Black Ada L, 87, of Angola, died Thursday in Lakeland Nursing Center. She was born Aug. 3, 1908 in Huntington County to George and Martha (Schenkel) Bechtold. On Aug. 5, 1939 she married Dallas Black in Lafountaine. He died in 1976. She attended the Ligonier United Methodist Church and was a member of Ligonier Eagles Auxiliary. Surviving are 2 daughters, Penny McDonald of Angola and M. Catherine Bergman of Phoenix, Ariz.; a brother, Arthur Bechtold of South Whitley; 2 sisters, Clara Mae Cordill of South Whitley and Mary Smith of Leesburg; 8 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by 4 brothers, 2 sisters and a grandson. Funeral Monday in Ulrey-Renner Funeral Home. Burial, Sparta Cemetery. + 1-4-1996
Black Albert, 86, (b.3-30-1872) a native son and lifelong resident of Albion, and former co-owner of a dry goods store here, died Aug. 23, 1958 at the Kondas Nursing Home. Captain Black had many interests - the military, sports, history and so forth - and during WW I served as an instructor in the use of small arms. During WW II he came out of semi-retirement and served as a draftsman. He was a graduate of Purdue University and a member of the American Legion since its organization. Surviving are a brother, Harry of Albion, and several nieces and nephews. Funeral Tuesday at Bonham & Miser Funeral Home. Burial, Rose Hill Cemetery. + 8-?-1958
Black Amos died July 23, 1885 at his residence east of Albion of pneumonia. He was born in Maryland about 72 years ago, after which he lived in Pa. and Ohio, and forty years ago came to Noble County a comparatively poor man, and by industry, economy and excellent judgment accumulated a fortune of perhaps $30,000. Thirty-five years ago his wife died and he never married again, his children keeping house for him up to his death. He was the oldest of seven brothers, all farmers of the county, except one, Owen Black Sr., who has been an Albion merchant. He had served a number of years as a Noble County commissioner, and his son, John D., was a treasurer of the county for two terms. + 7-23-1885 > 7-30-1885
Black Arnold, 70, Kimmell, died March 21 at Parkview Hospital. Survivors include the wife, Treda, Glen Oaks Nursing Home, Auburn; a daughter, Mrs. George (Phyllis) Pepple, R. 3, Auburn; a brother, Therol, Columbia City; and four grandchildren, Kathy and Michael Black, Murray, Ky., and Tom and Karen Pepple. A son, Meredith, preceded him in death. Services at Sparta Church of Christ on March 23. Burial, Sparta Cemetery. + 3-21-1970
Black Barzilla T, an old citizen of the county who resided on his farm in northeast Jefferson Twp, committed suicide by blowing out his brains with a revolver. He was a man of perhaps 55 years of age and leaves a wife and several children. > 1-6-1876
Black Benjamin, son of Peter and Martha (Amos) Black, was born in Lancaster, Penn. March 4, 1828 and died at his home in Jefferson Twp Dec. 2, 1914 at the age of 86 years 8 months and 28 days. Death was due to the infirmities of old age. He was one of a family of 7 sons and 2 daughters and he was the last one to die. He moved with his parents from Penn. to Richland County, Ohio in 1832. In 1853 they came to Indiana, settling in Jefferson Twp. He married Ruth Foster, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Christian Foster, pioneers of Jefferson Twp, on Sept. 15, 1859; and they had 2 daughters, Naomi J., wife of Melvin Hines of Jefferson Twp, and Eva E., wife of Wilbert T. Hines of Albion. The wife was born April 24, 1836 and died Oct. 20, 1888. Mr. Black was an expert carpenter and many of the houses of the community are monuments of his skill and handiwork. He is survived by the 2 daughters; 4 grandchildren, Mrs. J. H. Cory of Ligonier, Mrs. Charles Lemmon of Albion, Mrs. Clarence Graves of Roundup, Montana and Glenn Hines of Albion; 2 great-grandchildren, Ralph Cory of Ligonier and Ruth Lemmon of Albion. One grandson, Dorn J., son of Mr. and Mrs. W. T. Hines, preceded him in death. Funeral and burial at Mt. Pleasant. Albion New Era 12-16-1914
Black Bert K, 44, died Sunday in a hospital at Indianapolis. He had been connected with the Mutual Life Insurance Co. of New York for the past several years. He is survived by his wife, Lillian; his mother, Mrs. Mary Black of this city; two sisters, Mrs. Stoops, and Mrs. Dessie Harper of Duluth, Minn.; four brothers, Elza, Chicago, Homer, Danville, Ill., Elmer of Woodruff, and Fred of Auburn. Short Masonic services were held in Indianapolis Tuesday and funeral was Wednesday at the home of his sister, Mrs. Will H. Stoops. Burial, Albion Cemetery. + 1-?-1931
Black Bertha E, about 82, (b. 6-23-1884) died Nov. 16, 1966 at McCray Hospital. She was a native of this community and had resided here her entire lifetime. She was the widow of Harry Black who died Dec. 16, 1960. They were married June 14, 1905. Her parents were Edwin and Eugenia Kline Belt. She is survived by two daughters, Marian of Albion, and Mrs. Alice Glass of Scottsville, Va.; and two sons, John and Davis of Albion; one sister, Mrs. Ethel Lemmon; and several grandchildren. She was a member of the Albion First Methodist Church. Funeral Nov. 19 at Bonham & Miser Funeral Home. Burial, Rose Hill Cemetery. + 11-?-1966
Black Bessie I, aged 75 years, 11 months and ten days, (b. 11-2-1891) died Sept. 11, 1967 at McCray Hospital. She was a lifelong resident of this community and was married to Ira Black Aug. 26, 1909 in Christian Chapel, Merriam. She is survived by the husband and four children, Lewis of Ligonier, Guy S. of LaOtto, Paul of Albion and Grace Meroney of Phoenix, Ariz.; nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. One brother, Charles Summers, preceded her in death. She was a daughter of Lewis and Clara Shambaugh Black. She was a member of the Albion Wesleyan Methodist Church where last rites were held Thursday. Burial, Rose Hill Cemetery. + 9-?-1967
Black Byron P, son of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Black of Albion, (b.12-14-1939 - d. 9-23-1959) was killed in a truck accident while serving with the Army in Korea. He was a graduate of the Albion-Jefferson High School in May 1958 and joined the Army in the fall of 1958. He is survived by his parents; a sister, Kathryn; and two brothers, Lowell and Ross, all at home; his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Ira Black. The body was returned from Korea under military escort and taken to the home of his parents where it lay in state until shortly before the funeral Tuesday at Methodist Church. Burial, Rose Hill Cemetery. + 10-?-1959
Black Calvin L of Albion, a former resident of York Twp, died of heart attack May 10, 1945 in a parked car in Kendallville. Cal, as he was known throughout this section of Indiana, was a farmer in this community and had served as York Twp trustee for eight years. He was a member of the Pleasant Hill Church. He was born in Noble County, the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. John W. Black, who came to Noble County shortly after the close of the Civil War from Stark County, Ohio. He had lived his entire life in this county, and at the time of his death was past 70 years of age. He was married in 1898 to Myra McLallin, who preceded him in death in 1920. Two sons, Arnold of Albion, and Therol of Columbia City, survive. In 1928 he was married to Mrs. Ida Yochheim of Massillon, Ohio, who survives. He is also survived by one sister, Mrs. David Young of Wolcottville; and four grandchildren. Five brothers preceded him in death. He was a member of a family of 12. Services Sunday at the Sparta Christian Church at Kimmell. Interment, Sparta Cemetery. * 5-?-1945
Black Caroline (Sigler), 85, died Thursday at the home of her daughter, Mrs. A. F. Koons, N. State St., from the infirmities of old age. She was born in Richland County, O., and came to this country with her husband, Davis Black, in 1850, settling on a farm in Allen Twp near Mt. Pleasant and lived there continuously for 56 years until the death of her husband a few years go. She is survived by one brother in Kentucky and 3 children, Mrs. Koons and W. D. Black of this city, and Mrs. Charles Scott of Albion. Mary E., a daughter, died in 1864. She is among the last of the Allen Twp pioneers. Funeral Saturday at Mt. Pleasant Church. Burial, Mt. Pleasant Cemetery. ^ 2-2-1911
Black Carrie, 82, native and lifelong resident of Allen Twp, died at the family home three miles west of the city on the Drake Road last evening. Death was due to complications. She was born in Lisbon Oct. 17, 1860, the daughter of Lorenzo and Caroline Wilson Tyler. Jan. 13, 1881 she married P. O. Black, who died Nov. 29, 1927. She was a member of Noble Chapter No. 122 OES, the Frances Dingman Chapter of DAR, Center Chapel Ladies’ Aid, the Get-Together Club and Ladies’ Home Economic Club of Noble County. Surviving are a daughter, Mrs. Inez Diggins of the Drake Road; a sister, Mrs. U. C. Brouse, Kendallville; a grandson, attorney Merritt Diggins, and a great-grandson. Funeral Saturday from Kendallville Mortuary. Burial, Mt. Pleasant Cemetery. + 1942
Black Charles A, 69, Noble County assessor, died Sunday of heart disease at the home of his son, Glenn of Albion. He was born in York Twp and resided in Noble County. As a farmer, he was known as both farmer and stock trader. From 1920 to 1924 he was sheriff of Noble County and later was connected with the Noble County Farm Bureau. He also was in the grocery and confectionery business in Albion for a number of years. On January 1, 1939, he took office as county assessor, where he worked until his illness. He was prominent in Republican circles, was a member of the United Brethren Church, had held several offices in the Knights of Pythias Lodge No. 223, and was a member of the Masonic Lodge No. 97. Surviving are two sons, Glen and Donald of Albion; two grandchildren; one brother, Calvin of York Twp; and one sister, Mrs. Jennie Young of Wolcottville. Services Tuesday in the United Brethren Church. Burial, Sparta Cemetery. * 3-3-1940
Black Dallas M, 75, rural Ligonier, died this morning at his residence. A retired farmer and member of Eagles Lodge in Ligonier, he was born Aug. 20, 1901 in Noble County to Rollin and Winnie (Becker) Black. He and his wife, Ada (Bechtold) were married Aug. 5, 1939 at La Fontaine, Ind. They moved from Albion to Ligonier in March 1974. Surviving are a brother, Earl, Albion; two daughters, Mrs. Jack (Catherine) Bergman, Phoenix, Ariz., and Mrs. Patrick (Penny) McDonald, rural Angola; five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Two brothers preceded him in death. Funeral Monday at Brazzell Funeral Home in Albion. Burial, Sparta Cemetery. + 11-?-1976
Black Darlene V, 77, of Kendallville, died Oct. 22 in Fort Wayne. She was born in Waterloo, Iowa on June 4, 1919, a daughter of William and Fayra Barrett. She married Robert L. Black on April 21, 1938. She was a retired beautician and formerly owned Black Beauty Booth. Surviving are her husband; 2 sisters, Lorene Turner of Hurricane, Utah and Joyce Egolf of Columbia City; and 2 brothers, William D. Barrett of Avilla, and Oakley Barrett of Olivehurst, Calif. ~ 10-24-1996
Black Davis was born in Cumberland County, Penn. Aug. 7, 1825 and died Feb. 6, 1905, aged 79 years 6 months and 29 days. He was the son of Peter and Martha Black and was brought up on his father’s farm, receiving his education in the log school houses of that day. He was married to Caroline Sigler May 23, 1850, and they had 3 daughters and one son, one daughter preceding him in death. He leaves a son, W. D. of Kendallville; and 2 daughters, one of whom is Mrs. A. D. Koons of N. State St. Among his 7 grandchildren is Mrs. John Wackerman of this city. He moved to Noble County in 1851 and by strict economy, hard work and fair dealing accumulated a competence for himself and family. ^ 2-17-1905
Black Dennis, 21, was killed in action in Viet Nam Nov. 17. The death was believed to be Noble County’s first in the Viet Nam Conflict. It occurred in the bitter fighting in the Ia Drang Valley about 210 miles north of Saigon. He was a member of A Company, Second Battalion, 7th Cavalry of the 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), which took the fullest impact of the Ia Drang Battle and suffered the heaviest casualties. He attended grade school at LaOtto, graduated from Huntertown High School in 1962 and was employed by International Harvester Co. in Fort Wayne before enlisting in January 1963. Surviving are the parents, Mr. and Mrs. Guy F. Black of LaOtto; a sister, Mrs. Wayne Zumbrun of Albion; a brother, John Albert at home; grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Albert Leffel of Etna Green; six aunts; three uncles, including Paul Black of Albion. + 11-?-1961 (Date appears to be incorrect)
Black Donald, 34, 167 Howman Ave., New Miami, Ohio, drowned June 13 after a train knocked his truck into a stream east of Ligonier at the Conrail crossing on 600W not far north of U. S. 6. He drove into the path of an eastbound freight train. Born Aug. 8, 1943 in Hamilton, Ohio, he was the son of Elwood and Mae (Brandenburg) Black. He married Sallee Fisher in Hamilton. He was an Ohio resident the past two years, moving from Bourbon. He was a truck driver for T. F. Dunlap out of Ohio. A member of the U. S. Marines 1961-65, he was a member of the Bourbon American Legion. Surviving are his parents; his wife; three sons at home; three sisters and a brother. Services at Brown-Dawson Funeral Home, Hamilton, Ohio, Friday. Burial, Hickory Flats Cemetery, Overpeck, Ohio. + 6-13-1978
Black Donald C "Pete", 44, of Owosso, Mich. was killed last Tuesday in an auto accident when his car hit a bridge abutment in the fog near Owosso. He was en route to Quincy, Mich. on a business trip. A native of Albion, he was the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Charles Black. He married Harriet Henney of Kendallville March 24, 1940. They have two children, Kathy Sue 5, and Philip Charles 2. He was the younger brother of Glen C. Black. Funeral Friday. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. + 1957 4-22-1957
Black Earl, 65, (b. 3-14-1915 - d. 11-9-1980) died Sunday in McCray Hospital from injuries suffered in a two-vehicle accident on SR 8 two miles east of Albion Saturday night. He was owner of Black Sales Inc. in Albion. He was a lifetime resident of Albion, a member of the Skinner Lake Homeowners Association, Kendallville Elks, Albion Masons, Scottish Rite in Fort Wayne, Indiana Automobile Dealers Association and the National Automobile Dealers Association. He was born in Noble County March 14, 1915, the son of Rollin and Winnie (Becker) Black. He married Loretta Campbell in Ligonier in 1936. Survivors include his wife; a daughter, Earlene Dekko, Kendallville; two sons, Tony R. and E. Brian, both of Albion; and five grandchildren. Three brothers preceded him in death. Services Tuesday in Brazzell Funeral Home, Albion. Burial, Rose Hill Cemetery. ~ 11-13-1980
Black Elizabeth, 65, sister of Harlan Rosen formerly of Albion now of Kendallville, died June 22 from a heart attack at her home in Auburn. Surviving are the husband, Fred O. Black; one brother, J. H. Rosen; and two sisters, Mrs. Margaret Cramer, Akron, Ohio, and Mrs. C. H. Bishop, East St. Louis, Ill. Funeral Monday at Dilgard Funeral Home in Auburn. Burial, Rose Hill Cemetery. + 6-?-1945
Black Emmet W, 55, farmer residing three miles southwest of Albion, died last Tuesday. Surviving are the invalid widow and three daughters, Mrs. Leonard Moore and Mrs. Frank Smith of Albion, and Gladys at home; three brothers, Calvin and John of York Twp, and Sheriff Charles Black of Albion. Funeral at the home last Friday. Burial, Sparta Cemetery. + 5-?-1923
Black Esther P, 72, died at Ventura, Calif. (d. 3-17-1983). She was born April 13, 1910 in Raton, N.M. She married Harry "Davis" Black August 31, 1929 in Rochester. He died May 10, 1979. She was a member of the Mormon Church. Surviving are a daughter, Mrs. Phil (Pamela) Martin of Fort Wayne; two sons, John of Oak View, Calif. and Ted of Pittsfield, Mass.; a sister, Edyth Newcomb of Wis.; a brother Clifford Jerls of Ind.; and six grandchildren. Services Friday in Brazzell Funeral Home, Albion. Burial, Rose Hill Cemetery. ~ 3-31-1983
Black Frank, youngest son of Mary Black, died of typhoid fever at his home near Mt. Zion. He was born Oct. 9, 1862. He was taken sick while herding cattle in Colorado near Brighton. From there he went to Denver City, but kept getting worse, finally made up his mind to come home; was home only a short time until he died Dec. 20, 1887, age 25 years, 2 months and 11 days. Funeral at Jefferson Union Church on Dec. 23. Burial, Sweet Cemetery. He leaves a mother and three brothers. ^ 1-20-1888
Black Frank W, 65, died Monday. A physician of this city performed his final operation Monday at Lakeside Hospital. After working 30 minutes removing the tonsils of Mrs. Ray Castetter, he fell dead by the operating table, a victim of heart disease. He was a physician of Ligonier for approximately 50 years and was active in all medical circles of this area. He was secretary of the Northeastern Indiana Academy of medicine for many years, a member of the Masonic Lodge and Christian Church. He had been a New York Central Railroad surgeon for a number of years. He had been suffering from heart ailment for several months. Surviving are his wife; a foster daughter, Faye Hull; two sisters, Mrs. Ethel Brumbaugh of Topeka, Mrs. Eva Hartzler of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio; two brothers, Wright of Topeka, and Roy of Pocatello, Idaho. Funeral this afternoon at Brown Funeral Home. Burial, Oak Park Cemetery. + 8-?-1937
Black Frederick Amos died July 23 at the residence of his son, J. D. in Allen Twp, aged 71 years, 11 months and 22 days. He was born in the state of Maryland. He came with his parents to Richland County, Ohio in 1833. He married Sophia Shaffer, daughter of Frederick Shaffer of Richland County. They had 4 daughters and 2 sons, 2 daughters and 2 sons yet living. In the fall of 1845 he with his family moved to Jefferson Twp, where they commenced in the thick timbered land to clear up a farm. Mrs. Black died in November 1850. He reared these children and never sought a second companion. He buried 2 of his daughters. He served as county commissioner. His funeral took place at Mt. Pleasant. ^ 7-24 & 31-1885
Black George C, son of Perry and Mary Ann Black, was born in Richland County, Ohio on Jan. 6, 1855, and died in Albion on Feb. 9, 1926, aged 71 years, one month and 3 days. He was an only son in a family of 3 children. An elder sister, Mrs. Martha Ray, died about 18 years ago. The family moved to Indiana and settled on a farm in Jefferson Twp when he was 6 months old. On this farm he spent most of his life. On March 13, 1877 he married Mary Olive Hines. They had 5 boys and 2 girls, Fred of Auburn, Mrs. Dessie Harper of Duluth, Minn., Mrs. Daisy Stoops of Albion, Elza of Chicago, Bert of Florida, Elmer of near Rome City, and Homer of Chicago. He also leaves a sister, Mrs. Ella Scherck of South Bend. Funeral at the Lutheran Church. Burial, Albion Cemetery. Noble Co Democrat 2-18-1926
Black Glen C, 83, of 614 E. Hazel St., Albion, died Tuesday in McCray Hospital. Born Jan. 1, 1906 in Port Mitchell south of Albion, he was the son of Charles and Lulu (Moore) Black. On June 7, 1929 in Frankfort he married Evelyn Frymier. He was a retired Albion businessman and a 50-year member of the Masons, Lions Club, Chamber of Commerce, Scottish Rite, Knights of Pythias, and helped establish the Chain O’ Lakes State Park near Albion. Surviving are his wife; two daughters, Mrs. Leo (Sally) Pfefferkorn of Albion and Michele Collins of Fremont, Calif.; one son, Jon "Seth" of Dallas, Ga.; three grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. One brother preceded him in death. Funeral Friday in Trinity United Methodist Church in Albion. Burial, Sparta Cemetery. + 1-10-1989
Black Guy S, 87, Avilla, died May 18 at Parkview Hospital, Fort Wayne. He was a millwright at International Harvester; a WW II veteran and a member of the American Legion. He was born Dec. 16, 1911 in Green Twp to Ira John and Bessie (Summers) Black. He married Evelyn F. Leffel on April 12, 1941 in Jefferson County, Ind. Surviving are his wife; a daughter, Janice Zumbrun of rural Albion; a son, John of Kendallville; 3 granddaughters, Andrea and Kelly Zumbrun of Fort Wayne, and Rebecca Zumbrun of rural Albion; and one grandson, Dennis Zumbrun of rural Albion. He was preceded in death by one son, Dennis W. of rural Albion; 2 brothers and one sister. Private graveside service at Cedar Creek Cemetery. ~ 6-3-1999
Black Harry, 60, (b. 12-30-1879) a native and lifelong resident of this community, died Dec. 16, 1960 at Hillcrest Nursing Home at Columbia City. Surviving are the widow, Bertha; two sons, John of Albion, and Davis of New Haven; two daughters, Marian at home, and Mrs. Alice Glass of Scottsville, Va.; and nine grandchildren. Funeral at the Bonham & Miser Funeral Home Monday, with his son, Elder H. Davis Black, officiating. Burial, Rose Hill Cemetery. + 12-?-1960
