Donald E. Felger, 83, of Fort Wayne, went to meet Jesus on Tuesday, November 23, 2021 at Parkview Regional Medical Center. Born February 9, 1938 in Columbia City, he was the son of Charles Felger and Kathryn (Lamle) Gumm.   He spent most of his life in Whitley and Allen County. Don graduated from Columbia City High School with the Class of 1956. In 1960, he was drafted into the United States Army where he served for six years. On April 12, 1974, he married Beverly (Herendeen) Akers....

Jessie Lillian Moore, 54, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, passed away Tuesday, November 23, 2021 at Dupont Hospital. Born March 18, 1967 in Washington D.C., she was the daughter of Ida Moore.  Jessie had lived in Suitland, Maryland and then on to Hicksville and Edgerton, Ohio; Butler and Albion, Indiana. After her children were out of school, Jessie moved to Florida and lived in Palmetto and Sarasota. After becoming ill, she moved to Fort Wayne, Indiana to be closer to family.  Over the...

Melvin H. Schaefer, 85, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, passed away Monday, November 22, 2021, at Coventry Meadows. Born February 6, 1936, in Allen County, he was the son of Louis and Lydia (Ohnesorge) Schaefer. He graduated from Arcola High School with the Class of 1954. On December 5, 1955, he married Helen Shepherd. Melvin was a farmer and truck driver. He was a member of Suburban Bethlehem Lutheran Church and enjoyed hunting and gardening. Melvin is survived by his loving wife of 66 years,...

Virgil Mathias Johanns, age 85, of Columbia City, IN, passed away at 1:09 am on Monday November 22, 2021, at Parkview Regional Medical Center, Fort Wayne.  Born on January 28, 1936, in Paulding, OH, he was the son of Anthony and Albertine (Voirol) Johanns. Virgil attended Monroeville High School and graduated with the Class of 1954.  He then proudly served his country in the U.S. Army.  Virgil was an Allen County resident until 1974, when he moved to Whitley County. ...

Mack Pratt, 78, of Pierceton, Indiana, passed away Thursday, November 18, 2021 at his home with family by his side. Born February 2, 1943 in Hazard, Kentucky, he was the son of Malcolm Pratt and Helen (Clemons) Watkins. Growing up in Hazard, Mack loved the outdoors and played football in school. On February 9, 1963, he married Shirley Mae Garrett in Hazard. They welcomed their first child into their hearts in home before a career opportunity moved them to Ohio where their two sons were...

David Joseph Miller, 85, of Fort Wayne, passed away Thursday morning, November 4, 2021 at his home. Born April 19, 1936 in Columbia City, he was the son of Walter and Irma (Jordan) Miller.  He grew up in Whitley County and graduated from Jefferson Center High School with the Class of 1954 and received his MBA through Indiana University. Dave joined the United States Army during the Cuban Missile Crisis. On September 17, 1960, he married Joretta Ann Frazier who he had known as they were...

Ruth K. Burd, 94, of Columbia City, passed away Tuesday, November 2, 2021 at Miller's Oak Pointe Assisted Living. Born December 19, 1926 in Whitley County, she was the daughter of Herbert E. and Mary L.(Humbarger) Wolfe.   A lifelong resident of Whitley County, Ruth attended Columbia City High School. On March 9, 1951 she married Jack E. Burd at First Church of God. Ruth worked for Blue Bell, Whitley Products, Weatherhead, and 30 years at H&R Block. She had been a member of...

John D. Slabaugh, age 91, of Columbia City, IN, passed away at 10:30 pm on Thursday October 28, 2021, at Majestic Care, New Haven.  Born on September 25, 1930, in Plymouth, IN, he was the son of Frances and Alma (Gunterman) Slabaugh. John attended Marshall County Schools, before serving in the Indiana National Guard, then proudly serving his country in the United States Army during the Korean War. He moved to Whitley County in 1968.  On August 10, 1984, John married Charlotte...

