Stephen L. DeWald

On June 19th, at the age of 93, Stephen L. DeWald finished the course of his life dying at home surrounded by family and loved ones. He left a legacy of love, kindness, and success as he touched so many along his way. A native of Fort Wayne, he was born to Stephen F. DeWald and Eileen Loos DeWald. He proved himself at an early age to be an outstanding student, athlete, and outdoorsman. He was state champion fullback for Central High School and continued his football career at Butler University until joining the Army Air Corp. He rose to the rank of captain and squadron leader at age 22, piloting a B17 in the European theater of war. After 30 successful missions he returned to marry his neighbor and childhood sweetheart, Ruthanne Suelzer, whom he loved to his last waking moment, enjoying nearly 70 years of marriage with his best friend. He began his business vocation at Fort Wayne Builders Supply, where he became president before starting DeRo Manufacturing with lifelong buddy Bob Robertson. He retired at age 57, but continued his business involvement, chairing and serving on many boards and leading numerous philanthropic efforts in the community. In his early years he played on several nationally ranked volleyball teams then took up racquetball where he won a number of city titles and a state championship. As an outdoorsman, he never lost his love for hunting, fishing, and nearly all things dealing with nature. He especially liked the camaraderie and stories that accompanied his times in the wild. He was a committed American patriot and in his later years often spoke at schools and community events on the lessons he learned during his war years expounding on the value and need to protect freedom and the rights of others. Of all his passions there were none greater than his love for God, his wife Ruthanne, his family, and his friends. He was always ready to plan and sponsor get-togethers, trips, and his special favorite...bonfires. All who knew him enjoyed his wit, humor, and depth of wisdom that he lovingly shared. He was a devout Catholic and faithful member of St. John the Baptist church while he and Ruthanne raised a family of seven. They later moved and became active supporters of the St. Vincent parish. He is survived by his wife Ruthanne, his sister Mary of Avilla, IN, brother George (Martha) of Rome City, IN, and seven children: Denise (Frank) Corbett of Williamsburg, VA, Karen (Mark) Graeser of Indianapolis, IN; From Fort Wayne Steve (Maria) DeWald; David (Paula) DeWald; Mary (John) Hatton; Joe (Gina) DeWald; and Chris (Diana) DeWald of Gig Harbor, WA., 17 grandchildren, and 21 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Kathryn (Peter) Blichert, and granddaughter Rachel DeWald. The family would like to mention a special thanks to all his caregivers who so lovingly helped during these past several months. Mass of the Resurrection is at Saint Vincent dePaul Catholic Church, 1702 E Wallen Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46825 at 11am on Thursday June 25th with calling at the church one hour prior. There will also be visitations at D.O McCombs, 1320 East Dupont Rd. Ft. Wayne, IN 46825 on Wednesday June 24th from 1-3pm and 7-9pm with a vigil service at 2:30pm. The burial, with military honors, will be at the Saint Vincent's Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Saint Vincent's Tuition Assistance Fund. To sign the online guest book, go to www.domccombandsons.com.