Archive - Obituary
January 8th, 2013
Arthur L. Keister, 88, of Burr Oak, died at 5:30 a.m. Monday, Jan. 7, 2013, at his home. He was born April 21, 1924 in Noble County, a son of Thurlo and Venis (Winebrenner) Keister. He graduated from Wolf Lake High School in 1942 and was a member of the ’42 basketball team.
After graduation, he served in the U.S. Army for three years during World War II with tours in Alaska and India. A farmer, he worked for International Harvestor in Fort Wayne, retiring in 1978. He loved farming and his wonderful family.
Verlin Bentz, 96, formerly of rural Columbia City, died at 11 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 6, 2013, at University Park Nursing and Rehabilitation, Fort Wayne where he had been a resident since 2010.
He was born May 15, 1916, in South Whitley, a son of the late Oliver P. and Winnie (Walgamuth) Bentz. His formative years were spent in South Whitley.
On Oct. 24, 1942, he was united in marriage to Wathina Ilene Coy. They made their home in Allen County later moving to the lake areas in Whitley County.
James E. Bennett, 64, of Watson Drive, died Thursday evening at the William W. Backus Hospital with his family at his side.
On June 30, 1948, he was born in Columbia City, the son of Charles E. Bennett and the late Dorothy (Rock) Bennett.
James grew up in Indiana, graduated from Columbia City Joint High School and attended Purdue University for two years before enlisting in the U.S. Navy in 1968, serving as a machinist’s mate aboard the USS Archerfish.
January 7th
Mary Lee Campbell, 79, formerly of Columbia City, died at 1:58 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 5, 2013, at Parkview Regional Medical Center, Fort Wayne. She was born Oct. 3, 1933, in Kent City, Mich. a daughter of Harry B. and Leona May (Riddle) Kelly. She graduated from Kent City High School.
Dorothy Ann Day, 79, of Columbia City, passed away at 12:13 p.m. Friday, Jan. 4, 2013, at IU Health Arnett Hospital, Lafayette.
Born July 26, 1933, in Boston, she was the daughter of Joseph J. and Catherine (Gately) Lynch.
A former resident of Boston and Amite, La., she moved to Whitley County in 1984.
She graduated from Mission Church High School with the Class of 1950 and attended Boston University for two years.
Esther L. Steinman, 95, of Fort Wayne, passed away Thursday, Jan. 3, 2013.
Born in Berne, Esther was a Nurses Aide at Fort Wayne’s Veteran’s Hospital and worked at AAA Auction.
She attended Trinity Evangelical Church. Surviving relatives include her daughter, Sharon (Max) Goldwood of Columbia City; son, Don (Karen) Stevens of Fort Wayne; sister, Shirley Burke of Colorado; stepsons, Barry, Allen and Ron Steinman; eight grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.
January 4th
Sue C. (Ford) Jarvis, age 71, of Columbia City, died Thursday, Jan. 3, 2013, at Parkview Regional Medical Center, Fort Wayne.
Born April 14, 1941, in Albany, she was the daughter of the late Garnet R. and Donna L. (Hammitt) Ford.
She graduated from Arcola High School, Arcola, with the Class of 1959. She retired from Verizon (previously GTE and General Telephone) after 47 years of service. She was a dedicated member of IBEW Local 723.
Richard H. “Dick” Johnson, 81, of South Whitley, died at 5:33 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2013 at Lutheran Hospital, Fort Wayne where he was admitted Monday following a stroke.
He was born Sept. 25, 1931 in Speedway, a son of K. Harold and Mary P. (Phillips) Johnson.
At the age of five, the family moved to South Whitley. He graduated from South Whitley High School in 1949.
Patricia Joy Gates, 80, of Columbia City, passed away Wednesday Jan. 2, 2013, at University Park Health and Rehabilitation Center in Fort Wayne.
She was born Feb. 1, 1932, in Whitley County, to the late Carl and Loretta (Armel) Bridegam.
Patricia graduated from Columbia City High School with the Class of 1950. She retired from Parkview Whitley Hospital where she worked in the cafeteria. She was also a member of the Whitley County Home Demonstration Club and Tri-Lakes Baptist Church.
Helen M. (Deck) Potter, 92, passed away Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2013, at The Oaks in Columbia City. She was born Nov. 21, 1920, in Fort Wayne.
Helen was a homemaker that loved caring for her family. She loved playing the piano and singing.
Helen was a member of Salvation Army Church and a life member of the D.A.V. Women’s Auxiliary.
