Northern Indiana Funeral Care

Linda K. Wiegman, 80, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, went to her heavenly home on April 4, 2026, in Fort Wayne after a courageous battle with cancer.

Linda was born October 11, 1945, in Bluffton, Indiana, to Ralph Meyer and Josephine (Liechty) Meyer. She graduated from Bluffton High School in 1963 and went on to Ball State University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Education in 1967 and a Master of Arts in Education in 1972. Linda devoted her career to serving children as an elementary school teacher and later as a school psychologist with Fort Wayne Community Schools, retiring in 2012. She especially loved working with children whether one-on-one or in groups to help them succeed.

A faithful follower of Christ, Linda surrendered her life to Jesus as Lord and Savior in March 1984 at Brookside Church in Fort Wayne. She was active in the life of Brookside Church, participating in women’s Bible studies and helping develop the church’s exterior landscaping along with other activities. An avid gardener who loved flowers, she earned the designation of Master Gardener. Linda also enjoyed cooking and entertaining friends and family, welcoming others with warmth and hospitality.

Linda was predeceased by her parents, Ralph and Josephine Meyer, and her son, Benjamin Wiegman.

She is survived by her companion, Tom Tucker of Fort Wayne, Indiana; three brothers, Richard (Theresa) Meyer of The Villages, Florida; Jerry (Vickie) Meyer of Owosso, Michigan; and Doug Meyer of Fort Wayne; two nieces, two nephews, and seven great-nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at Brookside Church, 6102 Evard Road, Fort Wayne, Indiana, on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., with calling prior to the service from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Riley Children’s Hospital, Brookside Church, or donor’s favorite charity.

"Well done, good and faithful servant." — Matthew 25:23

Paul Frederick Topping, 77, passed away on March 19, 2026, in Marion, IN. Born on October 1, 1948, Paul dedicated much of his life to service, both as a medic in the U.S. Army during the
Vietnam War and later at the Marion VA Hospital. Paul is remembered for his profound love for his family and his country. He proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1968 to 1971, including a crucial stint in Vietnam from 1969 to 1970. He continued his commitment to service in the Army Reserves from 1975 to 1979. Following his military service, Paul worked for over 33 years at the Marion VA Hospital, where he was a beloved member of the grounds crew and engineering department.

Beyond his professional and military life, Paul's personal life was filled with joy and laughter. He loved telling dumb jokes, loved all kinds of food, enjoyed fishing and bowling, and one of the things he loved most was watching TV. He especially enjoyed watching sports and the Weather Channel. He was an avid supporter of the Marion Giants basketball team and loved going to the games.

Paul had a love for gardening and yard work, and spent many hours working outside in his yard. He loved being a dad and was very proud of his children and grandchildren.

Paul is survived by his wife of 54 years, Teresa Kay; children, Heather (John) Mullins, Summer (Chad) Roots, and Justin (Lindsey) Topping; grandchildren, Sophie, Liam, Corydon, Maddie, Frederick, Ella, and Cora; sister and brothers-in-law, Sandy Hendey (Steve Arrendale), Dwight (Cindy) Johnson, Mike (Diane) Johnson, and Jeff (Vicky) Johnson; and numerous nieces and
nephews. His beloved little doggy, Rizzo, also survives him. He was preceded in death by his parents, Irving and Esther Topping, and his in-laws, Andrew and Maxine Johnson.

A viewing will be held from 1-3:00 pm on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at the Chapel at VA Hospital in Marion, followed immediately by a Celebration of Life.
A committal service with military honors at Marion National Cemetery will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Society and the American Legion.

Paul's legacy of service, laughter, and love will be deeply missed and forever cherished by all who knew him.

The family would like to thank the Marion VA Hospital and the staff who took care of Paul for so many years. A special thanks goes to the loving staff in Building 172, Unit 1B who cared for him
with such compassion and were like a family to him.

Claire Loraine (Landry) Meshberger, age 93, of Fort Wayne, passed away March 10, 2026, at Canterbury Health Care and Rehabilitation in Fort Wayne. Claire was born in Springfield, Massachusetts, on December 17, 1932, to the late Harvey Landry and Alma (Boucher) Landry. She married Sherman Lee Meshberger at Enfield, Connecticut and he preceded her in death in March of 2016. Her son, Thomas Meshberger, also preceded her in death November 23, 2025. She is survived by a son, James Meshberger, of Fort Wayne.