Black Harry "Dave", 71, Ventura, Calif., died May 10, 1979 at his home. Born in Albion, he was the son of Harry and Bertha Black. He was married on Aug. 31, 1929. He moved to Ventura from Albion five years ago. He was a graduate of Purdue University and for 37 years was chief engineer for International Harvester. He was a ward bishop for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon). Survivors include his wife, Esther; a daughter, Mrs. Phil (Pam) Martin, Fort Wayne; two sons, Jon Alan, Santa Paula, Calif., and Theodore Davis, Lenox, Mass.; (?) and Alice Glass, Scottsville, Va.; one brother, John, Albion; and six grandchildren. Funeral Monday at Brazzell Funeral Home, Albion. Burial, Rose Hill Cemetery. + 5-?-1979
Black Hiram, 66, E. Shalley Dr., Kendallville, died Tuesday in Parkview Hospital, Fort Wayne. He was born in Illinois January 17, 1924, the son of Leroy and Della (Long) Black. He married Mildred Herendeen April 17, 1946 in Decatur, Ill. A veteran of WW II, he was a supervisor at Flint & Walling Mfg. and a member of Avilla American Legion Post 240. Surviving are his wife; a daughter, Mrs. Kent (Vicki) Moore of Albion; a son, Larry of Rome City; 5 sisters, Hazel Hunt of St. Louis, Mo., Martha Sales and Lorraine Seabok of Decatur, Ill., Ailene Berkam, Wash., and Rose Miller of Orlando, Fla.; 2 brothers, Leroy Jr. of Fort Wayne and James E. of Mount Zion, Ill; and 3 grandchildren. Services Saturday in Hite Funeral Home. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. ~ 2-26-1990
Black Homer C was born Dec. 18, 1895 and died Nov. 1, 1955. Services at Bonham & Miser Funeral Home Nov. 4. Burial, Rose Hill Cemetery. + 11-?-1955
Black Ida was born Nov. 13, 1862 and died Dec. 2, 1938. Services from the residence at 418 Garden St. Dec. 4, 1938. Burial, Mt. Pleasant Cemetery. + 12-?-1938
Black Ida Florence, about 75, widow of the late Calvin Black of York Twp, died April 16, 1951 at Farris Nursing Home in Columbia City. Surviving are two stepsons, Arnold of Ligonier, and Therol of Columbia City; two grandsons. Funeral yesterday at Bonham & Miser Funeral Home. Burial, Sparta Cemetery. + 4-?-1951
Black Ila B, 53, North Webster, died Thursday at Goshen Hospital. An employee of Monsanto Corp., Ligonier, she moved to the North Webster area 20 years ago from Hammond. She was born in Beardstown, Ill. on June 13, 1922. In 1945 she married Dale Black, who died in 1967. Survivors include a daughter, Mrs. William (Sally) Sherman, Merriam; a son, Dennis Cokenour, Fort Carson, Colo.; a stepdaughter, Mrs. James (Barbara) Bennett, Highland; a stepson, Gilbert Black, Kendallville; and 15 grandchildren. Funeral Saturday at Harris-Troxel Funeral Home in North Webster. Burial, North Webster Cemetery. + 1-?-1976
Black Ira John, 81, R. 1, was found dead on his tractor Feb. 19 in a field across from his home by Noble County Highway Department employees working in the area. Dr. Joseph Greenlee, county coroner, gave the cause of death as coronary thromboses. He was born March 4, 1887, in Green Twp to Daniel and Lydra (Brown) Black and had been a resident of the area all his life. He owned and operated the Black Blueberry Farm west of Albion and was a semi-retired farmer. His wife, the former Bessie Summers, preceded him in death in September 1967. Two grandsons also preceded him in death, one killed in action in the Korean Conflict and one killed in action in Viet Nam. He is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Grace Meroney of Phoenix, Ariz.; three sons, Paul of Albion, Louis of Ligonier and Guy of LaOtto; four sisters, Mrs. Mae Shively and Mrs. Daisy Johnson of Churubusco, Mrs. Sarah Shively of Big Lake, R. 4, Albion, and Mrs. Nellie Chapman of Columbia City; nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Funeral Saturday at the Wesleyan Church. Burial, Rose Hill Cemetery. ~ 2-27-1969
Black Jackson Davis, son of Owen and Elizabeth (Goss) Black, was born in Lexington, Richland County, Ohio April 3, 1846, and in 1853, with his parents, moved to Albion, at which place he resided continuously until the time of his death. He married Minerva Young Sept. 8, 1870, and they had three children, Albert, Bessie and Harry. Bessie preceded her father in death, having died Jan. 31, 1886 at the age of 12 years and 6 months. In 1867 he became a partner with his father in the dry goods business which, under the name of Black & Son, did an extensive business until 1870 when Daniel S. Love was admitted. In 1872 he purchased the interests of his associates and continued as sole proprietor until 1880, when his brother entered the business under the name of Black & Brother. In 1892, Owen Black retired, and since that time the store has been operated under the name of J. D. Black & Sons. He died at his home on E. Main St., Albion, May 9, 1916, aged 70 years one month and six days. The funeral was Thursday at the Presbyterian Church. Burial, Rose Hill Cemetery. + 5-?-1916
Black James Edwin "Eddie", son of Davis and Esther (Jerls) Black, was born at Albion March 19, 1932, and died at the Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne Oct. 13, 1936 following an operation for appendicitis. He was 4 years, 6 months and 24 days old. The funeral was Thursday morning at the home of the grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Harry Black. He leaves his parents; a brother, Teddy; three grandparents a great-grandmother; three uncles and aunts. + 10-?-1936
Black John A, 78, of Albion, died Monday in Sacred Heart Home in Avilla. He was born June 6, 1915 in Albion to Harry and Bertha (Belt) Black. He married Maureen Olinghouse on Jan. 21, 1945 in Ligonier. A retired farmer, he was Albion postmaster for 4 years. A U.S. Air Force veteran of WW II, he was a member of Asbury United Methodist Church in Albion, Albion Masonic Lodge No. 97, Albion Prentiss Chapter OES No. 178, and Scottish Rite Fort Wayne Valley. Surviving are his wife; a son, Thomas of Minneapolis, Minn.; 2 daughters, Mrs. Charles (Judith) Cox of Goshen and Mrs. John (Beth) Firestone of Wawaka; 2 sisters, Marian Black and Alice Glass of Scottsville, Va.; and 6 grandchildren, Heidi and Peter Black, Laura and Leisa Cox, Andrea and Brent Firestone. He was preceded in death by a brother, a sister and a grandson. Funeral Saturday in Asbury United Methodist Church, Albion. Burial, Rose Hill Cemetery. + 3-21-1994
Black John Kenneth, about 60, of R. 1, Huntington, died Nov. 23, 1970 at his home. He was found sitting in a chair by his wife. He was born Sept. 21, 1910, the son of Rollin and Winnie (Becker) Black and married Ruth E. Kessler in 1930. He operated a restaurant in Columbia City until 1960, when he bought the Crystal Cafe in Huntington, which he has since operated. His boyhood days were spent on a farm near Albion. He was a member of the Moose Lodge of Huntington, the OEF Order of Eastern Star, the Knights Templar and the Masonic Lodge and the BPOE of Columbia City. Surviving are his wife; one son, Jack Kenneth of R. 2, (Laud) Columbia City. + 11-?-1970
Black John W, son of John A. and Alice Black, was born in Stark County, Ohio, October 6, 1837, and died at the home of his daughter in LaGrange County, Indiana, January 16, 1913, aged 75 years, 3 months and 10 days. He was the eldest son of a family of eight children. He married Matilda Ann Tyler on October 2, 1860, and they had, nine sons and three daughters, five of whom with the wife preceded him in death. Surviving are six sons, John W., of Canton, Ohio, Emmet, Calvin, Rollin and Maurice, all of York Twp, Charles of this city, and one daughter, Jennie, wife of David Young of LaGrange County; eleven grandchildren; one brother; and three sisters. The obsequies were held at Kimmell on January 19. Burial, Sparta Cemetery. * 1-?-1913
Black L Evelyn, 96, died Aug. 6, 2004 at Park Central in Fremont, Calif. She had worked in private nursing and in hospitals in Wolf Lake and Kendallville. She was born Dec. 24, 1907 in Nappanee to Fred and Blanche (French) Frymier. On June 7, 1929 in Frankfort she married Glen C. Black. He died Jan. 10, 1989. Surviving are 2 daughters and sons-in-law, Sally and Leo Pfefferkorn of Albion and Michele and George E. Collins of Fremont, Calif.; a son and daughter-in-law, John Seth and Judy Black of Douglasville, Ga.; 3 grandchildren, Jona Slone, Todd Black and Amy Katz; and 7 great-grandchildren, Randy, Katy, Amber, Seth and Riley Black and Tara and Tricia Slone. Also preceding her in death were 2 sisters and 4 brothers, Ardella Metz, Dode, Gerald, Morris, Edgar and Fredrick Frymier. Services Thursday at Trinity United Methodist Church. Burial, Sparta Cemetery. ^ 8-9-2004
Black Lilla K of Los Angeles died Dec. 31. She was the widow of Owen J. Black, a former businessman of Albion. She is survived by her son, Goss of Indianapolis, his wife and daughter, Elizabeth. + 1-?-1932
Black Loretta M, 66, R. 1, Skinner Lake, Albion, died Friday (d. 10-22-1982) in Sacred Heart Home, Avilla. Born March 24, 1916 in Noble County, she was the daughter of Edward and Georgia (Savoie) Campbell. She married Earl B. Black on Dec. 12, 1936. He died Nov. 9, 1980. A lifetime resident of Noble County, she and her husband established Black Sales in Albion and operated the auto dealership many years. She was a member of the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, Albion. Surviving are one daughter, Erlene D. Dekko, Kendallville; two sons, Tony R., and E. Brian, both Albion; two sisters, Mrs. Lee (Helen) Rouch, Houston, Texas, and Mrs. Arnold (Dora) Hobbs, Michigan City; and six grandchildren. One sister and one brother preceded her in death. Services Monday in the Blessed Sacrament Church. Burial, Rose Hill Cemetery. + 10-22-1982
Black Lula A, wife of Charles Black, died in the Lutheran Hospital at Fort Wayne on October 9, 1916. She was a native of Noble County and was born July 11, 1879. She married Charles Black on October 17, 1901 at Albion. The first two years of their married life were spent on a farm near Kendallville, after which they moved to the farm they now own about four miles south of Albion. They had lived in their present home in Albion less than a year. Two children are left the loss of their mother, Glendon C., will be eleven on the first of next January, and Donald Charles, who will be four on the thirtieth of December. She leaves father and mother, Mrs. and Mrs. William C. More; and two brothers, Otto C., and Forrest A., all of whom are living in York Twp. She was a member of the Albion Temple, Pythian Sisters. Mr. and Mrs. Black were both members of the York Presbyterian Church. * 10-?-1916
Black Mabel (Gleason) was born in Logansport, Ind. on April 12, 1899, and died July 20, 1925. She was aged 26 years, three months and eight days. Her parents were Patrick and Etta Gleason, the father having died several years ago. She is survived by her husband, her infant daughter, her mother and one brother, James Gleason of New York. For more than 14 years Mabel and her mother and brother had made their home with Mr. and Mrs. James Belile. On April 23, 1924 she was married to Dallas M. Black. They made their home on the Rollin Black farm. Her baby girl is left motherless and Dallas, the husband, today mourns. Burial, Sparta Cemetery. * 7-?-1925
Black Margaret, wife of John Black, native and lifelong resident of Allen Twp, died Sunday from cancer. She was the daughter of Frederick and Elizabeth Gienger, deceased, and was born December 7, 1862. Surviving besides the husband are three daughters, Mrs. Martha Homsher and Mrs. Glenn Rimmel, Jefferson Twp, Mrs. Bessie Benton, Toledo; four grandchildren; a brother, Adam Gienger; and the following sisters, Mrs. J. C. Gillian, Kendallville, Mrs. Oliver Stout, Bluffton, Mrs. Sol Berkes, Avilla, Mrs. John Diehm, Mrs. Chris Diehm, Allen Twp, Mrs. Rose Snider, Goshen, Mrs. Lou Burkholder, Jefferson Twp. Services Tuesday from Mt. Pleasant Church. Burial, Mt. Pleasant Cemetery. ~ 2-19-1925
Black Marian, 83, of Scottsville, Va., died April 24, 1995 in University Hospital in Charlottesville, Va. She was born in Albion on Nov. 9, 1911 to Harry and Bertha (Belt) Black. A 1929 graduate of Albion High School, she was a retired telephone operator and a member of Scottsville Baptist Church. Surviving are a sister, Alice Glass of Scottsville; and a sister-in-law, Maureen Black of Albion. She was preceded in death by 2 brothers and a sister. Funeral Saturday in Orr Funeral Home, Albion. Burial, Rose Hill Cemetery. + 4-24-1995
Black Martha Elizabeth, aged 30 years and 27 days, died Dec. 24, 1872 at the residence of her father, F. A. Black in Jefferson Twp, of consumption. Burial took place on Christmas Day. She was a member of the Lutheran Church. Albion New Era 1-2-1873
Black Mary J died at the residence of her father, Owen Black, in Albion on Nov. 12, 1872 of typhoid fever, aged 29 years 8 months and 18 days. Albion New Era 11-7-1872
Black Mary J, 82, pioneer resident of Noble County, died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Lula Walburn, Jefferson Twp, last Wednesday. She was born in Ohio and when a small girl moved with her parents to Noble County, where she has since resided. Her husband died 28 years ago and since that time she has continued to reside at the farm home. Surviving are the daughter and a son, Oliver, Ann Arbor, Mich.; four brothers, Charles, Albert and Milton Halferty of Allen Twp, Will Halferty of Ohio; and a sister, Dora Halferty of Allen Twp. Funeral Saturday at Mt. Pleasant Church. Burial, Mt. Pleasant Cemetery. + 11-?-1928 11-7-1928
Black Mary O was born Oct. 27, 1855 and died Dec. 11, 1945. Services at the W. H. Stoops home Dec. 13. Burial, Rose Hill Cemetery. + 12-?-1945
Black Maurice, 60, a Noble County resident all his life, died Sunday at his home west of Kendallville on the Drake Road. He was a 32nd degree Mason and was affiliated with the Noble County Farm Bureau and a director of Northeastern Indiana Agricultural Association. Surviving are the mother, Mrs. Carrie Black, and a sister, Mrs. Inez Diggins, both of west of Kendallville. Funeral Tuesday at the residence. Burial, Mt. Pleasant Cemetery. + 10-?-1941
Black Maureen O, 93, of Albion, died April 10, 2011 at Northridge Village in Albion. She was born June 18, 1917, to Roy and Leta (Trittipo) Olinghouse in Ligonier. On January 21, 1945, in Ligonier she married John Black. He died March 21, 1994. She was a 1935 graduate of Topeka High School. She worked for the Ligonier Telephone Company and was a church secretary. She was a member of Asbury United Methodist Church in Albion and Albion Eastern Star #178. Survivors include 3 children, Judith (Charles) Cox of Elkhart, Elizabeth (John) Firestone of Wawaka, and Thomas (Kathi) Black of Minneapolis, Minn.; six grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband and an infant brother, William. Celebration of life service April 16, 2011at Asbury United Methodist Church. Burial, Rose Hill Cemetery.^ 4-12-2011
Black Meredith, 32, former Albion resident who had lived recently in Ashley, was drowned Sunday at Storey Lake. He was fishing with his small son, Michael, aged 4, and got a fish hook in his back. He fell from the boat and apparently could not swim. Surviving are his wife, Mary Frances; a daughter, Kathy Jo; a son, Michael; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Arnold Black of Ligonier; and a sister, Mrs. George Pepple, Auburn. Services Wednesday in Ashley Church of Christ. Burial, Circle Cemetery. + 7-?-1962
Black Morris M, youngest son of John W. and Matilda Black, was born near Albion November 29, 1882. He was one of a family of twelve children, six of whom with the parents have preceded him in death. Those left are John W. of Canton, Ohio, Emmet W., Charles and Calvin of Albion, and Mrs. Jennie Young of Wolcottville. For many years he has lived in the home of Rollin Black, a brother now deceased. He was a member of the Pleasant Hill Christian Church. On September 30, he took ill with pneumonia and suffered until death relieved him on Tuesday. He was 35 years, 10 months and 2 days of age. The obsequies were held at Pleasant Hill Christian Church Thursday. Burial, Sparta Cemetery. * 1918
Black Myra McLallin, daughter of Mary Jane Lawrence and Isaac McLallin, was born in York Twp, December 2, 1869, and died October 26, 1920, aged 50 years, 10 months and 24 days. She married Calvin Black October 27, 1898. They had two sons, Arnold and Therol, both of whom survive. Also surviving are two brothers, Lewis and Roy McLallin; one sister, Mrs. Sarah Fray; and Miss Verna Black, daughter of John Black, who has made her home with them since the death of her mother. She was a lifelong member of the Christian Church, until she moved to the community of Pleasant Hill, where she remained a member of the church and the Sunday School until death. * 10-?-1920
Black Naomi M, 86, died Jan. 6, 2002 at Sacred Heart Hospital, Pensacola, Fla. She was born Sept. 7, 1915 in North Webster to Daniel and Emma (Snoke) Eberly. She married Paul Black in 1939. He died in 1997. Surviving are 2 sons, Lowell of Fort Wayne and Ross of Pensacola; a daughter, Kathryn Underwood of Fort Wayne; 7 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. Services Thursday at Berean Baptist Church in Albion. Burial, Rose Hill Cemetery. ^ 1-8-2002
Black Nelson C, 58, 341 N. Chauncey St., Columbia City, died Aug. 28 at his home. He was a teacher at Smith-Green School for 15 years, retiring in 1984 because of his health. A native of Noble County, he was born Jan. 12, 1926, a son of Therol and Elizabeth Voris Black. Hs family moved to Columbia City when he was young and he graduated from high school there in 1944. During WW II he served for three years in the U.S. Merchant Marines. He married Jean Travelbee on Nov. 23, 1946. He was employed at Dana Corporation in Fort Wayne for 14 years. In 1963 he resigned and entered Manchester College. He was awarded his master’s degree in 1971 at St. Francis College. Surviving are his wife; a daughter, Mrs. David (Joyce) Easterday, Columbia City; a son, Phillip of Ann Arbor, Mi.; his stepmother, Mrs. Hertha Black, Columbia City; two brothers, Gary of Fort Wayne and Dean Ramsey of Columbia City; and two granddaughters. Funeral Saturday at Grace Lutheran Church, Columbia City. Burial, Greenhill Cemetery. + 1984
Black Owen, 71, died at his home in Albion on Sunday last of Bright’s disease. He was a native of Maryland and came to Noble County about 40 years ago. Funeral Wednesday. ^ 11-5-1886
Black Paul, 82, of Pensacola, Fla., and formerly of Albion, died Feb. 26 in Pensacola. He was born in Albion April 28, 1914. He married Naomi Eberly. He had been a lifetime Albion resident until moving to Pensacola 3 years ago. Surviving are his wife; a daughter, Kathryn Underwood of Fort Wayne; 2 sons, Ross of Pensacola and Lowell of Fort Wayne; a brother, Sam of Avilla; several grand and great-grandchildren. Memorial services in Berean Baptist Church in Albion. ~ 4-3-1997
Black Pauline, 59,a lifetime resident of Noble County, died last Tuesday in McCray Hospital. Born Sept. 27, 1910 in Garrett, she was the daughter of Ervin and Clara Wilson Zumbaugh. She was married Feb. 7, 1932 to Porter Black, who survives. She was a member of the Asbury United Methodist Church, the Noble County Republican Women’s Club, Albion Study Club and Prentiss Chapter OES. Survivors include the husband; two daughters, Mrs. John Shisler, R. 1, LaOtto and Mrs. James (Jane) Clark, Staunton, Va.; one brother, John Zumbaugh; and seven grandchildren. One brother preceded her in death. Funeral September 4, at Bonham, Miser & Brazzell Funeral Home, Albion. ~ 9-10-1970 (d. 9-1-1970)
Black Porter R, 66, was born in York Twp May 4, 1906 to Rollin and Winnie (Becker) Black and was married in 1932 to Pauline Zumbaugh in Hoagland. She preceded him in death Sept. 1, 1970. He was a lifelong resident of Noble County and was an underwriter for Mutual of New York Insurance Company. He was a member of the Asbury United Methodist Church, the Masons and Elks Lodges of Kendallville, the American Legion in Albion and the VFW. A resident of 214 E. Main St. in Albion, he died Thursday in McCray Hospital. Survivors include two daughters, Mrs. John (Sharon) Shisler, R. 1, LaOtto, and Mrs. James (Jane) Clark, Celine, Mich.; two brothers, Dallas and Earl, both of Albion, and seven grandchildren. Services Saturday in Bonham-Miser & Brazzell Funeral Home. Burial, Sparta Cemetery. ~ 4-12-1973
Black Robert L, 80, died Thursday in his Kendallville home. Part owner of the Truck-a-teria which closed in 1966, he was a retired owner of CMW Transport, retiring in 1978. He was a WW II veteran of the U.S. Army. He was a member of the Kendallville Kiwanis and American Legion Post 86. He was born Jan. 3, 1918 in Pierceton to Sherman and Clara (Deerwester) Black. On April 22, 1938 in Columbia City he married Darlene Barrett. She died Oct. 22, 1996. Private graveside service Monday in Lake View Cemetery. + 11-19-1998