Danial L. Loe, age 73, of Columbia City, IN, passed away at 2:25 pm on Saturday October 2, 2021, at his residence.  Born on January 20, 1948, in Wolf Lake, IN, he was the son of Guy and Betty (Mock) Loe. Dan attended Churubusco High School and graduated with the Class of 1967.  He then went on to proudly serve his country in the U.S. Army.  On February 20, 1970, Dan married Judy K. Roberts in Garrett, IN.  Dan worked for Dana Weatherhead, Columbia City for 30 years,...

Robert W. Johnson, 91, of Columbia City, passed away Thursday, October 28, 2021 at his home with family by his side. Born September 14, 1930 in Allen County, he was the son of James A. and Dorothy D. (Sprouls) Johnson. Bob graduated from Coesse  High School with the Class of 1949 and went on to serve in the United States Air Force. On December 30, 1955, he married Patricia Herron in Dunfee. Bob worked at Dana for 33 years, retiring in 1983 and farmed in Union Township of Whitley County...

Marilyn Jo Auer, 89, of Columbia City passed away into her Savior’s arms on Tuesday afternoon, October 26, 2021 after declining health. She was born into this world on May 10, 1932 to Ruth (Retz) and Clarrel Hoover in the small town of Montpelier, Indiana.  Known to many as “Jo Jo”, she graduated from Montpelier High school with the class of 1950. Soon after high school, she married Wilbur “Donny” Porter. They made their home in Montpelier then later...

Jeannette Ruth Douglas, 95, of rural Columbia City, Indiana, passed away Saturday, October 23, 2021 at her home in Noble County. Born August 28, 1926 in Whitley County, she was the daughter of William and Ella Irene (Heintzelman) Clingerman.  Growing up as the second oldest, Jeannette and her family moved around quite a bit and she helped raise her younger siblings. She was a mother to seven children and a lifelong caregiver. She had worked at Monsanto Plastics, was a CNA at Maple Hill...

Betty J. Walker, 81, of Columbia City, Indiana, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, October 20, 2021 at her home. Born April 14, 1940 in Whitley County, she was the daughter of Harold and Mabel (Hickman) Wherry.   Growing up on the north side of Coesse, she was active in baton twirling and graduated from Coesse High School with the Class of 1958. While in school, she met Jerry Walker and even though he lived on the "south side" of town, the two were high school sweethearts....

John D. Dennis, age 72, of Columbia City, IN, passed away at 3:20 am on Sunday October 17, 2021, at his residence.  Born on March 15, 1949, in Indianapolis, he was the son of Ray and Jane (Irwin) Dennis. John attended Batavia High School, Batavia, NY, and graduated with the Class of 1968. He then proudly served his country, during 3 tours in Vietnam, in the U.S. Air Force.  Following that John earned his Associate in Applied Science Degree for Computer Operations and Programming,...

Dora Lucile “Lucy” Pressler, age 95, of Riverside, CA, and formerly of Columbia City, IN, passed away at 12:58 am on Saturday October 16, 2021, at Riverside Community Hospital, Riverside, CA.  Born on July 7, 1926, in Kosciusko County, she was the daughter of Dale and Harriet (Farber) Method. Lucy attended grade school in a one room country schoolhouse in rural Kosciusko County, before moving to Columbia City in 1939.  She attended Columbia City High School and...

Lynnette S. Mossburg, age 72, of Columbia City, IN, passed away at 2:05 pm on Saturday October 16, 2021, at Miller’s Merry Manor, Columbia City.  Born on May 12, 1949, in Fort Wayne, she was the daughter of John J. and Helen (Barker) Snepp. Lynnette attended South Whitley High School and graduated with the Class of 1968.  On December1, 1979 she married Steven E. Mossburg in Fort Wayne.  They were blessed with one daughter, Jessica Lynn Mossburg on April 23, 1981. ...

