Hess Funeral Home and Cremation Services

04/10/2026

Cremation continues to be a popular choice, but did you know there are now two forms available in many states? Read this blog to learn more about the differences between flame-based and water-based cremation!

Did you know there are two forms of cremation? Read this article to learn about the differences between water-based and flame-based cremation?

04/10/2026

Michael Carl Luebke, age 85, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, passed away on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at his residence.

Michael was born on July 9, 1940, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, to the late Alvin Carl August Luebke and Alitza Wanita (Adams) Luebke. He graduated from Central High School in Fort Wayne. On May 15, 1961, he married Alice May Huffine in Fort Wayne.

Michael was a hardworking and dedicated man throughout his life. He was employed at Thermo-King in Fort Wayne for 5 years before beginning a 27-year career with International Harvester Fort Wayne until its closure. He later retired from MacAllister Machinery in Fort Wayne after 6 years of service.

Michael had a deep passion for automobiles, especially classic cars, and took great pride in restoring them. He also enjoyed repairing and reselling vehicles. A true racing enthusiast, Michael not only loved watching races but also participated in street and hot rod racing in his younger years. He enjoyed the outdoors, spending time mushroom hunting, fishing, and hunting. He especially cherished his fishing trips to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. In addition, Michael was a talented woodworker. Above all, he treasured the time spent with his family and loved ones.

He is survived by his former wife and the mother of his children, Alice Luebke; children, Shelly Reihing (Edward Chaffins), Michael Joe Luebke (Dana), Randy Luebke, and Angie Kissinger; 15 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren, with one on the way; and his sister, Sandra Luebke.

He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, David Luebke and Sharon Garland.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., with visitation two hours prior from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., at Hess Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 7633 Maplecrest Road, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46835.

Burial will follow at the Independent Order of Odd Fellows Cemetery, 1109 Hartzell Road, New Haven, Indiana 46774.

Officiating the service will be Parkview Chaplain Karen Kosberg.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family.

Arrangements and care have been entrusted to Hess Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Fort Wayne, Indiana.

View Michael Carl Luebke's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/09/2026

Cremation is a popular choice for final disposition, but did you know it is still possible to have a service to honor your loved one?

You can hold a service to honor and commemorate their life before or after the cremation process occurs with a traditional funeral service or a simple memorial.

For more information about the importance of a ceremony and how to celebrate the life of your loved one with cremation, visit www.funeralbasics.org/cremation-importance-ceremony.

04/07/2026

April 15th is right around the corner! Don't forget to complete your taxes.

04/06/2026

Marybeth “MB” Lomont, age 72, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, passed away peacefully at her residence on Friday, April 3, 2026 surrounded by her loving family. Marybeth was born on November 19, 1953, in Fort Wayne to the late Earl and Maryann (Hogan) Collier. She graduated from Homestead High School in Fort Wayne and began her career shortly thereafter, working for MCL Cafeterias for two years. She went on to dedicate more than 25 years to Seyfert’s Snack Foods, where she served in a variety of roles, including head of quality control. Marybeth later worked for Central Soya for eight years, where she played a key role in organizing the company’s annual Christmas event for over 200 employees. She concluded her working career with over 20 years of service at Accu-Label, where she was deeply valued and became like family. Marybeth had a zest for life and found great joy in shopping, attending her grandchildren’s sporting events, and soaking up the sun. She was a devoted fan of the Indianapolis Colts and the Chicago Cubs and especially enjoyed her “TJ Maxx runs.” Affectionately known as the “Snack Lady,” Marybeth was a familiar and beloved presence at her grandchildren’s events, always arriving with a large bag of treats to share with everyone. Above all, she cherished time spent with her family and grandchildren.

She is survived by her loving spouse of 30 years, Dennis Maude; daughters, Janell (Chris) Kierski and Erin Maude; son, Kevin Maude; grandchildren, Alec (Julia) Lomont, Taylour (Kayla) Kierski, Ryann Kierski, Honora Maude, and Fiona Maude; great-grandchild, Rowen Lomont, with two more great-grandchildren on the way; sister, Diane (Joe) Savage; brother, Mark Collier; sister- in-law Pam Ellis; nephews, Brandon Brumbaugh, Jeremy Collier, and Jordan Collier,; and niece, Kara Collier.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Jeff Collier.

