Hess Funeral Home and Cremation Services

02/23/2026

Charles “Chuck” Lee Gregory, age 65, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, passed away on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at his residence.

Chuck was born on January 22, 1961, in Mansfield, Ohio. He graduated in 1979 from Clear Fork High School in Bellville, Ohio. He continued his education at North Central Technical College in Mansfield, earning an associate degree in political science and administration. Mr. Gregory served his country honorably from December of 1978- March of 1987 with the Ohio National Guard in Mansfield, OH.

Chuck’s dedication to serving and protecting others was a lifelong commitment. He proudly served from January 1988 – June of 1993 as a deputy with the Collier County Sheriff’s Office in Naples, Florida. He later worked alongside his father at RIA-Sonitrol Security Systems as Director of Customer Services. Chuck then retired after serving from June of 2003- November of 2010 as a police officer with the Mt. Dora Police Department in Mt. Dora, Florida, where he was honored multiple times as Officer of the Year.

Outside of his career, Chuck found great joy in the outdoors. He loved landscaping, tending to his yard, and helping neighbors with projects. He had a giving heart and was always ready to lend a hand to anyone in need. He dearly loved his cat, Missy, and treasured the companionship she brought him.

Chuck loved his family, and all his siblings will greatly miss his grin, jokes, and sarcasm he always brought. He greatly admired his dad and followed suit in many of his life’s footprints.

Chuck shared a special bond with his brother, Jon, and his close friend, Pete. Together they enjoyed golfing, following sports, playing ping pong, and creating lifelong memories filled with laughter and friendship.

Chuck will be remembered as a good, honest man, with a wonderful sense of humor, who deeply loved serving his community and whose dedication to others was evident in all he did. His legacy of service, kindness, and integrity will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Survivors include:

Stepmother, Carol Gregory.

Brother, Jon A. and Deb Squires.

Brother, Danny R. and Laura Gregory.

Sister, Kelly and Joe Mercado.

Sister, M. Renee and Doug Riegel.

Nieces and Nephews, Sarah Ozdemir, Steve Squires, Deputy Drew Moser, Deputy Kevin Moser, Jase Riegel, Jennifer Gibson, Danelle Gregory, Hailey Gregory, Leslie Mercado, and Officer Bryan Mercado.

6 Great-Nieces and Nephews.

Ex-wife and friend, Susan Schaaf.

Chuck was preceded in death by his parents, C. Ray Gregory and Joanna Gregory, and birthmother, Bonnie Croxall.

There are no services scheduled at this time and a celebration of life will be held at a later date.

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

View Charles "Chuck" Lee Gregory's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/23/2026

02/20/2026

Grieving the loss of a loved one doesn't just affect you emotionally; it can also affect your physical health. One issue many people face is appetite loss. If you're struggling with appetite loss while grieving your loved one, click here for 8 helpful tips that can help you cope.

Many people lose their appetite while grieving the death of a loved one. Here are a few tips to help you cope with appetite loss.

02/20/2026

How much do you know about your funeral options? We’re here to help you learn!

Do you want to know more about veteran benefits, preplanning, or burial and cremation options? Use the reaction buttons to let us know.

02/19/2026

We were invited out to 21Alive today to discuss who we are, what family owned-operated means, the difference we make, and to visit with some people I am blessed to call friends. Thank you all for the warm welcome and we look forward to working with you all!

02/17/2026

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

02/17/2026

Frederick “Fred” Herman Koehlinger, age 74, of Markle, IN, passed away surrounded by his family on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at his home.

Fred was born on February 7, 1952, in Fort Wayne, IN, to the late Frederick Henry and Marjorie "Margo" (Ness) Koehlinger. After graduating from high school, he pursued further education at Ivy Tech in Fort Wayne. Fred served his country honorably with the United States Navy, touring on the S.S. Intrepid during the Vietnam Era. On March 12, 1988, he married the love of his life, Pamela Prater, in Fort Wayne.

For 30 years, Fred was employed by Dana in the Spicer Axle Division. He also owned and operated a lawn care business in Florida for several years. A lifelong sports enthusiast, Fred was an avid Komet hockey fan and loved everything about racing, from slot cars and NASCAR to attending races in person. He also cheered for the Indianapolis Colts and Indiana University.

Fred enjoyed the freedom of riding his motorcycle and cruising at his leisure. He was a proud owner of a German Shepherd, who earned runner-up honors in the Disc Dog Championships. Above all, Fred loved his family deeply and will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Survivors include:

Spouse, Pamela Koehlinger.

