Elbert Fuhrmann

Elbert Fuhrmann, 95, of Ossian and a former longtime resident of Decatur, passed away on Tuesday, July 17, 2018 at Ossian Health & Rehabilitation Center. He was born on September 26, 1922 in Adams County to Gustav and Lydia (Oetting) Fuhrmann. He was married on October 12, 1946 to Dorothy Buuck in Adams County. She preceded him in death on February 27, 1972.  He was married on November 24, 1973 in Fort Wayne to Paula B. Shoemaker. She preceded him in death on February 14, 2018.

He served his country in the United States Army during WWII. He retired from General Electric in Decatur with 31 years of service and was a lifelong Adams County farmer. He also had served as an Adams County 4-H leader for many years.  

He was a former member of Zion Lutheran Church, Friedheim in Decatur and a current member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Fort Wayne. He was also a member of the American Legion Post #43 in Decatur and the GE Quarter Century Club.

He is survived by his daughter, Dianne (Gregory) Clark of Decatur; son, Rev. Russell (Kathy) Fuhrmann of Decatur; sister, Erna Bultemeier of Fort Wayne; sister-in-law, Ruth Reese of Conway, Arkansas; six grandchildren, Matthew (Danielle) Clark; Sara Clark; Zachary (Mary) Clark; Karen (Herbert) Mann; John (Stephanie) Fuhrmann; and Ellen Fuhrmann; and six great-grandchildren, Adam, Jonah, Gideon, and Caleb Clark; and Nathaniel and Alexis Fuhrmann.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Hugo Fuhrmann, Paul Fuhrmann, and Herman Reese; brother-in-law, Harold Bultemeier; and two sisters-in-law, Louise Fuhrmann; and Adelinda Fuhrmann.

Visitation will be from 3:00 to 5:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, July 20 at Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home in Decatur and one hour prior to the celebration of life service at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 21 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 3705 S. Anthony Blvd, Fort Wayne. Officiating will be Pastor Jeff Geisler. Burial will be at Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Friedheim.

Military graveside services will be conducted by the American Legion Post #43 of Decatur and the committal by Pastor Daniel Dahling.

Memorials may be made to Bethlehem Lutheran Church Outreach Ministry or the donor’s choice.

Arrangements provided by Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home in Decatur. To sign the online guestbook, visit www.zwickjahn.com.