Northern Indiana Funeral Care

Northern Indiana Funeral Care Northern Indiana Funeral Care specializes in providing low-cost funeral and cremation services to families in Fort Wayne and all of Northern Indiana.

Locally owned and operated, Northern Indiana Funeral Care specializes in providing low-cost funeral and cremation services to families in Fort Wayne and all of Northern Indiana. With the difficult economic situation more people are seeking an affordable solution when planning for one of life’s most difficult events. We promote the simple idea of having services at a church or another community-based facility, saving you 40% or more compared to the high cost of most funeral homes. With a focus on simplicity, we keep overhead low and believe in an approach that’s straightforward and easy to understand. For that reason you’ll find all of our prices on this website.

Larry R. Lewis “Smoke”, 85, of rural Fort Wayne, passed away October 25, 2025. He was born in Wabash, Indiana, on Octobe...
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.

Judith Ann (Delagrange) McKinley, age 81, of Harlan, passed away October 18, 2025, at Parkview Regional Medical Center, ...
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.

Marilyn June “Muffy” Edwards passed into the hands of her Lord Jesus Christ on October 17, 2025. She drew on every ounce...
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.

Jerald Raymond "Jerry" Palmer, age 60, of Fort Wayne, died October 14, 2025. Jerry was born August 27, 1965, in Blythe, ...
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.

John E. "Uncle Johnnie" Maciejack, age 71, of Columbia City, Indiana, passed away on Sunday, October 12, 2025, after a c...
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.

Scott Allen Hueber, age 67, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, passed away with his family beside him, worshipping and laughing tog...
10/13/2025

Scott Allen Hueber, age 67, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, passed away with his family beside him, worshipping and laughing together.

Scott was born to Jerald and Peggy Hueber in Saint Charles, Illinois, and was a graduate of Jay County High School, in Portland, Indiana. He graduated from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology with a degree in mechanical engineering. He later obtained a Masters of Business Science degree through Purdue University’s Executive Master’s program. He worked for many years as a mechanical engineer and plant manager, serving in roles from Texas to Arkansas to Indiana before finishing his career working with MBN Properties in Columbia City, Indiana.

Scott was a man of faith, kindness, and quiet strength. He fought cancer courageously for 13 years, twice coming to the brink of death. He fought so he could see his children get married, watch his grands grow and share his faith in Christ with everyone he met along that journey.

Scott’s faith was quiet and steady, seen in his patience, generous spirit, and Christlike character. He was a great listener with a quick wit, who made others feel welcomed and valued.

From their first date at Chuckie Cheese, he loved his wife, Teresa. He loved to tease her, make her laugh, and always ran to the front of the line to put her first. He loved fishing with his grandkids, watching his son on the golf course, and enjoying time with his family — cheering all of them on toward their dreams.

Scott is survived by his loving wife, Teresa; his children Tiffany (Jeff), Natalie (Mo), and Justin (Sarah); his grandchildren Joshua, Caleb, Luke, Audrey, Jack, Wesley, Haynes, Jackson, Lincoln, and Amelia; his mother Peggy; and his sister Brenda (Doug). He was preceded in death by his father, Jerald and brother-in-law, Todd.

Those who knew Scott will remember his humor, unwavering faith, and the warmth of a man who reflected Christ’s love in quiet but powerful ways.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, October 14, 2025, from 4:00-7:00 PM at Grace Point Church, 8611 Mayhew Road, Fort Wayne, Indiana. There will also be visitation one hour prior to the funeral service.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Grace Point Church with Pastor Rex Person officiating.

Burial will take place at Leo Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution to Appalachia Reach Out, a ministry Scott was passionate to support. https://www.appalachiareachout.com

Bert Joseph Tyler, age 66, of Fort Wayne, passed away October 5, 2025, at Silver Birch Assisted Living, Fort Wayne. Bert...
10/08/2025

Bert Joseph Tyler, age 66, of Fort Wayne, passed away October 5, 2025, at Silver Birch Assisted Living, Fort Wayne. Bert was born in South Bend, Indiana, on August 15, 1959, to the late Robert E. Tyler and Alice M. (Mkczenkey) Tyler. He honorably served his country in the United States Army from 1978-1981. He married Mara Marie Jones Tyler on October 2, 2001.

