Obituaries

Local North Manchester, Indiana Obituaries

Kim William Butler

Kim William Butler

Nov 1, 2024

Kim William Butler, born on December 13, 1954, to Jack William and Thelma Jean (Jagger) Butler, in Rochester, Indiana, passed away unexpectedly in North Manchester, Indiana, on November 1, 2024, at the age of 69. 

A dedicated professional, Kim devoted thirty-nine years of his career to Laketon Refining Corporation, from where he retired in 2019. His leadership and commitment were exemplified...

Michael LeRoy Bishop

Michael LeRoy Bishop

Oct 28, 2024

Michael LeRoy Bishop, 69, Akron, formerly of Fort Wayne, passed away on October 28, 2024, at the Lutheran Hospital of Indiana in Fort Wayne. The son of LeRoy Bishop and Phyllis (Chaffee) McMichael, Michael was born on October 15, 1955, in Wabash, Indiana,

Michael attended Manchester High School before serving in the United States Army. After his time in the Army,...

Arden Ray Boocher

Arden Ray Boocher

Oct 23, 2024

Arden Ray Boocher, 70, Fort Wayne, formerly of North Manchester, passed away on October 23, 2024. Born on July 1, 1954, in Wabash, to Max E. and Doris T. (Niccum) Boocher, Arden’s journey through life was marked by kindness, humor, work ethic, and a remarkable dedication to his family.

Arden dedicated thirty-six years of his life to Wayne Pipe and Supply,...

John Olinger

John Olinger

Oct 20, 2024

John Olinger, a beloved figure in the North Manchester community, passed away on October 20, 2024 at the Autumn Ridge Rehabilitation Centre in Wabash, Indiana. Born on April 1, 1955, in Huntington, Indiana, to Frederick “Fritz” and Rose Mary (Berneburg) Olinger, John led a life filled with passion, laughter, and a commitment to both his community and his faith.

As the...

Nancy Kay Burton

Nancy Kay Burton

Oct 18, 2024

Nancy Kay Burton, born to Glen C. and Willadean V. (Kamp) Keaffaber on November 6, 1944, in Wabash, Indiana, passed away on October 18, 2024, at Lutheran Hospital of Indiana in Fort Wayne. She was a beloved presence in many lives, and her memory will forever be cherished by all who had the pleasure of knowing her.

A proud graduate of...

Kathleen "Cindy" Ann Seward

Kathleen "Cindy" Ann Seward

Oct 11, 2024

Kathleen Ann Seward, 77, known to many as “Cindy,” died on October 11, 2024 at Peabody Healthcare Center in North Manchester. The daughter of Jean Ireland and Phyllis (Fulton) Neuenschwander, Cindy was born September 10, 1947 in Huntington, Indiana.

Cindy experienced an extensive fall at home that then required long term care at Peabody Nursing Home in the fall of September...

Lamoine Charles Gemmer

Lamoine Charles Gemmer

Oct 6, 2024

Lamoine Charles Gemmer, 95, a dedicated husband, father, and hardworking carpenter, passed away on October 6, 2024, in Wabash, Indiana. Born on December 27, 1928, in Huntington, Indiana, to Henry and Edythe (Urschel) Gemmer, Lamoine led a life filled with love, family, and lifelong dedication to his craft.

Lamoine's life was filled with love and laughter, from his days at Chester...

Lois Snyder

Lois Snyder

Oct 5, 2024

Lois Snyder, 93, North Manchester, Indiana, passed away on October 5, 2024, in North Manchester, Indiana. Born in Chicago, on October 2, 1931 to Daniel and Martha (Daggett) Horning, Lois lived in the Chicago area for 80 years; there she dedicated her life to raising her family, to Chicago’s First Church of the Brethren, to teaching children with learning disabilities,...

Arlene Merriett

Arlene Merriett

Oct 2, 2024

Arlene Merriett, 93, Auburn, formerly of North Manchester, Indiana, passed away October 2, 2024 at Betz Nursing Home in Auburn, Indiana. The daughter of Russell and Veva Mae (Richert) Farley Sr., Arlene was born August 29, 1931 in Kosciusko County. While living in the North Manchester area, Arlene was a member of the Congregational Christian Church.

The loving memory of Arlene...

David Louis Bunch

David Louis Bunch

Oct 1, 2024

David Louis Bunch, 57, Wabash, passed away at his home on October 1, 2024. The son of Robert and Billie Bunch, David was born December 26, 1966 in Goshen, Indiana. 

After graduating from Jimtown High School, David went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Finance from Northwestern State University of Louisiana, and then a Master’s degree from Ball State University...

