Hess Funeral Home and Cremation Services

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.

02/12/2026

Wilmer “Will” Lee Miller, age 64, of New Haven, Indiana, passed away on February 3, 2026, at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne.

Will was born on May 9, 1961, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, to the late Elmer Miller and to Martha (Miller) Pasko. He graduated from high school and went on to complete his plumbing apprenticeship. For more than 40 years, Will worked diligently and efficiently as a plumber, a trade he took great pride in.

On March 12, 2016, he married Patricia “Patty” Reinbolt in Fort Wayne.

In his free time, Will enjoyed baseball and was a devoted supporter of the Fort Wayne Komets hockey team. He also loved golfing, fishing, and going on cruises. Never far from his tools, Will enjoyed tinkering and staying busy with hands-on projects.

Survivors include:

Spouse, Patricia “Patty” Miller of New Haven, IN; mother and step-father, Martha and Max Pasko of New Haven, IN; son, Michael Miller of Dayton, OH; daughter, Victoria (Nicholas) Halter of Dayton, OH; step-son, Andrew Teague (Sabrina) of New Haven, IN; step-daughter, Amanda Teague of New Haven, IN; many grandchildren and one step-grandson; brother, Larry (Brenda) Miller of Fort Wayne, IN; three nieces, one great-niece, and many cousins.

Wilmer was preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandparents; his father, Elmer Miller; a son, Benjamin Miller; and a step-granddaughter, Mya White.

Funeral service will take place on February 16, 2026, at 4:30pm with visitation prior from 3:00pm-4:30pm at Taylor Chapel, 10145 Maysville Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46835.

Private cemetery services will take place at Highland Park Cemetery.

Officiating the services will be Pastor Dereck Fields.

Memorial donations may be directed to the American Heart Association.

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

View Wilmer "Will" Lee Miller's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/11/2026

Charles Joseph Ashe, age 68, of Howe, Indiana, passed away on Monday, February 9, 2026, at Parkview Hospital in LaGrange, Indiana. Known as Chuck, he was born in the Old West End neighborhood of Toledo, Ohio, on March 12, 1957, to Charles and Eileen (Zawierucha) Ashe. He grew up with four siblings: Sue, Char, Kenny, and Joey. Chuck earned an associate’s degree in Civil Engineering Construction from the University of Toledo. He was employed for over thirty years by the City of Maumee as a heavy equipment operator; he worked in various departments, including the construction and water departments. Chuck was an avid reader with history and geography being his favorite subjects.

In 1993, Chuck married his partner, Roberta Long. They were lucky enough to raise an artistically divine daughter, Rose. His family will miss him very much and they long for him to still be here. A wiry, feisty guy who fought hard to the end, Chuck was quiet, but he was full of fire and love and his one true nemesis – whiskey.

The family would like to acknowledge the staff of Parkview Hospital in LaGrange and Parkview Hospice for their attentiveness and assistance.

A memorial luncheon will take place at a later date.

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

View Charles Joseph Ashe's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/11/2026

John C. Boyer, age 68, of Roanoke, IN, formerly of Fort Wayne, IN, passed away on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at StoryPoint Fort Wayne West in Fort Wayne, IN.

John was born on August 10, 1957, in Lima, OH, to the late James R. Boyer and Joan (Kuck) Alexander. In 1975, he graduated from Paul Harding High School in Fort Wayne, IN. On June 21, 2002, he married Lisa Rorick at the Botanical Gardens in Fort Wayne.

John had a profound work ethic, yet it never interfered with the time he devoted to his family. For nearly 50 years, he worked simultaneously as a dock worker and as the owner and operator of J.C. Boyer Lawn & Landscape, both in Fort Wayne. Though he worked long hours, he never failed to show up with a huge smile and an even bigger heart. He was always the loudest cheerleader for his children and grandchildren at their sporting events. Even with his strenuous schedule, he also ensured to make quality time vactioning with his family.

For over 30 years, John faithfully attended and was active at Avalon Missionary Church in Fort Wayne. He loved Jesus and cherished his relationship with God, which was evident in the many years he devoted to teaching Sunday School.

John was an avid Minnesota Vikings fan and loved the team’s purple color, viewing it as a symbol of royalty. He coached wrestling for many years, mentoring countless young men who grew up under his guidance and expertise. He was someone who truly cared and always opened his heart and arms to anyone in need.

John’s heart was enormous, and his love for his family and friends never wavered. His jokes, sense of humor, and kindness illuminated every room he entered. Whether he was hosting summer parties, winning stick pony races against the rest of the family, or doing something silly to make a grandchild laugh, John lived life well. The love he gave to this world was recognized by all who knew him.

Survivors include:

Wife, Lisa Boyer.

Daughter, Melissa and Jeff Miller.

Daughter, Heather and Rob Dillon.

Daughter, Amy and Ben Anderson.

Grandchildren, Makayla Miller, Kathryn Dillon, Sophia Dillon, Charlotte Dillon, and Grace Dillon.

Brother, James and Diana Boyer.

Sister, Janet and Bill Howard.

Sister, Jane Johnson and Alfredo Fabrega.

Sister, Joann and Rick Tietz.

Brother, Jeff Boyer and Kathy Rienking.

Mother of his children, Linda Boyer.

Numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

John was preceded in death by his parents and his maternal and paternal grandparents.

A celebration of life and ice cream social in John's honor will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2026 at 3:00pm with the ice cream social from 1:00pm-3:00pm prior at Avalon Missionary Church, 1212 Lower Huntington Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46819.

Memorial donations may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association and or Avalon Missionary Church Campus Update Fund.

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

View John C. Boyer's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/11/2026

Edward “Ed” Brock Ribel, age 55, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, passed away on Sunday, February 8, 2026, in Fort Wayne.

Ed was born on March 19, 1970, in Fort Wayne to the late Jack Clemmons and Beverly D. (King) Ribel. He graduated from Snider High School in 1989 and continued his education at Ivy Tech, where he earned an associate’s degree in culinary arts.

For seven years, Ed owned and operated a food truck in Fort Wayne, sharing his passion for cooking with the community he loved. Known for his “hurricane” energy, Ed had a larger-than-life presence and could light up and engulf a room with his aura.

He enjoyed cooking, spending quality time with his close friends, and engaging in local politics. Ed will be remembered for his vibrant spirit, bold personality, and the lasting impression he left on everyone he met.

Survivors include:

Sister, Jean Graber of Fort Wayne, IN.

Nephew, Nicklas Graber of Pennsylvania.

Nephew, Ross Graber of Fort Wayne, IN.

Uncle, Ron and Cathy King of North Carolina.

Special Friend, Wendy Mathews of Fort Wayne, IN,

Several cousins also survive.

Private family services will take place and cremation services will follow.

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

View Edward "Ed" Brock Ribel's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/09/2026