Black Robert O, 64, 913 Moyer St., died today at Parkview Hospital. He was born March 21, 1906 in Anderson to George W. and Annie Ellen Black. On Dec. 22, 1928 he and Goldie Carr were married. He moved to Kendallville in 1944 from Connersville and was employed as a draftsman at McCray Corp. for many years. He was last employed as surveyor for the city of Kendallville. He was a member of the F&AM 276, Kendallville. Funeral Monday in Berhalter-Hutchins Funeral Home. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. + 8-?-1970
Black Rollin, son of John and Matilda Black, was born in York Twp April 1, 1876 and died at his home July 25, 1916, aged 40 years, 3 months and 24 days. He was one of a family of 11 children, 4 of whom with the parents have preceded him in death. Those living are one sister, Jennie Young of LaGrange; and five brothers, Morris, Calvin, Charles and Emmet of Albion, and John of Canton, Ohio. On March 14, 1900 he took in marriage Winnie Becker and they have spent their married life in York Twp and vicinity. They had four sons. They are Dallas, Porter, Kenneth and Earl, who, with the widow, survive. His death came on Tuesday as a result of neuralgia of the heart. The obsequies were held at Sparta Christian Church Thursday. Burial, Sparta Cemetery. * 1916
Black Sarah Ella. daughter of Sylvester and Mary Jane Blackman, was born in York Twp, on May 23, 1870. She was the eldest child in a family of seven. On April 19, 1884 she married Emmet Black. They had three children, Gladys, Alma, who is the wife of Frank Smith, and Mary, who is the wife of Leonard Moore. Several years ago she became a member of the Presbyterian Church. Her husband died on May 8, 1923. She died Sept. 19, 1923, aged 53 years, 3 months and 26 days. Surviving are the three daughters; three grandchildren, Edith and Doris Smith and (appears to be a line missing) Leonard William and Thaddeus Blackman and two sisters, Gertrude and Anna Blackman. Funeral at Sparta Christian Church Saturday. Burial, Sparta Cemetery. + 9-?-1923
Black Treda, 75, Kimmell, died Aug. 26 at Betz Nursing Home, Auburn. She was born May 19, 1901 in Kimmell to Daniel and Mary (Heltzel) Musser. She married Arnold Black on May 9, 1921. He died in 1970. She was a lifetime resident of the Kimmell and Albion areas. She is survived by one daughter, Mrs. George (Phyllis) Pepple, R. 4, Auburn; and five grandchildren. One son preceded her in death. Services Sunday in Sparta United Church of Christ. Burial, Sparta Cemetery. + 8-26-1976
Black William Douglas died at his home in Kendallville Monday after several years’ illness of pernicious anemia, aged 53 years, 4 months and 18 days. He was a son of Mr. and Mrs. Davis Black, deceased pioneer residents of Allen Twp. He had always resided in Noble County and for a number of years was employed in the mercantile establishment of J. Keller & Co. He was a member of Kendallville Lodge No. 109, Knights of Pythias. He is survived by the widow; two sisters, Mrs. Charles D. Scott of this city, and Mrs. A. F. Koons of Kendallville. The obsequies were held at the residence Wednesday. Burial, Mt. Pleasant Cemetery. + 1916
Black William Henry was born in Delaware County, Ohio in 1847. Here he spent his early boyhood days, and in 1860 with his parents removed to Whitley County, Ind., where he lived until 1865 when he moved to Noble County, where he lived until 1903, when he moved to Topeka, Ind., where he resided until Oct. 15, 1921, when he died. In 1868 he married Dulcenia King, and they had seven children, Charles F. of Goshen, Dr. Frank of Ligonier, Mrs. Eva Hartzler of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, Wright of Topeka, Roy L., present attorney general of the state of Idaho, Ethel of Topeka, and Pearl, all of whom survive, except Pearl, who died in 1901. + 10-?-1921
Black Winnie, 92, of Albion, died this morning (d.4-10-1970) at McCray Hospital. A lifelong resident of Noble County, she had lived at R. 1, Albion most of her life. She was born in Noble County Sept. 4, 1877, the daughter of Peter and Sarah (Bloomfield) Becker. Her husband, Rollin Black, whom she married on March 17, 1900, died in 1916. Surviving are four sons, Kenneth, Huntington, Dallas, Porter and Earl, all Albion; 11 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. Seven brothers and sisters preceded her in death. She was a member of the Christian Church at Pleasant Hill. Services were at Bonham, Miser & Brazzell Funeral Home. Burial, Sparta Cemetery. + 4-?-1970
Blackburn Brenda L, 39, died Wednesday in Parkview Hospital, Fort Wayne. She was born Jan. 28, 1960 in Kendallville to William and Luecreta Gibson. She was a factory worker for Favorite Brands International in Kendallville. Surviving are her mother; 3 daughters, Belinda Keifer of Ligonier, Sandy Bozynski and Jennifer Blackburn of Avilla; 3 sons, Michael Bozynski, Josh and Adam Blackburn of Avilla; 5 sisters, Flossie Martin of Ashley, Mildred Banks of Avilla, Cosbie Salisbury of Albion, Mary Halferty of Wolcottville and Elizabeth Pelfrey of Garrett; and 5 brothers, Thurman, Emory and Worley Gibson of Kendallville, Arthur Gibson of Waterloo and Recie Gibson of Avilla. Funeral Saturday in Hite Funeral Home. Burial, Orange Cemetery. + 9-1-1999
Blackman - mother of Oliver and John A. Blackman, died on Wednesday at her residence in Allen Twp. Funeral today at Mt. Pleasant. ^ 12-9-1887
Blackman Amy, about 70, died at the Methodist Hospital in Fort Wayne Sept. 13, 1948. Surviving are the husband, Rollin, of near Albion; and one son, Dwight of Ligonier; three sisters and one brother. Funeral this afternoon at Sparta Christian Church. Burial, Sparta Cemetery. + 9-?-1948
Blackman Anne E, 90, formerly of 502 S. Martin St., died Tuesday in Kendallville Nursing Home. She was born March 17, 1891 in Noble County to Sylvester and Mary Ellen (Burns) Blackman. She lived in the Noble County area all her life. She was formerly employed by the Wirk Garment Factory in Ligonier and was a member of the Sparta United Church of Christ in Kimmell. Surviving is a niece, Mrs. Mary Moore of Albion. Services Friday at Orr Funeral Home in Ligonier. Burial, Sparta Cemetery. + 8-?-1981
Blackman Bessie was killed in an auto accident last Thursday near Chicago. She had been making her home with her parents in Glen Ellyn, Ill., while her husband, Lester, had been attending to interests at the Blackman farm in Allen Twp. Funeral Monday in Kendallville. Burial, Kendallville Cemetery. + 2-?-1932
Blackman Blanche, 74, native of Allen Twp and a resident of this community the past four years, died Thursday in a White Plains, N. Y. hospital. She was stricken with paralysis while visiting her sister, Mrs. Roy Wrigley. She was born Aug. 19, 1875, the daughter of J. A. and Anne Crone Blackman on the Blackman farm southwest of Lisbon. She received her early education while residing with an aunt at Akron, O. At the age of 16 she taught a country school and also taught in the Kendallville schools. She attended Indiana University two years and at St. Luke’s Hospital, N. Y. received her training as a nurse. She was a Red Cross nurse in Turkey during WW I. She then became superintendent of nurses at Springfield, Mass. hospital where 600 nurses were graduated under her supervision. In 1945 she retired, coming to Kendallville to reside with Mr. and Mrs. Lester Blackman. She was a member of the Episcopal Church. Surviving are two brothers, Earl of Kansas City, and Lester of near Lisbon; a sister Mrs. Wrigley, White Plains; two nieces and two nephews. Funeral in White Plains Saturday and the body cremated. + 2-?-1950
Blackman Charles Allen, son of ?on and Maria Baker Blackman, was born in Milford Twp, LaGrange County on the first day of ?, 1857 and departed this life on ?ary 13, 1926, aged ?8 years, 11 months and 12 days. (Clipping cut off left side) He grew to manhood in the community where he was born, receiving education in as good a school as times afforded. He was married to Lillian L. Gunn, daughter of Eli and Mary Jane Dawson Gunn, on Sept. 30, 1875. To this union was born one son, Royal A., who with the wife, daughter-in-law and granddaughters Wahneta, Ber? and Marian are surviving. He was a farmer and member of IOOF. He was a county commissioner six years. + 1-13-1926
Blackman Dwight E, 50, died in his Ligonier home. A son of Rollin and Amy Blackman, he was born in York Twp July 17, 1901 and in 1937 was married to Emma Hite. He moved to Ligonier 14 years ago from the York Twp area. He became a roofing and siding contractor, and before this was a salesman for Sears Roebuck & Co. He was a member of the Eagles Lodge in Ligonier. Surviving are the widow; the father of Albion; a stepson, Harold Hite. Services last Wednesday in Sparta Christian Church. Burial, Sparta Cemetery. + 1-?-1951 1-21-1952
Blackman E Rollin, 92, died April 9, 1969 at Kish’s Twin Pines Nursing Home. He was born in York Twp, Noble County, Feb. 8, 1877, the son of pioneer settlers, Elisha and Mary Spangle Blackman. He was a retired farmer. His wife, Amy, preceded him in death. The sole survivor is one grandson. Funeral last Saturday at Bonham Miser & Brazzell Funeral Home. Burial, Sparta Cemetery. + 4-?-1969
Blackman Edith, 91, a resident of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, died in Calgary April 20. She was a former resident of the Kendallville area. She was born in Noble County September 20, 1890, the daughter of Hiram and Mae (McKee) Renkenberger. She married Lester J. Blackman in Toledo, Ohio, September 20, 1938. He died August 10, 1978. She had moved from Kendallville to Canada in 1972. Surviving are a stepson, Warren Blackman of Calgary. A stepson and three brothers preceded her in death. Services Saturday at Berhalter-Hutchins Funeral Home, Kendallville. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. ~ 4-29-1982
Blackman Howard, 26, was killed some time yesterday afternoon near Jacksonville, Fla., while on a practice flight from Dale Mabry Field, Tallahassee. He was flying a P-51 Mustang fighter plane when the accident occurred. The son of Lester Blackman of Allen Twp, he was born in Glen Ellyn, Ill., graduated from Avilla High School and Ball State College, Muncie. He taught school at Logansport before entering the armed forces in June 1943. He was united in marriage with Helen Parks July 27, 1941. Surviving are the wife; a son, Douglas 2 ½; his father; and a brother, Warren, who is in the armed forces somewhere in France. Funeral Friday at L. E. Berhalter & Son Funeral Home. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. + 1945
Blackman John Austin, 86, native and lifelong resident of Allen Twp, died Thursday at the Kendallville Hospital. Death resulted from acute intestinal obstruction. Surviving are the widow; two sons and two daughters, Blanche Adele, Springfield, Mass., Earl Austin, Kansas City, Mo., Lester Jay, Allen Twp, and Mrs. Roy Wrigley, White Plains, N Y.; five grandchildren. Funeral Saturday from L. E. Berhalter & Son Funeral Home. Burial, Mt. Pleasant Cemetery. + 12-?-1935
Blackman Lester J, 93, died at the home of his son, Warren, in Calgary, Canada. The Blackmans were former residents of this area. Survivors include his widow, Edith; his son; one sister, Viola Wrigley, Fort Worth, Tex.; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. One son, one sister and one brother preceded him in death. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. ~ 8-17-1978 He was born Oct. 24, 1885 in Indiana, the son of John and Myra (Herrick) Blackman. He married Edith Renkenberger on Sept. 20, 1938. He lived in Allen Twp all but the last six years of his life, was a farmer and painter and a member of the Christian Church in Kendallville and the Allen Twp Farm Bureau. He was noted for his talented singing. + 8-?-1978
Blackman Sylvester, son of Elisha and Amy Rollins Blackman, was born in York Twp, on Oct. 6, 1842, and died at his York Twp home on Feb. 11, 1923, aged 80 years, 4 months and 5 days. He was the eighth child in a family of thirteen children and was the last surviving member of the family. On Dec. 23, 1863 he enlisted in Company B, Twelfth Indiana Volunteer Infantry and served with the Union Army until the close of the war. Among the severest of the engagements which he was called upon to take part during the term of his active services were those of Reseca, Pumpkin Vine Creek and Atlanta. He received an honorable discharge at Louisville, Ky., on July 15, 1865 and then returned to his home in York Twp to re-engage in his vocation of farming. He was married on Oct. 29, 1867 to Mary Jane Burns, They had seven children, namely Ella, who is the wife of Emmet Black, Joseph Frank, who died March 10, 1904, William, Gertrude, Thaddeus and Anna. Mrs. Blackman died on April 4, 1913. He was a member of the Sparta Christian Church and for 12 years served as a trustee of the Eel River Christian Conference. He was a member of the Masonic fraternity, the Knights of Pythias, and the G.A.R. Death came Feb. 11. He leaves 6 children; 4 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren. Funeral at Sparta Church Tuesday. + 2-?-1923
Blackmon Nettie Mae, 58, was found dead Oct. 16, 1960 at her home near Brimfield, presumably the victim of diabetes and hypertension. She lived at Rome City before moving to Brimfield. Surviving are two sons, Robert Jackson of Auburn, and Jean Jackson of N.C.; one daughter, Mrs. Willie Dale Short of Rome City; two grandchildren; and two brothers. Funeral Tuesday. Burial, Orange Cemetery. + 10-?-1960
Blackshire Charles Lee, 62, of Ligonier, died Thursday at his home. He retired in 1992 from Walker Mfg. in Ligonier. He was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean Conflict and was a member of West Noble American Legion Post 243. He was born May 13, 1934 to Charles and Emma (Joplin) Blackshire. He married Mary Routson on Sept. 26, 1987 in Ligonier. Surviving are his wife; a son, Brian of Goshen; 4 stepdaughters; 3 brothers, James and Ben of Ligonier, and Paul of Ocala, Fla.; 2 sisters, Wanda McCallister and Arlene Gilkson of Phoenix, Ariz. He was preceded in death by a brother. Funeral Monday at Orr Funeral Home with cremation following full military graveside rites by West Noble American Legion Post 143. + 8-29-1996
Blackshire Dixie Mae, 69, died Sept. 14, 2003. She had retired from Silgan Plastics after 33 years of service. She was a member of the Baptist Church, and American Legion Auxiliary No. 243. She was born Dec. 1, 1933 in Lefthand, W.Va., to Robert Levi and Freda Bell (Potts) Myers. Surviving are 2 daughters and sons-in-law, Deborah and Tom Beckner of Wawaka and Sandra and David Magnus of Ligonier; 2 sons and daughters-in-law, Daniel and Norma of Ligonier and Marvin and Vicki of Albion; 5 brothers, Jim, Darrell, Benny, Billy Ray and Keith Myers; 2 sisters, Sally O'Brien and Virginia Bright; 7 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a son, Robert, in Oct. 2002; a brother, Harry; and 5 sisters, Barbara, Viola, Madelyn, Clara and Estel. Services Wednesday at Orr Funeral Home. Burial, Oak Park Cemetery. ^ 9-15-2003
Blackshire Jeffrey R, 22, of Topeka, died Saturday in Parkview Hospital, Fort Wayne, from injuries suffered in an automobile accident on U. S. 33, just south of the Noble-Whitley County Line. He was born Sept. 23, 1966 in Goshen, the son of Paul and Marsha (Burdette) Blackshire. On Oct. 25, 1986 in Elkhart he married Tina Bender. He was a self-employed mechanic and had resided in Cromwell until moving to Topeka eight months ago. Surviving are his parents in Cromwell; his wife; a daughter, Danielle at home; a sister, Laura Jones of Topeka; and a grandmother, Laura Burdette of Charleston, W. Va. Services Wednesday in Ulrey-Renner Funeral Home, Ligonier. Burial, Maple Grove Cemetery. + 12-24-1988
Blackston James died at the county infirmary on Wednesday of last week, aged 77 years, 2 months and 22 days. The obsequies were held Friday at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Mary Hoffman. He was born in Mansfield, Ohio, Dec. 26, 1830. He was the father of 7 children, all of whom survive except one. They are Mary Hoffman of Green Center, Lizzie Aldrich of Green Springs, Ohio, Almedia McCoy, Mena, Ark., Ella Mieher of Grover Hill, Rollo of Oklahoma City. He is also survived by 21 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; 6 brothers, William of Galion, Ohio, John A. of Corsica, Ohio, Jabez of Portland, Mich., Harvey and Oliver of Mansfield, Ohio, Allen of Ohio; 2 sisters, Elizabeth Harding of Akron, Ohio, Rosella Howard of Columbus, Ohio. Burial, Union Cemetery, Jefferson Twp. > 4-1-1908
Blackwell Mabel E J, 92, 402 Joy St., Ligonier, died Tuesday at Goshen Hospital. She was born Feb. 6, 1892 in Knox, the daughter of Frank and Florence (Roher) Hermance. On July 22, 1920 in Knox she married Warren Blackwell, who died in 1945. She moved to Ligonier from Knox in 1979. She was a member of the Gospel Meeting House, Knox, and a charter member of the WCTU. Surviving are a daughter, Juanita Fleming of South Bend; a son, Lynn of Lake Placid, Fla.; five grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. The body will be cremated and a memorial service held at a later date at Orr Funeral Home in Ligonier. + 4-10-1984
Blackwell Mark J, 27, was killed in a two-vehicle crash Friday 3 ½ miles west of Albion on the Albion Road. He was driving a 1987 Pontiac south on CR 350W. He stopped at a stop sign at the intersection of Albion Road, then pulled into the path of a 1975 Ford dump truck driven by Randy Hovarter of Albion. + 5-8-1987
Blair Benjamin died Jan. 25, 1873 from acute pneumonia. Known as "poor crazy wandering" Ben Blair, he was taken to Ligonier and thence in a sleigh to the county asylum, where he died the next day. + Clippings book
Blair C E, 26, brother of Mrs. W. H. Gappinger, Mrs. L. A. Weinstein and Miss Lizzie Blair of this city, died Sunday at his home at Wauseon, Ohio, from consumption. + 1891
Blair Hattie was born in LaGrange County May 22, 1876; died at her home in Orange Twp Jan. 27, aged 26 years 8 months and 5 days. Funeral was at Oak Grove Church. Burial, South Milford Cemetery. She lived with her parents until 16, at which time her father died, and about 5 years later her mother died. She then lived with Mr. and Mrs. Owen Iddings until her death. She leaves 3 sisters, 3 brothers. ^ 2-13-1903
Blaisdell Frederica, residing on the north side, died last week from consumption, aged nearly 28. She is the wife of Noah Blaisdell who is confined at Albion awaiting transfer to the asylum for the insane. A family of 3 children are left. Funeral at the Lutheran Church Sunday afternoon. ^ 10-2-1891
Blaising Bryan L, 18, drowned in Sylvan Lake Saturday. He was apparently trying to swim back to a capsized boat when he drowned about 150 yards from shore. He was born in LaGrange on Sept. 30, 1963 to Orland and Sandra (Lung) Blaising. He is survived by his parents in Rome City; two brothers, Ryan and Clinton at home; grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Lung and Frederick Blaising of Rome City and Esther Blaising of St. Petersburg, Fla. Services Wednesday in Berhalter-Hutchins Funeral Home, Kendallville. Burial, Orange Cemetery. + 10-?-1981
Blaising Esther, 65, of 613 W. Ingle Dr., Ossian, died at the home of her daughter, Pamela Nye, Tuesday. She was born Dec. 28, 1919 in Fort Wayne, the daughter of Emil and Anna (John) Miller. Formerly of Rome City, she had lived in St. Petersburg, Fla., before moving to the home of her daughter. She was a member of the Bethlehem Lutheran Church of Ossian and Rome City American Legion Auxiliary. Surviving are four daughters, Mrs. William (Pamela) Nye of Ossian, Mrs. Ben (Twyla) Boyd, LaGrange, Mrs. David (Melanie) Knapp of Rome City; and Mrs. James (Barbara) Russell of Kendallville; a son, Orland of Rome City; a sister, Charlotte McBride of Fort Wayne; 4 brothers, Alford, Columbia City, Walter, Fort Wayne, Arnold of Silver Lake, and George of LaGrange; 11 grandchildren. A grandson, 2 sisters and 2 brothers preceded her in death. Services Friday at Berhalter-Hutchins Funeral Home, Kendallville. Burial, Orange Cemetery. + 3-12-1985
Blaising Frederick M, 73, Rome City, died Wednesday at the home of his daughter, Twyla Boyd of LaGrange. Born in New Haven Nov. 10, 1912, he was the son of Fred Philip and Grace M. (Brown) Blaising. He had moved from Fort Wayne to Rome City in 1926. He was former owner and operator of Blaising’s Tavern 1944-78 and prior to that had worked at Old Crown Brewery for 10 years. He was a member of American Legion Post 215, LaGrange, Eagles Lodge 2455 Albion, VFW 2749 and Moose Lodge 1301, Kendallville, and was a WW II veteran. Surviving are 4 daughters, Mrs. William (Pamela) Nye of Ossian, Mrs. Ben (Twyla) Boyd, LaGrange, Mrs. David (Melanie) Knapp of Rome City, and Barbara Russell of Kendallville; a son, Orland of Mongo; a sister, Arbutice Webb of Mesa, Ariz.; a brother, Clyde, of Bacliff, Texas; and 11 grandchildren. A grandson preceded him in death. Services Saturday in Berhalter-Hutchins Funeral Home, Kendallville. Burial, Orange Cemetery. + 4-27-1986
Blake Fern, 87, - See Lester Blake.
Blake Harley F, 90, 215 N. Cavin St., Ligonier, died Tuesday at Goshen Hospital. He was born Nov. 23, 1897 to Charley and Lilie (Fought) Blake in Wawaka and married Bermuda Vaughn Oct. 10, 1959 in Wawaka. He was retired from the Wabash Railroad. He is survived by his wife of Ligonier; three sons, Harley Jr. of Topeka, Edward of Pacific, Calif., and Robert of LaGrange; one daughter, Mrs. Paul (Sharon) Eck of Holland, Mich.; four stepsons, Ralph Wilson of Goshen, Francis Wilson of Ligonier, Bertrand Barkey and James Wyatt of Topeka; and one stepdaughter, Beverly Barkey of Ligonier. One sister preceded him in death. Services Friday at Orr Funeral Home. Burial, Salem Cemetery. + 4-2-1988
Blake Harry L, 71, of 200 Jackson St., Ligonier, died Sunday at his residence. He was born March 24, 1917 in Noble County, the son of Harry and Erma (Myers) Blake. A lifetime area resident, he retired from Essex Co. where he was a production worker. He was a WW II Army veteran and member of West Noble American Legion. Surviving are two daughters, Linda Sexton of Ligonier, and Cindy Green of Chattanooga, Tenn.; two sons, Michael of Chattanooga, and Dennis of (line missing) Holiday of Auburn, Sheila Jones and Mrs. Wesley (Eileen) Haines Jr., both Kendallville, and Mrs. LaMar (Marjorie) Ruhl of Angola; and 11 grandchildren. A daughter, two brothers, two sisters and two grandchildren preceded him in death. Services Wednesday in Berhalter-Hutchins Funeral Home, Kendallville. Burial, Woodruff Cemetery. + 10-23-1988
Blake Lester, 90, born April 1, 1892 in LaGrange County, suffered a heart attack Friday while visiting his wife at the hospital. He died Sunday at Goshen General. His wife, Fern, who was born in LaGrange County Dec. 30, 1895, died at 1:30 a.m. Friday. Her parents were Josiah and Nora (Benham) Rowe, and his parents were Arthur and Ada (Damon) Blake. They were married Nov. 28, 1917 in LaGrange. A veteran of WW I, he was a retired employee of Wheelabrater. She was a retired garment factory worker. They were members of the Ligonier United Methodist Church. Surviving are a daughter, Mrs. Paul (Agnes) Gribbs of Osceola; two sons, Lester Jr. of South Bend, and Robert of Melbourne, Fla.; 11 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by three sisters, Mary Thomas of South Bend, Ethel Renner of Ligonier, and Lottie Weaver of Jones, Mich.; and a brother, Paul of Ligonier. A sister, Ruth Peterson, Ligonier, survives Mrs. Blake. Double services today in Ligonier United Methodist Church, Ligonier. Burial, Eden Cemetery. + 2-11-1983
Blake Lester Jr., 80, of Elizabethtown, Ky., died May 31, 2006 at Hardin Hospital. A U.S. Army veteran, he had retired from Johnson Controls in Goshen. He was a member of United Methodist Church in Elizabethtown, Goshen Iron Horsemen, DAV Chapter 15, and Goshen American Legion Post 30. He was born April 9, 1926 in Ligonier to Lester and Fern (Rowe) Blake. He married Mary Johnson on Dec. 12, 1944 in Albion. Surviving are a son and daughter-in-law, James and Jody of Howe; 3 daughters and 2 sons-in-law, Patricia and Ron Morris of Elizabethtown, Virginia Johnson of Ligonier, and Rebecca and Sam Nunn of Jeffersonville; a brother, Robert; 11 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife and a sister, Agnes Grib. Services Sunday at Ulrey-Renner Funeral Home. Burial, Oak Park Cemetery. ^ 6-2-2006
Blake Mary L, 78, of Elizabethtown, Ky., died July 10, 2005 in Hardin Memorial Hospital. She had retired in 1989 from Johnson Controls in Goshen. She was a member of Grace United Methodist Church in Marianne, Fla. She was born May 7, 1927 in Ligonier to Russell and Maude (Gross) Johnson. On Dec. 12, 1944 in Albion she married Lester Blake. Surviving are her husband; a son and daughter-in-law, James and Jody Blake of Howe; 3 daughters and 2 sons-in-law, Pat and Ron Morris of Elizabethtown, Virginia Johnson of Ligonier and Rebecca and Sam Nunn of Jeffersonville, Ind.; a brother and sister-in-law, Richard and Kathy Johnson of South Vienna, Ohio; a sister, Rose Lindsay of Ligonier; 11 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by 2 brothers, Pete and Tom Johnson; and a sister, Martha Lindsay. Services Thursday at Ulrey-Renner Funeral Home. Burial, Oak Park Cemetery. ^ 7-12-2005
Blake Mary M, 95, 310 E. Mitchell St., died Thursday at her residence. She was born March 2, 1887 in Cairo, Ohio and married Ira J. Blake March 30, 1905. He preceded her in death. She was a member of the Pentecostal Tabernacle in Van Wert, Ohio. Surviving are four daughters, Mrs. Gerald (Marie) McCoy, Van Wert, Ohio, Mrs. Harry (Lela) Line, Fort Wayne, Mrs. Paul (Almeda) Hoerner and Mrs. Leland (Ada) Fisher, both of Kendallville; three sons, Orval, Lima, Ohio, Carl, Ashland, Ohio, and Allen, Defiance, Ohio; four sisters, Ella Buchanan, Fort Wayne, Osea Harshman, Dayton, Mrs. Paul (Pearl) Wolfe, Van Wert, and Stella Overholt of Sacramento, Calif.; 23 grandchildren; 42 great-grandchildren; and 10 great-great-grandchildren. Three daughters, two brothers and three sisters preceded her in death. Services Sunday in Pentecostal Tabernacle in Van Wert. Burial, Blue Creek Cemetery. + 4-15-1982
Blake Paul D, 75, of Ligonier, died Thursday in Goshen Hospital. He was born June 22, 1918 in LaGrange County to Arthur and Ada (Damey) Blake. He married Sylvia Ganger on June 21, 1941 in Goshen. He was owner and operator of the former Blake's Radio & TV and had worked at Crep's Bakery for 55 years. He was a U.S. Army veteran of WW II and a member of West Noble American Legion Post 243. Surviving are his wife; 3 daughters, Mrs. William (Sally) Baker of Kendallville, Paula Fought and Mrs. David (Karen) Burns of Ligonier; 7 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. A great-grandchild, 3 brothers and 4 sisters preceded him in death. Funeral Saturday in Orr Funeral Home. Burial, Sparta Cemetery. + 6-16-1994
Blake Sylvia Rita, 81, died May 6, 2004 at Parkview Noble Hospital. She retired from Essex as a laborer and was a member of Trinity Assembly of God Church. She was born March 11, 1923 in Goshen to Chauncy and Elizabeth (Bechtel) Granger. On June 21, 1941 in Goshen she married Paul Duane Blake. He died June 16, 1994. Surviving are 3 daughters and 2 sons-in-law, Sally Baker and Paula and Rick Fought-Morrison of Kendallville, and Karen and David Burns of Ligonier; 2 sisters, Carol Buchtel of Goshen and Clara Wagner of Portland, Ore.; 12 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. Also preceding her in death were 5 sisters, Mayverd Shrock, Eunice Riley, Elsie Rockenbaugh, Verda and Glee Ganger; and one great-grandchild. Services Wednesday at Orr Funeral Home. Burial, Sparta Cemetery. ^ 5-17-2004
Blake William J, 74, died Oct. 13, 2002 at home. He was a veteran of the U. S. Navy and an over-the-road truck driver for Peter Eckrich & Sons for 20 years. He also drove for Courier-Newsome Trucking for 6 years. He was a member of Kendallville American Legion Post 86, Churubusco VFW, Kendallville Eagles, the 40&8 of Fort Wayne and the D.A.V of Goshen. He was born Jan. 1, 1928 to Royal and Aletha (Thomas) Blake in Detroit. He married Inez Gregory on May 23, 1984 in Churubusco. Surviving are his wife; 3 sons, Royal Blake of Columbia City, Tony and Teresa Alfrey of Cromwell and Tim Alfrey of Kendallville; 5 daughters, Cathy and Jim Maxwell of Fort Wayne, Cindy Crawford, Jean and Jeff Coplin, Cheryl and Jerry Harter and Tina Cleveland of Kendallville; a sister, Beulah Grueschow of Lincoln Park, Mich.; 17 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. Services Wednesday at Hite Funeral Home. Burial, Christian Chapel Cemetery. ^ 10-15-2002
Blaker Helen L, 87, died today in Meadowhaven Nursing Center. She was born to William and Lena (Schutt) Snively on Dec. 12, 1899 in Kendallville. She married Roy Blaker on June 7, 1941 in the United Methodist parsonage, Butler. He died January 1969. One sister also preceded her in death. Surviving are one son, David of rural Butler, and two grandchildren. She was a member of the Butler United Methodist Church. Services Wednesday at Johnson’s Funeral Home, Butler. Burial, Butler Cemetery. + 8-17-1987
Blakesley Edith Donabell, infant daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Blakesley of Elkhart, died soon after her birth January 25. A brief service was held at the home and the body was placed in the Rice Cemetery Mausoleum. Mrs. Blakesley formerly was Miss Thelma Englert of Swan Twp. ~ 2-19-1925
Blakesley Thelma (Englert), 34, a former resident of Swan Twp, died May 16 at Three Rivers, Mich. Hospital. Surviving are the husband, three sons, four brothers, two sisters, and her father. Funeral Friday at Swan Methodist Church. Burial, Swan Cemetery. + 5-?-1940
Blakley Stacy Lee, son of James Gibson and Katie Blakley, died of smoke inhalation in the living room of the two-story frame residence at 317 Pigeon St., Ligonier. Cause of the fire could not immediately be determined. He was born April 1, 1977. Surviving are the parents, who attend the Syracuse Pentecostal Church; a brother, Jason Blakley; and two stepbrothers, James Gibson III and Tommy Gibson, both of Elizabethtown, Ky. Services later this week at Douglas Funeral Home, War, W. Va. Burial, Blakley Cemetery, Big Creek, W. Va. + 6-?-1978
Blanchard Arthur W, 65, lifelong resident of Noble and LaGrange Counties, died Wednesday at his home north of Kendallville from heart trouble. Surviving are the widow; two sons and four daughters, Clayton, Avilla, Cairdon, LaGrange, Mrs. H. J. Braun, Mrs. J. R. Nitchell, Misses Wava and Dorthea of Fort Wayne; two sisters and one brother, Mrs. Cora Winkebleck, Oliver Blanchard of LaGrange, Mrs. Etta Bingham, Stryker, O. Funeral Sunday from Oak Grove U. B. Church. Burial, Orange Cemetery. + 6-?-1935
Blanchard Bertha May, 62, of Columbia City, died Sunday at the residence of her daughter, Linda. She was born March 20, 1922. Her husband, Paul, preceded her in death. Surviving are four daughters, Mrs. John (Linda) Stuck, Kendallville, Mrs. Paul (Barbara) Gaff of Huntertown, Carol Collier of Columbia City, and Mrs. Larry (Susan) Brockhaus of Churubusco; two sisters and 12 grandchildren. One brother preceded her in death. Services Tuesday at DeMoney-Grimes Funeral Home, Columbia City. Burial, Troy Presbyterian Cemetery. + 1-6-1985
Blanchard C D of Fort Wayne died Saturday in St. Joseph Medical Center, Fort Wayne. A Kendallville native, he had been a livestock and grain farmer. Surviving are his wife, Betty; three daughters, Julie at home, Jean Hamm of Ossian, and Sara Manning of Vancouver, Wash.; a son, Robert of Tacoma, Wash.; three sisters, Talitha Braun of Fort Wayne, Wava Blanchard of Eaton Rapids, Mich., and Dorthea Hemrick of Kendallville; and 11 grandchildren. Services today in D. O. McComb & Sons Lakeside Park Funeral Home, Fort Wayne. Burial, Highland Park Cemetery + 9-13-1986
Blanchard C H, 80, died at his home in Wolcottville April 2, 1898 after a protracted illness. Born in Clarendon, Rutland County, Vermont Dec. 11, 1817, he came with his family in 1834 to Orland, Steuben County, Ind. Feb. 5, 1845 in Jefferson Twp, he was ordained to the gospel ministry in the Baptist Church. He was married twice, first to Elizabeth Zerba, March 8, 1837. She died July 12, 1841. He married Sarah A. Whitney of Van Buren, Ind. Nov. 12, 1844, who survives him. He was the father of two children, both of whom died in early childhood. He started his ministry in the Wolcottville Baptist Church in 1846 and served in many area churches throughout his ministry. + 4-2-1898
Blanchard Esther, 66, died Monday in Oak Leaf Village of Ligonier. She was born July 10, 1932 in Noble County to Alvin and Mattie Belle (Hampton) Lawson. On Oct. 8, 1948 in Kimmell she married Henry Blanchard. Surviving are her husband; 2 sons, Dave of Cape Girardeau, Mo., and Jerry of Goshen; 3 brothers, Oscar and Glen Lawson of Goshen and Marple Lawson of Paris Crossing; a sister, Mrs. Dave (Gertie) Mehl of Ligonier; a grandson, Joe Blanchard; a granddaughter, Kim Hughes; and a great-grandson, Matthew Hughes. She was preceded in death by a great-grandson, Matthew Hughes. She was preceded in death by 3 brothers, Jerry, Paul and Woody Lawson; and 2 sisters, Irene Lengacher and Beulah Lawson. Funeral Thursday in Ulrey-Renner Funeral Home. Burial, Sparta Cemetery. + 3-1-1999
Blanchard Ida Sophia was born Nov. 15, 1880 and died May 21, 1969. Services May 24, 1969 at Ulrey Funeral Home. Burial, Eden Cemetery. + 5-21-1959
Blanchard Ivan L, 58, of Avilla, died August 26, 2006 at DeKalb Hospital. He was an engineer for CSX Railroad for 28 years and held an embalmer's license and worked part-time for McKee-Miles Funeral Home in 1977. He was born June 25, 1948 in Charlotte, MI to Lois and Ina Mable (Turner) Blanchard. Surviving are 2 daughters and sons-in-law, Laura Kay and John Meyers of Albion and Toscha and Shane Weathington of Jacksonville, FL; 2 sons, Jason Baucom of GA and Jonathon Blanchard Shick of Jacksonville, FL; a former spouse, Carolyn Shick of Jacksonville, FL; a brother and sister-in-law, Doyle and Sherry Marten of Fremont; 2 sisters and brothers-in-law, Charmaine and Mike Kendall of Wawaka and Rose and Toby Mosley of Garrett; a sister, Ina Blanchard of Albion; and 4 grandchildren. Services in Garrett. ~ 9-7-2006
Blanchard Mervin W, 74, of 710 Johnson St., Ligonier, died Feb. 17 at Whitley County Hospital. He was a resident of Ligonier since 1961 and was employed as a truck driver for Lyon & Greenleaf Co., retiring in 1971. Surviving are his wife, Golda; two sons, Henry of Ligonier, Walter of Fort Wayne; and one daughter, Mrs. Norma Joy of Port Hope, Mich.; a stepson, Bill Foster of Warsaw; two stepdaughters, Mrs. Betty Hawn and Mrs. Jeanette Weirick of Columbia City; 17 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Melvin of Pierceton and Fred of R. 1, Columbia City. Services Feb. 20 at Smith Funeral Home, Columbia City. Burial, Nolt Cemetery. + 2-20-1979
Bland Raymond L, 79, Washington D.C. ,died Friday in Washington, where he had resided since 1926. He was retired from the U. S. Army and as an employee of the Department of Agriculture. His wife, the former Juliette Graves, survives. One sister, Mrs. Mary Jensen, Los Angeles, survives. Services Wednesday at Ulrey Funeral Home. Burial, Oak Park Cemetery. + 12-?-1972
Blaney George Linus, only son of M. L. and Gertrude Blaney, was born in Kendallville Oct. 24, 1874 and died at the home of his mother on Orchard St. in Kendallville Sept. 28, 1898, aged 23 years, 11 months and 4 days. When 13 years of age he united with the Church of Christ in Kendallville. At the close of his sophomore year, he left the high school at Kendallville to accept a clerkship in Fort Wayne. He continued in this employment for one year and then entered the Fort Wayne Business College. He went to Chicago where he engaged in business for five months and then went to Arkansas City, Kans., where he began as a singing evangelist, assisting his father in evangelistic meetings, at one period singing for 100 nights without intermission. After about two years here he was attacked in January 1896 by la grippe. + 9-28-1898
Blaney Lenna Mabelle was born May 22, 1879 at Rolling Prairie, Ind. and died Dec. 10 at her home in Kendallville, age 26 years 7 months and 8 days. She was the third child in a family of 5 children, one brother and 3 sisters. Of this number, 2 sisters, Mrs. Maude Robinson of Minneapolis, and Miss Roselda of this city, survive. Funeral at the Church of Christ Dec. 12. Burial Lake View Cemetery. + 12-10-1905 ^ 12-22-1905
Blank Gerald L, 73, of R. 1, Rome City, died Saturday at McCray Hospital. He was born in Fort Wayne Nov. 11, 1911, the son of Bernard and Eleanor Blank. On April 18, 1975 in South Milford he married Maude Goodpaster Gose. He moved to Rome City 10 years ago from Fort Wayne where he was a heating and air conditioning man for Doc Dancer. He was a member of the Moose Lodge and Limberlost Country Club. Surviving are his wife; two stepdaughters, Mrs. Donald (Donna) Baker of Kendallville, and Mrs. Herbert (Nancy) Markel of Ardmore, Okla.; three stepsons, Jack Tyler of Fort Wayne, Willis Gose of Kendallville, and Wayne Gose of Merced, Calif. Two sisters preceded him in death. Services Tuesday at Berhalter-Hutchins Funeral Home, Kendallville. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. + 2-22-1985
Blank Maude Helen Gose, 82, died at Miller's Merry Manor Monday. She was born in Morgan County, Ky., April 3, 1910 to Daniel Boone and Donnie (McFerson) Goodpaster. On June 20, 1929 in LaGrange, she married Elmer Anderson Gose. He died Aug. 13, 1970. On April 18, 1975 in South Milford she married Gerald Louis Blank. He died Feb. 23, 1985. She was retired from McCray Hospital's housekeeping department. Surviving are 2 daughters, Nancy Markle of Ardmore, Okla., and Donna Bell Baker of Kendallville; 2 sons, Willis Gose of Kendallville and Wayne Gose of Merced, Calif.; a sister, Martha McVay of New Mexico; 19 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. A great-grandson preceded her in death. Funeral Thursday in Berhalter-Hutchins Funeral Home. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. + 8-10-1992
Blankenship Stacy A, 22, Van Lear Ky., resident, was killed in a car-pedestrian accident near Prestonsburg, Ky. Sept. 13, 1992. She was born Nov. 2, 1969 in Fort Wayne, Ind., to George V. and Bonnie D. Simmons Bobilya. She graduated from Warsaw High School in 1991. She married William Dale Blankenship Aug. 15, 1989. She was a member of the Open Bible Baptist Church at Chapman Lake. Surviving are her husband; her mother of Columbia City; her father and stepmother of Albion; a brother, Douglas Bobilya of Indianapolis; a sister, Shonee Bobilya of Fort Wayne; grandparents, Eugene and Evelyn Bobilya of Albion and Eston and Georgie Simmons of Fort Wayne. Funeral Thursday in Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. Burial, Christian Chapel Cemetery. + 9-13-1992
Blanton Lillian F, 76, died April 14, 2002 at Thurston Woods Village Nursing Home in Sturgis, Mich. She retired from Monsanto in Ligonier and attended Trinity Lutheran Church in Sturgis. She was born Oct. 9, 1925 in Brimfield to Edward and Florence (Coats) Ackerman. Surviving are a son, Larry Blanton of Kendallville; a daughter, Janet Harker of Sturgis; 2 grandchildren, Doug and Trent Harker; 2 great-grandchildren, Zachary and Trent Harker; a brother, Philip Ackerman of Wolcottville; a sister, Eleanor Lee of Nicholasville, Ky.; and an adopted sister, Diana Milleman of Cadillac, Mich. She was preceded in death by a brother, Joe Ackerman; 2 sisters, Katherine Stubblefield and Betty Studebaker; and a grandson, Edward Harker. Services Thursday at Berhalter-Hutchins Funeral Home. Burial, Orange Cemetery. ^ 4-26-2002.
