mother of Mrs. Oliver Steiner Dies
Funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon at the Pandora, Ohio, Missionary Church for Mrs. Barbara Steiner, 89, who died at her residence in Pandora Sunday. She had been ill two years. She was the daughter of Frederick and Catherine Welty. She is survived by six daughters, including Mrs. Oliver Steiner of Fort Wayne; a son; a sister and five brothers, including Ben Welty of Lima, Ohio. Mrs. Steiner was the widow of David C. Steiner who died in 1921. Burial took place in Pleasant Ridge Cemetery in Pandora.
Adams County (IN) Historical Museum 1955 March-April 1958 Scrapbook, image 46
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski

MARK C. STEVENS, 23, of Fort Wayne, died Saturday, April 29, 2006 at his residence. He was born March 1, 1983 in Naples Fla., to Christopher and Christina (Gillie) Stevens. He was very active and enjoyed outdoor sporting events, including snow boarding, camping, fishing, music and people. "He will be missed and loved forever." Surviving are his parents; sister Krista; brother in law, Eric Vonburg of Fort Wayne; maternal grandparents, Larry and Jenny Gillie of Fort Wayne; paternal grandfather, Robert L. Stevens of Lawrenceburg, Tenn.; four uncles, John, Stephen, and Sam Gillie; and their wives; Gary and Kim DeGroff and family; eight cousins; and two nephews, Henry and Harrison VonBurg. There will be no calling and a private family memorial service. Arrangements by D.O. McComb and Sons Lakeside Park Funeral Home, 1140 Lake Ave. Memorials to Gibault Boys School, P.O. Box 2316 Terre Haute, IN, 47802.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers on 5/1/2006.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

Handwritten-Mon. Aug. 13, 1956
WIFE OF MARTIN STUCKY IS DEAD - FUNERAL AT WILLSHIRE, OHIO WEDNESDAY FOR FORMER LOCAL WOMAN
Mrs. Verona L. Snyder Stucky, 49, wife of Martin "Mike" Stucky of Willshire, Ohio, died at 1:30 a.m. today at the home of her mother, Mrs. Margaret Snyder, 410 West Central Avenue, Bluffton. Mrs. Stucky, a former Berne resident, had been ill six months with carcinoma and had been in serious condition for some time. Ms. Stucky was born at Petroleum June 23, 1907, the daughter of Amos W. and Margaret Prough Snyder. She was married to Martin L. Stucky June 14, 1928. They had lived in Willshire since 1933. Mr. Stucky operates the Stucky Furniture Company in Willshire and formerly operated a hatchery. Surviving are the husband; a son, Lynn Martin, and a daughter, Rosanna, both at home; the mother two brothers, Kenneth Snyder, Churubusco, and Meredith Snyder, Tampa, Florida; two sisters, Mrs. Claude Monce, Van Wert, Ohio, and Mrs. George Griffin, Lutz, Fla. The body is at the Zwick Funeral Home where friends may call after 7:00 p.m. today. Services will be held at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home, and at 1:00 p.m. at the Willshire Methodist Church of which she was a member. Rev. James Hipkins will officiate and burial will be in the Willshire Cemetery.
Adams County (IN) Historical Museum 1955 March-April 1958 Scrapbook, image 55
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski

Handwritten-Fri. June 10, 1955
EDWIN SUTER, 74, SUCCUMBS AT LIMA - FUNERAL HELD TUESDAY FOR FORMER LOCAL RESIDENT
Edwin Suter, 74, a former resident of this community, died last Saturday at a hospital in Lima, Ohio, following an illness of three weeks. He was afflicted with a heart ailment. Mr. Suter was a farmer in this community for a number of years before moving to Ohio. He resided in Lima the last few years and assisted in the operation of a motel in that city. He lived in the Pandora, Ohio community for a long time. Mr. Suter's first wife was Theresa Neuenschwander of this community. After her death Mr. Suter married Fanny Garber. She survives. Also surviving are five sons, three daughters, three brothers and three sisters. The funeral was held Tuesday at the Grace Mennonite Church at Pandora and burial was there. [Buried Pleasant Ridge Cem., Pandora, Putnam County, Ohio]
Adams County (IN) Historical Museum 1955 March-April 1958 Scrapbook, image 46
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski

Handwritten-Fri. Aug. 24, 1956
FUNERAL TODAY FOR FORMER RESIDENT - MRS. CAROLINE TSCHANTZ, STEP-GRANDMOTHER OF LOUIS SPRUNGER DIES
Mrs. Caroline Tschantz, 76, of the Kidron, Ohio community and former resident of Berne, passed away Tuesday afternoon following an illness of two years. Death occurred in the home of a daughter, Mrs. Lester Wurgler, Sterling, Ohio, Route 1. She came to this community from Germany at the age of 21. She was married to Abraham (Lang Hami) Sprunger. After his death, she later married Amos Sprunger of this place, with whom she moved to Dalton, Ohio, where they resided on a farm. He too, preceded her in death many years ago and after an extended widowhood, she was married to William P. Tschantz, with whom she resided in Kidron. She was a daughter of Jacob and Katherine Gableman Furrer of Hugsweirer, Germany, one of a family of twelve children. For two years she resided with her daughter, Mrs. Charles (Della Sprunger) Burkhart at Findlay, O., and two months ago she was taken to the Wurgler home. She was a member of the Salem Mennonite Church at Dalton, Ohio. She is survived by her husband, who is residing at the Bluffton Memorial Home at Bluffton, O.; the two daughters, one son, Gordon Sprunger of near Dalton; the following step-children; Louis Sprunger of Berne; Amos Sprunger of Bothel, Washington; Abe (Hamsy) Sprunger of Colon, Mich.; Milton Tschantz, Greenwich, O.; Clayton Tschantz, Mansfield, O.; and Mrs. Austin Keisler of Ashland, O. Funeral services were held this afternoon at the Salem Mennonite Church in Dalton with Rev. Conrad Diehn of Findlay, O., in charge. Her pastor Rev. James. Reusser is attending the Mennonite conference in Canada. Burial was in the church cemetery. [buried in Salem Mennonite Church Cemetery, Kidron, Wayne County, Ohio as Caroline (Furrer) Sprunger]
Adams County (IN) Historical Museum 1955 March-April 1958 Scrapbook, image 57-60
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski

DOROTHY E. (SCHERSCHEL) VESS, 86, of New Haven, died Tuesday, June 13, 2006, at Saint Anne Home, Fort Wayne. Born in New Haven, she was a past president and district officer of the American Legion Post 330 Auxiliary; charter member of V.F.W. 2457; F.O.E. Lodge 3164; member of 8 et 40; and avid volunteer at the V.A. Hospital. She retired in 1983 after 42 years with General Electric in accounts payable. She is survived by her daughter, Nancy (Doug) Watson of New Haven; granddaughter, Elizabeth (Chad) Thompson of Clarksville, Tenn.; grandson, Tyler Watson of New Haven; great-granddaughter, Londyn Thompson; and great-grandson, Zachary Watson. She was preceded in death by her husband, Tobe A. Vess, in 1978; and son, Ronnie L. Vess, in 1981. Service is 10 a.m. Saturday at E. Harper & Son Funeral Home, 740 Indiana Hwy. 930 E., New Haven. Calling is from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, with an American Legion Auxiliary evening service at 7:30 p.m., at the funeral home. Burial in Concord Cemetery, Concord. Preferred memorials to V.A. Hospital, Fort Wayne-Activity Fund.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers on 6/15/2006.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

CHARLES ROBERT WALLACE JR., 55, of Fort Wayne, passed away peacefully, Wednesday, April 26, 2006, at the home of his parents, Charles R. "Charlie Bob" Wallace Sr. and Delories Ricks Wallace. Born August 17, 1950 in Fort Wayne, he had been employed with Advanced Auto, Hefner Chevrolet and the family businesses. He graduated from Central High School and attended Linfield College in McMinnefield, Oregon. His hobbies were arts and crafts, listening to jazz and being a master auto mechanic. He loved to race his cars. Surviving are, his parents; his very special friend, Mary Poindexter; his children, Bobby (Morgan) Tinsley of Fort Wayne, Oneka Wallace of Colonial Heights, Va., Charles Robert Wallace III of Austin, Texas, Sierra Poindexter of Fort Wayne, LaShanda Curry of Birmingham, Ala., and Coliss (Belinda) Wallace of Fort Wayne; two sisters, DeCarlo (Percy) Winfield and LeeAnn (Kim) Thompson; three brothers, Emmett Armstead Wallace of Fort Wayne, Clifton Adrian (Janet) Wallace of Durham, N.C., WenDell (Tere) Wallace of Indianapolis, Ind; foster sister, Deborah Hammond of Atlanta, Ga.; an aunt, Mildred Lapsley; and 11 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by one brother, Kim F. Wallace; and one aunt, Mary Alice Turner. Service is 1 p.m. Thursday at Turner Chapel AME Church, 836 E. Jefferson Blvd with visitation from 5 to 8 pm on Wednesday at the church. Burial in Lindenwood Cemetery. Arrangements by Ellis Funeral Home.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers from 4/30/2006 - 5/1/2006.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

