Henry (Hank) B. Mullet, 93, of Nappanee, died at 7 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 15, 2015, at Heritage House Assisted Living, where he had been living for two and a half years.

He was born on June 25, 1922, in Nappanee, to Benedict and Fannie (Miller) Mullet. He was a lifetime area resident, and a member of the Old Order Amish Church. Hank married Katie Ann Yoder on Jan. 4, 1945 in Topeka. They were married for almost 71 years.

She survives, as well as sons: Larry (Rose) Mullet, Nappanee; Stephen (Doris) Mullet, Anna, Texas; daughters: Marilyn (Pete) Yoder, Nappanee; Marcia (Chet) Borkholder, Bremen; 12 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; brother: Enos (Dorcas) Mullet, Lapel; and half-sister: Anna Miller, Milford. He was preceded in death by brothers: Jonas; Stephen; Amos; Roman; Albert; and Isaac Mullet; sisters: Katie Sommers; and Clara Miller; and stepbrother: Mose Gingerich.

Visitation will be after 1 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16, at Glen Lehman’s Residence (72218 CR 11, Nappanee), after 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, also at Glen Lehman’s. Funeral services will take place at 9:30 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 18, at Glen Lehman’s. Bishop Merle Miller and the Home Ministry of the Old Order Amish Church will officiate. Burial will follow at West Union Center Cemetery.

Thompson-Lengacher and Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee, is handling the arrangements.

Waneta Dawn (Zimmerman) Rodes, 46, Cromwell, died Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2015, in a tragic car accident in Goshen.

She was born May 6, 1969, in Elkhart County to Arthur and Lois Zimmerman. Waneta lived her lifetime in the Nappanee area. She attended Grace College and received her degree in Nursing from Bethel College. She was married to Titus Rodes.

Together, they were the parents of three sons: Austin Rodes, Milford; Houston Rodes, Goshen; and Jackson Rodes, Cromwell; and three daughters: Eleaya Rodes, Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii; Eleacia (Chet) Los, Syracuse; Emily Rodes, Denver, Colo. They survive along with a grandson: Chester Los; her parents: Arthur and Lois Zimmerman, Nappanee; brother: Wesley (Pam) Zimmerman; Gene (Mary) Zimmerman, both of Goshen; Arnold (Lisa) Zimmerman, Carpenter, Wyo.; sisters: Rachel (Kevin) Martin, Goshen; Sherilyn (Olen) Martin, Nappanee; and maternal grandparents: Naaman and Ruth Martin, Wakarusa. She was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents and a nephew.

Mrs. Rodes enjoyed her work as a nurse. She enjoyed baking, gardening and flowers, and trips to the ocean.

Family and friends may call from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Monday, Nov. 23, at the Ramer Mennonite Youth Center. Funeral Services will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Fairview Mennonite Church. Roy Rodes and the Cornerstone Mennonite Church Pastors will officiate. Burial will be in Cornerstone Church Cemetery. Thompson-Lengacher and Yoder Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be given to CAM (Christian Aid Ministries).

Suzanne “Sue” Morrow Slater, 77, passed peacefully on her 52nd wedding anniversary at 6:10 p.m. Monday, Dec. 28, 2015, at her residence. She was born July 14, 1938, in Columbus, Ohio, to Daniel and Helen (Hurtt) O’Donnell.

Mrs. Slater was a 1956 graduate of Central High School in South Bend. She graduated from South Bend Memorial School of Nursing in 1959. On Dec. 28, 1963, she married Thomas Benjamin Slater at the First Methodist Church in South Bend. The Slaters moved to Nappanee in 1956. Sue was a surgical nurse from 1959 – 1967 at South Bend Memorial Hospital. She worked at Elkhart General Hospital in the Emergency Room for many years. She also was an Insurance Examiner, and homemaker. She was a member of the Nappanee United Methodist Church, the Tri Kappa Sorority Nappanee Chapter, and was part of the Memorial Hospital Alumni group.

Surviving are her husband: Thomas; son: Michael Slater, South Bend; daughter: Cindi (Tony) Suddon, Otsego, Mich.; grandsons: Brennan; and Andrew Suddon; brother: Larry ‘Mickey’ (Diana) O’Donnell, Tucson, Ariz. She was preceded in death by her parents; and brother: Daniel O’Donnell.

