Hite Funeral Home

08/02/2025

Vicki Jo (Hubbard) Wi******er, age 73, passed away July 30, 2025, at her home in Fort Wayne. Vicki was born in Rochester, Indiana, on April 21, 1952, to the late Frederick B. Hubbard and Nina Ruth (Shively) Hubbard. She married LeRoy Wi******er on July 25, 2009, in Fort Wayne, Indiana. LeRoy preceded her in death in 2017. Vicki was a cosmetologist for 54 years and a family service funeral planning counselor.

Survivors include:
Brother, James Hubbard of Rochester.
Niece, Melanie (Paul) Welch of Avon, Indiana.
Niece, Lisa Frye of Fort Wayne.
Great nephew, Tristan Frye of Warsaw.
Great niece, Madelon Leininger of Indianapolis.
Six stepchildren: James (Kris) Wi******er, Tamara Wi******er-Stier, Rick (Kay) Wi******er, Brad (Carol) Drew, Melissa (Nathan) Benton, and David (Tracy) Drew.

Visitation and funeral services will be held Saturday, August 9, 2025, at First Baptist Church, 1716 Werling Road, New Haven, Indiana. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM followed by a funeral service at 11:00 AM. Immediately following the funeral service, there will be a light luncheon served in the church hall. Burial will take place at Reichter Cemetery, Rochester.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to First Baptist Church of New Haven or First Baptist Church of Ossian, Bread Ministry.

07/31/2025

Mickey Gene "Mick" Schwalm, age 72, of Fort Wayne, passed away June 25, 2025, at his residence. Mr. Schwalm was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, on October 15, 1952, to the late William Gene Schwalm and Scharee Lee (Wynkoop) Schwalm. He honorably served his country in the United States Navy from 1972-1975.

Survivors include:
Daughter, Jolena Schwalm of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Son, Mickey Schwalm Angola, Indiana.
Granddaughter, Sadie Lee.
Sister, Susan and Jay Olvey of Fort Wayne, Indiana.
Brother, Bill and Marcia Schwalm of St. James City, Florida.
Sister, Sandy Schwalm and Neal Radak of Palm Bay, Florida.
Sister Shelly Schwalm Fort Wayne In.

Burial with military honors will take place Friday, August 29, 2025, at 1:00 PM at Marion National Cemetery, Marion, Indiana.

07/31/2025

Roger Marvin Swedzinski, age 67, was tragically taken from us on Saturday, July 26th, 2025. He was a beloved husband, father, brother, and friend. His warmth and generosity touched the lives of everyone he knew.

Roger was preceded in death by his first wife, Tamara (Snyder) Swedzinski, with whom he shared 8 years of marriage, also by his second wife, Stacey (Swartwood) Swedzinski, with whom he shared 36 years of marriage, his mother, Janice Schiller, his step father, Clarence Schiller, and his father Marvin Swedzinski.

He is survived by his daughters: Rachel Swedzinski, Lindsey (Michael) Glover, Chloe (Frankie) Binkiewicz; his treasured grandchildren: Kaden, Tiana, Alaiiavina, Emmelynne, Hudson, and Carter; his siblings: Bradley (Lynne) Swedzinski, Kimberly (Jim) Houle, Laura Vallejos, Dean Swedzinski, and Daniel Swedzinski.

As a grandfather, Roger embraced his role with joy and enthusiasm. Known for being goofy grandpa, he was always ready with a new loud toy or a fun ice cream outing. His grandchildren were his greatest treasures, and he cherished every moment spent with them.

In addition to his devotion to family and faith, Roger was an avid outdoorsman, where you’d find him hunting, fishing, and tending to his large garden.

Roger was a proud graduate of Fourth Baptist Christian School and later attended Pillsbury Baptist Bible College and then Central Baptist Theological Seminary, where he received his Masters of Divinity.

Roger was deeply involved in his home church, Headwaters (formerly Wallen Baptist Church) for 33 years, and led worship with his former wife Stacey Swedzinski for 11 years there.

The love he had for his personal Lord and Savior Jesus Christ was evident in the way he lived his life and loved and served others.

The family extends an invitation to celebrate Roger’s life on Saturday, August 23, 2025. Visitation will begin at 2:30pm followed by the service at 3:30pm, at Headwaters Church, located at 2000 N Wells Street, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46808.

