Barbara Jane Kerch

Barbara Jane Kerch, 93, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, died peacefully on July 20, 2026, at Stillwater Hospice Home.

Barbara was born on August 13, 1932, in Roanoke, Indiana, to the late Edward and Mildred (Zent) Kerch. She graduated from Roanoke High School, moved to Ft. Wayne and began her career at was then the Lincoln National Life Insurance Company. She concluded her career as a Policy Holder Services Manager before retiring from Lincoln National Corporation after 44 years in 1994.

Barbara had a passion for travel and started traveling immediately after graduating from high school. Throughout her life she traveled extensively in the US, Europe, Asia and on numerous Road Scholar (formerly known as Elderhostel) trips both internationally and domestically. Barbara was an avid golfer and enjoyed traveling to watch various PGA tournaments including the majors around the country. She was passionate about classical music, architecture and art. Barbara learned to paint later in life proudly producing art she deemed worthy to gift to various friends and even hang on her own walls. She was a long-time member of the First Presbyterian Church in Ft Wayne where she volunteered in the church office, archives and as a deacon. Even in her last days at the Stillwater Hospice Home her eyes light up to artwork and a live performance by a few members of the Ft. Wayne Philharmonic.

Barbara spent the last six years of her life at Lutheran Life Villages on South Anthony Blvd., three years in independent living before transitioning to assisted living.

Surviving are her sister, Myra Kerch Katovich of Beavercreek, Ohio; niece, Marina Katovich of Chicago, Illinois; and friend and cousin, Susan Bienz. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Mary Lou Kerch; brother-in-law, Michael Katovich; and companion, Don Anderson.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held on August 12, 2026 at 11am in the chapel at First Presbyterian Church, 300 W Wayne Street, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46802 with a luncheon immediately following the service. Burial will take place at Glenwood Cemetery, Roanoke, Indiana. Donations, in memory of Barbara, may be made to Stillwater Hospice Home https://stillwater-hospice.org/donate/donate-now or to First Presbyterian Church – specifically to the music department. Please visit www.klaehnfahlmeltonfunerals.com to leave condolences.