GORDON H. ANSPACH

GORDON H. ANSPACH, 75, retired Columbia City Police Officer and former Chief of Police, died Thursday, Oct. 13, 2011, at Millers Merry Manor, Columbia City, where he was admitted Oct. 3, 2011. Born Sept. 4, 1936, in Fort Wayne, he was the son of the late Harold and Marie (Weitfeldt) Anspach. As a young boy, the family moved to Thorncreek Township, Whitley County where he attended Thorncreek Elementary School. He graduated from Columbia City High School in 1955. On Sept. 13, 1958, he was united in marriage to Martha L. Hinen. They made their home in Columbia City. He began his employment at Blue Bell in Columbia City where he became a manager. Later he went to work for Columbia Dairy. In 1960, he joined the Columbia City Police Department. He was one of the first Columbia City officers to have graduated from the Fort Wayne Police Academy. From 1968 to 1972, he served as Chief of Police. After retiring in 1982, he joined the Whitley County Sheriff's Department as a Dispatcher, serving until 2002. His memberships included a life member of the Fraternal Order of Police and St Paul of the Cross Catholic Church. Surviving relatives include his wife of 53 years, Martha; daughter, Melanie (Brian) Call of Columbia City; son, Brian (Michelle) Anspach of Columbia City; grandchildren, Joseph Call, Kelly (Cody) Fry and Garrett, Carson, Dylan, and Bronson Anspach; one great-grandchild, Collin Fry; and brother, James (Sharon) Anspach of Bowling Green, Ky. Mass of Christian Burial is 11 a.m. Saturday at St Paul of the Cross Catholic Church, 315 S Line St., Columbia City with visitation one hour prior. Father Lawrence Kramer officiating. Visitation also from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. Preferred memorials to St. Paul of the Cross Catholic Church or Visiting Nurse & Hospice Home. Condolences to www.smithand sonsfuneralhome.com