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Hite Funeral Home, 403 S Main Street, Kendallville, IN (2026)

01/23/2026

Karen J. Munk, 79, of Kendallville, Indiana, passed away on January 21, 2026. Born on March 4, 1946, in Kendallville to Don and Betty (Pontius) Leitch, Karen was a life-long resident and an extraordinary woman who wove herself into the very fabric of her community. She graduated from Kendallville High School in 1964 and graduated from the Purdue University School of Nursing in 1981.

On June 10, 1967, she married the love of her life, Craig Munk. Together, they built a life defined by family, community, and the arts. Karen is survived by her husband, Craig, and her daughter, Aren (Steve) Straiger of Carmel, Indiana. She was preceded in death by her parents and daughter Tiffany Munk.

A Life of Service and Care

Karen was a dedicated nurse who touched many lives during her career at McCray Memorial Hospital, Parkview Hospital Fort Wayne, and the Fort Wayne Ophthalmic Surgery Center. Her commitment to others extended into her volunteer work; she was a member of the First Presbyterian Church and a former member of Tri Kappa, Gamma Xi Chapter of Kendallville.

A Legacy in the Arts

Beyond her nursing career, Karen was a visionary artist. For more than four decades, she served as the Assistant Director of East Noble Theatre alongside her husband, Craig. Her stunning, hand-crafted costumes brought hundreds of musical productions to life on the Munk Stage. She also shared her leadership as the director of the award-winning East Noble Knightettes from 1968 to 1980. In recognition of her immense impact on students and the community, Karen was honored upon her retirement with the Sagamore of the Wabash, Indiana’s highest honorary distinction as well as being recognized nationally on the Today Show with Kathie Lee and Hoda.

Her love for sewing was legendary—it was often said there was nothing she couldn’t sew. In March 1989, she realized a lifelong dream by opening Special Moments, a bridal and formal wear store in downtown Kendallville.

Community and Pageantry

Karen’s influence stretched across her 50-plus years of volunteering with the Miss America Organization. Since 1983, she served on the Board of Directors for the Miss Indiana Scholarship Organization and acted as the pageant’s Associate Producer. One of her greatest joys was designing and creating exquisite gowns seen on stage and the creative themed costumes for the Miss America Boardwalk Parade.

She was also a founding board member of Gaslight Playhouse, serving on its Board of Directors for 50 years, being seen both on stage and behind the scenes. Most recently, she lent her talents to the costuming of Gaslight’s 50th Anniversary production of Big Fish. Karen loved the theatre and cherished her many trips to NYC to visit former students and catch a Broadway show or two. Her passing will leave a void in the hearts of so many but her legacy will live on through the countless lives she has impacted over the years.

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Service Information

Viewing: Monday, January 26 from 3:00–8:00PM and Tuesday, January 27 from 10:00AM –12:00PM at the AM Strauss Theatre for the Performing Arts located inside the Kendallville Community Learning Center, 401 E. Diamond St., Kendallville, IN 46755

Funeral Services: Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at 12:00PM in the AM Strauss Theatre in the Kendallville Community Learning Center. Visitors will enter through Door 5.

Memorial Donations: In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to:

• The Kendallville Community Learning Center Performing Arts Committee

• The Indiana Educational Scholarship Fund—Miss Indiana Scholarship Organization, http://donate.missindiana.org

01/23/2026

Harold John McNamara, age 66, of Topeka, passed away January 20, 2026, at Goshen Hospital. John was born in Kendallville, Indiana, on February 2, 1959, to the late Robert J. McNamara and Connie Lou (Friend) Brown. He married Anna Jean Mullins on November 24, 1984, at Topeka United Methodist Church. John was employed in the recreation vehicle industry all his working career. He and his wife owned and operated Topeka Video & Tanning. John was the proud owner of the largest die cast collection of Chevrolet Corvettes in the world. He loved riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle and driving his Corvette. But most of all, he loved fishing for bluegill and spending time on the water. He loved his cats who were like his kids. John never met a stranger. He loved to talk, he loved The Lord, and he loved his family who will dearly miss him.

Survivors include:
Wife, Ann McNamara of Topeka.
Son, Scott and Jaime McNamara of Fort Wayne.
Daughter, Amber Ann and Shane Hoff of Millersburg.
Son, Craig Larimer and Jason Churchill of Cortland, New York.
Daughter, Cristal and John Bontrager of Ligonier.
Daughter, Jessica and Jared Osbun of Stroh.
Daughter, Johnni McNamara of Topeka.
25 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.
Brother, Terry McNamara of Kendallville.

John was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Amber Rochelle Larimer, June 13, 2023; sister, Sue Bloomfield; and brother, Jay McNamara.

