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.

James Allen Fetters, known to family and friends as Jim, was born in Chicago, Illinois on September 8, 1943, to K.M. and...
02/11/2026

James Allen Fetters, known to family and friends as Jim, was born in Chicago, Illinois on September 8, 1943, to K.M. and Vera Fetters of Lansing, Illinois. Jim passed away peacefully on February 6, 2026, in Syracuse, Indiana where he and his wife Jan had lived for the past 30 plus years.

Jim attended and graduated from Calvin Coolidge Grade School, Memorial Junior High School and T. F. South High School in Lansing, Illinois. He was a fierce competitor in any sport he tackled: baseball, football and wrestling. He was a top State Contender in his weight class as a wrestler at State and Regional tournaments. He has remained friends with many of his close high school friends: John Davis, Mickey Dudy, Don Rohde, and others.

After graduation, Jim joined the U.S. Navy and spent his service on the U.S.S. Kittyhawk, travelling to Japan and Hawaii. After his service he came back to the Calumet Region and worked locally while attending Thornton Junior College and then Northern Illinois University. Jim left school to pursue a career working in sales with Berry Bearing and Motion Industries. He worked in the Calumet Region, Indianapolis, and South Bend, Indiana where he married his second wife, Janet Campbell, later moving to Dewart Lake in Syracuse, Indiana.

Jim and Jan had many close friends in the area and in Florida where they lived for 17 years in the winter, most recently in Palmetto, Florida. Jim loved the golfing and beaches of Florida and boating on Dewart Lake in Syracuse. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren at the lake and on his golfcart. His passion for most of his life was golf and first and foremost, his wife Jan, and family.

Survivors include: daughter, Maureen “Reenie” Fetters of Johnson City, Tennessee; son, Jim Fetters of Munster, Indiana; brother, Hank Fetters of Sparta, Wisconsin; brother, Frank and Audrey Fetters of Las Vegas, Nevada; sister, Diane Panozzo and Dan Hooper of Wellington, Colorado; stepdaughter, Jolene Campbell and Mark Grzesiowski of South Bend, Indiana; stepdaughter, Diane and Jeff Lovin of Mishawaka, Indiana; stepson, Brian Campbell of Goshen, Indiana; and stepson, Ernie Campbell of South Bend, Indiana.

Grandchildren: Dana (fiancé, Jose’) Lovin, Jared (Bailey) Campbell, Kylie (Jayme) Andre, Luke (fiancé, Chantel) Campbell, Brandon Campbell and Alyssa Grzesiowski.

Great grandchildren: Sophia Campbell and Reese Campbell.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Kollis and Vera Fetters; his loving wife, Janet Campbell Fetters; and his brother, Jeff Fetters.

Per Jim’s request, there will be no formal services. A Celebration of Life will take place at a later date. Friends and family are encouraged to leave memories of Jim on the funeral home website.

Jerome Carey Davis, age 86, of Fort Wayne, passed away February 8, 2026, at Parkview Randallia Hospital in Fort Wayne. M...
02/10/2026

Jerome Carey Davis, age 86, of Fort Wayne, passed away February 8, 2026, at Parkview Randallia Hospital in Fort Wayne. Mr. Davis was born in Springfield, Ohio, on May 8, 1939, to the late Lawrence E. Davis and Frances M. (O'Keefe) Davis. He honorably served his country in the United States Army from 1962-1964. Jerry was a welder with Dexter Axle. He was an avid golfer and movie buff, and he loved his cats Boots and Soxx. He also enjoyed feeding his birds and giving his grandchildren advice. Jerry prided himself on being a jack-of-all-trades and loved tinkering in his garage. Jerry enjoyed many summers on Big Long Lake with his family.

He is survived by his children Carey Jacquay, Juli (Tom) Geiger, Jeni (Jeff) Brown, Patrick (Norma) Davis.
Grandchildren, Rachel, Aaron, Kate Jacquay, Jeff (Abbey), Jacob (Stephanie), Isaac, Melanie Geiger, Becca Schmidt, and Alyssa Rivera.
Sister-in-law, Joan Davis.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Frances Davis; and brothers, Jack Davis, Larry Davis, Tom Davis, and Patrick (Lee) Davis.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, February 14, 2026, at Orchard Ridge Country Club, 4531 Lower Huntington Road, Fort Wayne from 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Jerry's memory to the Allen County Humane Society.

Carolyn Sue Kerley, age 84, was called home to our Savior on February 5, 2026, surrounded by friends and family after a ...
02/08/2026

Carolyn Sue Kerley, age 84, was called home to our Savior on February 5, 2026, surrounded by friends and family after a hard-fought battle with Parkinsonism. Sue faced her illness with quiet strength, grace, and unwavering love for those around her.

