Note: Bill was a Pastoral Intern at FPC 1962-63, and later served as Interim Senior Pastor 1999-2002.

Ware William “Bill” Wimberly II, 85, of Wabash, Indiana, died at 12:03 am, Wednesday, February 28, 2024, at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne.  He was born on May 1, 1938, in Greenfield, Iowa, to Ware William and Isabel (Connelly) Wimberly.

Bill was a 1956 graduate of Wabash High School, a 1960 graduate of Hanover College, and studied 1 year at the University of Bristol in England. He received his Bachelors of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary and his Doctorate in History from Indiana University. Bill married Tracy Temple at the Wabash Presbyterian Church on June 22, 1968. He was a retired Presbyterian minister and a member of the Presbytery at Wabash Valley. Bill enjoyed reading, gardening, painting, and was the author of Hannah’s Town, a history of the city of Wabash. In 1999, Bill was awarded the Sagamore of the Wabash.  

He is survived by his wife, Tracy Wimberly of Wabash; two sons, Ware William (Maggie) Wimberly III of Wabash, and Alexander Temple (Kiran) Wimberly of Ballycastle, Northern Ireland; five grandchildren, Amira Siddiqui of Wabash, Eva Wimberly and Amos Wimberly, both of Ballycastle, Rebecca Wimberly of Wabash, and Phoebe Wimberly of Ballycastle; and his sister, Isabel (Bob) Deeter Lewis of Lagro, Indiana.  He was preceded in death by his parents, and his sister, Jane Ayars.

Funeral services will be 11:00 am, Friday, March 8, 2024, at the Wabash Presbyterian Church, 123 W. Hill Street, Wabash, with the Rev. Robert Angus Heimach officiating. Burial will be in Falls Cemetery, Wabash.  Friends may call 10-11 am Friday at the church. Arrangements by Grandstaff-Hentgen Funeral Service, Wabash.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wabash Presbyterian Church.

Natalie Ann “Nan” Bloodgood, 91, of Fort Wayne, passed away on Friday, January 19, 2024 at Lutheran Hospital. She was born January 18, 1933, in Indianapolis, to the late Don and Margaret (Austin) Bloodgood.

Natalie graduated from West Lafayette High School and earned her bachelor’s degree in Home Economics from Purdue University. Natalie started her career in interior design with Wolf & Dessauer of Ft. Wayne in 1955. She went to work for L.S. Ayres in 1969 and retired as Department Manager of the China and Silver Department in 1992.

She was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Ft. Wayne, the Red Hat Society and P.E.O. Sisterhood. She faithfully served in many ministries of the church and at Well Spring and enjoyed her L.S. Ayres employees lunch group.

Surviving are sister-in-law, Carole Bloodgood of Columbus, nieces and nephews, Linda (husband Dale) Guse of Columbus, David Austin (wife Sheila) Bloodgood of Rancho Palos Verdes, CA, Elizabeth A. Bloodgood of Cataula, GA, Tom (wife Laura) Bloodgood of Woodridge, FL, Julie Myers of Waynesville, NC. Also surviving are thirteen great nieces and nephews and seven great great nieces and nephews. Natalie was preceded in death by brothers, Donald Bloodgood and Thomas Bloodgood, a nephew, Daniel Bloodgood and a Sister-in-law, JoAnn Bloodgood.

A family memorial service will be held at a later date. Entombment will be at Tippecanoe Memory Gardens in West Lafayette next to her parents. Memorial contributions may be made in Natalie’s name to First Presbyterian Church, 300 W. Wayne St. Ft. Wayne, IN 46802.

M. Evelyn Seeger, 96, of Fort Wayne, IN, passed away at home on January 13th 2024.  She was born on August 28th 1927 in Grand Rapids Michigan.  She married Richard A. Seeger in November 1946 and had four sons.  Richard S. (Judy Harrigal), Nevin A. (Gail Jackson), Lee A., and Robert L. (Mary).  Grandchildren include Adam Seeger(Amanda), Ashley Seeger, Breanna Seeger and great grandchildren Ava and Grace Seeger.

