Memorials
We remember these members who had contributed so much to our organization.
Theodore Schaper (57 year member)
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Theodore L. Schaper, 90, of rural Columbia City, died at 6:49 p.m. Tuesday, July 25, 2023, at Parkview Whitley Hospital, Columbia City.
Born on January 16, 1933, in Whitley County, Indiana, he was a son of the late Harry J. and Bessie Irene (Moore) Schaper. Growing up in Columbia City, he completed Marshall Memorial School and graduated from Columbia City High School in 1951.
He began working at LML Corporation, Columbia City, until he was inducted into the U.S. Army on January 12, 1953. Training at Fort Bliss, TX, he became a large gun mechanic. He was honorably discharged on January 11, 1955.
Returning to the area, he went to work for JI Case in Churubusco. In 1960, he started his own business, Schaper Plumbing & Heating, which he operated until 1965, when he joined the Plumber and Steamfitters Union, Local 166, Fort Wayne.
A lifelong resident of Whitley County, he married Starr Rosenogle (deceased August 20, 2007) and later married Ruth Ann Edsall (deceased on August 10, 2015).
Throughout his adult life, he enjoyed farming, especially raising beef cattle. He loved tinkering in the barn and keeping busy. For relaxation, he liked to study his Bible and he liked to read old westerns and a good crime book.
Surviving are his children, Patrick A. (Mary) Schaper of Albion, Tina L. Elliott-Longacre (Tim) of Churubusco, Lisa R. (Phil) Richmond of Columbia City, Joni L. (David) Smith, Shari L. (Brian) Shively, Timothy W. Schaper, and Robert R. (Stacey) Schaper all of Columbia City; 24 grandchildren and 37 great-grandchildren.
Additionally, he was preceded in death by sisters Sue Ann Zent, Alice Joy Adams, Esther L. Donavan, Ruth Miner and brothers Michael Schaper, Jerry Schaper and Paul Schaper.
His burial will take place at the South Park Annex Cemetery on August 19, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. with a Celebration of Life to follow at the Oak Grove Church of God, 2426 South Raber Road, Columbia City. Arrangements are in the care of Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City.
Memorials in Ted's honor are to the Whitley County Community Foundation.
Born on January 16, 1933, in Whitley County, Indiana, he was a son of the late Harry J. and Bessie Irene (Moore) Schaper. Growing up in Columbia City, he completed Marshall Memorial School and graduated from Columbia City High School in 1951.
He began working at LML Corporation, Columbia City, until he was inducted into the U.S. Army on January 12, 1953. Training at Fort Bliss, TX, he became a large gun mechanic. He was honorably discharged on January 11, 1955.
Returning to the area, he went to work for JI Case in Churubusco. In 1960, he started his own business, Schaper Plumbing & Heating, which he operated until 1965, when he joined the Plumber and Steamfitters Union, Local 166, Fort Wayne.
A lifelong resident of Whitley County, he married Starr Rosenogle (deceased August 20, 2007) and later married Ruth Ann Edsall (deceased on August 10, 2015).
Throughout his adult life, he enjoyed farming, especially raising beef cattle. He loved tinkering in the barn and keeping busy. For relaxation, he liked to study his Bible and he liked to read old westerns and a good crime book.
Surviving are his children, Patrick A. (Mary) Schaper of Albion, Tina L. Elliott-Longacre (Tim) of Churubusco, Lisa R. (Phil) Richmond of Columbia City, Joni L. (David) Smith, Shari L. (Brian) Shively, Timothy W. Schaper, and Robert R. (Stacey) Schaper all of Columbia City; 24 grandchildren and 37 great-grandchildren.
Additionally, he was preceded in death by sisters Sue Ann Zent, Alice Joy Adams, Esther L. Donavan, Ruth Miner and brothers Michael Schaper, Jerry Schaper and Paul Schaper.
His burial will take place at the South Park Annex Cemetery on August 19, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. with a Celebration of Life to follow at the Oak Grove Church of God, 2426 South Raber Road, Columbia City. Arrangements are in the care of Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City.
Memorials in Ted's honor are to the Whitley County Community Foundation.
Steven W. Ryan (16 year member)

Steven Wayne “Beanie” Ryan, 68, passed away July 28, 2023, at his home in Fort Wayne, IN. He was born July 10, 1955, in Fort Wayne, IN, the son of the late Jack and Sharon (Vivian) Ryan, He graduated from North Side High School in 1974 and earned his Associates from Ivy Tech. He was a proud Veteran of the U.S. Army, serving from 1974-1981. Steven was the founder and owner of Comfort Control HVAC Company and retired in 2015. His memberships included the Plumbers and Steam Fitters Union 166, and the American Legion Post 47.
Steven is survived by his children, Mary (Scott) Feichter, Miranda Ryan both of Fort Wayne, IN; Mathew Ryan, Scott (Jason Bittner) all of Indianapolis, IN; Michael Ryan of Phoenix, AZ; Jonathon Ryan of Fort Wayne, IN; siblings, Joyce (Vance) Kyle of Columbia, City, IN; Thomas (Annmarie) Ryan of New Haven, IN; Herbert Ryan of Fort Wayne, IN; Jeffery (Tina) Ryan of Hudson, IN; Jerry (Norma) Ryan of Leiters Ford, IN and grandchildren, Colin, Libby and Luca.
He was preceded in death by his brothers, Johnnie and Jody Ryan, and a daughter in law, Rebecca Ryan.
A Celebration will be held at a later date with a Committal service and U.S Army Honors at Lindenwood Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Shiriners Children’s Hospital. To sign the online guestbook go to www.mccombandsons.com
Steven is survived by his children, Mary (Scott) Feichter, Miranda Ryan both of Fort Wayne, IN; Mathew Ryan, Scott (Jason Bittner) all of Indianapolis, IN; Michael Ryan of Phoenix, AZ; Jonathon Ryan of Fort Wayne, IN; siblings, Joyce (Vance) Kyle of Columbia, City, IN; Thomas (Annmarie) Ryan of New Haven, IN; Herbert Ryan of Fort Wayne, IN; Jeffery (Tina) Ryan of Hudson, IN; Jerry (Norma) Ryan of Leiters Ford, IN and grandchildren, Colin, Libby and Luca.
He was preceded in death by his brothers, Johnnie and Jody Ryan, and a daughter in law, Rebecca Ryan.
A Celebration will be held at a later date with a Committal service and U.S Army Honors at Lindenwood Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Shiriners Children’s Hospital. To sign the online guestbook go to www.mccombandsons.com