Born on December 7, 1941, Sue was the beloved daughter of the late Clement C. and Flora E. (Russell) Myers. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend whose warmth and generosity left a lasting impression on all who knew her.

Sue is survived by her husband, Dr. William C. Kerley; her brother, Jerry (Linda) Myers; her sons, Klark (Christine) and Kyle (Sarah); four cherished grandchildren, Zachary (Kolbey), Caitlin (Jacob) Anderson, Stella, and Kellan; and three great-grandchildren who brought her immense joy. She is also survived by many cousins, including Linda Flick; numerous nieces and nephews; and her dear lifelong friends, Robert and Nina Rodocker.

Sue was a proud graduate of Purdue University, where she earned a degree in Consumer Sciences. Her passion for food, organization, and homemaking was evident early on. As a senior in high school, she was a state champion in swine and received the prestigious Betty Crocker Award for Cooking through her involvement in 4-H—honors that reflected both her work ethic and natural talents.

She began her professional life in education, first teaching kindergarten at Hanover Elementary School, and later teaching Home Economics in Lewisville, Indiana. Sue later taught in Fort Wayne at Ben Guyer Middle School and Bishop Luers High School, sharing practical skills and quiet encouragement with beloved students before transitioning into veterinary practice management.

Sue served as the practice manager at Anthony Animal Clinic for over 30 years, where her dedication, organization, and compassion were deeply valued. She retired after a career defined by commitment and steady leadership.

Sue was known for never passing up a good deal—whether for herself, her family, or anyone lucky enough to shop alongside her and she loved her annual “pilgrimage” to the “world’s longest yard sale.”

Above all, Sue will be remembered for her steadfast love for her family, her loyal friendships, her strong work ethic, and her kind, steady presence. She was the center of her family—a source of encouragement, wisdom, and unconditional support.

Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched and the family she loved so deeply.

A celebration of Sue’s life will be planned for family and friends later in spring.

Judy Kay Bixler, 69, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, passed away on February 5, 2026, at Celebrate Senior Living in Fort Wayne. ...
02/06/2026

Judy Kay Bixler, 69, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, passed away on February 5, 2026, at Celebrate Senior Living in Fort Wayne.

The world got a little quieter on February 5, 2026, when Judy K. Bixler decided she’d had enough of this place and headed upstairs—where she is almost certainly already cussing someone out. Born to Edward and Marna Bixler, Judy was also preceded in death by her brother Thomas, who is probably getting an earful right now. She leaves behind her long-term partner Jerry Scheid, brother Bud and sister Ginny, who can confirm she always said exactly what she meant… whether you were ready for it or not.

Judy was known far and wide for her firecracker attitude, her laid‑back charm, and her ability to turn even the simplest moment into a story worth retelling. Before her illness, she loved hanging out with friends and family, beer in hand, laughing, talking, and occasionally stirring the pot just to keep things interesting. She was strong‑willed, independent, and—let’s be honest—a handful in the most entertaining way possible. But she was loved fiercely, and she loved her people right back.

She is survived by her daughters, Stephanie Brown (James) and Sherri Jenkins (Joshua), who inherited at least some of her stubbornness and all of her ability to speak their minds. Her grandchildren—Aaron Lehman, Skylar Hargrave, and Brittany Barr—kept her proud, amused, and occasionally exasperated. Her great‑grandchildren—Ryker, Sophia, Cooper, Cash, Luanne, and one angel baby—gave her endless joy and plenty of stories to brag about.

In her final years, dementia tried to quiet her spirit, but Judy wasn’t having it. She continued telling people off with impressive accuracy, volume, and creativity. If you knew her, you can picture it perfectly.

Judy lived life boldly, honestly, and with a spark that never went out. She will be remembered with laughter, love, and plenty of “Oh, that was SO Judy” moments.

Bonita Kay Ferguson (1946-2026).It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of Bonnie Ferguson, 79, of Fremont, I...
02/01/2026

Bonita Kay Ferguson (1946-2026).

It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of Bonnie Ferguson, 79, of Fremont, Indiana- Clear Lake, who passed away in the comfort of her home, surrounded by family, from pancreatic cancer on January 19, 2026.

Bonnie attended high school in Stryker, Ohio and nursing school. She worked as a nurse at the Community Hospital of Williams County, Williams County Health Department, and Edon Northwest Local Schools.

Bonnie loved visiting Clear Lake since 1946 and later living there with her family. She said her favorite things about life were being a mother and a nurse. She welcomed everyone into their home with open arms while offering food and goodies for all! At the lake she enjoyed water skiing, in her younger years, and more recently kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, swimming, walking, and driving the speed boat for her daughter and grandchildren. Bonnie filled her retirement days attending school and sporting events for her grandchildren, consistently connecting with many of her friends in person and via phone, and participating in multiple Church activities. She could also be found spending hours in her beloved flower bed and garden.