There will be a celebration of life at the Nappanee United Methodist Church at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 2, 2016. Rev. Jim Davidson will officiate.

Memorial contributions may be given to Hospice of Elkhart County.

James “Jim” D. Korem, age 66, Nappanee, formerly of Highland/Hammond, passed away unexpectedly from natural causes at his residence on Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016.

He was born on July 22, 1949 to the late Donald and Lucille (Straka) Korem. James was a former resident of the Highland/Hammond area before moving to Nappanee in 2002. He retired from LTV Steel in 2001, following a 42 year employment, where he worked as a machinist. He loved fishing, cooking, gardening, reading, and hanging out with his family and friends. He always had a way of making people laugh. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends, but will never be forgotten.

James married Janet Cyborski on July 5, 2001. She survives, as well as children: Michelle (Bill) Doup, Lake Station, Kimberly (Brian) Robinson, DeMotte, April (Wayne) Kinker, Hammond, and Donald (Annie) Korem, Wheatfield; grandchildren: Eric Clarke, Carla Robinson, Billy Doup, Sophia and Connor Kinker.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and sister Barbara (Korem) Koch.

Friends and family may visit 2-6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 9, with the funeral service at 6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 9, at Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee. Rev. Jeff Williams will officiate. Cremation will follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Georgia “Jackie” Jaquelin Zinkiw

Georgia “Jackie” Jaquelin Zinkiw, 73, Nappanee, died at 11:35 p.m. Monday, Feb. 1, 2016, at IU Health Goshen Hospital.

She was born April 6, 1942, in Nappanee. She was one of 12 children born to Evert and Dorothy (Adams) Fisher, who preceded her in death, along with siblings: Larry, Johnny and Virgil Fisher.

Jackie married Stephen Zinkiw April 28, 1969. He preceded her in death June 19, 1995. She is survived by her nephew and niece, Jay and Missy Fisher, along with their four daughters: Celia, Geneva, Ohio, and Maggie, Julia and Lizzie, all of Nappanee.

Jackie had lived with them for the last 10 years before she went to Courtyard Healthcare Center, Goshen. She is also survived by her siblings: Sallie Black, Sebring, Fla., Beverly (Fred) Johnson, Nappanee, Randy (Sharon) Fisher, Nappanee, Reggie (Denise) Fisher, Bristol, and Denny (Pauline) Fisher, Nappanee; and many nieces and nephews.

She was a former owner of Hunter’s Hideaway, Dukes Tavern and PJ Restaurant, Nappanee. Jackie was a 34-year recovering alcoholic and was very adamant in attending AA meetings, even after 34 years of sobriety. She was instrumental in getting a meeting started at Courtyard Healthcare Center for her and other AA members to attend. Jackie recently received her 34-year coin. As per Jackie’s wishes, she will be cremated and there will be no services.

There will be an inurnment at a later date at Union Center Cemetery, where she will be buried next to her husband. Memorial contributions can be made to Courtyard Healthcare in care of the in-house AA meeting to continue providing encouragement to all who need it.

Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Blane E. Biller

Blane E. Biller, 53, Milford, died at 9:15 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 4, 2016, at Kindred Valley View Healthcare Center, Elkhart, where he has been since December.

He was born Feb. 18, 1962, in Warsaw, to Kendall E. and Maxine (McCuen) Biller. He was a lifetime area resident. He attended the Cardinal Center and worked at Yoder Cabinet, Nappanee, and Smith Floral and Gift, Milford. He attended Island Chapel Methodist Church, then attended Mt. Tabor Church of God, Nappanee.

He is survived by a brother, Kent (Diane) Biller, Osceola; brother-in-law, Ron (Bernita) Smith, Syracuse; nephews: Jason Biller, South Bend, Tyson Biller, Berne, Robert (Kathryn) Biller, LaPorte, and Ryan (Jeanna) Smith, Goshen; and a niece, Angela Robbins, Syracuse.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Connie Smith.

Visitation will be fro 1-3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 7, 2016, until the 3 p.m. funeral service, all at Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee. Rev. Bob Wyman will officiate. Burial will follow at Stony Point Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be given to World Missionary Press.

