This page will be updated monthly with information received by the Alumni Assoc. If you have information regarding family members, classmates, friends or neighbors please provide to our Alumni Association Office at [email protected]….
Ruth Eylenberg Brake, class of 1937, died August 22, 2017 in Fort Wayne. She was an active member of the Cedar Creek Women’s Club and Trinity English Lutheran Church. She is survived by a son, step-daughter, granddaughter, grandson, and niece.
Nadine Doty Gardner, class of 1938, died September 25, 2017 in Fort Wayne. Nadine retired from the Kroger Company in 1981. She enjoyed gardening, reading, bowling, and volunteering. Surviving are her daughters, as well as several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Eleanor GernandRodenbeck, class of 1938, died October 13, 2017 in Fort Wayne. Eleanor was a retired elementary school teacher who enjoyed gardening, reading, and following current events. Surviving are two daughters, a son, and two grandsons.
Valeria Martin Talerico, class of 1938, passed away September 29, 2017 at Parkview Hospital. She is survived by granddaughter, Cindy Biggs; grandchildren Lori Boutwell and Adam Krauter; daughter-in-law, Sharon Talerico; and many nieces and nephews.
June E. Enoch, class of 1939, departed this life on August 25, 2017. June taught elementary school in the Fort Wayne Community School district. After completing graduate studies at IU she served as a professor at Manchester University. June also served on many community boards such as the Fort Wayne Philharmonic Orchestra, Museum of Art, and Canterbury School’s Community Advisory.
William A. Cartwright, class of 1940, died October 20, 2017 at the home of his granddaughter in Harlan. Bill continued his education at Indiana University before serving in the U.S. Army Infantry during World War II. He worked for 42 years in the petroleum equipment industry. Surviving are three daughters, 10 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, three stepchildren, and many step-grandchildren.
Rita Murchland Childers, class of 1940, passed way November 18, 2017 at Woodview Assisted Living in Fort Wayne. Rita enjoyed music, playing the organ, tending her flowers and house plants, and caring for her pets, as well as her family. Surviving are her son, Steven; daughter, Linda; 12 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.
John G. Hornberger, class of 1940, died February 5, 2017. Jack attended Illinois Wesleyan University and married his college sweetheart Jean. After returning from World War II, he played semi-pro baseball and was inducted into the Fort Wayne Baseball Hall of Fame in 1988. He retired as co-owner of Indland Oil Inc. Surviving are his three daughters, one son, five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Robert O. Wright, class of 1940, passed away November 2, 2017 in Claremore, OK. During WWII, Robert enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard. After his military service, he worked as a chemical engineer, retiring in 1986. He is survived by three children; 12 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; and 12 great-great-grandchildren.
Bernadine “Beanie” Pressler Guebard, class of 1941, died October 16, 2017 at Coventry Meadows in Fort Wayne. Beanie worked as a secretary with the City of Fort Wayne for 34 years. She volunteered at Covington Manor for 25 years. Surviving are her two sons, four grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.
Marguerite Calkins Horstmeyer, class of 1941, passed away September 18, 2017. Most of Marguerite’s career was spent working for James Houlihan CPA. She spent many hours volunteering at Parkview Hospital and the American Business Women’s Association. She is survived by her daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
John Warner, class of 1941, died March 2, 2016 in Dallas, TX. After high school, John enrolled in the Adult Education Div. of IU and at the same time worked at Northern Indiana Public Service Company. He joined the United States Coast Guard in 1942 and served in the American, European and Pacific Theaters. After his discharge, John continued his education. He married Patricia Pooley in 1950 and they moved to Tyler, TX where John worked for Tyler Pipe and Foundry. He retired as Chairman, President, and CEO in 1989. In addition to his wife, he is survived by two daughters, four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Boerger Ping, class of 1942, died in Chicago on October 22, 2017.
Lee G. Smith, class of 1942, passed away October 24, 2017 at Genesis Healthcare in Fort Wayne. Lee served in the U.S. Navy and worked for Nipsco Gas Company.
Ann Haller Stahn, class of 1943, died November 20, 2017. After receiving a degree from IU, Ann taught school at various locations in Allen County. Survivors include her daughter, Lynn Rogers; and a grandson, Joshua Rogers.
Mary Cleland Young, class of 1943, passed away October 20, 2017. She is survived by three daughters, and seven grandchildren.
Mary Morgan Kortum, class of 1944, died August 13, 2017 at her home. In addition to running her own secretarial service company, Mary volunteered for many organizations, including SSHS. Mary is survived by two sons.
Muriel McKeeIsenhour, class of 1945, died August 23, 2017. Muriel worked as a cake decorating teacher at Country Kitchen, as well as being a secretary at an area funeral home and cemetery. Her husband, Burton, and six children are among her survivors.
Mary Craig Waite, class of 1945, died October 25, 2017. She had worked at Concordia Senior College and Kleenit Corp. Mary was active in the Alter Guild and choir of her church. Surviving are three sons, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joe.
Rev. Donald E. Bitsberger, class of 1946, died July 5, 2017 at his home in Bethesda, MD. Don was called to Ministry during his college years at Yale University. Don served as pastor at a number of Episcopal churches in Japan before returning to NYC where he was appointed Personnel Secretary of the Overseas Department of the National Episcopal Church. When he moved to the Washington DC area, Don taught at the College of Preachers and at the National Cathedral. He returned to pastoring a congregation in 1991. Don is survived by his daughter, Martha; son, Tim; six grandchildren; and his wife of 20 years, Diane.
Alice Lorraine Jefferson, class of 1946, passed away October 11, 2017. Ten days earlier she had suffered a fall. Lorraine and her late husband, Vernon, traveled frequently to and from Lake Williams from their home in Fort Wayne. Surviving are her daughter, Susanne; two granddaughters; and four-great-grandchildren.
Richard T. Wiley, class of 1946, died September 12, 2017. After proudly serving with the U.S. Marine Corps, Richard worked in sales and engineering. Surviving are his wife, Jo Ellen; children;grandchildren;and great-grandchildren.
Joan Hubartt Davis, class of 1947, died September 10, 2017. She was very active in the lives of her six children, who also attended SSHS. Her home was always open for anyone to sit and chat or enjoy a home-cooked meal. In addition to her children, Joan is survived by 21 grandchildren and 34 great-grandchildren.
Elaine Roth Busche, class of 1949, died November 9, 2017 in Fort Wayne. She was a strong woman of faith who also was passionate about spending time with her family of two daughters; two sons; ten grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Marilyn Stettler O’Rourke, class of 1949, died October 29, 2017 in Fort Wayne. She was married to John O’Rourke for 64 years. Marilyn loved performing in productions at the Civic Theatre and Festival Music Theatre in Franke Park. Marilyn and John enjoyed their many travels here and abroad. She is survived by two sons, two daughters, six grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren.
Mary Beeler Owens, class of 1949, died March 6, 2016 in Vellejo, CA. After retiring from the Social Security Administration, Mary and her husband, John, RV’ed around the U.S. She was an avid bird watcher and a lover of lighthouses. She is survived by her son, James; and daughter, Cynthia Huffstetter.
Elvie Allen passed away August 21, 2017 in Madisonville, KY. Elvie attended South Side High School in the early 1950’s before going to work at Magnavox. She is survived by her children.
Elmer F. Craig, class of 1950, died August 31, 2017. Prior to his death, Elmer was a professor of art at Miami Dade College, Miami, FL, and a ceramic artist. Elmer is survived by his wife, Jane; and two stepdaughters.
Marion Male Bracht, class of 1951, passed away October 24, 2017 at St. Anne Home & Retirement Community in Fort Wayne. Marion loved playing bingo, crafts, and enjoyed traveling. She is survived by three daughters, five sons, 17 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
JoAnne “Janie” King Feasel, class of 1951, died November 23, 2017 at Heritage Park in Fort Wayne. Janie attended Stephens College and retired as the owner/operator of the Airomat Corp. Surviving are her daughter, Pamela Peters; sons, James and Jody; seven grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.
Frederick B. Grier, class of 1952, passed away on September 18, 2017. He is survived by his sons and their families.
