Noble County Indiana Library - Whan Collection
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Obituaries - Ka
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Kacprowicz Adam A, 88, of Kendallville, died April 29, 2013, at Parkview Medical Center in Fort Wayne. He graduated from Tech High School in Erie, Pa., in 1943. and from Indiana Institute of Technology in Fort Wayne with a degree in radio engineering. He worked for Belmont Radio in Chicago and the United States Army Signal Corps for three years. He worked for Sylvania Radio Corp. of Amherst, N.Y. for seven and a half years. He worked at RCA Television in Mario as a senior engineer for 3 years and for King-Seeley in Kendallville and then Courier for 10 and a half years until he retired in 1997. He served in the U.S. Army. He was a prisoner of war for four months in Luxemburg, Germany. He was a member of the St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Avilla, the Avilla American Legion Post # 240 and the Disabled American Veterans. He was born in Erie, Pa., on Dec. 7, 1924, to Adam and Rozalia (Lukasiewicz) Kacprowicz. He married Pearl Stine on Jan. 21, 1950, in Fort Wayne. Surviving are 5 daughters, Rosalie and Mark Day of South Bend, Margaret and Floyd “Butch” Colgan of Garrett, Patricia and Steve Danalds of Springfield, Mo., Darlene and William Jacobs of Marion and Dianna and Jeffrey Danalds of Corunna; a son. Michael and Sharon Kacprowicz of Fort Wayne; 16 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; a brother, Edward Kacprowicz of Erie, Pa. He was preceded in death by 5 brothers, Bernie, John, Raymond, Francis and Harry Kacprowicz; and 4 sisters, Irene Kendziora, Blanche Kosin, Genevieve Kacprowicz and Joan Kacprowicz.  Funeral Mass will be Thursday at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Avilla. Burial, St. Mary’s Cemetery. ^ 4-30-2013
Kagey Florence E, 80, a former LaOtto resident, died Saturday at McCray Hospital. She was a native of Lima, Ohio, and retired in 1970. She had been a teacher at St. Mary’s School here and other area schools. She was director of the Noble County Home Demonstration Chorus for 10 years. Surviving are two daughters, Eileen of Gary and Kathleen Duffy of Speedway; two sisters, Mae Thomas and Gladys Williams, both of Lima, Ohio; and a brother, Darrel Niles of Lima, Ohio. Services Tuesday. Burial, Greenlawn Memorial Park, Fort Wayne. ~ 4-8-1982 + 4-3-1982
Kagey J Leonard, 51, died Saturday in an Elgin, Ill. hospital following a heart attack. He moved from Fort Wayne to LaOtto two years ago. He was a welder at the Fruehauf Trailer Co. at Fort Wayne sixteen years before moving to LaOtto. At the time of his death, he was attending the Curtis Farm School at Cary, Illinois. He was a member of the First Methodist Church in Fort Wayne. Surviving are his wife, Florence; two daughters, Miss Eileen, student at Ball State Teachers’ College and Miss Kathleen, student nurse at Indianapolis; and his mother Mrs. Mary Thomas of Lima, Ohio. Services Tuesday at the First Methodist Church in Fort Wayne and burial was in Greenlawn Memorial Park. ~ 9-27-1951
Kaiser Cora, 99, a resident of the Kendallville Nursing Home, died there today. She was the daughter of James and Rebekah (McDorman) Williams, born Nov. 3, 1879 in Hardin County, Ohio. Her husband preceded her in death. She had been a Kendallville resident approximately 74 years and was a member of St. John Lutheran Church. Survivors are one daughter, Mrs. Gladys Winegardner, Thornville, Ohio; three grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Three brothers preceded her in death. Arrangements are pending in C. R. Boring Funeral Home, Thornville. + 11-?-1978
Kaiser Elsie Mae, 94, died Dec. 20, 2000 in Lutheran Hospital. She was born in Green Twp on Jan. 31, 1906 to John Arthur and Bernice (Smith) Friskney. She married Franz F. Kaiser on Aug. 31, 1929 in Toledo. He died March 31, 1988. She was a member of Eastern Star, Faith United Methodist Church Morning Circle, Garrett Ladies League and Inner City Golf League. Surviving are a daughter and son-in-law, Norma and Ted Lind of Lombard, Ill.; a son and daughter-in-law, Donald and Barbara Kaiser of Colorado Springs, Colo.; 2 grandchildren, Christine Robertson and Kimberly Kaiser; one great-grandchild, Ethan Robertson; one brother, Ray Friskney of Kendallville; and 2 sisters, Mary Baldwin and Doris Coffelt of Kendallville. Four brothers preceded her in death, Robert in 1936, Ralph in 1967, Carrol in 1977 and Glen on Dec. 2. Services Dec. 23 at Berhalter-Hutchins Funeral Home. Burial, Orange Cemetery. + 12-21-2000
Kaiser Franz Frederick, 81, R. 1, died Thursday in Lutheran Hospital, Fort Wayne. Born in Edon, Ohio, Jan. 10, 1907, he was the son of Jacob F. and Cyna (Miller) Kaiser. On Aug. 31, 1929 he married Elsie Mae Friskney in Toledo, Ohio. He moved to Kendallville in 1972 from Warren, Mich. He was a design engineer with John Deere, Oliver & Sterling Engine Co. In 1972 he retired from Detroit Steel Products. After retiring, he built the Detroit Steel Products Springs plant in Morristown, Ind. He was a member of Faith United Methodist Church. Surviving are his wife; a son, U. S. Air Force Maj. Donald F., Albuquerque, N.M.; a daughter, Norma Joyce Lind, Lombard, Ill.; two half-sisters, Vivian McLeary, Toledo, Ohio, and Gwendolyn McCord, Bryan, Ohio; one half-brother, Denver Snyder, Montpelier, Ohio; and one grandchild. Services Monday at Berhalter-Hutchins Funeral Home. Burial, Orange Cemetery. + 3-31-1988
Kaiser Frederick was born at Mecklenburg, Germany, March 15, 1838. In the summer of 1865 he came to America and settled at Kendallville where in July of that same year he married Lena Leppel. Here he lived with his family until his death, Feb. 4. They had 3 sons and 3 daughters, 5 of whom with their mother and uncle, brother of the deceased, John Kaiser, remain. He was a lover of music and a teacher of music for many years. He was a Lutheran. His age was 64 years 10 months and 19 days. ^ 2-13-1903
Kaiser Gertrude, 77, of Kendallville, died July 14 in the Irvin Convalescent Home in Columbia City. A veteran employee of the Kendallville News-Sun, she is survived by one brother, Fred, with whom she resided. Services Wednesday. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. + No date
Kaiser Henry, 67, native of Germany, died Dec. 23 at the home of his brother-in-law, Joe Kraus at Avilla, following a lingering illness from cancer. He came here at the age of 14 years and spent the remainder of his life in this community. Surviving are a brother and sister in Germany, a nephew, Karl Kraus of Fort Wayne, and a niece, Mary Kraus, Avilla. Funeral Thursday from St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Burial, St. Mary’s Cemetery. + 12-?-1935
Kaiser Leota Blanche, 91, of Kendallville, died Sunday at home. Born in Marion April 13, 1898, she was the daughter of William and Eva (Collantine) Daughtrey. In Fort Wayne in June 1924 she married Walter John Kaiser, who died Dec. 1, 1984. She moved to Kendallville from Marion in 1920. She was a retired teacher and a member of First Presbyterian Church, Alpha Associate Chapter of Tri Kappa, Fort Wayne Women’s Club, Indiana Retired Teachers Association and board member of Kendallville Day Care Center Inc. Surviving are a daughter, Mrs. John (Rosemary Caryl) Canright of Chestertown; two sons, John Edwin of Sarasota, Fla., and Philip Charles of Huntertown; nine grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. A brother, Dean, preceded her in death. Services Wednesday in Berhalter-Hutchins Funeral Home, Kendallville. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. + 10-15-1989
Kaiser Louis C, 54, veteran grocer, died this morning at his home, 734 Mott St., from diabetes and cancer. He was born June 7, 1879, the son of Kendallville’s pioneer grocer, John and Magdalena Kaiser. He was of a family of eight children, of whom two sisters and one brother preceded him in death. He attended the Lutheran parochial school and later the local public school. Following in the footsteps of his father, he chose the grocery business as his life’s endeavor and started work in the grocery at the age of 16 years. In 1911 he embarked in business for himself and operated a grocery under his own name for 13 years when he was compelled to retired because of ill health. He was married Nov. 29, 1905 with Cora Williams. She associated actively with her husband in the grocery store. He was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church. Surviving are the widow; one brother and three sisters, George J., Louise and Bertha, and Mrs. Pauline Beights of this city. + 7-7-1933
Kaiser Mark Allen, 19, of Huntertown, died of a gunshot wound Jan. 15. A Fort Wayne native, he was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Kaiser of Kendallville, who survive. Other survivors are a sister, Zjehna of Kendallville, and his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Alvin Schroeder of New Haven. His body was found Jan. 16 by his roommate, and Allen County police arrested Donald J. Shirley of Fort Wayne Jan. 17 and charged him with aggravated assault and battery. Shirley reportedly said the shotgun shooting was accidental and that the weapon discharged while the two were examining it. Services in Fort Wayne Jan. 19. ~ 1-20-1977 + 1-15-1977
Kaiser Matthew, 77, died Monday at McCray Hospital. He was born March 16, 1899 in Dickinson, N.D. to John and Anna Kaiser and married Geraldine Vogeding June 19, 1948 in Chicago. He was a retired elevator starter for Standard Oil, Chicago, and a member of Local 25, Elevator Operators and Starters Union in Chicago. Survivors include the widow; one daughter, Mrs. Eugene Pruss, Des Plaines, Ill.; two sisters, Mrs. Margaret Frank, Las Vegas, and Mrs. Vivian Schavey, Los Angeles; and two grandsons, Brian and Dennis Pruss. Services today in St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Burial, St. Mary’s Cemetery. ~ 9-2-1976 + 8-?-1976
Kaiser Rose, 43, a resident of this city for the last 34 years, died at her home on W. Williams St. Friday due to erysipelas. She was born in New Bedford, O., March 20, 1874, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. C. J. Baad, and came to this city in 1883 where she spent the remainder of her life. She was married in 1897 to George Kaiser. They had two sons, Harold and Walter. She was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church. Surviving are the husband; the two sons; the father; three brothers and three sisters, including Mrs. Mary Foehl, Miss Lizzie, Mrs. L. Holzhauer, Frank, and George, all of this city, and C. H. of San Francisco, Cal.; and two half-brothers, Chris of this city, and Daniel of Cleveland, O. Her mother died two years ago. + 4-13-1917
Kaiser Walter John, 84, Kendallville, died Dec. 1 at Sacred Heart Home. He was born in Kendallville Feb. 6, 1900, the son of George John and Rose (Baad) Kaiser. He married Leota D. Daughtrey in June 1924. He ran Kaiser’s Market, which had been established by his grandfather in 1875, in Kendallville until 1955. He was a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Kendallville. Surviving are his wife; two sons, John Edwin, Sarasota, Fla., and Philip Charles of Huntertown; a daughter, Mrs. John (Rosemary Caryl) Canright, Chesterton; 9 grandchildren; and 4 great-grandchildren. A brother, Harold, Long Beach, Calif., preceded him in death. Services Dec. 5. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. ~ 12-13-1984 + 12-1-1984
Kalafat Alex C, 54, owner of the Tri-Hi Drive-In Theatre near Garrett and former manager of the Royal and Gala theatres in Garrett, died Sunday in St. Joseph’s Hospital, Fort Wayne. Surviving Mr. Kalafat, a resident of this community for 32 years, are the wife, Andromache; a son Christy of Fort Wayne, a daughter Fay, at home; and a brother William of Churubusco. Funeral Tuesday in the Methodist Church, Garrett. Burial, Christian Union Cemetery. ~ 1-31-1952
Kalb Edward M, 75, died Monday at his farm home in Washington Twp six miles southeast of Cromwell from a cerebral hemorrhage. He was born March 21, 1872, the son of Peter and Sarah Jane Kalb, and had lived all of his life in the same community. He married Lestie Schlabach on March 23, 1899. Surviving are his wife; two sons, Shirley of Kimmell, and Orris of Elkhart; a daughter, Mrs. Orpha Hartsock of Kimmell; a foster daughter, Lois Walters, at home; a foster son, Robert Leamon of Niles, Mich.; two sisters, Mrs. Phoebe Stump of near Cromwell, and Mrs. Nellie Bowers of Kalamazoo, Mich.; 12 grandchildren; and 8 great-grandchildren. Funeral Wednesday at Broadway Christian Church, of which he was a member. Burial, Sparta Cemetery. + 7-?-1947
Kalb Elda M, 89, died Friday in Rosewood Terrace, Elkhart. She was preceded in death by her husband, Orris M., in 1973. Surviving is a brother, Omar Rathke of Sebring, Fla. Funeral today at Walley-Mills-Zimmerman Funeral home in Elkhart. Burial, Sparta Cemetery. + 4-19-1996
Kalb James F, 45, R. 2, Topeka, died today at his residence. Born Nov. 16, 1941 in Bucyrus, Ohio, he was the son of Marvin and Ruth (Taylor) Kalb. On Aug. 26, 1962 in Nevada, Ohio, he married Susan McClintock. He moved to Topeka from Ohio in 1969 and was director of quality control at Starcraft in Topeka. He was a member of Ligonier United Methodist, Masonic Lodge, Nevada, Ohio, and Ligonier, and Nevada OES, Sing 21 Chorus and Couriers Quartet. Surviving are his wife; his mother in Bucyrus; a daughter, Jacqueline, and a son, James F. II, both at home; a sister, Dana Waggner, Portland, Ore.; and a brother, Gerald of Painesville, Ohio. Services Saturday in Ligonier United Methodist Church. Burial, Maple Grove Cemetery. + 5-28-1987
Kalb Julia Ann, 87, of R. 1, Kimmell, died Sunday in Kenney Health Care Center, Ligonier. She was born July 14, 1900 in Edgar County, Ill., the daughter of Henry Taylor and Missouri (Yocum) Jones. On Sept. 19, 1916 in Centreville, Mich., she married Shirley Leroy Kalb, who died Oct. 19, 1963. She had lived in Sparta Twp 51 years, moving from Washington Twp in 1936. She was a press operator and had been employed by Penn Controls in Goshen and Essex Wire in Ligonier, and retired in 1965 from Wolf Lake Nursing Home. She was a member of Ligonier United Church of Christ and a charter member of Hawpatch Chapter DAR. Surviving are four daughters, Mrs. Oda (Minnie) Maloney, Wolf Lake, Mrs. Leroy (Ollie) Miller of Goshen, Mrs. Wayne (Shirley) Reed, Kimmell, and Mrs. Dean (Carol Sue) Mock of Elkhart; 13 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; and 10 great-great-grandchildren. One son, Kenneth, preceded her in death Jan. 29, 1975. Services Wednesday in Ulrey-Renner Funeral Home, Ligonier. Burial, Sparta Cemetery. + 9-27-1987
Kalb Kenneth H, 57, North Little Rock, Arkansas, suffered a fatal heart attack following influenza on Jan. 29 in Sheridan Ark., where he was lecturing at Sheridan High School. He was born May 11, 1917 at R. 1, Cromwell to Shirley and Julia Kalb. He graduated with the Class of ’36, Cromwell High School, and was a WW II veteran, serving with the 120th Infantry Regiment Division. He was awarded the Bronze Star, the ETO Four Star Campaign medal, and two presidential unit citations for heroic achievement while in action in Germany. He was a member of the American Legion and Masonic Lodge in Little Rock. Surviving are his wife, Zella Jo; two sons, Kenneth Jr., North Little Rock, and Larry, Fort Wayne; two daughters, Mrs. Linda Smart and Mrs. Susan Retzloff, both of North Little Rock; his mother, of Kimmell; four sisters, Mrs. Minnie Maloney, Wolf Lake, Mrs. Allie Miller, Goshen, Mrs. Shirley Reed, Kimmell, and Mrs. Sue Mock, Elkhart. His father preceded him in death. Funeral Feb. 1 at Rest Hill Funeral Home. Burial, Rest Hill Cemetery, North Little Rock. +1-29-1975
Kalb Lestie M, 73, Washington Twp resident most of her life, died on Wednesday of last week in Luckey Hospital, Wolf Lake. The last several years she had made her home with a son, Shirley in Kimmell. Also surviving are another son, Orris, Elkhart; a daughter, Mrs. Wesley Hartsock, Ashley; 12 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. Funeral Saturday in Broadway Christian Church. Burial, Sparta Cemetery. + 8-?-1954
Kalb Shirley L, 62, R. 1, Kimmell, died of complications last Thursday in McCray Hospital. He was born at Cromwell March 31, 1901 to Edward and Lestie (Schlabach) Kalb. He was married at Centreville, Mich. Sept. 19, 1916 to Julia. He was a member of Ligonier Eagles Lodge and was a lifetime resident of Noble County. Survivors include his wife; a son, Kenneth of Little Rock, Ark.; four daughters, Mrs. Oda Maloney of Wolf Lake, Mrs. Ollie Schlotterback of Milford, Mrs. Wayne Reed of Kimmell, and Mrs. Dean Mock of Elkhart; one brother, Orris of Elkhart; one sister, Mrs. Wess Hartsock of Pioneer, Ohio; 13 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. Funeral Sunday in Ulrey-Sedgwick Funeral Home in Ligonier. + 10-?-1963
Kalb Thaddeus F, 77, retired Goshen dentist and summer resident of Lake Wawasee died Friday at his home. He was born in Cromwell on Aug. 25, 1896, a son of Charles and Hattie (Gilbert) Kalb. He graduated from Northwestern University School of Dentistry in 1922 and started his practice in Goshen, retiring in 1969. He was a member of the Goshen Masonic Lodge, the Shrine Club, the First Methodist Church at Goshen, and the Hi-Twelve Club at Bradenton, Fla., where he wintered for a number of years. Surviving are his wife, the former Faye Ehret to whom he was married June 4, 1918; two children, Eugene of Angola, and Mrs. Robert (Peggy) Thomas, Columbia City; and three grandsons. + 6-?-1974
Kale Matilda - Through courtesy of Mrs. Theo Renkenberger of Berlin Center, Ohio, the following obituary of Mrs. Matilda Kale, a sister of Mr. Theo Renkenberger, who recently died, is published for the benefit of friends and relatives in this vicinity. Mrs. Matilda Kale, age 73, widow of Emory Kale, died Monday, August 11, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. R. B. Dodd, with whom she resided in Austintown, Ohio. Complications caused death after an illness of only three days. Deceased was born in East Lewistown, Ohio, April 10, 1857, a daughter of Lewis and Susan Renkenberger. She was married 54 years ago to Emory Kale, who died some years since, and most of her wedded life was spent in Milton Twp, Mahoning County, Ohio. She was a member of the North Berlin Lutheran Church, where funeral services were held August 14 with burial in the church cemetery. She leaves two sons, Harry Kale of North Jackson, and Clyde B. Kale of Berlin Center, and one daughter, Mrs. Zella R. Dodd of Austintown, Ohio, also 13 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren and two brothers, T. S. and S. A. Renkenberger of Berlin Center, Ohio. ~ 8-21-1930
Kammerer Alvin "Ollie", 71, who resided northeast of Kendallville on R. 1, died in McCray Hospital. He was a farmer also working for a time for the Flint & Walling Mfg. Co. He was born April 17, 1890, in Noble County, a son of William and Caroline Beights Kammerer, and was a lifelong resident of this county. He was a member of St. John Lutheran Church, Kendallville. Surviving are the widow, the former Emelia L. Dyk, to whom he was married April 14, 1912; a son, Harold, R. 2, Wolcottville; two daughters, Mrs. June Boese, R. 1, Kendallville, and Mrs. Betty Kimpel, Kendallville; four brothers, Ervin and Ernest of Kendallville, Warren of Avilla, and Albert of San Diego, Calif.; seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a son, Robert; two brothers and a sister. Services Tuesday in Kendallville. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. ~ 6-22-1961
Kammerer Aneta M, 77, died Monday in McCray Hospital. She was born Sept. 30, 1917 in Corunna to Gordon and Beulah (Casselman) Antrup. On May 21, 1935 in Corunna she married Arthur Kammerer. He died Jan. 1, 1977. She was a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Kendallville and Orange Twp Homemakers Club. Surviving are 2 daughters, Mrs. Marion (Kathy) Becker of Kendallville and Mrs. James (Jean) Huffman of Wheaton, Ill.; 3 sons, Robert, Donald and Jack, all of Kendallville; one brother, George "Bob" Antrup of Kendallville; 11 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. One grandchild preceded her in death. Funeral Wednesday in St. John Lutheran Church. Burial, Zion Lutheran Cemetery, rural Corunna. + 11-21-1994
