St. Paul Lutheran Church (Preble) Member Obituaries
Member's Name Date Entering Eternal Glory
Louise Bieberich October 29, 2004
Alton C. Bittner December 2, 2002
Raymond Bulmahn March 18, 2001
Edgar C. "Eddie" Ewell December 22, 2001
Bernice J. Fritcha June 21, 2002
Werner E. Hoffman May 31, 2004
Olga Jeffery February 25, 2003
Pauline K. Kirchner January 15, 2001
Joseph Kozlowski, Jr. November 12, 2003
Marilyn Kozlowski September 5, 2004
Dolores Ann "Dee" Macke January 5, 2002
Carl E. Melcher August 19, 2003
Edna Menter March 11, 2005
Gertrude Menter August 7, 2004
Melvin William Christopher Peters April 20, 2003
Edwin H. Reinking December 12, 2000
Helen M. Schuller February 9, 2005
Martha Selking February 2, 2001
Velma Weber April 1, 2000
Brenda Werling August 28, 2003
Edna Amanda Menter, 92 years old of Preble, Indiana, passed away at 2:20 a.m. on Friday, March 11, 2005 in the Woodcrest Nursing Center in Decatur, Indiana.

Edna was born on September 28, 1912 in Preble, Indiana, the daughter of the late Charles Kirchner and the late Bertha (Bleeke) Kirchner. She married the late Carl W. Menter on April 23, 1933, in the St. Paul Lutheran Church at Preble, Indiana.

Edna was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Preble; Charter Member of the Ladies Aid; Lutheran Women Missionary League; ONO Homemakers Club; and Senior Citizen's Club of Adams County.

Edna was homemaker.

Surviving are her son, Don A. Menter of Preble, Indiana; daughter, Mrs. James (Marge) Merriman of Preble, Indiana; brother, Edward Kirchner of Preble, Indiana; sister, Elizabeth Macke of Decatur, Indiana; seven grandchildren, seventeen great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren .

Edna was preceded in death by one great-grandchild.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, March 15, 2005 in the St. Paul Lutheran Church, Preble with the Rev. Daniel J. Brege officiating. Interment will follow in the St Paul Lutheran Cemetery.

Friends will be received from 2-5 and 6-8 p.m. Monday, March 14, 2005 in the Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home, Decatur, Indiana, and one hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday.

Preferred memorials are to the Wyneken Lutheran School or the Indiana Down Syndrome Foundation.

Serving as pallbearers will be Randy Merriman, Clyde Teague, Carey Webster, Chris Meyer, Luke Meyer, and Corey Crabbs.

Helen M. Schuller, 90 years old of Decatur, Indiana, passed away at 5:05 p.m. on Wednesday, February 9, 2005 in the Woodcrest Nursing Center located in Decatur, Indiana, where she had resided since October 31, 2003.

Helen was born on January 11, 1915 in Preble Township, Adams County, Indiana; the daughter of the late Gustave Ehlerding and the late Amanda (Ewell) Ehlerding. She married the late Frank Schuller, Jr. on June 3, 1939; and he passed away on march 10, 1969.

Helen was a member of the St. Paul Lutheran Church, Preble; the Widows Club and the Ladies Aid.

Helen had been employed at Decatur Industries and also the Back 40 Junction Restaurant for 11 years.

Surviving are her daughter, Mrs. Donald (Carol) Gase of Decatur, Indiana; daughter, Mrs. Edward (Kathleen) Hammond of Decatur, Indiana; son, Duane L. Schuller of Laredo, Texas; sister, Mrs. Vern (Dorothy) Linker of Decatur, Indiana; eight grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.

Helen was preceded in death by two brothers, Lewis and Herbert Ehlerding.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 12, 2005 in the St. Paul Lutheran Church, Preble with the Rev. Daniel J. Brege officiating. Interment will follow in the St Paul Lutheran Church Cemetery, Preble.

