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Herbert E. Kibellus

Herbert Ernst Kibellus, 95, of Fort Wayne, IN, and having ties to Huntington County, IN, died Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019, at his home.   

Mr. Kibellus grew up in Königsberg (now Kaliningrad) Russia. He enlisted in the German navy in World War II, but was transferred to infantry duty on the Russian front. There he was wounded multiple times and continually returned to the front where the German forces first advanced and then fought the long westward retreat through Russia and Poland. In the closing days of the war, he was evacuated by sea to west Germany after being wounded.

He met his wife after the war while convalescing and working as a driver for the British Control Commission, where she also worked as a translator.  He and his wife immigrated to the United States in 1952 and later became citizens.

Mr. Kibellus worked many jobs and eventually became a quality control inspector for the Kunkle Valve Company, where he worked for more than 20 years.  After retirement, he managed his properties and assisted his wife in the operation of the Franke Park Day Care Center until she retired and closed the business in 1999.   

He was born Sept. 15, 1923, in Russ, East Prussia, Germany, to Johann M. and Amanda F. Garber Kibellus.  His wife, Lieselotte, preceded him death in 2006.

Survivors include two sons, Clifford (Pamela) Kibellus, of Exeland, WI, and Carlton (Vickie) Kibellus, of Huntington; a daughter, Annette Brannan, of Fort Wayne; one granddaughter, Kathryn (George) Reed, of Indianapolis; and eight grandsons, Tyler (Kristine) Brannan, of Fort Wayne; Christopher Kibellus, of Exeland, WI, Thomas Kibellus, James Kibellus and Michael Kibellus, all of Markle; Peter Kibellus and Joseph Kibellus, both of Huntington; and Andrew (Shelby) Kibellus, of Fairfield, CA; and four great-grandchildren.

Calling is Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at C.M. Sloan & Sons Funeral Home, 1327 Wells St., in Fort Wayne. A funeral service will be held Monday, Jan. 21, 2019, at 11 a.m. at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1636 St. Mary’s Ave., Fort Wayne, with one hour of visitation preceding. A graveside dedication will follow at Lindenwood Cemetery.  

Memorials may be made to Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church.