Kammerer Arthur C, 66, R. 3, died Saturday in his home. The son of Otto and Lottie (Diehm) Kammerer, he was born March 6, 1910 in Kendallville. He married Aneta Antrup on May 21, 1935 in Kendallville. A member and trustee of St. John Lutheran Church, he had retired as a tool maker from Flint & Walling, Inc. in Aug. 1973. Surviving are his mother; his wife; three sons, Robert, Donald and Jack of Kendallville; two daughters, Mrs. James (Jean) Huffman, Springfield, Ohio, and Mrs. Marion (Kathy) Becker, Kendallville; three sisters, Mrs. James Woods, Mrs. Lillian Hart, and Mrs. Crist Myers , all of Kendallville; two brothers, Leroy and Henry, both Kendallville; and 10 grandchildren. Services Tuesday in St. John Lutheran Church. Burial, Zion West Fairfield Cemetery. + 1-?-1977
Kammerer B Mae, 86, of Kendallville, died March 27, 2006 at Shepherd of the Hill nursing home. She was born Aug. 23, 1919 in LaGrange to Allen and Minnie (Walter) Hart. She married Leroy W. Kammerer on Feb. 23, 1940 at Zion Lutheran Church near Corunna. He died April 9, 1986. Surviving are a son and daughter-in-law, Sherrill and Paula Kammerer of Kendallville; 5 grandchildren and their spouses, Karla and Tracy Conrad, Kelly and Rhea, and Klint Kammerer, Cindy and Jack Koogler, and Scott and Cindy Kammerer; and 9 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her oldest son, Sheldon; and her brothers and sisters. Services Thursday at Hite Funeral Home. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. ^ 3-29-2006
Kammerer, Bertha, Mrs., 83, formerly of 234 Burnam St. Services will be held at 2 pm Saturday in the Hite Funeral Home. Mrs. Kammerer, in failing health ten years, died at 10:30 am Thursday in Lutheran Home, Fort Wayne. She was born Nov 30, 1884 in Fairfield Township, the daughter of Albert and Ann (Gehring) Engelbrecht. On Jan 15, 1910 she was married to Irwin Kammerer who died Dec 23, 1964. Survivors include one son, William A, Grafton Wis; two daughters, Mrs. Paul Hartman, Dwight, Ill, and Mrs. Willard Hughes, Norwood, Ohio; five grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and one brother, Robert Engelbrecht, 226 S Park Ave. Five sisters preceded her in death. The Rev. Herman H. Heine, pastor of St John Lutheran Church of which Mrs. Kammerer was a member will officiate. Interment will be in Lake View Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 Friday. + 5-17-1968
Kammerer Donald L, 57, died Wednesday in his Kendallville home. He was born in Kendallville on Jan. 22, 1940 to Arthur and Aneta (Antrup) Kammerer. A gunsmith, he manufactured muzzle loaders and sold them internationally. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and member of St. John Lutheran Church and the National Muzzleloaders Association. Surviving are 2 sisters, Kathy Becker of Kendallville and Jean Huffman of Wheaton, Ill.; 2 brothers, Robert and Jack of Kendallville. Memorial services Monday at St. John Lutheran Church. Burial, later. + 11-12-1997 Graveside services Saturday at Kammerer Cemetery. + 11-12-1997
Kammerer Edna L, 83, died June 27 in McCray Hospital. She was born in Avilla May 24, 1895 to Christian and Magdalena (Gienger) Diehm. She was married to Warren Kammerer who died March 23, 1968. Surviving are one son, Phillip, Maitland, Fla.; two sisters, Lottie Kammerer and Ola Kimmel, both Kendallville; one brother, Wilmer, Kendallville; four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Services June 30 in St. John Lutheran Church, Kendallville, of which she was a member. Burial, Avilla Lutheran Cemetery. ~ 7-6-1978 + 6-27-1978
Kammerer Emelia L, 85, died today in the Lutheran Home. She was born Jan. 30, 1890 in Kendallville, the daughter of August and Lizetta (Raider) Dyke. She married Alvin S. Kammerer April 14, 1912 in Kendallville. She was a lifetime Kendallville area resident and a member of St. John Lutheran Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, one son, 4 sisters, 6 brothers, one grandchild and one great-grandchild. She is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Harold (June) Boese, R. 1, and Mrs. Betty Kimpel, 430 N. State St.; one son, Harold, R. 3, Wolcottville; six grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. Funeral at Hite Funeral Home Wednesday. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. + 1-?-1976
Kammerer Ernest, 70, died Saturday in McCray Hospital. He was born Feb. 20, 1929 in Kendallville to Ernest and Mabel (Decker) Kammerer. He retired from Hy-Matic and was a member of St. John Lutheran Church. Surviving are a sister, Dorothy Svoboda of Kendallville. He was preceded in death by a brother, Norman. Funeral Wednesday in Hite Funeral Home. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. + 6-5-1999
Kammerer Harold, 78, died today (October 15, 1991) in Parkview Hospital. He was born in Noble County April 29, 1913 to Alvin and Emelia (Dyk) Kammerer. On May 7, 1939 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, he married Ruth Detlefsen. He had worked for Flint & Walling Mfg, was a farm implement mechanic and a retired farmer. He was a member of St. John Lutheran Church. Surviving are his wife; 2 daughters, Mrs. Robert (Carol) Price of Wawaka, and Phyllis Hite of Nappanee; a son, Ronald H. of Kendallville; 2 sisters, June Boese and Mrs. Winfred (Betty) Keep of Kendallville; 8 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. A brother, Robert, and a granddaughter preceded him in death. Services Thursday in Hite Funeral Home, Kendallville. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. Contributed by Carol Price
Kammerer Henry was born Sept. 1, 1812 in Lancaster County, Pa. At the age of 21 he went to Ohio and there on Oct. 20, 1839 he married Hannah Grubb, who died 9 years ago. They had 13 children; of this number 8 are no more and only 5 are left with one adopted son. In 1869 he came to this state and lived on the farm on which he died. For the last 3 months he was suffering with dropsy, and on May 8 he was called hence, aged 81 years 8 months and 7 days. He was buried in the graveyard on his farm. ^ 5-18-1894
Kammerer Henry F, 66, R. 4, Kendallville, died Sunday in McCray Hospital. He as born in Avilla Oct. 30, 1914, the son of Otto and Lottie (Diehm) Kammerer. He married Margaret Heasley Taite April 20, 1950, and she died April 19, 1970. He then married Dorothy Crayton Oct. 2, 1971. He was a WW II veteran and was a heavy equipment operator with Forker Excavating from 1948-76. He was a member of American Legion Post 86. Survivors include his wife; two stepdaughters; a stepson; three sisters, Mrs. James (Edith) Woods, Mrs. Lillian Hart and Mrs. Crist (Ruth) Myers, Kendallville; a brother, Leroy, Kendallville; and eight grandsons. Services June 16 in Hite Funeral Home. Burial, Zion Lutheran Cemetery. ~ 6-18-1981 + 6-?-1981
Kammerer Irwin N, 83, died Wednesday in the Lutheran Home. A lifelong resident of Kendallville, he was married in 1910 to his wife, Bertha, who also resides in the Lutheran Home. Other survivors include a son, two daughters and three brothers, including Warren of Avilla. Funeral Saturday in the Hite Funeral Home, Kendallville ~ 12-31-1964 + 12-?-1964
Kammerer Jack N, 56, died April 4, 2000 in McCray Hospital. He was born June 17, 1943 in Kendallville to Arthur and Aneta (Antrup) Kammerer. On Oct. 30, 1964 in Kendallville he married Betty L. Beckwith. He was owner of Jack's Welding and was a member of Sons of the American Legion Post 381 in Rome City and Eagles Lodge 541 in Butler. Surviving are his wife; 3 daughters and a son-in-law, Melinda and Denis Oster and Monica Kammerer of Kendallville and Dawn Kammerer of Hudson; a son and daughter-in-law, David and Laura Kammerer of Kendallville; 2 sisters and brothers-in-law, Kathy and Marion Becker of Kendallville and Jean and James Huffman of Wheaton, Ill.; a brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Pam Kammerer of Kendallville; 6 granddaughters, Sosha and Tristan Kammerer, Amanda, Amber and Andrea Oster; and Destynie Bellinger; 2 grandsons, Nathan Yoder and Brandon Jones. A son, Mark, and a brother, Donald, preceded him in death. Services Friday in Hite Funeral Home. Burial, later. + 4-4-2000
Kammerer Leroy W, 73, of R. 4, Kendallville, died Wednesday at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne. He was born July 16, 1912 in Noble County to Otto "Tom" and Lottie (Diehm) Kammerer. He was married in the Zion Lutheran Church near Corunna on Feb. 23, 1940 to B. Mae Hart. He was a welder, and in 1941 he began his own business, Kammerer’s Welding. He was a member of St. John Lutheran Church. Surviving are his wife; two sons, Sheldon of Fort Wayne, and Sherril of Kendallville; two sisters, Lillian Hart and Mrs. Crist (Ruth) Myers, both Kendallville; and five grandchildren. Services Saturday at St. John Lutheran Church. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. + 4-9-1986
Kammerer Lottie E, 94, of 740 E. Dowling St., died Thursday in McCray Hospital. She was born in Avilla on March 22, 1886, the daughter of Christian and Magdalena (Gienger) Diehm. On June 20, 1907 in Kendallville she married Otto Kammerer, who died in 1934. She was a member of Zion Lutheran Church. Surviving are three daughters, Mrs. James (Edith) Woods, Mrs. Lillian Hart, with whom she made her home, and Mrs. Crist (Ruth) Myers; two sons, Leroy and Henry; a sister, Ola Kimmell, all of Kendallville; 15 grandchildren and 38 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a son, Arthur, five brothers and one sister. Services Saturday in Zion Lutheran Church. Burial, Zion Lutheran Cemetery. + 2-?-1981
Kammerer Mark Alan, five-months, was dead on arrival at McCray Hospital Thursday. He was born Sept. 13, 1970 at the hospital, the son of Jack and Betty (Beckwith) Kammerer. They are member of Zion Lutheran Church, West Fairfield. Surviving are the parents; a sister, Melinda, and a brother, David, both at home; grandparents, Mrs. Della Beckwith and Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Kammerer, all of Kendallville. Funeral Saturday at Zion Lutheran Church. Burial, Zion Cemetery. + 2-?-1971
Kammerer Martha, 27, wife of Louis Kammerer, died at the residence of Job Rendel in Wayne Twp Feb. 20. She leaves a husband and a little daughter. ^ 3-10-1881
Kammerer Norman L, 45, 610 ½ W. Rush St., died today at his home. He was born in Kendallville July 13, 1931, the son of Ernest L. and Mabel (Decker) Kammerer. He was a fitter welder at American Hoist & Derrick in Fort Wayne, a veteran of the Korean Conflict, and a member of St. John Lutheran Church, Kendallville. Survivors include a daughter, Pamela, and two sons, Douglas and Michael, all Gobles, Mich.; a sister, Mrs. Phillip (Dorothy) Svoboda, Kendallville; and one brother, Ernest, Kendallville. Funeral Tuesday in Hite Funeral Home. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. + 5-?-1976
Kammerer Otto, 50, native of Wayne Twp and a lifelong resident of this community, died last evening at Lakeside Hospital from sepsis. He was born March 1, 1883 on the Kammerer homestead in Wayne Twp, the son of William and Caroline Kammerer. With the exception of a few years when he was employed in this city, he had always engaged in farming. He married Lottie Diehm 25 years ago and they had 6 children. He was a member of the West Fairfield Lutheran Church. Surviving are the widow; 3 sons and 3 daughters, Arthur, Leroy, Henry, Lillian and Ruth at home, Mrs. Edith Seng, this city; 6 brothers and one sister, Irwin and Ernest, this city, Alvin and Warren, near this city, Walter and Mrs. Edward Mertz, Fairfield Center, and Albert, Goodrich, Mich. Funeral Wednesday from West Fairfield Lutheran Church. Burial, cemetery at West Fairfield. ^ 2-12-1934
Kammerer Ruth B, 88, Kendallville, died April 7, 2004 at Shepherd of the Hill nursing home. She was born September 3, 1915 in Garfield Heights, Ohio, the daughter of Carl and Amanda (Senne) Detlefsen. She graduated from Grant High School in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. On May 7, 1939 in Cedar Rapids she married Harold W. Kammerer. He died October 15, 1991. Surviving are 2 daughters and a son-in-law, Carol and Robert Price of Kendallville and Phyllis Hite of Nappanee; a son and daughter-in-law, Ronald and Luanne Kammerer of Kendallville; 2 sisters, Ada Traver of Manchester, Iowa, and Lois Marks of Glenwood, N.M.; 2 sisters-in-law, Betty Keep and June Bricker of Kendallville; 9 grandchildren, Robert Jr. and Donna Price, Steven and Kristi Isbell, Jason Hite, Bryan, Kelly and Melinda Kammerer, Debby and Dean Shipe, Sherry and Tony Stump, Cindy and Phil Fisel; and 8 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by 2 brothers, Paul and Walter Detlefsen; 2 sisters, Ruth Detlefsen and Paula Rutz; and a granddaughter, Lori Kammerer. A homemaker, she helped her husband farm until retiring in 1976. She was a member of St. John Lutheran Church. Services at Hite Funeral Home. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. ~ 4-22-2004
Kammerer, Sarah Mrs.., 37, died September 16, 1926 at her home on Clark Street. Dr. C. A. Garnder was called along with Dr. I. H. Lawson of Kendallville, and Dr. John Thompson of Garrett. She died from a hemorrhage resulting from a ruptured fallopian tube. She was born Sarah Busch in DeKalb County, December 22, 1888 the daughter of Christian F. and Minerva Busch. Three sisters and the parents preceded her in death. She moved to this city 18 years ago and in 1913 she married Ernest Kammerer, who survives. Surviving are the husband, three sisters and two brothers including Mrs. Frank Ziebell, Mrs. Martin Bauman, Ida Busch of this city and Henry and Albert Busch of Garrett. Services at St John Lutheran Church the Rev M. F. Kretzmann officiating. Interment Lake View Cemetery + September 1926
Kammerer Sheldon L, 57, died Saturday in Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne. He was born June 13, 1941 in Kendallville to Roy and B. Mae (Hart) Kammerer. Owner of Unique Designs, he was a U.S. Army Vietnam veteran. He attended S.W. Church of Christ and was a member of Waynedale Businessmen's Association and American Legion Post 160, Roanoke. Surviving are his mother; his wife, Rosalie; a son, Scott of Fort Wayne; a daughter, Cynthia Koogler of Ossian; a brother, Sherril of Kendallville; and 3 grandchildren. Funeral Tuesday in Klaehn, Fahl & Melton Funeral Home, Fort Wayne. Burial, Covington Memorial Gardens. + 1-30-1999
Kammerer Vickie L, 48, died Monday in Lutheran Hospital, Fort Wayne. Born in Muskogee, Okla., Dec. 30, 1942, she was the daughter of Wilbur and Marceil (Sloan) Groh. On Dec. 28, 1963 in Kendallville she married Robert Kammerer. A 1960 graduate of Wolcottville High School, she was bookkeeper at Kendallville Public Library. She was a member of St. John Lutheran Church. Surviving are her husband and parents; a daughter, Michelle; and 2 brothers, Gale Groh of Mitchell and Dale Groh of Bedford. Services Thursday in Hite Funeral Home. Burial, Woodland Cemetery, Wolcottville. + 5-20-1991
Kammerer Walter, 54, lifetime resident of the Kendallville area, died Tuesday in the home of his sister, Mr. and Mrs. E. J. Mertz, near Corunna. A bricklayer and mason, he was the son of William and Caroline Beights Kammerer and was born near Kendallville, February 10, 1900. Never married, he was a veteran of WW II. He was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church at West Fairfield. Surviving are five brothers, Irvin and Ernest, Kendallville, Alvin, near Kendallville, Warren, Avilla, and Albert, San Diego, Calif.; one sister, Mrs. Mertz; and several nieces and nephews. One brother, Otto, preceded him in death. Funeral this afternoon in Zion Lutheran Church. Burial, Zion Lutheran Cemetery. ~ 3-11-1954
Kammerer Warren, 73, Kendallville, died Saturday in McCray Hospital. He was born January 25, 1895 to William and Carolyn (Beights) Kammerer. He was married April 14, 1917 to Edna L. Diehm, who survives. He retired six years ago from Flint & Walling Mfg. Co. Inc. Surviving in addition to the widow are one son, Philip, Glencoe, Ill.; one brother, Albert, Lemon Grove, Calif.; four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Five brothers and one sister preceded him in death. Funeral Tuesday in St. John’s Lutheran Church of which he was a member. Burial, Avilla Lutheran Cemetery. ~ 3-28-1968 + 3-?-1968
Kammerer William, 81, of West Bend and formerly of Grafton, Wis. and Kendallville, died May 29, 2004. Surviving are his wife, Florence (Novean); 2 sisters and a brother-in-law, Anna and Willard Hughes and Herma Hartmann; a granddaughter, Tiffany LaPointe. Services today at Eernisse Funeral Home in Port Washington, Wis. Burial, St. Paul Cemetery in Grafton. ^ 6-2-2004
Kanavis Helen R, 76, a resident of the Kendallville Nursing Home, died Thursday in McCray Hospital. Born in Goshen Feb. 4, 1905, she was the daughter of Alfred and Effie Jane (Campbell) Cantwell. On April 30, 1923 in Centreville, Mich., she married James J. Kanavis, who died in Oct. 1965. She moved from Goshen to Kendallville 60 years ago and was a member of Eagles Lodge Auxiliary. Surviving are a daughter, Mrs. William (Peggy) Blaskie, R. 1, Creek Lake; two sisters, Mrs. Dale (Mary Jane) Rollins of Roanoke and Mrs. Glenn (Dolly) Martin of South Bend; five brothers, Robert Vance of Fort Wayne, Walter Vance of Union City, James Vance of South Bend, and Frank Vance and Alha Vance, both of Sturgis, Mich.; three grandsons, James, William and Rock Blaskie; and five great-grandchildren. Services Saturday in Berhalter-Hutchins Funeral Home. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. + 2-?-1981
Kane Anna, about 75, a resident of Kendallville for approximately 30 years, died June 14, 1953 at McCray Hospital. She was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Surviving are three daughters, Mrs. Yvonne Davis of Albion, Mrs. Berniece Bevier of Willard, Ohio, and Mrs. Jean Michaelson of Glassport, Pa.; two sons, Donn of St. Anne, Ill., and Vernon of Kendallville; 12 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Final rites Wednesday at Immaculate Conception Church. Burial, Lake Side Cemetery. + 6-?-1953
Kane Anna B, 83, R. 3, Kendallville, died today in Sacred Heart Home, Avilla. She was born April 24, 1890 in Germany to William and Fredia (Miller) Schlueter. Her husband, Harry, died in 1965. She was a member of St. John Lutheran Church. Surviving are two nieces, Miss Betty Cern, Garrett, and Mrs. Wanda Blackerby, Clio, Mich.; one nephew, Ted Leighty, Kendallville; one sister, Mrs. Calvin (Louise) Leighty, Kendallville. One brother and two sisters preceded her in death. Funeral Thursday in Hite Funeral Home. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. + 1-?-1975
Kane Emma Melvina, 81, who made her home with her granddaughter, Mrs. Theodore Rinehart of this city, was born in Sheridan, Chautauqua County, New York in 1829. She married Nelson Kane Sept. 24, 1846. He died Jan. 17, 1894. There were 2 daughters, Mrs. Hattie Sage who died in 1907, and Mrs. Louisa Hodgkins in Texas. There are 3 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. She died Sunday. Burial, Reading, Mich. ^ 3-21-1910
Kane J V, 73, died at the home of his sister, Mrs. Mary Scott, in this city Monday from dropsy. He is survived by two sisters, Mrs. Scott and Mrs. Anna Trabar of Calif.; and a daughter, Mrs. Standish in N.Y., whom relatives have been unable to locate. Funeral at the home of Mrs. Scott Wednesday. Burial, Albion Cemetery. + 8-?-1928
Kane Katherine died March 21 at the home of her niece, Mrs. Daniel Abel at Hobart, from heart trouble and complications. Katherine Elizabeth, daughter of Albert J. and Alice F. Denlar, was born at Albion. At the age of 13 years she removed with the family to Chicago, Ill., where she spent most of the remainder of her life. On June 17, 1900 she married Edwin S. Pratt, who preceded her in death. On Sept. 3, 1919 she married George W. Kane. She was a member of Rebekah Lodge, Englewood Conclave of True Kindred and Maple Chapter No. 90 of Illinois. Surviving are the husband; a sister, Mrs. W. T. Reynolds of Albion, one brother, Fred R. of Hobart. Funeral at the M. E. Church. Burial, Albion Cemetery. + 3-?-1935
Kane Vernon J, 86, died Nov. 28, 2001 at Parkview Noble Hospital. He was a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Kendallville and served in the U.S. Army during WW II. He was a retired Magnavox maintenance worker. He was born Feb. 26, 1915 in Kankakee, Ill. to Morris and Mary (Anna) Kane. On July 13, 1941 in Albion he married Mildred Herendeen. Surviving are his wife; a son, Michael of Englewood, Fla.; a daughter, Lynnette Rao of Deerfield Beach, Fla.; a sister, Yvonne Davis of Las Vegas; 6 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. Three brothers and a sister preceded him in death. Graveside services Monday at Lake View Cemetery. ^ 11-29-2001
