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Northern Indiana Funeral Care, 1319 Magnavox Way, Fort Wayne, IN (2026)

01/10/2026

Joe Mack Pittenger, Jr., 82, a veteran of the Vietnam War and longtime resident of Whitley County, Indiana, passed away unexpectedly and entered eternal rest on January 6, 2026. He was born on June 10, 1943, to the late Joe Mack Pittenger, Sr. and the late Jeannett Shultz in Jefferson Township, Whitley County, Indiana.

Joe believed in simplicity and lived a simple life devoted to service and community. As a Vietnam veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, Joe served his country with great honor and integrity. During his career with the military, Joe was awarded numerous medals for his honorable service and received the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, a Letter of Appreciation, the Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Good Conduct Medal.

After his military career, Joe pursued multiple occupation opportunities and ultimately settled into a career as a working foreman with Primco, Inc. of Fort Wayne, Indiana, dedicating 23 years to the construction industry; building roads and bridges. Joe was also a member of the American Legion and VFW of Columbia City. He attained and was honored with the key officer position of Post Commander in both organizations. Joe served a Post Commander term for the American Legion and numerous Post Commander terms for the VFW, Post 5582. In addition, he served as the Quartermaster of the VFW, Post 5582.

Joe was known, loved and respected by many and never knew a stranger. The word stranger just didn’t exist in his vocabulary. He was a socializer and would speak and conversate with anyone about anything. Joe was said to be “a good man” and to have had a funny personality and joking sense of humor, by many people that were close to him and knew him well. He always had a story to tell, was easy to talk to and was full of great ideas and wisdom, which he shared without hesitation. Joe always had a solution and an answer for everything … in his mind.
Joe was very devoted to and passionate about the U.S. Marine Corps, veterans, and service members. He found enjoyment and pleasure in many things, such as hotrods, drag racing, NASCAR, duck hunting, mowing grass and traveling. Joe also had several hobbies that encompassed golfing, fishing and bowling, and found peace and relaxation in coloring artwork.

Joe Mack Pittenger, Jr. is survived by his long-time and devoted partner and significant other of 23 years, Gail Strickland; his children, Lance (Kristi Mader) Pittenger, Tim (Sheila) Pittenger, Dede (Ellis) Amburgey and Jody (Mandy) Pittenger; his chosen children, Shane DeBolt, Colby (Shawn Schultis) DeBolt, and Caleb (Amy) DeBolt; eight grandchildren, three chosen grandchildren; five great-grandchildren and two chosen great-grandchildren; along with a host of other chosen family members, relatives and friends.

He was predeceased by his son, Van Patrick Pittenger; by his parents, Joe Mack Pittenger, Sr. and Jeannett Shultz; by his sister, Tamara Arnold; and other loved ones and friends.

A Celebration of Life gathering will be held at the VFW, Post 5582, 415 W. Chicago Street, Columbia City, Indiana on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at Noon, casual attire and come as you are. Joe will be laid to rest on a later date at the Oak Grove Cemetery.

May Joe Mack Pittenger, Jr. rest in peace and may his loved ones, family and friends find strength, comfort and amity in the memories, laughs and love they shared together. Joe’s legacy of service, loyalty and memories built, will remain alive and remembered in the hearts of all who knew him.

01/09/2026

John “Jack” Robert Hoppe, 84, passed away on Wednesday, January 7, 2026. He was born on April 11, 1941, to the late John Herman Hoppe and Helen Irene (Morris) Hoppe.

He is survived by the love of his life of 60 years, Mary Ann (Korb) Hoppe. They married on August 21, 1965, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church.

He graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1959 and served in the United States Army. He was an active member of American Legion Post #47.

Jack previously owned and operated Fort Wayne Door and later retired from Old Fort Supply. Truly a “Jack” of all trades, he was a successful real estate investor who specialized in flipping homes. He could fix just about anything, but his greatest passion and expertise was in the garage door business.

