Lester W. Bradtmiller

Lester W. Bradtmiller, 84 of New Haven, Indiana, passed away Monday, April 26, 2021, at his residence following an extended illness.

He was born on November 15, 1936, in Fort Wayne, Indiana to the late Wilbert Bradtmiller and the late Luella (Brueck) Bradtmiller.

Lester was united in marriage to Janice Schuller on April 6, 1958 at the Martini Lutheran Church in New Haven (where they initially met) and she survives.

Lester was a lifelong member of the Martini Lutheran Church in New Haven, Indiana where he held various offices during the course of his life.  Lester was also an associate member of the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Ft. Myers, Florida.

Lester was employed at Peter Eckrich in Ft. Wayne for over 30 years.  Following the closing of Eckrich, he worked at the Allen County City – County Building in Ft. Wayne as a custodian for a few years before working at Parkview Hospital - Randallia where he retired following over 10 years of service in housekeeping in the surgery department.  In his spare time, he worked at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum where he was an usher for the various events that were held there.

Lester enjoyed playing cards including euchre and pinochle with his family and friends.  Additionally he would volunteer at the Embassy Theater as an usher.  He cherished the opportunity to travel with Janice throughout the United States and overseas to many destinations.  Being outside was important to Lester as he would fish, mow grass, and golf.

Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Janice Bradtmiller of New Haven, Indiana; three daughters, Teresa (Greg) Vorst of New Haven, Indiana, Elaine (Michael) Lewandowski of  Decatur, Alabama, and Tammy (Jeff) Bearman of Ft. Wayne, Indiana; sister, Loraine Hartmann of New Haven, Indiana; eight grandchildren, Heather (Peter) Finnegan, Ashley (Adam) Wolford, Andrew (Elizabeth) Bearman, Erick (Casandra) Vorst, Mitchell (Nikki) Lewandowski, Troy Lewandowski, Christopher Vorst, and Sarah (Michael) Boocher; and 12 great-grandchildren,  Patrick Finnegan, Nathan Finnegan, Hailey Wolford, Kylie Wolford, Landon Wolford, Mazie Bearman, Hank Bearman, Jed Bearman, Madison Vorst, Madelyn Lewandowski, Elena Lewandowski, and Noah Boocher.

Lester was preceded in death by a brother and sister-in-law, Melvin (Leona) Bradtmiller and brother-in-law, John Hartmann.

A funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, May 1, 2021, at Martini Lutheran Church, 333 Moeller Road, New Haven, Indiana with Rev. Dr. James Teasdale officiating.

Friends and family will be received from 1 – 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 1, 2021, prior to the service at Martini Lutheran Church, New Haven.

Preferred memorials can be given to Martini Lutheran Church; Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Ft. Myers, Florida; or Worship Anew.

Arrangements by Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home, Jacobs Chapel in Monroeville, Indiana.