David "Doyle" Weigold, 83, of Columbia City, Indiana, passed away Wednesday, October 13, 2021 at Parkview Hospital. Born September 14, 1938 in Whitley County, he was the son of David A. and Jennie C. (Quinn) Weigold. Being a lifelong resident of Noble County, Doyle graduated from Wolf Lake High School with the Class of 1956. On August 18, 1962, he married Margery A. Gibson. Doyle worked with his brothers at a service station in Wolf Lake for several years, Weigold Brothers. He...

Hella K. Zeigler, age 86, of Columbia City, IN, passed away at 3:05 pm on Sunday October 10, 2021, at Miller’s at Oak Pointe, Columbia City.  Born on February 5, 1935, in Mannheim, Germany, she was the daughter of Tobias and Suzanna (Schroder) Mayer. Hella was schooled in Germany and then came to the United States in 1955.  On February 18, 1956, she married John Zeigler in Columbia City.  Hella worked as a cafeteria lunch lady for the Whitley County Schools for 35 years...

Geraldine  Graves, 88, of South Whitley, Indiana, passed away Thursday morning, October 7, 2021 at Peabody Retirement Community. Born July 23, 1933 in Pierceton, she was the daughter of Arthur Earl Barker and Minnie Mae (Weaver) Barker Kling.   She attended Columbia City High School. On May 5, 1951, she married Junior Graves. In 1973, Geraldine began working at the South Whitley Library and retired in 1997. She was a member of South Whitley United Methodist Church.   Geraldine...

Eva Diane Wachter-Kendall, age 80 of Columbia City, IN, passed away at 5:47 pm on her 50th wedding anniversary, Saturday October 2, 2021, surrounded by her family.  Born on December 13, 1940, in Baltimore, MD, she was the daughter of Vincent and Jeanne (Sprock) Wachter. On October 2, 1971, she married William R. Kendall in Baltimore, MD.  Diane earned her GED in 1983.  She went on to IPFW to study elementary education and earned her bachelor’s degree with the Class of...

Monas Kathleen Murphy, age 86, of South Whitley, IN, passed away at 2:45 am on Thursday September 30, 2021, at Parkview Whitley Hospital, Columbia City.  Born on December 31, 1934, in North Manchester, IN, she was the daughter of Charles and Ida (Benner) Smith. Monas attended South Whitley High School and graduated with the Class of 1952. She then attended International Business College, Fort Wayne.  On September 28, 1956, she married John J. “Jack” Murphy in North...

Twinda Whitehead, 59, of Brookings, Oregon, passed away at 12:40 p.m., Wednesday, September 29, 2021. Born April 16, 1962 in Jonesboro, Arkansas, she was the daughter of Marvin and Mavis (Peden) Whitehead.  Growing up in Whitley County, Indiana, Twinda attended Columbia City Joint High School. She was a member of Camelback Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Phoenix, Arizona. She loved her children immensely, loved the Pacific Northwest, and loved to hike the mountains and the Redwood...

Danny Lin Rice Sr., 71, of Columbia City, passed away Tuesday, September 28, 2021 surrounded by family at his home on Loon Lake. Born October 3, 1949 in Fort Wayne, he was the son of George Jr. and Vada (McClure) Rice.   He grew up on the north side of Fort Wayne in a rural area at the time and attended Northside High School. Danny worked for BF Goodrich in Woodburn for 33 years before retiring. On January 31, 1981, he married Judy Burniston. In the mid 1990's, they moved from...

Esther Marie Rider, 93, formerly of North Webster, Indiana, passed away Wednesday, November 4, 2020 at Heritage Pointe Retirement Home in Warren where she had been living for the past several years. Born May 27, 1927 in Troy Township of Whitley County, she was the daughter of Delbert and Irene (Wright) Martin. She graduated from Larwill High School with the Class of 1945. On September 28, 1945, she married Arden Rider. Esther worked for International Harvester in Fort Wayne and retired...

Andrew William “Andy” Lowe, age 62, of Fort Wayne, IN, passed away at 8:12 am on Monday September 27, 2021, at his residence. Born on July 18, 1959, in Columbia City, he was the son of Barbara (Maloney) Wood and Charles Lowe. Andy graduated from Columbia City Joint High School with the Class of 1977, where he was an All-Conference offensive lineman.  On September 4, 1982, he married Melinda Luther at St. Paul of the Cross Catholic Church.  Andy was a member of St....