Much of Jack’s life was spent on Lake James and Big Long Lake, where he made countless memories boating, sitting by campfires, skiing, swimming, and quality time with his family. He cherished his winters at Fort Myers Beach, loved being on the water, and enjoyed snowmobiling.

Jack was a huge football fan, cheering faithfully for the Indianapolis Colts and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. As a boy he even won the soap box derby at Franke Park in 1955.

Rest well to our rock and man of many titles…Husband, Dad, Grandpa, Brother, Son, Uncle, and Dear Friend. Your smile, your laughter, your humor, and your presence brought joy to everyone who knew you. May we all strive to fill the space that you have left behind and honor your legacy.

Survivors include his wife, Mary Ann Hoppe and their four children: Darren Hoppe (Julie), Daniel Hoppe (Rena), Rich (Christina) Hoppe, and Ann Marie (Robert) Neireiter all of Fort Wayne.

He was the proud grandfather of six grandchildren: Kierston (Christopher) McComb, Jessica Hoppe, Tyler Peters, Katie Peters, Kaylee Hoppe, and Anthony Hoppe; and five great grandchildren: Destinee Garcia, Luiz Garcia, Daphnee Garcia, Harper McComb, and Von McComb.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Lois (Hoppe) Hege and brother-in-law, Richard Carl Hege.

Visitation will be held Thursday, January 15, 2026, from 2-4:00 and 5-7:00 PM at Hite Funeral Home, 403 South Main Street in Kendallville. There will be a Rosary service at 1:30 PM.
Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, January 16, 2026, at 12:00 noon at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 1502 East Wallen Road, Fort Wayne, Indiana. Visitation will also be held from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM prior to the mass at the church.
Burial with military honors will take place at Highland Park Cemetery in Fort Wayne.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made for a mass in honor of Jack to St. Vincent’s Catholic Church and The Most Precious Blood School.

01/08/2026

Patrick H. Drummer, 88, of Fort Wayne died peacefully on January 5, 2026, at Park Place Senior Living in Fort Wayne. Pat was born to the late Henry and Inez Drummer, on St. Patrick's Day, in Ottawa, Ohio. During Pat's school years, he enjoyed car racing and sports cars and was a graduate of Central High School. At the age of 18, he joined the Indiana Air National Guard and proudly served 23 years before retiring in 1978. Pat would often reminisce about his participation with the 122d Tactical Fighter Wing's deployment to Chambley, France in 1961 as part of the Berlin Crisis.
At age 20, Pat began working for International Harvester in Fort Wayne and later in Springfield, Ohio, where he retired after 30 years of employment. He continued to work for another 16 years as a delivery driver for All-Phase Electric.

Following his retirement(s), Pat enjoyed touring the United States attending classic car shows, where he purchased various classic cars and drove them proudly throughout town. He organized various car shows in the Fort Wayne area, including popular shows at his church, Promise Lutheran Church.

Pat also was an avid woodworker and he could often be found in his shop happily puttering, smoking his pipe and listening to country music. He also loved bald eagles and reading books, especially those written by David Baldacci or containing topics involving Native Americans.

Pat is survived by two daughters, Kelly (Richard) Graham of Rancho Cucamonga, CA and Kimberly (Michael) Nielsen of Fort Wayne; 4 grandchildren Sarah and Sean Graham & Rachael and Ryan Nielsen.

He was preceded in death by 2 brothers, Richard & Thomas and 3 infant children: Michael, Jeffery and an unnamed male.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, January 16, 2026 at Promise Lutheran Church, 7323 Schwartz Road, Fort Wayne, Indiana. The family will receive friends 1 hour prior to the service at the church. Private interment will follow at Concordia Lutheran Cemetery.

As a meaningful tribute to Pat, in place of flowers, the family requests donations be made in his memory to Solace Hospice, 280 Commercial Street, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46783 or to The Shepherd's House, 519 Tennessee Ave., Fort Wayne, Indiana 46805.

01/03/2026

On December 28, 2025, Delores D. Kumfer (Dee) passed away in her sleep. She is preceded in death by her husband and Canasta partner, George M. Kumfer; her parents, Walter and Agnes Hartstein; and her siblings, Betty (Wynn) and David.

