In Memoriam – Summer/Fall 2018

Archie J. James, who served 33+ years as building engineer, July 8, 2018 at Kingston Residence. He is survived by his daughter, Betsy Motter ’74; son, Archie F. James; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
Ruth B. Robbins, former English Teacher and Librarian, May 24, 2018 at Sycamore Village in Fort Wayne.
Charles W. Masel, class of 1931, died July 20, 2018 in Lake Placid, FL. He was an active member of his church, Masonic and Scottish Rite Orders, and LEAP. Survivors include daughters, Marlene Smith and Betsy Noyes; son, Michael Cross; three grandchildren and two great-grandsons.
Betty “Eisy” Eisenacher, class of 1938, passed away July 2, 2018 at Northwoods Village. She was voted best athlete while at South Side and attended so many games that her bleacher seat was dedicated to her and she was given a Lifetime Sports Pass. Betty was a renowned pitcher for the Bob Inn softball team, leading them to several state championships. She also played and coached basketball for GE where she worked for 41 years. Two of her survivors are her nephews, Don ’61, and David ’65 Eisenacher.
Louis E Schwan, class of 1938, passed away August 30, 2018.
Margaret Witmer Dager, class of 1939, died June 15, 2018. She retired from Macy’s after 27 years of faithful service. Surviving are her children, William, Jennifer Winicki, Lisa Dager, and Joseph Dager; 10 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.
Calvin F. Schultz, class of 1939, passed away April 27, 2018 at Lutheran Life Villages. He attended International Business College to study business accounting. Cal was deployed in the 3rd U.S. Army during World War II, receiving seven battle stars (including The Battle of the Bulge), the Bronze Star, and Knight of the Legion of Honor medal from the French government. He was employed for 40 years with the General Electric Company, and was active in various Lutheran church programs, The Lion’s Club, and the Sunrise Optimist Club. He is survived by sons, Dane and Dean; daughters Beth Farnyand Annette Meyer; 13 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Doris Siebold ’39.
Betty KayserSpeshyock, class of 1939, died March 31, 2018.
Doris “Dorie” L. Douglass Welch, class of 1939, passed away September 10, 2018 in Fort Wayne. She worked as an aide at St. Joe Central Elementary. Dorie was married to Howard Welch for 70 years until hs passing in 2011. She enjoyed traveling, camping, baking, art, sewing, and most of all spending time with her grandchildren. Surviving are her sons, Douglas, James, and Richard; seven grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Dr. Richard Craig, class of 1940, passed away at his home on July 18, 2018.He was a graduate of Indiana University and Indiana University Medical School. Dick received further medical training at The Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN. He was the Chief Radiologist at Lutheran Hospital from 1957 to 1985. Dick was awarded the “Sagamore of the Wabash” by the Governor of Indiana for serving on the State Board of Health. Following retirement, Dick and Judith (Osborne) ‘56 moved to Savannah, GA where they were avid ballroom dancers and active in their church. Besides Judith, Dick is survived by daughter, Cheryl Kennerk ’64; six grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
Erma M. Jackson Goyer, class of 1940, died July 15, 2018 at Kingston Care Center in Fort Wayne. She worked as a teacher with FWCS, retiring in 1952. Erma was very family oriented and enjoyed taking care of her home and family. She is survived by many nieces and nephews.
Sara Jane (Sally) Moorhead Vertulia, class of 1940, passed away March 7, 2018 in Ontario, Canada. She was well known throughout the dog show circuits, being a breeder of English Setters for 48 years. Sally attended the Ontario College of Art, first as a commercial artist, forming her own business in research work. In later years her art of animal portraits and flowers have been appreciated by many. She was preceded in death by her husband, Frank; and her brother, Thomas Moorhead ’39.
John F. Bonsib, class of 1941, died July 29, 2018. While a student at South Side, John was advertising manager of the Times and editor of the 1941 yearbook. John’s college years were interrupted by military service during World War II. After finishing his education, he joined the family advertising agency. He was very active in community organizations and was co-founder of the Fine Arts Foundation. John was one of the recipients of the South Side High School Distinguished Alumni award in 2001. He is survived by his second wife, Patricia; five children, Deborah Christman, Rebecca, Robert, Stephen, and Curtis Bonsib; nine grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
Don M. Rietdorf, class of 1942, passed away June 28, 2018. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II. Don worked for F & M Tile after the war. Surviving family include his daughter, Sally Lohman; sons, Tim and Mark; six grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.