Blaskie Anthony, 62, "Tick", was found dead in his home March 11. A farmer, he was born at Ege January 16, 1906 to Peter and Catherine (Grams) Blaskie, and had spent his entire lifetime there. He was a member of the Immaculate Conception Church of Ege. Survivors include one brother, Al, of Elkhart; one sister, Mrs. Urban (Madeline) Vanderbosch; and one niece, Delores Rash, both of R. R. 2, Avilla. Funeral Thursday in the Ege Church. Burial, Ege Cemetery. ~ 3-21-1968
Blaskie Bradley J, 3-day old son of Rocky Joe and Mary Ann Smith Blaskie, died Sunday in Parkview Hospital, Fort Wayne. Surviving are the parents; grandparents, Shirley Ickes Kunce and Mrs. and Mrs. William E. Blaskie, R. 1, Kendallville. Graveside services Wednesday in Lake View Cemetery. + 3-?-1975
Blaskie Catherine, 84, of R. R. 3, Albion, died Saturday in McCray Hospital, Kendallville. She was a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church at Ege and its Rosary Society. Surviving are a daughter, Mrs. Madeline Vanderbosch, Avilla; two sons, Albert, Elkhart, and Anthony, at home; a grandchild; three great-grandchildren; a brother, Joseph Grams, Plymouth and two sisters, Mrs. Steve Blaskie, Garrett and Mrs. Cecil Gadomski, Avilla. Services Tuesday in the Immaculate Conception Church. Burial, Ege Cemetery. ~ 7-21-1960
Blaskie Catherine M, (b. 10-14-1862) lifelong resident of Noble County, died at the home of her son, Jake, in Jefferson Twp March 23, 1946 of heart disease. She came to Noble County when she was six months old from Poland. Surviving are four sons, Steven of Garrett, Frank of Avilla, and Jake and George of Albion; two daughters, Mrs. Mary Speaker of Kendallville, and Mrs. Geneva Bloom of Albion; two stepsons, Peter of Ege and Joe of Alpena, Mich.; one sister, Mrs. Ida Franks of Sturgis, Mich.; 12 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Funeral Tuesday at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. Burial, Ege Cemetery. + 3-?-1946
Blaskie Frank J, 76, died Dec. 18 at the Sacred Heart Home. He was born Sept. 29, 1889 in Noble County, the son of George and Kate (Tobolski) Blaskie and was a lifetime resident. Survivors include one daughter, Mrs. Mildred Ridley, South Bend; one brother, Jake, Avilla; and two sisters, Mrs. Mary Speaker and Mrs. Clayton Bloom, both of Albion. Services Saturday in the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, Albion. Burial, Rose Hill Cemetery. ~ 12-26-1968 + 12-18-1968
Blaskie George H, 79, (b. 3-28-1884) died at his R. 2 home June 21, 1963. He is survived by his wife, Thirza, with whom he observed their golden wedding anniversary in 1962; two sisters, Mrs. Mary Speaker and Mrs. Geneva Bloom; and three brothers, Jake of Avilla, Steven of Garrett, and Frank of Albion. Funeral at Blessed Sacrament Church Monday. Burial, Rose Hill Cemetery. + 6-21-1963
Blaskie James V "Jake", 81, Orchard Ridge Trailer Court, Albion, died Tuesday in McCray Hospital. Born July 14, 1896 in Ege, he was the son of George and Catherine (Tobolski) Blaskie. He married Louise Sutton Jan. 21, 1939 in Ligonier. He was a lifetime resident of Noble County and was a retired employee of Sacred Heart Home. Survivors include the wife and one sister, Mrs. Clayton Bloom, Albion. Three brothers and two sisters preceded him in death. Funeral Friday in the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, Albion. Burial, Rose Hill Cemetery. + 11-?-1977 (d. 11-15-1977)
Blaskie Louise M, 76, of Orchard Ridge Trailer Court, died Wednesday (d. 6-5-1985) at her residence. She was born Feb. 12, 1909 in Topeka, the daughter of Guy and Beulah (Barnes) Sutton. On Jan. 21, 1939 in Ligonier, she married James "Jake" Blaskie, who died in 1977. She had been employed at Sacred Heart Home, Avilla, and she and her husband had resided there until their retirement in 1968. Surviving are four sisters, Ruth Culp of LaGrange, Evabell Kane and Elizabeth McHuron, Sturgis, Mich., and Elsie Jane Miller of Elkhart. A brother preceded her in death. Services Friday at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Albion. Burial, Rose Hill Cemetery. + 6-5-1985
Blaskie Margarette "Peg", 61, of Cree Lake, died Wednesday at McCray Hospital. She was born Feb. 12, 1924 in Kendallville to James and Helen (Cantwell) Kanavis. On May 25, 1943 in Norfolk, Va., she married William E. Blaskie, who died Jan. 14, 1984. A lifetime Kendallville resident, she was employed by Courier Citizen Co. and was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, VFW Auxiliary, St. John Lutheran Church and Kendallville Lady Elks. Surviving are three sons, James and Rocky, Kendallville, and William K., Rome City; and five grandchildren. Services Saturday at Berhalter-Hutchins Funeral Home, Kendallville. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. + 8-21-1985
Blaskie Peter, 83, who died March 9 in Whitley County Hospital following a heart attack. Among the survivors is a daughter, Mrs. Madeline Vanderbosch of Avilla. Services last Friday in the Immaculate Conception Church at Ege ~ 3-17-1955
Blaskie Rose - (line missing) Thursday in the Avilla Sacred Heart Home, were Monday in St. Joseph’s Church in Garrett. Burial, Calvary Cemetery, Garrett. The wife of Steven Blaskie, 317 Ijams St., Garrett, she had been in failing health for several years. Survivors include a sister, Mrs. John Adamski of Avilla. ~ 3-26-1964
Blaskie Samuel, 43, superintendent at the County Infirmary, was stricken with appendicitis last week and taken to the Garrett Hospital Friday for an operation. The appendix had burst and peritonitis developed. He died Monday. Funeral at Kendallville Thursday. Burial, Kendallville Cemetery. + 6-?-1937
Blaskie Samuel Edward, 68, of Kendallville, died today in Parkview Hospital, Fort Wayne. He was born in Kendallville on Aug. 3, 1924 to Samuel and Lucille (Johnson) Blaskie. On Sept. 27, 1962 in Kendallville he married Betty Jean Rynearson. He retired from Essex Wire in 1984. He was a WW II U.S. Navy veteran and member of American Legion Post 86 and VFW Post 2749, both in Kendallville. Surviving are his wife; a daughter, Deborah Beiswanger of Kendallville; a stepdaughter; 3 grandsons, Ryan, Brett and Kyle Beiswanger. A brother, Bill, preceded him in death. Funeral Thursday in Berhalter-Hutchins Funeral Home. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. + 1-11-1993
Blaskie Thirza J of Albion died Feb. 24, 1970 in Whitley County Hospital. A lifetime resident of Noble County, she was born March 1, 1892, a daughter of Harley and Lillian Busz and was married to George Blaskie in Ege Oct. 18, 1910. He died in 1963. Surviving are two brothers, Harvey of Albion and Theron of Pierceton. One sister preceded her in death. Funeral Feb. 27 in Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Albion. Burial, Rose Hill Cemetery. + 2-?-1970
Blaskie William E, 61, of R. 1, Cree Lake, died Saturday at his residence. He was born Jan. 4, 1923 in Albion to Samuel and Lucille (Johnson) Blaskie. On May 25, 1943 in Norfolk, Va., he married Margarette "Peg" Kanavis. He moved to Kendallville from Albion and was a retired employee of Mory’s of South Milford, a U. S. Navy veteran of WW II and a member of the VFW, Elks, American Legion and National Rifle Association. Surviving are his wife; three sons, James of R. 1, Kendallville, William of R. 1, Rome City, and Rocky of R. 2, Kendallville; a brother, Samuel of R. 3, Kendallville; and five grandchildren. Services Wednesday at Berhalter-Hutchins Funeral Home, Kendallville. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. + 1-14-1984
Blaugh Louise A, 85, of Churubusco, died December 5, 2004 at Provena Sacred Heart Home in Avilla. She had retired from Dana Corp. in 1973. She was a member of Churubusco U.M. Church, OES #136 and the Smith Twp Extension Homemakers Club. She was born November 18, 1919 in Allen County to Daniel and Mary (Parish) Barnhart. On July 5, 1937 in Albion she married Edgar Egolf. He died in 1972. She married Russell Blaugh on January 19, 1973 in Churubusco. He survives, along with 2 daughters and sons-in-law, Mary and Charles Cummings of Columbia City and Norma and Dale Crabill of Churubusco; a son and daughter-in-law, Robert and Betty Egolf of Churubusco; a stepdaughter and her husband, Kathy and Lynn Johnson of Fort Wayne; 3 stepsons, Ronald Blaugh of Churubusco, Gary Blaugh of Fort Wayne, and Allen Blaugh of San Diego, California; 2 brothers, Donald and Ronald Barnhart, both of Fort Wayne; 17 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; 2 brothers, Harold and Burlyn Barnhart; and a sister, Lavon Linvill. Services Wednesday at Orr Funeral Home in Churubusco. Burial, Eel River Cemetery. ^ 12-7- 2004
Blazek Danielle Marie, infant daughter of David and Lisa (Weaver) Blazek, was stillborn Saturday in Parkview Hospital, Fort Wayne. Surviving are her parents in Fort Wayne; 2 brothers, Joshua and Jeremy; grandparents, Grover and Rose Weaver of Wawaka, and David and Anita Blazek of Hamilton; a great-grandmother, Edna Taggert of Ligonier. Graveside services Wednesday in Oak Park Cemetery. + 10-29-1991
Blech Dorothy H, 89, died May 15, 2005 at Shepherd of the Hill nursing home. She had worked in the East Noble school cafeteria and later retired from Kendallville Bank & Trust in 1977. She was a member of St. John Lutheran Church. She was born July 7, 1915 in Steuben County to Harry and Emilie (Schreiber) Krehl. On Oct 2, 1938 at Zion Lutheran Church in Corunna she married Harold F. Blech. Surviving are her husband; a daughter and son-in-law, Shirley and Jesus Rodriguez of Fort Wayne; 2 sons and daughters-in-law, Larry and Gail of Bella Vista, Ariz., and Dale and Kathy of Livonia, Mich.; a sister, Mabel Frick of Kendallville; 8 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a sister, Mildred Rottmiller. Services Thursday at St. John Lutheran Church. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. ^ 5-17-2005
Blech Edward J, 79, native of Germany and resident of Kendallville for 20 years, died last Thursday at his home. Rites were at St. John’s Lutheran Church. Burial, Fairfield Center Cemetery. Pallbearers were grandsons Hubert, Royal and Glen Wilhelm, and Paul, Edwin and Robert Blech. + 8-?-1941
Blech Edwin, 82, Kendallville, died February 5, 2003 at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne. He was born January 17, 1921 near DeKalb County to Frank and Elma (Parr) Blech. He married Jean Rosemary Hill on October 7, 1945 in Kendallville. She died February 7,1983. Surviving are his companion, Lucy Crayton of Fort Wayne; 2 daughters and a son-in-law, Diane and Robert Shuty of Lower Burrell, Pa., and Cindy Duncan; a granddaughter and her husband, Barbara and Mark Baker of Lower Burrell; a grandson, Adam Shuty of Lower Burrell; 2 brothers and sisters-in-law, Harold and Dorothy Blech and Paul and Margaret Blech of Kendallville; a sister-in-law, Beverly Blech of Waterloo; and 3 great-grandchildren, Jerry, Jennifer and Courtney Wilson. A brother, Robert, died in 2001. He was a machine operator for Burtzner Brothers & Wilhelm Gravel Co. for more than 20 years, retiring in 1983. He served in the U.S. Army during WW II 1941-1945. He was a member of St. John Lutheran Church and Eagles Lodge, American Legion and David Parris Post 296 in Fort Wayne. He lived in Fort Wayne 11 years. Services at Hite Funeral Home. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. ~ 2-20-2003
Blech Harold Frank, 93 of Kendallville, died June 7, 2009 at Shepherd of the Hill, Kendallville. He was born in Noble County on Jan. 31, 1916 to Frank and Alma (Parr) Blech. He married Dorothy Krehl on Oct. 2, 1938. She died May 15, 2005. He graduated from Ashley High School in 1934. He was employed with McCray Refrigeration in Kendallville for 37 years and also worked at Commercial Shearing in Butler. He was a member of St. John Lutheran Church. Surviving are a daughter, Shirley and Jesus Rodriguez of Fort Wayne; 2 sons, Larry and Gail Blech of Bella Vista, Ark., and Dale and Kathy Blech of Livonia, Mich.; 8 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren. He was also preceded in death by 3 brothers, Paul, Edwin and Robert. Funeral June 12 at St. John Lutheran Church. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. ^ 6-10-2009
Blech Jean Rosemary, 60, of 242 Burnam St., Kendallville, died Monday at McCray Hospital. Born in Noble County Dec. 13, 1922, she was the daughter of Russell and Leone (Lasho) Hill. On Oct. 7, 1945 in Kendallville she married Edwin Blech. An employee of East Noble High School cafeteria, she was a member of St. John Lutheran Church and Charm and Chatter Extension Homemakers’ Club. Surviving are her husband; two daughters, Mrs. Robert (Diane) Shuty of Pittsburgh, Pa., and Mrs. Roy (Cynthia) Duncan of Kendallville; a sister, Shirley Carroll of Kalamazoo, Mich.; and four grandchildren. Services Thursday at Hite Funeral Home, Kendallville. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. + 2-7-1983
Blech Kenneth Owen, died Tuesday in Kendallville Nursing Home. He was born in rural Kendallville on Sept. 24, 1910 to Julius Albert and Myrle Ruth (Owens) Blech. On May 19, 1930 in South Bend he married Marjorie Ascenath Cunningham. He was owner/operator of the Palace of Sweets in Kendallville from 1950 until retirement in Jan. 1975. During WW II he made bullets for the war. He was a member of Trinity Church United Methodist, Kendallville. Surviving are his wife; 2 daughters, Joann Rissner and Mrs. Wally (Janice) Smith of Kendallville; a son, John of Crown Point; a sister, Beatrice Carmer of Kendallville; 9 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by an infant son, Kenneth; a brother, Don; a sister, Madaline Wallace; 2 grandsons, John Rissner and Bradley Blech; and a great-granddaughter, Valarie Parker. Funeral Friday in Berhalter-Hutchins Funeral Home. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. + 11-3-1992
Blech Margaret Louise, 80, died Aug. 9, 2003 at Kendallville Manor Healthcare Center. She had been employed at the office of McCray Refrigeration in Kendallville for more than 20 years. She was born Dec. 3, 1922 in Wayne Twp to Harold and Mildred (Barker) Kline. Surviving are her husband, Paul of Kendallville; a son and daughter-in-law, Rex and Dorothy of Pleasant Lake; a daughter, Karen Garza of Kendallville; 2 grandchildren, Neal Swager and April Etter; and a great-granddaughter, Madison Etter. She was preceded in death by a brother, Robert Kline. Services Wednesday at St. John Lutheran Church. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. ^ 8-11-2003
Blech Marjorie Ascenath, 84, of Kendallville, died Thursday in Lutheran Hospital, Fort Wayne. She was born in Kendallville on May 30, 1912 to George and Mary Margaret (Martin) Cunningham. On May 19, 1930 in South Bend she married Kenneth Owen Blech. He died Nov. 3, 1992 She and her husband owned and operated the Palace of Sweets 1950-75 and she worked for the Chicago Motor Club. She was a member of Trinity Church United Methodist, Athena Club in Garrett, Wayne Twp Homemakers' Club, a 50-year member of the DAR, and the Kendallville B&PW Club. She was a volunteer for the McCray Hospital Auxiliary and Shepherd of the Hill nursing home. Surviving are 2 daughters, Joann Rissner and Mrs. Wally (Janice) Smith of Kendallville; a son, John of Crown Point; 3 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by 2 grandsons; a great-granddaughter; 2 sisters, Martha Manhout and Marguerite (Frymier) Shanower; and 3 brothers, John, Clinton "Ted", and Paul Cunningham. Funeral Monday in Berhalter-Hutchins Funeral Home. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. + 3-27-1997
Blech Myrle O, 92, died at the Lutheran Home Wednesday. Born in Orange Twp, Aug. 9, 1893, she was the daughter of Wallace T. and Maude E. (Bowman) Owens. On June 11, 1910 in Albion she married Julius A. Blech who died in March 1967. A lifetime area resident, she was a farm wife and later worked with her son in the Palace of Sweets. She was a member of St. John Lutheran Church. Surviving are a daughter, Beatrice Carmer of Fort Wayne, a son, Kenneth of 417 Sherman St., Kendallville; two sisters, Eva Poage of Berkley, Mich., and Dora Poage of Lake Placid Fla.; a brother, George of Lukeville, Ariz.; 10 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and 13 great-great-grandchildren. Services Friday at Berhalter-Hutchins Funeral Home, Kendallville. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. + 10-2-1985
Blech Paul, 86, of Kendallville, died Feb. 20, 2005 at his home. He had worked for McCray Refrigeration for 25 years, and retired in 1981 from Kraft Foods after 22 years of service. He was a member of St. John Lutheran Church, VFW Post 2749 and American Legion Post 86 in Kendallville. A 1936 graduate of Ashley High School, he was a veteran of the U.S. Army Air Corps in WW II. He was born Aug. 26, 1918 in DeKalb County to Frank and Alma (Parr) Blech. On Jan. 20, 1946 in Kendallville he married Margaret Louise Kline. She died Aug. 9, 2004. Surviving are a son and daughter-in-law, Rex and Dorothy Blech of Kendallville; a daughter, Karen Garza of Kendallville; a brother and sister-in-law, Harold and Dorothy Blech of Kendallville; a grandson, Neal Swager of Kendallville; a granddaughter, April Etter of Auburn. He was also preceded in death by 2 brothers, Edwin and Robert. Services Wednesday at St. John Lutheran Church. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. ^ 2-21-2005
Blech Robert W, 75, died Feb. 22, 2001 in a traffic accident on Interstate 69 in Steuben County. He retired in 1990 from Cooper Industries in Auburn with 22 years of service. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Auburn and was a Smithfield Twp trustee for 25 years and a member of DeKalb County Farm Bureau. He was president of CPS Supply Co. in Coldwater, Mich. He was born June 16, 1925 in DeKalb County to Frank and Alma (Parr) Blech. He married Beverly Sherwood on June 16, 1946 in the Auburn Church of Christ. Surviving are a son, Robert Jr. of Coldwater, Mich.; a daughter, Marie Smith of Topeka; 3 brothers, Harold and Paul of Kendallville and Edwin of Fort Wayne; 3 grandchildren, Toby Blech, Dawn Smith and Marcene Heckman; and 2 great-granddaughters, Neely and Rochelle Heckman. Services Monday in Trinity Lutheran Church, Auburn. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. ^ 2-25-2001
Blech Walter, 72, 117 W. Railroad St., died in his home Monday. He was found dead in bed. He was born July 24, 1886 in Germany. He came to Indiana when he was four years old and moved to the Avilla community seven years ago. A retired railroader, he spent 44 years with the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad. He was a member of the Avilla Methodist Church; the Golden Rule Masonic Lodge 562 and Machinist Lodge in Willard, Ohio. Surviving are the widow, Ada; two stepsons, Charles Heiser and Rodrich Heiser, Columbus, Ohio; three brothers, Julius, Kendallville, William, South Bend, and Frank, Pleasant Lake; and four sisters, Mrs. Edith Kern, Kendallville, Mrs. Jennie Kline, Waterloo, Mrs. Minnie Wilhelm, Pleasant Lake and Mrs. Wanda Orwig, Ashley. Services May 20 at the Avilla Methodist Church with burial in Garrett. ~ 5-21-1959
Bleile Esther I, 62, of R. 1, Wawaka, died Sunday in Heritage Manor Nursing Home, Ligonier. She was born Jan. 28, 1927 in Elkhart to Riley and Goldie (Parks) Cook. On Aug. 19, 1945 in Jimtown, she married Dallas Bleile. She moved from Dunlap to Wawaka in 1953 and was a member of Wawaka United Methodist Church. Surviving are her husband; a daughter, Mrs. Mark (Beth) Rose of Plymouth; a sister, Mildred Armstrong of Elkhart; a brother, Burt Cook of Dunlap; and three grandchildren. A daughter and a brother preceded her in death. Services Wednesday in Orr Funeral Home, Ligonier. Burial, Prairie Street Cemetery, Elkhart. + 4-30-1989
Bleke Lenora (Simon), 97, of Fort Wayne, died Jan. 2 in Parkview Hospital. The Huntertown native retired in 1966 as a teacher for Fort Wayne Community Schools after 39 years. She was the widow of Elmer L. She was a member of Huntertown United Methodist Church. Surviving are nieces and nephews. ~ 1-9-1997
Blender Gordon W, 63, Kimmell, died Saturday in Lutheran Hospital, Fort Wayne. He was born Dec. 29, 1914. He married Bonnie J. Bailey, who survives. He had lived in Kimmell since 1963 and was retired. He was a veteran of WW II. Private memorial services will be held. + 1-?-1978
Blessing Barbara, 71, of Huntertown, died October 5, 2006 at Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne. She was born July 25, 1935 in Fort Wayne to Walter and Mary (Heffelfinger) Gump. She married James H. Blessing in Huntertown on August 13, 1955. Surviving are her husband; 2 sons and a daughter-in-law, Donald D. and Victoria Pickering Blessing of Huntertown, and Gregory L. Blessing of Fort Wayne; a daughter, Brenda K. Blessing of Huntertown; 3 sisters and 2 brothers-in-law, Marilyn Maloney of Churubusco, Beverly and John Giannoni of Kettering, Ohio, and Linda and Chuck Goodwin of Indio, Calif.; 2 brothers and sisters-in-law, Larry and Patti Gump of Huntertown and John and Annette Gump of Churubusco; a sister-in-law, Lorene Gump of North Webster; and a grandson, Matthew Pickering. She was preceded in death by a brother, Lloyd Gump. She graduated from Huntertown High School in 1953 and had lived at her present home the past 42 years. She was the clerk-treasurer for Huntertown several years and also worked as a waitress at Bailey's Ramble Inn in Huntertown. Services at Sheets & Childs Funeral Home, Churubusco. Burial, Huntertown Cemetery. ~ 10-19-2006
Blessing Florence Mae, 71, died Thursday at St. Joseph Hospital, Fort Wayne. She was born February 18, 1909 in Millersburg to Amiel N. and Lulu Nichols Green. She spent her lifetime in the Churubusco area, moving to town in 1973. She married Harry J. Blessing on April 21, 1927. Surviving are the husband; three daughters, Deloris, at home, Mrs. Ronald (Mardell) Rhodes, Churubusco, and Mrs. Bueford (Ardean) Ebert, Kendallville; six grandchildren and one great-grandchild; three brothers, Charles and Chester, both of Churubusco, Howard (Jim) of Fort Wayne; and one sister, Mrs. Lawrence (Ruth) Cox, Fort Wayne. Services Nov. 9 at Churubusco United Methodist Church. Burial, Eel River Cemetery. ~ 11-20-1980
Blevins Clara died Sunday at the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Stellhorn, after an illness of several weeks. She was born at Decatur, Ind., November 18, 1878 and came to Avilla with her parents in 1886. December 6, 1896 she married William Blevins. Her death occurred on April 25, 1897, aged 19 years, 6 months, 6 days. Funeral Tuesday at the German Lutheran Church. Burial, Avilla Cemetery. ~ 4-22-1897
Blevins Fay I, 86, of 838 Eunice Ave., died today at her residence. She was born in Noble County July 19, 1900 to Isaiah and Ola (Hanson) DePew. She married Fred S. Blevins, who preceded her in death in March 1958. Surviving are two daughters, Mrs. Arthur (Louann) Mertz and Jean O., both Kendallville; two sisters, Ruth Hile of Kendallville, and Erma Mawhorter of Millersburg; and a brother, Roy D. of Auburn. Three sisters and two brothers preceded her in death. Graveside services Wednesday in Oak Lawn Cemetery Chapel, Battle Creek, Mich. + 5-4-1986