This obituary is being re-published to provide corrected information. CHARLES (CHARLIE) E. WALTER, 83 passed away Saturday, April 29, 2006 at his home. Born July 31, 1922 in Vera Cruz, Ind., son of Ervin & Frances (Moser) Walter. He retired from KMart Distribution Center after 34 years. He was a veteran of World War II and a member of American Legion Post 241 for 50 years, serving as past commander and head of the Honor Guard. He was well known in the Tri-State area playing in local clubs, wedding receptions and at Buck Lake Ranch from 1950 to 1990 with his band "Charlie Walter and the Trailriders". He was a partner in the Hoosier Hayride series in 1957. He was a lifetime member and vice president of Fort Wayne Musicians Local 58. He also had a radio and television show on WKJG in the later 1950's and early 1960's and was a disc jockey for WIFF in Auburn. Ind. He was a member of St. Therese Catholic Church and the Holy Name Society. Besides music he loved playing cards and belonged to a horse shoe league for 20 years. He also loved watching CoIts football with his family and was a die hard Cincinnati Reds fan. "He was loved by his family and will be greatly missed." Surviving are is wife of 56 years, Justine (Brite) Walter; sons, Ronald (Judy) Walter, Timothy (Lori) Walter, Michael Walter, Dennis (Karen) Walter and Patrick (Margaret) Walter; daughters, Ann Trenary, Cindy Walter, and Lisa Walter, 11 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren; brothers, Kenneth of Bluffton, Raymond of Ft. Wayne; and sister, Edna (Fred) Wenger of Bluffton. He was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Eileen. Service is 10 a.m. Wednesday at St. Therese Catholic Church with viewing one hour prior to the service. Also Visitation at Elzey- Patterson-Rodak 6 to 8 p.m. today, and 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday. Memorials to Visiting Nurse & Hospice Home or Masses. As Charlie's fairwell signature on his radio show "If you can't have the best of everything, make the best of everything you have".
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers from 4/30/2006 - 5/1/2006.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

HARRY J. WATERS, 85, died Saturday, April 29, 2006 at Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne. He was born in Waterbury, Conn. and was a University Professor of Business at Clarkson College of Technology, University of Maine and Gannon University. He was a U.S. Navy Veteran of World War II and was a member of St. Jude Catholic Church. Surviving are his daughter, Barbara Ann Waters of Fort Wayne; brother, Robert Waters, Sr. of Greensboro, N.C.; sister, SR. Mary Kathryn Waters, R.S.M. of Blue Point, N.Y. He was preceded in death by his wife Eileen Waters, April 17, 2003. Mass of Christian Burial 10:30 a.m. Monday at St. Jude Catholic Church, E. State Blvd. at Randallia, Fr. D'Souza officiating with calling 10 to 10:30 a.m. at the church. Calling also 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday at D.O. McComb & Sons, Lakeside Park Funeral Home, 1140 Lake Aye, with vigil 6:30p.m. Burial in Catholic Cemetery, Fort Wayne. Memorials to Waterbury, Connecticut Y.M.C.A. or St. Judes Catholic Church.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers from 4/30/2006 - 5/1/2006.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

VALETTA K. WETZEL, 94, of Hicksville, died Tuesday, June 13, 2006. Arrangements by Smith & Brown Funeral Home, Hicksville.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers on 6/15/2006.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