Betty Jean Sapp, class of 1942, died April 5, 2018 in Fort Wayne. She worked at General Electric for 43 years, retiring in 1986.
Betty Valentine Kast, class of 1943, passed away June 13, 2018 in Bluffton. She retired from Harris Kayot after 30 years of service. She was also active in the American Business Women Association and was elected “Business Woman of the Year” in 1987. Surviving are her four step-children, Darinda Shroyer, Jacque Rowley, Rick Dommer, and Vicki Steele; 11 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren, and one great-great-granddaughter.
Joan I. Dodge Sterling, class of 1943, died May 18, 2018 at Canterbury Nursing and Rehab Center in Fort Wayne. Joan worked for General Telephone for several years and retired as a secretary with FWCS. Surviving are her son, Steven ’69; daughters, Deborah Sterling Pierce ’72, and Sandra Sterling ’74; a grandson; as well as sister, Winifred Dodge Schelper ’45.
GarnetaBeaty Swank, class of 1943, passed away December 4, 2017. She retired from her beloved Allen County Library in 1999. Garneta is survived by her daughters, Sandra Sager and Amy Poffenberger; three grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Nancy FisheringWehrenberg, class of 1943, died June 5, 2018 in Walloon Lake, MI. She went on to receive a degree from Indiana University and worked at Lincoln National Life Insurance Company until she married. While her children were growing up, Nancy was active in their schools, her church, and community organizations. She is survived by two daughters, Suzanne and Beth; two sons, Dan and Ted; and seven grandchildren.
William E. Vanderford, Jr., class of 1944, passed away June 24, 2018 in St. Petersburg, FL. He is survived by his wife of 73 years, Virginia Wall Vanderford ’44; daughter Susan Ditslear; son William Vanderford III; four grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and brother, James ‘61.
Doris Lontz Zoller, class of 1944, diedDecember 30, 2017 in North Canton, OH. She retired from Diebold, Inc. after 20 years of service. Doris is survived by her loving husband of 69 years, Victor ’44; sons, Dale and Kent; daughter, Rita Brokow; eight grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren; and brother, James Lontz ’52.
Geraldine “Gerrie” Trautman Zuber, class of 1944, passed away April 20, 2018 at home in Fort Wayne. She and Darrell ’40, were married 57 years until his death. Gerrie enjoyed playing cards, and board & computer games. She traveled with her homemaker’s club and was an active member at her church. She is survived by two of her sons; two daughters; 12 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.
Martha Siebold Bienz, class of 1945, passed away August 20, 2018. Martha is survived by her children Tamara Jones, Sandra Feichter, Mark Bienz, and Douglas Bienz; eight grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
Doris Hall Miller, class of 1945, died September 1, 2018. She was a clerk at Tokheim Credit Union for 13 years. Doris was a longtime member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Eastern Star. She was one of the founders of Women’s Auxiliary for the Wayne Township Volunteer Fire Department. Survivors include her three sons, Charles, Donald, and Daniel; five grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
Mary Jo Stoffer, class of 1945, died May 28, 2018 at Miller’s Merry Manor, Fort Wayne. She worked with Lincoln National Life Insurance Company for many years, retiring in 1985. Mary Jo volunteered many years at the Shawnee Library after her retirement.
Robert M. Zoller, class of 1945, passed away May 24, 2018 at Golden Years Homestead in Fort Wayne. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy before becoming a design draftsman with Magnavox for 36 years. Robert is survived by his sons, Gary, Steven, and Brian; seven grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and brothers, Lowell ’54, and Victor ’44.
Phyllis Martz Davis, class of 1946, died April 15, 2018 in Batesville, Arkansas.
Wanda Arthur Saalfrank, class of 1946, passed away May 9, 2018. She was a devoted wife, loving mother, and caring grandmother to her family. Wanda enjoyed bowling, and shopping daily. Surviving are her children, Alan Saalfrank, Ann Bolinger, Peggy Ditton, seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Phyllis Meese Bruick, class of 1948, died July 7, 2018. She met her husband Bob, at Bells Skating Rink in New Haven where she was a roller skate dancer. Phyllis was active in her church and a charter member of Psi Iota Xi, Eta Rho Chapter Sorority. She is survived by her husband, Robert; children, Cheryl Sorge, and David Bruick; nine grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
James W. Martin, class of 1948, passed away August 16, 2018. He enjoyed reading and studying the Bible and helped lead Bible study for inmates at Pendleton Correctional Facility. Jim was employed at Dana Corp for 20 years and went on to start Martin Spouting, Inc. He is survived by his wife, Corrine (Statlar) ’51; sons Paul and Steve; daughter, Deb Gerig; five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Patricia Hottman Clauser, class of 1949, passed away July 22, 2018. She was a secretary for Meadow Gold Dairy for 40 years. Surviving are her children, Peggy Fogle, Connie Hapner, and Dan Clauser; 11 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and her sister, Joan Hottman Myers ’44.