Visitation will be held Sunday, January 25, 2026, from 2:00 - 7:00 PM at Hite Funeral Home in Kendallville.
Funeral services will be held Monday, January 26, 2026, at 10:00 AM at Topeka United Methodist Church.
Burial will take place at Eden Cemetery, Topeka.

01/22/2026

Diana Sue (DeLong) Morse, age 80, of Kendallville, passed away January 20, 2026, at Miller's Merry Manor, Garrett. Diana was born in St. Joe, Indiana, on May 13, 1945, to the late Harold Owen DeLong and Ida Mae (Smith) DeLong. She graduated from Avilla High School in 1963. She was employed many years in secretarial and accounting work and retired in 2018 from A-1 Production in Kendallville. She married Thomas Ray Morse on November 10, 1984, and he preceded her in death October 3, 1991. Diana loved reading, bowling and word puzzles.

Survivors include:
Brother, Robert DeLong of Turkey Lake, LaGrange.
Brother, LeRoy and Jane DeLong of Auburn.
Brother, Hugh and Ramonda DeLong of Albion.
Brother, Paul and Sherri DeLong of Churubusco.
Two stepdaughters, Mindy and Paul Hurley and Julie and Tim Stucky both of Fort Wayne.
Nine grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.
Many nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.

Diana was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Ida DeLong; husband, Tom; two brothers, Harold Amos DeLong and Dale DeLong; two sisters and their spouses, Carolyn and David Lash and Loretta and Charles Nesbitt; three sisters-in-law, Janice DeLong, Barbara DeLong, and Irene DeLong; stepson, Robert Morse; and four nieces and two nephews.

Visitation and funeral services will be held Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at Hite Funeral Home in Kendallville. Visitation will be from 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM followed by a funeral service at 1:00 PM. Pastor Patrick Kuhlman, from Immanuel Lutheran Church, Avilla, will preside over the funeral service. Burial will take place later at Lake View Cemetery, Kendallville.

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.

01/20/2026

Chad Andrew Davis, age 46, died unexpectedly January 16, 2026, at his rural Kendallville home. Chad was born in Kendallville, Indiana, on August 27, 1979, to Michael Eugene Davis and Lori Diane (Krebbs) Herman. He graduated from Prairie Heights High School and honorably served his country in the United States Marine Corps. Chad was a combat war veteran and served several tours of duty. He married Laura Lynn Stricklen on December 2, 2004, in Albion. Chad was employed by Lippert Components in Howe where he utilized his amazing skills as a welder. He was a loving husband, dedicated father, and tender grandpa. He dearly loved his family and inspired his children to be strong, smart, loving and kind. He cherished spending time with his family, and he loved fishing and hunting. He is dearly loved and will be greatly missed by so many.

Survivors include:
Wife, Laura Davis of Kendallville.
Daughter, Morgan Davis of Kendallville.
Son, Shane Davis of Michigan.
Son, Ethan Bailey of New Mexico.
Bonus daughter, Taya Samuels and her two children, who were like grandchildren to Chad, Maddix Conkle and Bella Grace Conkle.
Mother, Lori and Paul Herman of Hudson.
Sister, Michelle Kline of Fort Wayne.
Brother, Dustin Davis of Kendallville.
Many nieces and nephews also survive.
Mother-in-law, Patty Klavinger of Rockwood, Michigan.
Brother-in-law, Chris and Katie Klavinger of Woodhaven, Michigan.

Visitation and funeral services will be held Saturday, January 24, 2026, at Hite Funeral Home in Kendallville. Visitation will take place from 3:00 - 6:00 PM followed by a funeral service at 6:00 PM. Chad's uncles, Pastor Rick Davis and Pastor John Coney will officiate the service.
Memorial donations may be made to Chad's family.

01/19/2026

Brenden Anthony Fearrin, a cherished husband, devoted father, and beloved son, passed away at the age of 33 due to a tragic car/train accident in Kendallville, Indiana, on January 17, 2026. Born on November 3, 1992, in Indianapolis, Indiana, Brenden was the treasured child of Candance Jo (Fearrin) Lawrence and Erik David Burns.

Brenden's life was a testament to love and family. He married his soulmate, Baylee Ann Ralston, on April 27, 2015, in the Martinsville area, and together they created a beautiful life filled with joy and the laughter of their three sons, Jayden, Jackson, and Josiah Fearrin. Brenden and Baylee just recently moved to Kendallville and their family home was a haven of happiness and warmth, where Brenden embraced his role as a stay-at-home dad with unparalleled passion and dedication.

Known for his gentle spirit and thoughtful nature, Brenden had a profound impact on all who knew him. His love for his wife and children was evident in every action, from the playful video game sessions with Jayden to the imaginative worlds he created while playing DnD games at Krypton Comets with friends.