Friends will be received from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Friday, February 11, 2004 in the Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home, Decatur, Indiana; and one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday.

Preferred memorials are to the St. Paul Lutheran Church, Preble.

Louise Bieberich
Born in Fort Wayne, Indiana on Jun. 14, 1917
Died Oct. 29, 2004 and resided in Decatur, IN
Louise Bieberich, 87 years old of Decatur, Indiana, passed away on Friday, October 29, 2004 in the Village of Heritage, Monroeville, Indiana.

She was born on June 14, 1917 in Fort Wayne, Indiana the daughter of the late George Bultemeier and the late Lydia Eickhoff. She married Victor Bieberich on April 17, 1938. He died on October 2, 1987.

Louise was a member of the St. Paul Lutheran Church, Preble and a former member of the Sewing Society.

She was a homemaker and was also a former cook at both Wyneken Memorial Lutheran School and Northwest Elementary.

Surviving are her son, Daniel D. (Ann) Bieberich of Decatur, Indiana, son, Dale L. (Wanda) Bieberich of Decatur, Indiana, daughter, Mrs. Dennis (Karen S.) Hall of Fort Wayne, Indiana, sister, Aldine Holle of Fort Wayne, Indiana, sister, Helen Bultemeier of Decatur, Indiana, eleven grandchildren, nine step-grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren, and four great great-grandchildren.

Louise was preceded in death by one son, Kenneth Bieberich and one sister, Margaret Schuler.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m Tuesday, November 2, 2004 in the St. Paul Lutheran Church, Preble with Rev. Daniel Brege officiating. Interment will follow in the St Paul Lutheran Cemetery.

Friends will be received from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday, November 1, 2004 at the Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home, Decatur, Indiana and also one hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday.

Preferred memorial are to Worship for Shut-Ins, Family Hospice of Northeast Indiana or the donor's choice.
 
Marilyn Kozlowski
Born in Decatur, Indiana on Apr. 8, 1934
Died Sep. 5, 2004 and resided in Decatur, IN.
Visitation: Thursday Sep. 9, 2004
Service: Friday Sep. 10, 2004

Marilyn Kozlowski, 70 years old of rural Decatur, Indiana, passed away at 1:43 p.m. unexpectedly on Sunday, September 5, 2004 at the Hospice Home of Northeast Indiana in Ft. Wayne, Indiana.

Marilyn was born on April 8, 1934 in Decatur, Indiana the Daughter of the late Herman Kiefer and the late Martha Scheumann. She married the late Joseph Kozlowski on November 28, 1957 in the St. Paul Lutheran Church, Preble. He passed away on November 12, 2003.

Marilyn was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Preble; the Ladies Aid of the church; and was a graduate of Monmouth High School in 1952.

Marilyn was a housewife and mother; and was formerly employed in the accounting department at Lincoln Life and Central Soya (Bunge).

Surviving are her daughter, Martha Ann Krumrine of Bluffton, Indiana, and son, Joseph Herman Kozlowski of Decatur, Indiana.

A Family Prayer Service at 9:20 a.m. Friday, September 10, 2004 in the Zwick and Jahn Funeral Home, Decatur, Indiana followed by a 10:00 a.m. funeral in the St. Paul Lutheran Church, Preble with Rev. Daniel J. Brege officiating. Interment will follow in the St Paul Lutheran Cemetery.

Friends will be received from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Thursday, September 9, 2004 in the Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home, Decatur, Indiana.

Preferred memorials are to St. Paul Lutheran Church, Preble; Worship For Shut-Ins; the Lutheran Hour or the donor's choice.

Gertrude Menter

Born in Arjay, Kentucky on Apr. 15, 1940
Died Aug. 7, 2004 and resided in Preble, IN.

Gertrude Menter, 64 years old of Preble, Indiana, passed away on Saturday, August 7, 2004 in Lutheran Hospital of Fort Wayne, Indiana.