There will be a memorial service held at a later date.

An end of an era for me. Where do I begin? The greatest thing is: There is a beginning but the most beautiful thing.... there is no end! The physical presence is gone but the soul lives on in a better place! It's tough to watch an end of an era for me. I would say its bittersweet

Dementia/ Alzheimer's is a slippery slope for all the relatives involved. When you walk through those doors of the nursing home....you have no idea what to expect .....and for someone in your family to have dementia/Alzheimer's for 23 years. That's a whole different story.

I have people all the time telling this and that about it and how to handle it. I always listen with respect....because they want to talk about it and it helps them. I understood that over time. But, honestly I could give a lecture every day for the next year and speak about something different every day. We sometimes dont understand why these things happen.

Once the smoke has cleared....there is always a lesson to be learned within the circle of life. Not always easy to see....but in time it will always become clear.

Just like many years prior growing up. I always wondered why my mom was so tough on me. I mean I thought to myself I would never speak to my kids the way she spoke to me. I know my pepere spoke to her that way when she was competing in roller skating. She knew I could handle it and my brother Tom couldnt handle it. It was confusing. I mean I would hear from others how proud she was of me and I would be like "what...really?" It wouldnt be till later in life that I realized this was a whole life lesson. Its funny how life works. My mom being so tough on me so I could handle this long 23 year journey of ups and downs while losing your brother and your dad....it was me and only me that made all the decisions in their lives. Some were very difficult and some were very easy....I honestly wouldnt want it any other way!!....but it was the grind that takes a lot out of you. Things start to go well, then there is a 12/6 curveball. No stability, no grid...just lottery balls every day!! I talked about it a little bit....not near as much as I thought about it or how much it bothered me. I definitely internalized most of it.

At this moment, it is very difficult on me and thats ok. My mom had dementia/alzheimers much longer than I knew my mom in my adult life.
She was diagnosed in 2003. She was admitted into the nursing home in 2012. Then my dad pulled her out, and then put her back in 2013.....Been there ever since. My dad battled cancer and I went to chemo with him every other week for 4 1/2 years. F'n nuts!! Died from chemo pretty much..... in 2016.

So, I have had this (almost)20 year relationship with my mom that was totally different. I started most of my days off by seeing her. I didnt need interaction...I just needed her presence....and that is what I had. Sometimes she would have her eyes closed and I would always start out by saying "Hey mom, its your youngest son Jimmy, and I love you the most" then I would say open your eyes.....sometimes she would open her eyes and look at me with very cold like dolls eyes and sometimes I would get the look like she is looking at me for the first time when I was born....that was special.

Even though I will miss her physical presence. The memories will last my lifetime and it matters. It matters to me and that is what matters. I'm very lucky to have the mother I have. I wouldnt want anyone else. Afterall, I wouldnt have spoken about her the way I have..... if she didnt matter or she wasnt a good mother!! Most have told me how lucky my mom was to have me there almost every day....and I would say the same thing...."I am the lucky one!!"

My mom came from immigrant parents. She was born in Springfield Mass. She spoke french up to around age 7 and then was bilingual from then on. My memere lived with us until she passed my senior year in HS. That was the last I heard my mom speak French.

She was a practical joker, loved to laugh, very street smart, and very low filter. She worked in the automotive dept at Sears Genbrook. She was honored as salesperson of the year twice and went to Chicago to get the award. In a very male dominated automotive industry, It is very tough to accomplish these awards at that time.
She had her hands in everything.

She was a ballerina, in many shows, she was on tbe snow ski team in Stowe, Vermont, she was in the ski club, and ski show at Lake Congamond. She was the girl on top of a three tier pyramid. I actually saw it on 8mm. She was 5"2" 110lbs. She taught ballroom dancing, she was a very accomplished figure roller skater. She took lessons in Queens and skated in Madison Square Garden. She was a 2 time U.S. Champion. She also was a hairdresser. Needless to say, she was the best athlete in the family. If I asked her about all of her accomplishments...."which was your greatest achievement?".....that would be very easy for her without a doubt.....she would say her family. How fortunate for us!!!!

