ELLIS ABRAM, 68, of Fort Wayne died Tuesday at home. He retired from Uniroyal Goodrich. Surviving are his wife, Sarah Abram; sons, LaRay Williams and Ellis J., both of Fort Wayne; daughters, Mary F. Tabron, Judy Hinton and Monica Abram, all of Fort Wayne, and Marcia Jackson of Fort Meade, Md.; brothers, Eddie and Tommy, both Columbia, Miss., and Joe of Somerset, N.J.; sisters, Dorothy J. Crumedy of Gary, Barbara J. Shappard of Greenville, Miss., Darnell Lee of Columbia, Miss., Lula Howe of New Brunswick, N.J., Carla Tucker of Somerset, N.J. and Hazel Lee of Saginaw, Mich.; and 12 grandchildren. Services are 11 a.m. Saturday at Pilgrim Baptist Church, 1331 Gay St. Calling is from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Greenlawn Memorial Park. Arrangements are by The East Jefferson Street Mortuary, 831 E. Jefferson Blvd.
News-Sentinel, Allen County, Indiana; March 28, 1996
Contributed by JC

ANNA C. KAMPEN, 89, died yesterday at Lutheran Hospital. The native of Germany was a homemaker who lived in Fort Wayne most of her life. Her first husband, August Acker, died in 1958; her second husband, Alfred A., died in 1978. Surviving are her son, Dr. August Acker; stepdaughters, Freida Bunge of Villa Park, Ill., and Helen Nelson of Tacoma, Wash.; two sisters in Germany; 10 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. Services are 11 a.m. Monday at Elzey & Haggard Home for Funerals, 6810 Old Trail Road, where calling is 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. tomorrow. Burial will be in Greenlawn Memorial Park. Preferred memorials are gifts to Bethany Lutheran Church.
News-Sentinel, Allen County, Indiana; November 7, 1992
Contributed by JC

ALTA I. ACRES, 81, a former resident of Columbia City, died at 2:17 pm Thursday, February 14, 2013 in the North Woods Village in Kokomo. She was born near Albion on March 3, 1931, a daughter of Orson and Gladys Smith Moore. Her formative years were spent in the Rome City community and she completed her education in the Rome City High School. On February 4, 1950, she was united in marriage to Audes R. "Ace" Acres and they made their first home in DeKalb County, later in Steuben County and in 1955 moved to Noble County. Since 1960, they have made their home in the Columbia City area. In 1970, they purchased the Miller's Gas for Less on South Line Street in Columbia City which they operated as the Acres Bait & Tackle until 1989. Mr. Acres died May 12, 1997. The surviving relatives include a son, James A. (Martha) Acres, Columbia City; two daughters, Janet S. Irwin, Peru, Joyce A. Harris, Avilla; 19 grandchildren; 23 great grandchildren and a sister, Dorothy Dietz of Helmer. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Orson and Herman Moore and two sisters, Edna Woodard and Lucille Butcher. The funeral service will be held at 10:30 am Monday in the Smith and Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City with the Rev. Curtiss Johnson, officiating. The burial will be in the Nolt Cemetery. The visitation will be from 1 to 4 pm Sunday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Riley Hospital for Children or the St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital.
Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Whitley County, Indiana; February 14, 2013
Contributed by JC

Mrs. Alex Adair, of Madison township, died at her home yesterday, aged sixty-seven years. Her funeral will occur to-morrow morning. Mrs. Adair has been a resident of the county for forty-seven years.
Fort Wayne Sentinel, Allen County, Indiana; March 8, 1889
Contributed by JC

HILDA M. ADAMS, 85, of Fort Wayne died Thursday at Parkview Hospital. The Allen County native retired from the drapery office at L.S. Ayres after 13 years. She was involved in Calvary Temple and the Seniors Club. Surviving are a daughter, Lois Bullerman of Indianapolis; a stepdaughter, Naomi Yaney of Louisville, Ky.; a stepson, Archie Adams Jr. of Louisville, Ky.; and eight step-grandchildren. Services are 11 a.m. Monday at Calvary Temple Worship Center, 1400 W. Washington Center Road, with burial in Greenlawn Memorial Park. Calling is 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday at D.O. McComb & Sons Lakeside Park Funeral Home, 1140 Lake Ave., and at 10 a.m. Monday at the church. Memorials are to the church or Advent Lutheran Church, Zionsville.
News-Sentinel, Allen County, Indiana; June 14, 1997
Contributed by JC

Handwritten-Mon. Aug. 12, 1957
DECATUR MERCHANT IS TAKEN BY DEATH - ELLIS ADAMSON, 44, DIES AT HOME SATURDAY MORNING
Ellis (Skinny) Adamson, 44, died at 4:30 o'clock Saturday morning at his home two and one-half miles east of Decatur. He had been ill for many years and in serious condition for the past three weeks. He was born in Fort Wayne March 18, 1913, a son of George and Pearl Foster-Axson, and was married to Mary Schafer June 18, 1955, when he moved to Decatur. Mr. and Mrs. Adamson operated Mary's Variety Store on North Second Street in that city. Surviving in addition to his wife are his father in Fort Wayne; one daughter, Nancy Jean, at home; a stepson, Walter P. Reit of Fort Wayne; two sisters, Mrs. Maude Johnson of Fort Wayne, and Miss Emma Adamson of Chicago; five half-brothers, Loyal, Charles, Earl and Dale Axson, all of Fort Wayne, and Edward Axson of Monroeville and two half-sisters, Mrs. Anna Noice of San Diego, Calif., and Mrs. Beatrice Huss of Fort Wayne. One daughter and one brother are deceased. Funeral services will be conducted at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Zwick Funeral Home, Decatur. Burial will be in Emanuel Lutheran Cemetery [New Haven, Allen County, Indiana].
Adams County (IN) Historical Museum 1955 March-April 1958 Scrapbook, image 117
Contributed by Janice Vasiloski

DONALD E. ALBANY, 60, of Fort Wayne, died Monday, March 26, 2007, at Parkview Hospital. Born March 30, 1946, in Bristol, Va., he attended Faith Baptist Church. He worked for North American Van Lines and retired from Lowes. Surviving are his wife, Marcia A. Albany of Fort Wayne; son, Ryan (Carmen) Albany of Fort Wayne; and daughters, Beth Albany of Bloomington and Abby Albany of Fort Wayne. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Anna. Funeral service is 10:30 a.m. Thursday Hockemeyer & Miller Funeral Home, 6131 St. Joe Road, Fort Wayne, with visitation one hour prior. Visitation also from 4 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home. Burial in Highland Park Cemetery. Preferred memorials to American Diabetes Association.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers on 3/28/2007.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

Handwritten-Mon. Feb. 4, 1957
Rev. Menno N. Amstutz, 65, Dies At Pandora, Ohio - Funeral Wednesday for Native of Berne; Pandora Pastor
Rev. Menno N. Amstutz, 65, a native of Berne, pastor of the Missionary Church at Pandora, Ohio, the last five years, died unexpectedly at 9:05 a.m. Sunday at his home in Pandora. Death was attributed to coronary thrombosis. Rev. Amstutz had eaten his breakfast shortly before the fatal attack. Rev. Amstutz had not been well since last September when he suffered a heart attack. He had been unable to fill the pulpit since then and the Pandora Church had a supply pastor of the present. However, Rev. Amstutz was able to be up and around. In the ministry for 40 years, Rev. Amstutz had filled pulpits at Waneta, Nebraska, Peoria, Illinois, Auburn, Royal Oak, Michigan and Pettisville, Ohio, before going to Pandora. He was born here Aug. 31, 1891 and was the son of John and Mary Nussbaum Amstutz. He was married to Jessie Pritchard who preceded in death and later he married Rilla Klopfenstein, who survives. Also surviving are the following children: Rev. Pritchard Amstutz, Modesto, Calif., formerly pastor of the First Missionary Church in Berne; Rev. Tilman Amstutz, Humboldt, Tenn.; Blanchard Amstutz, Wayne, Mich., and Mrs. Marilyn Gerig, Decatur. Carolyn Amstutz, daughter of Omen Amstutz of this place is being reared in the Rev. Amstutz home. Eight grandchildren survive, also two brothers, Rev. Tilman Amstutz, missionary in India and Omen Amstutz, Berne; and two sisters, Miss Elda Amstutz, missionary in India and Mrs. Martha Heller, Elkton, Mich. The body is at the Haas Funeral Home in Pandora where friends may call. Services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Pandora Missionary Church. Burial will be at Leo. [Buried Leo Memorial Park; Leo-Cedarville, Allen County, Indiana]
Adams County (IN) Historical Museum 1955 March-April 1958 Scrapbook, image 86
Contributed by Janice Vasiloski

REBEKAH SNYDER BAILEY, 97, of Portland, died Monday, March 26, 2007. Arrangements by Williamson & Spencer Funeral Home, Portland Chapel.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers on 3/28/2007.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

BALSIGER, ROY E.: Funeral service is 11 a.m. today at West Missionary Church, with visitation one hour prior to service. Visitation also from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. today at Yager-Kirchhofer Funeral Home.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers from 3/28/2007 - 3/29/2007.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

BARTHOLOMY, PATRICIA "PATTY" F.: Funeral Mass is 10 a.m. today at Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 1122 S. Clinton St., with calling one hour prior. Arrangements by D.O. McComb & Sons Lakeside Park Funeral Home, 1140 Lake Ave., Fort Wayne.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers from 3/28/2007 - 3/29/2007.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

LUELLA M. BASSETT, 80, of Hicksville, died Wednesday, March 28, 2007, in her home. She is survived by her husband, Lee. Mass of Christian Burial is 10:30 a.m. Friday at St. Michael's Catholic Church, Hicksville. Calling is from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. today at Smith & Brown Funeral Home, Hicksville, with a prayer service at 8 p.m. today.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers on 3/29/2007.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

Handwritten-Mon. Jan. 21, 1957
ALBERT BAUMGARTNER DIES AT BLUFFTON, OHIO
Funeral services were held Friday at Bluffton, Ohio for Albert Baumgartner, 85, retired Bluffton business man who died earlier last week. He was a first cousin of Homer Niederhauser, Mrs. Edwin Schindler and Mrs. Nellie Craig of this community. He was the son of Dan Baumgartner. [buried Maple Grove Cemetery, Bluffton, Allen County, Ohio]
Adams County (IN) Historical Museum 1955 March-April 1958 Scrapbook, image 119
Contributed by Janice Vasiloski

Handwritten-Friday, Feb. 5, 1957
Heart Attack Fatal To Geneva Resident - Funeral Services Thursday Afternoon
William Carl Bauserman, 46, of Geneva, died of a heart attack Monday afternoon while on top of a 20 foot electric pole at Poneto, six miles southwest of Bluffton. Death was first thought to be by electrocution, but a post mortem by Dr. Joy Buckner, Wells County Coroner, revealed death caused by a coronary occlusion. Mr. Bauserman had worked for Indiana-Michigan Electric Co. nearly 27 years. Bluffton firemen worked with Bauserman for nearly an hour before Dr. Buckner pronounced him dead. The victim was born at Monroeville July 28, 1910, and had resided in Geneva nearly 20 years. He was a member of Monroeville Lodge 293, F. and A.M. Surviving are the widow, Louise; an eight-year-old daughter, Connie, and his mother, Mrs. Ada Bauserman, who resided with him. Friends may call at the Hardy and Hardy Funeral Home, Geneva, after 7 o'clock this evening until noon Thursday, when the body will be removed to the Geneva Methodist Church for services at 2 p.m., the Rev. Harold Schramm officiating. Burial will be in the IOOF Cemetery at Monroeville.
Adams County (IN) Historical Museum 1955 March-April 1958 Scrapbook, image 85
Contributed by Janice Vasiloski

FREDA L. BEIGH, 88, of Claypool, died Monday, March 26, 2007. Arrangements by McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel, 2290 Provident Court, Warsaw.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers on 3/29/2007.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

EVELYN LAVERNE BRAZEL, 78, of Cromwell, died Monday, March 26, 2007. Arrangements by J.A. Brazzell-Renner Funeral Home, 705 S. Main St., Ligonier.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers on 3/28/2007.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

LEONE BRINNERMAN, 92, of Poneto, died Tuesday, March 27, 2007. Arrangements by Glancy Funeral Homes-H. Brown & Son Chapel, Warren.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers on 3/28/2007.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

JAMES F. BROWN, 80, of Fort Wayne, died Monday, March 26, 2007. Surviving are son, Gary J. (Debbie) Brown; daughters, Sheryl A. (William) Rea and Cindy E. Hubbartt; two grandchildren; 15 great-grandchild-ren; 3 sisters. Funeral is 10 a.m. Friday at De-Money-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, Columbia City, where calling is from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday. www.demoneygrimes.com.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers on 3/28/2007.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