Eugene E. “Gene” Yoder, 83, of Nappanee, died at 6:06 a.m., Thursday, Feb. 11, 2016, at IU Health, Goshen from complications of Ampullary Cancer.

Gene was born Dec. 1, 1932, in Bremen to Elva and Lydian (Mast) Yoder.

He had lived his lifetime in this area. On Nov. 22, 1961, he married Patty A. Tobias in Nappanee.

She survives, along with  children, Steve (Mary) Kidd, Illinois; Rodney Yoder, Benton Harbor, Mich.; Roxanna Rice, Nappanee; grandchildren: Katie (Jordan) Stambaugh, Keller Yoder, Ashton Rice, Robin Rice; great-granddaughter: Gracie Ganshorn; brothers: Merlin (Ruth) Yoder, Nappanee; Gerald (Ginger) Yoder, Elkhart; sisters: Bernice Penrose, Nappanee and Betty Yunker, Elkhart.

He was preceded in death by sisters: Infant Mary Jane Yoder, Wilma Bricker; and brothers: Delbert and Lewis Yoder.

Gene served in the U.S. Army  in Germany during the Korean War, 1951–1954. He retired 21 years ago from Utilimaster and had also worked at Holiday Rambler, Leisure Time and Mutschler Brothers. Eugene and Pat wintered the last 19 years in Mission, Texas. He was an avid Notre Dame fan. He served as usher at Notre Dame football games. He was a member and past commander of the Nappanee American Legion with whom he  served as sergeant of the color guard and was a member of the VFW. He was a member of the Nappanee First Brethren Church. Gene enjoyed bluegill fishing at Great Bear Lake, was an avid game and card player and was the leader of the Bicycle Club at El Valle Del Sol/Del-Luna in Mission, Texas.

Family and friends may call from 3-7 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 14, at Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee and for one hour prior to the funeral service which will be at 10:30 a.m., Monday, Feb. 15 at the First Brethren Church. Rev. Bart Shaw and Rev. Tom Schiefer will officiate.

Burial will be in Union Center Cemetery with Military Graveside Services by the Nappanee American Legion.

Memorial contributions may be given to First Brethren Church, Nappanee American Legion, or The Cancer Center at IU Health, Goshen.

Patricia “Pat” Rhoades, 71, formerly of Nappanee, died at 6:55 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 18, 2016, at Miller’s Merry Manor in Wakarusa, where she has resided for one year. She was born Aug. 9, 1944, in Littleton, Colo. to Russell and Emma (Gelroth) Thrailkill.

Pat lived her lifetime in Nappanee. She was a 1962 graduate of Nappanee High School. She was a former waitress and then owner of Wayside Restaurant in Nappanee for many years.

Mrs. Rhoades is survived by her children: Todd Rhoades; Terri Rhoades, both of Wakarusa; Tim Rhoades, Mishawaka; eight grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and brothers: Russell ‘Sonny’ Thrailkill, Calif.; Daniel Thrailkill, Ore. She was preceded in death by a brother: Michael Dunn.

Private family services are being planned followed by cremation.

Memorial contributions may be given to American Diabetes Association, Alexandria, Va.

Jean (Hall) Rowland, age 90, of Nappanee, passed away Feb. 19, 2016, at Miller’s Merry Manor, Wakarusa.

Born in Marshall County on March 11, 1925, she was the daughter of Fred and Nell (Yager) Hall of Bourbon.

On Nov. 25, 1945 in Bourbon, she was united in marriage to Argyl Rowland, who preceded her in death.  She was a graduate of Bourbon High School and resided in Nappanee for nearly 70 years, where she was a member of the Nappanee United Methodist Church.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by daughter Jett and two brothers, James and Charles Hall.  Remembered as a loving, devoted and caring wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother.

She is survived by her two daughters: Jill (and spouse Kenton) Ervin, Nappanee; Sue (and spouse Tim) Wildes, Chapman Lake; three grandsons: Mark and Jason Ervin, Nappanee; and Larson Manifold, Middlebury. Also surviving are five great-grandchildren.

Arrangements are being made through Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee. A family celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be given to Nappanee United Methodist Church.

