| IN MEMORIAM |
November 23, 2024 to January 28, 2025
Roberta Brazelton
Friend of the University
Roberta “Bobbi” A. Brazelton, 83, of Fort Wayne, died at home on Nov. 30. Bobbi was born in Fort Wayne on Dec. 14, 1940, the daughter of H. Joseph and Catherine (Klug) Schenkel. She graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1958 and continued her studies at Indiana University and Saint Francis College.
In addition to her parents, Bobbi was preceded in death by her brother Jerry (Conda) Schenkel. She is survived by her son Dieter Brazelton of Delaware, Ohio; sister Mary Kay Morrow of Brooksville, Florida; brothers George (Kathy) Schenkel and Joe (Kathy) Schenkel, both of Clear Lake; and many nieces and nephews. Access the obituary.
Henry Bruggeman
Friend of the University
Henry “Hank” A. Bruggeman died on Dec. 5. A lifelong Fort Wayne resident, Hank was born in Paris, France, on Dec. 27, 1945, to Captain Joseph A. Bruggeman and Marie (Celard) Bruggeman. He attended Central Catholic High School and worked in maintenance at The Crosier House and Saint Francis College for many years.
Although challenged from birth with several disabilities, he always kept a sunny disposition and a determined path.
Hank was preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Marie, and siblings Anthony, Patrick, Joseph, Marie and Ann. He is survived by brothers Jack (Susan) of Boulder, Colorado, and Fred (Marcia) of Fort Wayne; nieces and nephews Nathan, Lindsey, Michael, Ian, Lisa, Sara, Adam, Bridget, Anthony Eric and Yahn; and grandnieces and nephews Cassidy, Shane, Estelle, Magnolia, Harper, Charlotte, Olivia, Lily, Wiliam, Bradford and Everly. Access the obituary.
Brother Mark Ligett, O.F.M.
Friend of the University
Br. Mark Ligett, O.F.M., 76, died on Jan. 21 at St. Luke’s Hospital in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. He was a professed Franciscan friar for 54 years. Br. Mark was born on June 24, 1948, in Worthington, Ohio, to Robert and Barbara Ann Ligett. He attended St. Mary School and Bishop Fenwick High School in Middletown, Ohio. Br. Mark later attended Saint Francis College, where he studied fine arts and weaving.
Br. Mark was received into the Franciscan Order at Holy Family Parish in Oldenburg on Aug. 15, 1969, and made his first profession there on Aug. 8, 1970. He professed solemn vows at St. Anthony Shrine in Cincinnati, Ohio, on March 25, 1975. In 1975, Br. Mark was assigned as an instructor at Bishop Luers High School, where he served until 1981. In 1984, Br. Mark returned to Bishop Luers High School, where he taught for the next four years.
Br. Mark was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his sister Tracy Ligett Cole; brother Gary Ligett; friends; and his brother friars of the Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe, including classmate Br. Jerome Beetz, OFM. Access the obituary.
Daniel Shullenberger
Friend of the University
Daniel Frank Shullenberger, 71, of Mount Vernon, Ohio, died on Jan. 3 at his home. He was born in Indianapolis on March 19, 1953, to Dr. Wendell Arthur and Mary Eleanor (Davis) Shullenberger. They preceded him in death. He married Susan Catherine Bourke on July 25, 1981. Together they raised four children.
He graduated from Kenyon College in Ohio in 1978 and earned a doctorate in biochemistry from Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) in 1993. Daniel was an active researcher, and his work was published in multiple scientific journals as a lead and co-author.
Dan taught chemistry at IUPUI and then at Saint Francis College from 1994 to 1998.
Dan will be deeply missed by his wife Susan; children Eric (Hannah) Shullenberger of Wexford, Pennsylvania, Hannah (Chris) Million of Columbus, Ohio, Dave (Michelle) Shullenberger of Lagrange, Ohio, and Mary Shullenberger of Cleveland, Ohio; grandchildren James Shullenberger, Eleanor and Louise Million and Nathan Shullenberger; siblings Mary Rosebrough, John Shullenberger and Bill Shullenberger; and cousin Mark Shullenberger. Access the obituary.
