Legacy Zimmer

01/31/2026

Retirees monthly breakfast is this Wednesday, February 4, 9 am at Don Pablo’s. Not sure I’ll be able to be there but enjoy!

01/26/2026

Jerry Lee Smith, lifelong resident of Kosciusko County, peacefully passed away in his home with his wife by his side on Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2026, at the age of 86. Born on Dec. 9, 1939, in North Webster, he was the son of Keith and Verna Smith (Amsden). Jerry was a proud graduate of North Webster High School and went on to serve his country in the United States Navy.

After his military service, Jerry built a fulfilling career as a polisher for Zimmer, where he devoted 26 years before retiring. Throughout his life, he was known for his strong work ethic, which he instilled in those around him.

On May 22, 1965, Jerry married the love of his life, Jacquelynn Hamman, who lovingly stood by his side throughout their years together. Their partnership was characterized by a deep love for their family and a shared joy for life’s simple pleasures.

Jerry found joy in many hobbies, including fishing, traveling and gardening. He also was an avid Green Bay Packers and Notre Dame fan. Most of all, Jerry loved his family and enjoyed indulging in family activities such as spending time outdoors and grilling.

Along with his wife, Jackie, and their children, Lisa (Steve) Light, Shelly (Mark) Alber, Keith Smith and Jennifer Smith Reagan, his legacy extends to his grandchildren, Ashley (Cory) Starkweather, Conner (Lisa) Shepherd, Joshua (Alexis) Light, Caleb (Laura) Light, Zach Alber, Hannah (Landon) Newsome, Jordan Alber, Michael Smith and Emily (Dylan) Roberts, along with 11 great-grandchildren, with one on the way. Jerry is also survived by his brother, Jack (Loretta) Smith, and his special dog, Rocky, as well as many extended family members and friends. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Don; and sister, Charlotte.

Titus Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Warsaw, is entrusted with Jerry’s Life Celebration. Friends and family may gather for visitation from 10 a.m. until noon Thursday, Jan. 29, at Capstone Free Methodist Church (formerly Walnut Creek Church), 2033 S. 150W, Warsaw, with the memorial service beginning at noon. To leave a condolence or send flowers, please visit TitusFuneralHome

01/14/2026

Richard "Dick" "Cowboy" Staley Obituary

Richard B. “Dick” “Cowboy” Staley, 80, Syracuse, was called home by our heavenly father at 4:32 p.m. Saturday, January 10, 2026, at Elkhart General Hospital. He was born March 28, 1945, in Olney, Illinois, to Gerald D. & Kathleen (Smith) Staley. On July 20, 1968, he married Shirley Jean (Rurak) Staley.

Surviving are his wife, Shirley, Syracuse, son, Shane Staley, Elkhart, grandchildren, Brittani Staley, Middlebury & Logan Staley, Middlebury, 3 great-grandchildren, Riley, Carson & Chloe, a sister, Carolyn Pashea, Magnolia, Kentucky & niece, Melissa Pashea, Magnolia, Kentucky.

Preceding him in death are his parents and a son, Travis Staley.

Cowboy lived a full Life: After graduating high school, he and two of his close high school friends, Terry Lile & Gerald Burd, father of (Billy Burd), joined the Air Force, on the buddy system. While serving in the Air Force (1963-1967), he met his beloved wife, Shirley in the upper, New England states. They married in the late 1960’s and moved to the Northern Indiana area, Syracuse, Indiana. In college, he majored in Forestry. He worked for many years, in the trailer industry. Being a talented craftsman, he & close friends helped build, their home in Syracuse, where he resided until the Lord called him home. Unsure of the year, he landed his last employer: Zimmer Biomet, where he invested wisely & was able to retire in 2001, at the young age of 51 and enjoyed life!! Cowboy loved his family, friends, and Furbabies and spent time with them all, every chance he would get. He loved to laugh, smile and give someone else a smile. He and his wife, & family loved traveling. Their travels took them to Europe, Canada and several of the US states, as well. Cowboy was a gunsmith for several years in the Northern Indiana area and an avid fisherman, and guide on the local lakes in Syracuse Indiana, surrounding areas & Lake Michigan. He loved nature, the outdoors, boating & camping. Cowboy never met a stranger and loved to talk!! He was the type of person who would give the shirt off his back, and would help anyone in need. His hearty laugh & precious smile will be dearly missed!!