Evelyn obtained a Master of Arts degree in Music Education from Ball State University.  She was an accomplished clarinet and oboe player who loved to teach children in public schools and privately.  Her never wavering faith in God also led her to assist with music programs for the church as well as administrative work.

Her infectious smile always greeted family and friends.  She was dedicated to her garden and wildlife.  She was constantly followed by her canine friend, Rascal. Evelyn was also a giving person who provided care for numerous people throughout her life.

The family would also like to give a special thank you to Ann Badger for her support and companionship over the years.

A Celebration of Evelyn’s life will take place on Sunday, January 21, 2024 at 2 p.m. at Divine Mercy Funeral Home, 3500 Lake Ave., Fort Wayne. Calling will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. 

Paul H. Sheets 94 years old passed away on Wednesday, November 29, 2023 at home in Granger, Indiana. Paul was born on June 27, 1929 in Fort Wayne, Indiana to the late Benjamin C. Sheets and Reland (Conley) Sheets. On September 24, 1950, Paul and Patricia R. Hoover were married in Ossian, Indiana. They resided in Fort Wayne until 2018 when they relocated to Granger to be near family.

Along with his wife Patricia, Paul is survived by sons Steve Sheets of Kissimmee, Florida and Ben (Nancy) Sheets of Granger, Indiana; grandchildren, Tim Griffin, Travis (Jessica) Sheets, Andy (Julie Morrison) Sheets, Mackenzie (Chris) Meyer, Marshall Sheets, Stephanie Sheets, Allison (Chris) DeBlock, Eric Sheets and seven great-grandchildren. Along with his parents, Paul was preceded in death by his brothers Gayl Sheets and Lowell Sheets; daughter Kathleen Sheets and son Richard Sheets.

Paul graduated from Ossian High School in 1947. He served his country in the National Guard and was honorably discharged in 1950. For most of his working career he was a computer programmer, first at International Harvester, then at Fort Wayne National Bank. He retired in 1994.

Paul was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Fort Wayne for nearly 50 years and served on many committees and posts while there. He enjoyed camping, canoeing and bicycling and rode on several long distance bike trips in his younger years. After retirement, Paul and Patricia enjoyed traveling to many countries around the world. They also participated in weekly dinners and euchre games with friends.

A graveside service and a celebration of life will be held at a later date in Ossian, Indiana.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Paul H. Sheets may be donated to the First Presbyterian Church in Fort Wayne or to the American Cancer Society.

Margaret “Marg” Ellen Thena , 68, passed away peacefully at Parkview Randallia on Sunday, October 1, 2023. “Marg” as she was known to many was a lifelong member and involved with 1st Presbyterian Church in Fort Wayne. She was involved with the Johnny Appleseed Festival as a board member helping with many facets of the festival. Marg enjoyed traveling to Williamsburg, PA and Frankenmuth, MI with various friends each year. Marg was preceded in death by her parents, Fredrick C. Thena and Betty H. Thena. Marg spent many of her years working in the financial industry and most recently with Fairway Mortgage as an analyst. Margaret is survived by her older brother, Brian F. Thena (Elaine) of Easley S.C.; nephews Michael C. Thena (Krista) of Fort Wayne and William R. Thena (Kelly) of Kawkawlin, MI; great nephews Matthew Thena and Cole Thena and great niece Ashley Miller (Taylor) of Fort Wayne. There will be no calling or services. Memorials can be made in the memory of Marg to ARC of Allen County.