Roberta Ladd Didion, class of 1949, died July 3, 2018 at The Towne House Retirement Center. She worked as a registered nurse with Parkview Hospital for 25 years. Surviving are sons, Michael and Duane; daughters, Candi Hatfield, Linda Bryan, and Carol Edmondson; eight grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.
Robert L. Hollenberg, class of 1949, passed away April 17, 2018 at Timbercrest Retirement Community in North Manchester. He also graduated from Manchester College. Robert was a member of the Highland Masonic Lodge 762, Fort Wayne Scottish Rite, and the Mizpah Shrine Chanters. He was a long-time advisor to Fort Wayne DeMolay where he earned the Honorary Legion of Honor and was past president of the National Association of Accountants Fort Wayne Chapter. Robert loved singing and was a member of several choirs and did solo work. Survivors include two sons, Gene and Bill; daughter Cindy; six grandchildren; and a great-granddaughter.
Doris Williams Leamon, class of 1949, died May 19, 2018 in Green Valley, AZ. She worked as a secretary for Peace Lutheran Church and various other churches. She was also a homemaker, acrobat artist, an amazing seamstress, and most of all, a loving and supportive grandmother. Surviving are her daughter, Patricia LeamonGloy ’83; and four grandchildren. Doris was preceded in death by her husband, Paul; son, Kevin ’79; and sister Marge Williams Saffer ’42.
Samuel M. VanBuskirk, class of 1949, passed away July 18, 2018 in Indianapolis. After high school, Sam began his banking career at Monroeville Bank before serving his country in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. He then continued his work in banking at Lincoln National Bank in Fort Wayne as vice president and cashier before relocating to Indianapolis to further his career. Surviving are his wife, Joanne UetrechtVanBuskirk ’50; children, Susan Brown and Mark VanBuskirk; six grandchildren; two-step-grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and four step-great-grandchildren.
Nancy “Joan” Day Cummings, class of 1950, died May 30, 2018 at her home in Fort Wayne. She worked as a clerk with General Telephone for 42 years. She enjoyed gardening and spending time with family. Surviving are her son, Albert “Dan”; three grandchildren; and brother Eugene Day ’47.
Dianne Angold Herring, class of 1950, passed away June 27, 2018 at Saint Anne Home. She attended Stephens College after high school. She and her late husband, Stewart, enjoyed their time between their home in Fort Wayne and their cottage on Lake George. Surviving are her son, John; daughter, Sarah Taylor; and three grandchildren.
Ramona Eme Smith, class of 1950, died May 28, 2018. She worked as a homemaker and was a long-time member of Calvary Presbyterian Church. She is survived by her daughter, Renee Milligan; two granddaughters; two great-grandchildren. Her husband, Richard K. Smith ’42 died in 2014.
Janice Epple Smith, class of 1951, passed away May 17, 2018 at Kingston Care Center, Fort Wayne. She never met a flower she wouldn’t plant or a cat she wouldn’t adopt. As a mother Janice showed her affection every day. As a wife, she built a life and a love that endured and flourished almost 65 years. She is survived by her husband, Richard; daughters, Natalie Smith and Elizabeth Smith-Meyer; and two grandchildren.
James K. Lontz, class of 1952, died August 28, 2018 at his home in Florida. Jimmy was an announcer for WJR in Detroit and was rated as the number one disk jockey in the state of Michigan for 38 years using the name “Jimmy Launce”. In 1996 Jimmy was chosen as a South Side High School Distinguished Alumni. He also had an active career as a stage and film actor, writer and voice from instructional and educational videos, nature films, as well as, national and international radio and television commercials. He is survived by his wife Brigitte, daughter, Cheri Natho; son John Lontz; seven grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.
Thomas L. Brown, class of 1953, died March 29, 2018 in Peyton, CO.
