June Evelyn Mishler, 85, of Nappanee, passed away at 2:05 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 31, 2015, at Miller’s Merry Manor in Wakarusa. She was a lifelong resident of Union Township and lived in the same farm house all of her life.
She was born June 7, 1929, to James C. and Bessie E. (Brown) Mishler and was a descendant of a number of pioneer Union Township families, e.g., Mishler, Brown, Stump, Stouder and Miller.
June was a graduate of New Paris High School and attended business classes in Fort Wayne.
Upon completion of her education, June responded to a request by Township Trustee Ansel Fervida to help in the kitchen and answer the telephone at Union Center School at CR 48 and 11. That beginning was the foundation for 30 years of service to the school, its teachers and students as school secretary.
During her tenure, Union Center School shared a principal with Harrison Township School. The school secretary often was the sole source of administrative support for teachers and students. She often drove ill students home from school if they couldn’t wait for the school bus, and provided whatever personal services were required by both teachers and students.
June also provided floral arrangements for the Union Center Church of the Brethren for 30 years and helped her sister, Lavonne, provide similar services to the Bethany Church of the Brethren. June was a life-long member, generous volunteer, and Sunday school teacher at the Union Center Church of the Brethren.
June maintained an active interest in genealogy and Union Township history. She assisted her sister, Helen who acquired and refurbished the Daniel Stump Homestead, located near the corner of CR 50 and 15. During the early transformation of the Homestead, the two sisters, singlehandedly cleared underbrush and trash from around several original buildings on the homestead. Later, they funded the restoration of the buildings, including a log main house and summer kitchen. Two barns were relocated on the Homestead in 1996 through 2002 which now serve as “people barns” which can each accommodate large groups.
Mishler is survived by her sister: Helen Louise Mishler, Nappanee.
She was preceded in death by her parents and sisters: infant, Miriam Mishler and Lavonne B. Amo.
Family and friends may call from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb 3, at Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee and for one hour prior to the funeral service, which will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 4, at Union Center Church of the Brethren. Rev. Frank Ramirez will officiate and burial will be in Union Center Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be given to Union Center Church of the Brethren.