Brenden's interests were as varied as they were rich. A lover of literature, he often found solace and adventure within the pages of a book. His joy was contagious, and his laughter could light up a room. Brenden's ability to find happiness in the simple pleasures of life, like spending time with his family, was one of his most endearing qualities.

He leaves behind a legacy of love and kindness that will be carried on by his wife, Baylee; his sons, Jayden, Jackson, and Josiah, all of Kendallville; his mother, Candance Lawrence and her companion, Junior Valdez of Kendallville; his father, Erik and Leigh Burns of Georgia; his paternal grandmother, Patricia Moneymaker of Georgia; maternal grandmother, Constance Buis of Kendallville; his sister, Bryanna Renae Fearrin of Kendallville; and his brother, Alexander Lee Carlson of Kendallville; his adopted son, Zachary Bishop of Indianapolis; and uncle, Nathan Cook.

Brenden's departure from this world has left an immeasurable void in the hearts of those who loved him. Yet we take solace in knowing that his spirit lives on through the cherished memories he created with his family and friends. Brenden's life was a beautiful reflection of the values he held dear: love, gentility, and thoughtfulness. He will be profoundly missed yet forever remembered as a beacon of light and love in the lives of those he touched.

Visitation and funeral services will be held Friday, January 23, 2026, at Hite Funeral Home in Kendallville. Visitation will be from 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM followed by a funeral service at 12:00 PM.

01/16/2026

Gordon "Nut" Salisbury, age 78, of Kendallville, passed away January 14, 2026, at Majestic Care in Fort Wayne. Gordon was born in Floyd County, Kentucky, near Prestonsburg on April 1, 1947, to the late Arnold and Velvia (Younce) Salisbury. His family moved to Indiana when Gordon was 15 years old. He married Allene Stidham on January 20, 1968, in Brimfield, Indiana. Gordon was employed for 34 years with Quick Tanks in Kendallville.

Survivors include:
Wife, Allene Salisbury of Kendallville.
Son, Michael and Carolyn Salisbury of Kendallville.
Daughter, Melissa and James Chorpenning of Kendallville.
Four grandchildren: Kendra and Tom Kracium of Fort Wayne; Kimberly and William Hudnall, III, of Brimfield; Grace and Jeff Aeschlimann of Lincolnville, Maine; and Nicholas and Sabrina Chorpenning of Tullahoma, Tennessee.
Six great grandchildren: Kennedy Kracium, Blake Kracium, Tucker Robinson, Tysen Stidham, Vera Aeschlinmann, Aiden Walker, and Brinley Chorpenning.
Brother, Hoie "Bud" and Cosbie Salisbury of Avilla.
Sister, Pelinnia and Allan Dirrim of Alabama.
Brother, Dean and Barb Salisbury of Tennessee.
Sister, Flora and Rick Borger of Kendallville.
Brother-in-law, Ishmel Wicker of Alabama.

Gordon was preceded in death by his parents and sisters, Vernice McDaniels, Shelvia Short, Ora Wicker, and baby sister, Clara Salisbury; brothers, Raymond Salisbury, and Paul "Pete" Salisbury.

Visitation and funeral services will be held Monday, January 19, 2026, at Hite Funeral Home in Kendallville. Visitation will be from 3:00 - 6:00 PM followed by a funeral service at 6:00 PM. Rev. Charles Mosley and Rev. Willie Collins will officiate the funeral service.
Donations may be made in Gordon's memory to Noble County Humane Shelter or Stillwater Hospice.

01/15/2026

Jack Kenneth Lane, 80, of Kendallville, Indiana, passed away peacefully at home, on January 14, 2026.

Jack was born April 19, 1945, in Jamestown, N.Y. to 1st Lieutenant [USAF] Jack H. and Flora H. Lane. He served as a Gunners Mate in the U.S. Navy from 1965 - 1969 aboard various ships as well as the patrol boat PCF22 out of Da Nang and Chu Lai, Viet Nam.

He worked as a carpenter/contractor for some 40 years and was an avid bowler until 1999. He loved the outdoors and in his later years he spent the greater part of his time fishing but always took time to help others when called upon.

He is survived by his brother, Barry D. Lane, of Kendallville.

His remains have been donated to Indiana University Medical Center. There will be no visitation or services.

01/15/2026

Judith Ann Conrad, age 83, of Fort Wayne, passed away January 12, 2026, at Chateau Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center in Fort Wayne. Mrs. Conrad was born in LaOtto, Indiana, on August 14, 1942, to the late Arthur Clarence Conrad and Martha Salamonie (Klinger) Conrad. She married Robert Edwin Conrad on October 20, 1978, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and he preceded her in death on October 2, 2019. Judy worked in the kitchen at a local hospital in the past.

Survivors include two sons, Robert Conrad and Arthur Conrad; and a brother-in-law, Richard Conrad of Coxsackie, New York.