William Walter Wareham, 98, of Fort Wayne, passed away on Tuesday, September 19, 2023. He was born on Thanksgiving Day November 27, 1924, son of the late Ralph E. and Myrtle P. Wareham in Ironwood, Michigan. He spent 3 years in military service in WWII, ending as a weather technician for the Air Corps in Seoul, Korea in 1946. Bill graduated from the University of Wisconsin in 1948 with a B.S. in Chemical Engineering, where he met and married Elaine I. Sigmund. He worked at G.E. and Phelps Dodge Magnet Wire Co. retiring in 1985 as Executive Director of Technical Operations. After the passing of Elaine in January 1983, he married Mary Ann Dohrmann in June 1984. Bill was active in the First Presbyterian Church of Fort Wayne where he served as an usher for 62 years and was a leader of several committees and boards. He enjoyed ping pong and bowling and traveled to over 50 foreign countries and islands after retirement. Bill also volunteered with the Family & Children’s Services Board and with several United Way boards. He is survived by his daughter, Judi Griffiths; his son, Bill Wareham; as well as an extended family of five stepchildren; 13 grandchildren; and 27 great-grandchildren. Memorial Services will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, October 22, 2023 at First Presbyterian Church Chapel 300 W. Wayne Street Fort Wayne, Indiana 46802 and at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, October 29, 2023 at The Townehouse Retirement Center Chapel 2209 St. Joe Center Road Fort Wayne, Indiana 46825. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church “Elaine and William Wareham Award for Christian Service”.

Edward A. McGiffin, 74, passed away on Sunday, August 27, 2023, at Life Care Center of Fort Wayne. He was born on April 23, 1949, in Pittsburgh, PA. His family moved to Maple Heights, a suburb of Cleveland, OH and then to Portsmouth, OH to accommodate his father’s job with the railroad. Edward graduated from Portsmouth High School in 1967. After high school he attended electronic school in Louisville that brought him to Fort Wayne upon completion of his training on a potential job assignment. Edward was a traffic engineer with the City of Fort Wayne for 23 years, retiring in 2012. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church, enjoyed attending his children and grandchildren’s athletic and musical events, coaching little league and diving, serving as a swim official for several years, spending time with his grandchildren, and gardening. He is survived by his wife, Joyce A. McGiffin; his siblings, Carol (Jim) Horr of Farmington Hills, MI. and Ric (Mary) McGiffin of Columbus, OH; his children, Stacey McGiffin, Heather McGiffin, and Ryan (Dana) McGiffin all of Fort Wayne; grandchildren, Brayden (Sarah) McGiffin, Dakota McGiffin, Hunter Fox, Clayton McGiffin, and Gage McGiffin; great-granddaughter, Baylee McGiffin. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry Emerson and Florence Opal McGiffin. Service is 11:00 a.m. Friday September 1st, 2023, at First Presbyterian Church, 300 W. Wayne St., Fort Wayne, IN, 46802 with calling one hour prior. Viewing also from 4-7 p.m. Thursday August 31, 2023, at FairHaven Funeral Home, 6557 N. Clinton St, Fort Wayne, IN, 46825. Burial in Covington Memorial Gardens, 8408 Covington Rd, Fort Wayne, IN, 46804 at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 5th, 2023. Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association or Fresenius Kidney Care of Fort Wayne.

Marilyn Snyder, 88, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, passed away on Saturday, July 15, 2023. She was born on October 14, 1934, in Fort Wayne, a daughter of the late Claude and Ilow (Trenary) Ellingwood. She worked as a secretary and administrative assistant at Edward Jones. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church. She enjoyed providing volunteer support in Fort Wayne area schools and at local election polling sites, as well as many church functions. Surviving family include her son and grandson. Besides her parents, she was preceded in passing by her husband, Robert Snyder; sister, Barbara; and daughter, Lisa Shelton. Visitation will be 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Thursday, July 27, 2023, at Greenlawn Funeral Home, 6750 Covington Road, Fort Wayne. A private graveside will be in Greenlawn Memorial Park, Fort Wayne. Memorials in Marilyn’s name may be made to American Cancer Society. Condolences and memories of Marilyn may be left online at www.greenlawnmpfh.com.

Peter Paul Fettig III, 81, of Fort Wayne, passed away on Sunday, July 2, 2023. Born on June 7, 1942, in Connersville, he was the son of the late Nilah and Charles Fettig. Peter attended Connersville High School where he was the Valedictorian and then DePauw University where he was a member of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. During college, Peter met his wife of 58 years, Vernell. After college, Peter began his career at Lincoln National Life Insurance Company where he worked until his retirement.