FRANKLIN M. BUUCK, 73, of Decatur, died Wednesday, March 28, 2007, 10:40 p.m., at his residence, after a lengthy illness. Born July 30, 1933, in Allen County, he was the son of the late Martin C. Buuck and Amanda (Gallmeyer). He married Marilyn J. Boerger on April 11, 1953, in the St. Peter Lutheran Church. He was a life long active member of Zion Lutheran Church, Friedheim, in rural Decatur; and member of American Legion Post 43. He served his country in the United States Army. He retired from General Electric, Fort Wayne, in 1992 after 37 years of service. Surviving are his wife, Marilyn J. Buuck of rural Decatur; son, Glenn (Angie) Buuck of Hoagland; daughter, Mrs. Bill (Brenda) Kalb of Columbus, Ohio; son, Kevin (Dawn) Buuck of Decatur; and seven grandchildren. He was also preceded in death by his three brothers, Herbert, Arnold and Gerhard Buuck; and two sisters, Loriene Bleke, and Karen Buuck. Prayer service is 1:15 p.m. Sunday at Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home, Decatur, with visitation from 10:30 a.m. until time of service Sunday. Funeral service is 2 p.m. Sunday at Zion Lutheran Church, Friedheim. Pastor Daniel Dahling officiating. Visitation also from 2 to 7 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Burial in Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Friedheim. Preferred memorials to The Lutheran Hour or Worship For Shut-Ins. For complete obituary information and to sign the on-line guestbook, visit www.zwickjahn.com.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers on 3/30/2007.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

Handwritten-Thurs. Sept.12, 1957
Heart Attack Fatal To Retired Pastor - Rev. Edgar Clauser Is Taken By Death
The Rev. Edgar F. Clauser, 79, retired minister, died at 3:45 p.m. at the home of his son-in-law and daughter, the Rev. and Mrs. J. J. Klopfenstein, following a heart attack. He had been in failing health two years. Rev. Clauser, native of Lehigh County, Pa., had resided in Berne the past five years. He was a retired minister and evangelist of the Missionary Church Association, and was a member of the First Missionary Church at Berne. Surviving in addition to the daughter are the widow, Anna M.; four sons, Paul Clauser of Dallas, Tex., Clifford and Joe Clauser of Fort Wayne, and Homer Clauser of Redwood City, Calif.; another daughter, Mrs. Don Miller of Fort Wayne; 22 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild, and three brothers, Robert Clauser of Newmanstown, Pa., William Clauser of Allentown, Pa., and Henry Clauser of Auburn. Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p..m. Saturday at the First Missionary Church in Berne, the Rev. Cornelius Vlot and the Rev. Jared F. Gerig officiating. Friends may call at the Yager Funeral Home until noon Saturday, after which the body will lie in state at the church until time of the services. The body may be viewed at Lindenwood Cemetery in Fort Wayne prior to burial rites. Memorial gifts may be made to the Reusser Memorial Home or to the other missionary causes.
Adams County (IN) Historical Museum 1955 March-April 1958 Scrapbook, image 121
Contributed by Janice Vasiloski

ANNE CLINTON, 95, of Antwerp, Ohio, died Monday, March 26, 2007. Arrangements by Dooley Funeral Home, 202 W. River Street, Antwerp.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers on 3/29/2007.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

Edward A. Cook, 47, died Monday in Veterans Affairs Medical Center. He was broadcast engineer for WPTA, Channel 21. Surviving are: sons, Daniel, Stephen, Gregory and Richard, all of Fort Wayne, and David of Yokosuka, Japan; his stepmother, Esther V. Cook of Fort Wayne; a brother, Ronald of Decatur; a stepsister, Christie Koontz of Fort Wayne; a stepbrother, Timothy Girardot of Fort Polk, La.; and three grandchildren. Services are 11 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 in Leo Cemetery.
Fort Wayne News-Sentinel, Allen County, Indiana; July 11, 1990
Contributed by Scott Bowmar; Transcribed by Mark Barnhart

Handwritten-Thurs. Sept. 26, 1957
Wayne Coy Funeral Friday Afternoon - Text Of Political Speech Is Released.
INDIANAPOLIS (UP)-The text of a political speech by Wayne Coy, highly critical of the Eisenhower Administration, was made public today two days after his death and two days before Coy was to have given it at a Democratic rally. Coy, 53, died unexpectedly Tuesday night. His funeral will be here Friday afternoon and burial will be in his former hometown of Franklin. Coy, president of WFBM and WFBM-TV and a state and national political figure between 1932 and 1952, was scheduled to address the Indiana Dollars for Democrats Drive luncheon Saturday in Indianapolis. The luncheon was cancelled because of his death. [buried Greenlawn Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana]
Adams County (IN) Historical Museum 1955 March-April 1958 Scrapbook, image 122-123
Contributed by Janice Vasiloski

Harley Crook, 73, of 903 Mobile Drive died today at Wells Community Hospital. A son of Ross and Emeline Lantz Crook, he was born February 24, 1901 in Wells County. Survivors include a daughter, Mrs. Carl (Lucy) Shoemaker of Route 2, Huntington; a brother, Lewis Crook of Bluffton; a half-brother, Johnnie Taylor of Huntertown, Route 4; two sisters, Mrs. Dessie Kelley of Columbus and Mrs. Lester (Lillie May) Bordner of Haines City, Florida; two grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Services will be Friday at Goodwin Memorial Chapel, Rev, Paul Hirschy officiating; burial in Markle Cemetery.
Bluffton News-Banner, Wells County, Indiana; February 6, 1974
Contributed by JC

Mrs. Myrle Davis, 86, of Markle, Indiana died Thursday at Wells Community Hospital. She was the widow of Samuel G. Davis and had lived in Markle most of her life. She was a member of the Markle United Methodist Church. Surviving are a daughter, Mrs. William Stohlman of Fort Wayne; a son, Obert G. of Markle; a brother Paul Brickley, near Markle; a sister, Mrs. Raymond (Varone) Yoss of Indianapolis, five grandchildren and one great grandchild. Rites will be Saturday at the Funderburg Funeral Home, burial in Markle Cemetery, Rev. Ron Bowman officiating.
Bluffton News-Banner, Wells County, Indiana; November 16, 1972
Contributed by JC

Mrs. Ella M. Dawson, 91, of Route 1, Uniondale, Indiana died Monday at Cooper Rest Home. Born May 1, 1881 in Madison County, she was a daughter of Jefferson and Susannah Males Huntzinger. Her marriage to Mr. Dawson, who is deceased, took place November 25, 1908. Mrs. Dawson attended the Uniondale United Methodist Church. Surviving are a daughter, Mrs. Carl (Mary) Beghtel of Route 1, Uniondale, three grandchildren and four great grandchildren. She was the last of 16 children. Services will be Wednesday at Elzey Funeral Home with Rev. Ralph Davison and Rev. Tom Capin officiating; burial in the IOOF Cemetery at Matthews.
Bluffton News-Banner, Wells County, Indiana; February 12, 1972
Contributed by JC

Charles Degitz died at his residence corner of Brackenridge and Webster streets last night at 6 o'clock of tophoid (sic) fever. He was about 28 years of age, and leaves a young wife to mourn his loss.
Fort Wayne Daily News, Allen County, Indiana; January 22, 1878
Contributed by JC

JERRY A. DeLONG, 59, died Wednesday, March 28, 2007, at Parkview North Hospital, Fort Wayne. Born in Hicksville, Ohio, he was a Social Worker with the Indiana Department of Corrections Northeast Indiana Juvenile Detention Center. He was a U.S. Army veteran and member of American Legion Post 499. He was a graduate of both the University of St. Francis and IPFW. Survived by his daughters, Jessica (Eric) Easton of Indianapolis, Amanda DeLong of Fort Wayne and Emily DeLong of Grabill; grandson, Michael; mother, Eloise DeLong of Garrett; and sister, Susan Smoots of Fort Wayne. He was preceded in death by his father, George. Service is 11 a.m. Saturday at D.O. McComb & Sons Pine Valley Park Funeral Home, 1320 E. Dupont Road. Chaplain Karen Kosberg officiating. Calling is from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Burial in White City Cemetery, Spencerville, with Military Graveside Rites. Memorials to American Cancer Society.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers on 3/29/2007.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

Alfred Francis Dennis, 88, of Markle died Sunday at Cooper Rest Home, where he had resided since June 9. A son of John C. and Clara Virginia Denney Dennis, he was born May 2, 1883 in Union Township. His marriage to Margaret Mae Burley, who died July 9, took place November 24, 1906 at Huntington. Mr. Dennis, a retired farmer, and his wife had moved to Markle 12 years ago from near Liberty Center. Surviving are four daughters, Mrs. Elmer (Alfreda) Mossburg of Markle, Mrs. Cloyd (Marjorie) Grover of Liberty Center, Mrs. Raymond (Mary) Murphy of Memphis, Tennessee and Mrs. Darwin (Dorothy) Curtis of Alvardton, Ohio; a sister, Mrs. Nettie Hoopingarner of Fort Wayne, 13 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. Services will be held Tuesday at the Funderburg Funeral Home with Gerald Hewson officiating; burial will be in the Markle Cemetery.
Bluffton News-Banner, Wells County, Indiana; July 18, 1971
Contributed by JC

Handwritten-Mon. Feb. 4, 1957
Father of Waldo P. Dick Taken by Death
Word has been received here of the death last Wednesday of P. A. Dick, 87, who died at the Bethel Deaconess Hospital at Newton, Kansas. Mr. Dick was the father of Waldo P. Dick, of Woodburn, formerly of Berne. Mr. Dick, who was among the Mennonite immigrants from Russia in the 1920's had lived at the Bethel home since the death of his wife. Services were held Saturday in the Sister Frieda memorial Chapel at Newton. Three sons, a daughter and eight grandchildren survive. [Buried Greenwood Cemetery, Newton, Harvey County, Kansas]
Adams County (IN) Historical Museum 1955 March-April 1958 Scrapbook, image 88
Contributed by Janice Vasiloski

DEATH OF MRS. H. DIEDERICK.
Two weeks' illness with pneumonia and typhoid fever ended Sunday afternoon at 3 o'clock in the death of Mrs. Herman Deiderick at her home on East King street. Mrs. Deiderick was formerly Miss Carrie Steffen, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Steffen, and she was aged twenty-four years, eight months and nineteen days. Surviving are the parents, the husband, a little daughter, Loretta, one brother, Lloyd Steffen, and four sisters, the Misses Mabel, Gladys, Hazel and Lucille Steffen. Mrs. Deiderick was a member of the Lutheran church and the funeral will be held there Thursday afternoon at 1:30, the Rev. G. Bloedel officiating. Interment will be made in Woodlawn, Auburn.
Garrett Clipper, DeKalb County, Indiana; January 9, 1919
Contributed by Scott Bowmar; Transcribed by Mark Barnhart

JERRY L. DIX, 62, of Van Wert, Ohio, died Sunday, March 25, 2007, 11:20 p.m., at Van Wert County Hospital, Van Wert, Ohio. Born Dec. 14, 1944, in Fort Wayne, he was the son of the late Carroll J. Dix and Alice A. (Frye) Dix, who survives in Woodburn. He married Karla J. (Butler) Dix of Van Wert on April 23, 1966. He was a Van Wert County Sheriff's Deputy since Jan. 15, 1979, having served under Sheriff's: Don Thomas, Jerry Brittsan and Stan Owens. He was also the Convoy Village Marshall and a member of Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 62, Van Wert. He was an Army veteran of the Vietnam Conflict having served in Vietnam from 1966 to 1967. He was a member of Van Wert American Legion Post 178 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5803, Van Wert. He was a 1964 graduate of Woodlan High School and attended the former Van Wert Giffin College for two years. He was a member of the Ohio Buckeye Sheriff's Association, Convoy Fox Hunters Club, Teamsters Union, and Van Wert Amateur Radio Club. He was a former 4-H Advisor and Past President of the Van Wert Lions Club. Also surviving are his two daughters, Wendi (Scott) Creed of New Haven and Tricia Dix of Van Wert, Ohio; two grandaughters, Kaytlyn and Taylor Creed, both of New Haven; two brothers, Charles (LeAnne) Dix of Greenfield and Paul Dix of Woodburn; and two sisters, Kathy Hines of Fort Wayne and Betty (Jeff) Stieglitz of Harlan. He was also preceded in death by one sister, Nancy Worden. Funeral service is 10:30 a.m. Friday at Brickner Funeral Home, with the Rev. Paul Miller officiating. Visitation is from 2 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Brickner Funeral Home, Van Wert, with Fraternal Order of Police services at 8 p.m. Thursday. Interment in Woodland Cemetery, Van Wert, Ohio, where Military graveside rites will be given by the combined Honors Unit of American Legion Post 178 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5803. Memorials Van Wert County Hospital Employees Assistance Fund or the Susan G. Komen Cancer Fund. www.bricknerfuneralhome.com email: bricknerfuneralhome@bright.net.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers on 3/28/2007.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

