Waynedale Obituaries

GEORGE L. TYNER, 93, of rural Yoder, passed away Wednesday, December 26, 2018 at home. He was born August 12, 1925 in Gilford County, North Carolina to the late Cossie and Lena (Jones) Tyner. He served in the United States Marine Corps. He was a lifelong . . . 

Shirley D. Morken, 76, passed away November 15, 2018 in Fort Wayne surrounded by her loving family. Shirley was born in Arkansas to the late Clarence and Jewell Bryan. She worked at several high-end restaurants in Fort Wayne including Carriage Inn . . . 

Joan Retha (Snyder) Klenke, 88, of Fort Wayne was called home by her Savior on Saturday December 1st. She was the eldest daughter of James and Alma (Vanhorn) Snyder. She graduated with the class of 1948 from Central High School. She worked for Fort . . . 

Elizabeth “Betty” Jane (Reinoehl) King, 101, passed away on Sunday, November 25, 2018. She was born June 20, 1917 in Galion, Ohio, but lived most of her life in Fort Wayne. She graduated Northside High School and attended Wittenberg College, Springfield, . . . 

Donald Eugene Durnell, 91, formerly of Fort Wayne, passed away on Wednesday, November 28, 2018 at his Ossian residence. He was born March 20, 1927 in Fort Wayne to the late Harry and Ethel (Mallo) Durnell. He worked as a construction supervisor for . . . 

Teddy R. Garber, 67, of Fort Wayne, passed away Friday, November 2, 2018 at Sage Bluff Health and Rehabilitation. He was born May 29, 1951 in Fort Wayne to the late Ray and Dorothy Garber. Teddy was a graduate of Southside High School. He worked at Patten Electric as a supervisor for 23 years and then at Kroger for 13 years. He was an avid Civil War History enthusiast. He is survived by his sons, John (Jennifer) Garber and Charles Garber, both of Fort Wayne; four grandchildren; 1 great granddaughter, sister, Linda Fremion of Hudson, IN; brother in law, George Monesmith of Fort Wayne; sister in law, June Fordyce of Wollcottville. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Joann Monesmith; and brother, Jim Garber. Memorial service was held at 2:00 PM on Friday, November 9, 2018 at Elzey-Patterson-Rodak Home for Funerals, 6810 Old Trail Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46809 with visitation one hour prior. Contributions in Teddy’s memory may be made to Allen County S. P. C. A. or Allen County Humane Shelter. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.elzey-patterson-rodakfuneralhome.com for the Garber family.

Norma M. Fisher 90, passed away Thursday Sept. 20, 2018. Norma retired in 1990 from Lincoln National Life Credit Union after decades of service. Norma was born Feb. 25, 1928. She was a daughter of Clarence and Edith Plaster, who preceded her in death. She was also a sister of Dorcas Colbert, who passed away in 2011. Norma married Edward Fisher on July 4, 1947. They were married 47 years until his passing in 1994. Norma is survived by two children, Scott (Elaine) Fisher, and Kathy (Michael) Bowlby, and two granddaughters, Kayleigh (Dillon) Morlan and Kristen Fisher. Celebration of Life services were held Wed. Sept. 26th at Calvary United Methodist Church, 6301 Winchester Road at 2:00pm. Memorials to the church.