Dee was cherished and loved. She still is by those who continue without her, including her little sister Rosie (Lee); her children Scott (Terena) Kumfer, Dawn (Joe) Wiseman, Kim (Kirk) Doehrmann, and John (Brenda) Kumfer; her five grandchildren Jerrid (Alexis) Rydell, Lucas Kumfer, Katie (Travis Callaway) Doehrmann, Mason Kumfer, and Riley Kumfer; and her 5 great-grandchildren. There are many more not listed, but just as important, who have come and sat around her table for a quick chat, a bite to eat, or a game of Dice.

Or maybe they knew her from growing up on Hungry Hill or graduating from North Side High School. They could have crossed paths with her during her 30-plus years as a nurse. She trained at Parkview Methodist School of Nursing in Fort Wayne, Indiana. She later retired from the Lincoln National Life Insurance Company. However they may have been associated with Dee; they all knew her as the embodiment of kindness, loyalty, and quick sass. The lady who would give up everything for others in every scenario except when she was placed in a cutthroat card game, where she made sure she was victorious by any means necessary. The one who loved angels, cooking for family, and always had a smile on her face and a laugh in her voice.

We hope she is upstairs right now with a pot of goulash on the stove, frying chicken, and porcupine balls in the oven; a full table of all those who have passed before her; and a night full of playing card games. May she win them all.

An informal gathering of family and friends will be held to celebrate her life on Saturday, January 10th
The Woodlands Senior Activity Center
710 North Opportunity Drive
Columbia City, Indiana
1:30 - 4:30PM
Come and share a cup of coffee and a story or two

A Tribute
A tribute to both Delores and her late husband, George, from their granddaughter, Katie.

He was sawdust, and she was a collection of Reader’s Digest recipes. The slob and the snob. The living embodiment of the grumpy/sunshine trope. I spent a good portion of my childhood at their house doing the one thing our family did best: playing games.

After school, all three of us would play Dice or Can’t Stop. Grandpa usually pushed his luck and scratched. Can’t play the game without taking a risk. At some point, he would stuff tissues into his ears and poke fun at the fact that I was talking so much that his ears were beginning to bleed. I never felt like I had to stop talking, though. I knew he listened through the cotton.

Grandma would stay up with me later into the night, and we would fix our bowls of ice cream. She’d let me mix whatever fruit into the chocolate syrup, trying to gross them out with grapes, oranges, and raspberries. Then we would end the night playing Speed or Go Fish. She was the queen of the off-handed comment. Said in a honey-sweet voice, but that cut straight to the point that she was beating you. “Oh, you only got how many?”

They were the type of people to give their shirts off their backs and show up in horrible weather if it meant they could help those they loved. But age comes for the best of us, and eyes and minds begin to fade. My memory hasn’t. I still smile at the endless Saturdays with aunts, uncles, and cousins all surrounding the table. The call out of different games and the need for partners, or “we need one more for…”

All headed by the two biggest bullheads in our little Kumfer Clan. One full of p**s and vinegar, and another of a sassy faith you only get in the Midwest. Always changing rules to make a game more competitive, strategic, or even just longer. Welcoming all who wanted to come to eat and play at their table, just as long as they had tough skin for sarcasm and a knack for shuffling.

A game night hosted around a large table full of snacks and game pieces is an ode to them and the legacy of love and family once found within their home.

I love you, Grandpa George and Grandma Dee. May you be upstairs playing the longest game of Canasta on that side of the pearly gates.

P.S. I hope Grandma wins.

12/18/2025

Terence Wayne McCann, age 78, of Marion, Indiana, passed away December 16, 2025, at Lutheran Hospital, Fort Wayne. Terry was born in Marion, Indiana, on January 25, 1947, to the late Marion Carl McCann and Donna Jean (Huston) Harris. He graduated from Mississinewa High School and entered into the United States Army where he honorably served his country from 1966-1968. He married Sherry Carvin on March 20, 1971, in Gas City, Indiana. Terry was retired after more than 30 years of service with Delco-Remy. After his retirement, he employed as a custodian at Mississinewa High School in Gas City.