Mrs. Nora Lillian DuBois, 27, wife of James A. DuBois of Camp Springs, Maryland died today at Roger Williams Hospital in Providence, Rhode Island. Born January 2, 1943 in Bluffton, she was a daughter of James G. and Opal Bell Blevins. Her marriage to Mr. DuBois, who is serving in the armed forces, took place March 3, 1963. Mrs. DuBois who attended the Blanche Chapel United Methodist Church was employed as a typist at Clinich Hospital when she resided in the area. Surviving in addition to the husband are the mother of Montpelier, a son, James Andrew, 6, and two sisters, Mrs. Nancy Marinda of Chicago and Mrs. Erma Beavans of Poneto, Route 1. The body will be returned to the Walker Funeral Home at Montpelier.
Bluffton News-Banner, Wells County, Indiana; December 19, 1970
Contributed by JC

Mrs. Dora Duff, 91, formerly of Green Castle and a native of Wells County died Friday at Radford, Virginia where she had resided with a daughter, Miss Helen Duff. Born in 1897 in Wells County, she was a daughter of Jeremiah and May Ann Elizabeth Gearnand Roe. Her husband, Aaron died in 1958. Surviving is the daughter who is a professor at Radford College, and several nieces and nephews in this area. The body will be returned to the Funderburg Funeral Home where brief services will be held Sunday with Rev. Don Bowman officiating; burial in the Markle Cemetery.
Bluffton News-Banner, Wells County, Indiana; January 1, 1971
Contributed by JC

AMANDA M. EANES, 25, of Payne, Ohio, died Saturday, March 24, 2007. Arrangements by Den Herder Funeral Home, 1000 W. Wayne St., Paulding.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers on 3/29/2007.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

DELPHI --- Robert J. Eldridge, 90, of Delphi, died at 1:52 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 22, 2011, at St. Elizabeth Healthcare in Delphi. He was born July 17, 1921, and was the son of the late Oliver Perry and Pauline Weihmuller Eldridge. He was a lifelong resident of Richland Township in DeKalb County. He attended Garrett High School in Garrett. Mr. Eldridge was in the Army 345th Engineer General Service Regiment, Company F, serving in North Africa, Italy and Greece during World War II. On June 16, 1946, he married Virginia M. Kohl in Waterloo, and she died Oct. 4, 1983. Mr. Eldridge was a machinist at Falstaff Brewing Co., in Fort Wayne, retiring in 1984. He was a member of the United Methodist Church in Waterloo, a life member of Veterans of Foreign Wars and the International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers. He and his companion, Gladys Sanfason, enjoyed wintering in Zephyr Hills, Fla. Surviving are a son, Joseph Eldridge (wife: Sharai) of Libertyville, Ill.; and two daughters, Rita Smith (husband: Steve) of Delphi and Rhonda Thrailkill (husband: Mike) of Marietta, Ga. Also surviving are 4 grandchildren, A.J. Smith and Ben Smith of Delphi and Lauren Pusey and Anna Rhodes of Marietta; and 3 great-grandchildren. Military graveside services will be 1 p.m. Sunday at Christian Union Cemetery in Garrett, with the Rev. Richard Pickard officiating. Contributions may be made to a favorite charity. Abbott Funeral Home, Delphi, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences: abbottfuneralhome@frontier.com.
Journal and Courier, Tippecanoe County, Indiana; September 24, 2011
Contributed by Scott Bowmar; Transcribed by Mark Barnhart

SUZANNE B. EPPS, 68, died Saturday, March 24, 2007, at Lutheran Hospital, Fort Wayne. Born in Hutchinson, Kan., she was a bookkeeper. Survivors include husband, Edward "Ted" Jr. of Fort Wayne; daughters, Pastor Jenny (Robert) Mitchall of Monroeville and Lisa (Dennis) Borisch of Pembine, Wis.; and 10 grandchildren. No calling or service. Arrangements by D.O. McComb & Sons Covington Knolls Funeral Home, 8325 Covington Road. Memorials to Cancer Services of Allen County.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers from 3/28/2007 - 3/29/2007.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

Handwritten-Thurs. Jan. 30, 1958
Decatur Lady's Aunt Dies At Fort Wayne
Mrs. Florence Fetters, 87, an aunt of Mrs. Florence Aurand, of Decatur, died at 10:10 p.m. Wednesday at a Fort Wayne nursing home. A lifelong resident of Fort Wayne, Mrs. Fetters had been ill three years. Surviving in addition to Mrs. Aurand are a son, Charles, of Lafayette, La., and another niece, Mrs. Gladys Kintz, of Fort Wayne. The body was taken to the Klaehn Funeral Home in Fort Wayne, where arrangements are pending.
Adams County (IN) Historical Museum 1955 March-April 1958 Scrapbook, image 119
Contributed by Janice Vasiloski

ROBERT LEWIS FRIEND, 81, of Muncie, Ind., passed away Monday, March 19, 2007, at his residence after an extended illness. Memorial service is 2:30 p.m. Saturday, April 14, 2007 at Meeks Mortuary & Crematory, Mt. Pleasant Chapel, 7901 W. Isanogel Road, Muncie. Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.meeksmortuary.com.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers on 3/28/2007.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

Handwritten-Sat. Sept. 21, 1957
Mrs. Fruechtenicht Is Taken By Death - Native of County Dies At Fort Wayne
Mrs. Amanda S. Fruechtenicht, 49, a native of Adams County, died Friday at Parkview Memorial Hospital in Fort Wayne, where she had been a patient 11 days. She had lived in Fort Wayne for the past 15 years. Mrs. Fruechtenicht was a member of the Holy Cross Lutheran Church, its Ladies Aid Society, Married Club, Women's Missionary League, Federation of Lutheran Women and Deaconess Association. Surviving are the husband, Hugo W.; one son, Lorne Edward, at home; and three brothers, Arthur L. Buuck of Fort Wayne, Reinhardt Buuck of Columbus, and Melwin Buuck of Adams County. Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Monday at the D. O. McComb and Sons Funeral Home, the Rev. C.E. Aulick officiating. Burial will be in Greenlawn Memorial Park. Friends may call at the funeral home after 7 p.m. today and may make donations to the building fund of the Holy Cross Church.
Adams County (IN) Historical Museum 1955 March-April 1958 Scrapbook, image 121
Contributed by Janice Vasiloski

STEPHEN M. GARBER, 67, of Jacksonville, Fla., formerly of Fort Wayne, died Friday, March 23, 2007, at Baptist Hospital East. He retired as general manager of Global Shredding Company, Jacksonville. He was a veteran of the Coast Guard, Air Force and Army Reserves. He was a member of Aircraft Owner's and Pilot Association, Corvette Club of America and Lionel Operation Train Society. He is survived by his wife, Rebecca A. Garber; sons, Sean (Lisa) Garber and Beau Deermer, both of Fort Wayne; daughters, Stacy (Steven) Ellison of Boynton Beach, Fla. and Samantha Garber of New York, N.Y.; stepson, Beau Deemer of Fort Wayne; sister, Sylvia (Herb) Wolfson of Bal Harbour, Fla.; and four grandchildren. Memorial service 1 p.m. today at Herman Meyer & Son, 1338 Ellison Ave., with visitation one hour prior to service. Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to the Cancer Treatment Research Foundation, 1336 Basswood Road, Schaumberg, IL 60173 or www.ctrf.org.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers from 3/27/2007 - 3/28/2007.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

GATEWOOD, BARBARA JEAN: Service is noon today at South Park Baptist Church, 817 E. Paulding Road, with calling one hour before services. Arrangements by Ellis Funeral Home.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers from 3/28/2007 - 3/29/2007.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

Handwritten-Mon. Feb. 4, 1957
Native of Berne Dies in Nebraska
Mrs. Katherine Scheidegger Gautschi, a native of Berne and daughter of Christian Scheidegger, died in a nursing home in Hamlet, Nebraska, on January 29. Mrs. Gautschi, who was 80 years old, had been an invalid for many years and death was attributed to infirmities of old age. She is survived by a son, Harlan, a missionary to the Jews and living in California, a daughter, Mrs. Jack (Pauline) Hahn, of Hamlet, Nebraska, and five grandchildren. Mrs. Gautschi's husband preceded in death several years ago. Burial was in Meadow Lawn Cemetery. [Buried Hamlet, Hayes County, Nebraska]
Adams County (IN) Historical Museum 1955 March-April 1958 Scrapbook, image 86
Contributed by Janice Vasiloski

DONALD ALBERT GERBERS, 84, of Woodbury, Tenn., passed away Monday, March 26, 2007, at Stones River Hospital. A native of Woodburn, Ind., he lived in Cannon County for the past five months. He was a retired ruck driver, a member of the Lutheran Church and U.S. Army Veteran, having served in World War II. Survived by his wife, Dorothy Gerbers of Woodbury; son, Don Gerbers-Kirkland of Fort Wayne, Ind.; daughters, Melanie Shive of Auburn, Ind., Donna Fraley of San Bernardino, Calif., Sherry Gannon of Bradyville, Tenn. and Denise Taylor of Fort Wayne; sixteen grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Menke J. and Ella Busche Gerbers. Service is 11 a.m. Friday at Jennings and Ayers Chapel, 820 S. Church Street, Murfreesboro, Tenn., with Dwight Smitty officiating. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. Calling with the family is from 4 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery. (615) 893-2422 www.jenningsandayers.com.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers on 3/29/2007.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

GILL JR., NELSON J.: Memorial service at 1 p.m. today at Northeast Christian Church, 4900 Stellhorn Road. Arrangements by D.O. McComb & Sons Maplewood Park Funeral Home, 4017 Maplecrest Road.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers from 3/28/2007 - 3/31/2007.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

Handwritten-Wed. Sept. 11, 1957
MRS. GIVIDEN DIES
Word has been received here of the death Saturday of Mrs. Maime Gividen, widow of John Gividen. Mrs. Gividen died in her home in Hartford, Conn. The Gividens were former residents of Berne and Decatur while the late Mr. Gividen was associated with the Dunbar Furniture Corporation. Mr. Gividen died suddenly in a Chicago hotel room. [buried Lakeview Cemetery, Bridgeport, Fairfield County, Connecticut]
Adams County (IN) Historical Museum 1955 March-April 1958 Scrapbook, image 119
Contributed by Janice Vasiloski

MARY HELEN GRAHAM, 80, of Warsaw, died Tuesday, March 27, 2007. Arrangements by McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel, 2290 Provident Court, Warsaw.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers on 3/29/2007.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

DAWN R. BAKER-GRIFFIN, 32, Columbia City, died Thursday at Lutheran Hospital. She was a longtime Fort Wayne resident. Surviving are her parents, Joyce Baker of Fort Wayne and David C. Baker of Columbia City; and grandparents, Willis Baker of Columbia City, Nina Williams of Montpelier, and Betty Ayers of Fort Wayne. Services at 2 p.m. Sunday at D.O. McComb & Sons Lakeside Park Funeral Home, 1140 Lake Ave., with calling from 4 to 8 p.m. today and an hour before services. Burial at Lindenwood Cemetery. Memorials to Juvenile Diabetes Foundation.
Fort Wayne, Journal Gazette, Allen County, Indiana; July 31, 1999
Contributed by Scott Bowmar; Transcribed by Mark Barnhart

April 26, 1942 - Nov. 13, 2017
BREMEN - Anthony E. "Tony" Gunterman, Jr., died at home on Monday, November 13, 2017, surrounded by loved ones. Tony was born April 26, 1942, in Plymouth, Indiana, to Anthony E. Gunterman, Sr. and Laurene J. (Gilbert), who predeceased him. After graduation from Bremen High School in 1960. Tony joined the United States Air Force where he served four years, ending his service as an electronics instructor. While Tony was never formally a teacher, he was a Life Skills instructor for his family, friend, and colleagues. This was a task he continued with his grandchildren until his death. On March 21, 1980, Tony married Minnie "Pam" (Kearney) Coffman in Plymouth, Indiana, who survives, along with two daughters: Michelle "Shelly" (Dave) McCammond and Renee Lynn Gunterman; two sons: Christopher Ference and Jason (Rebecca Pratt) Coffman; seven grandchildren: Justin Gunterman, Corie Coffman, Lily Coffman, Tyler Coffman, Noah Davis, Heaven Coffman, Izabella Coffman; one beloved sister, Linda Gunterman Verhaeghe; and many beloved nieces and nephews. Tony was a detailed conscious person who served as a vice-president at Hop Cap, finishing his work life as a salesman for Century Fiberglass in Elkhart, where he won several prizes for his outstanding ability as a salesman and company representative. Tony was also a conscientious citizen who believed in helping others, especially in the Bremen community. He served for many years on the Board of the Bremen Community Hospital. He was a valued member of many service organizations, such as the V.F.W., South Bend Eagles, Jaycees and Elks. He was very involved with the Bremen Junior Miss organization and served as both the General Chairman and as the Judges Chairman. A grilling expert, Tony could often be found under the cochere grilling hamburgers, steaks and other culinary delights. In his later years he extended his cooking repertoire to cooking lunch on school days for his granddaughter, Lily, and many of her friends. Tony loved to dance and was an aficionado of Dance Music, Jazz and Big Bank, but his greatest love was for Notre Dame football. He instructed his wife, Pam, to bury him in one of his Notre Dame sweatshirts. Visitation will be held from 5:00-8:00 pm Thursday, November 16, 2017, in Mishler Funeral Home, 2030 St. Rd. 331, Bremen. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am Friday, November 17, 2017, in the funeral home. Burial will follow at the Bremen Cemetery, with full military honors. Tony was very grateful for the wonderful care he received from Center for Hospice and the family requests any donation be sent to them or St. Dominic Catholic Church in Bremen. Online condolence may be sent to the family at www.mishlerfjunerahomes.com.
South Bend Tribune, St. Joseph County, Indiana; 15 Nov 2017
Contributed by Scott Bowmar; Transcribed by Mark Barnhart

GARLAND V. HART, 85, of Churubusco, formerly of Fort Wayne, died Monday, March, 26, 2007, at Parkview Whitley Hospital, Columbia City. Born in Fort Wayne, he was a World War II Army veteran, and was awarded five Bronze Stars, The Purple Heart, and Silver Star. He retired in 1982 from American Hoist after 32 years, and moved to Churubusco from Fort Wayne, in 2000. Surviving are his wife of 61 years, Wanda (Kumfer) Hart; children, John A. (Cathy) Hart of Churubusco, Roger (Leslie) Hart of Warsaw and Debbie Hart of Fort Wayne; brother, Cletus Hart of Fort Wayne; five grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by brothers, Kenneth Hart and Tom Hart; and sisters, Eva Crow and Marcile Minor. Service is 11 a.m. Friday at Sheets & Childs Funeral Home, with calling one hour before services. Pastor Lane Burgland officiating. Calling also from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the mortuary. Burial in Greenlawn Memorial Park, Fort Wayne, with military graveside rites. Memorials to Churubusco American Legion Post 157 or Churubusco V.F.W. Post 3846. Condolences emailed to sympathy@sheetsandchilds.net.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers on 3/28/2007.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

ANGOLA - Georgia L. Hartman, 86, of Angola died Sunday, June 21, 2009, at Cameron Memorial Hospital in Angola. Mrs. Hartman worked for Wakefield R P Co. in Waterloo until her retirement in 1987. She was born Feb. 22, 1923, in Auburn to Floyd and Laura (Kaufman) Musser. She married Loren Hartman on Nov. 25, 1944, in Galveston, Texas. He died March 8, 2002. Surviving ae two sons and a daughter-in-law, Rex Hartman of Kendallville and Loren Donald "Don" and Bobbi Hartman of Orland; a daughter-in-law, Martha Hartman of Edgerton, Ohio; five sisters and a brother-in-law, Alta Gettys of Waterloo, Velma Ellert of Ashely, Wava Missler of Bryan, Ohio, Vera Smith of Angola and Janice and Carl DeYoung of Corunna; nine grandchildren and their spouses, Scott and Brooke Hartman of Edon, Ohio, Mike and Sherry Hartman of Butler, Jackie and Troy Shutt of Auburn, Travis and Bridget Hartman of Columbia City, Amanda Hartman of Columbia City, Amber Hartman of Columbia City, Randy Hartman of Columbia City, Jasmin Hartman of Fort Wayne, and Lindsey Hartman of Orland; and six great-grandchildren, Darrius, Savannah, Zachary, Macey, Alyssa, and Jessica. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; one son, Larry Hartman; one brother, Max Musser; and four sisters, Ruth Hire, Opal Stoy, Nina Canfield and Reba Lucas.
Evening Star, DeKalb County, Indiana; 22 Jun 2009
Contributed by Scott Bowmar; Transcribed by Mark Barnhart

Handwritten-Mon. Sept. 16, 1957
Funeral Held Today For Grace Hartman
Mrs. Grace S. Hartman, 68, was found dead in bed Saturday at her home in Fort Wayne, where she lived alone. She was a member of the Precious Blood Catholic Church. Surviving are two step-daughters, Mrs. F. A. Fink and Mrs. Florence Luley, both of Huntington; and three sisters, Mrs. Milton Girod of Decatur, Mrs. Victor Youngquist of Indianapolis and Miss Anna (missing) [buried Catholic Cemetery; Fort Wayne, Allen County, Indiana]
Adams County (IN) Historical Museum 1955 March-April 1958 Scrapbook, image 121
Contributed by Janice Vasiloski

ANDREW F. HAUDENSCHILD, 95, of Fort Wayne, died Monday, March 26, 2007, at Byron Health Center. Born March 24, 1912, in Fort Wayne, he was the son of Casper and Sarah (Miller) Haudenschild. He was a U.S. Army veteran. He married Thelma Cook on Nov. 23, 1938. He was a wire drawer at Essex Wire until his retirement in 1977. He also was a school bus driver for Fort Wayne Community Schools from 1953 to 1977. He was a member of Sugar Grove Church of God. Surviving are his wife, Thelma Haudenschild of Fort Wayne; son, Paul (Marllene) Haudenschild of Fort Wayne; one grandson; five great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandsons; three step great-great-granddaughters; and brother, Robert Haudenschild of Tulare, Calif. Funeral service is 2 p.m. Saturday at Thomas Funeral Home, Garrett, with visitation from 11 a.m. until time of service. Graveside service is 3:30 p.m. Saturday in Prairie Grove Cemetery. To sign the guestbook or send a condolence visit www.thomasfuneralhome.org
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers on 3/28/2007.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

RITES FOR BYRON HEALY WILL BE HELD IN GARRETT
The body of Bryon E. Healy, an Auburn veteran who died Oct. 21, 1944, in an army hospital in England exactly a month after he was wounded in action in France, is enroute to Garrett where full military rites will be accorded. Word of the return of the soldier's body was received by his widow, the former Mildred DePew of Auburn. The couple was the parents of three children when he entered service. Pfc. Healy, an infantryman, was twice wounded in combat in France. September 21, 1944 he was fatally wounded and evacuated a short time later to an army hospital in England where he died. Temporary burial was made in the Cambridge American Military cemetery near London, England, just outside the university town of Cambridge. He was 31 years old when he died. Survivors include the widow, three children, Donald Lavon, Dale Eugene and Duaine Edward; the father, Fred Healy of Butler, four sisters, Mrs. Clara Oberlin of Butler, Mrs. Pearl Lorah of Windsor, Canada, Mrs. Dorothy Morse of Jackson, Mich., and Mrs. Audra Cluster of Butler; and three brothers, Charles R. Healey of Seminary, Mich., Ora Healy of Butler and Lawrence Healy of Ensley avenue, Auburn. The veteran was born Feb. 21, 1913, in Milford township, Defiance county, O. At an early age, he moved with his parents to the Butler community where he attended school. He and the former Mildred DePew of Auburn were married June 28, 1935, in Auburn. The family moved to Auburn two years before he entered service. He was formerly employed in an Auburn factory. January 17, 1944, he entered military service and was sent to Fort Benjamin Harrison, Indianapolis, then to Camp Wheeler, Macon, Ga. In June of that year he was home on a short furlough and then went to Camp Meade, Maryland, from which he was sent overseas in July. Since the death of her husband, Mrs. Healy and children have resided with her parents on Rt. 2, Auburn. Pfc. Healy's body will be taken to the George W. Iler mortuary in Garrett upon arrival and will remain there for funeral services. Full military rites will be conducted by the American Legion of Auburn assisted by the Garrett Legion post. Burial will be in Cedar Chapel cemetery in Butler township. His body is being returned to the States aboard the U. S. Army Transport Lawrence Victory and will be sent to the distribution depot of the army quartermaster at Columbus, O., previous to its arrival in DeKalb county.
Garrett Clipper, DeKalb County, Indiana; July 1, 1948
Contributed by Scott Bowmar; Transcribed by Mark Barnhart

HELMKE, ROLAND W. "PUNK": Service is 11 a.m. today at Zion Lutheran Church, 7616 Bull Rapids Road, Woodburn, with calling one hour prior. Arrangements by E. Harper & Son Funeral Home, 740 Indiana Hwy 930 E, New Haven.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers from 3/28/2007 - 3/29/2007.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

Handwritten-Sat. Oct. 12, 1957
David J. Hensley Dies Last Evening - Former Decatur Man Dies In Michigan
David J. Hensley, 54, former Decatur jeweler, died at his home near Bronson, Mich., Friday night at 6:40 o'clock. He had been seriously ill for a week but had been confined to his home for more than ten years. Born on July 3, 1903, Hensley was educated in the Decatur Public Schools and after completing his schooling, he became associated with his father, the late D. M. Hensley, in the operation of Hensley and Son Jewelry store here. He was united in marriage in 1923 to Leona Hunsicker, who survives. The Hensley's moved to Fort Wayne more than 25 years ago and he was employed at the General Electric Co. in that city. Hensley operated a five and ten cent store in Bronson with his brother-in-law and father-in-law, Don and Bert Hunsicker and later purchased his own store in Marcellus, Mich. He was employed in Indianapolis as an auditor for Indianapolis Power and Light Co. and later was head of the stamp tax division on the Indiana alcoholic beverages department under the Townsend administration. He became associated with Dick Heller of this city in the operation of Hillsdale Variety store in Hillsdale, Mich., and later returned to the General Electric at Fort Wayne, where he was employed during World War II. The Hensley's moved to Bronson shortly after Hensley contracted multiple sclerosis, and continued to reside there. Surviving in addition to Mrs. Hensley are two sisters, Mrs. Veda Orf of Bronson and Mrs. Leah Centlivre of Fort Wayne. Two nephews, Charles Ehinger of Decatur, and James Ehinger of Fort Wayne, also survive. Two sons, Thomas and Robert, preceded the father in death. Funeral services will be held Monday afternoon at 2 o'clock at Kubasaik Funeral Home in Bronson, and burial will be at the Bronson Cemetery.{Branch County, Michigan]
Adams County (IN) Historical Museum 1955 March-April 1958 Scrapbook, image 125
Contributed by Janice Vasiloski

Handwritten-Feb. 1957
LAGRANGE-Christian D. Hochstetler, 87, died Friday in the home of his son and daughter-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. John Hochstetler, near Middlebury. In recent years he had made his home with his son-in-law and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Albert Lehman, west of LaGrange. The body was removed to the Carney Funeral Home in LaGrange. Services were conducted today in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Albert Lehman. Burial was in Miller Cemetery. Mr. Hochstetler had lived in LaGrange County all his life. Surviving are four daughters, Mrs. Albert Lehman, of west of LaGrange, Mrs. Joe Lambright, of near Topeka, Mrs. Eli J. Miller, of Sugar Creek, O., and Mrs. Amos Yoder, of near Middlebury; six sons, Manass, John and Joni, all of near Middlebury, Neal, of near Millersburg, Christ, of near LaGrange, and Harry of near Wolcottville; 82 grandchildren; 82 great-grandchildren; one brother, Neal, of near LaGrange; and two sisters, Mrs. Aaron Yoder, Dover, Del., and Mrs. Menno Bontrager, Midford, Wis. [buried Miller Amish Cemetery, Lagrange, Lagrange County, Indiana]
Adams County (IN) Historical Museum 1955 March-April 1958 Scrapbook, image 88
Contributed by Janice Vasiloski

ARNOLD WILLIAM INMAN, 77, passed away Wednesday, March 28, 2007, at Parkview Hospital. Service is 11 a.m. Friday at Covington Memorial Funeral Home, 8408 Covington Road, with calling two hours prior. Burial immediately following in Covington Memorial Gardens.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers on 3/29/2007.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

HAROLD ISCH, 95, of Bluffton, passed away Tuesday, March 27, 2007. Arrangements by Goodwin Memorial Chapel, 3220 E. State Road 124, Bluffton.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers on 3/28/2007.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

JEFFERSON, RAMON C.: Service is noon today at Turner Chapel AME Church, 836 E. Jefferson Blvd., with calling two hours prior. Arrangements by Ellis Funeral Home.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers on 3/28/2007.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

JEFFERSON, SHELDON J.: Service is noon today at Turner Chapel AME Church, 836 E. Jefferson Blvd., with calling two hours prior. Arrangements by Ellis Funeral Home.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers on 3/28/2007.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

GORDON CHARLES JONES, 66, of Fort Wayne, died Saturday, March 24, 2007. Arrangements by D.O. McComb & Sons Lakeside Park Funeral Home, 1140 Lake Ave.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers on 3/28/2007.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