Kann Isaac M, 83, a resident of Kendallville for the past 70 years, died Dec. 8, 1946 at McCray Hospital. He went to Kendallville at the age of 14, at which time he became associated with the J. Keller & Co., remaining with that firm for 28 years, when he established his own store, the well-known Mode. Recently his niece, Mrs. Leonard Castle, became associated with him in the management of The Mode. He was the oldest charter member of the Lions Club of Kendallville. He was born at Erie, Pa., on March 3, 1863. Before locating in Kendallville, he was a resident of Ligonier. Surviving are the widow, Belle W.; a son, Merle W. of Cleveland; one granddaughter, Lois Carol Kann of Cleveland; three brothers, Mose, Julius and Sig of Fort Wayne. Funeral Tuesday. Burial, Mayfield Cemetery, Cleveland, Ohio. + 12-?-1946
Kann Jacob died at his home in New York City Tuesday. He formerly resided here and was a member of the firm of Keller & Kann who conducted a general mercantile business in this city from 1871 to 1876. He was about 65 years of age. + No date 12-14-1897
Kann Mae, 55, of Fort Wayne, died Sunday of a cerebral hemorrhage in the Methodist Hospital. The Kann family moved to Fort Wayne from Ligonier 14 years ago. She is survived by her husband, Sig; 3 daughters, Mrs. M. Rothberg, Fort Wayne, Mrs. M. Mendelblatt, Decatur, and Betty at home. Private funeral was held Tuesday morning at the Scheumann Funeral Home. Burial here. Ligonier Banner 3-6-1941 Contributed by Judy Richter
Kann Meyer of Ligonier, father of Isaac and Julius Kann of this city, died Friday. He had been a citizen of Ligonier for many years. He leaves a widow and we believe 7 children. ^ 1-31-1907
Kanning Verena C, 51, died Thursday in Lutheran Hospital. She had resided at 9401 Tillman Road and was a lifelong resident of Adams Twp. She had been a Democratic precinct vice-chairman and a member of Emmanuel Church. She is survived by her father, Henry; two sisters, Mrs. David VanMeter and Miss Eileen Kanning, both of Albion. Services Sunday in Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Fort Wayne. Burial, church cemetery. ~ 6-7-1973 + 6-?-1973
Kanouse Selma R, 88, died Sunday at the home of her daughter at R. 1, Rome City. Born in Fort Wayne Jan. 7, 1898, she was the daughter of Carl and Sophie (Schawl) Reiff. She married Albert S. Kanouse, who died in 1951. She had lived in Fort Wayne until moving to the home of her daughter, Mrs. Tod (Sandy) Wolfrum, R. 1, Rome City, in Oct. He was a member of St. John United Church of Christ, Fort Wayne. Surviving are her daughter and five grandchildren. One daughter and one sister preceded her in death. Services Tuesday in Berhalter-Hutchins Funeral Home, Kendallville. Burial, Lindenwood Cemetery. + 12-21-1986
Kansier Ernestine nee Schultz was born at Misdorf, Mecklenburg, Schwerin, Germany, Jan. 27, 1835. She died June 13, 1907, leaving her husband, John; Mesdames E. Schutt and F. Nessel. She married John Kansier Nov. 17, 1860, with whom she immigrated 2 years later, arriving at Kendallville Jan. 1, 1862. They had 3 boys and 4 girls, all of whom but 2 preceded her in death. She was a member of the Lutheran Church. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. ^ 6-20-1907
Kansier John C was born May 18, 1837 in Bukow, New Kolen, Mechlenburg, Schwerin, Germany. He was confirmed in the Lutheran Church of his native country. When 23 he married Ernestine Schultz. Of the 3 sons and 4 daughters, Mrs. Lizzie Nessel and Mrs. Lena Schutt survive. He died July 14, 70 years 1 month and 26 days. Funeral was held at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Lena Schutt. Funeral at the Lutheran Church. ^ 7-25-1907
Kantor Michael, 21, died Saturday in Parkview Hospital, Fort Wayne, from injuries sustained in an automobile accident. He was born in Kendallville June 22, 1966 and was employed as a construction worker. Surviving are two sisters, Rebecca and Roberta, and two brothers, Nick and Richard, all of Fort Wayne; grandparents, Leota Wanes, Fort Wayne, Mrs. and Mrs. W. E. Black, Leo, and Mrs. and Mrs. Frank Kantor, Southgate, Mich. Services Tuesday in D. O. McComb & Sons Lakeside Park Funeral Home. Burial, Greenlawn Memorial Park. + 9-19-1987
Kaough Mary F, 90, died  October 2, 2012, at home. She was born January 21, 1922, in Riscoe, Missouri, to Zilpha (Macklin) Bazzinett. On September 2, 1943, she married Howard Kaough.  Surviving are her husband of 69 years; 5 children, Victoria (Robert) Woenker of Fort Wayne, Richard (Jacqueline) Kaough of St. Petersburg, Florida, Barbara (Cephas) Sutton of Kendallville, James (Deborah) Kaough of Wolcottville, and Deborah Boggs of Big Long Lake; 8 grandchildren, Krissa (Ron) Keys, Nathaniel Woenker, Amanda Woenker, Angela (Tim) Dhillon, Jason (Cristy) Sutton, Jasten (Adam) Tuttle, Jessica Kaough, and Elizabeth Boggs; and 15 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her mother; a sister, Marcella Jones; and a brother, Donald Bazzinett.  Mass of Christian Burial October 6, 2012, at Immaculate Conception Church. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. ^ 10-4-2012
Kapp John, 78, a longtime resident of Kendallville, died at the hospital there Saturday. Survivors include the widow, Mae. + 3-?-1941
Kappele Catherine, a former resident of Cromwell, died Monday in the home of a daughter, Mrs. W. J. Coxson in Birmingham, Mich. Surviving also are a son, William in Calif.; and five grandchildren. Funeral Thursday in L. H. Moore Funeral Home. Burial, Sparta Cemetery. + 10-?-1959
Kappele William F, 71, died Friday at his home in Cromwell of a heart attack. He was born July 29, 1879. Surviving are the widow, Mary Catherine of Cromwell; a son, William of Springville, Utah; a daughter, Mrs. W. J. Coxson of Rochester, Mich.; a brother, Edward of Cleveland, O., and 5 grandchildren. He was a retired steel worker and had resided in Cromwell about 3 years. Funeral July 10 in L. H. Moore Funeral Home. Burial, Sparta Cemetery. + 7-?-1950
Karasiewicz Helen Angela, 89, died Saturday at Sacred Heart Home. She moved to Churubusco in 1927 from Sturgis, Mich. She was born Oct. 25, 1890 in Noble County, the daughter of Frank and Frances (Seymszeska) Konger. She married Stanley Karasiewicz Nov. 4, 1913, and he died Oct. 26, 1971. She was a member of St. John Bosco Catholic Church in Churubusco and its Rosary Sodality. Surviving are three daughters, Sister Rose Angela, Mokena, Ill., Mrs. Arnold (Bertha) Teders, R. 1, Avilla, and Mrs. Joseph (Bernice) Buchtman; a son, Leonard Karr, LaOtto; three brothers, Thomas and Joseph, both Fort Wayne, and Clarence, R. 1, LaOtto; 17 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. Preceding in death was a son, Kenneth; two brothers and three sisters. Mass Tuesday in St. John Bosco Catholic Church in Churubusco. Burial, Ege Cemetery. ~ 9-18-1980 + 9-?-1980
Karasiewicz Rose Angela, O.S.F., 86, Frankfort, Ill., died August 31, 2001. She moved to Ege when she was 4 years old. An elementary and high school teacher for 56 years, she taught in Illinois and in Indiana. She was born Mary Karasiewicz December 27, 1915 in Sturgis, Mich. to Stanley and Helen (Konger) Karasiewicz. She entered the Franciscan Sisters of the Sacred Heart September 14, 1931 and made her final profession of vows March 19, 1937. Surviving are a brother, Leonard Karr of LaOtto; and a sister, Bertha Teders of Avilla. A brother, Kenneth Karr, and a sister Bernice Buchtman, preceded her in death. Funeral mass was at Queen of Angels Chapel, Frankfort. ~ 9-6-2001
Karasiewicz Stanley F, 85, of R. 1, Churubusco, died Tuesday at his home. He was the father of Leonard Karr of LaOtto and Mrs. Arnold Teders of Avilla. He was born in Grand Rapids, Mich., and had lived in Allen County since 1927. He was a member of St. John Bosco Catholic Church, Churubusco. Other survivors include his wife, Helen; another son, Kenneth Karr of Lexington, Ky.; two other daughters, Sr. Rose Angela, New Lenox, Ill., and Mrs. Joseph Buchtman of New Haven; 17 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; two brothers, Joseph and Frank, both of Grand Rapids; and three sisters, Mrs. Shipski, Mrs. Mary Smith and Mrs. Nellie Federaw, all of Lansing, Mich. The funeral mass will be Friday at the church. Burial, Ege Catholic Cemetery. ~ 10-18-1971 + 10-?-1971
Karchner Charles A, former Albion resident, was born in Pa. on Sept. 9, 1883. In 1897 he was married to Lillian Betts of Ligonier, who died in Aug. 1947. They had two children, Violet Maggert of Afton, Iowa, and George S., Charleston, S.C., who has been a wheel chair patient due to injuries as a result of WW I.; five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Burial services at L. H. Moore Funeral Home Monday. Burial, Sparta Cemetery. + 12-?-1950
Karchner Lillian May, 74, died Aug. 28, 1947 at her home in Albion. Surviving are the husband, Charles; a daughter, Mrs. Robert Maggert; a son, George in the Veterans’ Hospital at Roanoke, Va.; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and a sister, Mrs. Alice VanBeeek of Logansport. Funeral Saturday at the daughter’s home. Burial, Sparta Cemetery. + 8-?-1947
Karl Catherine W, 77, Fort Wayne, died at Sacred Heart Home Jan. 6. She was born Sept. 9, 1909 in Pittsburgh, Pa., the daughter of John and Catherine (Ott) Waigand. She married Edmund Karl in Pittsburgh in 1931. He died in 1962. She had been employed by the Allen County Welfare Department and was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Avilla. Surviving are a daughter, Mrs. James (Janet) Boyce, Avilla; three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. One daughter, Marilyn preceded her in death. Services Friday in St. Mary’s Catholic Church. ~ 1-15-1987 + 1-6-1987
Karl Susan K, 19, of Churubusco, died last Thursday at Parkview Hospital, Fort Wayne. Survivors include her husband, Dale; parents, Mr. and Mrs. Harry E. Wilson of Fort Wayne; three brothers; 2 sisters; and her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Ancil Jones of Knapp Lake. Funeral last Friday at D. O. McComb & Son Funeral Home, Fort Wayne. Burial, Covington Memorial Gardens. + 7-?-1967
Karlen Ella A, 100, died Sept. 12, 2000 in ExtendaCare Nursing Home in Kendallville. She was born March 2, 1900 in Thorp, Wis. to Joseph and Amelia (Buss) Ziehr. On April 13, 1921 in Cadott, Wis. she married Ernest Karlen. He died Feb. 2, 1970. She moved to Kendallville with her late husband, who was manager of Bryer's and later Kraft Foods. She was a member of St. John Lutheran Church, Rotary Ann Club and American Legion Post 86 Auxiliary. Surviving are 4 daughters and 3 sons-in-law, Lorraine and Norman Seidel and Dorothy Leighty of Kendallville, Lois and Wayne Kester of Waterloo, and Pat and Arthur Flickinger of Fairfax Station, Va.; a sister, Agnes Born of Sheboygan, Wis.; 14 grandchildren and 31 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a son, a daughter, a sister and a brother. Services Saturday in St. John Lutheran Church. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. + 9-13-2000
Karr Kenneth, 55, died Oct. 15 in Lexington, Ky. He was a field rep for John Deere Co. Survivors are a daughter; two sons; his mother, Helen Karasiewicz of Avilla; a brother, Leonard of LaOtto and three sisters, Mrs. Arnold Teders of Avilla, Mrs. Joseph Buchtman of Churubusco and Sr. Rose Angela of Chicago. Services Oct. 17 in Ege Immaculate Conception Church. Burial, Rose Hill Cemetery. ~ 10-20-1977 + 10-15-1977
Karst Bernadette, 58, 235 S. Clark St., died Friday in Lutheran Hospital, Fort Wayne. She was born Feb. 21, 1914 near Waterloo, the daughter of John B. and Marie (Zircher) Miller. She was married in 1939 to Henry E. Karst. She was a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Surviving are her husband; three sons, Ron, Kendallville, Jerry, U. S. Army, Fort Harrison, and Dennis, Ossian; a sister, Mrs. Herman (Margaret) Goeller, Mishawaka; four brothers, Rev. Edward A., Fort Wayne, Paul, Waterloo, Aloysis, Sandusky, Ohio, Lawrence, Waterloo; three grandchildren. Funeral Monday at Immaculate Conception Church. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. + 3-?-1
Karst Connie S, 62, of Wawaka, died April 1, 2012 at the Northridge Village Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Albion. A native of LaPorte, Ind., she was born there on November 10, 1949, the daughter of Richard and Ruth (Bierly) Stolte. She graduated from Albion-Jefferson High School in 1968 and on Jan. 6, 1973 she married Jerald Karst in Albion. She also attended Purdue University. She attended Albion Presbyterian Church. Surviving are her husband, Jerald; daughters, Aleatha (Joe) Meyer of Albion and Valorie Slaughter; 6 grandchildren, Adam Karst, Coleman Meyer, Sausha Slaughter, Teaunna Slaughter, Derrick Meyer and Dillon Meyer; her sister, Peggy Stolte of Albion, and a brother, Brian Stolte of Albion. Memorial service April 4 at Brazzell Funeral Home, Albion. Cremation will take place. ^ 4-3-2012
Karst Doris L, 60, of R. 1, Cromwell, died Tuesday at her residence. She was born Dec. 22, 1928 in Markle, the daughter of Wilbert E. and Virginia M. (Larr) Paul. On March 1, 1949 in Markle, she married William Karst. She moved to Cromwell from Wolf Lake in 1959. She was a seamstress for Essex Wire in Ligonier, Starcraft in Goshen, and Sroufe Mfg. In Ligonier. She was a member of Stone’s Hill Community Church near Ligonier. Surviving are two daughters, Mrs. Wayne (Jeanine) Garber of Syracuse, and Mrs. Monty (Jan) Morr of Kimmell; a son, Jere of Wawaka; eight grandchildren. Services Friday in Stone’s Hill Church. Burial, Sparta Cemetery. + 10-24-1989
Karst Freda M, 83, of Fort Wayne, died in Fairfield Healthcare Center June 14. She was a South Whitley native and lived in Fort Wayne most of her life. She retired after 22 years with Polak Brothers in 1957 and was cradle roll superintendent of South Wayne United Methodist Church for 50 years. Surviving are a son Fred of LaOtto; her husband, Jacob; and a daughter, Mrs. Mary Jana Mortorff of Fort Wayne. Services June 18 in Chalfant-Perry-Klaehn Funeral Home. Burial, Greenlawn Memorial Park. ~ 6-21-1979
Karst Henry E, 93, died May 8, 2004 at Parkview Noble Hospital. He retired in 1974 from Kraft Foods where he was a quality control supervisor for 40 years. He was a part-time farmer. A 1928 graduate of St. Peter and Paul High School in Huntington, he was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and a third degree member of the Knights of Columbus Council 7839. He was born Nov. 14, 1910 in Huntington County to Edward and Anna (Scher) Karst. He married Bernadette Miller in 1939. She died in 1972. He then married Elvena Miller Shoudel on May 12, 1973. Surviving are his wife; 3 sons and daughters-in-law, Ronald and Sue of Princeton, Ky., Dennis and Julie of Ossian, and Jerry and Patsy of Kendallville; 3 stepchildren; a brother, Raymond of fort Wayne; 3 sisters, Eileen Swoverland and Annette Morrow of Huntington, and Helen Ludwig of Fort Wayne; 7 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. He was also preceded in death by 2 brothers, Eugene and Norbert; a sister, Delores Stoffel; and a grandson, Matthew Karst. Services today at Immaculate Conception Church. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. ^ 5-12-2004
Karst Jacob A, 89, Fort Wayne, died Saturday in Byron Health Care Center. He was retired from Essex Wire and Cable Division. Surviving are a son, Fred of LaOtto, a sister, Virgile Zahm of Huntington. Services Tuesday in Klaehn’s Chalfant-Perry Chapel. Burial, Greenlawn Memorial Park. ~ 12-29-1983
Kaser Mary Ann, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Homer Kaser of 116 Pike St. died at birth Thursday in Goshen Hospital. Funeral this afternoon. Burial, Middlebury Cemetery. + No date
Kaser Roman Lewis, 65, R. 1, died Friday in Goshen Hospital. Born April 6, 1907 in Holmes County, Ohio to Lewis and Leah (Miller) Kaser, he married Bertha Steinbarger on June 20, 1936 in Columbia City. She died in 1958. A 50-year resident of Cosperville, he was a retired Penn Central employee and member of the Cosperville Baptist Church. Surviving are a daughter, Mrs. William Martin, Cosperville; two sons, Vernon and William of Cosperville; two brothers, Abe and Sam of LaGrange; and two grandchildren. Funeral Monday in Ulrey Funeral Home, Ligonier. Burial, Cosperville Cemetery. + 8-?-1972
Kaser William F, 66, of Wawaka, died May 31, 2009 in LaGrange County from injuries he received in a traffic accident. He had worked at Johnson Controls in Goshen for more than 10 years and had owned and operated Kaser Flowers in Rome City for 29 years. He had also worked at Dollar General in Shipshewana. He was a 1961 graduate of Wawaka High School and served in the U.S. Army. He was a member of Cosperville Baptist Church. He was born Jan. 10, 1943 in Cosperville to Roman and Bertha (Stienbarger) Kaser. Surviving are a sister, Beverly (Bill) Martin of Wawaka. Services Thursday at Yeager Funeral Home. Burial, Cosperville Cemetery. ^ 6-3-2009
Kast Harry L, 65, Spencerville, stepfather of Mrs. Cornelius Blomeke, Avilla, died Tuesday in Parkview Hospital. Survivors include the wife, Lola; a daughter; four sons; five stepsons; two other stepdaughters; 17 grandchildren. Funeral Friday in the Baidinger-Walter Funeral Home, Spencerville. ~ 10-11-1962
Kastbaum Ernest was born in Swarine, Macklenburg, Germany on March 9, 1822 and died on Jan. 21, aged 84 years 10 months and 12 days. In 1853 he married Hannah Frehse. They emigrated from Germany to this county and located in Buffalo, N.Y. in 1854, and one year later moved to Kendallville, where he has resided ever since. Ten years ago his wife died. Since then he made his home with his foster daughter, Mrs. Benjamin Richard. He was a member of the Evangelical Association. He leaves a brother, Fred, a foster daughter, a niece and 2 nephews. Funeral Jan. 23 at the home. ^ 1-31-1907
Kastner Steven E, 53, died Feb. 8, 2002 in his rural LaGrange home. He was an attorney who practiced in DeKalb and Allen counties. He was a graduate of the University of Notre Dame and Indiana University School of Law. He was born May 2, 1948 in Garrett to Donald and Alice (Arehart) Kastner. Surviving are his mother in New Port Richey, Fla.; 2 brothers, Craig of Pleasant Lake and David of New Port Richey. Memorial service Friday in Frurip-May Funeral Home. Burial later in Lake View Cemetery. ^ 2-12-2002
Kathary Shannon E, 38, of Ligonier, died Aug. 2, 2013 at Parkview Hospital, Fort Wayne. He was born June 4, 1975, the son of Eugene and Kim (Miller) Kathary in Goshen. On Aug. 3, 1996 he married Canmdy Swank. Surviving are his wife; 5 children, Nicholas, Neal, Rebecca, Leah and Noah, all at home; his parents of Ligonier; and a sister, Melinda. He graudated from West Noble High School in 1993 and graduated from IPFW with a degree in Music Education. He served as the youth pastor and worship director at Ligonier United Methodist Church. Funeral Aug. 5 at The Cross Walk. Burial, Sparta Cemetery. ^ 8-4-2013
Kaub Jacob D, 71, died July 16 at his home on the Clarence Damer farm near Brighton from heart trouble. He was born in Holmes County, Ohio, May 17, 1858, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Kaub. A half-brother preceded him in death. He was married to Jennie Fellers who died about nine years ago. They adopted a son, whose name was Harry. About seven years ago he married Kathryn Work, who survives with one sister, Mrs. Anna Hest of Twin Falls, Idaho. He has followed the occupation of farming all his life and was a member of the English Prairie Church where funeral will be Thursday. Burial, English Prairie Cemetery. + 7-16-1929
Kauffman Alan "Skip", 51, Topeka, died today in Goshen Hospital. He was born Aug. 20, 1931 in Elkhart to Harry and Katherine Kauffman and was married June 26, 1964 in Kendallville to Patricia Schultz. He had resided in Topeka all his life and was employed at Johnson Controls in Goshen. He was a member of Maple Grove Mennonite church. Surviving are the wife; a daughter, Kathy; two sons, Jeff and Dale, two sisters, Florence Slaybaugh, all Elkhart, and Naomie, Middlebury; four brothers, John of Fort Wayne, James of Elkhart, Joe of Arizona, and Jack, address unknown; a stepson, Craig Bowers, Kendallville; three stepdaughters, Edna Ferguson, Cromwell, Michelle Stoltz, Topeka, and Vicki Butler, Ligonier; and eight grandchildren. Services Tuesday in Maple Grove Mennonite Church. Burial, Maple Grove Cemetery. + 11-6-1982
Kauffman Christian was born in Wayne County, O., in 1831; died March 6, 1899, age 68. Settled in 1851.