Glenna Swearingen, age 69, of Syracuse, died at 7:05 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 18, 2016, at her residence.

She was born July 21, 1946, in Beaver, Ohio to Arthur and Buford (Brown) Stapleton.

Mrs. Swearingen moved to Nappanee from Ohio in 1962, she had lived in Syracuse for 17 years.

She had worked at NIA in Nappanee for 16 years and at Silgan in Ligonier for 12 years. Glenna loved her dogs, the color red, and Elvis Presley and Willie Nelson music. She was a No. 1 Scooby Doo fan.

Surviving are her children: Reama (Tim) Spurlock, New Paris; George (Angela) Oliver, Elkhart; Larry (Rusty) Clark, Syracuse;, Willis Oliver Jr., New Castle; nine grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; sisters: Gail Wright, Lakeville; Gladie Arretta Miller, Syracuse; and brother Frank Stapleton, Foraker.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sister: Janet Sue Weldy and brother: Ed Stapleton.

Family and friends may call from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 23, at Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee. Funeral services will begin at 8 p.m. with family sharing. Cremation will follow.

Memorial contributions may be given to Kosciusko County Humane Shelter or the American Cancer Society.

Rolland L. “Bud” Miller, 63, Goshen, formerly of Nappanee, died at 6:41 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 20, 2016, at IU Health Goshen Hospital, following a recent illness. He was born March 20, 1952, in Goshen, to Jackie and Noma (Hollar) Miller.

On Sept. 6, 1980, in Goshen, he married Peggy Truex. He was a 1970 graduate of NorthWood High School, Nappanee Division. He had worked at Monaco Coach for 28 years. He was currently enjoying semi retirement. Bud enjoyed his granddaughters, fishing, and being outdoors. He was on the Board of the Elkhart County Special Olympics, was the Fundraiser Coordinator, and chaperoned on overnight trips. Bud also chaired the Marv Burns Special Olympic Golf Tournament. He was a car lover and enjoyed going to car shows.

Surviving are his wife: Peggy; son: Chad Miller; daughter: Jennifer (CJ) Cunningham, Elkhart; granddaughters: Claire Cunningham; Nora Cunningham; Jackie and Noma Miller; sister: Ronda (Keith) Klotz, Nappanee; father-in-law and mother-in-law: Ronald and Ann Truex, Wakarusa.

Family and friends may call from 2-8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 23, at Nappanee Missionary Church Chapel and one hour prior to the 10:30 a.m. Funeral Service at Nappanee Missionary Church. Rev. Byrl Shaver and Jason Rohde will officiate. Burial will be at Union Center Cemetery.

Memorial Contributions may be given to Elkhart County Special Olympics. Thompson-Lengacher and Yoder Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Glen R. Hochstedler, age 77, of Wakarusa, died at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, March 12, 2016, at his residence, surrounded by his family. He had been in ill health since October 2014.

He was born July 24, 1938, in Miami County to Emanuel and Mattie (Slabaugh) Hochstedler. 

Mr. Hochstedler was a 1956 graduate of Bethany High School. On Aug, 31, 1957, he married Ruby Slabach at Benton Mennonite Church.

Mr. Hochstedler had lived in Kokomo and moved to Wakarusa in 1971. He was a farmer and a member of Waterford Mennonite Church. He volunteered for Disaster Services and Service Opportunity for Older People through Waterford Mennonite Church. Glen enjoyed his grandchildren and their activities, traveling, gardening, and wood carving.

Mr. Hochstedler is survived by his wife: Ruby; children: Charlotte (Marty) Johnson, New Paris; Kevin (Rita) Hochstedler, Mishawaka; Pamela (Ken Landis), Orrville, Ohio; Rex (Angie) Hochstedler, Goshen; Douglas (Rhonda) Hochstedler, Wakarusa; 13 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren.; sisters: Leona Yoder, Goshen; Alta Stalter, Eureka, Ill.; Grace (Clarence) Graber, Elkhart; Elsie (Merlin) Hochstetler, Bristol; brothers: John (Shirleen) Hochstedler, Goshen; Lewis (Marilyn) Hochstedler, Nappanee; Verl (Shirley) Hochstedler, Kokomo; Wayne (Kathy) Hochstedler, Harrisonburg, Va; and sister-in-law: Judy Hochstedler, Goshen.