Brother of city resident dies
Gerald L. Keiser, 45, of Fort Wayne, brother of Mrs. Paul Downing of Decatur, was dead on arrival at Queens General Hospital in New York City Saturday morning. Mr. Keiser, a truck driver for J & C Freight Lines in Spencerville, Iowa, was stricken by an apparent heart attack while he was unloading freight early Saturday morning. He was a Whitley county native. Surviving are his wife, Fern; a son, Gerald Jr., at home; a brother, Dale of Fort Wayne; and four sisters, Mrs. Paul Downing of Decatur; Mrs. Leon Hutching of Ligonier, and Mrs. Jack Fry and Mrs. Thomas Fennig, both of Fort Wayne. Funeral services will be held in Columbia City.
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams County, Indiana; May 13, 1974
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski

DAVID J. KILGORE, 83, of Hartford City, died Tuesday, March 27, 2007. Arrangements by Keplinger Funeral Home, 509 North High Street, Hartford City.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers on 3/29/2007.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

PATTY K. KING, 47, of Montpelier, died Tuesday, March 27, 2007. Arrangements by Glancy Funeral Homes-Walker Chapel, Montpelier.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers on 3/29/2007.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

RALPH M. KOGER, 77, of Hartford City, died Tuesday, March 27, 2007. Arrangements by Glancy Funeral Homes-Walker Chapel, Montpelier.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers on 3/29/2007.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

LEWIS, STERLING: Funeral service is 2:30 p.m. today at Grace Baptist Church, Bluffton, with calling two hours prior. Arrangements by Thoma/Rich, Hewitt & Chaney Funeral Home, Bluffton.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers on 3/28/2007.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

LIKENS FUNERAL RITES IN AUBURN, Services for Mrs. Gary Likens of Rt. 3, Auburn, who Died Suddenly, will be Held on Saturday.
Funeral service for Mrs. Lillian Likens, 44, wife of Gary Likens of Rt. 3, Auburn, will be conducted at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Dilgard & Cline funeral home in Auburn. The Rev. R. William Meier, pastor of the Garrett Nazarene church, will officiate at the services and burial will follow in Roselawn cemetery, near Auburn. Mrs. Likens died suddenly at the DeKalb Memorial hospital in Auburn at 3 p.m. Thursday. She had entered the hospital only a short time before. She was born April 15, 1920, in West Virginia and was the daughter of Lola Shaver Graves of West Virginia and the late Arthur Graves. She and Mr. Likens were married in Albion in 1944. Surviving in addition to her mother and husband are six children, all at home, Eileen, Gary Jr., Cecil, Gerald, Don and Ronnie; three brothers, Wyatt Graves of Akron, O., Randall Graves of Goshen and Leslie Graves of Butler, and four sisters, Mrs. Luther Dennison of Garrett, Mrs. Maynard DePew of Hamilton, Miss Lola Graves of Fort Wayne and Mrs. James Posey of Akron, O.
Evening Star, DeKalb County, Indiana; April 17, 1964
Contributed by Scott Bowmar; Transcribed by Mark Barnhart

Handwritten-Wed. Dec. 11, 1957
Muncie Man Is Hurt Fatally In Wreck Monday - Two Others Injured In Truck Crash Near Bryant
Portland, Dec. 11.-A Muncie man was fatally injured and two other men critically injured in a collision of two trucks on U.S.27 just south of Bryant about noon Monday. Dead man is Wilbur H. Lykins, 37, of Muncie. He died late Monday night in the Jay County Hospital. He suffered a broken left knee, broken left elbow, fractured pelvis, punctured bladder and lacerations. Injured are Robert W. Rufenberger, 30, R. R. 2, Muncie, driver of the truck in which Lykins was a passenger, and Stanley P. Wapiennik, 45, of Calumet City, Ill., driver of a semi-trailer truck. Rufenberger suffered a fractured pelvis and numerous lacerations. Wapiennik suffered a broken leg and chest and head injuries. Both remained in serious condition. Rufenberger's light truck developed trouble, presumable a broken steering rod, and veered directly into the path of the Wapiennik truck on a curve just south of Bryant. Lykins and Rufenberger were both thrown from their truck and pinned under the semi-trailer when it overturned. It required almost 90 minutes to free the two and physicians administered sedatives to them while they were waiting for wreckers to free them. (rest is missing) [buried Beech Grove Cemetery; Muncie, Delaware County, Indiana]
Adams County (IN) Historical Museum 1955 March-April 1958 Scrapbook, image 131
Contributed by Janice Vasiloski

THOMAS LEE MARTIN, 62, of Fort Wayne, died Wednesday, March 28, 2007. Born July 15, 1944, in Fort Wayne, he was the son of the late Wallace H. and Ethyl (Snyder) Martin. He was employed at Omniplex, for six years, in Security. Survived by his sons, Mitchel (Cindy) Quinn and Blake Quinn; and granddaughter, Makayla Quinn. Graveside service is 11 a.m. Friday at Covington Memorial Gardens.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers on 3/29/2007.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

Lawrence J. "Bud" Mayers, 79, died yesterday in Parkview Memorial Hospital. He was the widower of Irene. Surviving are daughters, Janet Schoenle of Fort Wayne and Sally Rebert of Marysville, Pa.; sons, Larry of Fort Wayne and Thomas of Arlington Heights, Ill.; a sister, Beatrice Gladieux of Toledo, Ohio; 24 grandchildren; and12 great-grandchildren. Services are 10 a.m. Friday in the church, with burial in Catholic Cemetery. Calling is 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. tomorrow in D.O. McComb & Sons Lakeside Park Funeral Home, 1140 Lake Ave., and 9 to 10 a.m. Friday in the church.
Fort Wayne News-Sentinel, Allen County, Indiana; July 11, 1990
Contributed by Scott Bowmar; Transcribed by Mark Barnhart

Handwritten-Thurs. Oct. 3, 1957
Former Resident Of Adams County Dies - Mrs. David Mazelin Is Taken By Death
Mrs. Katherine Schwartz Mazelin, 82, widow of David F. Mazelin, died at 7:45 p.m. Tuesday at the home of her son-in-law and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Allen Mazelin, near Port Trevorton, Pa. Mrs. Mazelin, a native of Monroe Township, had been ill for some time, and in serious condition the last several days. She suffered a number of strokes in recent months. Mrs. Mazelin was born in Monroe Township, June 17, 1875, the daughter of Jacob and Maria Liechty Schwartz. She was married to David F. Mazelin, Nov. 24, 1895. The family lived on a farm a mile west and nearly 2 ½ miles north of Berne for many years, where Mr. Mazelin died April 22, 1947. Surviving are the following children: Jacob C. Mazelin, Mrs. Allen Mazelin, Mrs. Enoch Habegger, and Frank C. Mazelin, all of near Port Trevorton, Pa., and Mrs. Amos H. Habegger, of northeast of Berne; 18 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; two brothers, David J. Schwartz, of north of Berne, and Joel K. Schwartz, of Fillmore, Calif., and three sisters, Mrs. Peter F. Mazelin, Port Trevorton, Pa., and Mrs. Abe Inniger and Mrs. David J. Mazelin both of Monroe Township. The husband, a son, four brothers, and a sister preceded her in death. Funeral and burial will be in Port Trevorton.
Adams County (IN) Historical Museum 1955 March-April 1958 Scrapbook, image 125
Contributed by Janice Vasiloski

GLORIA J. McDOWELL, 80, of Huntington, died Monday, March 26, 2007. Arrangements by McElhaney-Hart Funeral Home, 715 N. Jefferson St., Huntington.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers on 3/28/2007.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

CALVIN F. McNUTT, 83, of Rochester, Minn., died Sunday, March 25, 2007, at Seasons Hospice, in Rochester. He is survived by his wife, Eleanor McNutt of Rochester; five daughters, Gayle (Lawrence) Corbin of Fort Wayne, Mavis (Richard) Hedlund of North St. Paul., Minn., Jennie (Don) Grovdahl of Hayfield, Minn., Kim (Dan) Mohler of Rochester, Minn., and Kelly (Daniel) Peterson of Appleton, Wis.; two sons, Patrick (Linda) McNutt of Fort Wayne and Michael (Jennifer) McNutt of Lima, Ohio; 17 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and sister, Betty Lou (Gilbert) Nelson of Fort Wayne. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Hilary Reis; brother, William McNutt; sister, Marjorie Kammer; and five grandchildren. Funeral service is 11 a.m. Thursday at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes, Rochester, with visitation one hour prior. The Reverend Dan Mohler officiating. Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. today at the funeral home. Burial is Friday Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis, Minn. Memorials to Seasons Hospice or Lifesource.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers on 3/28/2007.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

GRANDSON OF LOCAL RESIDENT IS KILLED
Terry Mecklenburg, 24, a Bronson, Mich. resident and the grandson of Tony Bonfiglio, Anthony Meadows, Decatur, was killed in a freak accident involving a train near Sturgis, Mich. early Saturday afternoon. Surviving are the parents, William Mecklenburg and Rose Pauline Bonfiglio Mecklenburg, three sisters and one brother. Services will be held Tuesday morning.
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams County, Indiana; September 23, 1974
Contributed by JC

ROBERT EGAN MEYERS, 93, died Monday, March 26, 2007, at Fair Oak Assisted Living, in Pittsburg, Pa., with family at his side. Born in Decatur, he was a member of St. Vincent dePaul Catholic Church. He was the World War II Army veteran, served in General Patton's Third Army in the Judge Advocate General Corps. Returning from the war, he married Mary Richardine Smith in 1949. He served as the controller of the City of Fort Wayne until 1953 when he took over as Mayor after the death of Mayor Harry Baals. He served as Mayor from 1953 to 1959. He joined Barry Tremper in the practice of law in 1960, and the firm of Meyers and Tremper was formed, practiced law until 1973. In 1973, he was appointed by Governor Otis Bowen as Allen County Superior Court Judge for 12 years, retiring in 1985. He formed the first Family Court in Allen County. He was a life long member of Orchard Ridge Country Club and also the American Bar Association. He truly loved the City of Fort Wayne. Survivors include son, John R. Meyers; and grandchildren, Robert Egan Meyers II and Theresa Ann Meyers. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Richardine (Smith) Meyers. Mass of Christian Burial is 9:45 a.m. Friday at St. Vincent dePaul Catholic Church, 1502 E. Wallen Road, with calling from 9 to 9:45 a.m. Fr. John M. Kuzmich officiating. Calling also from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday at D.O. McComb & Sons Pine Valley Park Funeral Home, 1320 E. Dupont Road, with Vigil at 4 p.m. Thursday. Burial in Catholic Cemetery. Memorials to Bishop Dwenger High School.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers on 3/28/2007.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

Robert Edward Miller, 75, of Fort Myers, passed away Thursday, April 20, 1989. He was born in Garrett, Indiana, and moved to Fort Myers in 1946 from Tri-Lakes, Indiana. He was a retired tool and die maker and contractor and a member of the Masonic Lodge and the American Legion in Lehigh Acres. Bob leaves his wife of 53 years, Margaret; five daughters, Martha, Maryann, Dora, Elvera and Janet; a sister, Harriett Shaffer; and four grandchildren. The family will receive friends Saturday from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the funeral home. Funeral services will be conducted by Reverend James O'Bannon 2:00 p.m. Sunday in the Chapel of Memorial Gardens Funeral Home. Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, 1589 Colonial Boulevard is in charge of the arrangements.
Ft. Myers News-Press, Lee County, Florida; 22 Apr 1989
Contributed by Scott Bowmar; Transcribed by Mark Barnhart

Handwritten-Wed. Feb. 6, 1957
Former Geneva Food Merchant Succumbs in Car - John H. Moore, 50, Dies in Ft. Wayne; Rites Friday
John H. Moore, 50, who operated Moore's Home Store in Geneva for many years until forced to retire last November because of ill health, died in his automobile in Fort Wayne late Monday. Mr. Moore had driven to Fort Wayne on business and was found dead in his car at 6:00 p.m. The car was parked in the 200 block of West Baker Street and the body was found by police. He had apparently been dead for some time. Death was attributed to a heart attack. Mr. Moore suffered an attack last November and had to quit his business. He sold the store and had not worked since. However, his condition had been thought improved and he was up and around. Mr. Moore was a member of Geneva Methodist Church, the Lions Club, the Masonic Lodge and the Scottish Rite at Fort Wayne. He was born July 10, 1906, at Francisville, the son of Rev. and Mrs. Carson (Rhoderick) Moore, both of whom died when John was very young. He was raised by his step-mother, Mary Alice Castle Moore, in Fort Wayne. He lived in Ft. Wayne until 1940 when he moved to Geneva. Surviving are the widow, Erma, who has been employed at the Equity Meat market in Berne; a son, Glenn, of Geneva, who was associated with his father in business and is now employed by the Pennsylvania Railroad; three grandchildren; three sisters, Mrs. C.O. Kramer, Three Oaks, Mich.; Mrs. Wesley Russell, Arizona and Mrs. William Malcom, Francisville and a half-brother, Howard Moore, Waukegan, Illinois. The body is at the Hardy and Hardy Funeral Home in Geneva where services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday with Rev. Harold Schram, pastor of the Methodist Church officiating. Burial will be in Prairie Grove Cemetery near Waynedale.
Adams County (IN) Historical Museum 1955 March-April 1958 Scrapbook, image 88
Contributed by Janice Vasiloski

