Velma M. Hockemeyer, 87 years old, a longtime resident of rural Monroeville, Indiana, passed away at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 18, 2006, in the Golden Years Homestead located in Ft. Wayne, Indiana, where she had been a resident for the last 3 years. Velma was born on February 21, 1918 in Adams County, Indiana, the daughter of the late Ernest Ehlerding and the late Paulona Bittner. She was united in marriage to the late Lawrence C. Hockemeyer on December 25, 1939 in the St. Paul Lutheran Church, Preble, Indiana and he passed away on July 12, 1988. Velma was a faithful member of St. John Lutheran Church, Flatrock and the Ladies Aid and Ladies Evening Guild of the church. A homemaker, Velma was also a former cook at the St. John Lutheran School, Flatrock. She was also a former employee of HWI. Velma is survived by her son, David E. (Janice) Hockemeyer of Monroeville, Indiana; daughter, Mrs. Larry (Mary) Zelt of Leo, Indiana; four grandchildren, and thirteen great-grandchildren. Velma was preceded in death by one sister, Esther Reinking and one grandson, Jonathan Lane Hockemeyer. Funeral services for Velma will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 23, 2006 in the St. John Lutheran Church, Flatrock, rural Monroeville, Indiana with the Rev. Douglas Christian officiating. Interment will follow in the St John Lutheran Cemetery, Flatrock. Friends will be received from 2-8 p.m. on Wednesday, February 22, 2006, in the Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home, Decatur, Indiana, and one hour prior to the service at the church. Preferred memorials in Velma's memory can be made to the J.L.H. Concordia High School Scholarship Fund; Branching Out In Christ Bldg. Fund; or Worship for Shut-Ins.
