Wm "Bill" McKean

Wm “Bill” McKean, 76, former Mayor of Berne, Indiana passed away Friday afternoon, March 14, 2025, surrounded by his family at Swiss Village in Berne.

He was born on July 14, 1948, in Decatur, Indiana to the late Gorman and Lorraine (Lehman) McKean. Bill was united in marriage to Linda Reusser on July 24, 1971, in Berne, Indiana.

He honorably served his country during the Vietnam War.

Bill was a lifelong member of the First Mennonite Church in Berne, Indiana, and served as a Trustee. He held positions as an officer in the South Adams Athletic Boosters, and additionally served on the Northeast Indiana Mayor’s Round Table and the board at the Hope Clinic.

He graduated from the last class of Berne High School in 1966—following high school, Bill enrolled at the National Barber School in Indianapolis, Indiana. Creating a career spanning 45 years, owning and operating McKean’s Barber Shop in Berne. He gave generously of his time, serving over 24 years on the Berne City Council, where his dedication to the town's growth was evident. His leadership and vision for the city he loved were further exemplified when he served two consecutive terms as the Mayor of Berne, from 2012 to 2019.

Bill found joy in yardwork and biking. He also enjoyed sports. Above all, he loved spending time with his family including going on vacations together.

He is survived by his wife, Linda McKean of Berne, Indiana; son, Craig (Erin) McKean of Berne, Indiana; daughter, April (Leo) Spagnola of Avon Lake, Ohio; daughter, Jill (Rodrick) Stutzman of Berlin, Ohio; brother, Richard “Dick” (Janet) McKean of Berne, Indiana; sister, Carol (Jim) Buckingham of Geneva, Indiana; sister, Barbara “Barb” (Gregg) Sprunger of Berne, Indiana; nine grandchildren, Lauren (Josh) Hofstetter, Adrienne McKean, Derek McKean, Isabella Spagnola, Silas Spagnola, Lukas Spagnola, Mallory Stutzman, Blake Stutzman, and Elise Stutzman; and one great-grandchild on the way.

A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, March 21, 2025, at the First Mennonite Church in Berne, Indiana, with Pastor Jim Schwartz officiating. Burial will follow at M.R.E. Cemetery of rural Berne, Indiana.

The family will receive friends from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, March 20, 2025, at the Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home, Yager-Kirchhofer Chapel in Berne, Indiana, and also one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday.

Preferred memorials can be given to the Hope Clinic or First Mennonite Missions.

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