Survivors include:
Wife, Sherry McCann of Marion.
Daughter, Kara and Clint Callahan of Anderson.
Daughter, Tara Columbus and Brian Garret of Jonesboro.
Son, Micah McCann and Lorena McKillip of Jonesboro.
Nine grandchildren, twelve step grandchildren, and four great grandchildren.
Sister, Debbie and Jim LeChance of Gas City.

Terry was preceded in death by his parents, Marion McCann and Donna Harris and a son, Joshua McCann in 1979.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at 12:00 noon at the chapel on the Marion V.A. Medical Center campus with visitation at 11:00 AM prior to the service.
Burial with military honors will follow at 1:00 PM at Marion National Cemetery committal shelter.

12/13/2025

Pastor Jack Loren Thompson, age 82, was called Home by his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Friday morning, December 12, 2025.

Jack was born in Washington, Pennsylvania on February 2, 1943, to Annie Emma (Scarborough) Thompson Spencer and Wray Thompson. Jack graduated from Washington High School, then served five years in the United States Marine Corp. Jack held degrees from Garrett Theological Seminary and Purdue University.

Pastor Jack retired after thirty-two years in the pulpit as a United Methodist minister, serving charges in York, Alvarado, Goodland, Independence, Wesley Chapel, Mishawaka and Mentone. Jack served as the camp director at Camp Lakewood (UMC) in South Milford for seven years. During his time in Lagrange County, Jack served as a first responder/firefighter for the Stroh Volunteer Fire Department. Jack was proud to be chosen as the volunteer of the year for the Whitley County Historical Society.

Pastor Jack loved to make people laugh. He and Esther enjoyed playing Christian clowns, Tippy and Telly for bible schools and nursing homes. Jack loved to smoke ribs. His Fat Jack’s BBQ trailer was a favorite around Whitley County. Jack was also a devoted Pittsburgh Steeler and Purdue basketball fan.

Jack married Esther Jane McDowell at East Buffalo Presbyterian Church, Buffalo Township, Pennsylvania, on October 26th, 1963.

Survivors include his wife of sixty-two years, Esther Thompson of Fort Wayne.
Son, Keith and Amy of Howe.
Daughter, Cathy and Troy of Fort Wayne.
Son, Ron and Chasity of Auburn.
Jack joined his daughter, Sharon, in Heaven.

Pastor Jack is also survived by his brother, Dale, ten grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Jack was preceded in death by his parents, and his brothers, Wray, Wayne and Norman.

There will be a memorial service held in Jack's honor on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at 2:30 PM at St. Matthew's Community Church, 1460 E. 500 N., Columbia City, Indiana. The service will be officiated by Pastor Doug Lucker and Pastor Stuart Mutzfeld.

Jack will be laid to rest with military honors and private committal service on Monday, December 22, 2025, at Independence Cemetery, Attica, Indiana. Pastor Michael Dillon will conduct to committal service and military honors will be presented by the United States Marine Corps and American Legion Post 52, Attica.

11/14/2025

Kaitlinne Joy LeGault, age 22, of New Haven, passed away to her eternal home with Jesus on October 16, 2025, at home. Kaitlinne was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, on August 7, 2003 to James Ryan LeGault and Denise Rene (McCoy) LeGault. She loved God, her church, her family and friends, and working at Fort Wayne Children's Zoo.

A memorial service celebrating Kaitlinne's life will be held Friday, November 14, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Pathway Community Church in Fort Wayne with visitation from 10 - 11:00 AM.