He was preceded in death by son-in-law, Carl Martin; brother, Leon Hochstedler, and brothers-in-law, Clarence Yoder and Jim Stalter.

Family and friends may call from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m., Tuesday, March 15, at Waterford Mennonite Church in Goshen, 65975 SR 15. Burial will be at 9 a.m., Wednesday, March 16, at Union Center East in Nappanee followed by a one hour visitation prior to the 11 a.m. Memorial Service at Waterford Mennonite Church. Revs. Velma Swartz and Neil Amstutz, pastors of the church, will officiate.

Memorial contributions may be given to Mennonite Central Committee.

Arrangements are with Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee.

Norma Jean Stillson, 89, Nappanee, died at 9:40 a.m. Monday, March 14, 2016, at Miller’s Merry Manor in Wakarusa, where she had been for five months. She was born on January 10, 1927, in Elkhart, to Devon F. “Heinie” and Hazel (Grant) Richmond. She was a lifetime area resident.

Norma married James E. Stillson on Nov. 28, 1946, in Nappanee. He preceded her in death on Feb. 23, 2002. She was a member of the First Brethren Church in Nappanee. She was a loving mother and grandmother.

Surviving are children: Jill (Ron) Mishler, Nappanee; J.B. (Pat) Stillson; and Jack Stillson, both of Syracuse; and Jeff (Angie) Stillson, Nappanee; six grandcildren: Cybil; Summer; Jessica; Jud; T.J.; and Toby; six great-grandchildren; and brother: Tom (Terry) Richmond, Nappanee. She was preceded in death by a sister: Pat Sheets; a brother: James Lee Richmond.

Per Norma’s wishes, she was cremated, and an inurnment will follow at Bremen Cemetery at a later date. Memorial contributions may be given to the Heritage House.

Arrangements are with Thompson-Lengacher and Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee.

Lillian “Lil” Zook Burkholder, age 60, of Rochester, died at 1:55 p.m., Thursday, March 31, 2016, at Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, from complications of heart surgery.

She was born March 3, 1956, in Lancaster, Pa. to Amos Jr. and Linda (Yoder) Zook.

On Feb. 25, 1978, she married Gary Burkholder in Lancaster, Pa. Mrs. Burkholder was a homemaker and a member of Maple Lawn Amish Mennonite Church in Nappanee.

Mrs. Burkholder is survived by her husband: Gary; children: Janita Burkholder, Nappanee; Wade (Charlotte) Burkholder, Hagerstown, Md.; Lynda (Jason) Wolfe, Lewisburg, Pa.; Adrian (Rachel) Burkholder, Mentone; seven grandchildren; four sisters; and five brothers.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a grandson, a sister, and two brothers.

Family and friends may call 4-8 p.m. Sunday and Monday, April 3 and 4 at Nappanee Missionary Church Chapel. Funeral Services will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, April 5 at Nappanee Missionary Church Sanctuary for Maple Lawn Amish Mennonite Church. Officiating will be Nate Zook, nephew of Lillian, Cornerstone Church, Pittsburgh, Pa., assisted by Thomas Mast and Paul Yoder, Maple Lawn Amish Mennonite Church and Delbert Schlabach, Stillwaters Church, Russellville, Ohio. Burial will follow at the Church Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be given to Grace Haven Renewal Ministry.

Lil’s motto was – “Every day is a gift”. The family would like to express their appreciation for your many thoughts and prayers.

Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Homes, Nappanee, are in charge of arrangements.

Nancy Carole Anderson, age 77, of Nappanee, formerly of the Osceola and Mishawaka area, died on Wednesday, April 6, 2016 at IU Health Goshen Hospital from an extended illness.

She was born Feb. 14, 1939 in Mishawaka, to Glacial and Ruth (Gordon) Simmons. She grew up in the Osceola and Mishawaka area before moving to Nappanee in 2004.

Mrs. Anderson was a classically trained singer, and was a member of the Memorial Presbyterian Choir in South Bend. She enjoyed wildlife, traveling, mountains, and flowers, especially violets. She really loved her cat, Czar.

