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James David Hartzell, 89, of New Haven, passed away into the arms of his Savior on July 4, 2026.Born on June 29, 1937, i...
07/06/2026

James David Hartzell, 89, of New Haven, passed away into the arms of his Savior on July 4, 2026.

Born on June 29, 1937, in Fort Wayne, Jim was the son of James and Ethel Hartzell. He graduated from North Side High School and earned several degrees, with his final degree from Purdue. He held a variety of jobs during his life from draftsman to computer analyst and ending as a registered nurse.

He is survived by his loving wife Nancy of 54 years, and children, Dawn Dunn, Suzy Hartzell Street, Jim (Marmee) Hartzell, Jackie (Tom) Yarde, Natalie Hartzell and Dan (Carrie) Hartzell, his grandchildren, Mike (Theda) Dunn, Chris (Courtney) Dunn, William (Una) Baird, Suzanna (Zach) Ballard, James Hartzell, Tristan (Sonia) Hartzell, Ethan (Alexis) Hood, Rachel (Kaleb) Wagner, Jamie Gillihan, Ruth Gillihan, Isaac Hartzell, Seth Hartzell, Simon Hartzell and 14 great-grandchildren.

Jim enjoyed many hobbies including landscaping, building projects including a gazebo, garage and room additions, remodeling, building fishponds and working with model trains.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother John Hartzell and sister Betty Horne.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the First Baptist Church in New Haven on Thursday, July 9th at 11:00am, with a gathering of family and friends one hour prior. Memorials can be made to Matthew 25 or Heartland Hospice.

Larry Lee Danner, age 79, of Kendallville, passed away July 1, 2026, at his home. Larry was born in Kendallville, Indian...
07/03/2026

Larry Lee Danner, age 79, of Kendallville, passed away July 1, 2026, at his home. Larry was born in Kendallville, Indiana, on January 29, 1947, to the late Elmer H. and Daphyne Ida (Beard) Danner. He graduated from Wawaka High School in 1965. Larry honorably served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War and was awarded a Purple Heart. On September 28, 1968, he married Marilyn Jean Amerman in Kendallville. Larry worked 40 years in road construction for Rieth Riley, Brooks Construction and later retired from Northern Indiana Trucking.

Survivors include:
His wife, Marilyn of Kendallville.
Daughter, Kelli (Scott) Hayes of Kendallville.
Sister, Dottie (Roger) Allen of Warsaw.
Sister, Ruth Ann Smith of Ligonier.
Brother, Terry (Nancy) Danner of Wawaka.

There will be a graveside service at Orange Cemetery and gathering at the American Legion at a later date.

Frank Molargik, Jr., age 75, of Kendallville, passed away June 28, 2026, at Story Point West, Fort Wayne. Frank was born...
06/30/2026

Frank Molargik, Jr., age 75, of Kendallville, passed away June 28, 2026, at Story Point West, Fort Wayne. Frank was born in Kendallville, Indiana, on July 13,1950, to the late Frank Molargik, Sr. and Naomi (Hawkins) Molargik. He graduated from East Noble High School in 1968 and was a factory worker at Courier Corporation. He married Mary Ann Hilligas on October 28, 1988, in Kendallville. Mary Ann preceded him in death on September 28, 2006.

Survivors include:
Daughter, Lee Ann Hall of Laotto.
Grandchildren: Kayla Hall, Wesley Hall, Kelly Hall Simon (Isaiah Miller), Hayley Hall, Missy Hall, and Audrey Hall all of the Laotto area.
Great grandchildren: Taryn Jo Smith, Waylon Boone Brooks Hall, and Cynthia Ruth Miller.
Stepson, Robert Sliger and Aimee Weiss both of Gilbert, Arizona.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Naomi Molargik; brother, Richard "Rick" Molargik; and grandson, Tanner Boone Bryant Smith.

There will be an open house to celebrate of Frank's life on Wednesday, July 8th, from 2:00 - 4:00 PM at the Eagles Lodge, on U.S. Hwy 6, west of Kendallville.
Private family burial will take place at Ege Cemetery.

Wilma SuzAnne Handshoe, age 66, former mayor of Kendallville, passed away, surrounded by her loving family, on June 29, ...
06/30/2026

Wilma SuzAnne Handshoe, age 66, former mayor of Kendallville, passed away, surrounded by her loving family, on June 29, 2026, at Indiana University Hospital in Indianapolis following a long and brave battle with cancer.

SuzAnne was born in Detroit, Michigan, on June 26, 1960, to Floyd Collins Lilley and Martha (Head) Lilley. SuzAnne graduated from East Detroit High School in 1978, and Purdue University, Fort Wayne, with an associate's degree in organizational leadership and management.