Memorial visitation will be held on Friday, April 17, 2026, from 2:00–4:00 p.m. and 6:00–8:00 p.m. at Hess Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 7633 Maplecrest Road, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46835.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., with visitation one hour prior from 10:00–11:00 a.m., also at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the donor’s favorite youth sports program.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Paradigm Hospice for their compassionate and dignified care, with special thanks to Nurse Jordan.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Hess Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Fort Wayne, Indiana.

View Marybeth Lomont's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/06/2026

04/05/2026

Easter weekend is a time to share with those you love. May you enjoy laughter, love, and a few sweet treats.

04/03/2026

Easter is a beautiful time and a celebration of hope and new life. If you're grieving the death of a loved one, taking time to reflect at your loved one's grave is a good way to incorporate them into your Easter celebration. Read this article to learn 4 reasons why you should visit your loved one's grave this Easter!

Visiting a loved one's grave at Easter can help you when you're grieving. Here are 4 ways you can benefit from a visit to the cemetery!

03/28/2026

Jeralyn S. Smith, age 86, of Angola, IN passed away on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne, IN.

Ms. Smith was born on September 27, 1939, in Greensburg, IN to the late Milton and Carrie (Boggs) Swegman. In 1958, she graduated from New Point High School in New Point, IN.

For many years, Jeralyn was a devoted homemaker and mother. Later, she joined the workforce and worked for Robinair. Jeralyn was an avid Bingo player, loved cooking family meals on Sundays, and cherished all the time she spent with her family and loved ones.

Survivors include her daughters, Carrie Smith and Glenna Williams, both of Angola, IN; grandchildren, Hiedi (Billy) French of Angola, IN, Renee (Joe) Gruza of Coldwater, MI, Kristine Smith of Angola, IN, Josiah (Amanda) Smith of Angola, IN, Heather (Adam) Watts of Angola, IN, Amy (Matt) Foster of Fort Wayne, IN, Ashley (James) LaGrange of Alaska, Christopher (Amanda) Smith of Alaska, and Lori Smith of Alaska; 35 great-grandchildren; a brother, Danny Swegman of Greensburg, IN; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Jeralyn was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Paul Smith; a sister, Millis Lewis; and an infant sister, Cleona Swegman.

There are no services scheduled at this time and cremation will take place.

Arrangements and care are entrusted to Hess Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Fort Wayne, IN.

View Jeralyn S. Smith's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/27/2026

Applying for Social Security benefits after the death of a loved one can feel both overwhelming and confusing. This easy guide shares helpful information on eligibility, what documents you need to gather, and where you can find answers to your questions!

After the death of a loved one, especially a spouse, you may be eligible to receive certain Social Security benefits. Click to learn more!

03/26/2026

Jacob “Jake” “Jakey Paul” Woods, age 20, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, passed away on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at his residence in Fort Wayne. Jake was born on August 17, 2005, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, to Paul Sanford Woods and Sara Marie Darling.

Jake attended New Haven High School in New Haven, Indiana, and was employed with P&B Cold Storage in Woodburn, Indiana. He had an old soul and a deep appreciation for classic music, especially artists such as Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, and Lynyrd Skynyrd. Jake was an avid fi****ms and poker enthusiast and truly enjoyed the outdoors. In his free time, he loved camping, fishing, and kayaking.

Jake was known for his kind heart and infectious smile. He loved making others laugh and brought joy to those around him. Above all, he cherished every moment spent with his family and loved ones.

He is survived by his loving parents, Paul Sanford Woods and Sara Marie Darling; grandparents, Jody and Jimmy Carter; sisters, Gabryell Darling and Kayla (Landon) Rasmussen; nephews, Levi and Myles Rasmussen; aunts, Crystal (Chris) O’Connor and Paula Woods; uncle, Jeremy (Marybeth) McBride; special cousins, Cameron McDaniels, Jordan Butler, and Mackenzie Butler; along with many extended family members who will forever cherish his memory.

Jake was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Paul and Cinda Woods; maternal grandparents, Steve McBride and Barbara Darling; and three uncles, Johnnie Woods, Chris Woods, and Bradley Wetzel.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., with visitation prior from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Hess Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 7633 Maplecrest Road, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46835.

Burial will follow the service at Independent Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF) Cemetery, 1109 Hartzell Road, New Haven, Indiana 46774.

Officiating the services will be Pastor Jacob Jackson of Three Rivers Baptist Church.

Memorial donations may be directed to the family.

Arrangements and care entrusted to Hess Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Fort Wayne, Indiana.

View Jacob "Jake" Paul Woods's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.