Mildred C. Steenman, 100, of Fort Wayne, passed away Thursday, August 30, 2018 at St. Anne Home. She was born June 20, 1918 in Fort Wayne to the late Clemence and Clara (Hake) Wyss. She worked at General Electric during WWII, where she met her husband, Joseph. She then worked as a homemaker, raising and caring for her family. After her family was raised, she worked for a number of years at retail stores and retired from Target in 1983. She was a member of St. Joseph Hessen Cassel Catholic Church where she served as a sacristan for many years. She was a volunteer at Community Harvest Food Bank and a member of R S V P. Surviving are her children, Claudia (Gary) Grauthaus of Fort Wayne, Michael (Mary) Steenman of Fort Wayne, Karen (Dana – deceased) Will of Denver, CO, Nancy (Richard) Alford of Greenwood, IN, and Edwin Steenman of Fort Wayne; sister, Vera Johnson of Huntington; 11 grandchildren; and 21 great grandchildren. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Steenman in 1970; stepmother, Eva (Ness) Wyss; and two brothers, Arthur and Herbert. Mass of Christian Burial was on Thursday, September 6, 2018 at 11:00 AM at St. Joseph Hessen Cassel Catholic Church, 11337 U S 27 South, Fort Wayne, IN 46816 with visitation one hour prior. Visitation was also on Wednesday, September 5, 2018 from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at Elzey-Patterson-Rodak Home For Funerals, 6810 Old Trail Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46809 with a Rosary Service at 7:30 PM. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Preferred memorials may be made to masses or St. Joseph Hessen Cassel School. Please visit www.elzey-patterson-rodakfuneralhome.com to leave condolences.

Elizabeth A. Ormiston, 77, passed away on Monday, August 20, 2018 at her home. She was the daughter of the late John W. and Nellie L. Cochran. She was a graduate of International Business College and was a full time homemaker. She was employed by Walden Books for a short time. Surviving are her husband, Carl D. Ormiston; children, Tamra A. (Dave) Strasburg, John D. (Noreen) Ormiston, and Brian S. (Sarah) Ormiston; grandchildren, Christopher and Kimberly Dalman, Brittany and Sara Ormiston, and Camaron, Brandon and McKenzie Ormiston; and four great grandchildren. Funeral service was on Monday, August 27, 2018 at 1:00 PM at Elzey-Patterson-Rodak Home for Funerals, 6810 Old Trail Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46809 with visitation one hour prior. Visitation was on Sunday, August 26, 2018 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at the funeral home. Burial will be in Covington Memorial Gardens. Preferred memorials may be made to Premier Hospice. Please visit www.elzey-patterson-rodakfuneralhome.com to leave condolences.

RUSSELL DUANE ALLISON, 77, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, Aug. 4, 2018. He was a son of the late Calvin, and Ardola Allison. Russ will be lovingly remembered by his son, Tim Allison; daughter, Kelli (Todd) Schaneville; grandchildren, Kelsey and Trey; and his brother, Loren Allison. He is also survived by multiple nieces, nephews, and cousins. Russ was also preceded in death by his brothers, Nolan Allison and Dean Allison. A Memorial service in honor of Russ is from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday Aug. 25, 2018, at Viera East Golf Club, in Melbourne, FL.

GRACE D. SEIY, 90, passed away on Tuesday, August 7, 2018. Grace was born December 4, 1927 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to the late Werner and Alma (Kroening) Schneider. She worked as a homemaker, along with previously working at International Harvester and as a cook at Wayne High School. She was a member of St. Michael Lutheran Church and a past member of the Sweet Adenines. She enjoyed staying busy with family and friends, which included square dancing with her husband, playing charades in the neighborhood, and going to garage sales. Surviving are her sons, David (Life Partner, Cher Quaintance) Seiy of Garrett, IN and Brian (Dawn) Seiy of Fort Wayne; grandchildren, Amber (Nick) Terrell, David (Jackie) Paulen, Jillian Paulen, Sarah Seiy, Dianna Seiy, and Danielle (Jeremy) Bartlow; and six great grandchildren. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Merle Seiy; daughter; Elayne Seiy; and son, Michael Seiy.

Funeral was held be Saturday, August 11, 2018 from 11:00 AM at Lutheran Life Villages, 6701 South Anthony Blvd., Fort Wayne, Indiana 46816 with visitation from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Visitation for Grace was held Friday, August 10, 2018 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Elzey-Patterson-Rodak Home For Funerals, 6810 Old Trail Road, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46809. Final Resting Place will be at Greenlawn Memorial Park. Preferred memorials may be made to the family. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.elzey-patterson-rodakfuneralhome.com for the Seiy family.

