All Obituaries

Charles A. Seitner, 49, of Silver Lake passed away Tuesday, January 7, 2019 after a brief battle with cancer. Charles was born March 7, 1970 in Warsaw to Charles D. and Nancy J. (Bigelow) Seitner. Charles was a fun loving, funny guy with a great sense of humor; always having a story to tell. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and hanging out with family and friends. He enjoyed sharing his talents and teaching the kids different things, two of which were when he taught Aidan how to drive a boat and...

Christine A. “Chris” Hench, 54, of Warsaw went home to be with the Lord, Saturday, December 21, 2019 at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne while surrounded by her loving family. Chris was born February 23, 1965 in Carlisle, PA to Terry and Martha (Bender) Paxton. She married Dennis “Smurf” Hench on June 27, 1987; he survives. Chris was a sweet, kind and caring person. She had an unconditional love for people and was always willing to help in any way she...

George David Essig went to be with the Lord November 22, 2019 at his home in Warsaw from complications of kidney disease. Dave was born on March 5, 1939, in Warsaw, Indiana, the son of Raymond “Sport” Essig and Mildred (Bruner) Essig.  He graduated from Warsaw High School in 1957 and went into the Air Force where he was stationed on the Pacific island of Guam. He married Janet Rackeweg on August 16, 1964 and resided in Warsaw.  Dave worked at R.R. Donnelley 42 years...

Freelin James Layne, age 70, of Claypool, IN passed away on Monday, October 21, 2019 at home. He was born on August 26, 1949, the son of Frank and Gladys (Blankenship) Layne in Phelps, KY.  He is survived by his sister, Lechia (Joe) Manns of Claypool, IN; three nieces, Carol Ousley, Royetta Good, and Brenda Shepherd; and three nephews; Jacob Manns, Jamie Manns, and Jesse Manns. He was preceded in death by his parents; and a sister, Edna Presley.  Freelin served his country...

On October 15, 2019 at 7:20 pm Robert Keith Johnson lost his battle with cancer and went home to the Lord. Robert Keith Johnson was born April 3, 1965 in Elwood Indiana to Raymond Max and Carol (Laster) Johnson. In his time on earth he was active in the union and served as a reserve police officer for the North Manchester police department.  He loved to raise birds, any kind of nature walks and being with his fiancée, grandchildren and family. Surviving are his father...

Judy Elaine Long Fuller, 70, of Warsaw passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, October 9, 2019 at her home. Judy was born July 26, 1949 in Plymouth to Junior Arthur Long and Mary Rowe Read. On May 30, 1981, she married Patrick R. Fuller; he survives.  Judy was born and raised in Plymouth graduating from Plymouth High School. After moving to the Warsaw area, she worked for Medtronic and Neo-Life and was a longtime member of the First United Methodist Church. She enjoyed sewing, playing...

Todd Allen Hyden, 37, of Wabash passed away unexpectedly October 1, 2019. Todd was born on September 22, 1982, the son of Mary Hyden. Todd was a simple guy who enjoyed floating down the river and hanging out with his friends and family. He is survived two daughters, Dazy Hyden, Sadie Easterday and their mother Kerrie Easterday, his fiancé Tracy Oaks, an uncle Charles Hyden Jr. and an aunt Connie Hyden. Preceding him in death are his grandparents Charles Sr. and Emma Hyden, his...

Samuel Lee Riggle, 67, of North Manchester, formerly of Warsaw, passed away Friday, September 27, 2019 at Peabody Retirement Community. Sam was born May 20, 1952 in Ohio to the late Paul and Loretta (Osborne) Riggle. In November of 1995, Sam married Linda Ihnen; she survives. Sam worked for many years in the health care field as a nurse. He enjoyed trains, walking his dogs Oliver and Abbie and was an avid Colts fan. He loved his family and enjoyed spending time with all the...

Carol L. Johnson, 83, of North Manchester went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, August 18, 2019 as she was surrounded by her loving family. Carol was born April 12, 1936 in Elwood, IN, the daughter of Robert Henry and Rose Maryann (Semon) Laster. On June 3, 1956 she married Raymond “Max” Johnson, who survives. Carol graduated from Wendell L. Willkie High School in Elwood and went on to work for several companies before retiring from CVS to take care of her mother.  She...

Pete O’Connell, 75, of Winona Lake, was called Home on Monday, July 8, 2019 at Millers Merry Manor in Fort Wayne. Pete was born in Warsaw IN. Pete proudly served his country in Vietnam, as a Marine.  After his service, he indulged his wanderlust and traveled the country he loved so much.  Pete was an amazing father, grandfather, and compassionate friend.  He was an avid jokester and enjoyed lifting up those around him. Pete’s strong work ethic was demonstrated...