Frank D. Frary, class of 1953, passed away June 12, 2018. After graduating from SSHS, Frank attended Indiana University and the University of Saint Francis. He then served in the army for six years. He was Chief of Security Operations for the Arts United Center for 25 years and was also Deputy Field Appraiser for the Office of the Wayne Township Assessor.
Russell T. Mumma, class of 1953, died April 7, 2018 in Fort Wayne. He was a Registered Sanitarian with the Allen County Board of Health from 1959 to 1995 prior to working for the Wells County Board of Health until his retirement in 2001. Russ served in many capacities at his church and went on over 20 mission trips. Surviving are his wife of 59 years, Elaine; son Kerry; daughter, Sheri Pedersen; four grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
LaMoine Hartman Romy-Yingling, class of 1953, passed away April 4, 2018 at Chapman Place in Fort Wayne. She was a merchandiser with local stores during her working life. LaMoine loved to travel and especially enjoyed the sandy beaches of Florida. Surviving are her husband, Richard Yingling; daughters, Kathy Wolfe and Denise Carson; son, Greg Romy; four step-children; six grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; nine step-grandchildren; and six step-great-grandchildren.
Ruth Havens Shaunnessy, class of 1953, died August 14, 2018 in Phoenix, AZ.
M. Keith DeArmond, class of 1954, died April 10, 2017 in Las Cruces, NM. He went on to study chemistry at DePauw University and received his PhD in chemistry from the University of Arizona. Keith spent most of his academic career as a Professor of Chemistry at North Carolina State University. He moved to Las Cruces in 1988 to be a Professor of Chemistry at New Mexico State University. Keith is survived by his wife, Anna; and two daughters, Dominique and Thea.
Charlotte May Conn Smith, class of 1954, died August 30, 2018. She was instrumental in organizing groups to help those in need through the church or the community. She worked with other police officers’ wives to support the police family of Fort Wayne. After joining the Orthodox Church, she travelled with her husband, Fr. George Smith, a supply priest in the Indiana Deanery. Charlotte’s husband and Son, Stanley, preceded her in death. She is survived by her daughter, Susan Smith-Troy; and two grandchildren.
James J. Nickels, class of 1955, passed away July 19, 2018. He attended International Business College after high school and was a member of DeMolay. Jim worked for various companies in the Fort Wayne area and co-authored patents used in the marketing industry. His interests included flying, amateur radio, metal detecting, summers at Lake Tippecanoe, wintering in Naples, FL and casinos. Surviving are his wife, Dolores; daughter Lynnette Price; four grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
Anna May Fanger Winch, class of 1955, died August 29, 2018. She was a mainframe programmer for several businesses throughout the years. She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Phillip and siblings including her bother Ray Fanger ’61 and Marjorie Fanger ’55.
Joan Thomas Heilman, class of 1956, died January 18, 2014. Her husband, Mike, forwarded the information to us by sharing her memorial card with a picture showing Joan at the helm of her sailboat. Joan is also survived by her daughter Pam Manders and two grandsons.
Edward Lee Kouder, class of 1957; passed away at his home in Harlan July 15, 2018. He was a lifelong architect and owner of Custom Home Designing for over 50 years as well as driving a bus for East Allen County Schools for 30 years. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Joyce; son Michael; daughter, Carolyn Meyer; and two grandchildren.
Sandra Clark Wisniewski, class of 1957, died April 30, 2018. Her life was her family. She is survived by her son, Daniel; daughters, Jeanne Cross, Marcia Dennis, and Christine Neuhaus; 13 grandchildren; and 22 great-grandchildren.
Robin Allen Hren, class of 1958, passed away on October 22, 2017. She is survived by her husband, Bob.
John W. Hammerstein, class of 1959, died August 22, 2018 in Wapakoneta, Ohio. After graduating from South Side, John enlisted for four years in the U.S. Air Force. He then went on to work for IBM for 29 years and EI in Lexington, KY and Lima Floor Covering. In 2008 he was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, but he did not let that slow him down. He was active in many organizations and continued to golf. Survivors include his wife, Sandra Dittion ’61; four sons, Mark, Mike, Matt, John; seven grandchildren; a sister, Jennifer Hammerstein Sorg ’64; and sister-in-law, Judy Pfeiffer Hammerstein ’59.