Blevins Mae, infant daughter of Will Blevins, died Thursday of cholera infantum at the home of her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Stellhorn. Funeral was Friday. ~ 11-4-1897
Bley Martin E, 40, died Friday in the Kendallville Nursing Home. He lived at 505 S. Main St. He was born May 28, 1941 in Fort Wayne, the son of Elmer L. and Maxine (Robb) Bley, St. Joe. He married Sandra K. Gibson in Avilla December 21, 1963. She preceded him in death November 8, 1980. He was a tool and die maker for King-Seeley in Kendallville and a member of Community Baptist Church in South Milford. He had lived in the area 12 years, moving from Fort Wayne. Surviving are his parents; a daughter, Tammy, Avilla; and three sons, Brian, Barry and Bradley, all Avilla. Services Sunday in Berhalter-Hutchins Funeral Home in Kendallville. Burial, Chaffins Cemetery, Knox County, Ky. ~ 1-21-1982
Bley Sandra K, 35, died Saturday in Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne. She resided at 505 S. Main St., Avilla. She was born in Floyd County, Ky., Oct. 8, 1945, the daughter of Leucious and Edda (Berry) Gibson. She married Martin E. Bley Dec. 21, 1963 in Avilla. She was a member of the Community Baptist Church, South Milford. Surviving are her husband; a daughter, Tammy 11; and three sons, Brian 16, Barry 15 and Bradley 13, all at home; two sisters, Mrs. Peggy Wicker and Mrs. Minnie Wicker, Kendallville; and three brothers, Morris Wicker, Kendallville, Jerry Wicker, Larksline, Ky., and Edd B. Gibson, Wolcottville. Her parents, two brothers and two sisters preceded her in death. Services Tuesday in Community Baptist Church. Burial, Chaffins Cemetery, Knott County, Ky. ~ 11-13-1980
Bliss Archer W, 60, resident of Rome City and Fort Wayne, died Monday at Rome City from a heart attack. Surviving are the widow; three daughters, Mrs. Vern Jolly, Mrs. Riley Nowels, Rome City, and Mrs. Herbert Kammeyer, Fort Wayne. Funeral Thursday from the Rome City home. Burial, Orange Cemetery. + 10-?-1935
Bliss Charles W, 81, one of Orange Twp’s pioneers, died Friday at his home at Brimfield, aged 81 years, 3 months and 19 days. He was born in Brimfield, Mass., Jan. 31, 1846, the son of William and Fanny M. Bliss. He was 14 years of age when his parents located in Noble County, and he had been a resident here since that time. His father was also born at Brimfield, Mass., and there grew to manhood. The father first took up the occupation of a farmer but in 1837 moved to Chagrin Falls, O., and was employed by his brother Aaron, who was operating a woolen mill. He traveled extensively throughout Indiana and became impressed with the resources of the state. He was married in Chagrin Falls, O., and later returned to Brimfield, Mass. In 1857 he moved his family to LaGrange County and for two years operated a woolen mill at Rome City. Charles W. Bliss was 11 years of age at that time. The family then moved to Noble County and located in Orange Twp on the plat of land that is the present site of Brimfield and which the father named in honor of the town of that name in Mass. Charles W. grew to manhood and in early life took up the occupation of a farmer which he followed many years. He was married in Rome City Nov. 29, 1871 to H. Cornelia Clock, who died several years ago. They had one daughter, Fannie, who has maintained the home with the father. He affiliated with the Methodist Episcopal Church. Politically he was a Republican. In his late years he served as a precinct committeeman in Orange Twp. One brother and two sisters preceded him in death. Funeral at the home Monday. Burial, Osborn Cemetery. + 5-?-1927
Bliss Fannie, lifelong resident of the community, died in Lakeside Hospital, Kendallville, March 11, 1939. She was the only daughter of Charles W. and Nellie Bliss and was born in Brimfield, Ind. Jan. 6, 1879. She had spent her entire life in this community and lived alone since the death of her father in 1927. Funeral in Bonham Funeral Home, Albion, Monday. Burial, Orange Cemetery. + 3-?-1939
Bliss Fannie, wife of William Bliss, died at Brimfield, Ind. Feb. 28 in her 65th year. She was born in Herkimer County, New York, July 18, 1824. She was the second daughter of Dr. J. H. Vincent, who in the autumn of 1835 moved his family into northern Ohio and settled at Chagrin Falls, where in the year 1841 she was married. Coming to Indiana in 1857 with the 2 boys and 2 girls, they located at Brimfield, where they have since resided. ^ 3-8-1889
Bliss William was born in Brimfield, Mass. Oct. 27, 1816, and died March 31, 1907, aged 90 years 5 months and 4 days. He left Mass. at 21 years of age, settling in Chagrin Falls, Ohio. On Sept. 3, 1841 he married Fannie M. Vincent at Cleveland. They had 4 children. He remained in Chagrin Falls until the spring of 1857 when he came to Wolcottville, where he lived 3 years. During this time he managed the woolen mills at Rome City. In the fall of ’59 he came to Brimfield to the farm where he resided until his death. He was one of the charter members of the Congregational Church at Chagrin Falls. After coming to Brimfield he entered into the work of the Methodist Church. He was the means of establishing a railway station at this place and caused to be platted the present town, which he had named for his own home town in Mass. There remain 4 children, Frank T. of Chicago, Charles W., Emily M., and Mrs. W. A. McCarty; also 4 grandchildren, Fannie Bliss, Frank McCarty, William C. Bliss and Agnes McCarty. ^ 4-11-1907 Funeral at the M. E. Church Thursday. Burial, Osborne Cemetery. + Poppy Scrapbook
Blocker Shirley, 35, - Mr. Bill Barrett, R. 2, Avilla, received word last week of the death of his sister, Mrs. Shirley Blocker of LaPorte City, Iowa. She was killed in an automobile accident near Waterloo, Iowa. Survivors include the husband Delbert; three children, Craig, Jimmy and Patsy; the mother, Mrs. W. P. Barrett, former Kendallville resident, now living at Columbia City; one other brother, Oakley of Olivehurst, Calif.; and three sisters, Mrs. Robert L. Black, 225 E. Wayne St., Kendallville, Mrs. Cecelia Egolf, Columbia City, and Mrs. Lorene Chadburn of St. George, Utah. ~ 5-22-1969
Bloemker Harry M "Mr. B", 77, a Rome City businessman, died today in Goshen Hospital. He was born May 12, 1897 in Fort Wayne, the only child of John and Martha (DeHaven) Bloemker. He married Clara M. Norwald, who died Feb. 25, 1961. Moving to Rome City from Fort Wayne 30 years ago, he was associated with Fort Wayne Wholesale Drug Co. for 33 years. After moving, he owned and operated Williams Drug Store for 26 years. He was active in politics and civic affairs in Rome City and Fort Wayne. Surviving are two daughters, Imagene Braverman, Rome City, and Mavis Abrahams, Winnetka, Ill.; and five grandchildren. Funeral Sunday in Berhalter-Preston Mortuary, Kendallville. Burial, Lindenwood Cemetery. + 12-?-1974
Blomeke Anthony A, 51, (b. 10-21-1902) died May 15, 1954 at the Cameron Hospital, Bryan, O., as the result of a heart attack. He was a teacher and athletic director at Albion High School from 1944 to 1952. He was a member of the EUB Church. Surviving are his widow, Nellie, Auburn; a son, Robert with the Army at Camp Chaffee, Ark.; a daughter, Lora Lee at Ball State College, Muncie; and three sisters, Mrs. Dan Elbert and Mrs. Frank Miller, Waterloo, and Mrs. Mike Elbert, Ashley. Services at the EUB Church Monday. Burial, Rose Hill Cemetery. + 5-15-1954
Blomeke Cornelius J, 71, died Wednesday in DeKalb Hospital. He was born Sept. 2, 1913 in DeKalb County, the son of John and Flora (Karst) Blomeke. He married Leila Moore Oct. 31, 1953. Survivors include his wife; a daughter, Mrs. Martin (Doris) Norden, Garrett; two sisters, Mrs. Joseph (Loretta) Demske, Topeka, and Mrs. Roy (Lucille) Yingling, Garrett; and five grandchildren. He was a farmer, also a school bus driver and custodian at Garrett High School until his retirement in 1980. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Garrett, and Garrett Eagles. Services Saturday at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Burial, Calvary Cemetery. ~ 10-4-1984
Blomeke Edwin F, 58, Garrett, died May 6 in Lutheran Hospital, Fort Wayne. Services were May 8 at St. Joseph Catholic Church where he was a member. He was born Dec. 30, 1930 in Waterloo, the son of Frank and Irene (Dibling) Blomeke. He married Martha Freeman May 2, 1953 in Avilla. He was a tool and die welder at International Harvester for 22 years and was a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Garrett Eagles. Surviving are his wife and his mother; two sons, Tony, Kendallville, and John of Exeter, N.H.; one daughter, Regina, Garrett; two brothers, Paul, Huntertown, and Bernard of Auburn; one sister, Mildred Lepley of Avilla; and four grandchildren. One brother, George, preceded him in death. Burial, Embry Cemetery. ~ 5-16-1989
Blomeke Martha Jean, 75, died May 31, 2007 at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne. She was born Dec. 12, 1931 in Avilla to George W. and Orpha (Gump) Freeman. She married Edwin F. Blomeke on May 2, 1952. He died May 6, 1989. A 1950 graduate of Avilla High School, she retired in 1994 from Reike Corp. in Auburn after 30 years of service. She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Garrett, Daughters of Isabella and Eagles Auxiliary. Surviving are 2 sons and daughters-in-law, Anthony and Nancy of Kendallville and John and Janice of Exeter, N.H.; a daughter, Regina M. Blomeke of Garrett; 2 sisters and a brother-in-law, Marjorie and Harold Miller of Garrett and Evelyn Blotkamp of Avilla; and 5 grandchildren, Ashley and Andrew Bigelow, Austin, Adam, Abigail and Alexander Blomeke. She was also preceded in death by 5 brothers, William, Melvin, Floyd, Robert and Russell Freeman; and a sister, Hilda Bergstrom. Services Tuesday at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Garrett. Burial, Embry Cemetery. ^ 6-1-2007
Blood Beverly Jeanne, 44, a Bear Lake resident, died Jan. 12. Survivors include her husband Jerry; a son, Kevin; 2 daughters, Mrs. Rebecca Coplin, Cromwell, and Debra at home; 5 grandchildren; and 3 brothers, Ronald Fuller, Fort Wayne, Robert Fuller, Bluffton, and Kenneth Fuller, Decatur. Preceding her in death were a son Colin Keith, and a daughter, Susan Marie. Burial, Christian Chapel Cemetery. * 1-?-1982
Blood Cleota G, 94, of Ligonier, died Monday in Ligonier Health Facility. She was born April 7, 1901 in Hicksville, Ohio to Russell and Ida (Oswalt) Teegardin. On Nov. 10, 1929 she married Ernest Blood in Peru. He died in 1972. She was a member of Bear Lake Church of God. Surviving are 3 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a son; 2 brothers; a sister; 2 grandchildren and a great-grandchild. Graveside services Friday in Christian Chapel Cemetery. + 8-7-1995
Blood Jerry L, 60, of Albion, died Saturday in his residence. He was born May 27, 1932 in Fort Wayne to Ernest W. and Cleota G. (Teegardin) Blood. On Feb. 14, 1953 in Noble County he married Beverly J. Fuller. She died in 1982. A 1951 Wolf Lake High School graduate, he was retired from the U.S. Army where he served as a staff sergeant in the Korean and Vietnam Conflicts. He was a member of Columbia City Eagles No. 98 and Wolf Lake VFW Post 4717. Surviving are 2 daughters, Mrs. Alan (Rebecca) Coplin of Cromwell, and Mrs. Rory (Deborah) Parkison of Wolf Lake; a son, Kevin of Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Mich.; and 6 grandchildren. A son, a daughter and a granddaughter preceded him in death. Graveside services Saturday in Christian Chapel Cemetery. + 5-1-1993
Bloom Armenda Jean, one-day old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Bloom, R. R. 1, died Monday in the Whitley County Hospital. Besides the parents, the grandparents and the maternal great-grandparents survive. Services Wednesday in the Ege Immaculate Conception Church with burial in the church cemetery. ~ 3-16-1961
Bloom Bessie C, 86, Garrett, died Sept. 6 at her Garrett home. She was a 50-year member of OES in Garrett and a member of Calvary Chapel Worship Center. She was born Sept. 2, 1913 in Kendallville to George and Fern Sucher. She married Harold Bloom on May 29, 1940 in Avilla, and he died Feb. 16, 1994. Surviving are a nephew, Donald G. Thompson of Hudson. One sister, Gertrude Thompson, preceded her in death. Burial, Christian Union Cemetery. ~ 9-23-1999
Bloom C Howard, 62, 10910 Bethel Road, Fort Wayne, died July 7 at his residence. He was born Oct. 4, 1921 in Noble County, a son of Stephen and Margaret Oakes Bloom. His mother died 2 weeks ago. He lived his entire childhood in Noble County. On Nov. 23, 1957 he married Clara Micheline. They lived in Fort Wayne. He served in the Navy during WW II and retired this past April from General Electric after 30 years of service. Surviving are his wife; 3 brothers, Michael and Clarence of Fort Wayne, and Donald of West Lafayette, IN; and 2 sisters, Mary Wantroba, Des Plaines, IL, and Luella Stuart, Seattle, WA. Services Tuesday at St. Vincent’s Catholic Church on Auburn Road. Burial, Catholic Cemetery, Fort Wayne. * 7-?-1984
Bloom C Nicholas, 78, died May 19, 2005 at a hospice home in Fort Wayne. He was born August 14, 1926 in Swan Twp, Noble County, and attended LaOtto and Huntertown schools. A WW II veteran, he retired from the U.S. Postal Service as manager of delivery and collection for the Fort Wayne Sectional center, with 33 years of service. He was a member of American Legion Post 47, and St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church. Surviving are his wife, Kathryn of Fort Wayne; daughters, Karen A. Bloom of Chicago, Janet B. (Gary) Baltzell, Linda J. (Gus) Burrell, Martha J. (Andy) Conkling of Fort Wayne; sons, James G. and Robert P. (Mary) Bloom of Fort Wayne; Jeffrey T. Bloom of San Diego, CA; 9 grandchildren; brothers, Michael (JoAnne) of Fort Wayne, Donald (Dwila) of Alpharetta, GA; sister-in-law, Clara Bloom of Fort Wayne. He was preceded in death by parents, Stephen and Margaret Bloom; brother, Howard; sisters, Luella Stuart and Mary Esther Wantroba. Mass of Christian Burial May 24 at St. Charles Borromeo Church. Burial, Catholic Cemetery. ~ 6-2-2005
Bloom Charles, 86, rural LaOtto, died Monday in McCray Hospital. He was born July 11, 1899 in Butler, the son of Fred C. and Belle (Green) Bloom. He married Florence Hanson in North Manchester May 23, 1926. He was a retired Butler Twp farmer, a member of the Cedar Creek Church of the Brethren in rural Garrett and of the DeKalb County Farm Bureau. Surviving are his wife; one daughter, Mrs. Jack (Retha) Ruger of LaOtto, one son, Gordon of Kendallville; and six grandchildren. One brother, Willard, and one sister, Melba Butz, preceded him in death. Services Wednesday in the Cedar Creek Church of the Brethren. Burial, Cedar Chapel Cemetery. ~ 5-8-1986
Bloom Charles G, 75, of Kendallville, died May 3, 2010 in Parkview Hospital. He retired from West Noble Middle School as an industrial arts and science teacher and was a farmer. He was a member of Trinity Church United Methodist. He was born Aug. 26, 1934 in Waterloo to Charles and Florence (Hanson) Bloom. On July 29, 1962 in LaGrange he married Marlene Brenneman. Surviving are 2 daughters and sons-in-law, Nancy and Gary Helmkamp of Auburn and Sally and David Turner of Crawfordsville; 2 sons and daughters-in-law, Brad and Alisa Bloom of Kendallville and Greg and Laurie Bloom of Wolcottville; 3 grandchildren, Kevin, Kyle, Ryan and Erin Bloom, Matt, Nate Helmkamp, Renae and Lucas Turner. He was preceded in death by a sister, Retha Ruger; and his wife on March 7, 1985. Funeral May 6 at Trinity Church United Methodist. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. ^ 5-4-2010
Bloom Clara died at her home one mile west of the Charter Oak Methodist Episcopal Church in Green Twp last Thursday of tuberculosis of the kidneys. She is survived by a husband, Walter; six children, Mrs. Grover Crull of South Bend, Clinton, Clayton, Ferman, Viva, and Gladys, all at home; three brothers and three sisters. The obsequies were held at the residence last Saturday. + 10-?-1909
Bloom Clayton E, about 78, died March 13, 1971. He was born Sept. 22, 1892 in Noble County, the son of Walter A. and Clara (Gross) Bloom, and was a lifelong resident of this county. He was a retired International Harvester dealer. He was married in 1913 in Ege to Geneva Blaskie. Surviving are the widow; two daughters, Mrs. Howard Nodine of Kendallville, and Mrs. Harold Bauman of Garrett; one sister, Mrs. Viva Wilson of Claypool; two half-brothers, Edward and Jesse Bloom, both Fort Wayne; three grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Two brothers and four sisters preceded him in death. Funeral Monday at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Albion. Burial, Rose Hill Cemetery. + 3-?-1971
Bloom Clinton F was born Oct. 5, 1889 and died Dec. 12, 1963. Services were at First Methodist Church, Albion, Dec. 15, 1963. Burial, Christian Chapel Cemetery. + 12-?-1963
Bloom Era A, 91, of Churubusco, died Oct. 2, 2005 at Parkview Whitley Hospital. She was a member of Columbia City Eagles Auxiliary Aerie 1906. She was born Oct. 26, 1913 in Allen County to Elmer and Jennie Marie (Clayton) Fisher. On June 29, 1929 she married Lawrence H. Bloom. He died April 21, 1992. Surviving are a son and daughter-in-law, Bob and Dixie Bloom of Fort Wayne; a daughter and son-in-law, Lois and Keith Ely of Lake Wales, Fla.; a brother, Karl Fisher of Roanoke; 16 grandchildren and several great and great-great-grandchildren. She was also preceded in death by 3 sons, Charles, Larry and Russell; and 2 sisters, Edna Smith and Mary Hyre. Services Wednesday at Sheets & Childs Funeral Home. Burial, Ege Cemetery. ^ 10-3-2005
Bloom Ferman, 72, died May 10, 1965 at the VA Hospital in Fort Wayne. He was a native of Noble County and had lived his entire life there. He was a retired machine operator. He was a son of Walter and Clara (Gross) Bloom and was married to the former Marian Cross. Surviving are his wife; a daughter, Mrs. Doris Baker of Churubusco; a brother, Clayton of Albion; eight grandchildren; one sister, Mrs. Viva Wilson of Claypool, and two half-brothers, Ed and Jesse, both Fort Wayne. Burial, Eel River Cemetery. + 5-?-1965
Bloom Florence V, 88, died Sunday in Miller's Merry Manor, Garrett. She was a member of Cedar Creek Church of the Brethren and the DeKalb County Farm Bureau. She was born Oct. 25, 1906 in LaOtto to Claude and Mary (Hodgen) Hanson. She married Charles B. Bloom on May 23, 1926 in North Manchester. He died May 5, 1986. Surviving are a son and daughter-in-law, Gordon and Nancy Bloom of Kendallville; a daughter and son-in-law, Retha and Jack Ruger of LaOtto; a brother, Marvin Hanson of Boone, Iowa; a sister, Martha Harding of Avilla; 6 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. One sister, Ruth Weise, preceded her in death. Services Thursday at Cedar Creek Church of the Brethren. Burial, Cedar Chapel Cemetery. + 1-29-1995
Bloom Geneva A, 94, of 116 ½ W. Main St., Albion, died Saturday in Kendallville Manor Health Care Center. Born Jan. 3, 1892 in Green Twp, she was the daughter of George and Catherine (Tobolski) Blaskie. On Nov. 25, 1913 in Ege, she married Clayton Bloom, who died in 1971. A lifetime county resident, she and her husband formerly owned and operated C. E. Bloom Implement Co. in Albion. She retired from Essex Wire Corp. in Ligonier in 1957 and was a member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, Albion. Surviving are a daughter, Mrs. Howard (Helen) Nodine of Kendallville; three grandchildren; and 7 great-grandchildren. A daughter, Lennettia "Babe" Bauman died in 1981. Services Tuesday in Blessed Sacrament Church. Burial, Rose Hill Cemetery. + 9-13-1986
Bloom Jacob, about 94, one of the oldest native-born citizens of Noble County, died at his home in Rome City May 2, 1948. He moved to Rome City about 50 years ago from his farm home near Cosperville. For a time he operated a billiard parlor and a cigar store at Rome City. He was united in marriage on Oct. 4, 1878 with Elizabeth Cobbs. Surviving are the widow; two sons, Melvin E. and William F. of Rome City; two daughters, Mrs. Bessie Ackerman of near Kendallville and Mrs. Nora Schlichtenmyer of Rome City; 11 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren. One son, John, died several years ago. Funeral at a Kendallville Funeral Home Friday. Burial, Orange Cemetery. + 5-?-1948
Bloom John, 80, farmer near Wawaka, died at his home Sunday from complications incident to old age. He was a native of Berne, Switzerland and came to this county with his parents in infancy. Surviving are two daughters, Mrs. Russell Shipe of Wawaka, and Mrs. Arthur Berger, Kimmell; a brother, Jacob of Rome City. Funeral Tuesday at Cosperville Baptist Church. Burial, Cosperville Cemetery. + 1933 1-29-1933
Bloom Lily D, about 83, died April 28, 1974 at the Luckey Nursing Home at Wolf Lake. She was born May 25, 1890 in Green Twp, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Leitch. She married Clinton Bloom, who died in 1963. She had resided in Albion and Noble County most of her life and had served for many years as secretary of the Noble County Red Cross. Funeral Wednesday at Asbury United Methodist Church. Burial, Christian Chapel Cemetery. + 4-?-1974
Bloom Margaret, 91, rural Churubusco, died June 22 at St. Joseph’s Hospital. She was born March 13, 1893 in Noble County, the daughter of John and Josephine (Wesalek) Oakes. She married Stephen Joseph Bloom in 1920, and he died Dec. 5, 1964. She had lived on a farm in Noble County since her marriage and was a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Ege. Surviving are two daughters, Mary Wantroba, Des Plaines, Ill., and Luella Stuart, Seattle, Wash.; four sons, Howard, Michael and Nick, all Fort Wayne, and Donald, West Lafayette; a sister, Clara Bianski, Mishawaka; a brother, Andrew Oakes, Churubusco; 20 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Services Monday at the Immaculate Conception Church. Burial, Ege Cemetery. ~ 6-28-1984
Bloom Marlene J, 49, R. 1, Kendallville, died Thursday at Parkview Hospital. She was born May 29, 1935 in Auburn, the daughter of Paul and Helen (Deetz) Brenneman. Her mother preceded her in death in 1952. She married Gordon Bloom July 29, 1962 in LaGrange. A music teacher in the East Noble School Corporation, she was a member and director of the choir at Trinity Church United Methodist in Kendallville. Surviving are her husband, father and stepmother (Ferne); two daughters, Nancy and Sally, both at home; two sons, Brad at home, and Greg, a student at Purdue University; two sisters, Mrs. Robert (Doneta) Oswalt of Auburn, and Mrs. Dale (Phyllis) Weber of Cree Lake; and a brother, Dean of Columbia City. Services Sunday. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. ~ 3-14-1985