Kevin Stayer
Friend of the University
Kevin “Mr. Rich” Richard Stayer, 60, of Huntington, died on Jan. 17, at The Waters of Huntington. Born on May 14, 1964, in West Springfield, Massachusetts, he was the son of Everett and Dorothy (Elkins) Stayer.
Rich graduated from Columbia City Joint High School in 1982. He then attended Saint Francis College for two years. On Feb. 25, 1989, he married Linda Sue Creech in Columbia City.
Survivors include his wife Linda Stayer of Huntington; sister Vickie (Lee) Stanley of Osceola; nieces Heather Whiteman and Rachael (Bryce) Metcalf, both of Osceola; great niece Lillian Whiteman of Osceola; great nephew Liam Whiteman of Osceola; bonus daughter Tori Fletcher of Huntington; bonus grandson Braxton Fletcher of Huntington; sisters-in-law Glenna (John) Martin of New Haven and Martha (Bart) Huffman of Silver Lake; brothers-in-law Bill (Nancy) Creech of Plymouth and Ron (Anita) Creech of Celeste, Texas; numerous nieces and nephews; great-nieces and great-nephews; and great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents Everett and Dorothy Stayer, and father and mother-in-law Darrell and Mary Creech. Access the obituary.
Aaron Etherington
Student-athlete at the University of Saint Francis
Aaron Thomas Etherington, 25, of Noblesville, died on Jan. 13. He was born in Noblesville on Dec. 13, 1999, to Brett and Missy (Smith) Etherington.
A standout basketball player, Aaron’s athletic talents were widely recognized. He played basketball for Hamilton Southeastern High School, the University of Toledo, the University of Indianapolis and the University of Saint Francis. He worked in construction at Independent Restoration Services.
Aaron is survived by his parents Brett (Michelle) Etherington of Lapel and Missy Sue (Tony Bobinac) Etherington-Bobinac of Pendleton; brothers Austin Charles (Faith) Etherington of Fort Wayne and Alexander “Alex” Ward (Santana) Etherington of Noblesville; grandmother Carol Smith of Kokomo; grandparents Tom and May Etherington of Russiaville and Jack and Vicki Smith of Kokomo; niece Ivy Etherington; stepsisters Brooklynn Boles and Breanna (Devon) Dowden; aunts Angela (Josh) Hall of Kokomo and Tammy (partner Randy Bogue) Adair of Kokomo; uncles Adam (Robbin) Smith of Fort Wayne and Tracy Etherington of Russiaville; and several cousins. Access the obituary.
Mary Roberts ’55
Mary Louise Roberts, 96, of Fort Wayne, died on Dec. 27. She was born Feb. 26, 1928, to William and Lucille Leonard. Mary Lou graduated from Central Catholic High School, Ball State University and St. Francis College, where she earned a master’s degree in education. She married the love of her life, H. Paul Roberts in 1948, who preceded her in death along with her son-in-law Gary Davis.
She is survived by her daughters Rosemary (Dan Schlund) Roberts of Fort Wayne, Kathy Davis of Fremont and Kimberly (Jon Jackson) Roberts of Florida; lifelong friend Mary Lou Blinn of New Haven; grandchildren Jessica (David), Jarret (Elizabeth) and Ryan; and seven great-grandchildren. Access the obituary.
Elaine Bueter ’57
Elaine H. Bueter, age 89, of Fort Wayne, died on Jan. 9 at Lutheran Life Villages at Inverness. Born August 8, 1935, she was the daughter of the late Erwin and Margaret (Foust) Bengs. Elaine graduated from Central Catholic High School and received her bachelor’s degree in music education from Saint Francis College. On June 18, 1960, Elaine married the love of her life, Jay Bueter. They were together until his passing in 2009. Left to cherish her memory are her sons Joseph (Juanita) Bueter of Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, John Bueter and James (Kierstin) Bueter, all of Fort Wayne; grandchildren Laura, Jay (Quinn), Cassidy, Kira (Justin) Blessing, Nathan, Nicholas and Sarah; and great-grandchild Ray. Elaine was preceded in death by her husband Jay Bueter; parents; and sister Arlene Bengs. Access the obituary.