During his retirement, Peter enrolled in tax preparation classes to keep his mind sharp and most recently, he was working at David L. Wade and Associates. Peter also served on the Board of PHP, was an active member of First Presbyterian Church and enjoyed the Fort Wayne Philharmonic.

Peter enjoyed travelling to Siesta Key every year, Sudoku puzzles, watching sports, shopping, and eating out whether at home or in another city. Some of his favorite spots were Spiaggia (Chicago), Ophelias (Siesta Key), Nan (Atlanta), Puccini’s, Three Fires Pizzas, and Anastasia’s. But, everyone knows Peter’s favorite spot was Catablu. You could always find him on Tuesdays and Fridays enjoying his go to meals as well as connecting with his many Catablu friends or treating his family to a nice dinner. He loved the restaurant and the people so very much.

Peter’s pride and joy were his daughters and grandchildren. There was not an accomplishment of theirs that he did not celebrate and he made sure to clip every newspaper article where they appeared. He spent countless years watching soccer, tennis, volleyball, basketball, baseball, football, and swimming. Peter loved attending all the UNC-Chapel Hill soccer games while his daughter played there. He was known for bringing Cookie Cottage cookies to all the matches. He will be deeply missed on the sidelines and in the stands.

To know him was to love him. His generosity was felt by many and his humor was enjoyed by all. He is survived by his wife, Vernell (Gehron) Fettig; daughters, Amelia McArdle, of Fort Wayne, and Nelwyn (Andrew) Hayes of Tampa, FL; siblings, Fred (Chuck) Fettig, and Sara (Phil) Mills; and grandchildren, Keegan, Peter, Kellyn, and William McArdle; Lily, Cooper, and Caroline Hayes.

A Celebration of Peter’s Life will be at 4:00pm, Monday, July 24, 2023, at D.O. McComb and Sons Covington Knolls Funeral Home, 8325 Covington Road, Fort Wayne, with calling from 1:00 pm until the time of service. Inurnment will be at First Presbyterian Church, Fort Wayne. Memorial donations may be given to First Presbyterian Church or The Fort Wayne Philharmonic.

Mary “Jeannine” Stinson, 91 of Xenia, Ohio passed away on Monday morning, June 19, 2023, at Shawnee Estates Senior Living in Xenia, Ohio.

Jeannine was born on January 6, 1932, in Connellsville, PA to J. Lloyd Reasoner and Esther (Ford) Gable. Jeannine married Gordon M. Stinson of Bluffton on April 3, 1949, in Coldwater, MI. They celebrated 50 years of marriage together until his passing on April 22, 1999. During their early years of marriage, the couple traveled with Gordon’s military service. They lived and farmed in Wells County from 1958 until 1994, when they moved to Fort Wayne.
Jeannine valued being a homemaker and mother as she raised her two daughters. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Fort Wayne, American Legion Auxiliary Post #82 and the Bluffton Garden Club. Jeannine enjoyed dancing, gardening as well as painting and drawing, having her artwork exhibited at the First Presbyterian Church art shows.
She is survived by her two daughters: Lisa (Steven) Topper of Xenia, Ohio, and Debra (Steven) Thieme of Fort Wayne, along with four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Gordon, two stillborn daughters, her brother John Reasoner, and her sister Barbara Pemberton. Visitation will take place on Saturday, July 1, from 11AM to 2PM with funeral services starting at 2PM Saturday, at Thoma/Rich, Lemler Funeral Home, 308 West Washington St, Bluffton. Burial will follow at Elm Grove Cemetery at 3500 East State Road 124 in Bluffton. Memorials may be made in Jeannine’s memory to the American Cancer Society.

Patricia Ann (Stewart) Griest, 95, of Fort Wayne, Indiana passed away peacefully on May 4, 2023 surrounded by family. She lived an exemplary life as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, artist, and naturalist.