07/29/2025

Teresa Lynn (Stidham) Xolio, age 55, of Kendallville, died July 23, 2025, at I.U. Health University Hospital, Indianapolis. Teresa was born in Kendallville, Indiana, on February 23, 1970, to Fred Stidham and Geneva Eversole Stidham. Her father preceded her in death in 2017, and her mother resides in Kendallville. Teresa was director of Life & Family Services in Kendallville.

Survivors include:
Husband, Alberto Xolio of Kendallville.
Mother, Geneva Stidham of Kendallville.
Her children: Tasha (Derek) Godsey, Shayla (Chris) Philpot, and son, Dawson Collins.
Grandchildren: Braylee Godsey and Kasen Godsey.
Father of her children, Henry Collins of Kendallville.
Brother, Samuel Stidham.
Special aunt and uncle, James and Kathie Eversole.
Her childhood best friend, Terri Clark.
Step children: Daisy (Ubaldo) Diaz, Yesenia (Pedro) Martinez, Liliana (Juan) Aguilar, Nataly (Diego) Paredes, Samantha (Tyler) Smoker, and Krystal Xolio.
Step grandchildren: Valene, Sasha, Hannah, and Landon Martinez; Christian, Victoria, Jonathon, and Sebastian Aguilar; and Sienna and Skye Smoker.

There are no services. She will be laid to rest next to her father at Lake View Cemetery in Kendallville.

07/29/2025

Robert Louis Krueckeberg, age 92, of Kendallville, passed away July 26, 2025, at Parkview Randallia Hospital in Fort Wayne. Bob was born in Mishawaka, Indiana, on September 2, 1932, to the late Leo Carl Krueckeberg and Helen Henrietta (Miller) Krueckeberg. He graduated from Kendallville High School in 1950 and entered in the United States Air Force where he honorably served his country from 1952-1956. When he returned home from the Air Force, Bob just happened upon a job at Northern Indiana Fuel & Light where he dedicated the next 40 years of service to the Kendallville company. Along the way, Bob was promoted and became the manager of NIF&L for 28 of those 40 years.

He married Mary Lou Kerns on June 23, 1956, in Portland, Indiana. Mary Lou preceded him in death just four months ago on March 19, 2025. Bob and Mary Lou were faithful in marriage for almost 70 years. They loved spending time with their children and grandchildren, going on cruises and traveling to Branson, Missouri together. Bob was a loving, generous and supportive father, and grandfather.

He was also very active in the community. He was a member of St. John Lutheran Church where he served the church in various capacities including elder and usher. He was a member of the American Legion Post 86, Kendallville Lion's Club for 39 years, and the East Noble Band Boosters. Bob was an avid East Noble High School sports fan. He collected tickets at the gate of many (too numerous to count) EN football and basketball games. He was passionate about EN athletics, attended both home and away games, and was season ticket holder for 55 years. Bob loved the Chicago Cubs and routed for the Cubbies through thick and thin!

Bob Krueckeberg was a blessed man in so many ways. He was deeply loved by his family, and he will be greatly missed.

Survivors include:
Son, Greg and Cindy Krueckeberg of Kendallville.
Son, Randy Krueckeberg of Angola.
Daughter, Karen Moga of Kendallville.
Daughter, Linda and Jeff Devers of Kendallville.
11 grandchildren: Ryan Krueckeberg of Orlando, Florida; Kelly (Ruben) Remy of Portland, Oregon; Kyle (Jessica) Young of Fillmore, Indiana; Kris (Brandy) Young of Huntertown; Megan (Neil) Buckhardt of Ege; Matthew (Meagan) Krueckeberg of Burr Oak, Michigan; Michael (Braidon) Krueckeberg of Avilla; Derrick Moga of Kendallville; Taylor Moga and her fiancé, Sean Cook both of Orlando, Florida; Lynsee (Bryce) Staker of Kendallville; and Drew (Toni) Devers of Kendallville. 14 great grandchildren also survive.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Helen Krueckeberg; a daughter, Susan Krueckeberg Young in 1983; and brothers, Donald and his twin, William Krueckeberg.

Visitation will be held Friday, August 1, 2025, from 4:00 - 7:00 PM at Hite Funeral Home in Kendallville.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 2, 2025, at 11:00 AM at St. John Lutheran Church on Oak Street in Kendallville with Pastor Phil Rigdon officiating the service. There will also be visitation at 10:00 AM at the church prior to the service.
Burial with military honors will follow at Lake View Cemetery. Casket bearers will be his grandchildren.
Memorial donations may be made to the American Legion Post 86 or St. John Lutheran Church.