She was born on April 15, 1940 in Arjay, Kentucky the daughter of the late Coy Taylor and the late Hattie Poston. She married Donald A. Menter on March 29, 1959 in Adams County, Indiana.

Gertrude was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Preble. She was a self-employed beautician and a homemaker.

Mom was a loving and caring mother and grandmother. Her whole life was spent caring for her husband, children, and grandchildren. She gave of herself unselfishly to her whole family.

Surviving are her husband, Donald A. Menter of Preble, Indiana, daughter, Mrs. Chris (Shelly) Meyer of Preble, Indiana, daughter, Mrs. Chris (Donna) Scheumann of Berne, Indiana, daughter, Mrs. Patrick (Jennifer) Piper of Decatur, Indiana, daughter, Mrs. David (Karla) Hatcher of Fishers, Indiana, two sisters, three brothers, and eleven grandchildren.

Gertrude was preceded in death by one grandson, Codey Crabbs.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, August 11, 2004 in St. Paul Lutheran Church, Preble with Rev. Daniel J. Brege officiating. Interment will follow in the St Paul Lutheran Cemetery.

Friends will be received from 1-4 and 5-8, Tuesday, August 10 in Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home, Decatur, Indiana and one hour prior to the service at the church on Wednesday.

Preferred memorial are to Indiana Down Syndrome Foundation and St. Paul Lutheran Church Building Fund.

Werner E. Hoffman

Born in Adams County, Indiana on March 13, 1927

Died May 31, 2004 in Decatur, Indiana

Werner E. Hoffman, 77 years old of Decatur, Indiana, passed away at 8:15 a.m. on Monday, May 31, 2004 in the Woodcrest Nursing Center in Decatur, Indiana where he had been in failing health for the past 3 years.

Werner was born on March 13, 1927 in Adams County, Indiana, the son of the late Oswald Hoffman and the late Emma Ehlerding. He married Dorathea Moellering on June 4, 1949 in the Zion Lutheran Church, Friedheim. Dorothy survives.

Werner was a very active member of the St. Paul Lutheran Church, Preble; a member of the Adams Post #43 American Legion and a former member of the Color Guard; and a longtime member of the Preble Volunteer Fire Department.

Werner retired in 1982 from International Harvester in Ft. Wayne, Indiana after 38 years of service; and was also a lifelong farmer.

Surviving are his wife, Dorothy Hoffman of Decatur, Indiana; son, Timothy W. (Cheryl C.) Hoffman of Decatur, Indiana; brother, Harold Hoffman of Decatur, Indiana; and granddaughter, Courtney Hoffman of Decatur, Indiana.

Werner was preceded in death by one son, Dennis Hoffman (in infancy); and one brother, Walter Hoffman.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, June 4, 2004 in the St. Paul Lutheran Church, Preble with Rev. Daniel Dahling officiating. Interment will follow in the St Paul Lutheran Cemetery. Military Graveside Services will be conducted by the Adams Post #43 Color Guard of Decatur, Indiana.

Friends will be received from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, June 2, 2004 and from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Thursday, June 3, 2004 in the Zwick and Jahn Funeral Home, Decatur, Indiana and one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday.

Preferred memorials are to the St. Paul Lutheran Church, Preble; or Wyneken Lutheran School.

JOSEPH KOZLOWSKI, JR.
1930-2003

Joseph Kozlowski Jr., 72 years old of rural Decatur, Indiana, passed away at 4:55 p.m. on Wednesday, November 12, 2003 in the Lutheran Hospital of Indiana in Ft. Wayne, Indiana.

He was born on December 2, 1930 in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, the son of the late Joseph Kozlowski Sr. and the late Anna Hurni. He married Marilyn Kiefer on November 28, 1957 in St. Paul Lutheran Church, Preble.

He was a member of the St. Paul Lutheran Church, Preble; where he was instrumental in building projects involving St. Paul Preble and Wyneken Lutheran School. Joseph served in the United States Army, Intelligence Division during the Korean War.