JAMES MORENO, 54, of Fort Wayne, died Sunday, March 25, 2007. Arrangements by D.O. McComb & Sons Covington Knolls Funeral Home, 8325 Covington Road.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers on 3/28/2007.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

VIRGINIA R. MURNANE, 85, passed away Friday, March 23, 2007, at Grace House, Estacada, Ore. Born Feb. 28, 1922, she was the daughter of the late Chester W. and Ruth M. (Doyle) Keen. She resided in Fort Wayne until March of 2000. She attended Central Catholic High School and was employed at Magnavox for over 25 years. Survivors include a daughter, Marilyn Ruth Pickhard of Lake Oswego, Ore.; son, Michael Joseph of Van Wert, Ohio; four grandchildren, Erin (Kim) Rosenstein of Idaho, Eric Pickhard of Estacada, Daniel (Jenny) Murnane of Kansas, and Kelly (Todd) Kutella of Nevada; and three great-grandchildren. Private Services will be held in Estacada, Ore. and South Bend, Ind.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers on 3/28/2007.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

Handwritten-Feb. 4, 1957
FIRST H. S. ENGLISH TEACHER HERE DIES - MRS. LILA MYERS, 85, DIES SUNDAY AT UNION CITY
Union City, Feb. 3-Mrs. Lila Myers, 85, widow of Dr. George H. Myers, who served a number of Methodist churches in Northeastern Indiana prior to his death in 1948, died about 2 p.m. Sunday in Memorial Hospital here. She had been hospitalized since Friday and had been in failing health several months. Mrs. Myers was born at Decatur and was Berne High School's first English teacher. While residing in Berne she made her home with the late Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Lehman. Her husband served pastorates near Anderson and in Gaston, Fortville, Upland, Butler Montpelier, Muncie, Logansport, Redkey and Goshen before retiring in 1941 and moving to Union City. Following his retirement he served four churches, Bartonia, Mt. Zion. Whitewater and Middleboro, near Union City. Mrs. Myers was a member of the First Methodist Church here, the various organizations of the church, Ticknor Club and Cecillian Music Club. Surviving are two daughters, Mrs. Donald Turner, Union City, and Mrs. Jesse Allen, Altoona, Fla., and two grandsons. The body, at the Fraze & Timmons Funeral Home, will be returned to the residence, where friends may call after 7 p.m. today. Services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Wednesday in the First Methodist Church. Dr. Burl Bechdolt of Union City will officiate, assisted by Dr. E. E. Kaufman, Muncie, and the Rev. E.O. Kegerreis, pastor of the church. Burial will be in Union City Cemetery [Randolph County, Indiana].
Adams County (IN) Historical Museum 1955 March-April 1958 Scrapbook, image 88
Contributed by Janice Vasiloski

MILTON J. MYERS, 88, of Auburn, died Wednesday, March 28, 2007. Arrangements by Feller & Clark Funeral Home, Auburn.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers on 3/29/2007.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

L. B. NEELEY, 78, of Waterloo, died Tuesday, March 27, 2007. Arrangements by Feller Funeral Home, Waterloo.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers on 3/29/2007.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

Handwritten-Mon. Feb. 25, 1957
Harry Offutt Dies AT Fort Wayne Home - Indiana Engineering Firm Founder Dies
Harry C. Offutt, 75, founder and former president of the Indiana Engineering and Construction Co., died at 12:40 p.m. Sunday at his home, 822, West Wildwood Ave., Fort Wayne. He retired after becoming ill six years ago. Mr. Offutt was well known in Decatur, having supervised most of his firm's construction work for the Central Soya Co. and McMillen Feed Mills in this city. He organized Indiana Engineering in 1910, and served at different times as president, treasurer and general manger. He pioneered the use of reinforced concrete and built the first building with it in Fort Wayne, the Pettit storage warehouse. Mr. Offutt was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, Masonic Lodge, Scottish Rite, Mizpah Shrine Temple, and the Izaak Walton League. Surviving are his wife, Jane; one son, Harry C. Offutt, Jr., Vero Beach, Fla.; five grandchildren and three brothers, John, Will and Tom Offutt, all of New Castle, Pa. Funeral services will be conducted at 3 p.m. Wednesday at the Klaehn Funeral Home, Dr. John Meister officiating. Burial will be in Lindenwood Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home after 7 o'clock this morning.
Adams County (IN) Historical Museum 1955 March-April 1958 Scrapbook, image 88
Contributed by Janice Vasiloski

DARRYL JAY OWEN, infant son of Joseph Stover and Tricia Trowbridge of Albion, was stillborn Saturday, March 24, 2007. Arrangements by Young Family Funeral Home, 222 S. State St., Kendallville.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers on 3/28/2007.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

DOROTHY A. POST, 79, of Auburn, passed away Saturday, March 24, 2007, at Betz Nursing Home, Auburn. Born April 30, 1927, at Methodist Hospital, Hattiesburg, Miss., she was the daughter of Malcolm Osten and Heland Irving Dougall. She received a BAE degree from the University of Mississippi in 1948 and a MS degree from the University of Illinois in 1966. She was a 60 year member of Alpha Psi of Delta Gamma Social Fraternity and Tau Kappa Alpha Honorary Forensic Fraternity. On Dec. 1, 1973, she married Paul Emil Post; he survives in Auburn. Also surviving are three stepchildren, Darrell (Marilyn) Post of Churubusco, Ken (Diane) Post of Fort Wayne and Paula Post (Tom Hutton) of North Carolina; six grandchildren, Randy (Tricia) Post, Adam (Michelle) Post, Chad Post, Kurt (Faith) Post, Kara Post, Katie Post (David Pranger); and three great-grandchildren, Matthias Post, Maria Post and Mikaela Post. Private family service was 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 27, 2007, at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Auburn, with Father Mark Gurtner Officiating. Burial in Woodlawn Cemetery, Auburn. Arrangements by Feller & Clark Funeral Home, Auburn.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers on 3/28/2007.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

MICHAEL W. RAMSEY, 61, of Canton, Mich., formerly of Fort Wayne, died Sunday, March 25, 2007. He was the beloved husband of Virginia;dear father of Shannon (Jeff) Johnson and Abby Samolin; and loving grandfather of Tanner Samolin and Madison Johnson. Funeral is 4 p.m. Wednesday at Uht Funeral Home, 35400 Glenwood Road, Westland, Mich. Family will receive friends from 1 to 4 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Family requests memorials to Angela Hospice. Please visit and sign a tribute at www.uhtfuneralhome.com.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers on 3/28/2007.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

Handwritten-Sat. Sept. 21, 1957
Harry C. Reed Dies Friday Afternoon - Funeral Services Monday Afternoon
Harry C. Reed, 80, well known Decatur man and retired printer, died at 3 o'clock Friday afternoon at the Veterans Hospital in Fort Wayne following a long illness of complications. He had been hospitalized for seven months. He was born at Dunkirk April 12, 1877, a son of E. T. and Margaret Reed, and was married to Blanche Nicholas March 9, 1900. Mrs. Reed died 30 years ago. Mr. Reed enlisted in the 160th Indiana volunteer regiment April 26, 1898, and was bugler and recruiting officer for Company F. during the Spanish-American War. He made his home in Decatur with a sister, Mrs. Nina Winnes, 604 Short Street. Surviving in addition to Mrs. Winnes is another sister, Mrs. Ella Ward of Sanford, Fla. One son, two brothers and one sister preceded him in death. Funeral services will conducted at 2 p.m. Monday at the Black Funeral Home, with burial in Woodlawn Cemetery at Montpelier. The American Legion will conduct services at the grave. Friends may call at the funeral home after 4 p.m. Sunday until time of the services.
Adams County (IN) Historical Museum 1955 March-April 1958 Scrapbook, image 122-123
Contributed by Janice Vasiloski

Handwritten-Fri. Aug. 9, 1957
Walter D. Roth, 53, owner of the Consumer's Pipe and Supply Co. in Fort Wayne, died Wednesday in Parkview Memorial Hospital in Fort Wayne. He was a member of Grace Lutheran Church. Services will be conducted at 1:30 p.m. Saturday in the D. O. McComb & Son Funeral Home, where friends may call. The Rev. F. H. Holtmeyer will officiate and burial will be in Greenlawn Memorial Park. (missing) daughters, Mary, at home, Mrs. Donald Hess, Fort Wayne, and Mrs. Herbert Slentz, Auburn; four brothers, Vilas, Edward and Dale, all of Fort Wayne, and Harry, Bluffton; seven sisters, Mrs. Martin Walchle, Preble; Mrs. Melvin Walchle, Bryan, Ohio; Mrs. Gerald Liby, Fort Wayne; Mrs. Alva Smith, Mrs. Aaron Gerber and Mrs. Dennis Lantz, all of Bluffton, and Mrs. Everett Rich, Berne, and three grandchildren.
Adams County (IN) Historical Museum 1955 March-April 1958 Scrapbook, image 119
Contributed by Janice Vasiloski

Handwritten-Mon. Aug. 12, 1957
FUNERAL TODAY FOR HOWARD SHAFF, 86 - RETIRED FARMER DIES SATURDAY AT COUNTY HOSPITAL
Howard Shaff, 86, whose home was approximately six miles southeast of Monroe, died at 2:10 p.m. Saturday in the Adams County Memorial Hospital, Decatur. He had been taken to the hospital Saturday morning from the Berne Nursing Home, where he had been the past year. Mr. Shaff, a retired farmer, had been in failing health two years. He was born in Urbana, Ill., and had resided in this community since 1932. Surviving are three daughters, the Misses Erma and Dorothy Shaff, Los Angeles, Calif., and Mrs. Charles Brunstrup, R.R. 6, Decatur; two sons, Merle Shaff, El Segundo, Calif., and Leland Shaff, Phoenix, Ariz.; two sisters, Mrs. Minnie Bratton, Frankfort, and Mrs. Lena Leming, Urbana, Ill., and five grandchildren. His wife, Iva, died in 1922. Services were conducted at 2:00 p.m. today in the Zwick Funeral Home in Decatur, the Rev. Elwood Botkins officiating. Burial was in the Mt. Olive Cemetery, Mayville, Ill.
Adams County (IN) Historical Museum 1955 March-April 1958 Scrapbook, image 117
Contributed by Janice Vasiloski

Founder of Sheets Corporation Dies
Funeral services for Harcourt Sheets, 761 of Route 3, Angols, founder of the Sheets Oil & Gas Corporation of Angola, were held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, June 8, in the Weicht Funeral Home, Angola, with Dr. J. Glenn Radcliffe officiating. Interment followed in Circle Hill Cemetery. Masonic rites were conducted at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday followed by calling at the funeral home until 9 p.m. Preferred memorials are donations to the Shrine Crippled Childrens Hospital and Burns Institute or to the Elks Memorial Fund. Sheets died at 11:50 p.m. Monday, June 5, in Parkview Memorial Hospital, Fort Wayne. He was born January 24, 1902, at Angola, the son of Charles and Emma (Longabaugh) Sheets. He was a descendant of a pioneer family with his grandfather establishing a homestead just south of Angola in 1860. At the age of 20, Harcourt established his own business-a gas distributorship and operated under the name of Sheets Oil Company. He started with a bulk plant located on a railroad siding south of the depot and an office in his own home. Sheets became a "jack of all trades" taking order and making his own deliveries in a Model T truck with a 300-gallon capacity. Today that office has given way to a plant located at 637 North Wayne Street in Angola. In the early days of the business, the firm sold mostly kerosene and gasoline used in lamps and oil stoves among other things. In the mid 1920's the firm became the first in the county to sell fuel oil for home heating. The first gas station Sheets owned was located at 210 North Wayne. The corporation now markets products in Northeastern Indiana and Southern Michigan. The firm grew to a family affair with sons, Charles and William, involved. The original company became a corporation in 1949 with Harcourt as president and he served in this capacity for many years before relinquishing the duties to his son, Charles, with William being named secretary-treasurer. However, Sheets remained active with the corporation as vice president until his death. The 50th anniversary of the firm was observed with a dinner party at Captain's Cabin on August 30, 1972, at which time Harcourt was presented with letters of congratulations from Robert Kurland and C. M. Morrison, executives of the Phillips Petroleum Company. Sheets was united in marriage to Elsta Moudy on March 17, 1924. She survives along with the two sons, Charles and William Sheets, both of Angola, and four grandchildren. The sheets family purchased the Steuben County Fairgrounds in 1937. They erected a home there in 1939 and have maintained their residence at that location since then. He was the founder of Angola Distributors Inc. and a member of the Angola Congregational Church, Rotary Club, Loyal Order of Moose, and a charter member of the Benevolent Order of Elks No. 2398. He also was a member of Masonic Lodge F&AM No. 236, York Rite bodies; Fort Wayne Valley, Scottish Rite; Mizpah Shrine and Royal Order of Jesters, Court No. 27, of Fort Wayne, and was a past president of Pokagon Shrine Club.
Steuben Republican, Steuben County, Indiana; 7 Jun 1978
Contributed by Scott Bowmar; Transcribed by Mark Barnhart