Judy was preceded in death by four sisters, Luella Stabler, Virginia Scherich, Alice Whan Egolf, and Helen Battocuetti; and three brothers, Lloyd Conrad, Russell Conrad, and Donald Conrad.

Graveside funeral services will be held Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at 12:00 noon at Swan Cemetery near LaOtto.

01/11/2026

Herbert Laurence Heider, brother, friend, cat lover, departed this mortal plane on January 6, 2026. Herb was born on November 21, 1963, in Columbus, Ohio to Herbert Leo Heider and Marjorie Emily (Dalton) Heider. After living in various places as a young child, his family settled, when he was about 10, in Fort Wayne, Indiana where he lived the rest of his life. As a child, Herb loved to take things apart, see how they worked, and that fascination led to his lifelong vocation. Herb was a Master Electrician who, during his working years, traveled all around the Great Lakes area working on commercial buildings, including schools, making sure that all things electrical were installed and working as they should.

After his father passed in 2017, Herb lived with his mother; they took care of each other and he was there to help her through the loss of his sister, Marjorie Dianne Rushton, in 2021. He continued taking care of his mother, until she passed away in 2023. Herb absolutely adored his cat, Tiger, and those that know Tiger, realize how mutual that love was. Tiger will live out the rest of his days in the care of someone who knew and cared for Herb.

Herb is survived by his brother, Robert (Susan) Heider as well as three nephews, a niece, four grandnephews and a grandniece. The loss was felt greatly not just by his brother and sister-in-law, but by his nephews and grandnephews that knew and loved him.

Herb will join his parents and sister in the columbarium at Trinity Episcopal Church in Fort Wayne, Indiana. There will be no formal service, the interment of ashes will be very short and family only.
If you are so inclined, please donate, in memory of Herb, to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation or your favorite charity.

01/11/2026

John Michael Jump, 83, of Hudson, Indiana, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his wife & daughters on January 6, 2026.

John was born on November 21, 1942, to Estle & Audrey Jump. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and brother whose life reflected faith, service, and deep love for his family.

John was united in marriage to Carol (Blain) Jump, and together they shared 63 blessed years of marriage. He proudly served the community as a Fort Wayne Firefighter & Arson Investigator, dedicating his career to protecting others with courage, strength, and compassion.

John will be remembered as loving, dedicated, and a determined man who never failed to make us laugh with his quick wit and comical antics. He had a deep love for music and was famous for keeping his children & grandchildren at the house just a little longer by playing music videos and saying, “Here, watch this one!” To those who loved him most, he was simply “Papa” - a title he carried with pride and joy.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Carol Jump; his daughters, Renee’ (Mark) Wentz of Fort Wayne, Indiana, Rae’ Hollis (Gordon Kisler) of Fort Wayne, Indiana, and Rachael (Matt) Wells, of Angola, Indiana; 10 grandchildren & 16 great-grandchildren to whom he was lovingly known as “Papa”

He is also survived by his sisters, Brenda (Kevin) Conway, of Caledonia, MI, Barb (Pat) Shroyer, of Hudson, IN, and Bonnie (Ken) Shurboff of Churubusco, IN; and his brother David (Julie) Jump of Fort Wayne, IN.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Estle & Audrey Jump, his daughter, Rhonda Jump and his brother Ben Jump.

A Memorial Service will be held at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Hudson, IN, on January 31, 2026. Visitation will begin at 1:00pm, followed by the service at 2:00pm. John was a man of faith, and his family finds comfort in the promise that he has been welcomed into eternal life through Jesus Christ!

01/11/2026

Mary Wells, 58, passed away on Wednesday, January 7th, surrounded by her four children.

Fiercely independent, she was quietly and deeply reflective about life, her struggles, and her greatest accomplishments, including her 10 grandchildren.
Although her journey was filled with challenges, she had the biggest heart - there was never a friend she didn’t make, never a gift she didn’t give, and never a hungry cat or squirrel she didn’t feed.

She is survived by her mother, Patricia Pontzius of Kendallville, her four children, Jessica (Jason) Miller of Rome City, Jennifer (Taylor) Orr of Albion, Jacqueline (Justin) Price of New Haven, and Timothy Wells Jr of West Virginia, her 10 beloved grandchildren, and her dear friend, Romona Schlotter-Hay of Topeka.

She is preceded in death by her father, Billy Pontzius, her sister, Dee Meadows, and her longtime love, David Miller.

Mary deeply impacted those who knew her and she will be remembered for her joking spirit, devotion to the Colts, and her sweet laugh. She lives on in our hearts.

There will be a gathering of family and friends on Sunday, January 18, 2026, from 1:00 - 4:00 PM at Hite Funeral Home in Kendallville.

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