10/29/2025

Larry R. Lewis “Smoke”, 85, of rural Fort Wayne, passed away October 25, 2025. He was born in Wabash, Indiana, on October 16, 1940, to the late Glen Lewis and Bertha (Kumley) Lewis. He honorably served his country in the United States Navy. He married Sandra Richardson (Hillbilly) on November 23, 1963 in LaOtto, Indiana and she preceded him in death December 14, 2007. He was employed for 36 years with International Harvester. Over the course of his career with IH, he worked in Department 40 Exports, Department 7 Receiving, was the Insurance and Pension Representative, and International Benefits Representative. He was heavily involved with the UAW and was an executive board member of UAW Local 57 for 20 years and served as the President of UAW Local 57 from 1983-1985. He was President of “United Are We” Conservation Club, member of the Beekeepers Association, Moose Lodge and American Legion Post 420.

Survivors include:

Daughters, Teresa (Michael) Miller of Fort Wayne, Lynette (John) Miller of Monroeville; 5 grandchildren; Jason Stoner, Nicole Miller, Joshua Miller, Jorden Miller, Megan Miller, 2 great grandchildren; brother, Bill Lewis, and sister, Shirley Lewis.

Visitation at Hope United Methodist Church, 6608 Hoagland Road, Hoagland, Indiana will be held Thursday, November 6th, 2025, from 3:00-7:00 PM and funeral service on November 7th at 11 AM with viewing one hour prior.

A gathering of family and friends will follow after the funeral service at 07 Pub, 3516 Broadway, Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Donations to Indiana Wildlife Federation PO Box 55245, Indianapolis, IN 46205 in lieu of flowers.

10/20/2025

Judith Ann (Delagrange) McKinley, age 81, of Harlan, passed away October 18, 2025, at Parkview Regional Medical Center, Fort Wayne, following a brief illness. Mrs. McKinley was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, on April 14, 1944, to the late Julius Delagrange and Hanna Marie (Miller) Delagrange. She graduated from Harlan High School and married Arlen D. McKinley on July 27, 1963, at Salem Lutheran Church in Harlan, Indiana. Arlen preceded her in death March 4, 2016. Judy was a secretary for a local manufacturing company. She loved baking and making Sunday dinners for her family.

Survivors include:
Son, Eric and Denise McKinley of Muskegon, Michigan.
Son, Kirk McKinley of Fort Wayne, Indiana.
Son, Kary and Kristin McKinley of Lafayette, Indiana.
Eight grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.
Sister, Betty Lou and Ron Collins of Harlan.
Sister-in-law, Doris Allen of Churubusco.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents, Julius and Marie Delagrange; her husband, Arlen McKinley; sister, Arlene Eby; and brothers, Robert Delagrange and Lonnie Allen.

Visitation and funeral services will be held Friday, October 24, 2025, at Hopewell United Brethren Church, 6852 CR 35, Auburn, Indiana. Visitation will take place from 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM followed by the funeral service at 1:00 PM. Burial will take place at Scipio Cemetery near Harlan.

10/20/2025

Marilyn June “Muffy” Edwards passed into the hands of her Lord Jesus Christ on October 17, 2025. She drew on every ounce of life energy available to her to spend a few, final days enjoying family and friends—the same as family to her—before entering hospice at home on October 6, 2025. Marilyn was born to Hannah Lucille Naylor Weber and Thurlow “Tub” Weber in Wapakoneta, Ohio on April 2, 1934. She had a younger brother William “Bill” Weber and older sister Jackie Weber who preceded her in death.

Marilyn grew up in a family of restauranteurs and helped her father with the business through her teenage and early adult years until she met her future husband, Donald Edwards—the love of her life—in St. Marys, Ohio.

Marilyn and Don married in November 1965 and moved to Fort Wayne, Indiana where they enjoyed making many friends who became life-long companions and played golf, tennis, and racquetball frequently.

Marilyn successfully graduated from Fort Wayne Community School of Practical Nursing in February 1980 and was licensed in Indiana as a Practical Nurse in May 1980. She served in coronary care at Parkview Regional Medical Center for 10 years—a job she loved. After Don retired in the mid 1990’s, they moved to Cape Coral, Florida, where she obtained her Florida nursing license in February 1995 and continued as a practical nurse for another ten years in the Heart Institute at Southwest Regional Medical Center.