Mary Francis Howard

Mary Francis Howard

Oct 1, 2024

Mary Francis Howard, 76, North Manchester, passed away surrounded by her loving family on October 1, 2024, at the age of 76 at her home. Mary was born in Logan County, West Virginia on June 6, 1948, to Willard Don and Mary Lou (Spriggs) Chafin. During her beautiful life, Mary found great joy in her roles as a mother, grandmother,...

Norma Louise Walker

Norma Louise Walker

Sep 29, 2024

Norma Louise Walker, 86, born January 2, 1938, passed away peacefully on September 29, 2024.

She was a loving daughter to Kyden and Verda Disser, soulmate of Harold Walker, and a great mother to David, Mark, and Jerry.

A resident of both Indiana and Florida, Norma loved both places.

She was a loving mother, a caring nurse, and a woman of strength, who...

Jean Gamble

Jean Gamble

Sep 27, 2024

Emma Jean Gamble, a devoted mother, dedicated employee, and passionate collector, passed away tragically on September 27, 2024, at the age of 90 in North Manchester, Indiana. Born in Kentucky on September 7, 1934, to Lonnie and Savage (Shepherd) Shepherd, Jean attended Sidney High School and went on to build a successful career spanning over fifty years at General Tire,...

Dorothy Hidy

Dorothy Hidy

Sep 23, 2024

Dorothy Hidy, born on September 23, 1958, in Jamestown, North Dakota, to Wilfert and Helen (Ziemann) Thom, passed away on her 66th birthday, September 23, 2024, in Wabash, Indiana. She leaves behind a legacy of warmth, kindness, and love that will forever be cherished by her husband Robert Hidy, her children Christopher and Vanessa, her brother Jerry, and all who...

Ruth Rodriguez

Ruth Rodriguez

Sep 21, 2024

Ruth Rodriguez, 99, formerly of North Manchester went to be with the Lord on Saturday, September 21, 2024.

Ruth (Toro) was born in Brooklyn, New York on October 15, 1924, to Ramon Luis Toro and Felicita Olivera-Batiz Toro. She married Anthony Rodriguez and together they had two children, Ruth Elizabeth Spring and David Paul Rodriguez.

Grandma Ruth was the matriarch of our...

Tammy Kline

Tammy Kline

Sep 16, 2024

Tammy Kline, a beloved daughter, mother, sister, and grandmother, passed away on September 16, 2024 at Dupont Hospital in Fort Wayne. Born June 24, 1968, in Wabash, Indiana, Tammy was the daughter of Robert "Bob" J. Kline and Sharon Kay (Jackson) Hopkins. 

Throughout her life, Tammy shared a special bond with her mother, Sharon Hopkins, and was a dedicated sister to...

Wilma G. Metzger

Wilma G. Metzger

Sep 16, 2024

Metzger – Wilma G. was born on October 17, 1932, near Minot, ND to Lawrence and Alice (Moore) Wray. Our Heavenly Father called her home on September 16th at the age of 91 years, 10 months, and 29 days.

On November 25, 1950 she married Carl R. Metzger, who preceded her in death on April 22, 2002. To this union were...

Rickey Hicks Sr.

Rickey Hicks Sr.

Sep 6, 2024

Rickey Hicks Sr. age 75 of South Whitley, Indiana, formally of Big Springs, Knott County, Kentucky, was born to Allen “Boot” and Evelyn (Risner) Hicks on August 22, 1949. On September 6, 2024, Rickey passed away peacefully at home.

The loving memory of Rickey Hicks Sr. will be forever cherished by his wife Kathleen Hicks; daughter, Linda Hackworth; sons, Rickey Hicks...

Roger Hammonds Sr.

Roger Hammonds Sr.

Sep 4, 2024

Roger Hammonds Sr., 79, passed away on September 4, 2024, at Richard A. Anderson Texas State Veteran’s Home in Houston, Texas. He was born on May 6, 1945, at Wabash Hospital to Leslie and Louise Hammonds.

In his younger years, with his family at home, he was known to be a great jokester and teaser. He enjoyed fishing with his buddy,...

Wilson B. Lutz

Wilson B. Lutz

Sep 3, 2024

Wilson B. Lutz, 97, born on May 12, 1927, in Mogadore, Ohio, to Boyd Eugene and Ruby Florella (Feller) Lutz, passed away on September 3, 2024, at Timbercrest Healthcare Center in North Manchester, Indiana. A man of great intellect and passion, Wilson's life journey was one filled with remarkable achievements and treasured memories.

From his early days at Mogadore High School...