Thomas P. Lerch, class of 1959, died May 26, 2018. After selling his multi-location chain of Peerless Cleaners, he and his late wife, Diana, semi-retired to their home on Lake James. Tom continued to enjoy working outdoors and spending time with family and friends. Survivors include his son, Chris; daughters Linda Cranston and Amanda Lerch; seven grandchildren and a sister, Lois Lerch Tippmann ’62.
Max W. Moore, class of 1960, passed away April 9, 2018 at his home in Winona Lake. He graduated from Purdue University in 1965 and retired in 2002 from GE/OEC Medical Systems in Warsaw. He is survived by his wife, Joyce; two sons, John and Matthew; three stepsons, Timothy, Daniel, and Michael Bragg; 12 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.
Sandra Kay Crouch Redding, class of 1960, died April 18, 2018. She worked for Superior Essex Wire in customer service. She also volunteered as an EMT and firefighter for South West Fire District for over 30 years. Surviving are her husband, David; son Paul; daughters Sheri Etzcorn, Cynthia Schmidt, and Barbara Redding; five grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.
Judith E. Shore, class of 1960, passed away April 10, 2018. She spent most of her career as an accountant. Judith was active in her community as a member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, the American Business Women, Red Hats Society and the Three Rivers Festival.
Carl E. Johnson Jr., class of 1961 died September 4, 2018.
Patricia Bengs Tucker, class of 1961, died June 5, 2018 at her home. She was employed with Over Night Transportation for over 20 years. Pat’s passion and natural skill was decorating. She is survived by her husband, Thomas; daughter, Lisa Schuster; son, Todd; four grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and siblings, Cindi Bengs Patterson ’63; Linda Bengs Fitch ’78; Steve Bengs ’66; and Mark Bengs ’72.
John H. Oglesbee, class of 1962, passed away March 30, 2018. He worked as a bus driver with PTC before retiring. John was an avid NASCAR fan and in his spare time enjoyed completing his art projects. Surviving are his wife, Carol; son, Timothy; daughters, Laura Sell, Kimberly Vardaman, Joy Hager, and Jennifer Pose; eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Frederick W. Plothe, class of 1962, died May 11, 2018. After graduating from SSHS, Fred served honorably in the United States Marine Corps from 1962-1966. He rose to the rank of corporal and was immensely proud of his service. Fred apprenticed at Central Soya before starting his career at Tokheim Corporation as a millwright. He volunteered tirelessly for a number of years with Love, Inc in Decatur, and participated in mission trips rebuilding churches in Jamaica and Haiti, and the Hope Hill Orphanage in Kentucky. Survivors include his son, Dr. Theodore Plothe; daughter, Letitia Ntomchukwu; and sisters, Karen Plothe Kendrick ‘64, and Janey Plothe Green ‘66.
Michael Stedge, class of 1962, passed away August 1, 2018. He was co-owner of Stedge Plumbing & Heating, Inc. since 1972. Mike is survived by his wife, Barbara SpierseStedge ’62; three sons, Steven, Jeffrey, and Jonathan; four grandchildren; and brother, Donald Stedge, Jr. ’59.
Robert R. Bartel, class of 1963, died April 17, 2018 at his home in East Palatka, FL.He graduated with a degree in theater from IUPUI. Robert’s love of theater continued throughout his life. He had a passion for sport cars and collected racing memorabilia. Since 1973 he was an active member of the Alfa Romeo Owner’s Club. Surviving are his wife of 40 years, Jane; two daughters, Valerie Pontius and Robyn Vasquez; a son, John Mallas; and four grandchildren.
David C. Platz, class of 1963, passed away April 21, 2018 in Fort Meyers, FL. He retired from Dana Corp and in 2004 he and his wife, Eileen, traveled across the country in a motor coach for seven years before settling in Ft. Meyers, FL. Besides his wife, Dave is survived by his children, Molly Schau, Mark and Greg Platz; step-daughter Beth Mickens; seven grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and brothers Larry ’60 and Bob ’64.
Nancy Baron Stump, class of 1963, died June 7, 2018 in Fort Wayne. She retired from the Wayne Township Trustee’s Office in 2011. Surviving are sons, Louis and Charles; three grandchildren; a great-grandchild; and her brother, Cary Baron ’60.
Barbara Rea Pearson, class of 1964, died July 9, 2018. She was a dancer, choreographer and educator, who was a mainstay of the Lehigh Valley arts community for more than 40 years. Survivors include her second husband, Victor Willems, who cared for Barbie Rea throughout her illness; her sister, Polly Rea ’62; three children, Vincent, Arthur and Mary Pearson; and four grandchildren.