Gayle Pringle Curtis, class of 1952, died August 19, 2017. A homemaker, she also worked at Wright Moore for 11 years. Gayle then served as the food pantry coordinator of Grace Lutheran Church for many years. Survivors include four sons, 17 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren, and a great-great-grandchild.
David G. Davis, class of 1952, passed away on August 16, 2017. David was an over-the-road truck driver as an owner and operator for over 30 years. Following his truck driving years, he worked at Guardian and served as a crossing guard for Central Noble. In addition to his wife, Nila; he is survived by two daughters and two sons; as well as grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Martha Wood Blakley, class of 1953, died October 27, 2017 at Parkview Regional Medical Center. She and her husband, John, were co-owners of Forest Ridge Park Family Campground. John survives her as well as four children, 15 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren.
Betty Hughes McKinney, class of 1953, passed away September 27, 2017. Betty enjoyed genealogy and her doll collection, but what she loved most was her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She is survived by her husband, T. William McKinney; three children, Douglas and Daniel McKinney; and Dawn Newport; three grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
Carol Leitz Kramer, class of 1957, died August 13, 2017. At the time of her death, Carol was living in Burmuda Dunes, CA.
Carol Wiebke Starke, class of 1958, passed away October 13, 2017 in Fort Wayne. Carol worked at Lincoln Life and later retired from Keltsch Pharmacy. She is survived by her husband, Tom; daughter, Linda Jansco; son, Greg; six grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Jerry D. Gill, class of 1959, died June 10, 2017. He worked for Fort Wayne Newspapers, Royal Lace Paper, and Allen Protective Agency before retiring. Jerry’s wife, Terri; a son and two daughters survive.
Michael F. Lehman, class of 1959, passed away August 31, 2017. He worked as an attorney at Water Resource of California; the former family business, National Mill and Supply; and as a professor legal and business studies. He is survived by his wife, Patricia, his sons and daughters, and four grandchildren.
Stephan C. Burton, class of 1961, passed away November 18, 2017. Steve was active in sports at South Side. During the summers he played baseball where he competed in the Pony League World Series in 1957. He was a third-generation City of Fort Wayne Police Officer where he served for 28 years. He later served as a police officer at IPFW for 18 years. Surviving are his wife, Mary Jane; sons, Jeff, Tim, and Andy; and eight grandchildren.
Michael P. Hamm, class of 1962, died September 13, 2017 at home after a long hard-fought battle with cancer. Michael had a long career as a tool and die maker. When he wasn’t working, he enjoyed the lake, the sun and listening to the Eagles. Michael is survived by his wife, Deb; five children; and nine grandchildren.
Karen Swygart Taylor, class of 1962, died on October 30, 2017 in Phoenix, AZ where she had recently retired. Karen attended Indiana University and worked many years as an accountant for Lutheran Hospital and other local Fort Wayne businesses. She loved animals and fostering pets. Survivors include her three sons; a daughter; eleven grandchildren and two sisters.
Leanne “Laney” Novitsky Silver, class of 1963, died August 24, 2017 in Bradenton, FL. Laney graduated from Indiana University and started her career as a speech therapist in Indianapolis. To escape cold Midwest winters, she moved to Florida in 1999. Laney is survived by her daughter, Amy; son, Michael; and grandson, William.
Thomas A. Biggs, class of 1964, passed away August 14, 2017 at Bethlehem Woods Nursing Home in Fort Wayne. Thomas was a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps and a Vietnam veteran. He retired from Zollner Piston after 30 years of service. JoAnn Biggs, his wife of 48 years survives him. He is also survived by two sons, three daughters, 17 grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.
Connie J. Gross Boatright-Royster, class of 1964, died on October 4, 2017 in Indianapolis. Her husband, Charles, survives her.
Nancy Russell McClendon, class of 1966, died June 11, 2017 at Canterbury Nursing and Rehab Center in Fort Wayne. Nancy also attended the International Business College before embarking on a career with Lincoln Life Insurance Company. She was also an active member of Mt. Olive Baptist Church where she served on the Missionary Board until her health began to fail. Nancy is survived by her husband, William; a son, daughter, and granddaughter.
