Kenneth W. Bleeke

Kenneth W. Bleeke, 80, of Hoagland, Indiana passed away Saturday, September 7, 2024, at Parkview Hospital – Randallia in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

He was born on October 15, 1943, in Decatur, Indiana to the late Edward G. Bleeke and Mildred L. (Weber) Bleeke.

Ken served in the United States Army Reserve.

He married Rosemary “Rosi” Hitzelberger on October 17, 1975, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Decatur.

Ken was a member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Soest in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

He was a self-employed full service commodity broker with the Bleeke Branch of John P. Stewart and Associates. Ken was a lifetime farmer in Decatur.

He coached middle school basketball at St. John Emmanuel School in Monroeville, Indiana in his spare time. Ken was an avid Purdue basketball and Purdue football fan, and was a proud member of John Purdue Club.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Rosemary “Rosi” Bleeke of Hoagland, Indiana; son, John-David (Carrie) Bleeke of Leo, Indiana; daughter, Elizabeth Rose (Rodney) Thacker of Decatur, Indiana; nephew, MAJ (R) Gregory A. (Isabel) Kentel of Phoenix, Arizona; two bonus children, five grandchildren and four bonus grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, Ken was preceded in death by a sister & brother-in-law, Barbara (Rev. Clifford) Kentel, nephew, Matthew J. Kentel.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, September 16, 2024, at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Soest located at 9909 Wayne Trace, Fort Wayne, IN 46816 with Pastor Josef Henning officiating. Burial will follow at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Soest.

Friends and family will be received from 12:00 p.m. Noon to 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 15, 2024, at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Soest located at 9909 Wayne Trace, Fort Wayne, IN 46816 and visitation on Monday from 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at the church.

In lieu flowers the family prefers memorials be given to Worship Anew, Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Soest – Church Organ Fund, or National Ataxia Foundation.

Arrangements by Zwick and Jahn Funeral Homes of Decatur, Indiana