John “Jack” Fanning, Jr., class of 1965, passed away May 13, 2018. He was the owner of Intratek Engineering. Jack is survived by his sons, Eric and Jason; and his grandson, Zachery.
Janice L. Little, class of 1965, died May 28, 2018. She had been a reading recovery teacher in Fort Wayne.
Benjamin D. “Dan” Nutter, class of 1965, passed away April 22, 2018 at Coventry Meadows, Fort Wayne. Dan worked for many years as a machinist for both Kunkle Valve and White Electronics. He enjoyed doing car restorations and word searches. Dan was a United States veteran serving in the Air Force. He is survived by his wife, Charlene Hawkins Nutter; two daughters, Christine Smith and Cindy Tinkel; and six grandchildren.
Kathleen S. Beltz, class of 1966, died May 15, 2018. She went to the International Business College after graduating from South Side. Kathy retired from GTE/Verizon after 25 years of service. She was an accomplished pianist and was the Music Director of the children’s choir “Kings Kids” at Colony Heights Church of Christ. She is survived by her brother, Michael Beltz ’63.
Patricia Jane Campbell, class of 1966, passed away April 15, 2018 in Fort Wayne. She retired from Do It Best Corp. with 30 years of service. She enjoyed the theater and golf and she loved her many friends. Pat is survived by her two children, Jason Bell and Carrie Harrington; and two grandchildren.
Jenna Wyatt Waldorf, class of 1966, died August 11, 2018. Jenna went on to Attend IPFW and worked for Lincoln National Life and GTE/Verizon. Surviving are her husband, Micheal; son Philip; and grandchildren, Megan and Philip Waldorf.
Mary Ellen Yergens, class of 1966, died April 12, 2018. She was a certified SHIP counselor and a Casa volunteer. She is survived by several cousins.
Joel B. Doss, Sr., class of 1967, passed away July 30, 2018. He went on to earn an associate’s degree in mechanics from Ivy Tech and worked at GE for several years. Joel was working with S & S Keller at the time of his retirement in 2008. He enjoyed fishing, playing poker, video games, and spending time with his family. Surviving are his children Joel, Jr, Matthew, and Christopher; 10 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Michael R. Taylor, class of 1967, died June 12, 2018. He left high school before graduating and joined the Army. Michael served during the Vietnam War and returned home to work as a letter carrier for 40 years. After his retirement, he was in maintenance for Carroll H.S. Surviving are his wife, Linda; two sons, Scott and Ryan; daughter, Amy; five stepchildren; 19 grandchildren.
David E. Piercy, class of 1968, passed away May 14, 2018 in Sarasota, FL. After graduating from South Side, he went on to study at Indiana State. His professional career began with the FBI in Washington, DC, and later he worked in sales for Mario Olive Company and Michael Foods. He is survived by his wife, Shirley; son, David; daughters, Amber Johnson, Autumn Ray, Ann Englehart, April Rubush, and Alicia Gaston; eight grandchildren; and his brother, Robert ‘63.
Willard Stephens, class of 1968, died July 30, 2018. Willard was a very athletic and fun-loving young man. After graduating from SSHS he joined the U.S. Army. Willard leaves to cherish his memory daughters, Autumn, Amber; son, Willard Michael; life partner, Julie Sother; four sisters, including Diana Stephens Scruggs ’68 and Peggy Stephens Williams ’71; and five brothers.
Robert A. Bradford, class of 1969, passed away May 23, 2018 at the Lake Wales Medical Center. He retired from Pizza Inn in Sikeston, MO and moved to Lake Wales, FL after his retirement. He loved sports and was an avid reader. Survivors include his wife of 37 years, Barbara; daughters, Dawn Bradford Custard ’89; Sara Bradford Ketz; Anita Bradford ’00; son, Michael; Brother, Ken ’67; and 10 grandchildren.
Beth McKeever Richardson, class of 1969, died May 10, 2018. She worked at St. Joseph Hospital for 40 years. Beth was an active member of her church and was a former Girl Scout Troop Leader. Surviving are her husband, Steven; children, Steven, Amy, and Stephanie; two grandchildren; and siblings, Beverly McKeever Young ’66, R. Tom McKeever, ’71’ Brenda McKeever Harris ’77’ and Lisa McKeever Smith, ’79.