Betty A. Greaf, 87, of Fort Wayne, passed away Thursday, July 19, 2018 at Hospice Home. She was born March 12, 1931 in Bryant, IN to the late Daniel and Florence (Freund) Schindler. She worked as a Die inspector for Ajax Industrial Supply, along with having worked for Greaf Insurance. She was a longtime member of St. Therese Catholic Church and the Rosary Society. She was a member of the Red Hat Society and volunteered at the Franciscan Center and the Fort Wayne International Airport. She is survived by her daughter, Jane (Steve) Burns of Fort Wayne; sons, Gregory (Jan) Greaf of Columbia City, IN, Douglas (Cindy) Greaf of Fort Wayne, and Dennis (Scott Tarr) Greaf of Fort Wayne; grandchildren, Amber, Jenni, Jacob, Amanda, and Sara; six great grandchildren; and sisters, Jeanette Greishop of Ft. Recovery, OH, Joan Wendel of Portland, IN, and Ladonna (Leon) Homan of St. Anthony, OH; and companion, Marvin Heston of Fort Wayne. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Glen E Greaf; five sisters; and a brother. Mass of Christian Burial was Tuesday, July 24, 2018 at 11:00 AM at St. Therese Catholic Church, 2304 Lower Huntington Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46819 with visitation one hour prior and a rosary vigil beginning at 10:30 AM. Visitation was also on Monday, July 23, 2018 from 2:00 to 5:00 PM and 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Elzey-Patterson-Rodak Home For Funerals, 6810 Old Trail Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46809. Burial was in Catholic Cemetery. Preferred memorials may be made to St. Therese Catholic Church Building Fund or Visiting Nurse Hospice. Visit www.elzey-patterson-rodakfuneralhome.com to leave condolences.

Michael J. Colley, 52, of Fort Wayne passed away on Monday, July 2, 2018. He was born on September 6, 1965. He worked at Interstate Cold Storage. He enjoyed spending his time riding his motorcycle and singing karaoke. Surviving family include his son, Mikey (Tracie) Colley; grandchildren, Colton James, Nicholas Aaron, Bailee Ann, Kerra Lynn, Xander Riley Colley; siblings, Danny and Scott Colley and Tracy (Craig) Klingenberger; and step-father, Don Bickford. He was preceded in passing by his mother, Sue Bickford; daughter, Nikki Colley; grandson, Michael Andrew Colley; and sister, Kathy Colley. Funeral service was held at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 10, 2018 at Elzey-Patterson-Rodak Home for Funerals, 6810 Old Trail Rd., Fort Wayne with visitation starting at 4:00 p.m. Memorials may be made to the family, c/o Mikey Colley. Condolences may be left online at www.elzey-patterson-rodakfuneralhome.com.

Marvin Bauermeister, 90, of Fort Wayne passed away on Sunday, July 15, 2018. He was born on December 31, 1927 in Ossian, a son of the late August and Lora (Bieberich) Bauermeister. He served in the Army during World War II in Japan. He owned his own fuel business before retiring in 2004 at the age of 78 for National Oil. He was a member at Mount Calvary Lutheran Church and American Legion Post 241. He enjoyed pulling weeds, gardening, and fishing trips to Minnesota. He will be remembered as a man that was mechanically inclined his very generous heart, and his love for his grand and great grandchildren. Surviving family include his step-daughters, Kim Brant and Tammy Sprague; grandchildren, Megan (David) Lindelien and Billy King; great grandchildren, Blaine, Harper, and Winslow Lindelien; siblings, Lorene Rekeweg, Eldora Behning, and Ralph (Hildegard) Bauermeister; and numerous nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, he was preceded in passing by his wife, Betty (Smith) Bauermeister. Funeral service will be 5:30 pm on Friday, July 20, 2018 at Elzey-Patterson-Rodak Home for Funerals, 6810 Old Trail Rd., Fort Wayne with visitation one hour prior. Memorials may be made to Mount Calvary Lutheran Church. Condolences may be left online at www.elzey-patterson-rodakfuneralhome.com.

