Kenneth Paul Vandre Sr.

Kenneth P. Vandre Sr., 87, of Fort Wayne, passed away on March 23, 2016, at his home. Born on November 11, 1928, in Lowell, Indiana, he was a son of the late Rev. Walter and Melanie Vandre. A member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Fort Wayne, he proudly served his country in the Air Force. Ken’s life was anchored in faith in his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. This faith was manifested in service to his Lord and the church. While at Concordia Lutheran Church in Fort Wayne, he sang in the choir, served on various boards and committees and was chairman of the congregation for several years. Later, at St. Pauls Lutheran Church, Fort Wayne, he served on the board of elders. Ken also served in various capacities as part of a group of laypersons that advised the President of Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne. In 2005 CTS awarded him the Miles Christi Award. Ken had a generous spirit and Christ-like compassion for others in need. One of his ambitions in life was to own his own business and in 1972 he started Precision Heat Treating Corporation. The business endures today, proudly serving the industrial community.

He is survived by his wife of over 61 years, Mary Vandre; children, Ken (Janet) Vandre Jr, Beth (Don) Bartelt, Jim (Marlene) Vandre, Mark Vandre and David Vandre; eleven grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren (with two on the way); sisters, Helen Schakel, Lee Kerkhoff and Norma Christon. He was also preceded in death by his grandson, Jimmy Vandre; and brother, Robert Vandre.

Funeral service will be 11am Saturday April 2, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 1126 Barr Street, Fort Wayne, with calling one hour prior. Calling will also be held from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8pm, Friday, April 1, at Hockemeyer & Miller Funeral Home, 6131 St. Joe Road, Fort Wayne. Burial will be in Concordia Cemetery Gardens, Fort Wayne. Memorial donations may be given to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church or Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne.