Pinnington Funeral & Cremation Services

10/26/2025

Be prepared to save a dog's life

10/26/2025

At 82, Charles David (Dave) Hoefer, Sr. passed away peacefully on October 24, 2025 surrounded by family at his residence in Auburn, IN. He was born February 2, 1943 in Aurora, IL to the late Charles W. Hoefer and Eleanor Hoefer Kraus.

Dave was involved in RVs and manufactured housing since the 1960s. His industry career began with manager roles at Coachmen, Carriage RV, and Friendship Homes, among others, becoming President of Friendship.

Starting in the 1980s, Dave helped create industry-changing companies. After assisting the startup of Gulf Stream Coach, Dave envisioned and co-founded Dutchmen RV, Four Winds (now Thor Motor Coach), Hart Housing (now Clayton Wakarusa), and Dutch Housing, among many other ventures into the 2000s. He was a former Director and RV Group President of Thor Industries.

Dave was known for ambitious visions and consumer improvements. His Dutchmen concept changed the RV industry’s standards and manufacturing practices.

Dave was a forerunner in commercializing recyclable, sustainable wood-free composite RV materials, and his later years in the RV industry were devoted extensively to research and development and new product concepts focused on innovation.

Dave ended his career with 10 more years in manufactured housing, as General Manager of Factory Expo Homes in Garrett, IN and then Clayton Homes Factory Direct of Garrett. Dave enjoyed a close relationship with Adventure Homes and his longtime friend Wally Comer.

In his last decades of life, Dave became a faith-filled Christian, passionate to share his testimony and introduce others to Jesus Christ. He often spent his time mentoring others and enjoying his family. His acts of kindness and generosity through the years are well remembered by many.

Dave is survived by his close-knit family: his wife Mary Hoefer (married 42 years) and their children Charles (Andrea Kine) Hoefer, Jon (Hannah) Hoefer, Kim (Daniel) Bangcong and their families; his first wife Judy Lovejoy and their children Wendy Hoefer, David B. (Sara) Hoefer and their families; his brother-in-law Hal Nagan; and by other dearly loved relatives.

In addition to his parents, Dave was preceded in death by his sister Susan Nagan.

In keeping with Dave’s wishes, a memorial service celebration will be held at Classic City Church in Auburn, IN (located at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 211 W 9th St) on Saturday, November 1, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. A memorial gathering will be held one hour prior. All who wish to celebrate Dave’s life are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dave’s honor to Classic City Church at https://classiccitychurch.churchcenter.com/giving

10/24/2025

John Jernigan, 78, of Auburn, passed away on Friday, October 24, 2025, at Betz Nursing Home in Auburn.
John was born and raised in the Auburn area, where he lived his entire life. He was a 1966 graduate of Auburn High School. Shortly after graduation, John proudly joined the United States Army, serving his country honorably, including service during the Vietnam War.
While stationed in Germany, John met the love of his life, Sigrid. After returning to the United States, Sigrid joined him, and the two were married. Together, they became devoted members of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Auburn, where they later renewed their vows. John was also a member of the Auburn Moose Lodge and the Knights of Columbus.
John worked in maintenance at Kraft Foods, where he dedicated many years of service before retiring in 2008. Though he and Sigrid were not blessed with children, John was a beloved and favorite uncle to many. He had a deep love for the outdoors and took pride in maintaining a beautiful garden each year. He enjoyed swimming, spending time with family, and simply being together. John and Sigrid shared a love of travel, exploring throughout the United States and several European countries. Among their most treasured memories was visiting the Vatican.
Surviving are his loving wife, Sigrid Jernigan of Auburn; brother, Paul (Roberta) Jernigan Jr. of Auburn; sisters, Bonita (Ronnie) Howe of Auburn and Brenda (Robert) Surfus of Auburn; and sister-in-law, Diane Jernigan of Auburn. He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul Jernigan Sr. and Geraldine Jernigan; and brother, Roger Jernigan.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 500 E. Seventh Street, Auburn, with visitation one hour prior from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Visitation will also be held from 4:00–7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at Pinnington Funeral & Cremation Services, 502 N. Main Street, Auburn. A recital of the rosary will begin at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home.
Burial will take place at Immaculate Conception Catholic Cemetery in Auburn with military honors by the United States Army, American Legion Post 97 of Auburn, and American Legion Post 178 of Garrett.
Memorial donations may be made to Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.