07/28/2025

Kathryn Moore, age 78, of Lakeland, Florida, passed away July 21, 2025, at Parkview Noble Hospital in Kendallville. Mrs. Moore was born in South Bend, Indiana, on January 2, 1947, to the late Alfred Anthony Stackowiak and Geraldine (Bronski) Stackowiak. She married Clyde Ernest Moore, Jr. on August 19, 1967, in South Bend and he survives. A memorial mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, July 30th, at 11:00 AM at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Kendallville.

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07/25/2025

George Neil Walda, age 87, of Fort Wayne, Indiana and Gilbert, Arizona, died June 28, 2025, at Hospice of the Valley-Lund Home, Gilbert, Arizona. Mr. Walda was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, on August 2, 1937, to the late Albert and Madeline (Dietz) Walda. He was a career Fort Wayne Fire Department Firefighter before retiring in 1987. His wife, Linda Louise (Berg) Walda survives him in Mesa, Arizona. George will be laid to rest at Covington Memorial Gardens on Monday, August 4th, 2025, at 2:00 PM.

07/25/2025

Jeffrey Scott Edward Kilgallon, age 67, of Ashley, passed away at home July 23, 2025. Scotty was born in Chicago, Illinois on May 8, 1958, to the late James Edward Kilgallon and Leila Sanders Kilgallon. He graduated from Angola High School and was employed by Taylor Made/Lippert in Kendallville. He married Claudea Marie Voyles on October 8, 2024. Scotty loved riding his Harley, watching tv, playing video golf, going out to eat, and hanging out with his family and friends.

Survivors include:
Wife, Claudea Kilgallon of Ashley.
Daughter, Kayla Barden of Kendallville.
Daughter, Kristin Shaffer of Bryan, Ohio.
He was Uncle Scotty to Mason, Drayden, Koen, and Adalynn.
Scotty has two sisters, Carol and Donna, who live in Arkansas.

There will be a gathering of family and friends on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, from 3:00 - 7:00 PM at Hite Funeral Home in Kendallville.

07/24/2025

Howard Eugene Charles, age 67, of Kendallville, passed away at his residence on Cree Lake on July 24, 2025. Howard was born in Kendallville, Indiana on October 30, 1957, to the late Landan Charles and Cora (Bolen) Barker. He was a lifetime resident of Kendallville and he drove semi for 40 years. He married Linda Lou Burris on November 24, 1978, in South Milford, Indiana. Howard loved to go fishing, listen to Bluegrass music, watch cooking shows on tv, travel to West Virginia, and spend time with his grandkids.

Survivors include:
Wife, Linda Charles of Kendallville.
Daughter, Tiffanie Hicks and her companion, Marc Smith of Kendallville.
Daughter, Tara and Ryan Rowe of Kendallville.
Son, Jarrod and Jennifer Charles of Kendallville.
Son, Jesse and Renee Charles of Kendallville.
14 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren.
Sister, Lois Huff of Kendallville.
Sister, Sandy Taulbee of Kendallville.
Sister, Trina Caudill of Waterloo.
Brother, Timothy Charles of Lincolnton, North Carolina.
Brother, James Mullins of Lincolnton, North Carolina.
Stepmother, Rachel Charles of Lincolnton, North Carolina.

Howard was preceded in death by his parents and a half sister, Tina Barker.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Hite Funeral Home in Kendallville. Visitation will be at 10:00 AM prior to the service. Pastors Earl Bolen and David Bolen will officiate the funeral. Burial will follow at South Milford Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the family.

07/22/2025

Angela Marie Dawson, age 52, of Kendallville, passed away July 12, 2025, at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne. Angela was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana on June 25, 1973, to Richard Jack Dawson and Pamela Banet. She was employed in the healthcare industry and worked in medical coding. Angela loved spending time with her family and especially her grandkids. She loved her cats and family get-togethers for dinner.

Survivors include:
Son, Simon and Alisha Hunley of Rome City.
Daughter, Sabrina Hunley and her companion, Michael.
Daughter, Sierra Hunley and her companion, Chris.
Four grandchildren, Kamillea, Vivienne, Felix, and Alyssa.
Mother, Pamela and John Banet of Arcola.
Father, Richard Dawson of North Carolina.
Four brothers, Jason Smith, Rick (Erin) Dawson and Ryan Dawson.
Two sisters, Deanna Smith and Christina Houge.