Kauffman David was born in Logan County, Ohio on Oct. 13, 1842; died July 9, 1936 at the home of his daughter, Mrs. John Morrell at Albion, aged 93 years, 8 months and 29 days. He was married to Nancy Troyer Dec. 7, 1865. They had two sons and five daughters. He united with the Mennonite Church at an early age. He is survived by two sons and three daughters, 28 grandchildren, and 30 great-grandchildren. Funeral at the Mennonite Church at Topeka. Burial, Maple Grove Cemetery. + 7-?-1936
Kauffman Elmer, 82, R. 1, Ligonier, died Saturday at his residence from an apparent coronary. He was born Dec. 9, 1894 in Holmes City, Ohio to Noah and Elizabeth (Hershberger) Kauffman. He married Ella Yoder on Aug. 25, 1920. He had been a resident of Ligonier since 1930 after moving there from Ohio. A retired farmer and machinist, he was a member of the Maple Grove Mennonite Church, Topeka. Survivors include his wife; four daughters, Thelma Kauffman, Goshen, Mrs. Betty Stutzman, Kokomo, Mrs. Claramae Gingerich, Kouts, and Mrs. Janice Shrock, St. Charles, Ill.; three sons, Elmer (Bud) Jr., Cadillac, Mich., Richard, Michigan City, and Kenneth, Marion; two sisters, Mrs. Ida Utzy, Plain City, Ohio, and Mrs. Anna Utzy, Bloomfield, Ohio; one brother, Abram, Plain City, Ohio; 14 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Services Tuesday in Maple Grove Mennonite Church. Burial, Maple Grove Cemetery. + 12-11-1976
Kauffman Goldia Earl, 84, Columbia City, died Oct. 6 in Whitley County Hospital. She was a former Ligonier resident from the age of five until moving to Columbia City in 1968. She was employed at the Wirk Garment Co. and was a retired Wawaka correspondent for the Ligonier Leader. She was born Aug. 30, 1891 in Rochester, Ind., the daughter of Samuel and Angeline (Amos) Cox. She was married in April 1912 in Kimmell to Loyal James Mossman who died in 1954. On Feb. 2, 1968 she married John Samuel Kauffman. She was a member of the Columbia City Church of the Brethren, Ligonier OES and the Sunshine Club. Surviving are her husband; a daughter, Mrs. Claude R. (Evelyn) Johnson, Gary; 2 stepdaughters, Mrs. Donald (Anna) Neuenschwander, Angola, and Mrs. William (Ella) Male, Wabash; five stepsons, Daniel, Mich., Olin S., Fort Wayne, John W., Columbia City, Kenyon Kauffman, Columbia City, and Dwight Hooten, Ill.; 29 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. Funeral in J. A. DeMoney & Son Funeral Home, Columbia City, Wednesday. Burial, Sparta Cemetery. + 10-6-1975
Kauffman Tara Sue, daughter of Willard and Alanna (Mary) Kauffman, R. 3, Ligonier, died last Friday at the Medical College of Ohio Hospital, Toledo, Ohio, after undergoing surgery. She was ill with a heart ailment since birth on April 12 in LaGrange County Hospital. Surviving are the parents; a brother, Todd, and a sister, Tina, both at home; grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Eli Kauffman, Rome City, and Mr. and Mrs. Jay Mark, Portland; and great-grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. David Hershberger, Arthur, Ill., and Mrs. Katie Kauffman, Arcola, Ill. Services Monday at Maple Grove Mennonite Church, Topeka. Burial, Maple Grove Cemetery. + 5-?-1980
Kaufman - son of Mr. and Mrs. Donald R. Kaufman, 540 N. Riley St. was born Saturday at Parkview Hospital, Fort Wayne and died Sunday. Surviving are his parents; a brother, David at home; grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. William C. Thomson Jr., Columbia City, and Dr. and Mrs. Julian R. Kaufman, Fort Wayne. Funeral today in Greenhill Cemetery, Columbia City. + 7-?-1974
Kaufman Veda H, 83, a Kendallville resident for nearly 60 years, died Sunday at McCray Hospital. She was born in Reading, Mich., March 9, 1897, the daughter of Herbert and Mary Jane Knight. In 1919 she married Frank C. Kaufman, who for many years operated the Central Drug Store, 124 S. Main St., Kendallville. She had resided at 714 E. Diamond St. since 1936. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church and the American Legion Auxiliary. She is survived by a daughter, Mary Jane Morgan, Red Springs, N.C.; a son, Phil W. of Kensington, Md.; and five grandchildren. Funeral at Berhalter-Hutchins Funeral Home Wednesday. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. + 10-?-1980
Kay Charles E, 65, of Morocco, Ind., died in the Jasper County Hospital April 7. He was born June 14, in Ind. and on April 21, 1924 was married to Mary Daily. He was a retired farmer. He was a member of Morocco Lodge, F&AM No. 372, Ade Grange, and Washington Twp Conservation Club. Surviving are his wife; a son, Eugene, Ligonier; three sisters, Mrs. Macy Mead, Morocco, Mrs. Florence Taylor, Kentland, and Mrs. Doris French of Buford, Ga.; and three grandchildren. Funeral April 11 in Morocco United Methodist Church. Burial was in Prairie Vine Cemetery. + 1977
Kay Craig A, 36, died Sunday in Springfield, Tenn., following an ultra-light aircraft accident near his home. He was born Nov. 30, 1955 in Columbus, Ohio, the son of Charles A. and Margaret N. (McCoy) Kay. On Aug. 5, 1978 in Buffalo, Ind., he married Kathy Hare. A 1976 graduate of Central Noble High School and 1978 graduate of Ivy Tech in Fort Wayne, he was an engineer with B.G. Automotive in Hendersonville, Tenn., and a member of Bobcat Club and Experimental Aircraft Association. Surviving are his wife and parents; a daughter, Becky, and 2 sons, Brian and Kevin; 2 sisters, Mrs. Duane (Nona) Leatherman of Albion and Mrs. William (Kristine) Fry of Butler; 2 brothers, Chad and Andrew of Albion; and a grandmother, Blanche Kay of Morocco, Ind. Funeral Thursday in Burr Oak Baptist Church, rural Albion. Burial, Sparta Cemetery. + 5-31-1992
Keagy Anthony Edgar, son of Patrick and Magdalena Keagy, was born in Coshocton County, Ohio on Sept. 18, 1852 and died at Orland, Ind. on May 9, 1927 at the age of 74 years, 7 months and 21 days. In 1855 he went with his parents to Owen County, Indiana, and later in 1874, he located in LaGrange County, where he lived until moving to Orland seven years ago. On Sept. 8, 1877 he married Nancy E. Swihart and they had four daughters. One daughter, Belle, died 14 years ago. Three survive, Orpha, Della and Bernice. He was a member of the IOOF of Orland and formerly belonged to the Brethren Church at Brighton. Surviving are the widow, the daughters, Mrs. Frank Shultz of Mishawaka, Mrs. A. S. Hess of Gary, and Mrs. J. J. Troyer of Orland; two sisters, Mrs. E. L. Horner of Brighton and Mrs. Jacob Lint of Sturgis, Mich.; one brother, I. Ankeny of Beaumont, Calif.; four grandchildren. + 5-9-1927
Keagy Nancy Ellen, daughter of Daniel and Sarah Summers Swihart, was born in Allen County, Ind. Nov. 12, 1852 and died July 2, 1936 at the age of 83 years 7 months and 20 days. In 1855 her parents moved from Allen to LaPorte County, where they lived one year, then to St. Joseph County. In 1860 they came to LaGrange County and were pioneers for many years. On Sept. 8, 1877 she married Anthony E. Keagy. They had four daughters. Two preceded her in death, Mrs. Harley Anderson, who died Jan. 3, 1913, and Mrs. Frank Shultz, who died Sept. 2, 1930. Her husband died May 9, 1927. She leaves two daughters, Mrs. A. S. Hess of Gary, and Mrs. J. J. Troyer of Greenfield Mills, with whom she lived on the home place for the past 7 years; 3 grandsons, Harold Shultz of St. Paul, Minn., Mark and Alfred Troyer; one sister, Mrs. Clara Keplinger of LaGrange. She united with the Brethren Church in Brighton when she was young. She was a charter member of the Greenfield Mills Ladies’ Aid Society. + 7-2-1936
Kearney Patrick, 75, native of Ill., but practically a lifelong resident of this city, died this morning at his home, 330 Vine St. from hardening of the arteries and complications. He was born near Elgin, Ill. Oct. 31, 1858, the son of Patrick and Joanna Kearney. His father met a tragic death while he and Mrs. Kearney were traveling on a boat to Illinois. He fell off the boat and was drowned. He formerly worked at Flint & Walling but during his late active life had been employed at McCray Refrigerator factory. He married Mary J. Carrick on Nov. 22, 1888. Two daughters and one son were born to the union, the son having died in March 1933. Surviving are the widow; 2 daughters, Mrs. Dorothy Schenher at home, Mrs. Donald Foster, Toledo, O.; and one sister, Mrs. Mary Heist, Gary. Funeral Monday from the Church of Immaculate Conception. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. ^ 2-17-1934
Kearns Joseph L, 88, resided southwest of Garrett and died November 14 in Garrett. Born Oct. 6, 1878 at Harpers Ferry, W. Va., he was a retired B&O railroad engineer. Surviving are three sons, all of near Garrett, two daughters, nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Funeral last Thursday in McKee Funeral Home in Garrett. Burial, Christian Union Cemetery. ~ 11-24-1966
Keasey Edward, merchant policeman at Ligonier, was killed Saturday while taking a suspect to the Ligonier jail. Virgil Hoffman confessed to the killing. The grand jury returned indictments as follows, Virgil Hoffman, 22, second degree murder, Howard Campfield, 32, ring leader of the gang and former convict, conspiracy to commit a felony and habitual criminal, Walter Elliot, 26, and Walter O’Betzeny, 26, conspiracy. Hoffman was given a life sentence. + 6-?-1934
Keasey Josie, 91, died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Fred Morley in Indianapolis last Wednesday. She was born and lived in Ligonier until about 15 years ago when she went to Indianapolis to make her home with her daughter. She is also survived by a grandson; three great-grandchildren; a niece, Mrs. Kenneth Henn of Greenfield; three nephews, Charles Hussey of Bakersfield, Calif., and Lamar and Dick Hussey of Toledo, Ohio. She was the sister of the late M. L. Hussey of Cromwell. Funeral in Indianapolis Saturday and graveside services were at Ligonier Cemetery. + 10-?-1957
Keasey Sadie Mildred, 79, of Ligonier, died Saturday in LaGrange County Hospital. A sister, Mrs. Amy Rogers, survives. Funeral Monday in Ulrey Sedgwick Funeral Home. Burial, Oak Park Cemetery. + 5-?-1962
Keating May, 87, died Friday at McCray Hospital. She was born on Nov. 3, 1886 in Schuyler, Neb., the daughter of James and Elizabeth (Willson) McIntosh. She was married to John W. Keating on Aug. 12, 1908. He died in 1961. A former music major at Notre Dame DeCion, Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, Canada, she was a member of OES in Superior, Ariz. She is survived by a daughter, Aileen Snellenberger; a brother, Raul, Vancouver, B.C., Canada; three grandchildren, Mrs. James C. McDowell, Mrs. Steven Meyer and S. Sgt. John Snellenberger; and 10 great-grandchildren. A son, Jack, preceded her in death. Private services Monday. + 5-?-1974
Kebart Edward L, 74, died June 21, 1995. He was born in Canonsburg, Pa. on April 20, 1921. He married Teresa Carteaux and she preceded him in death. A retired claims adjuster for the Chicago Motor Club, he was a WW II Army Air Corps veteran, serving in Pearl Harbor. He was a member of Stone City VFW Post 2199, American Legion Post 240, Avilla, and Lockport, Ill., Moose Lodge. Surviving are his children, Mrs. Alana (Sue) Blum of Las Vegas, Nev., Mrs. Jack (Cyndee) Lutz of South Berwick, Maine, Mrs. Gregory (Karen) Mauldin of Shadeville, Fla., Mrs. James (Barbara) Harrod of Lockport, Ill., and Linda Kebart of Joliet; grandchildren, Michael and Elizabeth Lutz; brothers, Michael, Walter and Alfred; 2 sisters, Edna Tomsci and Alice Kebart. He was also preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Mary Kebart; a sister, Sophie Sifinski; and a brother, Vincent. Funeral June 26 in Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, Joliet. Burial, St. Mary's Cemetery, Avilla, with graveside rites by American Legion Post 240. + 6-21-1995
Keck Albert, 78, a lifelong resident of the Avilla community before moving to Ashley in August because of illness, died Saturday in the Ashley home of a daughter, Mrs. Elsie Sweet. A farmer and bricklayer, he was born near Avilla October 29, 1881, the son of Benjamin and Elizabeth Keck. He was married April 17, 1907 to Minnie Keck, who died December 19, 1956. He was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church. Surviving besides the daughter are three other daughters, Mrs. Martha Greenwood of near Ashley; Mrs. Lucille Shepherd, of Wyandotte, Michigan, and Mrs. Rosanna Koch of Fort Wayne; eleven grandchildren and a great-grandchild. Funeral Tuesday in Immanuel Lutheran Church. Burial, Lutheran Cemetery. ~ 12-10-1959
Keck Benjamin Franklin, son of Nathan Keck and wife, was born Jan. 20, 1850 in Stark Co., Ohio. When seven years old he moved with his parents on a farm near Wolcottville, Ind., where he grew to manhood. Being twenty years old, he started out for himself and on the sixth of August 1872 he married Elizabeth Maria Bauman. After that he joined the Emanuel Lutheran Church at Avilla, remaining a faithful member of it to his end. His wife died March 25, 1915. They had three sons, George Nathan, Henry William and Michael Albert, who with his four brothers, two sisters and fifteen grandchildren, remain. After having lived on farm northeast of Avilla until 1906, he moved to town and made his home here until his sickness forced him to resort to his oldest son, George. He died March 4. Funeral at the German Lutheran Church Friday. Burial, Lutheran Cemetery. ~ 3-12-1925
Keck Bertha Marie, 66, of Columbia City, mother of Carl Hess of Avilla, died Friday. She was born March 3, 1897 in Wilmington Twp, DeKalb County, the daughter of Sherman and Blanche Funk. She was married to Erwin J. Hess on February 26, 1916, the couple residing in Auburn and Avilla until 1946 when they moved to Kendallville. Mr. Hess died April 26, 1954. In April 1965 she married Clarence Keck, who survives. She died at the home of her daughter-in-law, Mrs. Dean Keck, near Columbia City. Surviving are the husband and son are two daughters, Mrs. Darrell McVoy, New Haven; Mrs. Helen Bowmar, Garrett; two stepsons, Robert and Dean Keck, Columbia City; two brothers, Marion Funk of Cambridge City; Marshal Funk, Auburn; a sister, Mrs. Paul Baughman, Auburn; the stepmother, Mrs. Sherman Funk, Auburn; seven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren and four step-grandchildren. Funeral Monday in Avilla Immanuel Lutheran Church. Burial, Avilla Lutheran Cemetery. ~ 10-15-1964 + 10-?-1964
Keck Betty L, 57, died March 6 at her R. 2, Avilla home. She was born in Allen Twp June 21, 1924, the daughter of Herman and Ila (Hossinger) Housholder. She married Floyd Keck October 27, 1944 in Avilla. She was employed by the East Noble School Corporation as a school bus driver, a position she held for 16 years. She was the first woman driver employed by the corporation. She was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church and a member of the Avilla American Legion Post 240 Ladies Auxiliary. Surviving are her husband; her mother; three sons, Max, Stan and Steve, all of Avilla; one daughter, Linda, Kendallville; three grandchildren; three brothers, Paul and Maynard, Fort Wayne, and Ralph, Avilla; one sister, Mrs. Robert (Elmo) Edwards, Kendallville. One sister, Mrs. Paul (Evelyn) Rowe, preceded her in death. Services Wednesday in Immanuel Lutheran Church. Burial, Lutheran Cemetery. ~ 3-11-1982 + 3-6-1982
Keck Byron Neal was born Oct. 17, 1945 and died April 2, 1966 as a result of injuries sustained in an auto accident. He is survived by a son, Erik; 7 brothers, Ralph Jr., Wolcottville, Richard, Wawaka, Phillip, Ligonier, Wayne, Larry and Lynn of Wolcottville, and Jay in the Marines in Calif.; 3 sisters, Mrs. Helen Clark, Mrs. Phyllis Vanderpool and Mrs. Virginia Elion, all of Wolcottville; and the grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Cecil Walburn of Brimfield. Service at Williams Funeral Home April 5. Burial, Sweet Cemetery. + 4-2-1966
Keck Carrol Dean, 76, of rural Columbia City, died June 24, 2009 at Miller's Merry Manor in Columbia city. Services Monday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia city. Burial, Thorn Cemetery. ^ 6-27-2009
Keck Clarence, 75, died Oct. 26 in Whitley County Hospital. He resided at Smalley Lake the past 12 years with his wife Nettie. He was born June 11, 1904 to George and Louise (Berkes) Keck. Survivors include his wife; two sons, Robert, Coesse, Dean, Columbia City; four grandchildren; one great-grandchild; three sisters, Mrs. Harold Gienger and Mrs. Ruth Shirk, both Avilla, Mrs. John Gienger, Kendallville; one stepson and one stepdaughter. Services Monday in Smith Funeral Home, Columbia City. Burial, Thorn Cemetery. ~ 11-1-1979 + 10-?-1979
Keck Elizabeth M, 64, wife of Benjamin Keck of Avilla, died in the Lutheran Hospital, Fort Wayne last Thursday. She is survived by the husband and 3 sons, George, William and Albert. She was a member of the Lutheran Church at Avilla. Democrat 3-29-1915
Keck Elsie S, 85, Auburn, died September 30, 2001 in Shepherd of the Hill nursing home in Kendallville. She was a homemaker and a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Auburn, where she taught Sunday School for over 30 years. She was active in the Lutheran Women's Missionary League, a member of the DeKalb Hospital Auxiliary and worked in The Curiosity Shop. She was born August 11, 1916 in Avilla to Michael Albert and Minnie Rose (Diehm) Keck. She married Wayne E. Sweet on October 2, 1937 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Avilla. He died May 2, 1966. She married Robert H. Keck on December 7, 1967. He survives. Also surviving are 3 sons, Michael Wayne Sweet of Fort Wayne, Duane Keck of Montoursvile, Pa., and Dwight Keck of Fort Wayne; one daughter, Barbara Ann Gordon of Auburn; one sister, Lucille Mary Isabell of Flat Rock, Mich.; 18 grandchildren and 13 grandchildren. She was preceded in death by 2 sons, David and Charles Sweet, and 2 sisters, Rosanna Jane Koch and Martha Ellen Greenwood. Services in Trinity Lutheran Church, Auburn. Burial, Woodlawn Cemetery, Auburn. ~ 10-4-2001
Keck Emma M, 83, a lifelong resident of the Avilla community, died Saturday in the Lutheran Home, Kendallville. Funeral was Tuesday in Avilla Immanuel Lutheran Church. Burial, Lutheran Cemetery. She was born July 1, 1883, the daughter of Adam and Mary Berkes Hess, and in 1906 was married to Henry Keck, who died in 1948. She was a member of the local Lutheran Church. Surviving are two sons, Floyd, Avilla, and Robert, R. 1, LaOtto; two daughters, Kathryn Walters, Fort Wayne, and Geraldine Snell, Mesa, Ariz.; two sisters, Clara and Ella Hoot, both of Auburn; and one brother, Dr. Lawrence Hess, Fort Wayne. ~ 5-15-1967 + 5-?-1967
Keck Floyd F, 77, died Wednesday in McCray Hospital. He was born March 21, 1917 in Avilla to Henry and Emma (Hess) Keck. On Oct. 27, 1944 in Immanuel Lutheran Church in Avilla he married Betty Housholder. She died March 6, 1982. He was a retired farmer and East Noble School Corp. bus driver and a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Avilla. Surviving are a daughter, Linda Votaw of Fort Wayne; 3 sons, Max of Fort Wayne and Steve and Stan of Kendallville; 2 sisters, Kathryn Snellenbarger of Payne, Ohio, and Geraldine Snell of Price, Utah; a brother, Robert of Auburn; and 4 grandchildren. Funeral Saturday in Immanuel Lutheran Church. Burial, Lutheran Cemetery. + 5-25-1994
Keck George Nathan, 83, died Thursday in the Lutheran Old Peoples Home in Kendallville. He was a retired farmer and a member of the Avilla Lutheran Church. He was born in Allen Twp. January 29, 1874 and married Louise Berkes on Feb. 9, 1899. They moved to Kendallville in 1943 where she preceded him in death on March 7, 1952. Survivors include three sons, Walter of Kendallville, Ralph of Wolcottville, and Clarence of Columbia City; three daughters, Mrs. Bernice Gienger and Mrs. Esther Gienger, Kendallville, and Mrs. Ruth Shirk, Avilla; a brother, Albert, Avilla; thirty grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. Services Saturday at the Lutheran Home chapel. Burial, Lutheran Cemetery. ~ 11-7-1957
Keck Helen, 21, daughter of Mr. And Mrs. George Keck of southwest of Avilla, died Tuesday at the Sacred Heart Hospital at Garrett. Funeral will be Friday at the Evangelical Lutheran Church at Avilla. Burial at the Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery. ~ 2-22-1923
Keck Henry, 72, was born April 11, 1876 five miles northwest of Avilla and died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Geraldine Snell, May 21, 1948. Funeral was May 24 at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Nelson Snell and at the Immanuel Lutheran Church. Burial was in Lutheran Cemetery. His entire life was spent in this community. He retired from active farming 3 years ago to reside in Avilla. January 16, 1906, he married Emma Hess. They had four children: Robert, LaOtto, Floyd, Avilla; Mrs. Kathryn Walters, Markle; Mrs. Geraldine Snell, Avilla. Besides the above-mentioned, 7 grandchildren and two brothers, George and Albert, survive. He was a lifelong member of Immanuel Lutheran Church. ~ 5-27-1948
Keck Ivan C was born Dec. 3, 1941 and died Dec. 24, 1958. Service at Williams Funeral Home Dec. 28. Burial Sweet Cemetery. + 12-24-1958
Keck Kenneth L, 69, died Saturday in McCray Hospital. He was born in Garrett Feb. 19, 1923. On Dec. 27, 1947 he married Tillie Leitch. He retired 4 years ago from No-Sag and had been a volunteer fireman for 28 years and a part-time employee of the Kendallville Police Dept. He was a member of Moose Lodge 1301 and Eagles Lodge 985, both of Kendallville. Surviving are his wife; 2 stepdaughters and a stepson; a sister, Ruth Shirk of Avilla. Three brothers and 2 sisters preceded him in death. Funeral Wednesday in Hite Funeral Home. Burial, Avilla Cemetery. + 5-30-1992
Keck Louise Christine, a native and lifelong resident of Noble County and a resident of Kendallville the past nine years, but a former resident of this vicinity, died at her home last Thursday. Death was due to a stroke, a broken hip suffered six weeks ago hastened her demise. She was born March 11, 1876 near here, the daughter of Peter and Anna Berkes. February 9, 1899, she married Mr. Keck. She was a member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church of Avilla. Surviving besides the husband are three sons, Clarence of Columbia City, Ralph of Wolcottville, and Walter of Kendallville; 31 grandchildren, three great-grandchildren; two brothers, Solomon Berkes, Albion; and a sister, Mrs. Caroline Weimer, of Avilla. Three sisters and two brothers preceded her in death. Services in Immanuel Lutheran Church. Interment, Lutheran Cemetery. ~ 3-13-1952
Keck Lynn "Cork", 52, died Sept. 19, 1996 in the Kendallville home of his sister. He was born July 1, 1944 in Wolcottville to Ralph E. and Ruth (Walburn) Keck. He was a truck driver. Survivors include his mother of LaGrange; 2 sons, Byron of Elkhart and Jason of Lafayette; 3 sisters, Helen Baird of Kendallville and Phyllis Vanderpool and Virginia Schmidt of Wolcottville; and 6 brothers, Ralph Jr., Richard, Wayne and Jay of Wolcottville, Philip of Kendallville and Larry of Kimmell. No funeral. Burial, Sweet Cemetery. + 9-25-1996
Keck Mary E, 73, resided at R. 3, Kendallville and died Saturday at McCray Hospital. She was born Nov. 27, 1906 in Churubusco to George and Martha (Fulk) Christeon. She married Walter C. (Bill) Keck in June 1944 in South Bend. He died Nov. 20, 1960. She had been a resident of the Kendallville area 40 years, moving there from Churubusco. Surviving are her sister, Mrs. Sam (Margaret) Arnold, Avilla; a daughter, Mrs. Clarence (Beulah) Wells, R. 2, Avilla; three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. One brother and one sister preceded her in death. Services Monday in Berhalter-Hutchins Funeral Home, Kendallville. Burial, Eel River Cemetery. ~ 3-13-1980 + 3-?-1980
Keck Minnie Rose, 68, died in her home here Wednesday. She was born in Avilla January 11, 1888 and was a lifetime resident here. She was the daughter of John and Mary (Gienger) Diehm. Surviving are four daughters: Martha Greenwood; Lucille Shepherd, Wyandotte, Mich.; Elsie Sweet, Waterloo; and Rosanna Koch of Ft. Wayne. Also surviving are two sisters, Miss Anna Diehm and Mrs. Sethera Lauer, and four brothers, Oscar, John, Edwin and Albert Diehm. Funeral Saturday in the Lutheran Church. Burial, Lutheran Cemetery. ~ 12-20-1956
Keck Nathan was born in Lancaster County, Pa., Dec. 1, 1820 and died Dec. 3, 1912 at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Charles Wolf, near Valentine, aged 92 years and two days. Early in life he moved to Ohio, where he married Miss Susan Cockley April 5, 1844. Together they came to Noble County on April 5, 1855, where he continued to reside the remainder of his life. As one of the early settlers, he heroically did the work necessary in the development of a new country, clearing the soil and erecting new dwellings. He was one of the heroic citizens that dared to face the crisis in a new country of dense forests and unimproved communities. During the year of national disturbance, when the call to arms came for volunteers, he answered and went to the front, serving in the 142nd Ind. regiment. He was the father of twelve children, four of whom died in infancy; eight are still living: Eliza Rhodes, Iowa, Ben Keck, Avilla, Samuel Keck, Flora Merriman, Kendallville, Frank Keck, Los Angeles, Cal., Henry and Ed Keck, Wolcottville, and Lucretta Wolf, Valentine. There are 33 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. His companion died in 1903. He became one of the Wolcottville Evangelical Church charter members. The following was written by him a few years ago, "I am 89 years old and I write without glasses. I read two chapters this morning, the 5th chapter of Matthew and the 8th chapter of Romans without glasses. I feel pretty good. When I look back over my past life I see that I have failed in many things, but the Lord has kept me until now. I cannot thank him enough for all his blessings." ~ 12-18-1912
Keck Paul E, 59, minister at the Emmanuel Lutheran Church in LaOtto and resident of New Haven, died Sunday in Lutheran Hospital at Fort Wayne. Survivors include the widow, Katherine "Betty"; one son, John of Louisville, Ky.; two daughters, Kathy Greene of Bluffton and Anne at home; two brothers, Albert Jr. of Hickory, N.C. and Robert of Springfield, Ohio; and two sisters, Dorothy Roden of Mishawaka and Betty Siewert of Cullowhee, N.C. Graveside services Tuesday in the IOOF Cemetery, New Haven. ~ 3-12-1981 + 3-?-1981
Keck Philip A died July 24, 2000.
Keck Ralph E, 71, died at his home in Wolcottville. He was a retired employee of Kraft Foods. He was born Sept. 11, 1906 in DeKalb County to George and Louise (Berkes) Keck and married Ruth Walburn Sept. 14, 1929 in Avilla. She survives. Other survivors include three daughters, Mrs. Eugene (Virginia) Schmidt, Rome City, Mrs. Burl (Helen) Clark, Bryan, Ohio, and Mrs. William (Phyllis) Vanderpool, Wolcottville; seven sons, Ralph Jr., Richard, Wayne, Larry and Jay, all of Wolcottville, Philip, Kendallville and Lyn "Cork", Rome City; three sisters, Mrs. Esther Gienger and Mrs. Ruth Shirk, Avilla, Mrs. John (Bernice) Gienger, Kendallville; two brothers, Kenneth, Kendallville, and Clarence, Columbia City; 35 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Services March 26 in Hutchins-Williams Funeral Home. Burial, Sweet Cemetery. ~ 3-30-1978 + 3-?-1978
Keck Ralph E Jr, 73, Wolcottville, died June 7, 2003 in Fort Wayne. He was born in Avilla March 13, 1930 to Ralph and Ruth (Walburn) Keck. He married Dorothy Seuver. She died in September 1983. He married Lois Gunsenhoser May 11, 2002 in Woodruff. Surviving are his wife; 2 sons and daughters-in-law, Terry and Joan Keck of Wolcottville and Kerry and Shelly Keck of Wawaka; 3 stepsons and a stepdaughter; 2 grandsons, Eric Keck of Kendallville and Kyle Keck of Wawaka; a granddaughter, Kasey Keck of Wawaka; 5 great-grandchildren; 4 brothers, Richard, Jay, Wayne and Larry; and 2 sisters, Phyllis Vanderpool and Helen Baird. Preceding him in death were 4 brothers, Phil, Ivan, Lynn and Bryon; and one sister, Virginia Diehm. He was a veteran of the U. S. Marine Corps, serving during the Korean Conflict, a member of American Legion Post in LaGrange and the Woodruff Grove United Methodist Church. Services at Hite Funeral Home. Burial, Woodland Cemetery. ~ 6-12-2003
Keck Robert H, 91, Kendallville, formerly of Auburn, died April 26, 2003 in Shepherd of the Hill nursing home. He was born January 19, 1912 in Noble County to Henry W. and Emma (Hess) Keck. He married Shirley Tompkins on September 1, 1935 in Avilla. She died September 30, 1966. He married Elsie Sweet on December 9, 1967 in Oshkosh, Wis. She died September 30, 2001. Surviving are 2 sons, Duane R. of Murrells Inlet, S.C., Dwight E. of Fort Wayne; a stepson, Michael Sweet of Fort Wayne; a stepdaughter, Barbara Gordon of Auburn; 2 sisters, Kathryn Shellenbarger of Payne, Ohio, and Geraldine Snell of St. George, Utah; 18 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. He was a machinist at General Electric in Fort Wayne for 44 years, retiring in 1973. Services at Trinity Lutheran Church, Auburn. Burial, Lutheran Cemetery. ~ 5-1-2003
Keck Ruth Evelyn, 85, of Wolcottville, died Jan. 6 in Miller’s Merry Manor, LaGrange. She was born in Elkhart Dec. 13, 1911 to Cecil and Ethel (Freed) Walburn. On Sept. 14, 1929 in Avilla she married Ralph Edward Keck. He died March 23, 1978. She moved from Noble County to Wolcottville in 1939. She was a member of American Legion Auxiliary 110 in Wolcottville. Surviving are 3 daughters, Helen Baird of Kendallville and Phyllis Vanderpool and Virginia Schmidt of Wolcottville; 5 sons, Ralph Jr. of Frostproof, Fla., Richard, Wayne and Jay of Wolcottville, Phil of Kendallville, and Larry of Kimmell; 2 sisters, Mary Bushing and Dorothy Marks of Wolcottville; 2 brothers, Ralph of Mongo and Jack of Sheridan, Mich.; 40 grandchildren; 63 great-grandchildren; and 3 great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by 3 sons, Ivan Charles in 1958, Byron in 1966 and Lynn "Cork" in Sept. 1996; 4 grandchildren; and 2 great-grandchildren. Funeral Thursday in Hutchins Funeral Home in Wolcottville. Burial, Sweet Cemetery. ~ 1-23-1997
Keck Samuel, Noble County’s oldest resident, died Tuesday just 17 days after celebrating his 100th birthday anniversary at the home of his son, Henry, in Kendallville. He was born February 15, 1852 in McDonaldsville, Ohio and came to this section of the country when a young man. His parents were Nathan and Susanne Cockley Keck. He was married to Louiza Jane Rhodes June 4, 1871 in Wolcottville. She died in 1923. Surviving besides the son are two sisters, Mrs. Flora Merriman, Elkhart, and Mrs. Lucette Briggs, Wolcottville. Services in A. J. Berhalter Funeral Home Thursday. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. ~ 3-6-1952
Keck Shirley, a resident of the area for 19 years, died Friday in Parkview Hospital, Fort Wayne. Born in DeKalb County May 15, 1915, she was the daughter of John and Nora C. Loutzenhiser Tompkins, who preceded her in death. On September 1, 1935, she married Robert Keck in the Avilla Lutheran Church. She was a member of the church, the Allen Wayne Home Demonstration Club, Fort Wayne, and the Swan Twp Home Demonstration Club. Surviving are the husband; two sons, Duane Robert, Batavia, Ill., and Dwight Eugene, Fort Wayne; three grandchildren. Funeral Monday in Immanuel Lutheran Church, Avilla. Burial, Avilla Lutheran Cemetery. ~ 10-6-1966 + 10-?-1966
Keck Sophia E, 99, died Wednesday in McCray Hospital. She was a member of St. John Lutheran Church. Services Friday in Berhalter-Hutchins Funeral Home. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. + 3-?-1979
Keck Terry E, 56, of Wolcottville died October 13, 2012, as a result of an accident while working on a truck at LLC Transport near Wolcottville. He was a 1974 graduate of Lakeland High School. He was a self-employed contractor. He was born January 13, 1956, in Kendallville to Ralph Jr. and Dorothy (Suever) Keck. On March 13, 1983, in Wolcottville he married Joan E. Bloomfield. Surviving are his wife; a son, Eric Keck; 4 grandchildren, Kinsey, Dakota Keck, and Madelyn Hogue, all of Manchester, New Hampshire, and Skyler Keck of Kendallville; a brother and sister-in-law, Kerry and Shelly Keck of Wawaka. He was preceded in death by his parents.Funeral Oct. 18 in Young Family Funeral Home. Burial, Woodland Cemetery. ^ 10-15-2012
Keck Tillie I, 83, Kendallville, died June 17, 2001 at Kendallville Manor Health Care Center, where she had lived since February 1997. She was a homemaker and attended the Church of the Nazarene. She was born February 25, 1918 in Noble County to John M. and Minnie (Shultz) Leitch. Surviving are a daughter, Marilyn Mills of Bea, Va.; a son, Charles B. of Rome City; 2 brothers, Don Leitch of Kendallville and Bob Leitch of Kissimmee, Fla.; 2 sisters, Cleo Harter of Fort Wayne and Laura Herendeen of Bronson, Mich.; 12 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. Preceding her in death were her husband, Kenneth L. Keck, on May 30, 1992; a daughter, Judy Powell; 5 brothers and 4 sisters. Services at Hite Funeral Home. Burial, Avilla Cemetery. ~ 6-28-2001
Keck Walter C "Bill", 52, a Newnam Foundry inspector residing at R. 2, Kendallville, died Sunday in Parkview Hospital, Fort Wayne. He was born September 8, 1908, in Avilla to George and Louise Keck, and was a lifelong resident of Allen Twp. Surviving are the widow, the former Mary Christeon, to whom he was married in 1944; a stepdaughter, Mrs. Clarence Wells, of Avilla; three sisters, Mrs. John Gienger and Mrs. Harold Gienger of Kendallville, and Mrs. Wayne Shirk of Avilla; two brothers, Clarence of Columbia City, and Ralph of Wolcottville; and three grandchildren. Services Wednesday in the funeral home. Burial, Eel River Cemetery. ~ 11-24-1960
Keck William, 61, of R. 1, Wolcottville, died Saturday in Saldotna, Alaska where he was vacationing. He was born Jan. 14, 1925 in LaGrange County, the son of William B. and Flossie (Leiberenz) Keck. On Nov. 1, 1959 in New Haven, he married Dorothy Ha?kins. A lifetime area resident, he was a retired farmer, a WW II veteran and member of American Legion Post 110. Surviving are his wife; his mother in Lagrange; two stepsons, C. Lundberg of Columbia , C. S., and Gordon Lundberg of Bartlesville, Okla.; a sister, Mrs. Robert Rowe of Wolcottville. Services Wednesday in Hutchins Funeral Home, Wolcottville. Burial, Woodruff Cemetery. + 7-12-1986
Keefer Coy Helena, 88, died Oct. 3, 2003 at Avalon Village Healthcare Center. She was born Feb. 12, 1915 in Wawaka to Frank W. and Veda (Lindsay) Franks. She married Lester Keefer Feb. 1, 1936 in Wawaka. She had been a seamstress at the former Wirk Garment and at Golden's Furniture Store and was a member of Wawaka United Methodist Church. Surviving are 3 sons and daughters-in-law, Allan and Sandi of Akron, Ohio, Forrest and Jan of Wawaka, and David and Susie of Rockford, Ill.; a daughter and son-in-law Barbara and Wes Radcliffe of Palm Bay, Fla.; a brother and sister-in-law, William and Thelma Franks of Wawaka; 4 sisters and 2 brothers-in-law, Jane Clark of Rome City, Mary and Howard Berkes of Berne, Mildred Gard of North Webster and Ann and Don Conners of South Bend; 11 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband; a son, Virgil; a daughter, Kathleen; and a sister, Thora Cotner. Services Oct. 5 at Wawaka United Methodist Church. ^ 10-4-2003
Keefer D Frank, 72, lifelong resident of Ligonier, died late Friday at his home. Survivors include the widow, Pearl; two daughters, Mrs. Opal Renkenberger, Clinton, Tenn., and Mrs. Lucille Bollinger, Wawaka; a stepson, Russell Cooper of Peru; a stepdaughter, Mrs. Minnie Hamman, Manitowoc, Wis.; 6 grandchildren, including Mrs. Norman Biddle of Cromwell; a great-granddaughter; and two sisters, Mrs. Urilla Arnold of Leesburg and Mrs. Alice McKibben of Warsaw. Funeral Tuesday in Christian Church, Ligonier. Burial, Oak Park Cemetery. + 9-?-1949