10/20/2025

(compliments of theberry.com)

10/14/2025

10/12/2025

Sandra J. “Toni” Spade, 86, of Corunna, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Friday, October 10, 2025, at Astral at Auburn.
She was born on October 28, 1938, in Auburn, the daughter of the late Ralph D. and Gladys L. (Hewitt) West.
Toni was a proud graduate of Auburn High School and took great pride in being a Red Devil. For more than 40 years, she worked alongside her husband, Larry, at their family business, Spade Heating and Plumbing.
A longtime member of Maple Grove United Methodist Church, Toni’s faith and family were central to her life. She loved being outdoors, whether tending to her yard, enjoying the sunshine, or simply taking in the beauty of nature around her.
She is survived by her husband of 67 years, Larry Spade of Corunna; daughter, Shawn E. Spade of Corunna; son and daughter-in-law, David and Lisa Spade of Corunna; grandchildren, Grant M. (Chantal) Crabtree of Corunna, Morgan (Tyler) Barry of Corunna, and Kaylee (Zack Houser) Spade of Kendallville; great-grandchildren, Brooks, Grady, and Conner Crabtree of Corunna; brother and sister-in-law, Paul and Janet West of Auburn; niece, Lynn West of Auburn; and nephew, Brian West of Auburn.
She was preceded in death by her beloved son, Doug Spade, in 1964.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 16, 2025, from 4–7 p.m. at Pinnington Funeral & Cremation Services, 502 N. Main Street, Auburn. A funeral service will be held on Friday, October 17, 2025, at 11 a.m., with visitation one hour prior from 10–11 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Roselawn Cemetery, Auburn.
Memorial donations may be made to Maple Grove United Methodist Church.

10/08/2025

Those who have lost someone they love know the true meaning of courage.

10/07/2025

Michael Anthony Wellman, 40, of Leo, passed away unexpectedly due to natural causes on Sunday, October 5, 2025. He was born on October 25, 1984, in Coldwater, Ohio, the son of Larry and Linda (Kramer) Wellman.
Michael attended St. Louis Academy in New Haven and was a 2003 graduate of Bishop Luers High School. He went on to attend Marquette University, where he graduated through the Naval ROTC program with an Electrical Engineering degree. Following college, Michael proudly served in the United States Navy from 2007 to 2015. During his service, he shared his life with his beloved dog, Stella.
After completing his military service, Michael moved to Big Turkey Lake and worked at Johnson Controls. He also worked at Menards and Cardinal Glass, before founding Geist Home Improvement in Fishers, Indiana. He and his wife later moved to Leo, where he continued to operate his business.
Michael was a member of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Fort Wayne and American Legion Post 409 in Leo. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed ultimate frisbee, curling, beer brewing, fishing, paddling, smoking meats, and cheering for the Chicago Bears. He had a wide circle of friends & cherished every opportunity to connect with others.
Michael is survived by his wife, Sarah Hargarten of Leo; his cherished dogs, Brewer and Barley; parents, Larry and Linda Wellman of Fort Wayne; and siblings, Sarah (Tim) Speer of Auburn, Annette (Father Tom) Hrywna of Brampton, Ontario, Nichole (Joseph) Crouch of Fort Wayne, Bridget (Ryan) Bol of New Haven, John (Ande) Wellman of New Haven, and Maria (Michael) Albertson of New Haven.
He was a devoted uncle to 34 nieces and nephews, serving as godfather to six of them. Michael loved taking them on adventures and was known for his fun-loving spirit and kindness. He is also survived by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Robert, and Julie Hargarten of Auburn; brother-in-law, Matt (Savannah) Hargarten of Clayton, Indiana; sisters-in-law, Stephanie (Joel) Winters of Auburn, Kimberly (Derick) Gienger of Auburn, and Melissa (Andrew) Miller of Waterloo; and his best friends, Adam and Kaylen Brueggeman of Leo.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Alfred and Dorothy Wellman, and Mark and Clara Kramer.
A funeral mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at St. Louis Besancon Catholic Church, 15535 Lincoln Highway East, New Haven, with visitation from 9:30–11:00 a.m. Military honors will follow the Mass. Visitation will also be held on Friday, October 10, 2025, from 2–8 p.m. at Pinnington Funeral & Cremation Services, 502 N. Main Street, Auburn, with a recitation of the Rosary at 3:00 p.m.
Memorial donations may be made to American Legion Post 409, for Mass intentions, or to Northeast Indiana Water Trails.

10/04/2025

Michael G. Crabtree, 67, of Auburn, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, October 3, 2025.

Born on May 1, 1958, in Frankfort, Indiana, Mike lived a life filled with purpose, laughter, pranks and love. He proudly served as a State Trooper with the Indiana State Police for over 40 years, where he also worked as a State Police Pilot. His dedication to his work, his community, and his fellow officers was unmatched. Mike was also a proud member of the DeKalb Masonic Lodge #214.

Those who knew Mike will remember his goofy sense of humor and the way he could light up a room with a joke or a smile. He was loyal, hardworking, and meticulous — especially when it came to his cars, which he always kept spotless. But above all, Mike loved his family deeply. They were his greatest joy and the heart of everything he did.

He was happiest when spending time with his loved ones, keeping his son, daughter and later his grandsons busy with fun adventures — from mall arcades to Chuck E. Cheese and everywhere in between. Mike had a soft spot for greyhound dogs and enjoyed relaxing at home watching documentaries, Doctor Who, and classic monster movies.