Joseph retired as a Design Engineer from American Hoist in Fort Wayne, Indiana in 1985 with 22 years of service.

Surviving are his wife, Marilyn Kozlowski of rural Decatur, Indiana; daughter, Mrs. Charles (Martha Ann) Krumrine of Bluffton, Indiana; son, Joseph Herman Kozlowski of Decatur, Indiana; and two brothers, Rudy and Daniel Kozlowski both of Aliquippa, Pennsylvania.

Joseph was preceded in death by one sister, Jeanne Yagercik; and two brothers, Edward and John Kozlowski.

A Prayer Service will be held Saturday, November 15, 2003 at 1:20 p.m. in the Zwick and Jahn Funeral Home, Decatur, Indiana and a Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, November 15, 2003 in the St. Paul Lutheran Church, Preble with the Pastor Daniel J. Brege officiating. Interment will follow in the St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery. There will be a Graveside Service conducted by the American Legion.

Friends will be received from 4-8 p.m. Friday, November 14, 2003 in the Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home, Decatur, Indiana.

Preferred memorials are to the Worship For Shut-Ins; St. Paul Building Fund; or the donor's choice.
Brenda S. Werling, 54, a resident of Decatur, died on Thursday, August 28, 2003 at Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne.
Brenda was born on August 27, 1949 in Decatur, Indiana to Arthur W. and Darlene M. (Redding) Werling who are both deceased. She was never married.
Brenda was a lifetime member of the St. Paul Lutheran Church, Preble in rural Decatur. She was employed as an administrative assistant and ADRP at General Electric, Fort Wayne, Indiana since 1968.
Brenda is survived by an Aunt, Glendola Barnett of Fort Wayne, Indiana and several cousins.
Funeral services for Brenda will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 31, 2003 in the St. Paul Lutheran Church, Preble with Rev. Daniel Brege officiating. Burial will follow the services in the church cemetery. Friends will be received from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. on Saturday in the Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home, Decatur and one hour prior to services Sunday in the church. Preferred memorials are to the St. Paul Lutheran Church or the Wyneken Memorial Lutheran School.
Carl E. Melcher
Born in Allen County, Indiana on Sep. 6, 1916
Died Aug. 19, 2003 and resided in Decatur, IN.

Carl E. "Pete" Melcher, 86 years old of Ft. Wayne, Indiana, died at 11:20 am on Tuesday, August 19, 2003 in Adams County Memorial Hospital in Decatur, Indiana.

He was born September 6, 1916 in Allen Co, Indiana, the Son of the late William Melcher and the late Bertha Hoffman. His first wife was Erna M. (Aumann); and they were married on May 28, 1939 in the St. John Lutheran Church, Bingen; she passed away on June 28, 1992. His second wife is Willaine F. (Kleine) - Schroeder-Melcher and they were married on November 26, 1994 and she survives.

He was a member of the St. Paul Lutheran Church, Preble, Indiana. and was a lifelong farmer.

Surviving are Wife, Willadine F. Schroeder- Melcher of Ft. Wayne, Indiana, Son, Duane A. ( & Sue) Melcher of Ft. Wayne, Indiana, Daughter, Mrs. Dale (Leanne) Busick of Decatur, Indiana, Son, William H. Melcher of Decatur, Indiana, Step-son, Steven W. Schroeder of Es Condido, California, Step-daughter, Debra A. Christman of Hoagland, Indiana, Step-daughter, Mrs. Mike (Candace S.) Neuenschwander of Bluffton, Indiana, Step-son, Scott A. Schroeder of Poe, Indiana, Step-son, Dennis L. Schroeder of Chicago, Illinois, Step-son, Kevin P. Schroeder of Ft. Wayne, Indian, Step-daughter, Mrs. Mitchel (Cynthia K.) McKinney of Decatur, Indiana, Sister, Loretta Scheumann of Lombard, Illinois, Thirteen Grandchildren, Twelve Great-Grandchildren, Fifteen Step-Grandchildren, Ten Step-Great-Grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by one son, Randal J. Melcher; three brothers, Delbert, Paul, and Walter Melcher; one sister, Helen Melcher; and one great-grandson, Kirk Melcher.