Keefer Edna F, 59, died at her home June 6. She had lived her entire life in that community, being born in Ligonier, the daughter of Milton and Rebecca White, both deceased. Survivors are the husband; two daughters, Mrs. H. D. Renkenberger of Knoxville, Tenn., and Mrs. H. D. Bollinger of Wawaka; three sisters, Mrs. Emma Holler, Leesburg, Mrs. Mary Boss, Ligonier, and Mrs. Marion Galloway of Wawaka; and one brother, Conrad White of Ligonier. Funeral at the Christian Church Thursday. Burial, Oak Park Cemetery. + 6-?-1944
Keefer Frank Virgil, 56, died Monday in Goshen Hospital after suffering an apparent heart attack. He was born Nov. 11, 1937 in Wawaka to Lester and Coy (Franks) Keefer. He was a graduate of Indiana Central College and did graduate work at Indiana University, Louisiana State University and the University of Grenoble, France. He was foreman of Noble Wire Products in Merriam and a member of All Saints Episcopal Church in Syracuse. Surviving are his mother in Wawaka; 2 sons, Jack and Nick of Santa Cruz, Calif.; a daughter, Nina of Oakland, Calif.; 3 brothers, Allan of Akron, Ohio, Forrest of Wawaka, and David of Larwill; and a sister, Barbara Conkle of Utica, Mich. A sister, Kathleen, preceded him in death. Funeral Friday in All Saints Episcopal Church, Syracuse. + 10-17-1994
Keefer Lester Orr, 78, died Thursday in Goshen Hospital. He was born July 25, 1912 in Warsaw, the son of Earl and Mary (Orr) Keefer. On Feb. 1, 1936 in Wawaka he married Coy Franks. He operated a farm for more than 50 years before retiring. He was a member of Wawaka Methodist Church, Noble County Farm Bureau Cooperative and American Guernsey Association. Surviving are his wife; a daughter, Barbara Conkle of Troy, Mich., 4 sons, Frank (Virgil) of Ligonier, Allan of Akron, Ohio, Forrest of Wawaka, and David of Larwill; one sister, Pauline White of Ligonier; and 11 grandchildren. One brother and one daughter, Kathleen, preceded him in death. Services Sunday at Ulrey-Renner Funeral Home. Burial, Oak Park Cemetery. + 1-?-1991
Keefer Mary M, 54, died this morning at her home near here after an illness of a year and a half. Surviving are two sons, Lester of Wawaka and Robert of Ligonier; a daughter, Mrs. Pauline White, Ligonier; five grandchildren; a brother, William Orr, Warsaw, and a sister, Mrs. Walter Hover, Warsaw. She was a member of the Evangelical United Brethren Church and the Woman’s Relief Corps. Funeral Wednesday in EUB Church. Burial, Oak Park Cemetery. + 7-?-1947
Keefer Robert, formerly of the Ligonier area, died July 8 at his home in Lake Havasu City, Ariz. He is survived by his wife, Nora; a son, Arthur, Topeka, In.; two daughters, Mrs. Richard (Mary Ann) Sheaf of Elkhart; and Mrs. Mike (Karen) of Lake Havasu City; a brother, Lester of Wawaka; and a sister, Mrs. Pauline White of Ligonier; 5 grandchildren; 3 stepdaughters. A memorial service was held July 11. + 7-8-1981
Keehn Andrew Jackson, 81, born in Noble County the son of Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Keehn, was a former resident of Ligonier. He died last week in a hospital in Elgin, Ill. He was employed here as a driver of a milk wagon for Len Harper. He removed from Ligonier to Chicago some years ago, where he has since resided. Funeral at Kerr Funeral Home. Burial, Oak Park Cemetery. * 1940
Keehn Charles G, 86, died Tuesday in the Lutheran Hospital, Fort Wayne. He was born on a farm near Ligonier, July 29, 1866, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Keehn, and had spent his entire life in this community. He graduated from Ligonier High School with the class of 1886 and after teaching in the county schools for two years attended the Chicago College of Dental Surgery from which he was graduated in 1891. He enjoyed a successful practice of dentistry in Ligonier until his health forced his retirement a few years ago. He married Elizabeth Corson, who died June 13, 1951. + 1-?-1953
Keehn George was a native of Stark County, Ohio, where he was born Jan. 8, 1818. He died Aug. 16, 1894, aged 76 years, 7 months and 8 days. He remained in Ohio until 1855 where he worked at the carpenter trade. When he came to Indiana he settled in Perry Twp, where his associations have continued ever since. He was elected treasurer of Noble County in 1878 and served a term upon the expiration of which he returned to his farm. He served the township as assessor for 8 years. In 1841 he married Lydia Gerber, who died in 1851. He afterward married Margaret Simmons, a native of Penn., who survives him. He was the father of ten children, four living. He united with the Christian Church some forty years ago. + 8-16-1894
Keehn Harriet E, 87, died at the home of her son, Dr. Charles G. Keehn here Monday. She was born in Noble County on the Shobe estate. Surviving are 2 sons, Dr. C. G. Keehn, Ligonier, and attorney R. D. Keehn of Chicago, 2 daughters, Mrs. Louis Shearer and Mrs. Joe Kimmell of Ligonier; a sister, Mrs. Theodore Buchtel of Ligonier, and a brother Harrison Keehn of Wolcottville. Funeral this afternoon from the residence of Dr. Keehn. Burial, Oak Park Cemetery. Ligonier Leader 8-16-1922 Contributed by Judy Richter.
Keehn Roy D, 71, former commander of the 33rd division of the Illinois National Guard, died in Chicago Monday. He was born in Ligonier on Nov. 7, 1877. He studied law at the University of Chicago, receiving degrees in 1902 and 1904. He was assistant corporation counsel for the Hearst papers in 1906 and 1907 and then was named attorney of the newspaper chain. He was William Randolph Hearst’s personal middle west representative for many years. He enlisted in the Army during WW I and served as a major in the judge advocate general’s department. He was named commander of the 33rd division in 1927 and held that post until he resigned in 1940. The Army-Navy Journal charged at the time that he was compelled to step down because of political differences with Gov. Henry Horner. Included in the survivors is a brother, Dr. C. G. Keehn of Ligonier. + 2-?-1949
Keeler Beverly J, 89, of Kendallville, died February 11, 2014 in Miller's Merry Manor, LaGrange. She retired from Kraft Foods in 1987, after 37 years. She attended Faith United Methodist Church in Kendallville. She was born June 10, 1924, in Noble County to Zeno and Mildred (Dice) Haver. On October 24, 1948, in Garrett she married Judson Keeler. He died March 21, 2000. Funeral, February 12, 2014, in Young Family Funeral Home. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. ^ 2-13-2014
Keeley Verna, 85, formerly of Smalley Lake, died April 19 in Tarpon Springs, Fla. She was born Feb. 15, 1903 in Peru, the daughter of Edward and Nellie (Edson) Erlenbaugh. She was a former bookkeeper at Cle-Mar Trucking and a member of St. Charles Catholic Church, Peru. Her husband, Paul, died in 1961. Her only survivor is a sister, Helen Dancey of Peru. Mass will be read Wednesday in St. Patrick’s Church, Ligonier. + 4-19-1988
Keeley William P, 62, of Cromwell, died Saturday in Whitley County Hospital. Surviving are the widow, Verna; two daughters; one sister; and seven grandchildren. Services in St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Ligonier Tuesday. Burial, Thorn Cemetery. + 2-?-1961
Keen Boyd was born on a farm in Richland township, DeKalb County August 2, 1870, being one of a family of six children. His early life was spent on the home farm, and twenty-four years ago he came to Kendallville. For the last 18 years he had been a mail clerk, with a run on the New York Central. He was united in marriage to Zoe Kriwitz. To this union two children were born, George, at home and Fredericka, now Mrs. Ted Husselman of Cincinnati, Ohio. Other surviving relatives include 4 brothers and one sister, Amos and John Keen, of DeKalb County, Henry of Auburn, Wesley of Garrett, and Mrs. Alvira Bloodhart of Nebraska. Funeral Thursday.  Burial, Lake View Cemetery. ^ 2-21-1923 (Contributed by Judy Richter)
Keen Wayne L, 63, of R. 1, Hudson, died Monday in Medco Plaza, Fort Wayne. He was an assistant cost analyst for Cooper Industrial Products for 19 years. He was a WW II Army veteran and a member of the Amateur Radio Club. He was born March 3, 1926 in Fort Wayne to the late Royal and Alidea (Hathaway) Keen. He married Charlotte A. Ensign on March 30, 1950 in Huntington. Surviving are his wife; a son, Charles of Columbia City; three daughters, Becky Beaver of Leesburg, Jan Hatton of Fort Wayne, and Nila Ward of Kendallville; one brother, Lyle of Fort Wayne; one sister, Pat Draper of Tri Lakes; and 8 grandchildren. Graveside services Friday in Roselawn Cemetery, Auburn. + 11-6-1989
Keen Zoe M, 77, Kendallville, died last night in the home of son, George, in Middletown, Wis. She was born July 16, 1874, and married Mr. Keen July 16, 1895. Surviving besides the son is a daughter, Mrs. A. E. Dougherty, Knightstown; one sister, Mrs. Augusto Spiegel, Fort Wayne and one brother, Frank A. Kriwitz, Chicago. Services Monday in A. J.Berhalter Funeral HOme. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. ^ 12-1-1951 (Contributed by Judy Richter)
Keenan Burton, 79, of Bradenton, Fla., died there Saturday at Cora Lou Mora Care Center. He was born in Toledo, Ohio, March 5, 1906 to James and Irena (Becker) Keenan. On Aug. 16, 1936 he married Mary Mach. A dentist in Kendallville for 40 years, he graduated from St. Louis University of Missouri with a degree in dentistry and oral surgery in 1935. He was a Lt. Col. in the U. S. Army Air Corps’ Dental Unit during WW II and a lifetime member of the Elks Lodge and Psi Omega dental fraternity. The only survivors are his wife, nieces and nephews. A brother and four sisters preceded him in death. Services Friday at Mast & Mach Funeral Home, Defiance. Burial, Riverside Cemetery, Defiance. + 6-26-1985
Keenan Stephanie Cecelia, 50, died unexpectedly Sept. 2, 2009 at her Albion home. She was born March 16, 1959 in Bethlehem, Pa., the daughter of Stephen Herstich and Delores (Dawson) Covey. She married Douglas L. Keenan on May 24, 1980 in Bethlehem, Pa. She was a 1977 graduate of Liberty High School in Bethlehem and receive her bachelor's degree in 2008 from Purdue University. She was a nursing lab instructor at IPFW in Fort Wayne and was a member of Berean Baptist Church in Albion, Phi Theta Kappa and Sigma Theta Tau Honor societies. Surviving are a son and daughter-in-law, Stuart and Michelle Keenan of Muncie; a daughter and son-in-law, Nicole and Kyle Lintner of Eau Claire, Wis., her mother of Danielsville, Pa., her father of Whitehaven, Pa.; 2 brothers, Nicholas Garcia and Stephen Herstich; 3 sisters, Caroline Herstich of Bethleham, Pa., Carla Garcia of Brooklyn, N.Y., and Cindy Westerser of Bethlehem, Pa. Funeral Sept. 7 at Berean Baptist Church. Burial, Rose Hill Cemetery. ^ 9-5-2009
Keene Burnice, 31, was shot to death at the home of Robert Farrell, 308 E. Lisle St. After the shooting Farrell reportedly went to a neighbor’s house and said, "Call the police, I just shot my brother-in-law." Details are sketchy but one source indicated that Keene and another man forced their way into Farrell’s house with the intent of doing him harm. Keene lived at 1105 Garden St. with his wife, the former Lucille Blankenship, and his four children, Belvice June, Thelma Lou, Shirley Ann and Burnice Lee. He had been a Kendallville resident for the past three years, having come here from W. Va., and was employed at Reliable Tool & Machine Co. He was born Nov. 11, 1939 in Panther, W. Va. His parents, James E. and Thelma (Vance) Keene, 116 Henry St., survive, as well as two grandmothers, Mrs. Patsy Reppieth, Panther, and Mrs. Martha Elizabeth Keene, Bradshaw, W. Va. Two brothers preceded him in death. Surviving brothers and sisters are Verner, Jesse, Carl Ray, William Everett, Bobby Lee, Newton McKinley, Jerry, Pinkie Lou and Martha Jane Keen, Ruby Jean Farrell, all of Kendallville, and Miles Keene, Panther. Funeral Monday in W. Va. Burial, Vance Cemetery, Paynesville, W. Va. +11-?-1970
Keene Lucille, 69, of Rome City, died July 1, 2012 at Parkview Regional Medical Center, Fort Wayne.  She was born Dec. 19, 1942 in Blackey, Va. to Chapel and Mary (Mounts) Blankenship.  She is survived by 2 sons, Bernard Keene of Ashley and Johnny (Heather) Cole of Wawaka; 4 daughters, Belva Elliott of Staten Islahnd, N.Y., Thelma Lester of Bartley, W.Va., Shirley (Johnny) Gibson of Ill., and Malinda Mathieu of Waterloo; a stepdaughter; 20 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.  She was prece\eded in death by her husband, Bernice Keene; 3 grandchildren; and 2 brothers, Albert and Ulys Matney.  Service Firday at Salem United Baptist Church.  Burial, Orange Cemetery.  ^ 7-3-2012
Keener Catherine, 74, was found dead in bed Thursday by Adam Barcus. Surviving are two nieces, Mrs. Barcus of Churubusco and Mrs. Amos Whitney of Douglass, Kan. Funeral at Christian Chapel, Merriam, and burial made there. + 2-?-1923
Keener James L, 74, R. 2, LaGrange, died Friday at McCray Hospital. Born Nov. 16, 1910 in Randolph County, he was the son of John Thomas and Mabel Grace (Ward) Keener. He married Frances Richardson in Avilla in 1936. She died Jan. 2, 1977. He was a retired station agent for the Pennsylvania Railroad and a member of the Eagles Lodge, Kendallville. Surviving are two sisters, Mrs. Helen Glaze of Lancaster, Calif., and Mrs. Roberta Horsewood of Getzville, N.Y. One sister and two brothers preceded him in death. Private gravesite services Monday at Woodland Cemetery, Wolcottville. + 10-4-1985
Keener John Tom, about 68, (b. 4-16-1886) died suddenly Oct. 9, 1954 at his home five miles east of Albion from a heart attack. Formerly a resident of Winchester, he had lived in the Albion community for about 10 years. He is survived by his widow, Florence; two daughters, Mrs. Wayne Horsewood of Churubusco, and Mrs. Thomas Glaze of Riverside, Calif.; two sons, Marvin and James, both of near Kendallville; two sisters, Mrs. Clayton Brumley of Winchester, and Mrs. Hugh McGuire of Terre Haute; two brothers, Charles and Nichols of Winchester; and one grandchild. Funeral Monday at Bonham & Miser Funeral Home. Burial, Woodlawn Cemetery near Winchester. + 10-?-1954
Keener Mabel Grace, about 56, of northeast of Albion, died Dec. 19, 1947 at McCray Hospital. She was born at Farmland, Ind. Sept. 14, 1891. She became the bride of John T. Keener Feb. 26, 1910 at Winchester, where they resided previous to moving to Noble County. Surviving are the husband; two sons and two daughters, James L. of Fountain City, Marvin at home, Mrs. Helen Glaze of Fort Wayne, and Roberta L. at home; a brother, Ward of Battle Creek, Mich.; a sister, Mrs. Samuel Herman of Toledo, Ohio; and two half-brothers, Will Ward of Winchester and Charles Pickett of Bryan, Ohio. Funeral in a funeral home in Winchester where interment was at the Woodlawn Cemetery. + 12-?-1947
Keener Marvin L, 55, of Naples, Fla. died in the VA Hospital, St. Petersburg. The former Kendallville resident was a veteran of WW II and the Korean Conflict. Surviving are his wife, Phyllis; a daughter, Kristen; a brother, Lorin of Turkey Lake; two sisters, Helen Glaze of Lancaster, Calif., and Roberta Horsewood of Getzville, N. Y.; and one granddaughter. Services Oct. 7 in Casto Funeral Chapel in Naples, followed by cremation and burial in Arlington, Va. + 10-5-1981
Keener Shane L, 17, died Saturday in Whitley County Hospital. He worked at C&R Plating Co. and formerly attended Central Noble High School. He is survived by his parents, Leslie and Barbara of Columbia City; two brothers, one sister; and his grandparents, Bernard and Mary Skinner of Albion, Ruth Horn of Pierceton, and Francis Keener of North Webster. Funeral Tuesday in Hollingsworth Memorial Chapel in Columbia City. Burial, Thorn Cemetery. + 5-23-1988
Keener Teddy G, 58, of Churubusco, died Jan. 30, 2002 at home. He worked as a dental technician in Ill. and Tenn.; and for Weatherhead of Syracuse and for Essex, and retired from Dana Corp. in 1981. He was a member of Sugar Grove Church of God. He was born Dec. 19, 1943 in Warsaw to Kenneth and Mary (Bowman) Keener. On Feb. 3, 1973 in Columbia City he married Cheryl Meyer. Surviving are his wife; 4 sons and daughters-in-law, Derrick and Christine, Devin and Stacy, Dane and Freedom and Dru and Tracy Keener of Churubusco; 7 grandchildren, Jay, Justin, Jessica, Allison, Nicole, Nathaniel and Larissa; a brother, Jack of Middlebury. Services Tuesday at Sugar Grove Church of God. Burial, Christian Chapel Cemetery. ^ 2-1-2002
Keep Betty J, 83, of Kendallville died Jan. 20, 2011, in the Chandler House. She was born in Noble County December 22, 1927, to Alvin and Emelia (Dyk) Kammerer. She married Winfred Keep on January 2, 1981 in Kendallville. He died September 15, 2002. She worked for Indiana Bell Telephone in Kendallville for 8 years and Kraft Foods in Kendallville for 16 years, before retiring in 1985. She was a member of the St. John Lutheran Church in Kendallville. Survivors include a son, Gary Kimpel of Kendallville; and a sister, June Bricker of Kendallville. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Kathy Jean Kimpel June 20, 1961; 2 brothers, Harold Kammerer and Robert Kammerer. Funeral Jan. 24, 2011 at Hite Funeral Home. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. ^ 1-21-2011
Keep Winfred A, 79, died Sept. 15, 2002 at Parkview Noble Hospital. He was a 1942 graduate of Butler High School and worked for 32 years at Hendrickson Tandem Corp. in Butler, retiring in 1985. He was a member of Indian Village Church of God in Auburn. He was born Sept. 6, 1923 in DeKalb County to Winn Powers and Lulu B. (Showalter) Keep. He married Betty Jean Kammerer on Jan. 2, 1981 at St. John Lutheran Church in Kendallville. Surviving are his wife; 2 sons and daughters-in-law, Alan and Linda Keep of Martinsville and Emerson Keep of Fort Wayne; a daughter and son-in-law, Corinne and Choi Holtzberg of Fort Wayne; a stepson; grandchildren, Brent and Ashley Holtzberg, Shawn Hicks and Jason Keep. One brother, Edwin, preceded him in death. Services Wednesday at Hite Funeral Home. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. ^ 9-16-2002