Mike is survived by his loving wife, Monica S. Crabtree of Auburn; his son, Grant M. (Chantal) Crabtree of Auburn; his daughter, Kiara G. Crabtree of Franklin; and his adored grandchildren, Brooks, Grady, and Conner Crabtree of Auburn. He is also survived by his stepdaughters, Courtney Jagoda of Fremont, Kelsey Jagoda of Texas, and Amanda Harvey of Indianapolis; step-grandson, Jackson Hart of Fremont; sister, Marcie (Nick) Nichols of Frankfort; and stepbrother, Lane (Michele) Lassiter of Auburn.

He was preceded in death by his father, Grant T. Crabtree, and his mother, Patricia M. Crabtree Lassiter.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Mike’s life on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, from 4–8 p.m. at Pinnington Funeral & Cremation Services, 502 N. Main Street, Auburn.
A funeral service will be held on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at 2 p.m., with visitation one hour prior, also at the funeral home.

Chaplain Daniel K. Coffey will be officiating.

Per Mike’s request, please come dressed in casual attire — just as he would have wanted.

In honor of Mike’s generous spirit and his love of helping others, memorial donations may be made to the Master Trooper James R. Bailey Memorial Scholarship or the DeKalb Humane Society.

Mike will be remembered for his big heart, quick wit, and the love he gave so freely to his family and friends.

10/04/2025

Martin L. “Mike” Schwartz, Sr., 101, of Hudson, passed away on Friday, October 3, 2025, at Lutheran Life Villages in Kendallville.
He was born on August 27, 1924, in Berne, Indiana, to the late Samuel P. and Effie M. Schwartz. Martin proudly served his country as a veteran of the United States Army.
He worked as a carpenter with Roger Diehm Construction and also farmed the family farm for many years. Hardworking and devoted to his family, Martin will be remembered for his dedication and quiet strength.
He is survived by his children, Bonnie (Jim) Deetz of Hudson, Robert Schwartz of Hamilton, Martin L. Schwartz, Jr. of Pekin, and Dawn Fry of Tucker, Georgia; 18 grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Betty Schwartz, his children, David, Brian and Patricia; and his parents.
In keeping with Martin’s wishes, no services will be held.
With grateful hearts, our family would like to thank the Parkview Hospice team and Lutheran Life Villages staff for the wonderful care they provided to Martin. Their help was an immeasurable gift to us.
Arrangements are entrusted to Pinnington Funeral & Cremation Services, 502 N. Main Street, Auburn.
To sign the online guest book or leave a message of condolence, please visit www.pinningtonfh.com.

10/03/2025

Daniel John Fisher, 58, of Orland, passed away at his home on Friday, September 26, 2025. He was born on June 29, 1967, in Michigan.
Daniel was a devoted and loving father and grandfather. He enjoyed spending time outdoors and had a natural talent for working with his hands. Mechanically inclined, he especially loved working on cars—though he often joked that he wouldn’t touch a Ford.
Known as a straightforward man with a soft heart, Daniel carried a strong work ethic, always on his own terms. His presence, wisdom, and humor will be deeply missed by those who loved him.
He is survived by his daughters, Kristin (Dylan) Knight of Auburn, Megan Sisco of Kendallville, and Samantha (Ken Snider) Fisher of Orland; and by his cherished grandchildren, Raylynn Depew, Kaiden Murray, Kinslee Murray, Avalyn Knight, Kristopher Knight, Andrew Snider, Raider Snider, and Lyland Snider.
Private family services will be held.

10/02/2025

Kenneth L. Harding, 84, of Auburn passed away on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at his home.
He was born on December 16, 1940, in Auburn, a son of the late Roland G. Harding Sr. and Martha A. Harding. Kenneth was a graduate of Waterloo High School.
He worked at Uniroyal Goodrich for over 32 years, retiring in 1994, and had also been employed at DeKalb Agra. Kenneth was a former member of the Jackson Township Fire Board. In his younger years, he enjoyed hunting, and throughout his life, his greatest joy was spending time with his family. Kenneth and his wife, Diane, made their home in the house of his great-grandparents, where they created countless memories together.
Kenneth is survived by his wife of 65 years, Diane L. Harding; son, Wesley (Vickee) Harding of Hamilton; daughters, Kimberley (Roger) Strautman of Woodburn and Angela (Tyrone Maldeney) Harding of Auburn; grandchildren, Jared Strautman, Regina Hetrick, Ryne Harding, and Bryce Harding; great-grandchildren, Brooklyn, Jack, Max, Simon, Eva, Nicolette, and Kenneth; brothers, Daniel Harding of Corunna and Leland Harding of Fort Wayne; and sisters, Ann Wagner of Middlebury and Rosalie Renkenberger of Saint Joe.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Roland G. Harding Jr.
A private family gathering will be held on the Harding family farm at a later date.