Handwritten-Mon. July 23, 1956
FORMER LOCAL BUSINESS MAN DIES - FUNERAL AT FORT WAYNE TODAY FOR TED WHITE, 48
Thurman Edwin (Ted) White, a former Berne business man, died at 2:30 a.m. Friday in the Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne, shortly after being admitted. White lived on Fort Wayne R. R. 4, Winchester Road. Death was blamed to a heart attack. He had operated the T. C. White Co., Inc., a feed business in Fort Wayne since 1946. Before that he was in the livestock business in Fort Wayne, Berne and Monroeville. While living in Berne he and his family resided in the home where Mr. and Mrs. Grover Neuenschwander now live. Mr. White was a native of Ohio, but lived most of his life in Indiana. He was a member of Grace Evangelical and Reformed Church, in Fort Wayne, Monroeville Lodge F & AM, Mizpa Shrine, Fort Wayne Consistory, Elks Lodge and Orchard Ridge Country Club. Surviving are his widow, the former Lela Yost; a daughter, Mrs. Gloria Sue Yager, Fort Wayne; his mother, Mrs. Phoebe White, Fort Wayne; two brothers, Russell O. and Norman O., Fort Wayne; a grandson and several nieces and nephews. Services were held at 3:00 p.m. today at the D. O. McComb and Sons Funeral Home in Fort Wayne, Rev. Charles S. Hartman officiating. Burial was in Greenlawn Memorial Park.
Adams County (IN) Historical Museum 1955 March-April 1958 Scrapbook, image 55
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski

Handwritten-Wed. May 9, 1956
BROTHER OF MRS. ABRAHAM DROWNS - HENRY WILKE OF MARENGO, ILL., DROWNS IN WISCONSIN LAKE
Mr. and Mrs. Fred Kamholz received word Tuesday of the accidental drowning on Monday of Henry Wilke, of Marengo, Ill. Mr. Wilke was a brother of Mrs. Charles Abraham of Woodstock, Ill., formerly of Berne. He was in his 50's. No details of the drowning were received here except that it occurred at Fox Lake in Wisconsin where the Wilkes' had a cottage. He was a barber at Marengo. The funeral will be held Thursday at Marengo. [Buried Marengo City Cemetery, Marengo, McHenry County, Illinois]
Adams County (IN) Historical Museum 1955 March-April 1958 Scrapbook, image 43-44
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski

Lillian Bernice Wilkinson, 99, a resident of Columbia City, died Tuesday, July 20, 2004 at her home. Born on May 28, 1905 in LaGrange, a daughter of Squire Oren and Nellie May (Coney) Brown, she graduated from Wolcottville High School in 1923. Her maternal grand-parents, William Coney and Elizabeth Pant, both immigrated as children to LaGrange County from Middle Rasen, Lincolnshire, England in 1859 and 1873 respectively. Her paternal grandparents, Merrick Richard Brown and Della Ann Notestine, were both early settlers in LaGrange County, he being born in Oswego County, N.Y. in 1835 and she in Sandusky County, Ohio in 1846. Following her graduation from high school, she moved to South Bend where she was employed at the Ball Band shoe factory and Bendix Watch Company. On May 29, 1929 she was united in marriage to Ellis Chester Wilkinson. They made their first home in South Bend, later residing in Logansport and then Findley, Ohio. They then moved to Monroe, Mich. until the end of World War II when they moved to Whitley County. In 1957 they made their home in Columbia City. Mr. Wilkinson died June 18, 1973. Survivors include a son, E. Lynn Wilkinson of Exton, Pa.; a granddaughter; and a great-granddaughter. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by a sister, Pauline, and two brothers, Kenneth Brown and Keith Brown.
Post & Mail Newspaper, Whitley County, Indiana; July 21, 2004
Contributed by JC

MARTHA IRENE WILLIAMS, 92, passed peacefully Sunday, April 30, at Lutheran Home. Born Feb. 23, 1914, in Dunkurk, Ind., she retired from Fort Wayne Community Schools in 1975. She was an active member of American Legion Auxiliary Post 241. "She was full of life and loved bingo. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother." Survived by her son, Jim (Dawn) Walker of Quincy, Mich.; daughter, Sharon Beckman of Fort Wayne; five grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lester F. Williams; one brother; and one sister. Service is 11 a.m. Thursday at Elzey-Patterson-Rodak Home for Funerals, 6810 Old Trail Road, Fort Wayne, with calling one hour prior. Calling is also from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Burial at Covington Memorial Gardens. Memorials to the family.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers on 5/2/2006.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser