RICHARD E. STOPHER

RICHARD C. STOPHER, 89, of New Haven, died on Wednesday, May 11, 2011, at The Cedars, Grabill. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He was a member of American Legion Post 330 and VFW Post 2457. "He was a proud and loving father who enjoyed ice fishing, golf, bowling and the annual reunion of his Navy LST 266 shipmates." Surviving are his sons, Richard Stopher Jr. of New Haven, Roger Stopher of Rome City and Ronald (Pam) Stopher of Fort Wayne; daughters, Judy (John) James of Harlan, Kathleen (Richard) Renier of New Haven, Joyce Ruckman of Fort Wayne, Carolyn Thomas of Pekin, Ill., and Brenda Stopher of Phoenix, Ariz.; 12 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and brother, Walter (Bonita) Stopher. He was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Elsie, in 1995; and siblings, Harriet, Ruth and Charles. Funeral service is 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 17, 2011, at Hockemeyer Funeral Home, Harlan, with calling one hour prior. Calling also from 2 to 8 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. Burial in Harlan Memorial Cemetery, Harlan, with graveside military service conducted by American Legion Post 330, New Haven. Preferred memorials to Heartland Hospice or American Red Cross Disaster Relief.