I know she is in a better place now. I was very conflicted on wanting her to go and wanting her to stay. If she was normal and saw herself like that....she would say "Take my ass out!!" Just like that!!

Its tough driving down the driveway and going right....left was to the nursing home....so want to go left!!!.....

But it is amazing that my mom is still teaching me about life even during her disease and death.

Sorry I jumped all over the place....so many thoughts....but it is my story!!

Cheers to you mom!! I wouldnt want it any other way either....lots of love to all the great moms out there and if you are on the outs with a family memeber....make it up....life flies by.....its crazy.....always enjoy the moment....tomorrow may never come!!!

At least I can grant my mom her last wish.....and I am honored to do so!!

LOVE Forever Mom RIP 3/10/26

Written by Claire's son, Jim.

Rosemarie Scribner, age 86, of New Haven, passed away February 15, 2026, at Parkview Randallia Hospital in Fort Wayne. Rosemarie was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, on July 8, 1939, to the late Ernest J. Scribner and Loretta (Gordon) Scribner. She graduated from Elmhurst High School and was employed by Royal Lace.

Survivors include:
Son, Robert and Barbara Pierce of New Haven.
Son, Ronald and Angie Pierce of Goshen.
Son, Michael and Pat Pierce of West Lafayette.
Eight grandchildren.
One brother, Rev. Loren and Sharon Scribner of Detroit, Michigan.

A gathering of family and friends to celebrate Rosemarie's life will be held in New Haven at a later date

Ralph Elmer Scheiwe, age 94, of Fort Wayne, passed away February 22, 2026, at Heritage Pointe of Fort Wayne. Mr. Scheiwe was born in New Haven, Indiana, on February 2, 1932, to the late Christ E. Scheiwe and Flora E. (Lattz) Scheiwe. He graduated from Woodburn High School in 1950 and entered into the United States Army where he honorably served his country from 1952-1954. He first married Jeanette Albersmeyer on November 28, 1952. She preceded him in death July 13, 2002. He later married Elizabeth Jane Hockenberry on September 25, 2004, and she also preceded him in death September 15, 2007. Lastly, he married Beverly DeWitt on August 30, 2008. Beverly preceded him in death November 6, 2023. Ralph was a manufacturing engineer with ITT for 34 years. He was member of St. Peter's Lutheran Church and American Legion Post 330, Fort Wayne.

Survivors include:
Son, Donald and Sandra Scheiwe of Kennesaw, Georgia.
Son, Gregory and Amy Scheiwe of Sarasota, Florida.
Daughter, Karen and Greg McDonald of Huntsville, Alabama.
Son, Kevin and Judy Scheiwe of Pittsboro, Indiana.
Son, Kent and Susan Scheiwe of Coldwater, Michigan.

15 grandchildren including Chris (Melissa) Scheiwe, Travis (Megan) Scheiwe, Kyle (Melis) Scheiwe, Kirk (Jessie) Scheiwe, Andrew Scheiwe, Heather (Jacob) Hammond, Kathryn (Evan) Price, Craig Stuck, Kerianne (Justin) Wright, Logan (Sara) Scheiwe, Megan McCarty, Laura (Craig) Warmke, Hannah (Luke) Thompson, Marta (Chuck) Wysong, and Sarah (Jake) Petrisin.
30 great grandchildren including Colton, Taylin, Bowen, Theo, Finley, Ryan, Cameron, Braxton, Kaedan, Sailor, Willow, Isabella, Connor, Victoria, Abigail, Tessa, Lucia, Silas, Clara, Warner, Lena, Eli, Eva, Maria, Teresa, Violette, Lila, Henrik, Kayce, and Sofia.

Sister, Arlene (Melvin) Krueckeberg of New Haven.
Brother-in-law, Dale (Iris) Albersmeyer of Owasso, Oklahoma.

Visitation will be held Thursday, February 26, 2026, at St. Peter's Lutheran Church 7710 East State Street, Fort Wayne, Indiana, from 4:00 - 7:00 PM.
A funeral service will be held Friday, February 27, 2026, at 11:00 AM at St. Peter's Lutheran Church with visitation at 10:00 AM prior to the service.
Burial will take place at St. Peter's Lutheran Cemetery.
Memorial donations to St. Peter's Lutheran Church.