Nancy married Bob Anderson on Feb. 16, 1980, in South Bend. He survives, along with daughters: Debra (Frank) Adams of Greely, Colo.; Theresa Foster of Indianapolis; and Angie (Mike) Cleveland of Wakarusa; sons: Steven Foster of Plymouth; and Scott Foster of Mishawaka; step-sons Michael (Shari) Davis of Saratoga Springs, Utah; Phillip Davis of Groves, Texas; and David (Melanie) Davis of Ellijay, Ga.; 19 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; and sister Joyce Shaw of Nappanee.

She was preceded in death by her brother, Michael Simmons.

Nancy will be cremated, and there will be a Memorial Service at Grace Point Presbyterian Church in Nappanee, on Monday, April 11, at 11 a.m., with an hour of visitation prior. Pastor Terry Tyler will officiate. Memorial contributions may be given to the donor’s choice.

Arrangements are with Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee.

Stephen P. Abel

Stephen P. Abel, 65, Syracuse, formerly of Wakarusa and Nappanee, died at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, April 9, 2016, at his residence of natural causes.

He was born Aug. 27, 1950, in Wakarusa to Paul and Evelyn (Roose) Abel.

Mr. Abel was a 1968 graduate of Wakarusa High School and a graduate of Indiana University. May 26, 1973, he married Barbara Fervida in Nappanee. She preceded in death Sept. 29, 2005. Mr. Abel  lived his lifetime in this area.

Steve was a former owner of Franklin Coach, a family-owned business in Nappanee. Currently, he was working at Synergy Transport Company, Goshen.

Steve enjoyed his children and grandchildren and traveling, especially vacationing in Colorado around the water and mountains. He enjoyed being at the lake, growing up on Syracuse Lake and now living on Lake Wawasee.

Surviving are his children: William “Bill” Abel,  Austin, Texas, Jennifer (Tim) Havely, Noblesville, Brad   (Megan) Abel, Syracuse, and Stephen Abel II, Syracuse; grandchildren: Griffin, Andrew and Savannah Havely and Landon and Grant Abel; and a brother, Rick (Gail) Abel, Wakarusa.

He was preceded in death by a brother, Don Abel and sister, Becky Moody.

Family and friends may call from 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, April 13, at Thompson-Lengacher and Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee, and for one hour prior to the 11 a.m. funeral service Thursday, April 14, also at the Funeral Home.

Rev. Ed Geleske, pastor at Wakarusa United Methodist Church, will officiate and burial will be in Union Center Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be given to The Center for Hospice.

Peggy A. Flowers, age 88, of Nappanee, died peacefully, surrounded by her family at noon Saturday, April 16, 2016, at Miller’s Merry Manor in Wakarusa, where she had been a patient since January. She was born July 21, 1927 in Culver to Raymond Ralph and Ruby (Emrick) Mikesell.

Peggy lived in Culver until her senior year in High School; she then moved to Nappanee and graduated from Bourbon High School. On Sept. 4, 1946, she married George Flowers at her parent’s home in Culver. Mrs. Flowers was a licensed Public Accountant for 50 years. She was a member of Nappanee United Methodist Church. She was a member of the Eastern Star for 50 years and served as treasurer for 20 years.

Peggy is survived by her husband, George; daughter, Marla (Russell) Carlson, Cromwell; son, Ralph (Nancy) Flowers, Muncie; grandchildren: Brian Flowers, Julie Mast, Nic Carlson, Ashley Carlson, Andy Carlson, Mark Carlson,  Ken Carlson; 7 great grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by a grandson, Michael Carlson; brother, Walter  Mikesell; stepsister, Willodean Keil.

Family and friends may call from 2-8 Wednesday at Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home, and for 1 hour prior to the Funeral service, which will be at 10:30 am, Thursday, April 21st at Nappanee United Methodist Church.  Rev. Jim Davidson will officiate and burial will be Union Center Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be given to Nappanee United Methodist Church.

Michael Duane Brown Jr., age 40, Twin Falls, Idaho, formerly of Nappanee, died unexpectedly of natural causes, at 2:09 p.m., Friday, April 15, 2016 at Baptist Medical Center, San Antonio, Texas. He was born Dec. 23, 1975 in Bay City, Mich. to Michael Sr. and Susan (Davies) Brown.

