Erna Schmidtke

Erna Schmidtke, born on February 18, 1933, in Soritten, East Prussia, Germany, passed away peacefully in Fort Wayne, Indiana, on November 23, 2024. She was the cherished daughter of Otto and Lucia (Werner) Quint. Erna was a devoted homemaker and a talented professional baker and cake decorator, renowned for her exquisite creations that graced countless weddings and celebrations. Her passion for gardening and cooking was evident in her beautiful gardens and the warmth of her kitchen, where no one ever left hungry. Erna was treasured by her community. She was an active member of Mount Calvary Lutheran Church, the Fort Wayne Sport Club, and a charter member of the International Cake Club. Her life was a testament to her commitment to family and friends, with whom she cherished spending time. She is survived by her loving children, Axel (Kimberly) Schmidtke, Hans (Diane) Schmidtke, and Tammy (David) Baumgartner. Her legacy continues through her grandchildren, Juston (Alyssa) Schmidtke, Elizabeth (fiancé Kevin) Schmidtke, Jacob (Niki) Schmidtke, Dylan Baumgartner, and Grant (Deanna) Baumgartner; and her great-grandchildren, Olivia, Everett, and Joseph Schmidtke, and James Baumgartner. Erna is also survived by her brother, Otto (Elke) Quint. Erna was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Werner Schmidtke; her grandson, Charles Schmidtke; and her siblings, Aloys Quint, Lucia Haschke, Hubert Quint, and Helga Quint. A funeral service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 3705 South Anthony Boulevard, Fort Wayne, IN 46806, with visitation from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Lutheran Life Villages at Inverness or Anew Hospice - Fort Wayne, IN. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.elzey-patterson-rodakfuneralhome.com.