Bloom Melvin, 73, of Noblesville, died Tuesday at Manor House at Riverview, Noblesville. He was born in Rome City on May 23, 1923 to Melvin and Ada (Ziglear) Bloom. He married Betty Savoie. He was employed by Reith-Riley Construction for 18 years and retired in 1988 from E&B Paving after 5 years. He was a member of Bethel Baptist Church in Lapel. Surviving are his wife; children, Kay and Bob Shannon of Albion, Cheryl and Jim Cross of Fortville, Gale and Jean Bloom and Penny and Jim McDole of Lapel, and Melanie Coleman of Noblesville; a brother, Bernard of Apache Junction, Ariz.; and grandchildren. He was preceded in death by 3 brothers, 4 sisters and a grandson. Funeral Thursday in Scott E. Hershberger Funeral Home, Lapel. Burial, Brookside Cemetery, Lapel. + 10-8-1996
Bloom Paul J, 56, died June 14 in the VA Hospital, Fort Wayne. He was born in Garrett June 13, 1927, the son of Leon J. and Ethel (Harvey) Bloom. He was a brakeman on the B&O Railroad. Survivors include one brother, Harold, Garrett; six sisters, Mildred Dean, Toledo, Ohio, Alma Springer and Valetta Walter, Fort Wayne, Mary Kerns, Houston, Texas, Betty Smith, rural Garrett, and Martha Musser, Fort Wayne. Services Friday in Baidinger-Walter Funeral Home in Spencerville. ~ 6-23-1983
Bloom Vance L, 75, of Kendallville, died Thursday in Beverly Rehab & Specialty Care Center in Fort Wayne. He was born Feb. 11, 1921 in Noble County to Melvin and Ada (Ziglear) Bloom. He had been a self-employed carpenter and painter and was a U.S. Army veteran of WW II and a member of VFW Post 2749, Kendallville. Surviving are a daughter and son-in-law, Heidi and Brad Wolf of Kendallville; a son and daughter-in-law, Victor and Cindy Bloom of Fort Wayne; 2 brothers, Bud of Phoenix, Ariz., and Melvin of Noblesville; 4 grandchildren, Mandy Pankop, Christopher and Zackary Wolf and Jason Bloom. He was preceded in death by 4 sisters and 2 brothers. Funeral Saturday in Berhalter-Hutchins Funeral Home. Burial, Orange Cemetery. + 6-13-1996
Bloom Victor L, 55, of Fort Wayne, died July 23, 2005 at Parkview Hospital. He had been a mechanic for 29 years for the Pepsi Cola Co. He was a U.S. Army veteran and a member of the VFW Post 2749 in Kendallville. He was a member of St. Jude's Catholic Church. He was born Jan. 23, 1950 in Kendallville to Vance and Helen Bloom. Surviving are his mother, Helen Kukutsis, in Kendallville; his wife, Cynthia A. (Bobilya) Bloom; a son, Jason Michael Bloom of Fort Wayne; 3 stepchildren; a sister and brother-in-law, Heidi and Brad Wolf of Kendallville; and 6 grandchildren. Services Tuesday at St. Jude's Catholic Church. Burial, Catholic Cemetery with military graveside services. ^ 7-25-2005
Bloom Walter, 65, a resident of Churubusco and father of Clayton and Clinton Bloom of this city, was found dead in his car which stood at the garage at the Bloom home. He was probably overcome by escaping gas from his car. He is thought to have been dead since early Wednesday evening. He lived alone in his home, which was located near that of his son, Ferman. He spent his winters in Florida and the summers at his home in Churubusco. Surviving are the two sons living here, Ferman, Churubusco, and three daughters, Alma, Gladys and Viva, who are married; one sister; one half-brother and two half-sisters. Funeral was Saturday. + 5-?-1931
Bloom Willard J, 80, R. 1, LaOtto, died May 25 in Miller’s Merry Manor, Garrett. He retired from farming in 1980. He was born October 14, 1901 in DeKalb County, the son of Fred and Adabelle (Green) Bloom. He married Dorothy Chilcoat in Garrett February 28, 1970. Surviving are his wife; a brother, Charles of LaOtto; and a sister, Mrs. Melba Butz of Angola. He was a member of the DeKalb Farm Bureau and the Garrett Nazarene Church. Services Tuesday in McKee-Miles Funeral Home, Garrett. Burial, Oaklawn Cemetery, Ossian. ~ 6-3-1982
Bloom Wyveta V "Skeeter", 50, Kendall Hotel, died today in McCray Hospital. A native of Fort Wayne, she lived most of her lifetime in the Kendallville area and was employed as night clerk at the Kendall Hotel. She was born May 6, 1924. Surviving are the father, Mark Larkin, R. 3, Wolcottville; one son, David P. Brady, R. 3, Kendallville; two sisters, Mrs. Paul (Cleota) Taylor, Angola, and Mrs. Linda L. Getz, Summerville, S.C.; and two grandchildren. Services Monday in Berhalter-Hutchins Funeral Home. Burial, Woodruff Cemetery. + 11-?-1974
Bloomfield Amos L, 69, of Fort Wayne, died Saturday at his residence. Born in Kendallville, he retired in 1982 as an overhead crane operator for Phelps Dodge after 35 years. Surviving are two daughters, Margie Kuhn, New Haven, and Marie Anne Afragola, Madison, Ct; three sons, William J., New Haven, Jack, Fort Wayne, and James, Bluffton; two sisters, Kate Wilson, Butler, and Bess Castator, Redmond, Ore.; two brothers, John, Rome City, Robert, Yuba City, Calif.; and 11 grandchildren. Services Tuesday in D. O. McComb & Sons Lakeside Park Funeral Home. Burial, Covington Memorial Gardens. + 7-?-1988
Bloomfield Chad Ray, son of Mr. and Mrs. Dwight Bloomfield, R. 1, Rome City, was stillborn Monday in McCray Hospital. Surviving are the parents; grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Raymond J. Jenks, Haslett, Mich., and Mr. and Mrs. Duane Bloomfield, Midland, Mich. The body will be taken to East Lansing, Mich. for burial. + 4-?-1974
Bloomfield Clarence Paul, 47, Rome City, was dead upon arrival at McCray Hospital Wednesday. He was born March 19, 1928 in DeKalb County and married Maxine Hill April 16, 1949 in Kendallville. Living in the Rome City area for 40 years, he was a retired construction electrician and the chief of Rome City Fire Department. Surviving are his wife; two daughters, Mrs. Eugene (Cathy) Miller and Mrs. Larry (Julia) Chapman, Rome City; three sons, Gary, LaGrange, and David and Ronald at home; two sisters, Mrs. Basil (Bess) Castator, Bend, Ore., and Mrs. Homer (Catherine) Wilson, Butler; four brothers, Melvin, Hamilton, Amos, Fort Wayne, John, Rome City, and Robert, California; and five grandchildren. Services at Hutchins & Williams Funeral Home, Wolcottville, Saturday. Burial, Orange Cemetery. + 12-?-1975
Bloomfield Clark, 84, died at his home, 716 S. State St., Kendallville Friday from the infirmities of age. Surviving are the widow; one daughter, Mrs. Sarah Method of Goshen; and one sister, Mrs. Lucinda Ross of Kendallville. Funeral Monday from A. J. Berhalter Funeral Home. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. + 3-?-1936
Bloomfield Dora, 62, a resident of Noble County for 53 years, died Saturday at her home in Kendallville from apoplexy. She was born in Noble County near Wolf Lake on April 3, 1877, the daughter of W. C. and Mary Rogers. The family moved to Nebraska and returned here when she was nine years old. About thirty-nine years ago she married George Bloomfield, the couple returning to Kendallville to reside. Surviving are the husband; one brother and one sister, J. W. Rogers of Decatur, Ill., and Mrs. W. M. Bloomfield of Kendallville. She was one of ten children. Funeral Monday. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. + 4-?-1939
Bloomfield Earl Junior, 71, of Fort Wayne, died Tuesday at his residence. He was born in Kendallville on March 6, 1922 to Earl and Mary (Drew) Bloomfield. He married Lovanna Caudill, who died in 1992. He was a painter for Falstaff Brewery, retiring in 1982 after 26 years. A WW II Army veteran, he was a member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church. Surviving are a son, Bradley of Fort Wayne; 2 sisters, Agnes Tutwiler of Continental, Ohio and Delores Goble of Jacksonville, Fla.; 2 brothers, Sherman of Lake Placid, Fla., and Samuel of Lake Wawasee; and 2 grandchildren. Funeral Friday in Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Fort Wayne. Burial, Covington Memorial Gardens. + 6-1-1993
Bloomfield Elizabeth (Elder), 71, was born July 19, 1816 in Bedford County, Cumberland Valley, Penn.; died May 8. She moved with her parents to Morrow County, Ohio, where she married Cornelius Bloomfield. In 1853 they moved to Noble County. At the country’s first call, five of their sons joined the Union Army. In the fall of ’62 her husband died. She had 5 sons facing the rebel cannons and 5 girls and 3 boys to care for at home, the youngest 2 years old. In a few more short days she lost her firstborn at the battle of Stone River. Two sons and one daughter have since died. Her last brother, of Warsaw, Ind. preceded her in death a few short weeks. ^ 5-27-1887
Bloomfield Elizabeth Jane (Boggs) was born in Bladenberg, Knox County, Ohio, Nov. 15, 1848. With her parents she moved to Kendallville in 1858 and married Clark Bloomfield in 1870. They had 2 sons and one daughter. The sons died in early childhood. The daughter has cared for her mother in her closing days. She died May 31, leaving a husband and one daughter. Funeral from the residence on June 2. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. ^ 6-10-1904
Bloomfield Emil, 48, WPA worker at Rome City, died from fatal injuries at Lakeside Hospital, Kendallville, on Tuesday. He was injured when he jumped or fell from an auto and against a tree on State Road 9 north of Rome City. He was riding on the running board of a car driven by Harry Cushing who is said to have lost control of this machine when he thought he was going to collide with a milk truck driven by Norbert Donat. + 9-?-1936
Bloomfield Hazel M, 65, of Hamilton, died Saturday in DeKalb Hospital. She was born May 29, 1922 in Rome City to Allen and Vera (Ackerman) Criswell. On Jan. 28, 1939 in Rome City she married Melvin R. Bloomfield, who died April 21, 1986. Surviving are three daughters, Carol Oberlin of Butler, Katherine Rouns of Fort Wayne, Beckie Dirrim of Hamilton; one son, Dennis of Rochester Hills, Mich.; eight brothers, Art of Edgerton, Oh., Mike of South Milford, Jay of Stroh, Tom of Lacey, Wash., Paul of Brimfield, Dick and Larry, both Rome City, and Fritz; two sisters, Bonnie Amerman of Brimfield, and Barbara VanWagner of Rome City; and eight grandchildren. A daughter, Connie, preceded her in death. She was a member of Hamilton Fish & Game. Services Tuesday in Johnson’s Funeral Home, Butler. Burial, Butler Cemetery. + 8-7-1987
Bloomfield Hiram, 67, died at his home about 3 miles west of this city Tuesday from a complication of organic diseases. Funeral will be Friday morning. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. He was one of the early settlers of the county, never married, but lived with his brother Jeremiah. He is survived by 3 sisters, Mrs. Warren Swogger and Mrs. Wash Swogger who live on routes out of this city and Mrs. Jacob Couts of Albion. Four brothers also live, William in Milwaukee, Henry at Fontanelle, Iowa and Jeremiah and Jackson of Humansville, Mo. ^ 11-28-1907 The son of Cornelius and Elizabeth Bloomfield, he was born in Morrow County, Ohio Feb. 16, 1840 and died at his home Nov. 26, 1907. In 1853 he and his parents moved to Noble County. He was one of a family of 13 children. Five of his brothers served in the army. In 1862 his father died. In 1887 his mother died. ^ 12-12-1907
Bloomfield Jeremiah was born in Morrow County, Ohio Feb. 7, 1847; died Sept. 23, 1910, aged 63 years 7 months, 21 days. He was the 7th son of a family of 8 boys and 5 girls. Seven of the number, 3 brothers and 4 sisters, remain to mourn. In 1853 his parents moved from Morrow County to Noble County onto the old homestead where he made his home until his late sickness compelled him to leave it and go to the home of his sister, Mrs. Jacob Couts, 523 Ogle St., Kendallville. At the death of his father in 1862, the care of his mother and younger brothers and sisters fell equally on his and another brother’s shoulders. Funeral at the sister’s residence. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. ^ 10-14-1910
Bloomfield John was born in Richland County, Ohio April 25, 1841; died at Kendallville, March 11, aged 50 years, 10 months and 16 days. He came to Indiana with his father’s family in 1847 and continued to reside here with the exception of 3 years in Missouri. He married Clementine Kline Jan. 16, 1864. They had four children, 3 of whom with the mother remain. He was a soldier in the Rebellion, having enlisted in Co. I. 48th Regiment Indiana Volunteers Jan. 9, 1862. He was with his regiment in the Battle of Iuka Sept. 19, 1862 where he was severely wounded by a bullet which passed almost entirely through his body and which, doubtless, was the occasion of the illness which resulted in his death. He was honorably discharged June 12, 1863. Funeral was conducted by Nelson Post No. 69, G.A.R. Sunday. ^ 3-18-1892
Bloomfield John E, 79, died March 31, 2002 at home. He was a self-employed contractor and worked as a bus driver for East Noble School Corp. He was a member of American Legion Post 381 and Orange Twp Fire Dept. He served in the U.S. Army during WW II. He was born in Kendallville on Aug. 17, 1922 to Emil and Caroline (Engle) Bloomfield and graduated from Rome City High School. He married Patricia C. Bowser in Kendallville on May 10, 1947. Surviving are his wife in Rome City; 4 sons and 3 daughters-in-law, John and Shirley of Page, Ariz., Jeff of Rome City, Robert and Deb of Wolcottville, and Jerry and Ellen of Northbrook, Ill.; 4 daughters and 3 sons-in-law, Rita and Jim Tritch of Pleasant Lake, Rose Stienbarger of Henderson, N.C., Joan and Terry Keck of Wolcottville and Renee and David Perkinson of Indianapolis; 22 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; a brother, Robert of Yuba City, Calif.; and 2 sisters, Bessie Castator of Ligonier and Catherine Wilson of Butler. He was preceded in death by a son-in-law, Greg Stienbarger; 3 brothers, Melvin, Amos and Clarence; and a granddaughter. Services Wednesday at Hutchins Funeral Home. Burial, Orange Cemetery. ^ 4-2-2002
Bloomfield Marion F was born in Hancock County, Ohio Jan. 25, 1840 and died in Nodaway County, Mo. April 20, aged 52 years 2 months and 25 days. He removed to Indiana in 1847 and to Missouri in 1887. He was married to Frances A. Iddings Aug. 16, 1863, and they had 6 children, 3 of whom preceded him in death. Two sons and one daughter and their mother survive. He was a son of Ruben Bloomfield and a son-in-law of Jackson Iddings of this vicinity. ^ 6-24-1892
Bloomfield Roberta S, 53, of Avilla, died Jan 6, 2010. She had worked at Starcraft in Topeka. She was born July 9, 1956 in Rome, N.Y. to Robert and Connie (Friend) McNamara. Surviving are 2 daughters and a son-in-law, Jennifer Boomfield of LaOtto and Amanda and Timothy Newsome of Wolcottville; a son, Jason Patrick of Waterloo; 7 grandchildren; her father and stepmother of Stroh; her mother of Rome City; and 3 brothers and sisters-in-law, Terry and Vicky McNamara of Corunna, Jay and Teresa McNamara of Albion and John and Ann McNamara of Topeka. She was preceded in death by her grandmother, Alta Hite. Funeral Saturday at the Independent Baptist Church in South Milford. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. ^ 1-9-2010
Bloomfield Ruben was born in Kentucky Sept. 16, 1815; moved to Coshocton County, Ohio when a small boy. Married Isabel Elder Feb. 29, 1839. They had ten children. Moved to Noble County, Ind. in 1849. Isabel died on Sept. 30, 1872. Was married again to Mrs. Sarah Lash, who, with 6 children by his first wife, nineteen grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren, survive. He died Dec. 26, 1899 at the age of 84 years 3 months and 10 days. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. ^ 1-5-1900
Bloomfield Sarah Ann was born in Morrow County, Ohio Nov. 6, 1823 and died Feb. 11, aged 82 years 3 months and 5 days. She moved to Indiana soon after her marriage where she had lived since. She was the grandmother of 29 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. She has 2 surviving sisters and 6 surviving children, Mrs. Nancy Likes and Mrs. Ellen Price of Sodar, Mich., Mrs. Martha Courts of Cleveland, Mrs. Myra Swartz of Kendallville, John Acton of Waterloo and Mrs. Joseph Likes of Kendallville. Of late years she made her home with her daughter, Mrs. Joseph Likes. She recently united with the M. E. Church. Funeral at the Wayne Center M. E. Church. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. ^ 3-9-1906
Bloomfield Sarah Jane (Friedline) was born in DeKalb County Nov. 30, 1867; and died in Kendallville Sept. 21, aged 29 years 10 months and 1 day. When about 10 years of age she and her family moved to Whitley County where they remained until she was 18 when they came to Kendallville. She married Samuel Bloomfield Sept. 21, 1886. They had 5 children, the oldest 9 and the youngest 18 months old. Soon after her marriage she united with the Church of Christ. After a lingering illness of consumption she died. Funeral from the Church of Christ Sept. 23. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. ^ 10-1-1897
Bloomfield Susan (Brumbaugh) was born at Morrisons Cave, Bedford County, Penn. on Dec. 17, 1826; married Amos Bloomfield Dec. 4, 1839 at Mansfield, Ohio. They moved to Noble County in 1840 where she resided until her death April 19, aged 78 years 4 months and 2 days. She was the mother of 10 children, 3 of whom have died. Funeral at the residence on Friday. Burial at the Old Cemetery. ^ 4-28-1899
Bloomfield William, son of Cornelius and Elizabeth Bloomfield, was born in Morrow County, Ohio, July 21, 1838, and died August 17, 1918, aged eighty years and twenty-six days. In the year 1853 he moved with his parents to Noble County, Indiana, locating three miles west of Kendallville. In September 1861 he enlisted in Company E, Ninth Indiana regiment and served three years and received an honorable discharge. In March, 1865, he re-enlisted in Company E., Ninth Indiana Regiment and served three years and received an honorable discharge. In March 1865 he re-enlisted in Company K, Forty-third Indiana, and received his discharge in June 1865 by general order. He was a member of the Grand River Lodge, IOOF at Grand Rapids, Mich. He is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Cora Kranskopf; four sisters and one brother. The funeral was held at the home of Warren Swogger, four miles west of Kendallville last Tuesday. * 8-?-1918
Blotkamp David W, 24, was born in Fort Wayne April 22, 1949 to Mr. and Mrs. Richard Blotkamp of R. 1, Kimmell. He married Jean Donley Nov. 16, 1968 in St. Mary’s Catholic Church. His wife and parents survive. He was employed at Hipskind Construction, Fort Wayne, and had previously been employed by All Metal, Ligonier. He was a member of St. Gaspar Catholic Church. He resided at R. 1, Rome City and died Thursday in Parkview Hospital. Other survivors include two sons, Shane 4, and Scott 3, both at home; two brothers, Jim, Albion, and Dennis Wayne, R. 1, Kimmell; his grandparents, Mrs. Minnie Blotkamp, Garrett, and Mr. and Mrs. Ernest McNeal, R. 1, Kimmell. Services Monday at St. Gaspar Church, Rome City. Burial, Orange Cemetery. ~ 1-10-1974
Blotkamp Edwin H, 68, of R. R. 2, died June 10, in McCray Hospital. He was an Avilla native, a life-long resident of this community and a retired farmer. He was married May 24, 1921 to Minnie Truelove at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Surviving are the widow; four sons, Richard, Robert, Harold and Raymond; four daughters, Mrs. Donna Fuller of Wolcottville, Mrs. Barbara Juillerat of Blacksburg, Va., Mrs. Rita Lumm, West Lafayette and Jean at home; a brother, George of Anderson; and four sisters, Anna Engerman, Fort Wayne, Francis Leonard, Decatur, Tilla Traxler and Laura Steigmeyer, both of Garrett. Services at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Burial, St. Mary’s Cemetery. ~ 6-16-1960
Blotkamp George, 68, of Anderson, died Tuesday at his home from a heart ailment. A retired furnace dealer, he was a native of Avilla and a son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Blotkamp. Surviving with the widow, Ruth, are a son, James, at home; and four sisters, Mrs. William Engerman of Arcola, Mrs. Thomas Leonard of Decatur, Mrs. R. J. Steigmeyer and Mrs. Emmitt Traxler of Garrett. Final rites Friday in the Catholic Church at Anderson. Burial, Anderson Cemetery. ~ 11-30-1961
Blotkamp George, 84, one of the oldest residents of this vicinity, died on Friday last. Funeral at the Catholic Church on Sunday. ~ 8-27-1891
Blotkamp Mary, 78, died on Sunday and was interred in the Catholic Cemetery on Tuesday. ~ 2-14-1889
Blotkamp Minnie, 86, died Saturday at McCray Hospital. She was born November 19, 1896 in Noble County, the daughter of William and Lena (Schmidt) Truelove. She married Edwin Blotkamp in Avilla in 1920. He died in 1962. Surviving are two sons, Robert of Garrett and Harold of Avilla; three daughters, Mrs. Barbara Juillerat, Lebanon, Mrs. Jean Neal, Zapata, TX, and Mrs. Rita Lumm, Calif.; one sister, Mrs. Edna Harvey, Kendallville; 33 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. Two sons, Raymond and Richard; two daughters, Martha Gause and Donna Fuller; and one sister, Teresa Truelove, preceded her in death. She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Garrett where services were held Tuesday. Burial, St. Mary’s Cemetery. ~ 9-1-1983
Blotkamp Raymond J, 42, died of head and chest injuries early Saturday morning in a one-vehicle accident on Baseline Road. He was a foreman at Dana Corporation in Fort Wayne, was active in the Avilla Fire Department where he was fire chief in 1975, and a member of the Knights of Columbus in Garrett. He was born Nov. 28, 1936 in Garrett to Edwin and Minnie (Truelove) Blotkamp. He married Rita Powell in 1958. Surviving are his mother; his wife; four daughters, Jan, Rhonda, Suzy and Stacy, all at home; three sons, Joe, Mitch and Brent, at home; three sisters, Barbara Juillerat, Lebanon, Rita Lumm, Kokomo, and Jean Neal, Texas; two brothers, Harold and Robert, both of Garrett. One brother, Richard, and two sisters, Martha and Donna, preceded him in death. Services Tuesday in St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Burial, St. Mary’s Cemetery. ~ 8-23-1979
Blotkamp Richard W, "Legs" 54, died at his home March 31. He had lived at R. 1, Gilbert Lake near Kimmell the past eight years. He was born in Avilla April 4, 1922 to Edwin and Minnie (Truelove) Blotkamp. He married Norma Jean McNeal June 26, 1948 in Ege. He was employed as a mechanic for Preston Trucking in Fort Wayne and at one time operated the Gulf Service Station in Avilla. He was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Ligonier, American Legion Post 246, Albion, and was a WW II veteran. Survivors include his widow; his mother; two sons, James, Albion, and Dennis at home; three brothers, Raymond, Avilla, Robert and Harold, both Garrett; three sisters, Mrs. Barbara Juillerat, Lebanon, Mrs. Rita Lumm, Kokomo and Mrs. James Neal, Dallas, Texas; and two grandchildren. One son, David, died in 1974. Services Monday in St. Patrick’s Church. Burial, Orange Cemetery. ~ 4-7-1977