Kenneth E. Stout, class of 1968, died September 22, 2017 at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne. He worked as a truck driver and security officer for several local companies before retiring. Ken loved many outdoor activities. He is survived by his wife, Leola; two children; and three grandchildren.
Lloyd T. White, Sr., class of 1968, passed away August 11, 2017. After graduating from South Side, Lloyd entered the U.S. Navy. Survivors include his wife, Yvonne; two sons; and four grandchildren.
Lyle E. Reiff, II, class of 1969, died October 22, 2017 at his home on Lake George, one day prior to his 67th birthday. Lyle graduated from Indiana University in 1974 and worked many years for the YMCA in Fort Wayne, Anchorage, AK, Oakland, CA and Asaka Japan. When Lyle returned to Indiana, he worked for various banks in Angola. He loved the water and was an avid sailor. Lyle is survived by three sisters.
Edward A. Fritz, class of 1970, passed away on November 15, 2017. He proudly served his country in the Army, and retired from the Fort Wayne Fire Department in 2006. Surviving are his wife, Peggy; children, Malissa, Michelle, and Michael; and four grandchildren.
Donald Salter, class of 1971, died October 28, 2017 in California. After graduating from SSHS, Donald attended Indiana University before moving to California in 1982. Donald worked for the San Bernardino County for many years. He was also a faithful member of Come As You Are Community Church. Donald is survived by his five children.
David E. Lee, class of 1973, died November 13, 2017 in Indianapolis. David earned a degree from Indiana University and worked in food sales. He was a member of the Delta Upsilon Fraternity and the Food Manufacturers Association. Surviving are his wife, Cathy; daughters, Cynthia Brown and Crysta Silas; son, Daniel; and four grandchildren.
James E. Shields, class of 1979, passed away September 12, 2017 in Fort Wayne.
David L. Troyer, class of 1979, died November 16, 2017 at home. David was an automotive mechanic and jack of all trades who could rig anything to work. He is survived by his companion, Denise Ghaster; and four step-children.
Kathy L. Hardesty, class of 1980, died September 3, 2017. Kathy worked for the K-Mart Corp. for 30 years and retired as manager. When not working, Kathy’s passion was gardening, swimming, and listening to the birds. Kathy is survived by her parents, siblings, and several nieces and nephews.
Scott A. Tindall, class of 1980, passed away October 22, 2017. Surviving are his daughters, Chrystal and Holly King.
Patrick Murphy, class of 1981, died October 11, 2017, surrounded by family and friends. Pat is survived by two daughters; a granddaughter; and four siblings.
Robbie R. Otolski, class of 1984, died November 22, 2017 at Bethlehem Woods Nursing Home. He served in the United States Army from graduation to May 1990. After his discharge he worked as a general contractor and at the Walmart automotive department. Survivors include his daughter, Alicia; and son, Austin.
Brenda Syndram, class of 1988, passed away September 2, 2017. She is survived by her daughter, Tiffany; and three siblings.
Cynthia J. McKimm, class of 1990, died October 16, 2017 at St. Joseph Medical Center.
Rochell R. Hollis, class of 1991, died September 6, 2017. After attending ITT, she worked as a supervisor at AEP for over 20 years. Rochell is survived by her family including her father and stepmother, and three sisters.
Bobby Joe Kissinger, class of 1994, died August 14, 2017. He was a proud member of the Fort Wayne Fire Department. Surviving are his wife, Elizabeth; three children; a sister; and three brothers.
Jonathan B. Dalton, class of 1997, died November 7, 2017 in Fort Wayne. He worked in construction and landscaping but Jonathan had a special skill in making custom pool cues. He is survived by his daughter, Isabella; his parents and two siblings as well as many other relatives.
Brandon C. Trice, class of 1998, passed away August 21, 2017. He is survived by his parents; a brother; Byram; and sisters Katina Tice; Nakeya Howze; and Andria LeShore.
Adriana M. Hernandez, class of 2011, passed away August 27, 2017 in Fort Wayne.
JaVon D. Sims, class of 2013, died November 7, 2017. He is survived by his parents; three brothers; and nieces and nephews.