SuzAnne joined the United States Marine Corps in 1979 serving 11 years on active duty and retiring from the Marine reserves as a Chief Warrant Officer 4 in 2003. While in the Marines she had the distinction of being the first female to graduate from Water Safety Survival School and become an actual Water Safety Survival Instructor. She served at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Kanehoe Bay Hawaii, Camp Kinser Okinawa, Japan and at the Pentagon in Washington DC. She also proudly deployed to Desert Storm and served as a Casualty Assistance Officer in Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003.

She married Randy Darrell Handshoe on July 28, 1990, in South Milford.

SuzAnne was elected as Mayor of Kendallville in 2003 and proudly served 20 years in this position, retiring in 2024 to focus on her health as she was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma in 2016. Mayor Handshoe devoted her life to serving others. As Kendallville's first and only female mayor, she faithfully led the city for five terms from 2004 to 2023. During her time as mayor, she was committed to make Kendallville a better place to live, work and visit. She had a "never give up," attitude at work and in her personal life. Those closest to her know her true strengths were her unshakeable faith, devotion to her family, community, and her country. Mayor Handshoe exhibited incredible work ethic, and commitment to excellence in everything she did.

SuzAnne loved the beach and the ocean and spending spring break on the beach with her children and grandchildren. She loved cooking and loved her flowers and garden.

Survivors include:
Husband, Randy Handshoe of Kendallville.
Daughter, Christina and Dexter Hawkins of Butler.
Son, Brice and Samantha Handshoe of Kendallville.
Her four grandchildren were the center of her world. They include three granddaughters, Kensley Handshoe, Brylee Handshoe, and Laykn Handshoe, and one grandson, Conner Handshoe.
Mother, Martha Lilley of Detroit, Michigan.
Brother, H.T. Huchi of Jacksonville, North Carolina.
She was preceded in death by her father, Floyd Lilley and a brother, Phillip Lilley.

Visitation will be held Monday, July 6, 2026, from 2:00 - 7:00 PM at Hite Funeral Home in Kendallville.
Funeral services will take place Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Hite Funeral Home with Pastor Brian Walter officiating.
Burial with military honors will follow at Lake View Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana.

Robert Franklin Kirkpatrick, age 45, died unexpectedly at his home in Kendallville on Sunday, June 28, 2026. Robert was...
06/29/2026

Robert Franklin Kirkpatrick, age 45, died unexpectedly at his home in Kendallville on Sunday, June 28, 2026. Robert was born in Mansfield, Ohio, on October 9, 1980, to the late Burl Kirkpatrick and Juanita Sue (Boyd) Kirkpatrick. He married Ashley Joanne Ledford on November 11, 2011, in Kendallville. He was employed in the past with Arby's in Kendallville. Robert loved playing Xbox, anything WWE and listening to music. He was an avid collector of movies with hundreds of Blu-Rays and SteelBooks in his collection. He loved traveling, going to concerts and being with his family and friends.

Survivors include:
Wife, Ashley Kirkpatrick of Kendallville.
Son, Austin and Correy Clifford of Huntertown.
Daughter, Allison Kirkpatrick of Kendallville.
Sister, Mary Ann and Thomas Ice of Albion.
Mother-in-law and father-in-law, Ronda and Jerry Ledford of Kendallville.

Robert was preceded in death by three brothers; Charles Morris, Timmy Morris, and Rodney Morris.

Visitation and funeral services will both be held Thursday, July 2, 2026, at Hite Funeral Home in Kendallville. Visitation will begin at 12:00 PM followed by a funeral service at 2:00 PM. Pastor Brent Wedding will officiate the funeral service.
Burial will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery in Albion.
Preferred memorials may be made to the family to help pay for funeral expenses.

PHYLLIS J. KELLEY, 89½, of Hudson, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, June 24, 2026.Born December 20, 1936, in...
06/26/2026

PHYLLIS J. KELLEY, 89½, of Hudson, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, June 24, 2026.

Born December 20, 1936, in Centre County, Pennsylvania, she was the daughter of George and Geraldine (Harpster) Gray, and the stepdaughter of Donald Irvin. She married Ronald L. Kelley on June 16, 1953, and they shared many years together until his passing on November 13, 2012.

Phyllis was known for her quick wit and helpful finger. She worked for many years as a dedicated school bus driver and waitress.

She is survived by five daughters: Deborah (Ed) Quenichet of Greenfield, Indiana; Terri (Tom) Lehman of Litchfield, Michigan; Rhonda (Tom) VanKirk of Hudson, Indiana; Beth (Rick) Tutwiler of Fort Wayne, Indiana; and Tamara (Steve) Terry of Kendallville, Indiana; one sister-in-law, Patricia (Bob) Stauffer of Zion, Pennsylvania; one brother-in-law, Rodney Kelley (companion, Rich) of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; 12 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; and her longtime best friend, Sandra Whittig, along with other close friends.

She was predeceased by her husband, Ronald; her sisters, Judith and Jake/Joyce; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date, in accordance with her wishes. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Cremation arrangements have been entrusted to Hite Funeral Home, Kendallville, Indiana.

