CHARLES LEO HINEN

Charles Leo Hinen, age 69, passed away at 10:40 a.m. Sunday, August 2, 2009 at his rural Columbia City home. Born on January 2, 1940 in Whitley County, IN, he was the son of Edward J. and Luella R. (Thomas) Hinen.He graduated from Jefferson Center High School, Jefferson Township, Whitley County, IN. On July 19, 1991 he married Joann Mertes-Schenkel at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Arcola, IN. A lifetime farmer living on the Hinen Family Farm for the past 69 years, he formerly worked at General Electric, Fruehauf Trailers and W & W Concrete, Inc. all in Fort Wayne, IN. A life time member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church, his other memberships included 4-H Key Club in 1958, 12 years as a 4-H Club member, 7 years as a Jr. Leader, 4 years FFA and Chapter Star Farmer, 8 years with the County Council, 15 years as a Jefferson Township Advisory Board member, 11 years with Farmers Mutual, 18 years as a member of Eagles Lodge #1906 and 4 years on the Raber Co-operative Board.Survivors include his wife, Joann Hinen of Columbia City; step-daughters, Cindy (Jeff) Hinen, Karen (Bruce) Trabert, Sally (Mike) Hinen all of Columbia City, and Jill (Allen) Seely of Fort Wayne; sisters, Rosina (Carl) Harber, Loretta (Tom) Strack, Judith Hinen all of Columbia City and Rita (Richard) Ropp of Fort Wayne; sister-in-law, Kathleen Hinen of Columbia City; and 8 step-grandchildren, Jeremy, Justin and Jennifer Hinen, Alex and Eric Seely, Erin and Leonie Trabert, and Brandan Hinen; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers, Thomas and Maurice Hinen, twin brothers, Edwin & Elwin Hinen, nephews, Douglas and Peter Hinen. Visitation is Wednesday, August 5, 2009 from 2:00 - 8:00 p.m. with Rosary service at 7:30 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City, IN. Mass of Christian burial is at 10:30 a.m. with one hour of calling prior to service on Thursday, August 6, 2009 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, 12305 Arcola Road, Arcola, with Father Cyril Fernandes officiating. Committal service will follow at St. Patrick's Catholic Cemetery. Memorials may be given in Mr. Hinen's memory to St. Patrick's Catholic Church Masses or Parkview Whitley Home Health and Hospice. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home and the church. Please visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send family condolences or sign the guest register book.