Survivors include:
His wife, Mara Jones Tyler of Warren, Michigan.
His mother-in-law, Dorothy Jones.
Sisters-in-law, Dorthea Jones, Evangeline (Joseph) Bradley, Marlene Jones, Ruby (Rochon) Bentley, Dawnyell Jones, Kayla Jones, and Troy (Antoine) Wilson.

Bert will be laid to rest at Great Lakes National Cemetery, Holly, Michigan.

Barbara Ann Gardner, age 60, of Fort Wayne, passed away October 3, 2025, at Stillwater Hospice. Our hearts were shattere...
10/07/2025

Barbara Ann Gardner, age 60, of Fort Wayne, passed away October 3, 2025, at Stillwater Hospice.

Our hearts were shattered on October 3, 2025. We lost our very first love, our best friend, our Queen, our MOTHER. She was loved by everyone who knew her, and her smile lit up every room she walked into. She loved to cook, she loved music, she loved her color pink, and she always looked so beautiful with her blonde hair. What made her truly special was the way she made people feel loved, cared for and at peace.

Survivors include:

Her fiancé, Arthur Wilson.

Her children: Jason Gardner and his companion, Joyce Ellis, Tyesha and Marcderlince Nazaire, Shawnquetta Gardner and her husband, Paris Moss, Lucius Washington, Jr., Ashlee Washington Tubbs and her husband, Detrick Tubbs, Chaminda Gardner, and Stacia Gardner.

Her mother, Willie L. Gardner and her father, Willie J. Franklin Gardner.

Bonus mom, Ethel Jackson, deceased.

Her siblings: Terry Gardner, Sheryl Gardner, and Ethel “Bonnie” Gardner, deceased, and a host of nieces and nephews also survive.

Her grandchildren: Davion Lynem, Daniel Lynem, Donovan Lynem, Tyshawn Gardner, Nita Richardson, Ionna Palmore De'Shawn Gardner, Harmony Washington, Lucius Washington III, Sincere Washington, Nijaylan Washington, Samara Wallace, La’Trevion Bates, Alise Tubbs, Ava Tubbs, Aubree Tubbs, (Chaminda)-Priam Gardner, Priseis Gardner, I'mya Gardner, Jamarcus Harris Jr, Jamere Harris.

Her great grandchildren, Kayomi Lynem and Ja’Nyla Wallace.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, October 11, 2025, at 1:00 PM at Living Waters Evangelistic Ministries, 5800 Fairfield Avenue, Suite 240, Fort Wayne, Indiana, followed by a one hour repass.

Mama, we will miss the sound of your voice singing on our birthdays at the crack of dawn, just to make us feel special. We’ll miss your advice, your laughter, your video chats, and the way you always knew just what to say. Even though our hearts ache, we know you are no longer hurting and that God has gained a beautiful angel. We will love you forever Mama and carry your spirit with us always.

Glenda Sue (Hair) Hammons, age 67, of New Haven, passed away September 7, 2025, at her residence. Ms. Hammons was born i...
09/29/2025

Glenda Sue (Hair) Hammons, age 67, of New Haven, passed away September 7, 2025, at her residence. Ms. Hammons was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, on March 9, 1958, to the late August Wilburn Hair and Bertie Mae (Mull) Hair. She was a waitress at local restaurants for 30 plus years. Survivors include a daughter, Gwendolynn Sue Bloom of Fort Wayne; son, Anthony Bloom of Nashville, Tennessee; and a daughter, Clarissa Elizabeth Elder of Fort Wayne. Ms. Hammons will be buried at Covington Cemetery.

Adolf Joseph "Ardy" Boehme, age 93, of Fort Wayne, passed away September 18, 2025, at Parkview Regional Medical Center i...
09/24/2025

Adolf Joseph "Ardy" Boehme, age 93, of Fort Wayne, passed away September 18, 2025, at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne. Ardy was born in Manhattan, New York, on April 8, 1932, to the late Eddy Boehme and Clara (Hoeflich) Boehme. He honorably served his country in the United States Air Force for four years during the Korean War. He was on the New York City Police Department for many years as a motorcycle patrolman. His first wife, Emily preceded him in death along with his son, Gary Boehme and his daughter, Donna Passaro. Later in life, Ardy married Etta Joanne (Mace) Boehme on July 6, 2015, and she survives him in Fort Wayne along with a daughter, Melissa Adams, of Fort Wayne, along with her husband and daughter. Other survivors are his family from Long Island, New York including two grandchildren and their spouses, three great grandchildren, and daughter-in-law, Pauline.

