All Obituaries

Mark F Knepper, 65, of Fort Wayne, passed away on Tuesday, July 28, 2020, at Parkview Regional Medical Center. Born in Norman, OK, on August 7, 1954, to the late Maynard and Mary (Bode) Knepper. He spent his formative years in Cincinnati, OH, graduating from high school there. He graduated from the University of Cincinnati in 1976. After college, Mark was married to Peggy Hobbs. They moved to the area with their son Ryan in 1992. She preceded him in death on December 14, 1999. Later he...

Steven M Bricker, 60, of Avilla, passed away on Monday, July 27, 2020, at his home Born in Fort Wayne, on June 27, 1960, to Dale and Marilyn (Eisenhut) Bricker Sr. He spent his formative years in New Haven, graduating from New Haven High School in 1979. Steven was married to Jeannine Swain in Fort Wayne, on May 21, 1994. He worked as a machinist at Slater Steel, retiring in 2012. Steven was a member of Fellowship of Wesley Chapel. He was an avid bowler and motorcycle rider. He was a...

Dale E. Tarr, 35, of Kendallville, passed on July 26, 2020, in Avilla. Born in Columbia City, on October 26, 1984, to Levi and Lisa (Allman) Tarr. Dale was married to Cara Portmess in Churubusco, on August 24, 2013. He worked as a tool maker at Creative Liquid Coating in Kendallville. Dale was an amazing husband and father. His family was his life. He loved fishing, camping, hunting, gardening, planting flowers and coaching the "Knightmares" youth football team. He was...

Joan L. Pressler, 91, of Churubusco, passed away on July 24, 2020, at North Ridge Nursing Home in Albion. Born in Churubusco, on November 11, 1928, to the late Elmer and Ellen (Haines) Gordon. She spent her formative years in Churubusco, graduating from Churubusco High School in 1946. Joan was married to Max Pressler on July 17, 1948. He preceded her in death on August 16, 1992. She worked for Essex, Magnavox and retired from Tokheim. Joan was a member of the Churubusco American Legion...

Karen L. Smith, 82, of Churubusco, passed away on July 23, 2020, at Lutheran Life Villages at Pine Valley. Born in Whitley County, on November 10, 1937, to the late Curtis and Julia (Connor) Gaerte. She spent her formative years in Whitley County, graduating from Churubusco High School in 1955. Karen was married to Roger Smith on July 7, 1958. The couple raised their family on their farm in rural Churubusco. She was a devoted wife and mother. She also assisted Roger on the farm and loved...

Jesse Max Hand, 74, of Garrett, passed away Monday, July 13, 2020, at his home. Born in Huntington County, IN, on October 24, 1945, to the late William and Estella (Warstler) Hand. He served his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. Jesse married Jacque Cartwright in Huntertown, on December 2, 1967. He worked at Dana in Fort Wayne for 32 years, retiring in 2001. He was a member of Wayne Center United Methodist Church, American Legion #178 in Garrett, and Maumee Valley Steam...

Paula Lee Johnson-Stephens, 64, of Columbia City, passed away on July 10, 2020, at Miller's at Oak Pointe. Born in Fort Wayne, on August 11, 1955, to the late Harry and Gloria (Boggs) Johnson. She spent her formative years in Churubusco, graduating from Churubusco High School. Paula spent part of her adult life in Arkansas. She loved the atmosphere of Arkansas. She loved garage sales and reading. Paula is survived by her sister, Toni (Loren) Winebrenner; her brother, George...

Merrill Keith Hackett, 90, of Fort Wayne, passed away on July 10, 2020, at his home. Born at his home on Taylor Street, on November 5, 1929, to the late Walter and Alverta (Scherrer) Hackett. He spent his formative years in Fort Wayne, graduating from South Side High School. Merrill was married to Edith Auld in the West Wayne Methodist Church, on November 5, 1949. Edith preceded him in death on January 17, 2019, after 69 years of marriage. He retired from ITT Aerospace in October 1989,...

Sheila Kay Leitch, 52, of Churubusco, passed away on July 9, 2020, at her home. Born in Chandler, AZ, on January 20, 1968, to the late Billy Joe and Ester L. (Walston) Yancey. Sheila was married to Jonathan D. Leitch in Mesa, AZ, on August 8, 1987. The joy of her life was spending time with her grandchildren. She worked at Dollar Tree in Churubusco for 3 years. Sheila is survived by two daughters, Ashley (Michael) Bohde and Angela (Ryan) Holton; six grandchildren, Isis, Naomi, Faith,...

Fern Lucille Neuhouser, 91, of Fort Wayne, died on Saturday, July 4, 2020. Born Nov. 15, 1928 in Wakarusa, Ind., she was the daughter of the late Jim and Viola  Miller.  After her marriage to Calvin Neuhouser in May, 1947, she moved to the Fort Wayne area where they lived together on a small farm and raised four children. Fern's high school career goal was to become a wife, mother and homemaker. She successfully completed her goals with top marks. She was a devoted wife and...