Mildred Deubner

Although Mildred Midge Deubner experienced countless enriching experiences throughout her lifes journey, what made these things truly extraordinary was sharing them with the ones she loved. She was a gracious and fun-loving woman with just the right amount of spunk mixed in to everything she did. A devoted wife and mother, Midge was filled with unspeakable joy to welcome grandchildren and great-grandchildren into the family, and it was easy to see that they were her greatest source of pride and joy. Never one to worry about building wealth or accumulating possessions, she focused her days on living fully in each and every moment she was given. A lifelong resident of Whitley County, there was no one who met Midge and left unchanged. She will be deeply missed while the priceless collection of memories she leaves behind remains forever near and dear to the hearts of her family and friends.

Even though the 1920s were days that were filled with great prosperity, the 1930s were a much different story as they were defined by the hardship of the Great Depression. Jobs became scarce, the unemployment rate soared, and things only went from bad to worse when a crippling drought gripped our nations heartland for nearly two years. Despite the hardship around them, a young couple from Whitley County, Indiana, was pleased to announce the birth of their healthy baby girl on September 24, 1935, in nearby Ft. Wayne. Mildred was one of two children born to her parents, Homer H. and Bonnie (Biggs) Bowlby, and she was raised in the family home in Columbia City alongside her sister, Jeanne.

Mildred, or Midge as she was usually known, was a typical young girl of her generation. She enjoyed things like reading and hanging out with her friends, and she absolutely loved going with her father to watch the University of Michigan football team play. Throughout her entire life she enjoyed sports. Midge was a student at local schools who graduated from Columbia City High School in 1954.

It was shortly after graduating from high school that Midges life was forever changed with her introduction to the young man of her dreams. His name was Dick Deubner, and it wasnt long after meeting that they found themselves deeply in love. Although this was such an exciting time in her life, Midge was given a tough pill to swallow with the accidental death of her father while at the factory where he worked in 1955. This year was such a bittersweet one for her as she was faced with the death of her father, but she was also filled with great joy to marry her sweetheart, Dick, on September 24, 1955, at E.U.B. Church in Columbia City. Together they welcomed two children, Steve and Cindy, into their hearts and home.

Of course Midge treasured her time with her family, and she also worked outside of the home. She spent several years working at Franks Greenhouse and Plaza Coin Laundry while at the same time delivering Fort Wayne Newspapers on her own route. In 2012, Midge retired from Real Estate Equities after 18 years. Some of the family times Midge cherished most were spent at their cottage on Sawmill Lake. There were countless memories made with the cottage as a backdrop.

Throughout her life Midge was a woman of many interests that were best shared with her loved ones. As young newlyweds she and Dick were avid supporters of various sports teams from Columbia City Schools and religiously attended every football and basketball game. As their family grew, this tradition included their children, and most game nights found the family eating at Ten Pin after the game. Again as they got older and had more free time they loved going to various local games. Midge loved eating out, and every Tuesday she and her daughter ate at Dairy Queen. In addition to supporting local sports, she continued her lifelong love of Notre Dame football, and she was also an enthusiastic fan of IU basketball and the Indianapolis Colts. A lifelong resident of her community, Midge was a member of New Hope Wesleyan Church. When relaxing at home she could often be found reading, crocheting, or assembling puzzles.

With unending devotion to her family and friends, Mildred Deubner lived a life of purpose. She was one to work hard, but she also enjoyed relaxing and having a good time, too. A lifelong supporter of community sports, Midge loved cheering on her favorite teams. Her contagious zest for life will never be forgotten.

Mildred "Midge" L. Deubner, of Columbia City, IN, died at 7:23 a.m. Monday, November 24, 2014, at Parkview Regional Medical Center, Fort Wayne. Midges family includes her son, Steve (Suzanne) Deubner of Columbia City; daughter, Cindy (Terry) Dietz of Columbia City; grandchildren, Todd (Erin) Cook and Robyn (Ross Reed) Tuttle; eight great-grandchildren; and brother-in-law, Robert Dempsey of Syracuse. Midge was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and sister, Jeanne Dempsey.

Visitation will be held on Friday, November 28, 2014, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, November 29, 2014, at the funeral home with Pastor Barry Faucett and Pastor Jason Tash of New Hope Wesleyan officiating. Burial will follow at Greenhill Cemetery. Memorial gifts may be given in Mrs. Deubners memory to New Hope Wesleyan or Humane Society of Whitley County.