Services will be on Friday, August 22, 2003 with a 10:15 a.m. Prayer Service in the Zwick and Jahn Funeral Home, Decatur, Indiana followed by an 11:00 a.m. funeral service in the St. Paul Lutheran Church, Preble with the Rev. Daniel J. Brege and the Rev. Thomas L. Olson officiating.

Interment will follow in the Decatur Cemetery.

Friends will be received 6-8, Wednesday, August 20, 2003 and 2-5 and 6-8 p.m. Thursday, August 21, 2003 in the Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home, Decatur, Indiana.

Preferred memorials are to the St. Paul Lutheran Church; Worship For Shut-Ins; or Wyneken Memorial School.

Serving as pallbearers will be, Barry Melcher, Matthew Melcher, Brad Melcher, Jeremy Melcher, Andrew Melcher, and Rodney Busick.
Melvin William Christopher Peters, 75, of Decatur, Indiana, passed away at 3:20 p.m. Sunday, April 20, 2003 at his residence.  
     Melvin was born on April 17, 1928 in Ft. Wayne, Indiana, to William H. and Mary (Gumbert) Peters, both of whom are deceased.
     Melvin was united in marriage on May 7, 1949 in the Martini Lutheran Church located in Ft. Wayne, Indiana, to Ruth L. Wiegmann, and she survives.
     Melvin was a member of the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Preble, Indiana.  He was a farmer and a self-employed construction worker before retiring from both occupations in 1998.
     Other members of Melvin’s family that survive him, in addition to his wife, Ruth, are: one daughter, Mrs. Michael (Linda) Fruchte of Decatur, Indiana; two sons, Larry K. Peters and Leroy K. (and Myra) Peters, all of Decatur, Indiana; and one brother, Harold Peters, of New Haven, Indiana.  Melvin also has nine grandchildren.
     Melvin was preceded in death by six sisters, Clara Peters; Irma Heidenreich; Luella Busse; Velma Busse; Florence Rekeweg; and Marie Schwehn; and four brothers, Walter, Robert, William, and Homer Peters.
     Funeral services for Melvin will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 23, 2003 in the St. Paul Lutheran Church, Preble, Indiana, with the Rev. Daniel Brege officiating.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
     Visitation for Melvin will be from 2-8 p.m. Tuesday, April 22, 2003 in the Zwick and Jahn Funeral Home, Decatur, Indiana and one hour prior to the service at the church on Wednesday.
     Preferred memorials are to the St. Paul Lutheran Church, Preble; Worship For Shut-Ins; or the Family Hospice of Northeast Indiana.

Mrs. Olga Jeffrey
April 24, 1922 - February 25, 2003

Olga Jeffrey, age 80, passes away on February 25, at Swiss Village, Berne, IN

Born on April 24, 1922 Olga was the daughter of Adolph and Marie (Lampe) Schueler. She married Donald P. Jeffrey on March 17, 1946.

She is survived by her husband Donald, a son Gary L. Jeffrey, a daughter Mrs. Ron (Janine) Thieme, 5 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a grandson, great grandson, 2 brothers and 1 sister.

Mrs. Jeffrey retired from Decatur Industries and was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, American Legion and VFW Auxiliaries.

Funeral Information

Visitation will be held from 4-8pm on Wednesday, with the funeral service being held on Thursday at 11am. All at Haggard & Sefton Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Decatur Cemetery.

Donations Information

St. Paul Lutheran School or Immanuel Lutheran School Building Funds.

(Information from www.haggardandsefton.com)
Alton C. Bittner
September 01, 1911 - December 02, 2002

Alton C. Bittner, 91, of rural Decatur, Indiana, passed away Monday, December 2, 2002 at 12:46 p.m. in the Adams County Memorial Hospital following failing health for the past year.  Alton was born on September 1, 1911 to Charles H. and Emma (Bieberich) Bittner in Kirkland Township, Adams County, Indiana.
     Alton was united in marriage to Alice Marie Reinhart on August 21, 1932 in Decatur, Indiana. (She Survives).  Alton was a member of the St. Paul Lutheran Church, Preble, Indiana and had been a former member of the Zion Lutheran Church, Decatur, Indiana.  He was a Sunday School teacher for 20 years at both Zion Lutheran Church, and St. Paul Lutheran Church and had also held numerous church offices at both churches.  
     Alton was a lifelong dairy farmer in Preble Township until August 2001; and had also worked at Decatur Casting in Decatur, Indiana.
     In addition to his wife Alice, other survivors of Alton’s family are: a son, Ronald K. (& Carolyn) Bittner of Decatur, Indiana; a son, Frank D. (& Marlene) Bittner of Decatur, Indiana; a daughter, Mrs. Robert E. (Faye) Keuneke of Decatur, Indiana; a brother, Herman Bittner of Decatur, Indiana; a sister, Leota Jensen of Elmhurst, Illinois; seven grandchildren: Eric Bittner, Melissa Novitch, Rhonda Brune, Suzanne Steiner, Robert C. Keuneke, Marcia Gilbert, Jeffrey Keuneke; twenty great-grandchildren: William Bittner, Edward Bittner, Elianna Novitch, Arabella Novitch, Ashley Brune, Zachary Brune, Megan Brune, Brittany Brune, Joshua Brune, Alyssa Brune, Alex Steiner, Kacey Steiner, Benjamin Steiner, Samuel Steiner, Maddison Steiner, Kylee Keuneke, Robert A. “Bobby” Keuneke, Spencer Gilbert, Colton Gilbert, and Lanae Gilbert.  
     Alton was preceded in death by one brother, Richard Bittner and one great-grandson, Charles Alton Bittner in 1996.
     Funeral services for Alton will held Friday, December 6, 2002 with a prayer service at 9:15 a.m. in the Zwick and Jahn Funeral Home, Decatur, Indiana followed by a 10:00 a.m. funeral service in the St. Paul Lutheran Church, Preble, Indiana with the Rev. Daniel Brege and the Rev. Donald Biester officiating.  Burial will follow in the Decatur Cemetery, Decatur, Indiana.
     The family will be receiving friends from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Thursday, December 5, 2002 in the Zwick and Jahn Funeral Home, Decatur, Indiana.  
     Preferred memorials will be to the St. Paul Lutheran Church, Preble; or the Wyneken Expansion.
Bernice J. Fritcha
September 29, 1936 - June 21, 2002