Keesee Ruth M H Gordon, 76, formerly of R. 2, Churubusco, died Nov. 6 in Columbia City Care Center. She was born May 7, 1911 in Allen County, the daughter of Howard W. and Mary E. (Smith) Roberson. She married Alpheus Gordon April 17, 1928 in Fort Wayne. He preceded her in death in 1955. On April 7, 1977 she married Carl Keesee in Ocala, Fla. He survives in Gallipolis, Ohio. She lived most of her life in the Churubusco area. She was a member of Eel River Baptist Church and a life member of Pulaski County American Legion Auxiliary. Surviving are her husband; three daughters, Mrs. Charles (Martha) Pettigrew of Columbia City, Mrs. John (Lee Hannah) Reinewald, New Haven, and Mrs. Michael (Grace) Ewald of Farmington, N.M.; four sons, Don Gordon of Monroeville, Wayne Gordon of the Republic of Panama, Dale Gordon of LaOtto, and Phil Gordon of Columbia City; a sister, Mrs. Edwin (Lucille) Werling of Decatur; 32 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. Services Monday in Orr Funeral Home in Churubusco. Burial, Eel River Cemetery. ~ 11-10-1987
Keesler Henry C "Hank", 73, R. 1, Auburn, was born in St. Joe Feb. 5, 1908, the son of Samuel and Caroline (Bell) Keesler. He married Pearl L. Riggs Feb. 4, 1928. Surviving are the wife; a son, DeWayne "Buck", R. 1, Auburn; three daughters, Mrs. Glee Norden, R. 1, Avilla, Mrs. Joy Larkin, Decatur, and Mrs. Gay Herrick, R. 1, Butler; one brother, Walter, St. Joe; one sister, Mrs. Doris Weiser, St. Joe; 16 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. One sister preceded him in death. He was a former employee of the Auburn-Cord-Duesenburg plant and owned Hank’s Upholstery east of Auburn. Services Sunday at the Feller Funeral Home in Waterloo. Burial, Woodlawn Cemetery. ~ 8-6-1981
Keesler Pearl L, 78, died Sunday in DeKalb Hospital. She was a school teacher 27 years, a homemaker, and a member of Trinity Lutheran Church. She was born Feb. 6, 1907 in Union Twp, DeKalb County, the daughter of Phillip and Nettie (Myers) Riggs. She married Henry C. Keesler Feb. 4, 1928 in Auburn. He died July 30, 1981. Surviving are a son, DeWayne (Buck) of Auburn; three daughters, Glee Norden of Avilla, Gay Herrick, Butler and Joy Larkin, Greenwood, S.C.; a brother, Roy, Butler; 16 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren. A sister, Olive, preceded her in death. Services Wednesday in Trinity Lutheran Church, Auburn. Burial, Woodlawn Cemetery. ~ 8-29-1985
Keever Wilma Pauline, 86, of The Lamplighter, Kendallville, died Thursday in Parkview Hospital. Born in Rome City July 21, 1902, she was the daughter of William J. and Vivian (Underwood) Baumgartner. She had been employed by General Electric Co. 20 years and was a member of First Baptist Church, Wolcottville, St. John Lutheran Church, Kendallville, and Rome City OES. Her husband, Glenn C., died April 12, 1970. Survivors are a son, Jon of Algonac, Mich.; two cousins, Gertrude Probst of Kendallville, and Mary Ackerman of Wolcottville; and three grandchildren. Services Sunday in Hite Funeral Home, Kendallville. Burial, Arlington National Cemetery. + 7-28-1988
Kegerreis Voyance I was born March 20, 1902 and died Dec. 10, 1960. Services at Bonham & Miser Funeral Home, Albion, Dec. 13. Burial, Garden of Memory, Muncie. + 12-?-1960
Kehler May N, 95, of Ligonier, died Wednesday in Heritage Manor Health Care Center, Ligonier. Surviving are two nieces, Wilda Woehr and Mary Josephine Lawson, both Ligonier. She was born Jan. 27, 1891 in Fort Wayne, the daughter of George and Grace (Thralls) Kehler. She had resided in Fort Wayne until moving to Ligonier in 1975. She had been secretary to the president of Wayne Knitting Mills for 50 years and was a member of First Church of Christ Scientist, Fort Wayne. No services. Burial, Nolt Cemetery, Columbia City. + 3-11-1987
Keidash Amy B, 58, died last Tuesday at the Mt. Vernon Manor Nursing Home, Fort Lauderdale, Fla. She was born in Goshen on June 15, 1911 and was married to Fred Keidaish June 20, 1934. She had been employed as a secretary for many years at the McConnell Map Co. in Goshen. She also assisted in the operation of the family business, the Keidaish Vending Co. She was a 1929 graduate of Goshen High School. Surviving are the husband; two daughters, Mrs. Mark (Mary Kristna) Winger, Marion, and Kathleen at home; a son, Philip, Goshen; six grandchildren; two brothers, Philip Bonfield, Ligonier, and Louis Bonfield, Michigan City. Service Saturday at St. John’s Catholic Church in Goshen. Burial, Violett Cemetery. + 1-?-1970
Keifer Mary Magdalene, pioneer of Orange Twp, died Tuesday. She had almost reached her 90th year, lacking less than a month of being that age. She is a widow of the late George Keifer and has lived on the same farm for more than 55 years. She leaves 2 daughters, Mrs. L. A. Rawson and Mrs. D. L. Sower; 5 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. Funeral will be Thursday at Center Chapel. ^ 12-24-1908 The daughter of Henry and Mary C. Sower, she was born in Mercer County, Penn. Jan. 19, 1819; died at her home 4 ½ miles northwest of Kendallville Dec. 22, aged 89 years 11 months and 3 days. She was one of a family of 9 children, all living to a ripe old age. Her childhood days were spent among the mountains of Center County, Penn. In 1835 she with her parents emigrated to Morrow County, O., where in 1839 she married John George Keifer. They had 3 daughters, one dying in infancy. In 1853 the family moved in an emigrant wagon to Indiana, locating in Noble County, at the place she lived until her death. She was a member of the Methodist Protestant Church, a charter member of a class formed in 1855 which held its meetings in a school house then known as the Watkins school house near the present site of Center Chapel. She also leaves 2 sisters and one brother. ^ 12-31-1908
Keim Lloyd D, 75, R. 1, Wawaka, died today at McCray Hospital. Born Nov. 19, 1899 at Ligonier, he married Madge Prough at Millersburg on March 4, 1922. A retired farmer, he resided at Wawaka the last 48 years. He was a member of the Cosperville Baptist Church and the Masonic Lodge, Albion. He is survived by the widow and two daughters, Mrs. Wilton (Ruby) Phares, Ligonier, and Mrs. Phillip (Leila) Edwards, Kimmell; two brothers; one sister; and nine grandchildren. Services Tuesday at Ulrey Funeral Home, Ligonier. Burial, Oak Park Cemetery. + 8-?-1975
Keim Madge, 96, of R. 1, Wawaka, died Sunday in Kendallville Manor Health Care Center. She was born Dec.4, 1894 in Elkhart County, the daughter of Edward L. and Savilla (Luke) Prough. On March 4, 1922 in Millersburg, she married Lloyd D. Keim. He died in 1975. She moved from South Bend to Wawaka in 1929. She was a homemaker and a member of Cosperville Baptist Church. Surviving are two daughters, Mrs. Wilton (Ruby) Phares of Ligonier, and Leila Edwards of Kimmell; 9 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren. A brother, four sisters and one great-grandchild preceded her in death. Services Wednesday in Orr Funeral Home, Ligonier. Burial, Oak Park Cemetery. + 3-3-1991
Keim Phillip H, 89, a resident of Kendallville 16 years, died today in McCray Hospital. Born March 31, 1881 in Ill., he was the son of Phillip H. and Regina Keim and was married to Minnie May Varno who died in 1952. He was a retired accountant for the Poll Electric Co. in Toledo. He moved to Kendallville from Carmi, Ill. Mrs. Forrest Grubb, a niece, survives. A daughter and several brothers and sisters preceded him in death. Graveside services in Lake View Cemetery. + 6-?-1970
Keirn Dennis E, 89, of R. 3, Albion, died Monday (d. 6-8-1981) at the Kendallville Nursing Home following a heart attack. Born March 15, 1892, he was the son of Isaac and Martha (Cooperrider) Keirn. On Dec. 17, 1912 he married Goldie Hazen. She preceded him in death. On Nov. 16, 1935 he married Louise Walker. He had spent his youth in Larwill and Pierceton, lived in Whitley County, and in 1938 moved to a farm at R. 3, Albion. He retired in 1961 from International Harvester and was a member of Wesleyan Methodist Church. Surviving are his wife; three daughters, Mrs. Velma Walker of R. 7, Columbia City, Mrs. Marie Smuck of Van Buren, and Mrs. Carolyn Jones of R. 3, Albion; three sons, Clifford of R. 2, Columbia City, Herbert of Mentone, and Rick of R. 3, Albion; 22 grandchildren; and 30 great-grandchildren. Services Friday at Smith & Son Funeral Home, Columbia City. Burial, Blue River Cemetery. + 6-?-1981
Keirn Donald, 3-year old son of Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Keirn, toppled into a stock watering tank Sunday. When his mother called to him and he did not answer a search of the barnyard revealed the lifeless body at the bottom of the tank. The Keirns reside about two and one-half miles northeast of Albion. The child was born near Columbia City but the family have resided in Jefferson Twp about two years. Surviving are the parents and two half-brothers and two half-sisters. Funeral Tuesday at Albion Wesleyan Methodist Church. Burial, Blue River Cemetery. + 9-?-1939
Keirn Lawrence L, 50, of Columbia City, died Tuesday in a construction accident in Fort Wayne. He was born Jan. 14, 1937 in Whitley County to Gerald and Vivian (Farris) Keirn. On April 27, 1957 he married Anna L. Anderson. He had worked for John Dehner Construction, Fort Wayne, for 25 years. He was a member of Oak Grove United Methodist Church. Surviving are his wife; his parents in Larwill; two daughters, Diane Kreider of Albion, and Connie Frentz of Syracuse; a son, Jeff of Paris, Ill.; a sister, Eva Lou Perry of Peoria, Ariz.; and three grandsons. Services Friday in Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City, with burial in South Whitley Cemetery. + 7-12-1987
Keiser George, 88, a resident of LaOtto since the age of seven, died March 4 in Turtle Creek Convalescent Center, Fort Wayne, of complications of old age. He was a laborer with McDuffee Saw Mill for many years. He was born to Andrew and Eliza Keiser on Aug. 2, 1881 and never married. Surviving are two half-sisters, Mrs. John E. Young, Hollandale, Fla., and Mrs. Lester Klopfenstein, R. 2, Columbia City. Funeral Friday in McKee Funeral Home, Garrett. Burial, Lake View Cemetery. ~ 3-12-1970 + 3-4-1970
Keister Albert, about 77, died Sept. 17, 1965 at his home in Merriam. He is survived by his wife, Gertrude, three sons, two daughters, nine grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, two brothers and one sister. Funeral Monday from a Churubusco funeral home. + 9-?-1965
Keister Andrew H, about 77, (b. 10-29-1869) died Jan. 10, 1947 at the home of his son, Chester, three miles northeast of Albion. Also surviving are sons Harvey of Wolf Lake, and Clarence of Albion; two daughters, Mrs. Ernest Michael of Wolf Lake and Mrs. Herbert Peffly of Elkhart; 22 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. Funeral at Bonham & Miser Funeral Home Monday. Burial, Christian Chapel Cemetery. + 1-?-1947
Keister Arthur L, 88, of Burr Oak died January 7, 2013. He was born April 21, 1924, in Noble County, a son of Thurlo and Venis (Winebrenner) Keister. He graduated from Wolf Lake High School in 1942. He served in the United States Army during World War II. A farmer, he worked for International Harvester in Fort Wayne, retiring in 1978.  On May 31, 1947, he married Betty J. Brackney. He was a member of Merriam Christian Chapel Church. Surviving relatives include his wife; 2 children, Daniel R. (Mary) Keister and Jane (Harold) Weaver, all of Albion; 8 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and a brother, Lester “Pete” Keister of Albion. He was preceded in death by a son and daughter-in-law, Nick (Pam) Keister; a brother, Calvin Keister; and a sister, Naomi Gaff. Funeral Thursday at Merriam Christian Chapel. Burial, Christian Chapel Cemetery with military honors. ^ 1-8-2013
Keister Barbara R, 75, of rural Albion, died June 18, 2000 at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne. She was born in Albion January 10, 1925 to Harry and Edith (Homsher) Brackney. On February 14, 1948 in Noble County she married Paul E. Keister. He survives. She grew up in Noble Twp and was a 1943 graduate of Albion High School. The couple spent the early years of their marriage on a farm in Jefferson Twp and had lived since then in Green Twp for more than 40 years. She was employed as a cafeteria cook at the former Green Twp Elementary School for several years and had been an Avon representative. She was a member of Merriam Christian Chapel. Also surviving are a daughter and son-in-law, Betty Ann and William Pappe of Albion; a son and daughter-in-law, Matt P. and Laurie Keister of Avilla; a twin sister and brother-in-law, Betty and Art Keister of Albion; and 5 grandchildren, Cliff Pappe, Teresa Hursey, Abbey, Logan and Clair Keister. Services in Merriam Christian Chapel. Burial Christian Chapel Cemetery. ~ 6-29-2000
Keister Calvin W, 89, died March 8, 2007 at Parkview Hospital, Fort Wayne. He was born November 23, 1917 in Merriam to Thurlo L. and Venis (Winebrenner) Keister. He married Naomi Ruth Skeels. A graduate of Wolf Lake High School, he had lived on a farm near Pleasant Lake since 1943, and since 1980 wintered in Winter Haven, Fla. He farmed, worked at General Electric for 10 years and retired from Tokheim with 28 years of service. He was a member of Berean Baptist Church in Albion and member of Noble County Farm Bureau. Surviving are his wife; a daughter and son-in-law, Penny and Thomas Farrington of Sarasota, Fla.; 3 grandchildren, Angela and Scott Farrington and LeeAnn Groben; 2 brothers, Arthur and Lester of Albion. He was preceded in death by an infant son, Terry David; and a sister, Naomi Gaff. Services Monday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home in Columbia City. Burial, Christian Chapel Cemetery. ^ 3-10-2007
Keister Chester L, 92, R. 1, Albion, died Saturday in Parkview Hospital. He was born in Noble County Sept. 8, 1892, the son of Andrew H. and Avaline (Addis) Keister. He married Sylvia Kichler Nov. 18, 1914 at the Lutheran parsonage in Albion. A retired farmer and lifelong resident of Noble County, he was a 50-year member of Modern Woodmen. Surviving are his wife; one foster daughter, Dorothy Workman, Fort Wayne; one son, Vance C., R. 1, Albion; a foster son, David L. Smith, R. 1, Albion; two sisters, Kathryn Michael, Wolf Lake, and Elmina Peffly, Elkhart; and one brother, Harvey, R. 2, Albion; six grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren. One son preceded him in death. Services Monday at Brazzell Funeral Home. Burial, Sweet Cemetery. ~ 8-1-1985 + 7-27-1985
Keister Clarence H, 75, R. 4, Albion, was pronounced dead on arrival at McCray Hospital Thursday (d. 3-27-1975). He was born Sept. 18, 1899 to Andrew and Aveline (Addis) Keister. He married Maude F. October, 1925 in Ohio. He was a retired employee of the B&O Railroad and a farmer. He was a charter member of the Eagles. Surviving are his wife; four daughters, Eloise Miller, Albion, Dorothy Workman, Fort Wayne, Betty Schlotter, Midwest City, Okla., and Patricia Iddings, Albion; four sons, Vance, R. 4, Albion, Andrew, Ithaca, N.Y., Loren, Albion, and Clarence, Joliet, Ill.; two sisters, Kathryn Michael, Wolf Lake, and Minnie Peffly, Elkhart; two brothers, Chet, Albion, and Harvey, Wolf Lake; 37 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Funeral Saturday in Brazzell Funeral Home, Albion. Burial, Christian Chapel Cemetery. + 3-?-1975
Keister Dale Harris, 68, of R. 1, Albion, died Saturday (d. 10-22-1983) at the emergency room of McCray Hospital. He was born Sept. 28, 1915 in Merriam, the son of Chester and Sylvia (Kichler) Keister. On Aug. 1, 1936 he married Velma Traster. He was a retired employee of Rieth-Riley and a member of the FOP in Albion. Surviving are his wife; his parents; three daughters, Mrs. Jesse (Nancy) Belcher of Albion, Mrs. Jay (Linda) Keck of Wolcottville; and Jane, Albion; a son, Ron of Wolcottville; two brothers, John and Vance, Albion; and five grandchildren. Services Tuesday at Brazzell Funeral Home. Burial, Sweet Cemetery. + 10-22-1983
Keister Dorothy M, 70, Albion, died Friday at McCray Hospital. She was born Nov. 20, 1918 in Kendallville, the daughter of Earl and Bessie Sibert. She married Vance Keister Nov. 20, 1937 in Albion, and he died in 1986. Surviving are a daughter, Mrs. Tony (Mary) Black, Albion; a brother, Kenneth of Avilla; and two grandchildren. A son, Joe, died in 1952. She was also preceded in death by four brothers. Services Sunday at Brazzell Funeral Home in Albion. Burial, Sweet Cemetery. ~ 5-23-1989 + 5-19-1989
Keister Emma L, 49, died Sept. 29, 1943. The wife of Elba Keister, she is survived by the husband; five children, Edith, Ruth, Velma, George and Dorothy, all at home; and one brother, Wesley Sutton of Long Beach, Calif. She served overseas during WW I with the nursing corps and was a member of the Albion American Legion Post. She was a native of New York. Funeral Saturday at the home near Merriam. + 9-?-1943
Keister Gary J, 68, of Kendallville, died April 4, 2012 at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne. He was born in Albion on Jan. 12, 1944, to John W. and Lucille (Wolf) Keister.On Oct. 22, 1965, he married Cheryl Hankinson in Kendallville. He was an inspector at Dometic of LaGrange and retired from there after 34 years of service. He served in the U. S. Navy and was a member of the American Legion Post 86 in Kendallville. Surviving are his wife; sons Garry T. (Starr) Keister of Kendallville and Terry L. (Melissa) Keister of Wolcottville; 10 grandchildren, Shane Conley, Shawn Keister, Dakota Keister, Cory Cornett, Zakery Cornett, Brandon Keister, Tiffany Keister, Dylan Keister, Maggie Keister and Courtney Hall; 3 great-grandchildren; and a sister and brother-in-law, Becky and Edward Moorehouse of Albion. Funeral Friday at Brazzell Funeral Home, Albion. Cremation will take place. ^ 4-5-2012