Donald W. Eschenbacher, 81, of Yoder, IN passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at home on July 8, 2018. Born in January, 1937 in Bay City, MI, he was the son of the late Harold & Esther Eschenbacher. Donald was a 1954 graduate of Handy High School in Bay City, MI, and served his country in the Army where he was stationed in Korea for 2 years. An avid sportsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, card playing, and his passion, playing golf. He took much joy in spending time with his family, and was a member of Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church for 50 years. Donald worked for International Harvester for nine years, was a retired member of Sheet Metal Workers Local # 20, and retired owner of D&M Concessions.

Donald is survived by his beloved wife, E. Marlene “Sally”, of 59 years; three children, Annette (Mark) Sorich of Fort Wayne, Todd Eschenbacher of Ossian, and Rod (Peggy) Eschenbacher of Ossian; six grandchildren, Andrew & Bethany Sorich, Abby Cocklin, and Kyle, Troy, & Grey Eschenbacher; seven great grandchildren; sister, Karen Gulvas; and several nieces and nephews. Donald was preceded in death by his infant daughter, Brenda L. Eschenbacher.

Funeral services were held at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church at 1819 Reservation Drive, Fort Wayne, IN 46819 on Thursday, July 12 at 10:30 am, with calling one hour prior. Calling was also on Wednesday, July 11 at Elzey-Patterson-Rodak Home for Funerals at 6810 Old Trail Rd, Fort Wayne, IN 46819 from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm. Private family burial. Our family asks that memorial gifts be made to Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church or Visiting Nurse on 5910 Homestead Rd., Fort Wayne, IN 46814. Please visit www.elzey-patterson-rodakfuneralhome.com to leave condolences.

Edith M Martin, 81, of Ossian, passed away on Friday, July 13, 2018 with her family at her side. She was born September 13, 1936 in Auburn, IN to the late Lacy F. and Florence M. (Custer) Mettert. She had worked in food service most of her life, having waitressed at Al’s Restaurant and then working for a few different schools in their food service departments. She was a member of Living Faith Missionary Church in Yoder. Surviving are her husband, Larry D. Martin of Ossian; children, Terry L. (Yvonne) Sell of Olive Branch, MS, Diana L. (Randy) Fry of Ossian, Roger A. Sell of Ossian, Twilla J. (Brian) Disher of Ossian, and Cynthia (Tim) Hinrichs of Fort Wayne; step children, Laurie D. Kruse of Atlanta, GA, Jenny J. (Steve) Luska of Montana, and Jill L. Brantley of Orlando, FL; siblings, Lacy Mettert, Jr. of Auburn, William (Marilyn) Mettert of Fort Wayne, and Lucille (Wayne) Spratt of Auburn. 21 grandchildren; and 24 great grandchildren. She was also preceded in death by her siblings, James Mettert, Jack Mettert, Paul Mettert, Ruth Hines, and Nellie Kaiser. Funeral services were held Thursday, July 19, 2018 at 11:00 AM at Living Faith Missionary Church, 17718 Bluffton Road, Yoder, IN 46798 with visitation 1 hour prior. Burial was in Hoverstock Cemetery, Zanesville, IN. Preferred memorials may be made to Living Faith Missionary Church. Please visit www.elzey-patterson-rodak.com to leave condolences.