Blotkamp Robert J, 60, died Dec. 23 in DeKalb Hospital. He had been a resident of Garrett since 1961. He was born Aug. 16, 1926 in Noble County, the son of Edwin and Minnie (Truelove) Blotkamp. He married Elnora Miller Aug. 13, 1949 in Avilla. Surviving are his wife; four sons, Robert Jr. of Auburn, John, Thomas and Ronald, all Garrett; a daughter, Mrs. Charles (Carol) Hathaway, Garrett; three sisters, Mrs. James (Jean) Neal and Mary Rita Lumm, Zapata, Texas, and Barbara Juillerat of Lebanon; a brother, Harold of Avilla; and nine grandchildren. Two brothers, Richard and Ray, and two sisters, Donna Fuller and Martha Gause, preceded him in death. A WW II Army veteran, he retired in 1965 from International Harvester as group leader after 31 years of service. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, the Garrett Eagles and the Avilla post of the American Legion. Services were Dec. 28 in St. Joseph Church. Burial, Cedar Chapel Cemetery. ~ 1-1-1987
Blough Robert A, 81, R. 2, Kendallville, died Monday in McCray Hospital. Born January 5, 1885 in Goshen, he moved to Kendallville 39 years ago. He was a mail carrier in the Avilla-Kendallville area for 23 years. Three sons, five grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, a sister and a brother survive. Services this afternoon in Berhalter-Hutchins Funeral Home, Kendallville. Burial, Violet Cemetery. ~ 5-26-1966
Blowers Carson S, 72, R. 1, Avilla, died July 2 in Parkview Hospital, Fort Wayne. He was born in Alpena, Mich. July 23, 1914, the son of Noah and Manda (Myers) Blowers. He married Alberta Derrickson Feb. 9, 1938. In 1945 he moved to Green Twp, Noble County from Decatur. He was a WW II veteran and worked for General Electric, Wayne Pump, and American Tool & Engineering, retiring in 1973. He was a farmer and bred and trained Arabian horses. Surviving are his wife; a daughter, Mrs. William (Madge) Zion of Fort Wayne; a son, Alan of New York; a sister, Mrs. John (Wanda) Roberson, Churubusco; and four grandchildren. Services Sunday at Sheets Funeral Home in Churubusco. Burial, Riverside Cemetery, Geneva. ~ 7-9-1987
Blowers Clara V, 82, died Sept. 24, 2002 at her home. She had retired from the Noble County clerk's and recorder's offices in Albion . A graduate of Monroe High School class of 1938, she was a member of Albion Wesleyan Church. She was born in Missouri on Dec. 22, 1920 to Noah and Manda (Myers) Blowers. She never married. Surviving are a sister, Wanda Roberson of Churubusco. She was preceded in death by a brother, Billy, and a sister, Mary Ann. Services Saturday at Albion Wesleyan Church. Burial, Christian Chapel Cemetery. ^ 9-26-2002
Blowers Manda, 86, R. 3, Albion, died Wednesday (d. 10-20-1982) in Lutheran Hospital, Fort Wayne. She was born August 23, 1896 in Adams County, the daughter of James and Mary (Baker) Myers. In September 1912 in Alpena, Mich., she married Noah Blowers, who preceded her in death in 1963. Surviving are two daughters, Mrs. John (Wanda) Roberson of Churubusco and Clara Blowers of Albion; a son, Carson S., rural Avilla; nine grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren. A daughter, three brothers, and two sisters preceded her in death. Services Saturday in the Brazzell Funeral Home, Albion. Burial, Christian Chapel Cemetery. ~ 10-28-1982
Blowers Noah, 70, (b. 5-30-1892 - d. 3-24-1963) R. 3, Albion, father of Carson Blowers, R. 1, Avilla, died Sunday at his home. He was a retired farmer and brick mason. In addition to the son here, he is survived by his wife Manda; three daughters; two brothers, including Vernon of LaOtto; three sisters; nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Funeral Tuesday at Bonham & Miser Funeral Home in Albion. Burial, Christian Chapel Cemetery. ~ 3-28-1963
Blue Adrian A, 71, of Mishawaka, died Monday in St. Joseph Hospital. He was born March 19, 1924 in Ligonier to Dr. Maurice and Hazel (Bordner) Blue. On April 8, 1976 in South Bend he married Sharon K. Peters. He had resided in Bremen where he had an optometry practice many years. He served in the U.S. Army 1943-46 during WW II. He earned a B.S. degree as a doctor of optometry in 1949 from Northern Illinois College of Optometry. He was a member of First United Church of Christ and several optometry and civic organizations. He also served 2 tours of duty as a medical missionary in Honduras, Central America. Surviving are his wife: 2 daughters, Teri Phelps of Elkhart and Cherine Hare of Syracuse; a son, Courtney of Indianapolis; and 5 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a brother, Graydon; and 2 stepbrothers. Funeral Friday in First United Church of Christ in Bremen. Burial, Bremen Cemetery. + 3-4-1996
Blue Donald J, 87, died Nov. 23, 2003 in Lutheran Hospital, Fort Wayne. He worked for 28 years at Newnam Foundry, Kendallville, retiring as superintendent. He was a life member of St. John Lutheran Church. He was born April 25, 1916 in Warsaw to Melva and Bessie (Montague) Blue. On Sept. 14, 1935 in Warsaw he married Glenna Gates. Surviving are his wife; a daughter and son-in-law, Carol and Bill Moree of Auburn; 2 sons and a daughter-in-law, Larry and Caryl Blue and Richard Blue of Kendallville; a brother, Melva Jr. of Warsaw; a sister, Grace McGinnes of Warsaw; 3 granddaughters, Kim Marti and Amy Sage of Kendallville, and Mindy Epple of New Haven; and 8 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a brother, Duane, who was killed in WW II. Services Wednesday at Berhalter-Hutchins Funeral Home. Burial, Lutheran Cemetery. ^ 11-25-2003
Blue Ethel, 86, R. 2, Syracuse, died this morning in Strawberry Village Nursing Home, Ligonier. She was born Aug. 18, 1889 in Noble County to Henry and Sarah (Jackson) Wolf. She married Roy Blue Oct. 29, 1915. He died March 13, 1972. She was a lifetime area resident and member of Richville United Methodist Church. She is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Eugene (Elizabeth) Moser R. 2, Syracuse; two grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Funeral Sunday in Ulrey Funeral Home, Ligonier. Burial, Oak Park Cemetery. + 3-?-1976
Blue Glenna G, 94, of Kendallville, died Aug. 11, 2010 in Lutheran Life Villages, Kendallville. She graduated from Kendallville High School and worked at the Central Drug Store in Kendallville for many years. She was born Feb. 13, 1916 in Iowa to Harry and Olive (Husholder) Gates. On Sept. 14, 1935 in Warsaw she married Donald J. Blue. He died Nov. 23, 2003. Surviving are a daughter and son-in-law, Carol and Bill Moree of Auburn; 2 sons and a daughter-in-law, Larry and Caryl Blue and Dick Blue of Kendallville; 3 granddaughters, Kim Marti and Amy Sage of Kendallville and Mindy Gardner of Auburn; 9 great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter. She was preceded in death by 2 sisters, Beulah Strouse and Velva Spannagel. Funeral, August 13 at Young Family Funeral Home. Burial, Lutheran Cemetery. ^ 8-12-2010
Blue Graydon M, 46, owner and operator of Blue’s Pharmacy, Ligonier, died Monday of a cerebral hemorrhage suffered Sunday near Albuquerque, N.M. while on vacation. He was born at Ligonier on Feb. 14, 1920, the son of Dr. Maurice and Hazel (Bordner) Blue. A veteran of WW II, he was president of the Stone Trace Historical Society and a member of the board of directors of the McCray Hospital. He was a member of the Ligonier Presbyterian Church. Survivors include his widow, the former Helen Smith; three daughters, Gail, Joyce and Rita, at home; and one brother, Dr. Adrian Blue, Bremen. Funeral Friday at Ulrey-Sedgwick Funeral Home. Burial, Oak Park Cemetery. + 7-?-1966
Blue Hazel M, 65, died June 16, 1957 in her home immediately west of Ligonier. She was born March 28, 1892 in Albion and had lived in the Ligonier community most of her life. She was a member of the EUB Church, the American Legion Auxiliary, and the Greencastle Grange at Kimmell. Surviving are the husband, Dr. Maurice Blue, veterinarian; two sons, Graydon of Ligonier and Adrian of Bremen; and six grandchildren. Funeral Wednesday. Burial, Oak Park Cemetery. + 6-?-1957
Blue Helen Lois, 81, died March 20, 2003 at Parkview Noble Hospital of a heart attack. She was a member of Ligonier Presbyterian Church, Retired Teachers Association, Ligonier Historical Society and Noble County Genealogy Society. An Indiana University graduate, she retired as a teacher from West Noble after 27 years. She was born Sept. 17, 1921 to Emmitt and Henrietta (Murray) Smith in Sparta Twp, Noble County. She married Graydon Blue on June 2, 1943 in Cromwell. He died in 1966. Surviving are 3 daughters and sons-in-law, Gail and Steve Hursey and Joyce and Joe Milutis of Ligonier, and Rita and Don Dodds of Syracuse; one brother, Richard W. Smith of Ligonier; and 4 grandchildren, Stephanie Montgomery, Gretchen Herbaugh, Jordan Baugher and Paul Dodds. She was preceded in death by a grandson, Phil Dodds. Services Monday at Ulrey-Renner Funeral Home. Burial, Oak Park Cemetery. ^ 3-22-2003
Blue Maurice, about 72, of Ligonier, died May 18, 1966 at McCray Hospital after suffering a cerebral hemorrhage at his home on Union St. in Ligonier. He was a retired veterinarian and was born March 28, 1894 in Elkhart County. Funeral Friday at a Ligonier funeral home. Burial, Oak Park Cemetery. + 5-?-1966
Blue Roy, 86, R. 2, Syracuse, died Monday in the National Nursing Home, Goshen. Born Dec. 16, 1885 in Elkhart County, he had lived all his life in the Ligonier area. He was a retired farmer and was a member of the Richville United Methodist Church. Surviving is his widow, the former Ethel Wolf, whom he married in 1916; a daughter, Mrs. Eugene Moser, R. 2, Syracuse; 2 grandchildren; and 3 great-grandchildren. Funeral today at Ulrey Funeral Home. Burial, Oak Park Cemetery. + 3-?-1972
Blue William was born in 1824 and died in 1914, aged 90 years. He was a pioneer of this country. He leaves 3 sons and one daughter, 12 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren; one sister, Mrs. J. D. Banta, of Ligonier. He was a member of the M.C. Church. He was descended from England and his family tree first took root on American soil in the colonial days of Virginia. His grandfather, Peter Blue, was one of the pioneers of Fayette County, Ohio. He cleared a fine farm of 100 acres from the wilderness and there he and his wife Susan Hazel, who was also born in Virginia, reared a family of 11 children, Benjamin, John, Abraham, Peter, Jacob, David, William, Phillip, Susan, Alice and Nancy. Peter spent his life on his Ohio farm and died at an advanced age. Three of his sons, John, Peter and Jacob, were in the War of 1812. Jacob, his son, married Charlotte, daughter of David Mortimer of Maryland, eventually a settler of Benton Twp, Elkhart County, where he died. They had 10 children, Alice, Mary, Abraham, William, Margaret, Jacob, Peter, David, Susan and Benjamin. William was born on the farm in Fayette County, Ohio, but owing to the fact that he came to Elkhart County when he was but 9 years of age, he received little schooling. They made the journey to this section by wagon and drove their cattle and hogs. Mrs. Blue can well remember the trip. October 1, 1846 he married Rebecca Grayless, who was born in Ross County, Ohio, Feb. 28, 1828, daughter of William and Rebecca (Waugh) Grayless. The former was born in Maryland and settled as a pioneer in Fayette County, Ohio, becoming a resident of Indiana in 1833. he had a good farm of 160 acres in Allen County, on which he lived until his demise at the age of 63 years. He was a member of the M.D. Church and the father of 6 children, Mary A., Elizabeth, Martha, Charles, Rebecca, Malinda and Cynthia. After his marriage, William Blue settled on 40 acres on his present farm, then covered with heavy times, but he soon cleared his land and continued to add to it until he became the owner of 180 acres. Ligonier Leader 1-14-1915 Contributed by Judy Richter
Bluhm Carl J, 75, resident of Kendallville for 70 years, died at his home here Wednesday of heart disease. He was a native of Germany. Surviving are two sisters; two nephews and two nieces. Funeral Friday. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. + 6-?-1938
Bluhm Ernest was born December 16, 1823 at Lupendorf, Mecklenberg-Schwerin, Germany. His parents were Christopher and Dorothea Bluhm. In 1853 he married Louise Droege. Emigrating to the United States in 1871, these parents and their children at once took up their abode in this locality and continually resided here. He died April 27, 77 years 6 months and 5 days. He leaves 2 brothers, 4 sons, 6 daughters and 6 grandchildren. ^ 7-5-1901
Bluhm Herman, 44, died at his home in Kendallville Sunday from a complication of diseases brought on by stomach trouble. He came to Kendallville from Germany in 1871. He leaves a wife and son; three brothers, Henry, Fred and Carl, all Kendallville; and six sisters, Mrs. Lena Woodruff and Miss Minnie of this place, Mrs. Ida Pauker, Mrs. Louise Mitchell, Mrs. Anna Ryan and Mrs. Kenline of Kendallville. ~ 10-30-1912
Bluhm Louise was born to Carl and Louise Droege at Levensdorf, Mecklenburg, Schwerin, Germany on Aug. 8, 1831. Her father being a teacher, she lived at other places in Germany whither the vocation of her father brought them. In June 1853 she married Ernst Bluhm. In 1871 he went to America and very soon sent for his family. The passport issued by Friedrich Franz, duke of Mecklenburg, to Louise Bluhm nee Droege and her ten children is an interesting document preserved to this day by the children. She died from catarrhal pneumonia April 27. She was given a Christian burial on Sunday from the Evangelical Lutheran Church. ^ 5-4-1900
Bluhm Louise M, 75, widow of the late Fred L. Bluhm, died at the family residence, 515 Diamond St. She was born March 24, 1859 in Brooklyn, N.Y., the daughter of Julius and Katherine Lang, pioneer residents of this locality. July 7, 1866 she came to Kendallville with her parents, brothers and sisters, where her father engaged in the shoe business many years until his death in 1913. In 1872 she was confirmed in St. John’s Lutheran Church. May 29, 1888 she married Fred L. Bluhm of this city. He died Oct. 9, 1931. Surviving are one son, M. L., Winnetka, Ill.; 3 brothers and one sister, Henry P., George G., John H. of this city, and Mrs. Felix Guetthoff, Three Rivers, Mich.; 4 grandchildren, Betty and Barbara Bluhm, Winnetka, Ill., and Richard and Joanne Gerwig, Bluffton. Two brothers and one sister preceded her in death. Funeral Monday at St. John’s Lutheran Church. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. ^ 7-6-1934
Bluhm Maurice L died in Winnetka, Ill. He was born in Kendallville March 25, 1889, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Frederick L. Bluhm. He graduated from Indiana University in 1913 and taught history in Kendallville High School for one year before entering the University of Chicago Law School from which he graduated in 1917. He retired in 1954 as vice president and general counsel for the Milwaukee Road Railroad. After his retirement he became police magistrate and traffic court judge for the village of Winnetka, Ill., until 1970. He then became prosecutor for the village until 1975. Survivors are his wife, Jean C.; two daughters, Barbara, New York City, and Mrs. Betty Boese, Lake Bluff, Ill.; three grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. + 9-?-1978
Blust John, Carrothers, Ohio - Word was received here Saturday of the death of John Blust, brother of Lee and Pierce Blust and Mrs. Charley Schlotterer. He was working with another employee repairing a car on the siding and were protected by the usual manner in a case of this kind with flags, a freight train doing some switching, made a running switch and dropped a car onto the same siding, and this car plunged into another, and the last one struck the car that the men were working on. When found by the trainmen, Mr. Blust was alive and rushed to the hospital at Bucyrus, Ohio, a short distance away, where it was found he had suffered internal injuries and a fractured skull, besides being badly bruised about the body and face. He lived until about 4 o’clock. The other workman had his head severed at the neck; and his head lay on one side of the track and body on the other. Mr. Blust was 62 years of age at the time of his death. Services at the St. Stevens, Ohio, Catholic Church Tuesday. ~ 9-2-1926
Blust Lawrence L, 70, 113 Baum St., Avilla, died June 25 in McCray Hospital. A native of Avilla, he was born April 11, 1911, the son of Pius and Flora (Schucht) Blust. He married Mildred Schmidt October 19, 1934. He was retired from the McCray Corporation, having been employed there 37 years. He was also a Maytag service man for the Avilla Hardware. Surviving are his wife; a daughter, Mrs. Harry (Rose) Brumbaugh, Waterloo; three sons, John, Fort Wayne, and Thomas and Paul, Garrett; six grandchildren. Service Saturday in St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Burial, St. Mary’s Cemetery. ~ 7-2-1981
Blust Mary Christine, 72, lifelong resident of this community, died Sunday at her home. She was the daughter of Jacob and Margaret Weil and was a native of Whitley County. She first married David Monger and they resided on a farm. He died some years ago. Later she married Mr. Blust, who also preceded her in death. Surviving is a brother, John Weil of Columbia City, and several nieces and nephews. The funeral was at McKee & Clark Funeral Home here Tuesday. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. ~ 11-27-1941
Blust Mildred G, 93, Avilla, died April 18, 2004 at Provena Sacred Heart Home. She was born September 3, 1910 in Kendallville to Henry and Rose Marie (Pfefferkorn) Schmidt. On October 9, 1934 in Kendallville she married Lawrence L. Blust. He died June 25, 1981. Surviving are 3 sons and daughters-in-law, John and Frances of Fort Wayne, Thomas and Beverly and Paul and Rosemary of Garrett; a daughter and son-in-law, Rose Marie and Harry Brumbaugh of Waterloo; a brother, Robert Schmidt of Kendallville; a sister-in-law, Donna Schmidt of Kendallville; 6 grandchildren, Karl, David, Scott and Tim Blust, Karie Marti and Danielle Franks; 5 great-grandchildren, Zachary and Joey Blust, Christopher Marti and Andrew and Matthew Franks. Also preceding her in death were a brother, Paul Schmidt; and 2 sisters, Margaret Neal and Irene Fryhover. A homemaker, she was a lifetime resident of Noble County. She was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Avilla where services were held. Burial, St. Mary's Cemetery. ~ 4-22-2004
Bly Claude Lee died March 9, 1947 at his home in Highgrove, Calif. of a heart attack. He was a former Cromwell resident but had lived in California for the past 26 years. Survivors include the widow, Blanche; one son, Russell T. of Highgrove; two daughters, Mrs. Willidean Ayers of Burbank, Calif., and Edith Learmont of Highgrove; and five grandchildren. + 3-9-1947
Bly Ernest, 29, died at his home, 837 S. Main St., Sunday from a complication of diseases, rheumatism and leakage of the heart being predominant. He was born in Kendallville and was married to Gertrude Sexton Aug. 28, 1911. The widow and two daughters, Ernestine and Elaine; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. D. R. Bly; one sister, Mrs. Ruby Shoaff of Kalamazoo; and two brothers, Howard of Toledo and Maurice of this city survive. Funeral at the home Tuesday. Burial, Lakeview Cemetery. + 12-29-1918
Bly Faye V, 68, Connersville, died Thursday in Lincoln Lodge Nursing Center. She was born Sept. 23, 1917 in Kendallville to Gerry B. and Bernice (Shook) DeHoff. She married Karl H. Bly on May 4, 1941 in Kendallville. They moved to Connersville in 1941, where she was a teacher and member of First United Presbyterian Church, Tri Kappa, Connersville County Club, Ladies’ 18-hole Golf and OLGA Golf Associations. She taught at Avilla High School for two years before going to Connersville. She left teaching but returned in 1959 to Connersville High School, where she taught English and Latin until her retirement in 1977. Surviving are her husband; one daughter, Rebecca Ann, Muncie; one son, Robert M, Kokomo; one brother, Gerry, Atlanta; one grandchild. Services Monday at Miller Funeral Home, Connersville. Burial, Dale Cemetery, Connersville. + 2-13-1986
Bly Karl H, 84, died Aug. 9, 2002 in his Connersville home. A 1935 graduate of Kendallville High School, he graduated from Ball State University with a B.S. degree in 1940. A teacher, he retired from Connersville High School in 1976, where he had taught psychology, economics, philosophy and U.S. History. He was an IHSA accredited official in football and basketball and was active in John Connor Players. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church and the Kiwanis. He was born Aug. 19, 1917 in Kendallville to Maurice and Clara (Reichardt) Bly. On May 4, 1941 he married Faye V. DeHoff. She died Feb. 13, 1986. Surviving are a son and daughter-in-law, Robert and Ann of Knoxville, Tenn. and a daughter Rebecca Bly of Muncie. He was also preceded in death by a grandson, Thomas R. Bly. Memorial service Aug. 16, 2002 in Miller, Moster, Robbins Funeral Home. Burial, Dale Cemetery. ^ 8-18-2002
Bly Maurice J, 81, Kendallville, died Friday at McCray Hospital. A lifetime resident of the area, he was born Oct. 13, 1894 in Kendallville to David R. and Ellen M (Dailey) Bly Jr. He married Clara E. Reichardt Sept. 21, 1916 in Kendallville. She preceded him in death Aug. 28, 1960. He operated a sanitation pick-up service in Kendallville for many years. He was a member of St. John Lutheran Church. Survivors include one son, Karl H., Connersville, one sister, Mrs. Ruby Schoeff, Kalamazoo, Mich.; two grandchildren and one great-grandson. Services Monday at Berhalter-Hutchins Funeral Home. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. + 3-?-1976
Bly Otto, a former Cromwell boy, died in a government hospital at Tucson, Ariz., last Friday, aged 47 years, 11 months and 14 days. He was the son of Michael and Minerva Bly and is survived by his mother, now Mrs. Thomas Fox of Lima, Ohio; one brother, Logan of Avilla; and several relatives in Cromwell. A wife and daughter, whose residence are not known, are also supposed to be living. About a year ago he went west for his health and entered a veteran’s hospital in California, suffering from tuberculosis, but about ten days before his death he was transferred to Tucson. He was a member of the 37th U. S. Volunteer Infantry, which was organized at the close of the Spanish American War, and saw service in the Philippines. His remains were returned to Avilla Tuesday and funeral was at the Catholic church there, after which the body was taken to Ligonier for interment. + 12-?-1928 11-30-1928
Blythe L Odeyne, 81, of Ligonier, died Tuesday in Goshen Hospital. She was born June 13, 1915 in Ligonier to Guy and Mildred (Tucker) Calbeck. On April 28, 1977 in Bradenton, Fla., she married Edgar Blythe. He died in 1982. She retired in 1976 as a secretary for Monsanto Corp. in Ligonier. She was a 1933 graduate of Ligonier High School. A sister, Marjorie Roe of Ligonier, is her only survivor. She was preceded in death by 2 brothers, Marion and Everett Calbeck. Funeral Saturday in Stone's Hill Community Church. Burial, Oak Park Cemetery. + 4-29-1997>

Noble Notes: Wouldn't it be nice to have the money people spend
on things they don't need or want just to impress people they can't stand?