Helen Merz ’63
Helen Louise Merz, 93, of Fort Wayne, died on Dec. 2. She was born in Muncie on June 27, 1931, to Inez and Ivan Humbert. She graduated from Royerton High School, Ball State University and Saint Francis College. She retired in 1994 after working as an elementary teacher for 41 years.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 55 years Wayne Merz; her parents; sisters Dorothy Pursley, Vera Gillen and Barbara Mixell and brother Robert Humbert. Surviving are her sons Jay (Crystal) Merz of Aromas, California, and John (Barbara) Merz of Fort Wayne; sisters Rosemary Martin of Muncie and Nancy Green of Wooster, Ohio, and brother David (Janet) Humbert of Fishers; close friends Jill Sackash and Kathy (Tom) Senesac; grandchildren Jason (Karla) Merz, Camille (Alexander) Merose, Clint Ahlersmeyer and Angel Freeman; godson Mac (Sadie) Schmidt; seven great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. Access the obituary.
William Spindler ’65
William “Bill” Emmett Spindler died on Monday, Dec. 9. He was born on Nov. 7, 1941, to Emmett William Spindler and Helen Marie Hoover in Fort Wayne. His older sisters, Arlou Brahm and Suzanne Spindler, and his son William “Billy” E. Spindler II preceded him in death. Bill leaves behind his daughter Laurie Spindler of Fort Wayne; twin granddaughters Sophia and Lily Spindler; two younger sisters Mary Gunn of Morrison, Colorado, and Joyce (Terrance) Alvey of Fort Wayne. In addition, Bill leaves his beloved partner Catherine Simmons, of Fort Wayne; cousins; nieces and nephews; great nieces and nephews; and great-grandnieces and nephews.
Bill attended Harrison Hill grade school and graduated from South Side High School in 1960. He spent most of his college years at Indiana University, studying chemistry and being a member of the Sigma Nu Fraternity. He returned to Fort Wayne and graduated from Saint Francis College with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry. Access more information.
Joseph Braun ’66
Joseph L. Braun, 95, of Fort Wayne, died on Dec. 26. He was born March 19, 1929, to Raymond and Mary (Ruesewald) Braun. Joseph graduated from Decatur Catholic High School and Saint Francis College. On May 26, 1962, he married Lois Markley, and they raised a loving family. Joseph was a member of St. Joseph Hessen Cassel and the Knights of Columbus.
He is survived by sons Michael J. Braun and Mark J. (Kathryn) Braun, both of Fort Wayne; daughter Michelle (Bradford) Riehle of Plainfield; grandchildren Paul, Mary, Luke, Sara and Theresa Braun, Rachel (Austin) Bigelow, and Eric and Kate Riehle. He is also survived by his sisters Betty Wellman, Phyllis (Norman) Rorick and Doris Wyss Brite. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lois, and his sister Jean Rauch. Access the obituary.
Father Michael Cotone, O.S.C. ’68
Father Michael T. Cotone died on Jan. 2. Father Michael was born on Nov. 18, 1945, in Wadena, Minnesota, to Michael and Ellen (Stuntebeck) Cotone. He attended St. Ann’s Grade School in Wadena, Minnesota, and Crosier Seminary High School and Junior College in Onamia, Minnesota. In 1968 he graduated magna cum laude from Saint Francis College. He then completed his theological studies at the Crosier House of Studies in Fort Wayne in 1974.
Father Michael is survived by his sister Mary Ellen (Larry) Hunt, of Las Cruces, New Mexico; niece Erin Wildes of Las Cruces, New Mexico; nephew Cory (Lana) Hunt of Waterville, Minnesota; great-nieces Lacey and Angel; great-nephew Sam; many cousins; friends; and the people of Our Lady of Refuge. Access the obituary.
Mary Hook ’69
Mary Helen Hook, 93, died on Dec. 5. She was born to Laurence and Mary Naffziger in Eureka, Illinois, on April 27, 1931. She graduated from North Central College in Naperville, Illinois, where she met her husband of 59 years, James S. Hook of Bluffton. She obtained her master’s degree from Saint Francis College and taught high school home economics for many years.
She will be greatly missed by her children James (Pattie), John (Nancy), Matthew (Jody) and Mary Dickerson (DuBoris); 11 grandchildren and their spouses; and five great-grandchildren. Mary Helen was preceded in death by her husband James and their daughter Elizabeth Ann Hook. Access the obituary.
Stanley Gilbert ’70
Stanley “Stan” Dean Gilbert, 82, of Bluffton, died on Dec. 25 at Bluffton Regional Medical Center. Stan was born in Bluffton on Oct. 6, 1942, to Ralph M. and Nellie L. (Walsmith) Gilbert. He married Carolyn Jo Park in Uniondale on June 2, 1962; she survives.
Stan graduated from Chester Center High School in 1960 and received his bachelor’s degree in education from Huntington College in 1966. He also received his master’s degree in education from Saint Francis College.
In addition to his wife of 62 years, Stan is survived by daughters Angela (Jon) Oman of Bluffton, Julia (Dave) Johnson of Bluffton, Christine (Vince) Constantine of Fishers and Cara (Craig) Shoemaker of Russiaville; son Geoffrey (Ivy) Gilbert of Bluffton; grandchildren Derrick (Christina) Oman, Danielle (Brent) Kunkel, Lauren (Casey) Krauter, Hannah (Nick) Angermeier, Caylynne (Trent) Moore, Darcie (Logan) Wulpi, Dean, Jackson, Elaina and Ana Constantine, Ghrey (Ashley) Gilbert, Bailey (Josh) Barnes, Logan and Audrey Gilbert, and Emma, Olivia, Levi and Ella Shoemaker. Stan is also survived by great-grandchildren Kaden, Liam, Cora, Wesley, Eliza, Harrison, Roberta, Harvest, Conrad, Fritz, Van, Cooper, Wade, Mckenna, Lyla, Jack, Andrew, Eden and Scout.
In addition to his parents, Stan was preceded in death by brothers Joseph M. Gilbert and Ralph “Bud” W. Gilbert Sr.; sister Carolyn J. Saxman; grandsons Titus and Josiah Gilbert; and great-grandson Matthew Wulpi. Access the obituary.
Betty Fishman ’71
Betty Grae Fishman, 100, died on Nov. 11. Betty was a celebrated leader, advocate, educator and champion of the arts in Fort Wayne. Betty was born on Dec. 6, 1923, in Defiance, Ohio, at the home of her grandparents William and Viola Wagner. Her parents were Marguerite Lunger and Dr. Guernsey Reiner Lunger.
Betty graduated from Hicksville High School and briefly attended Miami University. She completed her master’s degree in arts education at Saint Francis College, setting the stage for a fulfilling 21-year career teaching art to elementary and middle school students in the East Noble school district.
Betty is survived by daughters Marguerite Fishman of Pacific Grove, California, and Katie Eastridge of Princeton, New Jersey; sons-in-law Patrick George and Nick Eastridge; grandsons David and John Eastridge; and great-granddaughter Eva Rose Eastridge. Access the obituary.
Gail Bunde ’72
Gail A. Bunde, 87, of Leo, died on Dec. 31. Gail graduated from Bowling Green State University in 1959 with a bachelor’s degree in education. She earned a master’s degree in education from Saint Francis College and studied Bible and theology at Fort Wayne Bible College.
She is survived by her sister Letha C. Woods; three nieces; and several cousins. Access the obituary.
Roxanne Sherburne ’76
Roxanne Sherburne, 70, died on Nov. 25. Roxanne was born in Angola on Feb. 16, 1954, the daughter of the late F. Henry and Arma Lou (Shank) Sherburne. Roxanne graduated from Angola High School and Saint Francis College.
She is survived by her brother Steve (Sue) Sherburne of Fort Wayne; sister Kasandra (Michael) Hoover of Rock Hill, South Carolina; nieces and nephew Jennifer (Craig) Eckert, Joy Nuanah, Diana (Matt) Delaney, Brent (Alexandra) Freeman, Kathleen (Johnathan) Grismore, Denise (Dustin) Sewelin, Erin (Travis) Heckber and Angela (Kyle) Richart; and 33 great-nieces and great-nephews. Access the obituary.
Donna Henn ’78
Donna Marlene Liles Henn, 92, of Berne, died on Dec. 22, at Swiss Village in Berne. Donna was born on March 21, 1932, in Greenville, Ohio, to Charles Phister Liles and Sally Ann Young Liles. She graduated from Jefferson Township High School in Liberty, Ohio, in 1950. That same year she married Cecil Bennett Henn on June 14 in Liberty, Ohio, near Dayton.
She enrolled at Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio, to study art education. After moving to Berne, she earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne and a master’s degree in art from Saint Francis College.
She is survived by her brother Robert Liles of Dayton, Ohio; sisters June Welch of Lafayette, Louisiana, and LulaBelle Geer of Springfield, Ohio; children David Cecil Henn of Santa Rosa, California, Rhonda Faye Henn Lehman (Steve) of Fort Wayne and Conna Jane Ann Henn Leitz (Luke) of Weston, Florida; grandchildren Jesse Michael Henn, Jamey Lazarus Henn, Robert Bennett Lehman (Christina Rodifer), Erica Nicole Downey (Clark), Brittany Paige Lehman Bennett, Alexander Grant Lehman (Emily Goodwin), Mark Francis Leitz (Dalia Mahmoud Hassan Elamin) and Gabriel Joseph Leitz (Alexa Afton); great-grandchildren Alex Lattimore, Lauren Kate Lehman, Henry Steven Lehman, Miranda Bennett Lehman, Andrew Isaiah Downey, Olivia Nicole Downey, Michael Steven Downey, Elijah James Downey, Luke Hudson Downey, Jackson Clark Downey, Milo Wayne Flueckiger, Elliana Claire Lehman, Julia Faye Lehman, William David Lehman, Theodore Charles Lehman, Victoria Frances Leitz, Brodie Elamin Leitz, Noah James Leitz and Jonah Joseph Leitz; and three great-great-grandchildren.
Donna was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Cecil; and brothers Marion Lee Liles (in infancy), Charles Liles, Dorman Phister “Bud” Liles, Granville Talmadge Liles, Gayle Dean Liles and Daniel E. Liles. Access the obituary.
John Fitgerald ’81
John Fitzgerald, 76, of Fort Wayne, died on Jan. 25 in his home. He was born on Jan. 19, 1949, in Fort Wayne. He graduated from North Side High School and Saint Francis College with a bachelor’s degree in business administration.
He is survived by his wonderful wife of 57 years Nancy Fitzgerald; children Robert Fitzgerald, Jennifer (Ryan) Hicks and Rebecca Stephens; sisters Sharon Dull, Deborah Warren and Lori Templeton; grandchildren Justin, Nicholas, Devin, Gabriel, Lilliana and Jadis; nephew James; nieces Tiffany and Rachelle; and grandnephews and grandnieces.
He was preceded in death by his mother Naomi Ruth Mundy Knight; stepfather Lawrence J. Warren; father John E. Fitzgerald; grandfather Nihl Mundy; grandmother Gertrude Mundy; and brother Nihl Allen Warren. Access the obituary.
Kevin Fisher ’88
Kevin Joseph Fisher, 57, of Huntington, formerly of Glen Burnie, Maryland, died on Jan. 16 in Huntington. Kevin was born on March 10, 1967, in Huntington to Ernest (Butch) Fisher and JoAnn (Holzinger) Fisher.
He was a graphic designer of shoes for Under Armour, Reebok, Skechers and Adidas. He graduated from Northrop High School and Saint Francis College.
He is survived by his mother JoAnn Fisher of Huntington; brothers Tony (Donna) Fisher of St. Cloud, Florida, Jeff Fisher of Huntington and Brian Fisher of Indianapolis; and sisters Michelle (Tim) Spieth of New Haven and Lori Fisher of Huntington. Access the obituary.
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