Man takes own life
Harry Daniel Smith II, 47, of 927 Dierkes street, quality control supervisor at the Decatur General Electric Co., shot himself in the chest with a .22 caliber pistol at 8 a.m. this morning, and died 15 minutes later at the Adams county memorial hospital. The shooting took place in the bedroom of his home, according to Tom Sefton, Adams county coroner. It was reported that Mr. Smith had been despondent since he was injured in a motorcycle accident on July 28 near Peru. He had been off work since the mishap. He joined the Fort Wayne GE in February of 1969, and was named quality control supervisor at the Decatur GE plant on March 27, 1970. Mr. Smith served his country with the U.S. Army from 1946 to 1953, and was a member of the Decatur Elks Lodge.
Gary Native. He was born in Gary on June 20, 1927, the son of Harry Daniel and Mildred Moore-Smith, and his mother resides in Monticello. Also surviving are two children, Miss Pamela Gayle Smith, and Harry Daniel Smith III, both of Indianapolis; and two sisters, Mrs. Barbara Hinteman of Monticello, and Mrs. JoAnn Sharkey of Wolcott. Private funeral services will be held Monday at 10:30 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Monticello, with Rev. Robert Ross officiating. Burial will be in the Riverview cemetery, Monticello.
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams County, Indiana, September 20, 1974
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski

THELMA A. SNYDER, 92, of Powhatan, Va., formerly of Fort Wayne, went to be with her Lord, Sunday, March 25, 2007, at her daughter's residence. Born July 20, 1914, in Crawford, W. Va., she was a member of Mount Pisgah United Methodist Church, Midlothian, Va. and former member of St. Joseph United Methodist Church. Survived by her daughter, Louthora Hope (Joseph) Presho of Powhatan, Va.; 20 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; 11 great-great-grandchildren; and her brother, Dencil Strader of Crawford, W. Va. She was preceded in death by her husband, Myron, in 1998; and her daughter, Betty Ann Emerick. Service is 11 a.m. Friday at St. Joseph United Methodist Church, 6004 Reed Road, Fort Wayne, Ind., with calling one hour prior to service. Calling is also from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Hockemeyer & Miller Funeral Home, 6131 St. Joe Road, Fort Wayne. Burial at Highland Park Cemetery, Fort Wayne. Memorials to Odyssey Health Care & Hospice, 2810 N. Parham Road, Suite 150, Richmond, Va., 23294.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers on 3/29/2007.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

Handwritten-Wed. Feb. 6, 1957
Brother of W. W. Spies Taken by Death
Edwin J. Spies, 68, railroad telegrapher and a Colon, Michigan resident since 1940, died Sunday in Memorial Hospital, Sturgis, Mich. He had been ill six months. Services were held today at Franklin, Ohio. Surviving are the widow, a son, Doyle, of Colon, two grandchildren, a sister and two brothers, including W. E. Spies of Berne.
Adams County (IN) Historical Museum 1955 March-April 1958 Scrapbook, image 85
Contributed by Janice Vasiloski

Handwritten-Wed. Oct. 30, 1957
PHILIP STRABEL, 77, DIES EARLY TUESDAY - RITES THURSDAY FOR FATHER OF MRS. RAYMOND FICKERT
Philip Strabel, 77, R.R. 1, Rockford, Ohio, died Tuesday morning at 3 o'clock in the Adams County memorial Hospital at Decatur. He had been ill a week and was a patient in the hospital for one day. He was a retired farmer and had lived in Celina, Ohio, for nine years, until four years ago, when he and Mrs. Strabel began living with their children. Born in Liberty Township, Mercer County, Ohio, he was the son of John and Caroline Deitsch Strabel. His wife Mary Brehm Strabel survives together with two daughters, Mrs. Raymond Fickert of R. R. 1, Berne; Mrs. Clarence Donovan of R. R. 1, Rockford with whom he and his wife were living; eight grandchildren, a brother, Edward Strabel of Celina and a sister, Mrs. Katherine Hudson of Wichita, Kansas. He was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Liberty Township. Funeral rites are planned for Thursday at 2 p.m. in Vale's Funeral Home at 2:30 p.m. in the church at Celina to which he belonged. The Rev. Henry Giese will officiate and burial will be made in the church cemetery. [Saint Pauls Lutheran Church Cemetery, Chattanooga, Mercer County, Ohio]
Adams County (IN) Historical Museum 1955 March-April 1958 Scrapbook, image 128
Contributed by Janice Vasiloski

Ray T. Swank, 73, of 808 34th St., was found dead Tuesday in his home. Mr. Swank was a retired schoolteacher, having taught 50 years at Nuner Elementary School. Born May 19, 1901, in Allen County he had lived here most of this life. On Mary 11, 1929, in DeKalb County, he married Thelma Dawson, who survives. Also surviving are two daughters, Mrs. Mary Lou Minkoff of Lafayette and Mrs. Barbara Sellers of Battle Creek, Mich., and five grandchildren. The Hollis Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
South Bend Tribune, St. Joseph County, Indiana; 24 Jul 1974
Contributed by Scott Bowmar; Transcribed by Mark Barnhart

Services for Thelma L. Swank, 83, of Lafayette, Ind., formerly of South Bend, who died at 5:15 p.m. Saturday in Home Hospital, Lafayette, were to have been at 11 a.m. today in Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer, South Bend. Burial will be in St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park, Granger. Hollis-Orvis-Palmer Funeral Home, 2528 Mishawaka Ave., was in charge of arrangements. Mrs. Swank was a former librarian at Mishawaka Public Library for 28 years. She was born Dec. 4, 1905, in DeKalb County, Ind., and had lived in DeKalb County until 1929, and in South Bend until 1982, moving to Lafayette. On May 11, 1929, in DeKalb County, she married Ray T. Swank. He died July 23, 1974. She is survived by two daughters, Mary Lou Minkoff of Lafayette and Barbara Sellers of Battle Creek, Mich.; five grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. She was a member of the church and Indiana State Teachers Association.
South Bend Tribune, St. Joseph County, Indiana; 14 Mar 1989
Contributed by Scott Bowmar; Transcribed by Mark Barnhart

RICHARD C. THOMAS, 75, of Findlay, Ohio, passed away Saturday, March 24, 2007, at Fox Run Manor. Born Nov. 13, 1931, in McComb, Ohio, he was the son of the late Wilber L. Thomas and Ruth (Houck) Riker. He married Marlene E. Harding on Feb. 10, 1954, in Fort Wayne; she survives. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army as a Corporal in the Korean War, where he received the Combat Infantry Badge, the army commendation medal, the Korean service medal with two battle stars, the United Nation service medal, and the National Defense service medal. He worked at Home Heating for 20 years, Centrex for 26 1/2 years and the Findlay Village Mall for seve years. He was a member of the Korean War Veterans, V.F.W., D.A.V., Fostoria Golden Eagles Motorcycle Club, and was a former member of the Moose. "A special thanks to the staff at Fox Run Manor for your kindness and support." Also surviving are his two sons, Richard L. (Virginia) and William A. Thomas; three grandchildren, Jami L. (Gary) Rush, Ryan L. (Heather) and Charles A. Thomas; two great-grandchildren, Brandon Rush and Zoe Thomas; sisters, Karen (Roger) Richie and Lavone (Larry) Neeley, both of Fort Wayne; and brothers, Charles (Eileen) Riker and Dallas (Joan) Riker, both of Port Richey, Fla. He was also preceded in death by his stepmother, Leyoda Thomas Leaville; and sister, Marilyn Thomas Riker. Religious service and burial is 1 p.m. Friday at Maple Grove Cemetery, with The Hancock County Veterans Memorial Squad performing military rites. Visitation is from 11 a.m to 2 p.m. and 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Routson Funeral Chapel, Findlay, Ohio. Memorial contributions to Alzheimer's Association of Northwest-Ohio or American Heart Association.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers on 3/28/2007.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

Handwritten-Mon. Dec. 30, 1957
Sister Of Mrs. Alfred Ryf Dies At Chicago
Mrs. Charles Townsend, the former Ethel Barkalow, died at the home of her son Wayne in Chicago on Saturday. Burial will be on New Years' day in Lawrenceville, Ill. Survivors include a brother, Walter Barkalow, Three Rivers, Michigan and two sisters, Mrs. Alfred Ryf of Berne and Mrs. Lewis Burris of Lake Worth, Florida. The Barkalow family lived east of Berne many years ago. Mrs. Ryf will not be able to attend the funeral because of poor health but Mr. and Mrs. Herman Ryf and Roland ?? left this morning for Chicago. [Lawrenceville City Cemetery, Lawrenceville, Lawrence County, Illinois]
Adams County (IN) Historical Museum 1955 March-April 1958 Scrapbook, image 127
Contributed by Janice Vasiloski

RUTH E. TRACY, 72, of Yankeetown, Fla., formerly of Leo, died at 6 p.m. EDT (5 p.m. Fort Wayne time) Tuesday at Candler General Hospital, Savannah, Ga. A native of Auburn, Mrs. Tracy lived in Leo 10 years. Surviving are her husband, Russell; two daughters, Sharon Smith, of Rockledge, Fla., and Violet Kinney, of Waterloo; two brothers, Ivan Strong, of Leo, and Carl Strong, of Fort Wayne; one sister, Vada Carper, of Waterloo; and 10 grandchildren. Services at 2 p.m. Saturday at D.O. McComb & Sons Funeral Home, Auburn, with calling from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. today. Burial in Woodlawn Cemetery, Auburn.
Journal Gazette, Allen County, Indiana; 13 Jun 1986
Contributed by Scott Bowmar; Transcribed by Mark Barnhart

DOROTHY L. TRAVIS, 74, died at 9 p.m. Saturday in Parkview Memorial Hospital. Mrs. Travis, an Auburn native, lived in Fort Wayne about 40 years. Her husband, James M., died in 1977. Surviving are two sons, Lee, of Fort Wayne, and Joe, of Kendallville; a sister, Audra Lee, of Fort Wayne; and nine grandchildren. Private services Tuesday. No calling. Arrangements by Elzey-Dickey-Haggard Home for Funerals, 6810 Old Trail Road. Burial in Cedar Chapel Cemetery, Garrett.
Journal Gazette, Allen County, Indiana; 2 Jun 1986
Contributed by Scott Bowmar; Transcribed by Mark Barnhart

SANTOS F. TREVINO, 28, of Auburn, died Wednesday, March 21, 2007. Memorial service is 10 a.m. Saturday at Auburn Babtist Church, 500 W. Ensly Road, Auburn.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers on 3/28/2007.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

Ralph H. Vallance, 52, son of Mrs. N. F. Waterman, 321 Jefferson, died at 9 a.m. Wednesday in Evangelical Lutheran hospital, Chicago, following an emergency operation. He was born in Goshen May 24, 1896. His father was the late Fred Vallance. Surviving besides his mother, the former Lula M. Hazel, are 2 daughters, Miss Dorothy Ann Vallance of California and Mrs. Victor Dunn of Waterloo, Iowa, and a son, William Vallance serving with the armed forces in the Philippines. Mr. Vallance had lived in Elkhart until moving to West Virginia 14 years ago. Friends may call at the White Funeral home after 7 tonight. Services will be held there at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, in charge of the Rev. Dr. Anthony Meengs. Burial will be in Oak Ridge cemetery at Goshen.
Elkhart Truth, Elkhart County, Indiana; 17 Sep 1948
Contributed by Scott Bowmar; Transcribed by Mark Barnhart

Caroline "Callie" VanAuken, 81, died at 9:40 p.m. Saturday at the Betz Nursing Home after a five year illness. A lifetime rural Auburn resident, she was born Oct. 6, 1894 to Frank and Margaret (Walker) Boren. Married Oct. 3, 1913 to Wayne T. VanAuken, a surveyor, he died Oct. 6, 1970. One brother, Robert C. Boren, 906 Ensley Ave., Auburn, survives. Two brothers and two sisters preceded her in death. Services will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday in the Dilgard and Cline Funeral Home, Auburn. Rev. Carl Wirey will officiate. Calling will be after 3 p.m. today. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery.
Evening Star, DeKalb County, Indiana; 20 Oct 1975
Contributed by Scott Bowmar; Transcribed by Mark Barnhart