Margaret L. (Graft) Keyser, 92, of Fort Wayne, passed away Tuesday, June 19, 2018 at Kingston Residence. She was born January 20, 1926 to the late Otto C. and Minnie (Lopshire) Graft. Margaret (“Bill” to her oldest friends) was a lifelong member of Mount Calvary Lutheran Church in Waynedale. Along her life journey she was guided by strong Christian beliefs as she cared deeply for others by putting their needs ahead of her own. Her life was filled with laughter, friends, a few tears, and love. When you think of Margaret, or “Bill” as she was affectionately known, remember her smile and know that you were cherished. The family is especially appreciative of the concerned care by friends and employees of Kingston Residence in Waynedale and the Visiting Nurse’s Hospice Home of Ft. Wayne.

She is survived by her children, Janet (Marc) Skillman of Indianapolis, IN, Greg (Robin) Keyser of Leo, IN, and Robert “Tex” Keyser of Fort Wayne; grandchildren, Kyle Skillman of Kansas City, MO, Jessica Skillman of Annandale, VA, and Wes Keyser and Callie Keyser, both of Leo, IN; and four great grandchildren. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Sterling K. Keyser, who she married October 16, 1946. Funeral service will be at 10:30 AM on Saturday, June 23, 2018 at Elzey-Patterson-Rodak Home For Funerals, 6810 Old Trail Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46809 with visitation ½ hour prior. Visitation will also be on Friday, June 22, 2018 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the funeral home. Burial will be in Prairie Grove Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Mount Calvary Lutheran Church, 1819 Reservation Dr., Fort Wayne, IN 46819 or Visiting Nurse’s Hospice Home, 5910 Homestead Rd, Fort Wayne, IN 46814. Visit www.elzey-patterson-rodakfuneralhome.com to leave condolences.

MAURICE (MAURY) J. WYSS, 83, passed away April 30th at the Cedars Retirement Home in Leo, IN. Born at home and raised on a dairy farm near Monroeville, IN, he was the 6th of 13 children by Albert and Monica (Harkenrider) Wyss. He learned his 3 R’s, reading, ‘riting and ‘rithmetic, at St. Rose Catholic Elementary School in Monroeville and attended Monroeville High School. At age 19 he enlisted with the U.S. Marine Corps and proudly served his country for 3 years. Upon successful completion of his military assignment in 1957, he began employment with General Telephone Company of Fort Wayne, IN. As a lineman, he worked on numerous difficult projects, some in adverse weather conditions and unscheduled hours, and was one of the first employees appointed to the company’s initial purchase of a bucket lift truck.

In 1968 he exchanged marriage vows with Lucile Higbee at Our Lady of Good Hope Catholic Church where they were founding members and served on parish ministries together. He was a lifetime member of the American Legion Post 330 of New Haven, IN and the Knights of Columbus.

As a military veteran, he volunteered 4,332 hours at the Fort Wayne VA Center and for his efforts was awarded the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award from the VA Volunteer Services in 2016.

Due to failing health, they entered the Cedars Care Facility and sold their home of nearly 50 years where they had enjoyed the company of, and in later years the support of, their neighbors.

An avid reader, Maury was intelligent, passionate and generous to the causes he believed in. Of his noteworthy memory of past events he would explain “It’s a gift from God”. His renowned “Be reasonable; do it my way” illustrated both his humor and his control of a given discussion. He enjoyed Polka music and dancing, the Fort Wayne German Fest (with beverage in hand), traveling with wife Lucile, gardening, time with family, friends and neighbors, any and all discussion of “Minny Mo’s” and the quarterly publication “The Prairie Gold Rush” that featured the beloved Minneapolis-Moline farm tractors, his favorite model being the M-670.

By contributing time, talent and resources to country, church, community and company, his fortune was in faith, family and friends. He passed with a “clean slate” and will be missed by all who knew him. By his efforts, ours is a better place; may he rest in peace in his new, better place.