Keister George W, about 23, (b. 3-1-1928) died Oct. 17, 1951 at Cincinnati following an accident in which he was involved while driving a semi-trailer truck. In order to avoid the possible killing of five other people who seemingly had disregarded a road sign, he applied his air brakes full power. The truck jackknifed, became uncoupled and crushed him when he was thrown from the cab. Surviving are the father, Elba; four sisters, Mrs. Robert Vance of Ligonier, Mrs. David Coleman of Goshen, Miss Ruth of Chicago and Miss Velma with whom he made his home at R. 4, Albion near Merriam. Funeral Saturday at Merriam Christian Chapel. Burial, Christian Chapel Cemetery. + 10-?-1951
Keister Gerald "Dean", 65, of R. 2, Albion, died at his home April 7. He was born in Noble County Dec. 5, 1913, a son of Albert and Gertrude Addis Keister. He married Marjorie Kidd Feb. 20, 1938 and they lived in Albion and Columbia City before moving to their home at Merriam 33 years ago. He was employed by Fruehauf Corp. in Fort Wayne and most recently employed at Limberlost Country Club, Rome City. Survivors include his wife; two sisters, Mrs. Harry Reed and Miss Ruby Keister, both of Albion; and two brothers, Nelson of Tri-Lakes, and Robert of Columbia City. Services at Sheets Funeral Home in Churubusco April 10. Burial, Rose Hill Cemetery. ~ 4-12-1979 + 4-7-1979
Keister Gertrude, 76, of Merriam, a native of Noble County, died Wednesday of last week in the home of her daughter, Mrs. Bernice Cooper in Albion. Born Sept. 24, 1889, she was the daughter of Samuel and Eva Kepford Addis. She was married in 1912 to Albert Keister, who died Sept. 17, 1965. She was a member of Merriam Christian Chapel. Surviving besides Mrs. Cooper are another daughter, Miss Ruby Keister, at home; three sons, Gerald, R. 2, Albion, and Nelson and Robert, both R. 4, Columbia City; 9 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren; one brother, Cyril Addis, R. 2, Albion. Two brothers and three sisters preceded her in death. Services in Sonday & Sheets Funeral Home, Churubusco, Saturday. Burial, Christian Chapel Cemetery. ~ 12-9-1965 + 12-?-1965
Keister Gertrude, about 67, of Albion, died Jan. 8, 1949 at the Blodgett Hospital in Grand Rapids, Mich. She became ill while in Fla. 6 weeks ago with her husband George. Surviving are the husband; two sons, Chester Hill, Cincinnati, and Foster Hill, Grand Rapids; three grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. She was a member of the Albion EUB Church and the Albion Literary and Historical Club. Funeral Tuesday at Grand Rapids and burial was at Morley, Michigan. + 1-?-1949
Keister Grace L, of rural Albion died July 31, 2011, at Parkview Whitley Hospital. She was born in Churubusco on November 26, 1930, a daughter of Ralph and Effie (Tarlton) Shanabarger. She graduated from Churubusco High School in 1948. On July 7, 1951, she married Lester “Pete” Keister. For 45 years she assisted her husband in the operation of the Merriam Feed Mill, retiring from there in 1993. She was a member of the Merriam Christian Chapel. Surviving are her husband; a son, Gary (Norma) Keister of Goshen; 2 daughters, Marcia (Steve) Provines of Auburn and Deb (Bill) Smith of Wawaka; a brother, Morris “Bill” Shanabarger of Churubusco; a sister, Norma Waters of Muldrow, Oklahoma; 9 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by 3 brothers, Robert, Lee and Glenn Shanabarger; and a great-grandchild, Adara Grace Clark. Funeral August 4 at Merriam Christian Chapel. Burial, Christian Chapel Cemetery. ^ 8-2-2011
Keister Harvey J, 90, died Jan. 26, 2000 in the emergency room of McCray Hospital. He was born Feb. 13, 1909 in Noble County to Andrew H. and Eveline V. (Addis) Keister. On April 25, 1931 he married Mary VanWagner. She died Dec. 22, 1975. He retired after 30 years with Dana Weatherhead Corp. and was a lifetime farmer. Surviving are a daughter, Mrs. Donnie (Allegra) Melvin of Albion; and a granddaughter, Holly Melvin. He was also preceded in death by his brothers and sisters. Graveside services Friday in Wolf Lake Cemetery. + 1-26-2000
Keister John, 94 years and 10 days, died early Wednesday at the home of his daughter, Mrs. C. F. Beers, south of Kimmell. He was one of the oldest residents of the county, was born here and had spent his entire life in the vicinity. He is survived by 9 children, his wife and one daughter, Mrs. Charles Bender having preceded him in death. The sons are Tom of Washington Twp, George of Fort Wayne, and Lee of Wolf Lake; the daughters, Mrs. E. L. Prickett, Mrs. C. B. Butz, Mrs. Claude Kimmell, Mrs. C. F. Beers, Mrs. M. L. Beers, and Mrs. C. L. Surfus. + 6-?-1935
Keister John, 78, of Albion, died Dec. 3 in his residence. He was born Oct. 17, 1919 in Merriam to Chester and Sylvia (Kichler) Keister. On July 4, 1940 he married Lucille Wolfe. She died March 24, 1987. A retired truck driver, farmer and tavern owner, he was a lifetime Noble County resident. He was a 48-year member of Albion Lodge 97 F&AM, a 38-year member of Mizpah Shrine of Fort Wayne and a charter member of Golden Age FOE 2455, Albion. Surviving are a daughter, Becky Moorhouse of Albion; a son, Gary of Howe; 5 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and a brother, Davis L. Smith of Albion. He was preceded in death by 2 brothers, Vance and Dale Keister. Funeral in Brazzell Funeral Home, Albion. Burial, Sweet Cemetery. ~ 12-11-1997
Keister Leland J "Tater", 25, (b. 11-9-1961) R.2, Albion, died March 3, 1987 as the result of injuries suffered when his 1966 Chevrolet left the road while eastbound and struck an embankment and then collided with a tree on CR 300N about ½ mile west of Albion. He was born in Whitley County to Loren J. and Karen K. Lewallen Keister, R. 2, Albion, who survive. He was a mechanic at Jim’s Service Center in Albion, a member of the Maple Grove Mennonite Church in Topeka, and Albion Eagles Aerie. Other survivors are two sisters, Marilyn Keister and Loraine J. Smith, Albion; two brothers, Timothy (John) and Russell L., Albion; and grandparents, Maude Keister, R. 4, Albion, and Maurice and Ruby Lewallen of North Webster. Services Thursday in Brazzell Funeral Home, Albion. Burial, Christian Chapel Cemetery. + 3-3-1987
Keister Lucille E, 64, R. 1, Albion, died March 24 in Kendallville Manor. She was born June 30, 1922, the daughter of Walter and Ruth (Gillian) Wolf. She married John Keister July 4, 1940 in Avilla. She was retired from the Agricultural Stabilization Conservation Service and was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Avilla. Surviving are her husband; a daughter, Becky Moorhouse of Albion; a son, Garry, Wolcottville; her stepmother, Freda Wolf of Avilla; two sisters, Laverne Bowman of Waterloo, and Delores Martin of Angola; a brother, Glenn, Kendallville; five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. A brother, Lawrence, preceded her in death. Services Friday in Brazzell Funeral Home, Albion. Burial, Sweet Cemetery. ~ 4-2-1987 + 3-24-1987
Keister Margaret M, 65, (b. 1-16-1885 - d. 1-11-1951) died at her home near Albion last Thursday after a long illness. Surviving are two brothers, Elmer Wells, Avilla, and William Wells, Albion and a sister, Mrs. Forrest Parker of Albion. Services Saturday at Bonham & Miser Funeral Home in Albion. Burial, Christian Chapel Cemetery. ~ 1-18-1951
Keister Mary M, 69, R. 2, Albion, died last night (d. 12-22-1975) at her home. She was born Nov. 27, 1906 to Carl and Hattie (Grove) VanWagner. She married Harvey Keister on April 25, 1931. She was a member of the Wolf Lake Methodist Church, its WSCS, and Noble Twp Home Economics Club. Survivors include the husband; a daughter, Allegra at home; a brother, Bassill VanWagner, Wolcottville. Funeral Wednesday at Brazzell Funeral Home, Albion. Burial, Wolf Lake Cemetery. + 12-?-1975
Keister Maude F, 94, died Sunday in Extendacare Nursing Home in Kendallville. She was born Feb. 14, 1902 in Glouster, Ohio to Marion Daniel and Ella (Killingsworth) Thompson. She married Clarence H. Keister on Oct. 3, 1925 in Glouster. He died March 27, 1975. She was a charter member of Albion Eagles. Surviving are 4 daughters, Mrs. Roy (Eloise) Miller, Mrs. John (Dorothy) Workman and Mrs. Frank (Pat) Iddings of Albion, and Betty Schlotter of Alex, Okla.; 4 sons, Vance and Loren of Albion, Andrew of Aurora, N.Y., and Clarence "Amos" of Joliet, Ill.; 32 grandchildren; 60 great-grandchildren and 6 great-great-grandchildren. + 1-19-1997
Keister Millie, 83, R. 2, Albion, died Sept. 2 in McCray Hospital. She was born Jan. 19, 1902 in Noble County, the daughter of Albert and Etta (Strouse) Winebrenner. She married Tonda Keister Oct. 1920. She had been a resident of Noble Twp since her marriage and was a member of Merriam Christian Chapel Church. Surviving are her husband; three daughters, Mrs. Ralph (Pauline) Bair, R. 1, Churubusco, Mrs. Howard (Ilene) Zumbrun, R. 3, Columbia City, and Mrs. Alton (Virginia) Parker of R. 4, Albion; a son, Paul, R. 2, Albion; three sisters, Inez Grawcock, LaOtto, Venis Keister of Merriam, and Mrs. Homer (Alba) Perry of San Bernardino, Calif.; two brothers, Walter and Alvin, Albion; 17 grandchildren, 39 great-grandchildren. A grandson, Dr. David Zumbrun, and a brother, Norris, preceded her in death. Services Sept. 4 in Merriam Christian Chapel. Burial, Christian Chapel Cemetery. ~ 9-12-1985 + 9-2-1985
Keister Ruby E, 82, died May 27, 2001 at Parkview Noble Hospital. She was born March 19, 1919 in Merriam to Albert and Gertrude (Addis) Keister. She was a member of the Albion Wesleyan Church. Surviving are 2 brothers, Nelson and Robert Keister of Columbia City. One sister, Bernice Reed, and one brother, Gerald Keister, preceded her in death. Funeral at Albion Wesleyan Church May 31. Burial, Christian Chapel Cemetery. ^ 5-29-2001
Keister Sylvia M, 89, of R. 1, Albion, died today in Kendallville Manor Healthcare Center. Born Oct. 7,1897 in Noble County, she was the daughter of Jacob and Hettie (Rapp) Kichler. On Nov. 18, 1914 in Albion she married Chester L. Keister, who died July 27, 1985. A lifetime area resident, she was a member of Asbury United Methodist Church. Surviving are a son, John W. of Albion; a foster son, David L. Smith of Albion; two sisters, Mabel McNeal of Wolf Lake, and Doris Smith of Columbia City; a brother, Tony of Albion; 8 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren and 7 great-great-grandchildren. Two sons and two sisters preceded her in death. Services Sunday in Brazzell Funeral Home, Albion. Burial, Sweet Cemetery. + 11-19-1987
Keister Thurlo L, 86, of Merriam, died Saturday in Parkview Hospital. He was born April 1, 1894 in Noble County, the son of Andrew and Isabell (Pfaff) Keister. On Nov. 29, 1916 he married Venis Winebrenner. A lifetime resident of Noble County, he was a farmer and operated a threshing rig for 25 years. Surviving are his wife; a daughter, Mrs. Robert (Naomi) Gaff; three sons, Calvin, Arthur and Lester; and a brother, Tonda, all R. 2, Albion; 16 grandchildren; and 26 great-grandchildren. Services Tuesday in Sheets Funeral Home, Churubusco. Burial, Christian Chapel Cemetery. + 11-?-1980
Keister Tonda, 93, died Tuesday in Kenney Health Care Center in Ligonier. He was born April 5, 1897 in Noble County, the son of Andrew and Isabell (Paff) Keister. On Oct. 25, 1920 he married Millie Winebrenner. She died Sept. 2, 1985. He was a retired farmer and member of Merriam Christian Chapel. Surviving are 3 daughters, Mrs. Alton (Virginia) Parker of Albion, Mrs. Ralph (Pauline) Bair of Churubusco, and Mrs. Harold (Ilene) Zumbrun of Columbia City; a son, Paul of Albion; 17 grandchildren. Two brothers, 2 sisters and a grandchild preceded him in death. Services Friday in Sheets Funeral Home, Churubusco. Burial, Christian Chapel Cemetery. + 11-?-1990
Keister Vance C, 69, R. 1, Albion, died today (d. 1-14-1986) at McCray Hospital. Born July 5, 1917 in Noble County, he was the son of Chester L. and Sylvia (Kichler) Keister. His father died July 27, 1985. On Nov. 20, 1937 in Albion he married Dorothy Sibert. He was a retired farmer and charter member of Albion Eagles. Surviving are his mother at R. 1, Albion; his wife; a daughter, Mrs. Tony (Mary) Black of Albion; a brother, John of R. 1, Albion; and two grandchildren. A son, Joe, died in 1952; and a brother also preceded him in death. Services Thursday at Brazzell Funeral Home, Albion. Burial, Sweet Cemetery. + 1-14-1986
Keister Vance "Kook", 74, died Nov. 28, 2007 at Parkview Noble Hospital. He was a railroader with B&O Railroad for 44 years and served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. He was a member of American Legion Post 242 in Albion and the Albion Eagles. He was born Dec. 3, 1932 in Albion to Clarence and Maude (Thompson) Keister. He married Ardith McDonald on June 29, 1956. Surviving are his wife in Albion; 2 sons and daughters-in-law, Kevin and Linda and Steve and Sandra Keister of Albion; a daughter and son-in-law, Laurie and Mike Norris of Albion; 8 grandchildren, Jodie Fench, Jamie Teders, Bambi and Kolten Bode, Amber Patte, Ashley and Steven Keister and Lacey Burkhart; 8 great-grandchildren; 3 brothers, Danny of NY, Amos of Ill., Loren of Albion; 3 sisters, Eloise Miller and Pat Iddings of Albion and Betty Schlotter of Okla. He was preceded in death by a grandson, Makota Norris; a sister, Dorothy Workman; and a brother, Nicholas. Services Saturday at Brazzell Funeral Home, Albion. Burial, Rose Hill Cemetery with full military rites. ^ 11-29-2007
Keister Velma D, 67, of R. 1, Albion, died Monday at her residence. Born Sept. 1, 1917 in Kendallville, she was the daughter of Fred and Catherine (Grobert) Traster. On Aug. 1, 1936, she married Dale H. Keister, who died Oct. 22, 1983. She had been a resident of the area all her life. Surviving are her mother; three daughters, Mrs. Jesse (Nancy) Belcher of Albion, Mrs. Jay (Linda) Keck of Wolcottville, and Jane of Albion; a son, Ron of R. 2, Wolcottville; a sister, Martha Carunchia of Kendallville; two brothers, Harry of South Milford, and Darrell "Skip" of Kendallville; and 6 grandchildren. Services Thursday at Brazzell Funeral Home, Albion. Burial, Sweet Cemetery. + 4-9-1984
Keister Venis Fay, 96, died Feb. 6, 1995 at the residence of her son, Arthur, north of Merriam. She was born in Noble Twp on Aug. 9, 1898, the daughter of Albert and Etta Strouse Winebrenner. She spent her entire life in that community. On Nov. 29, 1916 she married Thurlo L. Keister in Noble County. He died Nov. 8, 1980. She was a member of Merriam Christian Chapel. Surviving are 3 sons, Calvin, Arthur and Lester of Albion; a brother, Walter Winebrenner of Albion; and a sister, Alba Perry of San Bernardino, Calif.; 16 grandchildren; 43 great-grandchildren; and 6 great-great-grandchildren. Also preceding her in death were a daughter, Naomi Gaff; 2 brothers, Norris and Alvin Winebrenner; and 2 sisters, Millie Keister and Inez Grawcock. Funeral Friday in Merriam Christian Chapel. Burial, Christian Chapel Cemetery. + 2-7-1995
Keister Walter, 50, farmer, died July 9 at his home southeast of Merriam, death resulting from an infection in his right leg. He was born on the farm where he died. Surviving are the widow, formerly Margaret Wells of Noble County; a brother, Elba of Noble County; and a sister, Mrs. Ed Zumbrun of Merriam. Funeral at the home. Burial, Christian Chapel Cemetery. + 7-?-1938
Keister Wayne Joseph, 10-year old son (b. 3-10-1942) of Mr. and Mrs. Vance Keister who reside a short distance northeast of Albion, died at McCray Hospital Nov. 9, 1952 of injuries presumably received when kicked or dragged in a field by his saddle horse. He had left his home at about 10 a.m. Saturday to go to the field after his saddle horse. At noon when he had not returned, a search was instituted by his mother, assisted by neighbors. He was found unconscious in the field. The saddle horse was in another part of the same field with its bridle on, a rope attached to the bridle. A piece of barbed wire was caught in the rope. Entangled in the boy’s clothing was another piece of barber wire, thus leading to the belief that he may have been dragged over the field for some time before the wire broke. The body showed numerous bruises and a fractured skull. Surviving are the parents; a sister, Marilyn at home; grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Chester Keister of Albion and Mrs. Bessie Sibert of Kendallville. Funeral Nov. 12 at Albion Methodist Church. Burial, Sweet Cemetery. + 11-?-1952
Keister Zelda Marjorie, 82, died in Saint Anne Home in Fort Wayne. She was born in Albion on April 6, 1912 to C. Wertie and Grace (Guthrie) Kidd. She married Gerald A. "Dean" Keister on Feb. 20, 1938. He died April 7, 1979. She was a machine operator at General Electric in Fort Wayne for 28 years, retiring in 1974. She was a member of Merriam Christian Chapel, G.E. Quarter Century and Elex clubs. Surviving are a brother, Kenton Kidd of Park Ridge, Ill.; a niece and a nephew. Funeral Saturday in Merriam Christian Chapel. Burial, Rose Hill Cemetery. + 1-11-1995
Keith Rose L, 55, R. 3, Ligonier, was killed in a two-car accident Thursday. She was born June 6, 1923 in Ligonier, the daughter of Allie and Laura (Gangwer) Alfrey. She married Edward Keith May 11, 1940 in Albion. She was a lifetime resident of Ligonier. Survivors include the husband; the mother; two daughters, Mrs. Gerald (Sharon) Peterson, Salt Lake City, Utah, and Mrs. James (Sanora) Steele, Auburn; a son, David, Churubusco; three brothers, Emerson, Ill., DeWayne, Churubusco, and John, Syracuse; six sisters, Mrs. Margaret Rockey, Millersburg, Mrs. Velda Hancock, Kankakee, Ill., Mrs. Betty Heath, Auburn, Mrs. Marie Blaine and Mrs. Linda Gregory, Churubusco, and Mrs. Norma DeWald, Kimmell; and 4 grandchildren. Burial, Oak Park Cemetery. + 10-?-1978 ^ 10-30-1978

Noble Notes: Pull your weight. Don’t throw it around.