Herman L. Guenin

Herman L. Guenin, born on September 9, 1924, in New Haven, Indiana to the late Claston E. and Lucy M. (Witwer) Guenin, departed this life on February 28, 2025, at The Terrace Assisted Living in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He lived a remarkable life defined by his commitment to family, his entrepreneurial spirit, and his service to his country.

He was a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Fort Wayne, Indiana and prior was a member of St. John Lutheran Church, Flatrock. Herman was also a member of the American Legion Post #296.

Herman graduated from Hoagland High School in 1942. He proudly served in the United States Army during World War II, where he held the rank of Sergeant in the 710th Tank Battalion. After returning home, he ventured into a variety of employment opportunities, with an enduring passion for craftsmanship that he discovered while working at Estee Piano.

In 1971, Herman took a bold step by launching his own business, Madison Cabinets, in Hoagland. With only three employees, he dedicated himself to providing quality, custom cabinets to the greater Fort Wayne area. Herman's vision and leadership contributed to the enduring success of Madison Cabinets, which continues to thrive today as a family-owned and operated enterprise across three generations.

Herman was united in marriage to his first wife, Wanda F. Hockemeyer, on June 9, 1946, at St. John Lutheran Church, Flatrock. She preceded him in death on March 13, 1990. He found love again when he married Vera J. (Fuhrman) Minich on August 11, 1991, also at St. John Lutheran Church, Flatrock; she passed away on April 13, 1993. His final marriage was to Regine I. (Bultemeier) Lepper on October 24, 1993, who preceded him in death on January 6, 2025.

Herman’s family includes his sons, Craig (Ina) Guenin of Monroeville, Indiana, and Kenton (Jenn) Guenin of New Haven, Indiana; four step-children, Larry (Kathy) Minich of Hoagland, Indiana, Terry (Mitch) Meyers of Rome City, Indiana, Lisa England of Greenfield, Indiana and Jody Kaiser of Fort Wayne, Indiana. He is also survived by his brother, Frank (Eileen) Guenin of Monroeville, Indiana;  brother, Roy Guenin of Murfreesboro, Tennessee; brother, Harvey (Dee Whittern) Guenin of Markle, Indiana; and brother, Keith (Marna) Guenin of Greenfield, Indiana. His legacy continues through 13 grandchildren: Chad (Stacie) Guenin, Denise (Chris) Perdue, David (Naomi) Guenin, Kari (Cecil) Litke, Jenny Kaley, Amy Radabaugh, Heath Guenin, Troy (Allie Brumbaugh) Guenin, Sean Guenin, Ketmany (Paul) Brumbaugh, Anton Guenin, Kensington Guenin, Kaylienne Guenin; and  19 great-grandchildren; seven great-great-grandchildren, alongside eight step-grandchildren, 11 step-great-grandchildren and a step-great-great-grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Brenda Radabaugh; a son, Ward Guenin; two brothers, Walter and Lloyd Guenin; and two sisters, Esther Mitch and Grace Mitch and four grandchildren.

Herman is remembered for his vibrant spirit and zest for life. He had a penchant for hobbies including golfing, bowling, polka dancing, and playing cards. He cherished watching Indiana University basketball games and cheering for the Chicago Cubs. Herman also relished the opportunity to play with and coach his sons' softball teams, instilling a love for sports and teamwork in the generations that followed.

Herman L. Guenin will be honored and remembered with a visitation on Monday, March 10, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, and on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM, both at Zwick and Jahn Funeral Home in Decatur, Indiana. A funeral service will follow on March 11, 2025, commencing at 10:30 AM. 

Preferred memorials may be given to Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Fort Wayne; St. John Lutheran Church, Flatrock or NE Indiana Honor Flight. 

Arrangements are by Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home in Decatur, Indiana.