All Obituaries

Long time distance runner Tom Soper broke from the starting line for his ultimate run on Saturday, April 17, 2021.  That the course is an out-and-back, a loop, or a point-to-point is not known at this time.  However, Tom told his support crew captained by his wife (and girlfriend forever) Lucy Ann Zimmerman that he had trained to stay course.  Tom’s support crew includes his Son Paul Soper (Larry Mynatt), daughter Abigail Hess (James Paul), Step-son Matthew Morgan...

Larry “Shag” D. Monroe, age 83, of Ossian, IN formerly of LaGrange, IN passed away on Tuesday, March 30, 2021 at Bluffton Regional Hospital in Bluffton, IN.   Mr. Monroe was born on April 5, 1937 in Sturgis, MI to Charles and Faye Monroe.  Larry graduated from Sturgis High School in Sturgis, MI.  In May of 1991, he married Judith Ellen Fought.  In his early years, Larry worked at Klinger Lake Golf Club where he earned his nickname...

Lance O. Bergmann, age 80, of LaGrange, IN passed away on Friday, March 26, 2021 at his residence.  Mr. Bergmann was born on November 3, 1940 in Binghamton, NY to Stanley Kolacowski and Eleanor (Stewart) Bergmann.  In 1961, he graduated from Binghamton North High School in Binghamton, NY.  Lance continued his education and obtained an Associate’s Degree from Glen Oaks Community College in Centreville, MI.  Lance served his country honorably with the United States...

Irene C. Johnson, age 90, of LaGrange, IN passed away on Thursday, March 25, 2021 at her residence.  Ms. Johnson was born on April 8, 1930 in South Bend, IN to Joseph Peter and Emily Margaret (Kittell) Szalay.  She was employed at Vahala Foam in Shipshewana for 23 years.  During her employment, she wore several hats including, saw operator, delivery driver, and packaging specialist.  She was a devout lifetime Catholic and very true to her faith.   Irene enjoyed...

Catherine B. Ward, age 85, of Fort Wayne, IN passed away on Friday, March 19, 2021 at Visiting Nurse Hospice Home in Fort Wayne, IN.  Ms. Ward was born on May 7, 1935 in Flint, MI to the late Charles L. and Florence (McLaughlin) LaBa.  She graduated from Southside High School in Fort Wayne.  On June 11, 1955, she married Robert L. Ward at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Fort Wayne.  Catherine worked for Kay Campbells Clothing Store in her younger years.  In...

Rex Lynn Obendorf, age 68, of LaGrange, IN passed away on Monday, March 8, 2021 at Life Care Center LaGrange.  Mr. Obendorf was born on September 1, 1952 in Garrett, IN to Russell Elmer and Anna Rhoda (Alwood) Obendorf.  Rex graduated from High School in Butler Indiana.  He worked in production and labor in manufacturing for many years.  Rex also was employed as a custodian for East Noble Middle School in Kendallville, IN.  In his younger years, he loved to go...

Pastor Melvin William Heiniger, age 49, of Kendallville, IN passed away on Saturday, February 27, 2021 at his residence.  Mr. Heiniger was born on July 11, 1971 in Pontiac, MI to Kenneth C. Bowen and Nancy (Morgret) Heiniger.  Mel graduated from East Noble High School in 1988.  He then continued his education at a college in Fort Wayne, IN where he obtained his Journeyman’s license.  On February 16, 2002, he married Shannon Russell at LaGrange Church of God in...

John Edward Mahon, age 71, of Howe, IN passed away on Wednesday, February 24, 2021 at his residence.  Mr. Mahon was born on April 13, 1949 in Williamson, West Virginia to Carl and Ocie (Duty) Mahon.  He graduated from Burch High School in Delbarton, West Virginia.  On November 7, 1969, he married the love of his life Linda Sue Maynard in Delbarton, West Virginia.  John worked as a coal miner for many years before moving to Indiana in 1989.  Once he and his family...

Anthony “Tony” Lee Mead, age 23, of Fort Wayne, IN passed away on Wednesday, February 17, 2021 at his residence.  Mr. Mead was born on December 13, 1997 in Auburn, IN to Eric Lee Mead and Stacy (Salisbury) Lepley.  In 2016, he graduated from East Noble High School in Kendallville, IN.  He continued his education at Ivy Tech Community College.  Tony obtained several IT certifications, including Network+, CCNA, and CCENT.  He was also in the process of...

Susan “Susie” Danyell Albright, age 48, of Rome City, IN passed away on Tuesday, February 16, 2021 at Parkview Regional Medical Center.  Mrs. Albright was born on October 4, 1972 in Perry County, KY to Ray Arnold Blackwell and Susan Ann Rhodes.  Susie graduated from Willard High School in Willard, KY and then continued her education at Missouri State University.  She married her husband of 14 years, Scott Albright at their home in Missouri.  Susie worked for...