Born January 13, 1928, in Ponca City, Oklahoma, Patty was the daughter of Dora Mildred (Cain) and Lawrence Christian Stewart. She had one older brother, Jack L. Stewart, DDS of Kansas City, KS. Patty earned a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from Phillips University in Enid, Oklahoma. She subsequently earned a Master’s Degree in Medical Technology from Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan. Patty met her future husband, Walter Dixon Griest, MD at Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, in 1949; they married in 1951. Together they raised four children.

Patty leaves a legacy of community involvement and support through the arts, including her involvement with the Fort Wayne Museum of Art, FAME (Foundation for Art Music and Education), First Presbyterian Theater and Art Gallery, Designer Craftsman Guild, Fort Wayne Philharmonic. and a founding member of the GROGs, a group of local friends (Growing Rather Old Gracefully).

Patty and Walter were founding supporters of the First Presbyterian Arts Ministry where they helped shape the culture and trajectory of the church’s reputation as a congregation committed to open interpretation of human expression through the arts. Patty curated and managed the church gallery for more than forty years. She brought nationally and internationally recognized artists to Fort Wayne, while giving hundreds of regional artists an avenue to exhibit their work. Patty went on to earn a Master’s Degree in Art Education, and became an accomplished ceramicist in her studio.

In 2007, Patty felt a calling to care for God’s earth, resulting in the development of a ten-acre woodland prairie with native Indiana trees, flowers, and grasses at her beloved Clear Lake, Indiana home. This calling led to the formation of the First Presbyterian Church Earth Care Team, designating the church as one of Fort Wayne’s first recognized Earth Care Congregations.

She was admired and loved for her fierce determination and drive for excellence, commitment to creative dabbling, and devotion to her dear puppy, Roddy.

Surviving are her children, Diane (Jim) Davis of Fairfield, Iowa, Stewart (Risa) Griest of Lafayette, Colorado, Jeanne Griest Choka of Fort Wayne, and Jim Griest (Lea Powers) of Fort Wayne, 9 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. She was predeceased by her husband, Walter D. Griest, MD, her parents Dora Mildred (Cain) and Lawrence Christian Stewart, and her brother, Jack L. Stewart, DDS.

A memorial service will be held at First Presbyterian Church on May 25 at 2:00 pm, with calling one hour prior. In lieu of flowers, please remember Patty with a gift to the Clear Lake Township Land Conservancy, Inc., or the First Presbyterian Church Earth Care Team. Arrangements have been entrusted to D.O. McComb and Sons Covington Knolls Funeral Home, 8325 Covington Road, Fort Wayne. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the Griest family at www.mccombandsons.com

Marilyn R. Hardy, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, March 26, 2023. Marilyn was born in Paris, IL on June 15, 1934 to Robert E. and Helen I. (Trover) Reynolds, both of whom preceded her in death. Marilyn was raised in Paris, IL with her older sister, Lee Canaday, also deceased. Marilyn attended Illinois Wesleyan University graduating with a Bachelor’s in Music Education and later in life Indiana Wesleyan University graduating with her Master’s in Education. Marilyn actively taught for 27 years ranging from grade school to high school with EACS. She was the organist for First Presbyterian Church, Danville, IL and later assistant organist as well as the organist for the Korean congregation at First Presbyterian church, Fort Wayne, IN. Marilyn is a member of Sigma Alpha Iota – Fort Wayne, IN and also played percussion for the Fort Wayne Area Community band for many years. Marilyn is survived by her husband of 67 years, Everett Hardy of Fort Wayne; four daughters, Diane (Chris) Whitacre of Huntington, IN, Linda (David) Rotach of Daphne, AL, Brenda Reisgies and Janet (Matt) Robison, both of Fort Wayne; her grandchildren, Christopher, Brittany, Andrea, Ross, Abigail, Hannah, Alyssa, Joshua, Kendall and Madelyn; and great grandchildren, Jordan, Kaylee, Liam, Brinley, Julian, Levi and Rowan. Funeral services will be Friday, March 31, 2023 at 11:00 am at Klaehn, Fahl & Melton Funeral Home, 6424 Winchester Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46819 with calling one hour prior. Visitation will also be on Thursday, March 30, 2023 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the funeral home. Preferred memorials may be made to Save The Music Foundation. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.klaehnfahlmeltonfunerals.com for the Hardy family.