AUBURN --- A retired, longtime DeKalb County surveyor, Wayne Van Auken, died this morning of injuries suffered in a two-car crash near his County Road 43 home and State Road 8 at 5:30 p.m. Monday. Mr. Van Auken, 82, was taken to DeKalb Memorial Hospital with six broken ribs and a cut forehead immediately after the accident and died at 7:15 a.m. today. DeKalb County Sheriff's men and Indiana State Police said Mr. Van Auken pulled onto State Road 8 into the path of a westbound car driven by Gary K. Norton, 23, Rt. 1, Auburn, and Norton's car struck the Van Auken auto on the passenger side. Norton was admitted to DeKalb in a state of shock and suffered chest pain and facial bruises and scrapes. He was dismissed from the hospital today. Officers estimated damage to Norton's 1970 Oldsmobile at $1,500 and to the Van Auken 1962 Chrysler at $550. Mr. Van Auken was born to Calvin and Anna Van Auken at Pleasant Lake Sept. 20, 1888. He married Callie Boren in Auburn, Oct. 3, 1913. The couple lived on Rt. 1, Auburn for 40 years. Mr. and Mrs. Van Auken were married during DeKalb County Free Fall Fair 57 years ago. The story of the wedding and the Fair was printed in The Evening Star Saturday, on the couple's anniversary. Surviving are his wife and a brother, Cleave Van Auken, Bakersfield, Calif. A brother and five sisters preceded him in death. Mr. Van Auken was a retired farmer and civil engineer. He was a member of the Knights of Pythias Lodge here. Funeral services will be at Dilgard and Cline Funeral Home at 2 p.m. Thursday, with the Rev. Carl Wirey, retired Methodist minister, officiating. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery, Auburn. Friend may call at the funeral after 11 a.m. Wednesday. Mr. Van Auken's death raised the 1970 DeKalb County traffic toll to 14 dead. The Sheriff's Department reports 13 traffic deaths and Auburn Police Department the 14th. Indiana's 1970 traffic fatality toll today increased to 1,175 compared to 1,213 a year ago. Daniel K. Haley, 19, Wabash, was killed early today when a car in which he was riding, driven by Daniel F. Ford, 18, Wabash, swerved out of control from a Wabash County road two miles east of Indiana 13 and hit an embankment. Hawley was thrown out and crushed beneath the car. Ford was hurt slightly. Investigators said the car was speeding. Frederic C. Stephan, 60, Noblesville, died Monday night in an Indianapolis hospital from injuries suffered in a Sept. 21 one-car wreck on Interstate 465 at the edge of Indianapolis. State police said Jesse Marlin, 76, Niles, Mich., died of injuries suffered in a Sept. 28. One other person was killed in the car-truck collision on U.S. 31 near Peru. Richard Fitzgerald, 12, Westville, died Sunday at a hospital in Chicago. He was fatally injured when struck by a car while riding his bicycle on U.S. 6 about six miles northeast of Valparaiso Saturday. The boy's death raised the weekend toll to 19.
Evening Star, DeKalb County, Indiana; 6 Oct 1970
Contributed by Scott Bowmar; Transcribed by Mark Barnhart

PLEASANT LAKE: Willis L. Vogtman, 75, died at 7:20 p.m. Wednesday at Parkview Memorial Hospital, Fort Wayne. He retired from Moore's Business Forms, Angola, in 1976 after 15 years. He was a World War II Army veteran. Surviving are his wife, Martha; a daughter, Linda Boger of Auburn; a sister, Evelyn McClish, of LaGrange; and three grandchildren. Services at 1 p.m. Saturday at Feller Funeral Home, Waterloo. Calling from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. today. Burial in Woodlawn Cemetery, Auburn. Memorials to Auburn American Legion firing squad.
Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, Allen County, Indiana; 19 Jan 1990
Contributed by Scott Bowmar; Transcribed by Mark Barnhart

REVEREND ROY F. WALKER, 98, of Winona Lake, died Tuesday, March 27, 2007. Arrangements by Titus Funeral Home, Warsaw.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers on 3/28/2007.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

VELMA L. WALKER, 93, of Columbia City, died Monday, March 26, 2007. Arrangements by Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers on 3/28/2007.
VELMA L. WALKER, 93, of Columbia City, died Monday, March 26, 2007. Survived by her sons, Monroe (Linda) Walker of England and Stanley (Nell) Walker of Cincinnati, Ohio; and daughter, Bonnie Hessler of Charlotte, N.C. She was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Willard M. Walker, on March 16, 1995. Service is 2 p.m. Friday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. Visitation is from 4 to 7 p.m. today at the funeral home. Burial in Blue River Cemetery. Memorials to Thorncreek Bethel Church of God. Condolences to www.smithandsonsfuneralhome.com.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers on 3/29/2007.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

ERMINE WALL, 51, IS FOUND DEAD IN CORN CRIB - Funeral at New Corydon Tuesday for Victim of Suicide
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday at the New Corydon Lutheran Church of Ermine Samuel Wall, 51, who ended his life by hanging early Saturday morning in a corncrib at his home southeast of Raber, in Jefferson Township, Whitley County. The Wall family moved to Whitley County seven years ago from east of Geneva. Wall's body was found about 7:00 o'clock Saturday morning by his son, Ralph, who resides at the home. He had been seen alive by his wife at 5:30 and the family had no itimation of the impending tragedy. Mr. Wall had been in failing health for two years and it is believed that he became despondent. Dr. Otto F. Lehmberg, Whitley County coroner, said he would return a verdict of suicide. Mr. Wall was born March 16, 1897, in Jay County. He was the son of Amos and Blanche Klevenger Wall. He spent all of his life east of Geneva, in the New Corydon community before moving to Whitley County. He was a member of the New Corydon Lutheran Church. He was married December 16, 1918 to Nora Miller of Geneva. She is a sister of Homer Miller of southeast of Berne. One of Mr. Wall's sons, Howard, left home Friday night on a trip west to visit with some Army buddies. He had not been located at a late hour Sunday. Police have been looking for him and appeals have been made over the radio. Surviving are the wife, Nora; two sons, Ralph and Howard, at home; five brothers, Emerson, George and Amos of Fort Wayne, John, Geneva, and Benjamin, Hartford City, and two sisters, Mrs. Glee Bennett, Columbus, O., and Mrs. Grace Saxman, Portland. Prayer services will be conducted at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday at the residence, after which the body will be taken to the church at New Corydon for services at 2 o'clock, the Rev. Marion R. (cut off).
Unknown source, Randolph County, Indiana; July 12, 1948
Contributed by JC

Eliza A. Walter, 91, died Friday at 7 a.m. at the Meadowhaven Nursing Home, Butler. She had been a patient there for three years. She was a homemaker who lived in the Newville area since 1942. She was born Nov. 25, 1896 in Payne, Ohio to Frank and Harriett (Densel) Foreman. Following her first husband's untimely death, she married Grover Walter in 1942. He preceded her in death Sept. 23, 1976. Surviving are stepson's Ford and Howard Walter, both of Auburn, Frank Walter, Hamilton, and Marion Walter, St. Joe; step-daughters, Helen Wunberlin and Ruth Stoub _____ of Auburn; grandsons Robert Guy, Ashley andDonald Guy, Butler and granddaughters Barbara Brown, Detroit, and Donna Berndt, New Jersey. Friends may call today from 3-5 and 7-9 p.m. at Johnson Funeral Home, Butler. Funeral services will be Sunday at 2 p.m. in the funeral home. Burial will be in the Riverview Cemetery, Newville.
Evening Star, DeKalb County, Indiana; 30 Jul 1988
Contributed by Scott Bowmar; Transcribed by Mark Barnhart

Handwritten-Fri. Aug. 30, 1957
Wilmer Warthman Victim Of Death - Heart Attack Is Cause Of Death
Wilmer Warthman, 67, a retired farmer residing on Route 1, Craigville, died suddenly at 1:15 a.m. today, at his home. He had been slightly ill a week, and death was attributed to a coronary occlusion. A son of Charles and Emma Abbott Warthman, he was born in Wells County, June 20, 1890. He was married to the former Anna Yake, who survives, and was a member of the Calvary Evangelical United Brethren Church at Craigville. Surviving besides the widow, Anna, are five daughters, Mrs. Welma Reed, Craigville, Mrs. Louella McAhren, Libertyville, Ill.; Mrs. Ernest Huffman, Swanton, Ohio, Mrs. Edna Everett, Decatur, and Donabelle Warthman, at home; four sons, Harold and Paul Warthman, of Decatur, Donald and Dale Warthman, at home; three brothers, Chancy Warthman of Bluffton, and John and Ford Warthman, of Fort Wayne; three sisters, Mrs. Martin Gahmer of Craigville, Mrs. Ernest Sells and Mrs. Herman Mahler, of Fort Wayne and 11 grandchildren. Funeral services will be conducted at 1:30 p.m. Sunday at Black's Funeral Home and at 2 p.m. at the Craigville E.U.B. Church with Rev. Fred Pfluh officiating. Burial will be in the Oakland Cemetery. Friends may call at Black's Funeral Home after 7 o'clock this evening.
Adams County (IN) Historical Museum 1955 March-April 1958 Scrapbook, image 121
Contributed by Janice Vasiloski

EDNELL WILLIAMS, 94, of Fort Wayne, passed away peacefully Wednesday, March 28, 2007. Born in Fort Wayne, she was the only child of Edward C., a prominent business man and Nellie Miller. She was a graduate of North Side High School, class of 1930, and attended the University Of Illinois School Of Journalism. She was a lifelong member of the Alpha Xi Delta Sorority. "She was a loving wife and mother." Survived by her sons, John E. (Peggy) Williams Jr., Stephen M. (Ruth Ann) and Geoffry T (Manelle); 12 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, John E. Williams Sr., an attorney. Graveside service and internment is 11 a.m. Friday at Lindenwood Cemetery, Fort Wayne, very near the Main Street entrance. Memorials to Visiting Nurse & Hospice Home. Arrangements by Klaehn, Fahl & Melton Funeral Home.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers on 3/29/2007.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

MARK L. WORKMAN, 46, of Fort Wayne, died Friday, March 23, 2007, at St. Joseph Hospital. He was born on Jan. 31, 1961, in Fort Wayne. Surviving are his daughter, Monica Duvalon of Fort Wayne; and sister, Melissa Joker of Fort Wayne. Funeral service is 4 p.m. Thursday at Klaehn, Fahl & Melton Funeral Home, Wayne Street Chapel, 420 W. Wayne St., with calling one hour prior. The Rev. Paul Demaree. Preferred memorials to Monica's Education Fund or ASK Ministries Health Clinic.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers on 3/28/2007.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

ROBERT A. WRIGHT, 60, of Bluffton, died Sunday, March 25, 2007. Arrangements by Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home, 520 N. 2nd St., Decatur.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers on 3/28/2007.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

ROSE E. YENTES, 80, of Huntington, died Wednesday, March 28, 2007, at her home. Service is 10 a.m. Saturday at Ss. Peter & Paul Catholic Church. Calling is from 2 to 8 p.m. Friday at Bailey-Love Mortuary. Complete obituary and condolences at www.baileylove.com.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers on 3/28/2007.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

PAMELA S. ZENTZ, 61, of Butler, died Monday, March 26, 2007. Arrangements by H.E. Johnson & Son Funeral HOme, 212 N. Broadway, Butler.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers on 3/28/2007.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

GEORGE R. "DICK" YENSER, 72, of Haviland, Ohio, died Sunday, March 25, 2007. Arrangements by Den Herder Funeral Home, 1000 W. Wayne St., Paulding, Ohio.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers on 3/28/2007.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

MICHAEL YODER, 43, of Butler, died Sunday, March 25, 2007, at his home. Born in Portland, he worked at People-link, Auburn. He was a handyman who enjoyed fishing. Survivors include wife, Teresa Koehl Yoder of Butler; sons, Jeremy (April) Busche of Rush-ville, Jason Wilt and Eric Yoder, both of Fort Wayne; daughter, Berta Rogers of Fort Wayne; mother, Patricia Smith of Fort Wayne; stepfather, Daniel L. Smith of Tennessee; grandmother, Katherine Murphy of Fort Wayne; stepdaughters, Megan Kapp and Alexis Kapp, both of Butler; brothers, Wesley (Ruthie) Yoder and Daniel P. (Nicole) Smith, both of Fort Wayne; sisters, Michelle Mitchel of Avilla and Lisa Yoder of Fort Wayne; and three grandchildren. Service is 11 a.m. Thursday at D.O. McComb & Sons Lakeside Park Funeral Home, 1140 Lake Ave., the Rev. John L. Blair officiating. Calling is from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Memorials to the family.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers on 3/28/2007.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

CARMINE RANIERI ZINN, 71, of St. Petersburg, Fla., died Sunday, March 25, 2007. Arrangements by McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel, Warsaw.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers on 3/28/2007.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser