Obituaries

Valerie L. Reecer, 69 of Elkhart, IN passed away on June 8, 2021 after an extended illness with her family by her side. Valerie was born in Elkhart, IN on May 31, 1952 to the late John Usery and Edna (Gillette) Usery.  She was married to the love of her life, Dale A. Reecer on July 31, 1987; they were married 33 years. She is survived by her husband, Dale; her daughters, Stephanie Miller, Saundra “Sunny” (Steve) Bermea, Sharon “Cher” (Steve) Johnson, Rachel...

Larry G. Johnson, 76, of Elkhart, passed away Friday June 4, 2021 at Goshen Hospital as a result from battling Covid-19. He was born July 15, 1944 in Bedford, IN to Glen and Mary Johnson.  On November 14, 1981 he married Janet S. Lightfoot who preceded him in death on May 5, 2017. Larry graduated from Elkhart High School class of 1962. He worked at Bayer Corporation from 1969 until his retirement in 2017. He loved restoring and repairing guns and reading. He was a member of the...

Michael Richard Conrad, age 69, of Elkhart passed away on Sunday, May 30, 2021 at Elkhart General Hospital. Mike was born on November 28, 1951 in Elkhart to Richard Nolan and Maxine Conrad. He married Janice Clewell on May 5, 1973 at Elkhart 1st Church of God. Mike graduated from Concord High School class of 1970. He retired from Gaska Tape in 2017 after 23 years of service. He formerly worshiped at Lutheran Church of the Redeemer in Elkhart. He enjoyed flying airplanes, especially his...

Martha L. Shaffer, age 91 of Elkhart, passed away on Sunday, May, 30, 2021 at Eastlake Nursing Home. Martha was born on March 24,1930 to Anthony and Anna Pekari in Mishawaka. On May 27, 1950 she married Carroll Shaffer. Martha enjoyed ice skating, in her younger years and gardening. She retired as a secretary from Uniroyal. She loved spending time with her family and friends. She will be sadly missed. Martha is survived by her children, Craig (Angela) Shaffer of Bristol and Rebecca...

Loving, impressionable, funny and big hearted are some of the many things people correlate with Arne Hernandez. He was an amazing father, brother, son and friend to many. On May 27th, Arne passed away after several weeks in the hospital. He spent his last days surrounded by his daughters. Arne loved having fun, some would say he never grew out of his childlike humor, some would say he had a morbid sense of humor. Nevertheless, he was always having a good time no matter what card life dealt...

Trudy L.  Manderfeld, age 73 of Shipshewana, passed at her home surrounded by her family on Wednesday, May 26, 2021. Trudy was born on September 7, 1947 in Sturgis, Michigan to James Arthur and Elizabeth Boal. She married David Lloyd Manderfeld in 1984. Trudy retired as an electrician from Bayer Corporation formerly known as Miles. She was a Local Union President of United Steel workers #11273, a member of the Women’s Auxiliary Legion #215 LaGrange and the United Way Elkhart....

Alistair Gordon Taig, age 91, of Edwardsburg, IN passed away on Tuesday, May 25, 2021 at Hubbard Hill- Living Wisdom Community. Alistair was born on June 6, 1929 in Swansea, Wales to Thomas and Elizabeth Taig. He married Beryl Rees in 1953. Alistair honorably served his country of Great Britain in the Royal Air Force. In his career he traveled from, Swansea Wales, to Weston-Super Mare, England, to St. Annes, England, to Yatton, England, Backwell, England, South Bend, IN, USA and to his home...

Judy S. Collins, 75 of Elkhart passed away Sunday evening, May 23, 2021 at Eastlake Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Elkhart. She was born January 9, 1946 in Fawn River Township, Michigan to George and Leatha Somers. She married David S. Collins on May 12, 1978. Judy is survived by her daughter, Kelly (Rod) Yoder of Bristol, several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband and her sister, Karen Bidwell. Judy retired as a Customer...

Bruce W. Hout October 6, 1953 – May 21, 2021 Bruce W. Hout, age 67, of Elkhart passed away on Friday, May 21, 2021 at Elkhart General Hospital. Bruce was born on October 6, 1953 in Grand Rapids, MI to Bruce A. and Mary Lee Hout. He married Brenda Burris on August 31, 1991 in Tennessee. Bruce graduated from Concord High School class of 1971. He then started a career in the RV industry. He enjoyed watching NASCAR, playing golf or simply doing some yard work or gardening. He loved...

John Matthew Coddens, age 63 of Bristol passed away on May 20, 2021. He was born on December 26, 1956 to Rene C. and Maxine Coddens in Elkhart. John worked as a dairy farmer and for Kruse Farm Supply for over 15 years where he helped to manufacture feed. He loved the Chicago White Sox, fishing, and collecting guns. John is survived by his siblings, Linda (Chuck) Hardies, Robert (Shannon) Coddens and Gene Mark (Mary) Coddens all from Bristol, IN. His niece, Starr Watts and eight nieces and...