Maddona L. Ludlum, class of 1971, passed away July 13, 2018 in Florida. She went on to graduate from the University of Texas, North Denton, with a degree in behavioral sciences. The university honors her with a scholarship in her name. She is survived by her mother, Helen; partner, Patti Quigley; brother, Richard; and nieces and nephews.
James A. Rohrer, class of 1971, died August 29, 2018 at home. Jim worked as a pharmacist in and around Fort Wayne. For relaxation, he loved woodworking, enjoyed science function, and baking bread. Surviving are his wife of 43 years, Beth; daughters Katie Nance and Kristi Law; and two grandchildren.
Stephen B. Manning, class of 1972, died August 22, 2018 in Kingwood, TX. He attended Indiana University where he completed both undergraduate and graduate degrees. Stephen started his career as a graphic artist and relocated to Houston, TX in 1981. He managed art departments at several design studios before finishing his career as a damage prevention supervisor for oil and gas pipeline maintenance corporations. Survivors include his wife of 43 years, Ellyn Boedeker Manning; three children, Mark, Laura, and Stephen; and four grandchildren.
Sandra Schricker McClain, class of 1973, passed away September 6, 2018 at Lutheran Hospital. Sandy loved the holidays and watching NASCAR. Surviving are her husband, Earl Jerome “Jerry Mac” McClain; daughter, Sherry Hitzfield; son, Matthew McClain, and two grandsons.
Karen Burnside-Strack, class of 1974, died May 15, 2018 following a long battle with cancer. Karen is survived by her son, Samuel; brothers, Mike ’64, Rick ‘65, John ’70, Jim ’73, Bob ’79; and sister, Pat Burnside Thompson ’68.
Robert A. Weick, class of 1975, passed away April 11, 2018. He worked at Grace St. John’s United Church as a custodian for 25 years. He enjoyed bowling and racing and raced at many local tracks. Surviving family include his wife, Barb; son R.J.; grandchild, Kendall Stockman; and half-brother Michael Weick.
Mark E. Andrews, class of 1976, died May 27, 2018 at Golden Living Center, LaPorte, IN. He proudly served in the Air National Guard for several years and was most recently employed with I.H. Stamping. Mark is survived by his son, Craig; two grandchildren; and brothers Paul ’70 and Phil ’67.
David J. Steinbacher, class of 1976, died August 19, 2018 after a short fight against leukemia. He worked 40 years for AlroStee/Art Iron. He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Anita; children John, Megan, Allison Richmond and Janell Grimes; and 10 grandchildren.
Edward D. Harris, Sr, class of 1977, passed away August 19, 2018. “June” retired on July 6, 2018 as Assistant Director of Allen County Community Corrections after 32 years of service. Ed is survived by his wife, Robin; children, Elicia, Edward II, and Elaena; grandson, Edward III “Trey”; and siblings, RoLanda ’79; Gayle ’81, Eric ’83, and J. Michael ’85.
Valerie Harden Parhm, class of 1977, passed away June 9, 2018 at her home. She enjoyed being a home interior decorator and cooking for her family. Surviving are her husband of 39 years, Earl; son Kalen; daughters, Colandria Pierce; Jantel Lamb; and Diamond Mays; and 11 grandchildren.
Joan Osterman Schwalm, class of 1977, died September 5, 2018 in Fort Wayne.
Marilyn White Wimbley, class of 1977, died June 28, 2018.
Vicki E. Slattery, class of 1978, died August 27, 2018. She enjoyed attending community events, spending time with her grandchildren, watching football and fishing. Survivors include her daughters Ashley Slattery and Leslie Haynes; 10 grandchildren; sister, Christine ’80; brother Patrick, ’80; and sister, Kay Hill ’75.
Dennis J. McFeters, class of 1980, passed away July 26, 2018 in Fort Wayne.
Jamie Lee Arbuckle, class of 1989, died August 8, 2018. He worked as a mold maker at the Fort Wayne Foundry. Surviving are his father and step-mother, Kenneth and Patricia Arbuckle; and siblings Cindy Aguilar, Susan Shirley, Beth Ann Haupt, and Chris, David, and Steven Arbuckle.
Jonathan L. Baker, class of 2003, passed away January 28, 2017 in Atlanta, GA. He is survived by his parents, Cathy Helms and Edmond Baker; brother, Christopher Baker; and a host of nieces, nephews, and special cousins.
Katrina D. Kelly, class of 2003, died March 18, 2016 in Fort Wayne.
Donta Grundy, class of 2009, passed away June 24, 2018 in Fort Wayne.