Mr. Brown was a cross country truck driver.  His truck was his home.  He enjoyed trucks, Harleys, Nascar, and the Denver Broncos.

Surviving are his son, Austin Brown, Nappanee; daughter, Megan Brown, Lagrange; stepson, Christopher Streeter, Lagrange; stepdaughter, Autumn Streeter, Lagrange; mother, Susan (Omer) Powell, Nappanee; father, Michael Sr. (Brenda) Brown, Oral, South Dakota; brothers: Matthew Dean Powell, Nappanee; Jason Cal (Kimberly) Brown, Colorado Springs, CO; sister, Christi Rashell (Kenton) Haman, Syracuse; and grandparents, Larry Sr. and Vicki Davies, Lapaz.

He was preceded in death by grandparents, Sandy and Bob James and William and Irene Brown.

Family and friends may call from 3-7 p.m. Friday, April 22, 2016 at Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee. Funeral services will begin at 7:00 pm.  Cremation will follow.

Memorial contributions may be given to Michael Brown Jr. Memorial fund to help with funeral expenses or the United Cancer Services of Elkhart County.

Peg E. Heckaman, age 65, of Nappanee, passed away at 7:24 a.m. Monday, April 18, 2016, at Elkhart General Hospital from a short illness. She was born on Sept. 9, 1950 in Goshen, to John and Stella (Mosier) Heerschop. She was a lifetime area resident, and truly enjoyed her retirement, which started in 2007.

She married Clark Heckaman on March 14, 1981 in Nappanee at the Nazarene Church. He survives, as well as children: Mark (LeAnn) Osborn of Nappanee; Michelle (Luke) Lesley of Columbia City; grandchildren: Travis Heckaman, Ashlee Osborn, Sydney and Grace Korte, and Josh Lesley; siblings: Tom (Connie) Heerschop of Bristol; Maxine (John) Emmert of Ligonier; Fred Heerschop, Claudia (Steve) Heckman; Chris (Vern) Stack, all of Elkhart; and Kathy (Ken) McCleery of Mishawaka.

She was preceded in death by her sons Michael Heckaman and Andrew Osborn, and a brother, Lee Heerschop.

Friends and family may call from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Thursday, April 21, at Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m., Friday, April 22, also at the funeral home. Rev. Michael Peterson, of Maranatha Fellowship in Nappanee, will officiate. Burial will follow at Stony Point Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Maranatha Fellowship Brotherhood Fund.

Helen Neill Kirkwood, 86, of Nappanee, Ind., died on Jan. 9, 2015, at her residence from a long battle with cancer.

She was born on Dec. 10, 1928, in Dundee, Scotland, to Charles and Mary (Easton) Hill. Helen married John C. Kirkwood on August 8, 1952 at St. Andrew’s Church in Motherwell, Scotland.

In 1963, her and her husband John immigrated with their three young children to the United States. They settled in Benton Harbor, Mich., and were there until 1987 when the family moved to Nappanee. Helen worked for Fleetwood Avion Coach in Benton Harbor for 20 years. She was an elder in the Presbyterian Church in Benton Harbor. She had read the Bible 3 times. She was a member of the Eastern Star. Helen enjoyed her iPad and playing solitaire. She loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren very much.

Surviving are children: Yvonne (Steve) Reed, Nappanee, John (Marilyn) Kirkwood, Marion, Ind., and Neill (Pamela) Kirkwood, Nappanee; six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; sisters: Mary Bussey and Marjorie “Marj” Sleith, both of Naperville, Ill.; brothers: Charles (Barbara) Hill, Vero Beach, Fla., and Stephen (Marian) Hill of Wishaw, Scotland.

She was preceded in death by her husband; sisters: Charlotte Hill, Dorothy Carden, and brother: Alec Hill.

Helen’s wishes were to be cremated and friends and family may call from 3-6 p.m. Friday, Jan. 16 at Thompson-Lengacher and Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee. Memorial Service. Pastor Terry Tyler will officiate. Inurnment will follow later this year in Scotland.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Goshen Home Care and Hospice.