A celebration of life will be 12-2 p.m. Saturday, January 17, 2026, followed by a memorial service at 2 p.m., all at Rieth Rohrer Ehret Funeral Home, 311 S. Main St., Goshen, Indiana 46526. Pastor Marc Stutzman will officiate. Memorial donations may be directed to Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, 1530 Wilson Blvd., Suite 550, Arlington, VA 22209

Online condolences may be sent at

Rieth-Rohrer-Ehret Funeral Homes in Goshen, IN provides funeral, memorial, aftercare, pre-planning, and cremation services to our community and the surroun... Learn More

01/07/2026

Plrase see funeral home website for photos

Verlon Caldwell Jr. Obituary

Verlon Charles “Chuck” Caldwell, Jr. traded his pain on this earth for a new home with Jesus on Friday, January 2, 2026 at Blair Ridge Health Campus. He had been diagnosed with cancer 4 years ago. Chuck was born to Verlon Charles Caldwell Sr. and Gerlene Faye (Hatton) Caldwell on September 25, 1956. He was born and raised in Peru, Indiana.

Chuck graduated from Peru High School. And then went on to earn an Associate’s degree from Indiana University, a Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s degree from Indiana Wesleyan University. Before retirement, Chuck was an employee at Square D in Peru for 13 years, Zimmer Biomet in Warsaw for 21 years and Chrysler in Kokomo for 10 years.

In his early adulthood, he was active in bowling, golfing and playing men’s softball on a well-known Peru team called the Moby’s. And, he loved mowing his yard on his zero turn John Deere tractor. In the last few years, Chuck used his artistic ability by creating no-sew quilt canvases that he enjoyed gifting to others. He attended East Pointe Bible Church in Peru.

Chuck married the love of his life, Diana (Kanippe) Caldwell on June 4, 1978. They spent over 47 years together- 40 of those living in their home in Mexico, Indiana. He had 1 daughter, Abbey Michelle. And also 2 grandsons, Colton Gilbert and Julian Conrad, who were the absolute joys of his life. He was so proud of them.

Chuck is survived by Diana and his 2 grandsons. He is preceded in death by both his parents and daughter.

Chuck’s wishes were to be cremated. However, a Celebration of his Life will take place at Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home, 105 West Third Street, Peru, Indiana on Thursday, January 8, 2026 from 5:00pm-7:00pm. A memorial service will follow at 7:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions towards the post high school education of grandsons, Colton and Julian, may be received at the funeral home or mailed to Diana at their home.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home. Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.FlowersLeedyAllen.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Verlon Charles "Chuck" Caldwell Jr., please visit our floral store.

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01/05/2026

Calling all ZB retirees. Breakfast is this Wednesday, January 7, 9 am at Don Pablo's in Warsaw.

12/18/2025

Anyone attend the Tidings of Joy at The Manahan at Grace College today?

12/17/2025

There’s still time TODAY!

12/09/2025

Hope to see a bunch of retirees there!!!

12/05/2025

OBITUARY

David L Bell
NOVEMBER 17, 1959 – NOVEMBER 15, 2025

Obituary of David L Bell
IN THE CARE OF
Hopkins - Rector Funeral Home
David L. Bell, 66, of Greencastle, formerly of Wabash, IN., passed away on Saturday, November 15, 2025.
Born November 17th, 1959 in Peru, IN, he was the son of Robert W. and Norma Jean (Moffatt) Bell and was a graduate of Peru High School “Class of 1978.”

David was a tool & mold maker at Zimmer USA in Warsaw, IN over 20 years, retiring in 2024.

He was preceded in death by his parents and wife Katrina Bell.

David is survived by his stepdaughter Morgan Cox; brother Robert A. Bell & wife Vickie; nephew Anthony Q. Bell & wife Devon; grandchildren Dawson McCarty and Emma McCarty.

A Celebration of Life will be held for David at a later date. Hopkins-Rector Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made in memory of David to the ASCPA or your local animal shelter.

12/02/2025

Reminder retiree breakfast tomorrow at Don Pablo 9 am.
I’ll have to miss this one.

11/23/2025

11/17/2025

Early notice but mark your calendars for retiree breakfast first Wednesday every month which is December 3, 9 am at Don Pablo’s, Warsaw. Huge variety on menu and there certainly were no complaints last month!!!
(As I was putting on my calendar, I realized I won’t be there!!)