Daughter, Ashley Koehlinger.

Son, Fred Koehlinger.

There are no services planned at this time and cremation will take place upon the family’s wishes.

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

View Frederick "Fred" Herman Koehlinger's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/16/2026

Today, as we honor all of our U.S. presidents, what are some little-known trivia facts you know about different presidents? For instance, did you know James Madison was the shortest president at five foot four and weighed barely over 100 pounds? Your turn to share!

02/14/2026

Valentine’s Day is about celebrating those we love, so let’s take time to appreciate and celebrate those we love and remember those we’ve lost. Enjoy chocolate and tell someone you love them!

02/13/2026

For those who have lost a spouse or partner, Valentine's Day can be a painful reminder of what used to be. If you are dreading the holiday, take a look at these 6 ways to combat loneliness on Valentine's Day and see if any will help you get through the day with a positive outlook.

Are you experiencing loneliness on Valentine's Day following the loss of a spouse or partner? Here are six activities that may help you.

02/13/2026

Johnny “John” Lee Squier I, was born on July 4, 1955, to Howard I and Dorothy (Falkner) Squier, both preceded him in death along with a son, Howard Squier II, 3 brothers, and 2 sisters.

John passed peacefully surrounded by family at Dekalb Hospital Hospice Care on Thursday, February 12, 2026. He had a passion for trucking. He loved his family. Once John loved you, you never doubted the place you held in his heart.

He made time for you no matter how busy he was, he always knew when to hug you, how to talk to and comfort you, and he was the great solver of problems. So many turned to him for his wisdom, strength, and inability to give up.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Peg Squier, daughter; Nicole Lepley, sons; Johnny (Mindy) Squier II, Chris (Doris) Stone, Sam (Alex) Campbell, Dale (Sara) Potts, Jade (Trish) Corey. Grandkids; Jesse (Heavenlee), Johnny II (Chloe), Jaron (Brenda), Deke, Justin (Mandy), Dylan (Liz), Tylisa, Kendra, Tosha, Brandon, 9 great-grandkids; and so many more family members and friends.

His last words he wanted to share:

“I fought a hard and painful 9-month fight trying to fix my heart, but it didn’t work. I don’t want to leave you, I love you all but my heart is exhausted from 70 years of so much love. I’m sorry but it is time for me to go!”

There are no services scheduled at this time and cremation will take place upon John’s wishes.

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

View Johnny "John" Lee Squier I's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/12/2026

Donald “Don” Justus Rowlands Jr., age 65, of Fort Wayne, IN, passed away on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne, IN.

Don was born on January 12, 1961, in Fort Wayne, IN, to the late Donald Justus Rowlands Sr. and Gladys Pearl (Shuler) Rowlands. He graduated from Northrop High School in Fort Wayne. Don was employed as a team member at CPI Card Group in Fort Wayne.

An avid Harley-Davidson enthusiast, Don enjoyed cruising in his leisure time. He was extremely family-oriented and cherished the time he spent with those he loved most. Known affectionately as “Paw-Paw,” he treasured every moment with his children and grandchildren and proudly served as the family’s “Mr. Fix-It.”

Don’s sense of humor, playful jokes, fake magic tricks, and infectious laugh made every moment with him a special memory. A big teddy bear at heart, his warmth and presence could light up any room. His jokes, laughter, and unforgettable one-liners will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Survivors include:

Spouse, Jodi Rowlands.

Daughter, Gatlin Rowlands and Brayden Reid.

Daughter, Payton and Noah Stoller.

Son, Austin and Katelyn Rowlands.

Grandchildren, Phoenix Stoller, Phinlee Stoller, Phoebe Stoller, Emerson Rowlands, Emmitt Rowlands, and Emberlyn Rowlands.

Sister, Lois and Bill Tsakas.

Sister, Terrie Darghous.

Sister-in-law, Michelle and Mike Newell.

Many nieces and nephews.

Don was preceded in death by his parents and mother-in-law; Mary Lou Lichty.

A memorial service will be held in Don’s honor on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at 6:00pm with visitation two-hours prior from 4:00pm-6:00pm at Hess Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 7633 Maplecrest Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46835.

In Don’s honor, please feel free to wear orange and or black attire in respect for his deep love of Harley Davison.

Memorial donations may be directed to the family.

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

View Donald "Don" Justus Rowlands Jr.'s obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.