Funeral services will be held Monday, July 28, 2025, at 12:00 noon at Hite Funeral Home in Kendallville with visitation at 11:00 AM. Burial will follow at Lake View Cemetery.

07/16/2025

Ruth Elaine (Neff) Hammond, age 78, of Kendallville, passed away July 14, 2025, at Orchard Pointe in Kendallville. Ruth was born in LaGrange County, Indiana on March 1, 1947, to the late Vernon Kauffman Neff and Mary Louise (Troyer) Neff. She graduated from International Business College and was a bookkeeper for General Electric, Trane and Indiana Supply. After she retired, she worked at Deer Track Golf Course. She first married Harley Greeno who preceded her in death in 1980. She later married Donald Duane Hammond in Fort Wayne on her birthday, March 1, 1985. Don survives her in Kendallville.

Other survivors include ten siblings:
Sister, Sylvia and LeRoy Miller of Beckemeyer, Illinois.
Brother, Carl and Linda Neff of Lincolnton, North Carolina.
Sister, Carolyn Good of Greensboro, Georgia.
Sister, Margaret and Steve Gunning of Arvada, Colorado.
Sister, Ruby and Frank Reynolds of Key West, Florida.
Sister, Janet Root of Kendallville.
Sister, Anita Neff of San Diego, California.
Sister, Joyce and Bob Phares of Fort Wayne, Indiana.
Brother, Vernon and Talandra Neff of Goshen, Indiana.
Brother, Mark and Jennifer Neff of Fort Wayne.
Many nieces and nephews also survive her.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, Vernon and Mary Neff; brother-in-law, Mark Root; and a nephew, Eugene Knapp.

A memorial service will be held Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at 11:00 AM at First Church of Christ in Garrett, Indiana with Brother Bud Owen officiating. There will also be an hour of visitation at 10:00 AM prior to the service. Burial will take place later at Lindenwood Cemetery in Fort Wayne.

07/15/2025

Carl “Larry” Moon, 78, of Harlan passed away on Monday, July 14, 2025, at home with his family by his side, after a battle with cancer. Born in Bryan, Ohio he was the son of the late Olin Moon and Eva (Balzer) Moon. He was a member of the Harlan Lions Club, American Legion, Post 47, and VFW.

Upon graduating from Bryan High School, he joined the United States Marine Corp. During the years served, he completed multiple tours of duty in Vietnam, carrying that same sense of duty and resilience into every aspect of his life.

In 1976, he was successful in establishing Moon Excavating. In his spare time, he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and raising beef cattle.

In 1996, he met Susan (Carbaugh) John, and they married in 1997. Together they created a beautiful, blended family.

He was the first person anyone called in times of need – a patient listener, a steady presence, and a true hero. Larry gave back without hesitation; mowing grass, fixing bleachers, organizing Harlan Days – he did it all because he believed community is only as strong as its willingness to serve.

Above all, he was a hero – not just in uniform, but in everyday moments. He was a best friend, a guiding light, and a source of immeasurable love. He will be deeply missed but forever remembered in the stories he told, the kindness he showed, and the love he shared.

He is survived by his loving wife of 28 years, Susan; his daughters Monica (Brent) Rust of Leo and Michelle (Brian) Bittner of Fort Wayne; his sons Gary Moon of Grabill, Darrin (Jenni) John and Eric (Yvi) John of Knoxville, TN. His grandchildren Kyra, Breanna, Luke, Mackenzie (Andrew), Caden, Stokes, Mari, Sienna, & Blakely; and great-grandchild Elijah. His sisters Rhonda Strautman, Gyneth Butler; and Brothers John Moon and Elwyn Hall.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Olin Moon, Eva (Balzer) Moon, Butch Hall, Irene (Wyse) Hall; his brother Robert Moon; and a grandson, Reece Bittner.

Funeral service is at 11am on Saturday, July 19th, at Promise Lutheran Church located at 7323 Schwartz Road, Fort Wayne, Indiana with visitation one-hour prior. Visitation is from 3pm – 7pm on Friday, July 18th at the church. Burial in Scipio Cemetery, Harlan.

Preferred memorials are to the Harlan Park Association and Harlan Park Athletic Association.