Junior E. Springer

Junior Edward Springer, 89, of Ossian passed into the arms of his Heavenly Father on Sunday, July 15, 2018. Death was attributed to a broken heart, both physically and figuratively. He was born on December 3, 1928 in Ossian, a son of Simon and Elsie (Kammeier) Springer. Junior graduated from Ossian High School in 1946. He served in the U.S. Army in 1955, obtaining an agricultural deferment to return to the family farm operation with his father and mother. On June 8, 1957, he married Delight Joan Fisher and enjoyed 60 years of marriage. She preceded him in death on August 20, 2017. Junior was a lifetime farmer, operating “Ample Acres” with his father until retirement in 1993. In addition to farm operations, Junior also was a Sales Representative for Pioneer Hybrid Seeds for many years. Upon retirement, he continued to work part time at the farm and also maintenance and bartending at Lighted Gardens with his son. Junior was a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Ossian serving in various capacities including Church Elder and Chairman of the congregation. In his spare time, Junior enjoyed IU basketball, Tin Caps baseball, and bus trips with his wife. He was also a regular at the coffee group at the Ossian Deli. Junior was an active league bowler for many years in Bluffton and Fort Wayne and volunteered at the Embassy. Surviving family include children, Vickie Springer of Fort Wayne, Pattie (Steven) Bardonner of Indianapolis and Jerry Springer of Ossian; two grandchildren, Matthew (Tiffanie) Bardonner and Kristin Bardonner both of Indianapolis. Funeral Service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 20, 2018 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 6514 E – 750N, Ossian with visitation one hour prior. Visitation will also be held from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, July 19, 2018 at Elzey-Patterson-Rodak Funeral Home, 120West Mill St., Ossian. Burial will be in the Bethlehem Lutheran Church Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Church or Donor’s Choice.