Geraldine "Gerry" Schauber, 84, of Columbia City, Indiana, passed away Saturday, September 25, 2021 at her home. Born April 24, 1937 in Minneapolis, MN, she was the daughter of Frederick J. and Esther (Mulwee) Marshall. Gerry grew up in Minneapolis, moved to Fort Wayne in the early 1950's and attended Central High School in Fort Wayne. On October  22, 1955, she married Harold L. Schauber and they moved to rural Columbia City. She and Harold made the move to raise chickens...

Donna Marie Walker, 93, of Churubusco, Indiana passed away Thursday, September 23, 2021 at Parkview Whitley Hospital. Born June 9, 1928 in Allen County, she was the daughter of John and Mabel (Opileger) Ellis. She grew up in Roanoke and attended Roanoke High School. On February 19, 1947, she married Donald Walker, Sr. at the EUB Church in Roanoke. Aside from being a homemaker, Donna had worked at various jobs. She enjoyed baking, cooking, gardening, canning and working on genealogy. Donna...

Gloria J. Aumsbaugh, 91, formerly of Columbia City, passed away Thursday, September 23, 2021 in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Born February 26, 1930 in Fort Wayne, she was the daughter of George and Gladys(Huffman) Armel. She attended school in Kendallville and graduated from Columbia City High School. On June 13, 1948 she married Herschel Aumsbaugh. Gloria was a founder of McClain and Aumsbaugh Furniture Store, working from 1952 until retiring in 1989 as a Secretary. She was a faithful...

John Arthur Whittenberger, 79, of Waynedale, Indiana, passed away Thursday, September 23, 2021 at Visiting Nurse & Hospice Home. Born September 3, 1942 in Huntington, Indiana, he was the son of Arthur and Florence (Kerch) Whittenberger.  He attended Huntington North High School and served in the U.S. Army. On March 15, 1960, he married Helen Covey. John started working for Joslyn Stainless Steel and retired from Slater Steel in 1999. He and Helen enjoyed winter in Florida after...

James "Jim" Fahl, 75, of Columbia City, passed away unexpectedly Tuesday night, September 21, 2021 at his home. Born June 25, 1946 in Fort Wayne, he was the son of Fritz and Eileen (Meyer) Fahl. Jim grew up on a farm in rural Whitley County and by the time he was in high school, they moved into Columbia City. While attending Columbia City Joint High School, Jim played four years of football, ran track for four years and played basketball for two. During that time, he also began a...

Austin H. Eckert, 89, of Columbia City, Indiana, passed away Monday, September 20, 2021 at Parkview Hospital. Born August 24, 1932 in Huntington, he was the son of Paul and Agnes (Campbell) Eckert. He was raised in Huntington County before his family moved to Whitley County in 1947. Austin graduated from Washington Center High School with the Class of  1951 and went on to serve in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. On June 9, 1970, he married Linda (Rider) Gambrell in Columbia City....

Sandra “Sandy” E. Johnson, age 83, of Columbia City, IN, passed away at 3:00 am on Saturday September 18, 2021, at her residence.  Born on June 27, 1938, in DeKalb County, she was the daughter of Basil and Vera (Hills) Bickel. Sandy grew up in Garrett, attended local schools and graduated from Garrett High School with the Class of 1956.  On August 24, 1957, Sandy married Duane Johnson in Garrett, Indiana.  They moved from Indiana to California, before moving to...

Terry Lee Slagal, 70, formerly of Columbia City, passed away Thursday, September 16, 2021 at Auburn Village. Born October 13, 1950 in Wolf Lake, he was the son of Russell Dean  and Mary Louise (Howe) Slagal. Terry had been baptized Catholic and enjoyed collecting baseball hats and wearing bright colors. Terry is survived by his sisters, Dixie Dowell and Rusty Beauchamp, sister-in-law, Kathleen Slagal; five nieces and nephews, and five great-nieces and nephews. Aside from his parents,...