Bonnie was preceded in death by Ethel Woolace (mother), Olin Woolace (father), Daniel Ferguson (son), Vicky Woolace (sister-in-law), and John Fortmeyer (grandson) and is survived by Theodore Ferguson (husband), William Woolace (brother), Timothy and Margaret Ferguson (son), Matthew and Amelia Ferguson (son), Joseph and Tegan Ferguson (son), Jennifer Ferguson (daughter) and Carly Rosswurm, 9 grandchildren- Eric, Kathryn, Christopher, Elizabeth, Rachel, Isabel, Nathaniel, Bennett, and Marcey, and 3 great grandchildren- Audrey, Cohen and Charlotte.

A visitation and celebration of life service will be held at the Fremont United Methodist Church, 105 Tolford St, Fremont, IN 46737, on March 28, 2026. There will be a two-hour visitation starting at 10:00 am followed by the celebration of life service starting at 12:00 pm. There will not be a cemetery service following. Cemetery: Evansport Cemetery in Evansport, Ohio- Defiance County. Donations to the Clear Lake Township Land Conservancy and the Fremont United Methodist Church in Bonnie’s honor would be greatly appreciated.

Patricia Lynn (Bock) Garcia, age 68, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, passed peacefully at home on January 14, 2026, surrounded b...
01/21/2026

Patricia Lynn (Bock) Garcia, age 68, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, passed peacefully at home on January 14, 2026, surrounded by love. She has entered eternal rest and is now in the presence of her Lord and Savior.

Patricia was born August 27,1957 and raised in Fort Wayne, Indiana, to Charles Bock and Dolores (Pranger) Bock. She was the third of four children and is survived by her siblings, Michael Bock, Steven Bock, and Michelle (Bock) Raugh. She graduated from Elmhurst High School.

At the age of 18, Patricia moved to California with her eldest daughter, Angela. There she met James Garcia, whom she married and together they welcomed two daughters, Melissa and Roberta (Bobbi Jean), and made their home in Glendale, California. Patricia devoted her life to raising her girls, pouring her whole heart into motherhood with love, strength, and selflessness.

Patricia was a founding member of On Track Ministries, where she faithfully served her community through Food outreach programs and Ministry. They gathered clothing and medical supplies to deliver to Native American communities in Tuba City, Arizona. Her life reflected her deep faith and generous spirit, and many were touched by her kindness, compassion, and willingness to serve others.

Twenty-seven years ago, Patricia returned to Fort Wayne to be closer to her mother and extended family. There, she built a beautiful life, forming lasting friendships and continuing to live out her faith through love and service, while working for the county and city of Fort Wayne at ACS.

Patricia was a devoted grandmother of 9 grandchildren and a proud great-grandmother to 8 great-grandchildren, each of whom she cherished deeply. Due to her love and faithfulness Angela (Bock-Garcia) Lopez (Michael Lopez), Melissa (Garcia) Montijo (Rene Montijo), and Roberta (Garcia) Garcia-Irlas (Sergio Irlas), she got to see all three girls get married and raise beautiful children. She was known for her warm smile, gentle presence, and giving heart.

Patricia’s favorite Scripture, Romans 8:18, reflects the hope she held fast to: “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing to the glory that will be revealed in us.”

Though she will be deeply missed, her family finds comfort in knowing that she is now at peace, healed and rejoicing in eternal glory. She is survived by her loving family.

Visitation will be held Friday, January 30th from 3:00 to 7:00pm at New Covenant Worship Center; 3420 East Paulding Road, Fort Wayne, Indiana.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 31, 2026, at 10:30am at New Covenant Worship Center with calling an hour prior to the service.
Burial will take place at Covington Memorial Gardens in Fort Wayne.

Joe Mack Pittenger, Jr., 82, a veteran of the Vietnam War and longtime resident of Whitley County, Indiana, passed away ...
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.

John “Jack” Robert Hoppe, 84, passed away on Wednesday, January 7, 2026. He was born on April 11, 1941, to the late John...
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.

Patrick H. Drummer, 88, of Fort Wayne died peacefully on January 5, 2026, at Park Place Senior Living in Fort Wayne. Pat...
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.

On December 28, 2025, Delores D. Kumfer (Dee) passed away in her sleep. She is preceded in death by her husband and Cana...
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.

Terence Wayne McCann, age 78, of Marion, Indiana, passed away December 16, 2025, at Lutheran Hospital, Fort Wayne. Terry...
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.

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

Address

1319 Magnavox Way
Fort Wayne, IN
46804

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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.