Ardy's remains will be laid to rest at Concordia Cemetery Gardens in Fort Wayne.

Benita Joyce Bratcher, a woman whose love and warmth touched countless lives, peacefully departed this world on Tuesday,...
09/12/2025

Benita Joyce Bratcher, a woman whose love and warmth touched countless lives, peacefully departed this world on Tuesday, September 9th, 2025, at the age of 85. Born on January 19th, 1940, in Owensboro, Kentucky, to William and Opal Buckby, Benita lived a life filled with love, family, and a deep appreciation for simple joys.

Benita’s life was enriched immeasurably when she married the love of her life, Robert "Bob" Bratcher, on March 26th, 1960. Together, they embarked on a journey that led them to Van Buren, Indiana, where Bob found steady work in the nearby city of Marion. A devoted homemaker, Benita, created a warm and welcoming home, filled with the aroma of her delicious cooking. She also shared her talents with the community, working at Sears in Marion for ten fulfilling years.

Benita possessed a passion for life that shone through in her many interests. A talented cook, she delighted in preparing meals for her loved ones. An avid reader, she found solace and adventure within the pages of countless books, with a particular fondness for a good mystery. Her adventurous spirit led her to breathtaking sights, including the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon, a place that sparked a shared passion for collecting Native American pottery with her beloved Bob.

But above all else, Benita cherished her family. She was a constant source of love, support, and encouragement, always reminding those around her of the wisdom her father instilled in her: "If you take care of the pennies... the dollars will take care of themselves." This simple yet profound philosophy guided her life and shaped her legacy of generosity and care.
Benita was preceded in death by her parents, William and Opal Buckby, as well as her twin brothers, Ronald and Donald Buckby, and her sisters, Carole “Jean” Payne and Norma Luellen.

She leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories, carried on by her devoted husband, Robert “Bob” Bratcher of Marion, Indiana. She is also survived by her loving sons, Bob Bratcher (Kelly) of Grapevine, Texas, and Scott Bratcher (Misti) of Marion, Indiana; her grandchildren, Jamalyn, Jackson (Makayla), Amanda, Victoria (Ryan) Ramsey, Will (Samantha), and Christian (MaKail); and her great-grandchildren, Luna, Harper, Jennings, Ayven, and Luca. Benita also leaves behind a host of other relatives and dear friends who will forever remember her kindness, her laughter, and the unwavering love she shared with the world.

Benita's memory will be forever etched in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. Her legacy of love and devotion will continue to inspire and uplift generations to come.

A gathering of family and friends and memorial service will be held on Friday, October 10th, 2025, at 9:00am at the VA chapel across from the Marion VA Medical Center, 1700 East 38th Street, Marion, Indiana, followed by a committal service at 10:00am at the Marion National Cemetery Committal Shelter. A celebration of Benita's life will be held at Matter Park Garden House from 1:00-4:00 PM following the committal.

Michael Todd McConnehey, age 55, passed away August 2, 2025, at The Waters in Fort Wayne. Todd was born in Fort Wayne, I...
08/06/2025

Michael Todd McConnehey, age 55, passed away August 2, 2025, at The Waters in Fort Wayne. Todd was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, on July 25, 1970, to Ronald Ray McConnehey and the late Brenda Lee (Koomler) McConnehey. Todd was a graduate of Homestead High School. His father, Ron, survives him in Fort Wayne. Todd was preceded in death by his mother on September 7, 2021, and his brother, Neal Allen McConnehey, in 1992.

There will be a celebration of Todd's life held at a later date. He will be buried at Covington Cemetery next to his mother. Memorial donations may be made to Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Address

1319 Magnavox Way
Fort Wayne, IN
46804

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Northern Indiana Funeral Care posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Practice

Send a message to Northern Indiana Funeral Care:

Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn
Share on Pinterest Share on Reddit Share via Email
Share on WhatsApp Share on Instagram Share on Telegram

Our Story

Locally owned and operated, Northern Indiana Funeral Care specializes in providing low-cost funeral and cremation services to families in Fort Wayne and all of Northern Indiana. With the difficult economic situation more people are seeking an affordable solution when planning for one of life’s most difficult events. We promote the simple idea of having services at a church or another community-based facility, saving you 40% or more compared to the high cost of most funeral homes. With a focus on simplicity, we keep overhead low and believe in an approach that’s straightforward and easy to understand. For that reason you’ll find all of our prices on our website.