In 2004, Marilyn and Don returned to Fort Wayne where Marilyn volunteered at the Fort Wayne Zoo, her favorite of all jobs. She loved the animals and the children who visited the zoo very much and became known as “the goat lady.” She kept her family and friends laughing with hilarious stories of the special, and sometimes eccentric, antics—both animal and human.

Another long-loved pleasure, Marilyn relished the monthly meetings with her luncheon friends, the Geezwads—their comical shorthand for being old geezers and tightwads. This playful sense of humor was a God-given feature of Marilyn, granting her life-long friendships she treasured to the end.

Marilyn is survived by two daughters, Lynn Edwards and Sherry Edwards (Ray Dingledine), 13 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren - the joys of her life - her niece Elisa Whetstone Williams and nephews Dave Whetstone, Jim (Julie) Weber, Scott Weber, and Mike (Angela) Weber. She is predeceased by her parents, Lucille Naylor Weber and Thurlow “Tub” Weber, her sister Jackie Whetstone, her brother William “Bill” Weber, sons Dane, Lee and Neal Edwards, grandson Josh Edwards, and nephew Joe Weber.

Marilyn held nothing but deep gratitude for the friends who loved and helped her—often at a moment’s notice—for any variety of rides and errands, especially near the end. Her family offers their heartfelt thanks as well to Parkview Hospice and Senior1Care for the caring assistance they provided.

She leaves her love for each of her family and friends with the firm reminder "for heaven’s sake, remember to laugh and treasure one another". God bless her and keep her with all our love.

In lieu of flowers, any remembrance should go to Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo at https://fwzoo.com or Blackhawk Ministries at https://blackhawkministries.org.

10/18/2025

Jerald Raymond "Jerry" Palmer, age 60, of Fort Wayne, died October 14, 2025. Jerry was born August 27, 1965, in Blythe, California, to John Stanley Palmer and Marcia Ann (Trout) Palmer. He was employed with Owl Services of Fort Wayne. He married Jessica Alyce (Runyon) Palmer who survives him in Fort Wayne. Jerry loved his family and enjoyed taking his family out for outings in his Jeep with the top down and riding for hours. He worked for Owl Services and loved his job and the people he worked with. He was an avid Alabama and Broncos fan and enjoyed hockey and baseball.

Jerry is survived by his wife Jessica Palmer and children Emma and Zoe Hwang, Kaitlyn Skivers, Dustin Shaw and Sierra Smart and her husband Logan Smart. His mother, Marcia Palmer. His sisters Amy Ray, Tracey Marz and Kelly Sorenson, Tiffany Mesger and her husband Chris, and Shannon Jones Lewis. His brother David Palmer and his wife Sandy Palmer, David Bryan and his wife Cynthia, and Danny Jones and his wife Sarah, as well as many nieces and nephews. He has 3 grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his father, Stan Palmer and his beloved dog and best friend, Friday.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

10/15/2025

John E. "Uncle Johnnie" Maciejack, age 71, of Columbia City, Indiana, passed away on Sunday, October 12, 2025, after a courageous fight with small cell carcinoma (lung cancer).
Born on January 18, 1954 to the late Leonard E and Eula J (Shepherd) Maciejack.

Uncle Johnnie loved to spend time with his family making wonderful memories. His favorite pastime was playing the piano and singing a Beatles tune or a gospel song.
He would also play the piano in his apartment's main congregating area for all his neighbors. He looked for any opportunity to bring joy to people. His voice, muscality, and loving spirit will be greatly missed.

Survivors include a brother, Gary (Carol) Shepherd; niece, Michelle (Gary) Lehmann; nephew, Matt (Melissa) Kukulka; niece, Terri (Harold) Cooper, niece, Karie Shepherd;
nephew, Steven Petty. Several great nieces and nephews, one great great nephew, and several relatives in the Knox, Indiana area.

John was preceded in death by a a sister, Sue E. Maciejack.

Matthew 5:4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.

There will be a celebration of life for Uncle Johnnie at a later date.

Northern Indiana Funeral Care

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