Janet Marie Goldwood, 75, of Columbia City, Indiana, passed away unexpectedly Friday, September 10, 2021 at Parkview Regional Medical Center. Born May 2, 1946 in Janesville, Wisconsin, she was the daughter of  Robert and Marie (Welsch) Rutledge. She graduated from Janesville High School with the Class of  1965. After moving to Columbia City, Janet met Barry Goldwood at the American Legion. After knowing each other for a period of time, a great conversation would change the course...

Modest, dedicated, intelligent, and hardworking were just a few ways to describe Stan Mosher. Even though he was math and science minded, family meant the most to Stan. He had so much love for each one and was known as a fun grandpa! He taught his boys how to express love and show emotion to support their family. Stan was generous with his time, had a great sense of humor, a great smile, and you always knew when he was laughing.   With WWII ending the year prior, 1947 saw a high...

Tyler Patrick Smothers, 26, of Roanoke, passed away unexpectedly Friday, September 3, 2021 at home. Born April 19, 1995 at Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne, he was the son of Mark and Luann (Mathews) Smothers. Growing up in rural Roanoke, Tyler could be found reading, drawing, being out doors, playing soccer and playing with his cousins. He played the drums in concert band and ran cross country for one year with his sister before an ankle injury kept him from going further. Tyler went on to...

Donald R. Smothers, 82, of Roanoke, Indiana, passed away Wednesday, September 1, 2021 at his home. Born August 26, 1939 in Harrisburg, Illinois, he was the youngest child of Arthur and Anna (Wilkins) Smothers. Growing up in Harrisburg, Don attended Harrisburg High School. He worked various jobs as a teen to earn money before he started as a stock boy at S.S. Kresge. Over the years Don showed how great of a work ethic he had and moved up into different roles for the company before managing...

Dolores Ann Bradtmiller, 81, of Columbia City, passed away Tuesday, August 31, 2021 at Parkview Hospital. Born November 19, 1939 in Bronson, Michigan, she was the oldest daughter of Martin and Frances (Disbro) Wielgos. She graduated from Bronson High School and moved to Fort Wayne.  She began her work career with WT Grant as she began attending college. She then worked for Navistar Credit Union and for over 25 years, she worked at Magnavox before retiring. Dolores would find love by...

Nothing meant more to Jim Sheets than helping others out. He had a caring heart, would give up his last of anything if someone needed it and was a hard worker. Jim loved his grandchildren more than they would ever know and loved all his nieces, nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews. Many memorable events took place in 1953 with the end of the Korean War and Queen Elizabeth II being crowned queen of England at the top of the world list. The first Polio vaccine was developed, the first...

Linda Mae (Halsema) Cripe, age 73, of Columbia City, IN, passed away at 3:33 pm on Saturday August 28, 2021, at I.U. University Hospital, Indianapolis.  Born on May 16, 1948, in Lafayette, IN, she was the daughter of Lawrence and Anna Mae (Powell) Halsema. Linda attended Central Catholic High School and graduated with the Class of 1966.  She then attended Porter Business College, Indianapolis and graduated with the Class of 1967.  On September 30, 1972, Linda married Kenneth...

Ada Rumsey will be remembered as a sweet, kind and giving lady. She was a strong lady who also was strong willed. In her 100 years, she saw much change in the world around her. Her parents, William and Hulleta (Kistler) Gilbert moved from Northeast Indiana to Arkansas for an opportunity to farm. On October 10, 1920, they were pleased to announce the birth of their baby girl, Ada E. Gilbert in Lonoke, Arkansas. As Hulleta’s children started to get close to the age to start school, she...

Helen Frances Groves, age 97, of Columbia City, IN, passed away at 3:20 am on Monday August 23, 2021, at Miller’s Merry Manor at Oak Pointe, Columbia City.  Born on October 27, 1923, in Churubusco, she was the daughter of James and Goldie (Maggart) Lock. Helen attended Churubusco High School and graduated with the Class of 1940.  She was a lifetime Whitley County resident, enjoyed gardening, reading, and spending time with grandchildren.  Helen was a member of the...

