Louise Anna Houser

Louise Anna (Sommer) Houser, 105, of Berne, Indiana, passed away Wednesday, January 3, 2024, at Swiss Village where she was a resident for twelve years.  Born January 21, 1918, in Geneva, Indiana, Louise was the daughter of the late Jacob and Emma (Kneuss) Sommer.  She graduated valedictorian of her class at Geneva High School in 1936 and was united in marriage to Ward Houser on November 20, 1941.

Louise and Ward lived most of their married life in Geneva on Butcher Street. She was a loving, caring wife, mother, and grandmother who often put others before herself, balancing family life and working outside the home. Louise first worked as a seamstress at the Winner House (Berne Manufacturing Company).  As a competent bookkeeper with beautiful handwriting, Louise then worked for the Adams County Farm Bureau Co-op Credit Union (original Secretary/Treasurer), Gilliom Lumber, Berne Furniture Company, and First Mennonite Church.

Louise was an avid gardener, enjoyed fishing, and her meticulously-crafted rolls and pies were the delights of family gatherings.  She loved music and enjoyed participating in the Harmony Ten singing group and church choir.  She was a talented pianist and accompanied Ward when he sang solos or led singing at the First Mennonite Church where they were members.  Louise was also an avid game player and competitor who enjoyed Rook, Euchre, Dominoes, and endless games of Rummikub with family and friends.

Louise is survived by two daughters, Marilyn (Ray) Houser Hamm of Altona, Manitoba, Canada, and Judy (Bob) Stauffer of Harlan, Indiana; five grandchildren, Nate (Becca) Stauffer of Harlan, Indiana; Ryan (Katie) Stauffer of Fort Wayne, Indiana; Matt (Lori Dezall) Hamm of Sanford, Manitoba, Canada; Kim Hamm of Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Kirsten (Ian) Hamm Epp of Waldheim, Saskatchewan, Canada; and eight great-grandchildren: Kade and Lila Stauffer; Brandon, Kayla, and Jacob Stauffer; Morgan Hamm, and Peter and Carter Epp.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Ward in 1986; her daughter Gloria Jean in 1955; brother, Vernon Sommer (1994); three sisters, Ida Huser (2006), Esther Biberstein (2016), Lillian Burton (1997); and half-brothers, Robert (1983) and Harvey Lehman (2001).

The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, January 12, 2024, at the First Mennonite Church in Berne, Indiana with Pastor Jeff Linthicum and Pastor Ray Hamm officiating.  The service will be live-streamed and can be accessed by using the link www.firstmennonite.org.

A private family burial service will take place at M.R.E. Cemetery following the fellowship meal.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. Thursday, January 11, 2024, in the Swiss Village Chapel and also one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday.

Preferred Memorials:  First Mennonite Church - Disaster Relief or Swiss Village Samaritan Fund

Arrangements by Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home, Yager-Kirchhofer Chapel of Berne, Indiana