Hilda Lenora Seybert, 100, of Fort Wayne, Indiana passed away peacefully in her sleep at home on Tuesday, March 21, 2023.

Born in Milford, Indiana on February 22, 1923 to Jesse and Lenora Dippon, she was the youngest of six siblings. Hilda married Paul Seybert on June 7, 1947 and had been married 63 years at the time of his death in 2010. Hilda graduated from Milford HighSchool and attended Purdue and Indiana Universities. She was a member of the Purdue University choir. In addition to being a wonderful mother, wife and friend, she taught elementary school, ran her own business and was a member of many organizations. She was past president of “Friends of IU-Purdue”, PEO, Service League/Guild, Beta Sigma Phi, served on school boards, PTAs, and church committees. One of her greatest passions was being active with the Michigan City Chamber of
Commerce’s committee for the Miss Indiana Pageant for 5 years. Hilda was an associate member of Chapel by the Sea in Ft.
Myers Beach, FL. and a member of First Presbyterian Church, Ft. Wayne. Her religion was an important part of her life.
Having never met a stranger or being one to pass up an opportunity or chocolate, Hilda was a joy to be around with an
enthusiasm for life and friends and a positive attitude. She will truly be missed.

Surviving are one daughter, Paula (Stephen) Reckley, in Elmhurst, Il; and one son, David (Patty) Seybert, in Fort Wayne. She is also survived by 5 grandchildren, Sara (Matt) and Tom (Meg) in Chicago, Ehren (Claire) in San Francisco, Andrew in Ft. Wayne, and Jon (Adrianna) in Fort Wayne. She had 9 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Paul; and granddaughter, Courtney. A memorial service will be held at a later date for family and friends. At her request, memorials can be made to the Shriner’s Children’s Hospital or Mathew 25 Clinic in Fort Wayne.

Lois H. McInnis,92, formerly of Fort Wayne, died March 3, 2023, in Wilmington, North Carolina. She was born April 19, 1930, to the late Gordon and Dorothy Hammond. She is survived by her son Gordon McInnis of Waynesville, NC, and many relatives and friends. Lois was a Jubilee Member of First Presbyterian Church, Fort Wayne. having joined in 1944. Her service will be held May 20 at Grove Cemetery in Coldwater, Michigan. Rev. Ann Pitman will be officiating.

Donald P. Bowser, 91, of Fort Wayne, IN, passed away Sunday, March 5th at Heritage Pointe of Fort Wayne. Born in rural Dekalb County on January 11, 1932, Don was the son of Ivan C. Jr. and Ruth A. (Cook) Bowser. Don graduated from South Side High School in 1950, attended Indiana University for three years and served in the U.S. Army for two years. He worked at Fort Wayne National Bank for almost 50 years. Don married Ruth E. Holzworth in 1960. She preceded him in death in 2015. Don loved his family, especially his grandkids. He never met a stranger. He was the most patient, caring person you could ever meet.

Don is survived by a daughter, Ellen (Mark) Frazier and a son Mark (Giselle) Bowser, Sr.; five grandchildren, Deserae (Tyler) Beiswenger, Mark (Makayla) Bowser, Jr., Jay (Ashlyn) Frazier, Justin Frazier and Jessica (Alex) Zurbrugg; 11 great-grandchildren, Osiris and Orion Beiswenger, Atticus, Ariella and Elijah Bowser, Ava Sofia, Aden, Avery and Aundrea Frazier and Ronnie and Lane Zurbrugg. Don loved his flannel shirts. Please join us in wearing your favorite flannel.

Funeral service Thursday, March 16, 2023 at 1:30 pm with visitation 2 hours prior at D.O. McComb & Sons Funeral Home – Pine Valley located at 1320 E. Dupont Rd. Burial at Perry Township Cemetery in Huntertown, IN. Memorials may be made Ronald McDonald House. To sign the online guestbook go to www.mccombandsons.com




Remington “Rem” A. Johnston III passed away in hospice care on February 18, 2023.

Born August 5, 1933 in Ossian, Indiana, he was the son of Remington and Elizabeth “Betty” Johnston. He graduated from P.A. Allen High School in Bluffton, Indiana in 1951. Following in the footsteps of his father (class of 1927) and grandfather (class of 1901), he graduated from Wabash College in Crawfordsville in 1955. He majored in political science and was a proud member of Sigma Chi fraternity. A “life-loyal Sig” – loyal and dedicated to generations of his brothers — he and was awarded the Order of Constantine in 2022, the fraternity’s highest honor.

He earned a degree in printing from Carnegie Mellon University and began a half-century career in the printing business. He spent eight years with Harris-Seybold Printing Machinery Company in Dallas, before returning to Bluffton in 1964 to lead his family’s business, the Rem Johnston Printing Company.

Upon returning to Indiana, Rem became one of the most significant alumni volunteers in the history of Wabash College. He was a prolific recruiter, led the alumni association, assisted in organizing alumni events, and was particularly close to the Wabash athletic department. He traveled with the college’s football, track, and golf teams, among others, which earned him the nickname “Big Cookie” because he always made sure student athletes had snacks while traveling to athletic competitions – including big cookies from a Bluffton bakery. He attended every Wabash football game, home and away, from 1970 through 1995 except for a single game in 1970 when his father died. Rem was exceptionally proud of his involvement with Wabash’s 1977 football team, which played in the national championship game, the 1982 basketball team that won the national title, and the undefeated 1983 football team.

Rem received the highest honors bestowed by Wabash College. The National Association of Wabash Men (NAWM) honored him with the Alumni Award of Merit in 1971, making him the youngest person ever to receive the award. For his support of Wabash’s athletic teams, he was inducted into the college’s Athletics Hall of Fame in 1997. He served several terms on the Board of Directors of the NAWM and served a term on the Wabash College Board of Trustees. In 2018, Wabash President Gregory Hess awarded him an honorary doctorate, the same year the College named the campus gateway in his honor.

He received a Sagamore of the Wabash from Governor Robert Orr in 1983. In addition to his passion for all-things Wabash, Rem was active in First Presbyterian Church, where he served as a youth-group leader and on the board of the church Foundation. He volunteered as a docent at the Lincoln Museum and as a teacher with the Literacy Alliance in Fort Wayne. He was an avid golfer and bridge player, a member of the Orchard Ridge Country Club in Fort Wayne, and loved opera, classical music, and theater.

Rem had a passion for travel and especially enjoyed his trips to Mexico and Spain. He was also an energetic gardener and liked browsing antique stores. Perhaps more than anything, Rem will be remembered for introducing literally hundreds of Wabash students to new and interesting food, agreeing to pick up the tab if the students chose something from the menu they had never eaten. The relationships he formed with Wabash men evolved throughout their lives with Rem a constant source of wise counsel, celebratory hugs, and life guidance.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at First Presbyterian Church at a date to be determined.

Friends can send online condolences to the family at www.thomarich.com

Gary Lee Bock, 70, passed away February 1, 2023, at his home in Columbia City, IN, surrounded by his family. He was born May 20, 1952, in Fort Wayne, IN, the son of the late Walter and Ruth Irene Bock. Gary graduated from South Side High School in 1971. He was a lumber purchasing agent at the Do It Best Corporate Headquarters for 25 years and retired March 2018. He was a member of Indiana National Wild Turkey Federation. Gary was an avid turkey hunter, enjoyed fishing and boating.

He is survived by his loving wife, Diane Bock of Columbia City, IN; son Matt (Richelle) Bock of Churubusco, IN; daughters, Heather (Karl) Klemm of Columbia, City, IN; Ashley (Brice) Schlosser of Fort Wayne, IN; grandchildren, Jeremiah, Taylor, Alayna Bock and Kage Klemm.


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