Dennis Alan Evans, age 80, of Fort Wayne, passed away June 23, 2026, at Canterbury Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in ...
06/25/2026

Dennis Alan Evans, age 80, of Fort Wayne, passed away June 23, 2026, at Canterbury Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Fort Wayne. Dennis was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, on June 22, 1946, to the late Harold Raymond Evans and Fern Irene (Harnishfeger) Haber. He honorably served his country in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War, and he was a life member of the American Legion and VFW Post 2457. Dennis worked in the asbestos abatement business for many years. He was first employed by Preferred Environmental Services before he started his own asbestos removal company, Evanspect. He owned and operated Evanspect until 2008, when he retired. Motorcycles were one of Dennis's greatest passions, and he loved riding the open road whenever he could.

Survivors include:
Son, Chad Evans of Fort Wayne.
Daughter, Heather Johnson of Fort Wayne.
10 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren.
Brother, Evan Evans of Hoagland.
Brother, Douglas Stephen Evans of Fort Wayne.

There will be a gathering of family and friends at the Marion VA Medical Center Chapel, at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, with a short funeral service officiated by Chaplain Barry Malone.
Burial with military honors conducted by the United States Marine Corps will take place at Marion National Cemetery at 11:00 AM on Tuesday.

Dallas Nicole (Akers) Brankle, age 31, of Kendallville, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, June 22, 2026, at home. Dall...
06/23/2026

Dallas Nicole (Akers) Brankle, age 31, of Kendallville, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, June 22, 2026, at home. Dallas was born in Goshen, Indiana, on June 12, 1995. Her parents are Paul Edward Akers and Amy Marie (Hickman) Akers. She graduated from East Noble High School in 2014 and married Aspen Robert Brankle on June 23, 2018, at Helmer United Methodist Church.

Survivors include:
Husband, Aspen Brankle of Kendallville.
Daughter, Mavis Marie Ann Brankle of Kendallville.
Parents, Paul and Amy Akers of Corunna.
Maternal grandparents, Rebecca and Charles See of Pierceton.
Brother, Brad Akers and Hannah Conner of Monroeville.
Sister, Kayla Akers and David Champion of Garrett.
Sister, Jessica Sumner of Wolcottville.
Uncle, Jeff and Shelli Barker of Orland.
Uncle, Andrew and Hannah Hickman of Dugger, Indiana.
She was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Maggie and Eddie Blackburn.

There will be a gathering of family and friends on Friday, June 26, 2026, from 2:00 - 6:00 PM at Hite Funeral Home in Kendallville followed by a funeral service at 6:00 PM officiated by Pastor Chris Mosley. Memorial donations may be made to the family to help with funeral expenses.

Joan Miller, age 90, of Hudson, passed away June 17, 2026, at her home surrounded by her family. Mrs. Miller was born in...
06/18/2026

Joan Miller, age 90, of Hudson, passed away June 17, 2026, at her home surrounded by her family. Mrs. Miller was born in Leroy, Illinois, on January 29, 1936, to the late Carl Fannin and Marguerite Elva (McKenzie) Fannin. She graduated from Salem Center High School in 1954 and that same year married Paul Russell Miller on July 25, 1954. Paul preceded her in death on April 30, 2009. Joan was employed in the past with Monsanto in Ligonier and she also helped Paul on the farm.

Survivors include:
Daughter, Kim and Pat Dunno of Fort Wayne.
Son, Paul and Renee Miller of Hudson.
Son, Scott and Tammy Miller of Kendallville.
Son, Tony Miller (Gail, deceased) of Columbia City.
Daughter, Carla Miller (Joe Gruger, deceased) of Kendallville.
Daughter, Amy Miller (Dan Meyer) of Harlan.
Daughter, Shelly Mahanah of Fort Wayne.
A multitude of grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.

Visitation will be held Saturday, June 20, 2026, from 10:00AM - 12:00 PM at Hite Funeral Home in Kendallville with graveside services to follow at Wright Cemetery near Stroh.
Memorial donations may be made to Riley Hospital for Children.

Royce Otis Buckles, age 47, of Kendallville, passed away unexpectedly on June 7th, 2026. Royce was born in Kendallville ...
06/12/2026

Royce Otis Buckles, age 47, of Kendallville, passed away unexpectedly on June 7th, 2026. Royce was born in Kendallville Indiana to the late James Edward Buckles and Joyce Ellen (Young) Buckles. He graduated from East Noble High School in 1998. He was employed by Glenbrook Dodge Collison Center in Fort Wayne as well as Jim's Pizza in Kendallville since high school. He loved attending and competing in demolition derbies. He also liked Mopar. He is survived by his brother, Robert Buckles of Kendallville. Burial will take place at a later date at Lakeview Cemetery.

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403 S Main Street
Kendallville, IN
46755

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