CHARLES RAYMOND KUMFER

Charles Raymond Kumfer, age 78, died Monday, December 28, 2009 at 4:36 a.m. at Lutheran Hospital Fort Wayne. Born on August 8, 1931 in Fort Wayne, IN he was the son of George and Margaret (Wolf) Kumfer.

A 1949 graduate of Central Catholic High School in Fort Wayne, he went on to serve his country in the US Army. In 1955 he married Wilma Hambrock at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Fort Wayne. He was employed at General Electric and for more than 25 years he was a professional truck driver working for Spector and Brothers Express, retiring in 1987. He also worked for Washington Center Elementary School, Columbia City, after his retirement.

He was a member of St. Catherines Catholic Church, the American Legion Post #98 in Columbia City as well as Teamsters Local #414. Born and raised in Fort Wayne, he has been a resident of Whitley County since 1965.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Wilma Kumfer, Columbia City; sons, Larry (Terrie) Kumfer, Fort Wayne; Gilbert (Lisa Sweet) Kumfer; Jeff (Tammy) Kumfer of Columbia City; daughter, Vicki (Rick) Schrader of Columbia City; son, Andy (Sue) Kumfer of Columbia City; daughter, Gemma (Wesley) Funsch of Florence, SC; 16 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren; sister, Joan Konkle; 2 brothers, George (Dee) Kumfer of Columbia City and John (Brenda) Rock of Columbus, OH. He was preceded in death by his birth parents as well as adoptive parents, Agnes and Charles Hyde; brothers, Elmer, Leo, and Alva Kumfer; sisters, Agnes Farrell and Margaret Beckman; and infant son, Jamie Joseph Kumfer.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, December 30, 2009 from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. with a prayer vigil to take place at 3:30 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Thursday, December 31, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Catherines Catholic Church, Nix Settlement, with Fr. Kenneth Sarrazine presiding. Burial will follow at St. Catherines Cemetery. Graveside military honors will be conducted by the Whitley County Korean War Veterans. Memorials may be made in Mr. Kumfers memory to St. Joseph Indian School. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. To send condolences or to sign the guest register, please visit www.demoneygrimes.com .