Marilyn K. Reaser, 72, of Columbia City, Indiana, passed away Tuesday, August 17, 2021 at Parkview Regional Medical Center. Born September 6, 1948 in Fort Wayne, she was the daughter of  Samuel and Hilda (Kiger) Warren. Growing up in Fort Wayne, Marilyn graduated from Northside High School with the Class of 1966. On July 11, 1969, she married Howard Reaser. Over the years, Marilyn had worked for ITT and GE. In December of 2001 Marilyn and Howard moved to Apple Valley in Howard, Ohio...

Uva L. Lesley, 87, of Columbia City, Indiana, passed away Thursday, August 12, 2021 at Parkview Regional Medical Center. Born December 15, 1933 in Peru, she was the daughter of Frederick and Zora (Marquis) Richardson.   Growing up in Peru, she attended Victory Elementary School and graduated from Peru High School with the Class of 1952. She attended the Brethren Church in Miami County. On December 20, 1953, she married Norman "Mac" Lesley in Dayton, Ohio. In 1962, they moved...

John Carl Workman, 21, of Columbia City and formerly of Fort Wayne, passed away Thursday, August 12, 2021 from injuries sustained in an auto accident. Born September 27, 1999 at Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne, he was the son of Jon and Carrie (Vaught) Workman.   Growing up in Fort Wayne, Johnny was a member of Abundant Life Church. He taught himself how to play guitar and loved playing worship music. He was active with his church and taught bible studies as he attended Carroll High...

Wendy Anne Thomas, 54, of Columbia City, passed away Monday, August 9, 2021, at home in Whitley County. Wendy was born June 25, 1967 and was the daughter of Robert "Bob" and Sandra "Sandy" Thomas. She graduated from Columbia City Joint High School with the Class of 1985. She was employed at Per Mar Security for SDI and was a member of Columbia City United Methodist Church. Wendy will be remembered for her love of the Lord, love of her family, her kindness to all, and her...

Brian J. Dear, 55, of Kendallville, Indiana, and formerly of Columbia City, passed away unexpectedly Monday, August 9, 2021 at Parkview Noble Hospital. Born January 5, 1966 in Whitley County, he was the son of John J. and Shirley A. (Brockup) Dear. He attended Columbia City Joint High School and Phoenix University. Over the years Brian worked various jobs including general contracting, and worked at Alfe-Heat Treat Corporation in Columbia City. Brian is survived by his sisters and...

Helen A. Morford, age 91, of North Manchester, IN, and formerly of Columbia City, passed away at 2:00 am on Sunday August 8, 2021, at Peabody Retirement Community, North Manchester.  Born on June 18, 1930, in Whitley County, she was the daughter of James Sr. and Mildred (Smith) Downing. Helen attended Thorncreek Township Schools and was a wonderful homemaker for many years.  She also worked at Blue Bell, Columbia City, in addition to Chamberlain Products, Gene’s IGA, and...

Susie Elizabeth Duncan Sexton, 75, of Columbia City, IN, passed away unexpectedly Friday, August 6, 2021, at her home. Born on May 14, 1946, in Fort Wayne, she was the daughter of Roy and Edna (Lewis) Duncan, who, in her words, were “neither phony nor stereotypical … my parents disagreed often, attended church regularly for networking and spiritual rejuvenation with a minimal dose of dogma, quietly performed good deeds, valued and strengthened family ties yet at a reasonable...

Martha D. Trahin, 98, of Fort Wayne, passed away Wednesday, December 16, 2020 at her home. Born October 20, 1922 in Allen County, she was the daughter of William D. and Mary C. (Hine) Pequignot.   She graduated from Jefferson Center High School Class of 1941. On September 27, 1947, she married Clifford J. Trahin. Martha worked at Blue Bell, GE in Roanoke and in St. Joseph Hospital's Cafeteria for nine years. She was a member of  St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Arcola and...