He is survived by step-daughter Sue Ann Rupp (Josh Ingojo) of San Francisco, California; brothers Clifford (Monica) of Coldwater, Michigan, Marion Jean (Karla) and Gerard (Karen) both of Fort Wayne; brother-in-law Tom (Bobbi) Jackson of Indianapolis; sisters Therese (Carl) Sorg of Monroeville, Evelyn Beam and Mary Lourine Brososky both of Fort Wayne, Mary Lurana Travis of Springdale, Arkansas; sister-in-law Linda Wyss of Fort Wayne and 41 nephews and nieces and many great nephews and nieces.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Lucile, parents Albert and Monica (Harkenrider) Wyss, brothers Ronald, Gerald, and Linden; sisters Rita Wicoff and Miriam Jane Jackson; brothers-in-law Robert Wicoff, Martin Travis, Richard Beam and Donald Brososky; sisters-in-law Alice (Crabill) Wyss and Ruth (Lapp) Wyss. Mass of Christian Burial was 11:00 am, Saturday, May 5th, 2018 at Our Lady of Good Hope Catholic Church, 7215 St. Joe Rd. with visitation 1-hour prior. Visitation also Friday, May 4th, 2018 from 4:00 pm-8:00 pm at Divine Mercy Funeral Home, 3500 Lake Avenue, Fort Wayne with Rosary at 3:30 pm. Burial will be at a later date.

Memorial contributions can be made for Masses at Our Lady of Good Hope, or to the Marine Corp League.

STEVEN R. PEREZ, 61, of Fort Wayne, passed away from an extended battle with cancer on Friday, April 13th, 2018.

Born the eldest son of Kay (McCreary) and the late Roger Perez, Steve was a native of Fort Wayne and graduated from Elmhurst High School in 1975. Employed by Fort Wayne Metals for the last 26 years, Steve was dedicated to his job of drawing medical grade wire knowing his hard work helped save lives.

Steve adored time with his family, but apart from that he enjoyed being active through running and bicycling events, watching his Chicago Cubs, eating a hamburger accompanied by a good craft beer, collecting sneakers and ball caps, visiting Sanibel Island, and looking after his fur kids.

Steve will be dearly missed by his wife of 10 years, Vicki Perez; children, Angela (Colby) Maust, Andrew Kritsch, and Tyler Kritsch; his precious granddaughter, Brie Brie; his mother, Kay Perez; his sisters Elena (Barry) Dove and Sylvia (Greg) Spaulding; and his brother Thomas (Laura) Perez. He will also be lovingly remembered by six nephews, a niece, in-laws, and a host of long-time friends.

A Memorial Gathering for Steve was held on Friday, April 20th, 2018 from 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. at the Elzey-Patterson-Rodak Funeral Home, 6810 Old Trail Road, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46809. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or the Allen County SPCA in his honor.

Steve will always and forever be in our hearts.

Visit www.elzey-patterson-rodakfuneralhome.com to leave condolence.

GENEVIEVE “MAMAW” “JENNY” STAPLETON, 85, of Fort Wayne passed away peacefully at her home on Friday, March 16, 2018. She was born on September 6, 1932 in Middlesboro, Kentucky, a daughter of the late James and Nellie Nix. She worked at home raising her family.

She considered her family her greatest accomplishment and she enjoyed spending time with them. She also loved spending time with her friends.

Jenny will be remembered as a person that never met someone that didn’t like her.

Surviving family include her husband of 52 years, Billy Stapleton; children, Veda “Cookie” (Steve) Honeycutt, Cara Nell (David) Uffelman, Jeff Stapleton; 13 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, and six great great grandchildren.

Besides her parents, she was preceded in passing by a daughter, Karen Mullins; and six siblings.

Funeral service was 1:00 pm on Saturday, March 24, 2018 at Elzey-Patterson-Rodak Home for Funerals, 6810 Old Trail Rd., Fort Wayne with visitation one-hour prior. Visitation also from 2-4 and 6-8 pm on Friday, March 23, 2018 at the funeral home. Burial in Prairie Grove Cemetery, Fort Wayne.

Condolences may be left online at www.elzey-patterson-rodakfuneralhome.com.