Joann T. Hinen
Joann T. Hinen, 76, Columbia City, passed away at 4:31 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2017 at her home.
Born July 6, 1940 in Fort Wayne, she was the daughter of John A. and J. Theresa (McAleavey) Mertes.
She graduated from Central Catholic High School with the Class of 1958 and attended St. Francis College. She married Thomas E. Schenkel on July 30, 1960 and they moved to Whitley County in December of 1969. After Tom passed in 1986, she married Charles L. Hinen on July 19, 1991.
Joann had been the school secretary/office manager at Coesse Elementary school from 1974 until retiring in 1999. She then was a tax preparer for H & R Block, Columbia City until 2005. She was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Arcola along with being on their Rosary Society and secretary from 1987 until 1990. She also was a member of the Retired Indiana Public Employees Association.
Survivors include her daughters, Cynthia (Jeffrey) Hinen, of Columbia City; Karen (Bruce) Trabert, of Columbia City; Jill Seely, of Fort Wayne; and Sally (Michael) Hinen, of Columbia City; eight grandchildren; brother, Eugene (Karen) Mertes, of Fort Wayne; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, first husband, Thomas Schenkel; second husband, Charles “Chuck” Hinen; grandson, Justin Hinen; brothers, J. Robert Mertes and Stanley Mertes; and an infant sister, Elizabeth Ann Mertes.
Visitation is 1-5 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 29 with a Rosary at 12:30 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Dr., Columbia City. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Monday at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Arcola, with visitation one hour prior. Father Tad Balinda and Father Cyril Fernandes officiating. Burial will follow at St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery. Memorial gifts may be given in Joann’s memory to American Cancer Society, American Heart Association or masses to St. Patrick’s Catholic Church.