Bernice J. Fritcha, 65, a lifelong resident of rural Decatur, Indiana, passed away Friday, June 21, 2002 at 2:40 P.M. in the Adams County Memorial Hospital where she had been admitted only a few hours earlier.  Bernice was born in Decatur, Indiana on September 29, 1936 to Harold and Hulda M (Werling) Ehlerding, both of whom are deceased.  Bernice married Harold F. Fritcha on July 26, 1958 in the St. Paul Lutheran Church near Preble, Indiana, and he survives.  Bernice was a lifelong member of the St. Paul Lutheran Church, and a homemaker while working side by side with her husband on their Adams County farm.
     Funeral services will held at 11:00 AM Monday, June 24, 2002 in the St. Paul Lutheran Church, Preble, Indiana, with Pastor Daniel Brege officiating.  Burial will follow in the St. Paul Lutheran Church Cemetery.
    Visitation will be from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM and 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM Sunday, June 23, 2002 in the Zwick and Jahn Funeral Home, Decatur, Indiana; and one hour prior to the service on Monday at the church.  
Dolores Ann “Dee” Macke, 59, a lifelong resident of Decatur, died at 6:10 p.m. on Saturday, January 5, 2002 in the Adams County Memorial Hospital Extended Care Unit following an illness of 15 months.
     Dee was born on January 15, 1942 in Decatur, Indiana to Lawrence “Butch” and Ella (Bultemeier) Schroeder who are both deceased.  She married Frederick H. Macke on December 3, 1960 in Decatur and he survives.
     Dee was a member of the St. Paul Lutheran Church, Preble, a member of the Oncology Nursing Society, the American Association of Diabetes Educators, and was an honorary member of the Psi Iota Xi Sorority.  She was also a 1990 graduate of Purdue University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing.  A very active member in the American Cancer Society and Relay for Life for many years, Dee was more recently the 2001 Honorary Chairman of Relay for Life in Adams County.
     A homemaker, Dee was also a Registered Nurse for 15 years at the Adams County Memorial Hospital.  She began her work at the hospital on August 19, 1985 and continued until her illness forced her to retire.  She was the Director of Education and Oncology at the hospital, a Certified Oncology Nurse, a Breast Self-Exam Instructor, Basic Life Support Instructor, Certified TB Skin Test Interpreter, and also was certified by the Indiana Society for Healthcare Education and Training;
     Survivors include her husband Fred of Decatur; 2 sons and daughers-in-law:  Michael F. and Laura Macke of Decatur, Indiana and Matthew W. and Melanie Macke of Decatur, Indiana; 2 daughters and sons-in-law:  Mrs. Scott (Michelle L. “Missy”) Ainsworth of Decatur, Indiana and Mrs. Mitch (Melinda S. “Mindy”) Delagrange of Fort Wayne, Indiana; a sister, Mrs. Allen (Alice Jane “Janie”) Scheiderer of Geneva, Indiana; and 6 grandchildren:  Davis Macke, Alex Ainsworth, Luke Ainsworth, Grant Ainsworth, Matthew Frederick Macke, and Tyler J. Delagrange.
     A family prayer service will be held at 10:15 a.m. on Wednesday, January 9, 2002, in the Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home, Decatur followed by an 11:00 a.m. funeral service in the St. Paul Lutheran Church, Preble with the Rev. Daniel Brege officiating.  Burial will follow the church service in the church cemetery.  Friends and family will be received on Tuesday, January 8,  from 1-8 p.m. in the Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home, Decatur.  Preferred memorials are to the Wyneken Lutheran School Expansion Fund, Adams County Memorial Hospital Extended Care Unit, American Cancer Society, or Donor’s Choice
Edgar C. “Eddie” Ewell, 71, a resident of rural Ossian, Indiana, died at 2:36 p.m. on Saturday, December 22, 2001 at the Bluffton Regional Medical Center Emergency Room in Bluffton, Indiana following an illness of 2 months.
     Eddie was born on September 10, 1930 in Wells County, Indiana to Oscar and Clara (Bultemeier) Ewell who are both deceased.  He married Mary Ann Bennett on June 30, 1954 and  she survives.
     Eddie was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Preble and Adams Post #43, American Legion in Decatur.  He sang in the EELS Barbershop Quartet in the area and had been active in barbershop activities for many years.  He also was a member of the Beer Can Collectors of America since 1976.  He was a veteran of the Korean War.
     Eddie owned and operated Monarch Specialty Systems in Ossian since 1983 and was former president of Modern Mill Corp in Bluffton for several years prior to founding Monarch Specialty Systems.
     Survivors include his wife Mary Ann and 2 sisters: Mrs Fred (Irene) Bieberich of Preble, Indiana and Mrs Gene (Gladys) Thiele of Harlan, Indiana.  He was preceed in death by one brother Ervin Ewell and one sister Mabel Ewell.
     Funeral services for Eddie will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, December 27, 2001, in St. Paul Lutheran Church, Preble with the Rev. Daniel J. Brege officiating.  Burial will follow the service in the St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery with military graveside rites by Adams Post #43 Color Guard.  Friends and family will be received from 2-5 & 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday in the Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home and one hour prior to services at the church on Thursday.   Preferred memorials are to the St. Paul Lutheran Church; Worship for Shut-ins or Donor’s Choice.

Raymond Bulmahn

Decatur — 1913-2001

Raymond Bulmahn, 88, of Decatur, a retired farmer, died Sunday, March 18, 2001, at Adams County Memorial Hospital, Decatur.

The Adams County native was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Preble and also attended Christ the King Lutheran Church in LaBelle, Fla. He was a founder of Preble Volunteer Fire Dept. Surviving are his brother, Hugo, and a sister, Esther Erxleben, both of Decatur. He was preceded in death by a brother and a sister. Services are 10 a.m. Wednesday at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Preble, with calling one hour before services. Calling will be from 2 to 4 and 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home, Decatur. Burial will be at St. Paul Lutheran Church Cemetery, Preble. Memorials are to Wyneken Expansion, either church, or to the donor's choice.
MARTHA C. SELKING, 80, died Friday, February 2nd, 2001 at Ossian Health & Rehabilitation Center. Born in Wells County, she was a homemaker. 

Surviving are her husband, Wilbur; two sons, Ronald and Kenneth, both of rural Decatur; a daughter, Barbara Oliver of rural Decatur; a sister, Ruth Ehlerding of rural Decatur; six grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and two step-great-grandchildren. 

 Services at 11 a.m. Tuesday, February 6th, 2001, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Preble, with calling one hour before services. Calling also from 2 to 4 and 6 to 9 p.m. Monday at Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home, Decatur. Burial in the church cemetery. Memorials to Worship For Shut-Ins.
Pauline K. Kirchner
Preble — 1916-2001

Pauline K. Kirchner, 84, of Preble, a 40-year employee of Fort Wayne General Electric Co., died Monday, Jan. 15, 2001, at Woodcrest Nursing Center.

The Fort Wayne native retired in 1977 and was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church and American Legion Post 43 Auxiliary.

Surviving are her husband, Edward; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by sisters Luella and Edna Grewe and Margaret Blauvelt.

Services are 1 p.m. Thursday at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Preble. Calling is from 3 to 5 and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home, Decatur. Burial will be at the church cemetery.

Memorials are to Wyneken Memorial Lutheran School Building Fund.
Edwin H. Reinking
Decatur — 1912-2000

Edwin H. Reinking, 88, of Decatur, a charter member of Preble Volunteer Fire Department where he served as its first president, died Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2000, at Adams County Memorial Hospital.

The Adams County native retired in 1978 from Schafer Wholesale Hardware as buyer and continued working part time until 1992 with a total of 57 years of service. He was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Preble, where he had held several offices, was active in the choir for more than 65 years and taught Sunday school. He was a former member of Rotary Club and Lutheran Chorale.

Surviving are his wife, Leona M.; sons Dennis L. and James A., both of Decatur; a foster son, Randy Wefel of Decatur; daughters Connie J. Kreigh of Decatur and Marilyn A. Franke of Ossian; a brother, Karl of Decatur; a sister, Alice Doeden of Bradenton, Fla.; 15 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a brother and two sisters.

Services are 10:30 a.m. Friday at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Preble, with calling one hour before services. Calling is also from 6 to 9 p.m. today and also from 2 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home, Decatur. Burial will be at St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery.

Memorials are to the church or Wyneken Expansion Fund.
Velma Weber, 83, of rural Preble, died Saturday, April 1, 2000, at Adams County Memorial Hospital in Decatur, Ind.
 She was born on Sept. 16, 1916, in Convoy, the daughter of the late Otto and Elenora (Ebrmann) Hertz. On Aug. 27, 1949, she married Robert Weber, who preceded her in death. Mrs. Weber was a secretary at Tully-Convoy School and was a homemaker.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. today at St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church in Decatur, with the Rev. Daniel Brege officiating. Burial will be in St. Paul Cemetery in Decatur.
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